Chesapeake City Council Regular Meeting - May 12, 2026

The Chesapeake City Council met on May 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Richard W. West with all nine council members present (Vice Mayor Ritter participated remotely due to a medical condition, ratified by an 8-0 vote). The meeting included the adoption of the FY 2026-2027 operating and capital budgets, approval of surplus declarations from two Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, amendments to water/sewer connection requirements, an initiating resolution to develop a data center policy, and a directive to fund the Fine Arts Commission. Public comment was heard on both agenda and non-agenda items. The meeting concluded at 8:23 PM after a closed session.

Consent Calendar

• Acknowledgements for Rezoning Applications: Two rezoning requests (Charlton Woods – 1.1 acres, and Carlton Park – 8.4 acres) were acknowledged for future public hearings (Planning Commission June 10, 2026).
• Refund: $12,863.35 to Transnational Foods Inc.
• Resignations: Kenneth “Barrett” Luxhoj (Library Board), Lelia Watton (Mosquito Control Commission), Benjamin Miner (South Norfolk Revitalization Commission).
• Grant Application: Authority to apply for an Emerald Ash Borer Cost-Share Program Grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry.
• Budget Transfer: $75,000 within the FY26 Human Services Operating Budget.
• Easement Resolution: Authorizing the City Manager to execute site development easements on city property consistent with the five-year CIP, effective July 1, 2026.
• Approved unanimously (9-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

On Agenda Items

• Vic Nicholls (self): Spoke against data centers (Item 4A), TIF surplus transfer (Item 4B), budget increases, and the $150,000 grant to Trolley House (Item 9). Questioned city spending and asserted that residents are being forced to connect to city services.
• Dr. George Reid (New Chesapeake Men for Progress): Expressed strong opposition to the TIF surplus transfer (Item 4B), citing decades of neglect in South Norfolk (flooding, potholes, sinkholes). Argued the money should be spent within the TIF districts.
• Bradley Moore (self): Opposed the TIF surplus transfer (Item 4B) but acknowledged city investments. Urged council to use surplus for specific community projects like concrete on Seaboard Avenue.
• Linda Tindell (self): Supported the water code exemption (Item 10) but expressed fear of future code changes that could force mandatory connections.
• Vanessa Butler (self): Requested clear language in the ordinance (Item 10) that West Road residents would never be required to hook up to city water/sewer, even upon property transfer.

Non-Agenda Comments (Affairs of the City)

• Vic Nicholls: Criticized lack of road fixes in Greenbrier, traffic light timing, and alleged suppression of resident questions at city forums.
• Gayle Gilmore: Praised the New Chesapeake Men for Progress scholarship breakfast and urged funding for a multipurpose center for graduations and performing arts.
• Bradley Moore (South Norfolk Civic League): Announced civic league opposition to the Greer Street Plaza project (funded by TIF), citing poor communication and temporary nature.
• Linda Tindell: Complained about West Road water/sewer line construction disrupting traffic and violating rezoning proffers. Requested expedited construction entrance changes.
• Jennifer Economy: Asked council to study full impacts of data centers (energy, water, noise) before drafting policy, and to consider a moratorium or ban.
• Mike Battle: Voiced general concerns about resident safety and asked council to tour underserved communities.
• Dr. George Reid: Again pressed for a convocation/performance center, noting 21 years of discussion. Also highlighted need for 15,000 affordable housing units by 2030, citing that 44% of city workers live outside Chesapeake.

Discussion Items

• FY 2026-2027 Operating Budget (Items 4A, 4B, 4C): City Manager Price presented the budget. Item 4A (tax levy) and Item 4C (appropriation) were approved 9-0. Item 4B declared $5,700,000 surplus from Greenbrier TIF and $4,300,000 from South Norfolk TIF to be transferred to the General Fund to support the public safety pay plan. Extensive discussion: City Manager explained that TIF funds can only be used for eligible capital projects within the districts, and that the city has many other non-TIF projects underway (e.g., South Norfolk Municipal Center, pool, Campostella redevelopment). Council Member Ward voted no, citing continued flooding and infrastructure needs in South Norfolk. Council Member Bunn requested staff report on Bainbridge Boulevard flooding and Freeman Avenue sinkholes. Council approved Item 4B 8-1.
• Resolution of Intent to Reimburse (Item 5): Approved 9-0.
• Capital Improvement Budget (Item 6): Approved 9-0.
• CDBG/HOME Action Plan (Item 7): Approved 9-0. Council Member Smith asked about fund usage; Deputy Planning Director Benz responded.
• VDOT Locality Share Resolution (Item 8): Approved 9-0.
• Economic Development Investment Grant – Trolley House Refreshments (Item 9): $150,000 grant approved 9-0.
• Water and Sewer Connection Code Amendment (Item 10): Amended Chapter 78 to allow exemptions from mandatory connection for water lines installed for non-local service reasons (e.g., transmission lines). Council Member Newins discussed groundwater contamination provisions: existing residential owners with contaminated wells are exempt, but upon transfer new owners must connect within five years (commercial: six months). City Attorney Lindley clarified the provision applies universally to protect public health, not only to specific areas. Director Jurgens noted the only current affected area is along Mount Pleasant Road due to Navy-contaminated groundwater. Approved 9-0.
• Data Center Policy Initiating Resolution (New Business Item A): Council adopted an initiating resolution requesting the Planning Commission to recommend amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to establish a written policy governing data center development and operation, including location restrictions and performance standards for noise, water, and power. Council Member Newins noted that currently data centers are permitted by-right in industrial/commercial zones without mitigation. Approved 9-0.
• Fine Arts Commission Funding (New Business): Council Member King and Newins moved to direct the City Manager to bring a $60,000 one-year grant to the Fine Arts Commission via a budget amendment in June, with a Memorandum of Understanding and a staff liaison. Council Member Ward expressed support. Approved 9-0.

Key Outcomes

• All consent items approved unanimously.
• FY 2026-2027 tax levy and appropriations ordinances adopted.
• TIF surplus transfer approved (8-1); Council Member Ward dissented.
• Water/sewer code amendment adopted (9-0).
• Initiating resolution for data center policy sent to Planning Commission (9-0).
• Direction given to fund Fine Arts Commission $60,000 with MOU and staff liaison (9-0).
• Council Member Bunn requested staff update on Bainbridge Boulevard flooding and Freeman Avenue sinkholes; Council Member Whitaker echoed the request for Bainbridge.
• Closed meeting held from 7:58-8:21 PM to discuss real property acquisition in Deep Creek (9-0). Certification of closed meeting adopted (9-0).
• Meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM.