Yes.

Artificial intelligence based images are illegal in Virginia.

Any picture, any photograph, any video, any sculpture, motion picture, film, or digital image at all of a child that is in a state of nudity or any sexual conduct is illegal in Virginia.

And the faces that didn't they don't have to be real.

They don't have to be a real person for it to be illegal.

Any image that has a likeness of under 18 that's nude or in some type of sexual activity is illegal.

Okay.

What role does digital evidence play in securing a conviction?

Digital evidence is critical in investigations with child exploitation for securing convictions as well as the prosecuting of it or the investigation in itself.

All of it revolves around the digital evidence.

Child exploitation is all done on electronic devices.

So it's all going to be digital evidence.

It provides concrete traceable evidence that allows us to identify the offenders and the victims and ensures that the cases are going to hold up in court.

So talk about Quincy and the role that he plays in assisting in these cases.

Quincy is our unit's electronic storage detection canine.

He is capable of locating any electronic device that is able to store and transmit data.

He is an invaluable tool for us.

We are able to use him on search warrants, and he can locate items that may have been overlooked as you know, a lot of the items able to hold data may be as small as the nail in your pinky.

So it's very easily overlooked by a human eye, but he ensures that we don't leave one item that's capable of storing child sexual abuse material when we leave a search warrant.

He is not a probable cause maker, like uh a narcotics canine.

Um, we have to already have consent or have a warrant to be where we're at to utilize Quincy.

He's definitely helped.

We have found things that have been overlooked after we've ran him after the search was completed.

We've had we have found things that were um hidden from view that if we searched long and hard enough, I'm sure that we would be able to find, but he's able to point it to us right away.

What can parents and the public do to help prevent these types of crimes?

Stopping online crimes against children uh requires vigilant parents, engaged communities, and public awareness of the type of crimes that we investigate.

Um by teaching children at a very very early age, internet safety at home and reporting any suspicious behavior that the public or guardians' parents may see that can help to stop uh child exploitation and keep our children safe.

Right, right.

Well, I appreciate it, detective, and this is such good information, and I think education is the key in these types of crimes.

It is thank you for joining me on the first episode of the special series on safeguarding the vulnerable.

It is important to remember that technology is evolving rapidly, and efforts to protect children require constant vigilance, public awareness, collaboration between law enforcement, tech companies, educators, and families.

Victim advocates play a crucial role in guiding victims through the legal system and connecting them with essential resources.

Victim Specialist Tori Hyman's discusses her role in supporting individuals affected by crime and trauma.

Thank you for joining me today, Tori.

I appreciate it.

Thank you for having me.

So can you tell us a little bit about your role as a victim's advocate?

Absolutely.

I'd love to.

So first, if I could take the title and the position itself, victim witness advocate, and break it up and focus on the word advocate.

So when you think about advocate, you think about someone who's speaking up for a cause.

You think about someone that is supporting a person or a cause and promoting that, what they believe in.

And so when you add victim and witness back to advocate, that's where we come into play.

And so the as a victim witness advocate, we are literally there helping the people that come in navigate through the legal system through the justice system.

We are helping them as they are dealing with you know emotional trauma.

We are providing resources and services to them that we may feel like is a fit for whatever it is that they're going through at that time, but we are there to help them through the process and to literally be like a support system to them.

So what are some of the challenges that victims may face?

Um I'd say some of the challenges include financial loss being one, um, lack of support.

There's often times where they where victims or witnesses come in and they're alone.

Um also one of the biggest things that I've seen is emotional trauma.

So when you think about emotional trauma, you think about anxiety, having anxiety from whatever the offense was, you think about depression.

You just you think about you know them going through this emotional almost kind of like a roller coaster.

So I guess a lot of the victims they find themselves in a situation, just you know, they're going through that, that something they haven't expected to happen to them.

Absolutely.

Probably one of the you know most unfortunate or worse times of their life during that moment.

So, how do you help victims build the trust back?

I think one of the biggest things is when they come in is just providing that space for them to just be.

And so when I say be, that means whatever emotion they may be going through, allowing them the opportunity to just feel that.

A lot of times they don't feel heard, so we allow them the opportunity to tell their story and to actually listen to them.

And we one of the biggest things because of everything that they've gone through, we try our best and make sure that we are up front and very you know frank with them as far as what to expect throughout the process.

The last thing we want to do is give them any false hope or anything like that and kind of you know perpetuate the situation that's already going on.

So, and just creating that space and allowing them to move at their own pace.

We don't want to force them into doing anything.

We want to allow them to be able to take enough time and the time that they may need to process everything.

So and I'm sure that everyone processes things differently.

Absolutely, absolutely.

So, talk about the collaboration and your position with other departments, whether it's the police or courts.

So I would say it's a continual coordinated effort.

So we definitely have meetings where we'll we are with these other agencies.

Um, for those that may not know, we do work closely alongside with the Commonwealth Attorney's Office, also the Sheriff Department as well and the court systems, and we do have relationships with other community partners as well.

So we have meetings together.

We come together for a common purpose, which is to best service the victims and or witnesses, and also through those meetings, through those collaboration efforts, we are able to come up with uh a referral program.

So for instance, if the victim or witness find themselves at one of those places where we partner with that particular organization knows to either reach out to us, and then the same way if they come into our office first, we know which uh community partners or what organizations that we should refer them to depending on whatever their case may be.

So it sounds like you really have a special connection with that client.

Absolutely, absolutely.

We want to make sure that they are afforded every opportunity, every service, every resource that we have available.

How can someone find out more information?

Um, through some of those uh community partners that I mentioned.

So uh the Commonwealth Attorney's Office through the local sheriff's department, the police department, of course, our court systems as well.

Also, if I may say they can go to the Chesapeake Sheriff website, WWW dot Chesapeake Sheriff dot com, go under administration, and you'll see victim witness program, and there you'll be able to find our contact information.

Thank you so much.

I appreciate it.

Great information.

Thank you for having us.

It's local and it's growing.

Awareness without action is not enough.

It is important to stay vigilant.

Every report filed, every case uncovered, and every survivor supported is a step forward.

If you've never been selected to serve as a juror and wonder why, jurors are selected at random from two databases, the Department of Motor Vehicles as well as go to registration.

If you're called in to serve, you'll report to this room.

The jury assembly rooms of the Chesapeake Circuit Court.

A juror's term is approximately thirty days, which places you on call two days each week.

You're either on call Mondays and Thursdays or Tuesdays and Fridays.

On average, jurors in this court report about four days during their term.

It could be more or it could be less, but you should expect to report approximately four days.

Alzheimer's.

Council is now in session.

I'd like to recognize Councilmember Bunn at this time for the invocation and the pledge of allegiance to the play.

Thank you, Mayor West.

I ask that we please have a moment of silence in honor of Charlie Kirk.

Holy one, we ask for your blessings as we start a city council meeting.

We also ask for your blessings on the people we have been called to serve in our community.

Please be with our staff, the leadership team, and the citizens that we are elected to serve.

In Jesus' name we do pray.

Amen.

Under God.

Thank you, Councilmember Bunn.

Appreciate that.

Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll?

Council Member Bunn.

Here.

Councilmember King.

Here.

Councilmember Newens.

Here.

Councilmember Ritter?

Here.

Councilmember Smith.

Here.

Councilmember Ward.

Present.

Councilmember Whitaker.

Present.

Mayor West.

Here.

Next is the certification of the closed meeting held at four o'clock today.

Madam Attorney, would you please provide the language?

A motion is certified that to the best of each member's knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements were discussed, and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard discussed or considered.

Motion please move approval.

Thank you.

Mr.

Whittaker, thank you, Dr.

Ward.

Please prepare to vote.

Please vote and record.

Motion to certify the closed meeting is adopted by an 8-0 vote.

Next is the approval of the proposed agenda.

Are there any changes to the proposed agenda?

Move approval.

Thank you, Ms.

Newlands.

Thank you.

Dr.

King.

Please prepare to vote.

Please vote and record.

Motion to approve the agenda as presented is adopted by an 8-0 vote.

Next is up applicants, agents and citizens' comments on public hearing items.

The city council meeting.

Focusing on comments and merit and merits of the application will ensure that this public hearing serves its intended purpose of gathering relevant information for the voting body.

Further, to strike a balance between maintaining order and honoring the public's right to express themselves as established by City Council's rules of order and procedure.

Any speaker that delays interrupts or otherwise disrupts city council's ability to conduct this meeting in an orderly manner by disorderly insolent or disturbing actions.

Speech or other conduct will be declared out of order.

And before I ask for speakers, I would like to ask the attorney just because of the nature of tonight's meeting to help the audience and help us all understand the difference between the public's role of speaking in public here of the public hearing items and new business items.

The distinction is really about the format, I guess that will be presented this evening in a public hearing.

Speakers come to the podium and they have the time to express their views on the agenda item, and then council has its own discussion and votes.

No, sir.

Thank you.

Would you please present public hearing item A?

PLN, PUD C 2018-005, the Grove at Ret Western Branch.

