OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Hampton City Council Legislative Session Approves Grants, Rezonings, and Appointments on August 14, 2024

City Council — Wednesday, August 14, 2024
BodyHampton, Virginia
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, August 14, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:44

Good evening and welcome.

0:46

Want to begin by asking our clerk to call the role, please.

0:49

Councilman Bowman.

0:50

Present.

0:51

Councilman Brown.

0:52

Here.

0:52

Vice Mayor Gray.

0:54

Present.

0:54

Councilwoman Harper.

0:55

Present.

0:56

Councilman Hawks.

0:57

Present.

0:57

Councilwoman Muggler.

0:58

Present.

0:59

Mayor Tuck.

1:00

Present.

1:01

Tonight's invocation will be given by Councilwoman Hope Harper, followed by our Pledge of Allegiance.

1:12

Dear Lord, we thank you for this day.

1:15

We thank you for being in this place at this hour.

1:18

Coming to you as acknowledgement of your power.

1:21

Thank you for this council meeting and forgive us the wisdom and guidance on either on items before us.

1:27

God, we ask you to continuously bless our citizens, our communities, and especially our public safety.

1:34

We thank you, Lord, for the calling that you have given every single one of us and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

1:41

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

1:50

Thank you for public forward to stands.

2:03

I'm going to do something that's a little unusual and it's going to catch her by surprise.

2:08

But I'm going to ask our clerk, Catherine Glass, if she would not mind talking about City Hall Selfie Day.

2:17

Mayor, you never cease to surprise me.

2:22

I don't know where to look.

2:23

My favorite day of the year.

2:27

Shall I come over here?

2:28

That would be fine.

2:34

He's just doing that because I had to pretend she is to work today.

2:39

August 15th of every year is called City Hall Selfie Day, and it's an event that's sponsored by the Engaging Local Government Leaders Association.

2:48

And it really is just a day for everyone to have fun celebrating their locality, be it a city, county, town, and they encourage citizens and elected officials and municipal workers to take selfies at City Hall or other city buildings or facilities.

3:02

And you can post however you'd like to on social media, whether you're a Twitter person or TikTok or Instagram, Facebook, whatever the outlet is that you choose to share social media things.

3:14

And we've been doing this for about five years in Hampton.

3:41

But we want the big prize.

3:42

So if everybody in Hampton, that's our employees as well as our citizens will take a minute tomorrow to just snap your picture in front of your favorite place in Hampton, be at Bluebird Gap Farm, City Hall, your local fire station, and just tag it, City Hall Selfie.

3:56

Tag it, choose Hampton, and you can also do at ELGL, which is engaging local government leaders, and look at our Facebook page because we had a lot of fun getting ready for this about two weeks ago.

4:09

We challenged our departments to take selfies, and we got our mayor to do something really cool that usually only firefighters get to do.

4:16

So check social media tomorrow.

4:18

It'll probably be the on the city's webpage as well.

4:20

And we hope you'll have fun with it too.

4:22

Thank you.

4:24

And thank you.

4:27

And now I'll ask you to read the protocol for the consent agenda, please.

4:31

I know how to do this much better.

4:34

The protocol for the consent agenda.

5:00

And tonight, your consent agenda amends the fiscal year 2025 council approved budget to accept and appropriate grant funding, which permits continuation of services and prevention programs regarding homelessness, provide services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, supports the sheriff's efforts to meet the risk and needs of incarcerated individuals transitioning back into the community, and support medication assisted treatment to incarcerated individuals with substance with substance use disorder, provide services to victims and witnesses of violent acts to address their emotional and financial hardships and to guide them to community resources.

5:25

It supports the Hampton Victim Witness Protection Program.

5:29

It will provide dispatch related training and staff development and specialized training in such fields as emergency medical dispatch.

5:35

It supports the needs of the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue and also the operating needs of the division, promotes and supports secure, accurate, fair and open elections, improving the city's voting process.

5:47

Prioritize safety for all road users by enabling the design of a multimodal safety action plan identifying pedestrian facilities with the greatest need for safety improvement.

5:56

It will retime the signals of 21 arterial roads and support crime prevention efforts for senior citizens in Hampton.

6:03

The consent agenda this evening also amends the fiscal year 2025 budget to appropriate money from the Capitol Projects Fund restricted fund balance to the Capitol Projects Fund for the Transportation Initiative project.

6:14

It accepts funds for fiscal year 2025 from the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice for the Hampton Court Service Unit to use to deter crimes by juvenile offenders.

6:23

It amends the fiscal year 2024 Council approved budget to appropriate funds from the Capitol Budget Projects Committed Fund Balance to fund the War Memorial Stadium Locker Room.

6:32

It approves the fiscal year 2024 fourth quarter budget adjustments.

6:36

It requests that the Virginia Department of Transportation program Little Back River Road Phase 2 into its six-year improvement plan.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning and Land Use███████████████████████████████████35%
Public Engagement███████████████████19%
Public Safety████████████12%
Historic Preservation█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
International Relations████4%
Budget Equity Analysis███3%
Public Works██2%
Transportation Safety██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Hampton City Council Legislative Session Summary – August 14, 2024

The Hampton City Council held its legislative session on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers, 22 Lincoln Street, Hampton, VA. All seven council members were present: Mayor Donnie R. Tuck, Vice Mayor Jimmy Gray, Councilmembers Chris L. Bowman, Steven L. Brown, Hope L. Harper, Billy Hobbs, and Martha Mugler. The meeting covered a consent agenda, proclamations, public hearings on rezoning and zoning ordinances, general items, and numerous appointments. Key actions included approval of multiple budget amendments for grants, a rezoning for a townhouse development, adoption of homestay rental regulations, and appointment of a new City Attorney.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved 19 consent agenda items (vote: 6-0-1, Councilmember Mugler abstaining). These included:
    • Acceptance of the 2025 Virginia Homeless Solutions Program Grant.
    • Acceptance of the 2025 IDEA Part C Grant for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
    • Acceptance of the 2024 Byrne/JAG Law Enforcement Equipment Grant.
    • Acceptance of the 2024 IIR Building Bridges Implementation Grant.
    • Acceptance of the 2025 VOCA Victim Services Grant.
    • Acceptance of the 2025 Witness Protection Grant.
    • Acceptance of FY2025 PSAP Education Program Grant.
    • Acceptance of FY24 Four-for-Life Aid to Localities Funds.
    • Acceptance of FY2025 Fire Programs Aid to Localities Funds.
    • Acceptance of the 2024 Election Grant.
    • Acceptance of the Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning Grant.
    • Budget amendments for Traffic Signals Retiming Phase II ($423,928 in CMAQ funding + $70,278 bond transfer).
    • Acceptance of the 2024 TRIAD Crime Prevention for Seniors Grant.
    • Appropriation of $28,885 from restricted fund balance for Transportation Initiative Project.
    • Acceptance of FY2025 Juvenile Community Crime Control Act Plan contribution ($315,704).
    • Appropriation of $1,294,900 for War Memorial Stadium Locker Room Project.
    • FY2024 Fourth Quarter Budget Adjustments.
    • Request to VDOT to program Little Back River Road Phase II into Six-Year Improvement Plan.
    • Approval of minutes from May 22, 2024 work session and July 8 and July 25, 2024 closed sessions.

Presentations, Proclamations, Awards

  • Crime Prevention Community Recertification (24-0275): Tina Sumpter, VLEPSC Accreditation Coordinator with DCJS, presented a plaque to the City and Police Division for recertification as a Certified Crime Prevention Community—a status held since 2003. The recertification, approved May 9, 2024, requires meeting 19 community safety elements. Only 12 cities in Virginia hold this certification.
  • Sister City Resolution with Malanje, Angola (24-0375): Approved unanimously (7-0). Vice Mayor Gray and Councilwoman Harper described their June trip to Angola, where they met with provincial governors and the President. The resolution establishes a sister city relationship with the Province of Malanje, Angola, recognizing the ancestral connection to Anthony and Isabella, the first Africans brought to Hampton in 1619. A signing ceremony is pending the Angolan President's availability during his U.S. visit.

