Chesapeake City Council Meeting – May 26, 2026

On May 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., the Chesapeake City Council convened in the City Hall Council Chamber (306 Cedar Road) for a regular meeting that concluded at 8:07 p.m. The council unanimously approved a land acquisition for conservation, authorized a library renaming, continued a land bank ordinance, and made numerous appointments. Citizens spoke in support of the land purchase and offered critical comments on city development. All votes were 9–0 unless noted.

Public Hearing

• Lease with McPherson Farms, L.L.C. (Resolution #26-R-028): The council unanimously approved authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease for approximately 19 acres of city-owned farmland at 3700 Battlefield Boulevard South, retroactive to January 1, 2026. No public speakers.

Consent Calendar

The following items were approved unanimously (9–0) without discussion:

• Refund of $64,633.94 to Norfolk Southern Railway Co.
• Acceptance of resignations from Charles McClaugherty (Parks, Recreation and Tourism Advisory Board), Sydney Perry (same board), and Janika Corprew-Phillips (Chesapeake Interagency Consortium).
• Authorization to apply for a 2026 Virginia Rules Camp Grant (Police).
• Resolution #26-R-029 approving the 2026–2030 Emergency Operations Plan (Fire/Emergency Management).
• Ordinance #26-O-038 accepting and appropriating $2,102 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation for a VTC Meta Co-op grant, with a $6,304 transfer from the FY 2026 operating budget as matching funds (Parks, Recreation and Tourism).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Linda Tindell (self): Spoke in support of City Manager Item 4 (land acquisition on George Washington Highway South). She described how her father-in-law Swain Eller maintained the property for decades and expressed that he would be pleased the land would remain undeveloped.
• Jeff Staples (Save the Dismal): Also supported Item 4, citing the importance of preserving the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail from development and traffic disruption. He asked the city to look for additional similar acquisition opportunities.
• Vic Nicholls (self): During non-agenda comments, criticized city planning and development, particularly in the Greenbrier and Deep Creek areas. He read a satirical “roast” of Chesapeake, highlighting sprawl, traffic, and lack of downtown identity, and urged council to represent residents’ interests rather than developers’.

Discussion Items

• Item (4A & 4B): Acquisition of Property on George Washington Highway South

  • 4A: Request to appropriate $225,000 from the One-Time High Priority Account to the Park Land Acquisition CIP for purchasing two parcels. Council Member Bunn moved, seconded by Whitaker. Approved 9–0.
  • 4B: Resolution #26-R-030 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Swain W. Eller and Walter B. Tindell to buy two undeveloped parcels totaling 5.0 acres along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail for $225,000 for conservation and open space. Mayor West asked if there is a centralized place citizens can view city land purchases; City Manager Price said he would research and report. Council Member Newins confirmed the city is continuing to monitor for additional properties along the trail. Approved 9–0.

• Item (5): Renaming Chesapeake Central Library to Stillman Central Library (Resolution #26-R-031)

  • Approved 9–0. Vice Mayor Ritter noted this was the third recent renaming recognizing influential individuals (Dr. John de Triquet, Claire R. Askew, and Peggy Stillman). She praised Stillman’s leadership in building the library system.

• Item (6): Chesapeake Land Bank Authority Ordinance Amendments

  • Vice Mayor Ritter moved to continue the ordinance to the June 23, 2026, council meeting, requesting additional information on the necessity of changing membership requirements. Council Member King seconded. The motion carried 9–0.

• Item (7): First Amendment to Lease Agreement with Supreme Court of Virginia (Resolution #26-R-032)

  • Approved 9–0, retroactive to January 1, 2026. Discussion centered on the backdating and lack of an active lease since late 2025. City Attorney Lindley explained the tenant (a retired judge) was considered a holdover tenant, which is legally acceptable. The lease is being renewed because the judge is moving to senior status and needs a smaller space.

• Item (8): Grant Application for LS GreenLink Site (Resolution #26-R-033)

  • Authorizes application for FY 2026 Port Infrastructure Development Program funding from the U.S. Maritime Administration to improve maritime safety and efficiency at the LS GreenLink site, including design and construction of piers. Approved 9–0.

• Item (9): HRT Refunds and Budget Transfer (Ordinance #26-O-040)

  • Request to appropriate $394,937 in Hampton Roads Transit refunds and transfer $305 within the Public Works FY 2026 operating budget for increased HRT expenses. Approved 9–0.

• New Business – Oculus Rail App

  • Council Member Smith thanked Deputy City Manager Geis for researching the Oculus Rail app, which allows citizens to track real-time railcar blockages at crossings. Chesapeake is a test city, and the app is rolling out nationwide.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approvals on all consent and regular agenda items, with no votes opposed.
• Land Acquisition: $225,000 approved for 5 acres of conservation land along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail; future acquisitions will be monitored.
• Library Renaming: Chesapeake Central Library officially renamed Stillman Central Library.
• Land Bank Ordinance: Continued to June 23, 2026, for additional detail on membership requirements.
• Lease Amendment: Retroactive lease approved for Supreme Court of Virginia (judge’s office); legal status as holdover tenant noted.
• Grant Application: Authority to seek federal port infrastructure funds for LS GreenLink site granted.
• HRT Funding: $394,937 in transit refunds appropriated and budget transfer approved.
• Appointments: Slate of nominees/appointees to 11 boards/commissions approved 8–0 (Vice Mayor Ritter excused). Highlights: Audrey Doan and Allen Jones Jr. to Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board; Julie Anderson reappointed to Economic Development Authority; Antonia Fauntleroy, Stephanie Daniels, Christine Joseph to Animal Services Advisory Board; Nathan Matheny (student) to Parks, Recreation and Tourism Advisory Board; others noted.
• Future Closed Meeting: Set for June 9, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. to interview candidates for Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
• Public Query: Mayor West requested a centralized portal for citizens to view city land acquisitions; City Manager Price will research.
• Citizen Concern: Vic Nicholls’ critical comments were acknowledged; no direct council response.

Note: All votes were 9–0 except where Vice Mayor Ritter was excused (8–0). The closed meeting certification from 4:00–6:15 p.m. was approved earlier in the meeting.