Sunstone at the Grove, LLC, applicant and owner, Williams Mullen Agency for an accelerated proffer modification request to modify the development criteria to allow a maximum of 200 previously approved senior residential units to be used for independent living, assisted living, or memory care units.

The property is located at the southeast corner of Portsmouth Boulevard and Jolliffe Landing Parkway in the Western Branch Planning Area.

The applicant has presented an amended development criteria dated May 23rd, 2025 for council's consideration.

Planning Director Mack mayor, could you please give the planning staff's recommendation?

The proposed accelerated proffered modification aligns with the responsible growth section of the comprehensive plan by accommodating market demand for senior living facilities and allowing for complete flexibility of senior unit living unit types.

Staff recommends approval of the request with the amended development criteria dated May 23rd, 2025.

Thank you.

Madam Clerk, do we have any speakers?

No, sir.

We have Grady Palmer for questions only.

Thank you.

A motion is in order with amended development criteria dated May 23, 2025.

Move approval.

Thank you, Dr.

Ward.

A second.

Thank you, Mr.

Smith.

Is it any discussion?

No.

Seeing none, please prepare to vote.

Please vote and record.

Madam Clerk.

Motion to approve PLN PUD C 2018-005 with the amended development criteria dated May 23rd, 2025, as presented is adopted by an 8-0 vote.

Thank you.

Next item, please.

PLN use 2025-015.

Dandy Brose Tattoo.

David Julian applicant, Dominion Marketplace LLC owner for a conditional use permit to allow a tattoo shop.

The property is located at 910 Great Bridge Boulevard in the River Crest Planning Area.

The planning commission recommends approval with the stipulations listed in the official agenda.

Mr.

McNamare.

The proposed use is compatible with the surrounding community and is consistent with City Council's desired outcome of economic prosperity.

Staff recommends approval of the request with stipulations dated July 14, 2025.

Thank you, sir.

Are there any speakers, Madam Clerk?

David Julian, the applicant has signed up for questions only.

Okay.

Thank you.

Motion, please.

Move to approve with stipulations.

Thank you.

Second Whitaker.

Thank you, Mr.

Whitaker.

Any discussion?

Seeing none, please prepare to vote.

Please vote and record.

Madam Clerk.

Motion to approve PLN use 2025-015 with stipulations as presented is adopted by an 8-0 vote.

Item C PLN use 2025-026 HUDE Daycare, Jessica and Ryan Hutter, applicant and owner, Civil Engineering and Construction Services Agency for conditional use permit to operate a day care as a level two home occupation.

The property is located at 1082 Washington Drive in the Grassfield Planning Area.

The planning commission recommends approval with the stipulations listed in the official agenda.

Mr.

McNamara.

The proposed conditional use is appropriate in terms of size and access and as stipulated is compatible with the adjacent and surrounding properties, and it provides a valuable service to the community.

Staff recommends approval of the request with stipulations dated July 11, 2025.

And do we have any speakers on this item?

Mr.

Sam Baracki signed up for questions only.

Thank you.

A motion would still is in order with stipulations.

Move approval with stipulations.

Second.

Dr.

Ward and Mr.

Bond.

Any discussion?

Please prepare to vote.

Please vote and record.

Madam Clerk.

Motion to approve PLN use 2025-026 with stipulations as presented is adopted by an 8-0 vote.

Hearing item D.

PLN use 2025-027, Hickory Towing Yard Storage Building.

MCL Properties, LLC, applicant and owner, Civil Engineering and Construction Services Agency for a conditional use permit for the addition of a 70 by 40 foot building to house large towing trucks.

The property is located at 3511 Business Center Drive in the Camelot Planning Area.

The planning commission recommends approval with the stipulations listed in the official agenda.

And planning staff recommendation.

The proposed use conforms with the 2035 land use plan and the economic objective of the comp plan by promoting the expansion of a small business.

Staff recommends approval of the request with stipulations dated July 14, 2025.

And do we have any speakers on this item?

Mr.

Sam Barackie had signed up for questions only.

Thank you.

Motion please stipulations.

Move approval with stipulations.

Thank you.

Any discussion?

Please prepare to vote.

Please vote and record.

Motion to approve PLN use 2025-027 with stipulations as presented as adopted by an 8-0 vote.

Thank you.

That concludes our regular agenda, public hearing items, next is unfinished business.

Any council members have any unfinished business at this time?

Seeing none on the screen.

Madam Clerk, would you please present uh new business item A?

PLN REZ 2021-003, Patriots Walk Accelerated Proffer Modification.

NBR Inc.

applicant.

Patriots Walk LLC owner, Williams Mullen Agency for an accelerated proffer modification request to modify proffer 2E related to minimum square footage.