Public Hearings & Testimony

  • Rezoning – Trilogy Developers, LLC (24-0329): Approved unanimously (7-0) with 13 proffered conditions. The application rezones ±12.45 acres at 1232 W. Queen Street from R-11 to MD-4 and C-1 to allow up to 114 townhomes (90–114 units) and a small commercial site. Staff noted density ranges from 7.6 to 9.66 units per acre, aligning with low-to-medium density recommendations. No public speakers.
  • Use Permit – Amazing Childcare and Learning Academy (24-0325): Approved unanimously (7-0) with 11 conditions. The permit allows a Day Care 2 commercial at 1416 Todds Lane (R-13 district), with capacity for up to 51 children (ages 16 months–12 years), hours 6 a.m.–6 p.m., and up to 10 employees. The site previously operated a daycare until 2020.
  • Zoning Amendments – Homestay Rentals (24-0276, 24-0277, 24-0313): Joint public hearing. Approved as follows:
    • 24-0276 (definitions for homestay rental): 7-0.
    • 24-0277 (permitted use with Zoning Administrator permit): 7-0.
    • 24-0313 (reduce short-term rental separation from 500 to 300 feet): 6-1, with Councilmember Mugler voting no.
    • Public speakers: Teresa Roundy (resident) recounted negative experiences with an Airbnb across her former home, describing excessive noise and parking issues; Jill Rondeau (resident) opposed the 300-foot reduction, citing concerns about neighborhood character and absentee owners; Angela Evans (registered nurse) spoke in favor of short-term rentals, noting their value for traveling medical professionals and families; Scott Woodruff (resident) said he opposed only the density change, preferring to wait and see how the 500-foot rule works after September 1.
  • Flood Zone Ordinance (24-0314): Approved unanimously (7-0) to clarify that Coastal A Zone must meet the same building standards as Coastal High Hazard Zone (VE), aligning with FEMA and Virginia Residential Building Code. No public speakers.

Public Comments (General)

  • Teresa Roundy raised concerns about potential burial grounds and arsenic risk at 217 Woodland Road, urging soil testing.
  • Ursula Barkers, representing her neighborhood, demanded mitigation for the North Point industrial development near Greenbrier Avenue and Shell Road, including noise barriers, traffic lights, and environmental safeguards.
  • Craig Knopp discussed Adopt-a-Spot volunteering, asking about facility use and request for city council participation.
  • Robert Smith and Aaron Weaver voiced ongoing traffic safety concerns at Greenbrier Avenue and Shell Road, noting continued stop-sign violations.
  • Jeannie Belgrave reported a water leak on Curl Road (ticket SS2409934) since March 2024, indicating slow response.
  • Joan Weaver and Councilwoman Harper advocated for a permanent display honoring the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind at the Hampton History Museum.
  • City Manager Mary Bunting responded: risk management handles claims; traffic light installation would take 12–16 months and cost ~$250,000; Lake Hampton is on track for completion by end of 2024; the museum will host stakeholder conversations about the display.

General Items

  • Open Burning Ordinance (24-0274): Approved unanimously (7-0). Adds definitions for “open burning” and “recreational burning,” aligning with Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Recreational fires (2'x3' max, 15 ft from structures) are allowed; the city will no longer intervene in civil disputes over smoke unless a violation exists.
  • Lease Agreement with HRHA (24-0283): Approved unanimously (7-0). Authorizes a one-year lease for 4,992± sq ft of office space at 1 Franklin Street, Suite 603, with the initial rent of $15,255 and four optional one-year renewals (3% annual increase).
  • Fort Wool Restoration (24-0372): Approved unanimously (7-0). Designates Fort Wool’s restoration as a legislative priority, requesting Commonwealth funding to reopen it to the public after the seabird relocation island is completed (expected 2027).
  • Towing Advisory Board (24-0288): Approved unanimously (7-0). Re-establishes the board to review the city’s police-requested towing ordinance (Chapter 21, Article 7) and ensure it reflects regional standards.
  • Appointment of City Attorney (24-0381): Approved unanimously (7-0). Appointed Courtney R. Sydnor of Ashburn, VA as full-time City Attorney, effective September 16, 2024, with terms as set forth in the reviewed contract.
  • Appointments (24-0332, 24-0333, 24-0339): Approved unanimously (7-0):
    • Nhu Yeargin to FADA (term until July 30, 2028).
    • Dr. Ray DeWitt (community at-large) and Bishop Gail Roberts-House (faith community) to CPAG (terms until June 30, 2028 and January 31, 2026, respectively).
    • Reappointed Mary Bunting and Jay Joseph to Fort Monroe Authority (terms until June 30, 2028).

