OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Chesapeake City Council Work Session Summary - December 9, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, December 9, 2025
BodyChesapeake, Virginia
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, December 9, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:39:06

Transcript — Verbatim
3:47

Want to thank you all for uh being here for tonight's work session, December ninth, twenty twenty-five.

3:55

Mr.

3:55

Manager, before I turn it over to you, I just want to take a second to thank you for these work sessions.

4:01

I mean, they really are a great opportunity for council members to get updates and progress of uh some of the things that we're trying to achieve.

4:32

So having said that, I'm turning it over to you, sir.

4:35

Thank you, Mr.

4:35

Mayor.

4:36

And on behalf of the staff, they really appreciate the opportunity as well, because it's a these are more informal meetings, though the work sessions than the council's business meetings.

5:01

So I'll turn it over to the city auditor, uh, Darren uh to introduce our external auditors.

5:19

Okay.

5:21

Good evening, Mr.

5:22

Mayor, Madam Vice Mayor, members of the City Council.

5:27

My name is Darren Padilla, and I am your city auditor.

5:31

We'll start tonight with a brief report of our external auditors, uh, Cherry Beckard on the results of the 2025 audit of the city's annual comprehensive financial report.

5:42

Logan Booth, a partner with Cherry Beckard, will provide a high level summary of their work and confirm the overall outcome of the audit.

5:51

After their remarks, our finance director, Kristen Bailey will present the highlights of the annual comprehensive financial report itself and walk us through the key financial trends and major takeaways for the year.

6:04

So with that, I'll turn it over to Logan Booth.

6:08

Happy holidays, everybody.

6:12

All righty.

6:12

Thank you, Darren.

6:13

Good evening, uh, Mr.

6:14

Mayor, Ms.

6:15

Vice Mayor, and uh members of City Council.

6:17

As Darren mentioned, my name is Logan Booth, and I'm an audit partner with Cherry Beckard uh in our Virginia Beach uh office.

6:24

Um and I'm here to present the results of the annual audit of the city's financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2025.

6:33

Um so most importantly, I'm I'm happy to present that uh once again the city got a an unmodified opinion on the financial statements.

6:41

Um that is a clean audit that is um the highest um audit opinion that you can get, so very uh commendable for to the city and the team, Kristen and her team in accordance with the government or we conducted our audit in accordance with the government auditing standards as well as the Commonwealth's auditor of public accounts specifications for counties, cities, and towns.

7:05

Um there were no items of noncompliance as it relates to the government auditing government auditing standards.

7:12

There was one non-material non-compliance item under the APA specifications, and that is item number 2025 001.

7:22

Um, and and that can be seen in the schedule of finding question costs in our audit report on the financial statements and management is working to address that item.

7:33

Additionally, we uh typically issue an opinion on the uh single audit of the city, which is the city's federal grants.

7:43

Um this year, the compliance supplements which dictate the audit requirements for these city's federal grants was delayed in issuing uh the audit requirements um due to the government shutdown.

7:55

So those uh items did not come out until late November.

7:58

So the single audit is still ongoing.

8:00

Um, and we will uh present our results at the conclusion of the audit, and we will issue a report most likely in the new year, but we we are working diligently to get those items done.

8:14

Uh there was one new audit or accounting standard uh implemented by the city uh in fiscal year 2025, and that is GASBE statement number 101 uh relating to compensated absences as required by the new standard.

8:29

Um the city implemented it as of July 1, 2024.

8:34

And there were no other um new accounting principles or inappropriate accounting practices uh discovered under the course of our audit.

8:43

And there are a few additional um items that are required to be communicated to you all under the uh auditing standards over the course of the audit.

8:53

If we had any difficulties encountered with any staff members or any disagreements with management, we would be required to communicate those.

9:00

Um I'm happy to report there were there were no disagreements or uh difficulties over the course of the audit.

9:06

Um if we became aware of any consultations by management or any second opinions from other auditors that management um sought out over the course of the audit, I would be required to report those, and I'm happy to record there were none.

9:21

Um there were no other findings or issues um noted over the course of the audit, and there were no fraud or illegal acts uncovered during the audit.

9:31

Um and there are no going concern issues noted for the city.

9:34

And at the conclusion of our audit, we did receive a management representation letter dated as of the date of our report date.

9:41

Um with that, I will um I'll open it up to any questions.

9:46

We very much appreciate our our partnership with the city and and Kristen and her team and the cooperation of all the departments that we work with uh at the city.

9:54

But I'll close there and open it up to any questions.

9:57

Any comments or questions from council members?

10:04

Next.

10:05

Thank you so much.

10:06

Thank you.

10:09

Thanks, Logan.

10:12

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and members of City Council.

10:15

It's my privilege tonight to present the city's fiscal year 2025 financial results.

10:21

Before we get into the numbers, I want to take a moment to highlight some of the projects delivered in Fiscal 25 that strengthen the quality of life and connect our community in meaningful ways.

10:31

Blue Heron Park is a great example.

10:33

With its living shoreline, it supports council's environmental responsibility outcome while also improving access and connectivity for residents.

10:42

We also added the fireboat and the Chesapeake CARES bus, both of which enhance our safety and security efforts by giving first responders better tools to serve the community.

10:52

The reopening of Russell Memorial Library improves neighborhood connectivity and reflects our commitment to cultural diversity by providing inclusive resources and gathering spaces for all residents.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Land Use and Zoning█████████████████████████████████33%
Procedural█████████████13%
Fiscal Sustainability██████████10%
Veterans Support█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management█████5%
Miscellaneous████4%
Public Safety████4%
Veteran Services███3%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Chesapeake City Council Work Session - December 9, 2025

The City Council convened for a work session on December 9, 2025, primarily focused on reviewing the annual 2025 financial audit results, the status of the Comprehensive Plan, and honoring individuals for their community service. The session featured presentations from the City Auditor, external auditors, the Finance Director, and the Planning Director, followed by public comments on infrastructure and legislative priorities, and a series of recognitions for veterans, retiring officials, and community leaders.

Consent Calendar

  • All items approved unanimously (9-0 vote), with the exception of City Manager Item 3 (automated medication dispensing machine) which was removed for discussion before final approval.
  • City Manager Item 5 (adding staff for Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Health Care) was approved unanimously after a disclosed interest by Vice Mayor Ritter regarding her service on the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority funding the project.
  • Item 6 (FY26 operating budget appropriations for HR/Fleet) and Item 8 (2026 legislative package) were approved unanimously (9-0 vote).
  • Item 9 (emergency funding for PSOC Situational Awareness Audio Visual Upgrade) was approved as an emergency action (9-0 vote).
  • Council Member Jeffries disclosed a personal interest regarding City Manager Item 2 (funding for Animal Services) but affirmed the ability to vote without conflict.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Vic Nichols: Expressed full support for farmers and asked if the lease payment for Glenn Weatherly Farms could be reduced to $500 instead of $600. Later raised concerns about police officers being outgunned, the need for DA statistics on violent crimes, the distribution of primary/secondary road funding to Northern Virginia vs. local needs, and the disconnect between employer expectations and recent graduate work ethics. He requested that the Council publicly acknowledge their opposition to removing the car tax.
  • Rogard Ross: Expressed disappointment that the proposed legislation did not include specific language regarding unregulated hunting blinds in the Indian River area, despite previous discussions. He expressed hope that the City would support the final legislative draft once introduced.
  • Megan Baker: Proposed the implementation of "public microchip scanning stations" to help reunite lost pets quickly without needing to bring them to the shelter. The speaker emphasized that the stations would be cost-free for the City and requested permission to place a pilot station at the Animal Services property.
  • Linda Tyndall: Expressed strong opposition to the mandatory water hookup for her rural property on West Road, stating that 35 of 40 surveyed neighbors want the connection to be optional. The speaker requested an accelerated proffer modification to make the connection optional.
  • Vanessa Butler: Echoed Tyndall's opposition to the mandatory water hookup, citing financial hardship and property rights concerns for existing well/septic owners.
  • Jennifer Economy: Strongly opposed the mandatory water hookup on West Road, arguing it strips property rights and that taxpayers should not bear the cost of infrastructure for projects like the airport expansion if the airport cannot sustain itself.
  • Marquita Moore: Expressed general support for the Comprehensive Plan but requested clarification on how residents can access the Master Transportation Plan data.
  • Darrell Gates: Proposed a housing stability model to ensure transparent rent calculations and prevent eviction cycles for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) residents. The speaker requested to provide written remarks to the Council for the record.
  • Megan Baker (Second Appearance): (Note: This appears to be a duplication in the transcript log; the speaker reiterated her pet microchip proposal).

Discussion Items

Annual Financial Report & Audit Results

  • Logan Booth (Cherry Beckard): Expressed satisfaction in reporting an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements for the first time in 2025. Stated there were no disagreements, fraud, or illegal acts found. Noted one non-material non-compliance item (2025 001) which is being addressed. The Single Audit is ongoing due to delayed federal compliance supplements.
  • Kristen Bailey (Finance Director): Highlighted that the city ended Fiscal 25 with $90.6 million more in revenue than budgeted, resulting in a $55.2 million addition to the general fund balance. Expressed pride in the city achieving GFOA's "Triple Crown" award. Discussed the OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) fund, noting the city-directed plan is now in a net asset position at 150.9% funded. Addressed the Mayor's question regarding tax exemptions for veterans, noting that current exemptions for disabled veterans cost the city approximately $27 million and are driven by state legislation.
  • Council Discussion: The Mayor sought clarification on the OPEB history and the fund balance policy. The Finance Director clarified that the Fund Balance includes committed reserves for emergencies and high-priority one-time projects (like the SWAT vehicle), not discretionary slush funds.

Comprehensive Plan Update

  • Jimmy McDamara (Planning Director): Reported the Comprehensive Plan is nearing completion with 39 events and multiple surveys already conducted. Stated the Planning Commission voted unanimously (9-0) to approve the draft. Explained that recent changes were mostly typographical, map updates, and converting passive policy language to active action statements. Noted a pending public hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2026.

Legislative Initiatives

  • Council & Staff: Discussed the request to add a hunting regulation item to the legislative package. The Manager indicated support could be added once the legislation is drafted, though the Council voted to approve only the package as presented. Council Member Newens directed staff to pursue a policy recommendation for an animal cruelty registry and a memorial trail renaming.

Key Outcomes

  • Audit & Finance: The 2025 audit resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion. The city reported a significant positive variance, adding $55.2 million to the general fund balance.
  • Comprehensive Plan: The Council received a status update; a public hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2026.
  • Recognitions:
    • American Legion SEALs: Presented with a certificate of recognition for winning the 2025 World Series National Championship.
    • Chris Hall (VDOT): Honored with a proclamation for retirement after 29 years of leadership on major transportation improvements.
    • Commander Rob Ballard: Recognized for receiving a custom-built, mortgage-free home through the Gary Sinise Foundation.
    • Reverend Jake Manley Sr.: Honored with an honorary street dedication of Campistella Road between Sunrise Avenue and Providence Road.
  • Budgetary Actions: Approved funding for an automated medication dispensing machine, additional behavioral health staff for the Recovery High School, HR leadership programs, and fleet replacement tools. Approved the 2026 legislative package (9-0 vote).
  • Future Directives:
    • Council Member Whitaker requested a follow-up on the condition of Seaboard Avenue.
    • Council Member Newens directed staff to propose an animal cruelty registry and a walking trail dedication to Vice Mayor Dieter Kay.
    • Council Member Newens requested an agenda item to rename Oak Grove Lake to the Officer Timothy Schock Memorial Lake.
    • The City Manager agreed to review the "mandatory water hookup" ordinance and policy to ensure it is not enforced for existing rural home owners on West Road.