The property is located on the east side of Battlefield Boulevard, south of Carroll Drive in the Great Bridge Planning Area.

Revised proffer statements dated August 22nd and 28, 2025 were presented for council's consideration.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Mr.

McMayer.

The proposed proffer modification is consistent with the comp plan.

Is it compatible with the surrounding properties and inconsistent with the action strategy to provide diverse inventory of housing?

Staff recommends approval of the request with amended proffers received dated August 28, 2025.

Thank you, sir.

Motion is in order with revised proper dated August 22nd and 28, 2025.

Motion please.

Move approval.

Thank you, Ms.

Ms.

Newens and Dr.

Ward.

Yes, I'm not sure.

I'm disqualified.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Mr.

Mr.

Whitaker, I didn't see your your name on the thing.

Go ahead.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

I have a personal interest in disqualified from participating in new business item A because I provide professional services to the owner.

As my client may benefit from this transaction, I am disqualified from participating pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3112A.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Apologize once again for not acknowledging here.

We do have a motion for approval.

Please prepare to vote.

Please vote and record.

Madam Clerk.

Motion to approve PLN REZ 2021-003 with revised proffers dated August 22nd and 28th as presented is adopted by a 5 to 2 vote.

Thank you.

This next agenda item is a selection of appointee to fill the vacancy on City Council.

We announced the names of the nominees last week and asked citizens to submit comments on this on this matter to City Council via email.

And I want to thank all the citizens who submitted those comments.

We read and appreciate your input.

Pursuant to the city charter and city council's must make this appointment by majority of vote using a successive lowest vote elimination method.

This item is not a public hearing item.

And City Clerk, would you please read the names of the nominees?

The nominees are Jeff Jeffries and Dwight Parker.

Madam Clerk, would you please excuse me?

You do you have already done that?

Council members, we are going to vote on the two nominees and Madam Clerk, they are in alphabetical order, is that correct?

The first is Jeff Jeffries.

Please vote in an affirmative vote only.

Only affirmative vote, please.

All in favor of Mr.

Jeffries, please indicate so.

Jeff S Jeff Jeffries gets seven affirmative votes.

Thank you.

Next nominee.

Dwight Parker.

Those who would uh affirm for Mr.

Parker, please indicate so.

Mr.

Parker receives one affirmative vote.

Jeff Jeffers is the top vote getter.

Thank you.

Congratulations, Mr.

Jeffries.

Are there any additional uh new business items council members would like to have bring up?

Ms.

Newens.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Um, this is for the manager.

Uh we've had issues in the past with citizens entering into private agreements with applicants on projects, and um that not being something that council is aware of and um those entities can then be sold, and those private agreements are really between that applicant and the citizens, and we don't really have any involvement in that.

Can we include in our application process a question that asks the applicant, do you have any private agreements with citizens regarding this project?

For example, any promises, written promises that are made to citizens.

For example, you can use the common space, or we'll agree that we'll plant extra buffers for you that may not be codified in the application before council.

If I could ask the city attorney and I will research that and see, I'm sure other localities have faced the same issue and get back with council.

Thank you.

Ms.

Rudder.

Thank you.

I think this is a really good idea.

Point being not to necessarily amend the zoning ordinance, but to amend the application process.

Oftentimes these private agreements are not included.

And the agreements then become contentious sometimes, as we hear.

Yeah, I think that's a terrific idea.

And I think it's a trans, you know, it helps with transparency.

And it helps with folks knowing exactly where they stand.

I see Ms.

Lindley whispering to Mr.

It's actually it's similar to an issue we faced before where even comments or promises made by applicants even at the podium, if they're not memorialized in writing as part of the proffer statements, they don't have the weight of zoning.

Right.

And we have no way of enforcing that.

And then the folks are kind of out of luck.

Ms.

Lindley.

We'll be happy to provide you additional guidance.

I just I would just say one thing that you know we always have to remember with these situations that it has to be tied to the impacts of the rezoning as it applies with the city.

And so a lot of these private agreements are actually, you know, things that are outside of the realm of reasonable restrictions, and so that's why they're framed that way.

So just we'll temper our um response and provide it.

No closed session.

How do you is there anything you need to read for next week or we do that next week?

Um we are not having a closed session before the meeting next week.

So I have no motion for you at this time.

Thank you.

No other items on the agenda, or so we thank you.

We have you all for uh what you do for our city, and thank you all for being here tonight.

Mr.

Bunn, would you please provide a beneficion?

Thank you, Mayor West.

As we depart from this destination, may we always pray to have eyes to see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worse, a mind that forgives the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.

In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Council is now adjourned.