Reports & Announcements

  • City Manager Bunting highlighted the afternoon work session on youth violence prevention, reporting a year-to-date over 50% reduction in fatal and non-fatal shootings (homicides down over 60%, non-fatal shootings down over 40%).
  • Mayor Tuck announced a joint press conference with Newport News Mayor Jones on August 15 at 11 a.m. at Crittenden Middle School to recruit mentors for middle-school boys.
  • Mayor Tuck reminded that African Landing Day and a soil-mixing ceremony with soil from Angola will be held August 24 at Fort Monroe.

Key Outcomes

  • All 35 agenda items were approved, with one abstention (Councilmember Mugler on the consent agenda) and one negative vote (Councilmember Mugler on 24-0313 to reduce short-term rental separation from 500 to 300 feet).
  • Key approvals: Trilogy Developers rezoning (7-0), Amazing Childcare use permit (7-0), homestay rental ordinances (7-0, 7-0), short-term rental separation reduction (6-1), flood zone clarification (7-0), open burning update (7-0), Fort Wool resolution (7-0), towing advisory board (7-0), and appointment of Courtney R. Sydnor as City Attorney (7-0).
  • Next steps: Finalize city attorney contract execution; continue neighborhood safety improvements at Shell Road; monitor implementation of homestay/short-term rental regulations effective September 1, 2024; and work with stakeholders on Fort Wool restoration advocacy and the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind museum display.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome. Want to begin by asking our clerk to call the role, please. Councilman Bowman. Present. Councilman Brown. Here. Vice Mayor Gray. Present. Councilwoman Harper. Present. Councilman Hawks. Present. Councilwoman Muggler. Present. Mayor Tuck. Present. Tonight's invocation will be given by Councilwoman Hope Harper, followed by our Pledge of Allegiance. Dear Lord, we thank you for this day. We thank you for being in this place at this hour. Coming to you as acknowledgement of your power. Thank you for this council meeting and forgive us the wisdom and guidance on either on items before us. God, we ask you to continuously bless our citizens, our communities, and especially our public safety. We thank you, Lord, for the calling that you have given every single one of us and to love our neighbors as ourselves. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. Thank you for public forward to stands. I'm going to do something that's a little unusual and it's going to catch her by surprise. But I'm going to ask our clerk, Catherine Glass, if she would not mind talking about City Hall Selfie Day. Mayor, you never cease to surprise me. I don't know where to look. My favorite day of the year. Shall I come over here? That would be fine. He's just doing that because I had to pretend she is to work today. August 15th of every year is called City Hall Selfie Day, and it's an event that's sponsored by the Engaging Local Government Leaders Association. And it really is just a day for everyone to have fun celebrating their locality, be it a city, county, town, and they encourage citizens and elected officials and municipal workers to take selfies at City Hall or other city buildings or facilities. And you can post however you'd like to on social media, whether you're a Twitter person or TikTok or Instagram, Facebook, whatever the outlet is that you choose to share social media things. And we've been doing this for about five years in Hampton. But we want the big prize. So if everybody in Hampton, that's our employees as well as our citizens will take a minute tomorrow to just snap your picture in front of your favorite place in Hampton, be at Bluebird Gap Farm, City Hall, your local fire station, and just tag it, City Hall Selfie. Tag it, choose Hampton, and you can also do at ELGL, which is engaging local government leaders, and look at our Facebook page because we had a lot of fun getting ready for this about two weeks ago. We challenged our departments to take selfies, and we got our mayor to do something really cool that usually only firefighters get to do. So check social media tomorrow. It'll probably be the on the city's webpage as well. And we hope you'll have fun with it too. Thank you. And thank you. And now I'll ask you to read the protocol for the consent agenda, please. I know how to do this much better. The protocol for the consent agenda. And tonight, your consent agenda amends the fiscal year 2025 council approved budget to accept and appropriate grant funding, which permits continuation of services and prevention programs regarding homelessness, provide services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, supports the sheriff's efforts to meet the risk and needs of incarcerated individuals transitioning back into the community, and support medication assisted treatment to incarcerated individuals with substance with substance use disorder, provide services to victims and witnesses of violent acts to address their emotional and financial hardships and to guide them to community resources.

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