Meeting Transcript

Want to thank you all for uh being here for tonight's work session, December ninth, twenty twenty-five. Mr. Manager, before I turn it over to you, I just want to take a second to thank you for these work sessions. I mean, they really are a great opportunity for council members to get updates and progress of uh some of the things that we're trying to achieve. So having said that, I'm turning it over to you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And on behalf of the staff, they really appreciate the opportunity as well, because it's a these are more informal meetings, though the work sessions than the council's business meetings. So I'll turn it over to the city auditor, uh, Darren uh to introduce our external auditors. Okay. Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Madam Vice Mayor, members of the City Council. My name is Darren Padilla, and I am your city auditor. We'll start tonight with a brief report of our external auditors, uh, Cherry Beckard on the results of the 2025 audit of the city's annual comprehensive financial report. Logan Booth, a partner with Cherry Beckard, will provide a high level summary of their work and confirm the overall outcome of the audit. After their remarks, our finance director, Kristen Bailey will present the highlights of the annual comprehensive financial report itself and walk us through the key financial trends and major takeaways for the year. So with that, I'll turn it over to Logan Booth. Happy holidays, everybody. All righty. Thank you, Darren. Good evening, uh, Mr. Mayor, Ms. Vice Mayor, and uh members of City Council. As Darren mentioned, my name is Logan Booth, and I'm an audit partner with Cherry Beckard uh in our Virginia Beach uh office. Um and I'm here to present the results of the annual audit of the city's financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2025. Um so most importantly, I'm I'm happy to present that uh once again the city got a an unmodified opinion on the financial statements. Um that is a clean audit that is um the highest um audit opinion that you can get, so very uh commendable for to the city and the team, Kristen and her team in accordance with the government or we conducted our audit in accordance with the government auditing standards as well as the Commonwealth's auditor of public accounts specifications for counties, cities, and towns. Um there were no items of noncompliance as it relates to the government auditing government auditing standards. There was one non-material non-compliance item under the APA specifications, and that is item number 2025 001. Um, and and that can be seen in the schedule of finding question costs in our audit report on the financial statements and management is working to address that item. Additionally, we uh typically issue an opinion on the uh single audit of the city, which is the city's federal grants. Um this year, the compliance supplements which dictate the audit requirements for these city's federal grants was delayed in issuing uh the audit requirements um due to the government shutdown. So those uh items did not come out until late November. So the single audit is still ongoing. Um, and we will uh present our results at the conclusion of the audit, and we will issue a report most likely in the new year, but we we are working diligently to get those items done. Uh there was one new audit or accounting standard uh implemented by the city uh in fiscal year 2025, and that is GASBE statement number 101 uh relating to compensated absences as required by the new standard. Um the city implemented it as of July 1, 2024. And there were no other um new accounting principles or inappropriate accounting practices uh discovered under the course of our audit. And there are a few additional um items that are required to be communicated to you all under the uh auditing standards over the course of the audit. If we had any difficulties encountered with any staff members or any disagreements with management, we would be required to communicate those. Um I'm happy to report there were there were no disagreements or uh difficulties over the course of the audit. Um if we became aware of any consultations by management or any second opinions from other auditors that management um sought out over the course of the audit, I would be required to report those, and I'm happy to record there were none. Um there were no other findings or issues um noted over the course of the audit, and there were no fraud or illegal acts uncovered during the audit. Um and there are no going concern issues noted for the city. And at the conclusion of our audit, we did receive a management representation letter dated as of the date of our report date. Um with that, I will um I'll open it up to any questions. We very much appreciate our our partnership with the city and and Kristen and her team and the cooperation of all the departments that we work with uh at the city. But I'll close there and open it up to any questions. Any comments or questions from council members? Next.

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