Hampton City Council Legislative Session – January 14, 2026

The Hampton City Council held a legislative session on January 14, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda, proclamations, three public hearings, and a public comment period, concluding at 7:45 PM. All votes were unanimous except one abstention.

Consent Calendar

• Item 25-0358: Resolution to amend the FY2026 budget to accept and appropriate $918,000 from VDOT for the redesign and reconstruction of River Street Park. Approved 7-0.
• Item 26-0010: Resolution to appropriate $40,000 from the Hazmat Restricted Fund Balance to the Fire and Rescue Division's General Fund Operating Budget. Approved 7-0.
• Item 26-0004: Resolution requesting VDOT to add and delete certain streets from the classification system. Approved 7-0.
• Item 26-0005: Resolution to program the Curve Delineation Project into VDOT’s Six-Year Improvement Plan and appropriate $326,412 in Highway Safety Improvement Program funds. Approved 7-0.
• Item 25-0357: Approval of minutes from the special and work sessions of December 10, 2025. Approved 7-0.

Presentations, Proclamations, Awards

Mayor Gray read a proclamation recognizing January 19, 2026, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Hampton. He also announced the Hampton Heroes Awards program honoring 10 trailblazers in NACA/NASA and public service (e.g., James Williams, Clayton Turner, Judge Bonnie Jones). Proclamations were presented for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (January 9, 2026) to Police Chief Jimmie Wideman, and for Community Risk Reduction Week (January 19–25, 2026) to Fire Marshal Trevor Gruchow.

Public Hearings

Item 25-0337 – Smoke or Vape Shop Zoning Amendment Zoning Administrator Melvion Fulgham presented the proposed ordinance to define and regulate smoke/vape shops, restricting them to the General Commercial (C-3) District, requiring a use permit, and imposing separation distances. The Planning Commission recommended increasing the buffer between shops from one-half mile to one mile. Public speaker Aaron Weaver expressed support for the intent but raised concerns about the buffer’s equitable application, the status of existing non-conforming shops, incomplete mapping of current vape shops, and whether the 1,000-foot school buffer is a legal maximum or a policy choice. Council adopted the ordinance as amended by the Planning Commission (one-mile buffer) on a 7-0 vote.

Item 26-0008 – Acquisition of Land at 2 Little Oak Lane City Manager Mary Bunting explained that the city needs to acquire a portion (approx. 985 sq. ft.) of property at 2 Little Oak Lane for the Little Back River Road Bike and Pedestrian Accommodation Project. The owner, Valerie J. Hall, died in June 2025, and heirs are unknown, so condemnation is necessary. No public speakers. Council approved the resolution authorizing acquisition by negotiation or condemnation on a 7-0 vote.

Item 26-0006 – Lease Agreement with Community Baseball, LLC (War Memorial Stadium) The city proposes a five-year lease (renewable) for 10.45 acres of War Memorial Stadium to the Peninsula Pilots at $1 per year, with the tenant responsible for taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Councilwoman Mugler recused herself from discussion and voting under the Virginia Conflict of Interest Act because her spouse is a paid consultant for Community Baseball, LLC. No public speakers. Council approved the lease 6-0, with one abstention (Mugler).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Harden: Complained about being falsely accused of drinking on an HRT bus and being banned; stated HRT blocked his number. City Manager noted the city does not oversee HRT but will attempt to forward the complaint.
• Joan Weaver: Alleged retaliation by the City of Hampton (criminal summons for fascia/gutter/fence issues) and said the city failed to deliver promised community improvements. City Manager affirmed the city’s $1.5 million commitment to the neighborhood and a $250,000 infrastructure assessment, with consultant results expected January 26, 2026.
• Teresa Roundy: Provided historical documents and legal definitions regarding Barnes Cemetery, arguing the site is an inactive cemetery, not a former one, and cannot be built upon. City Manager thanked her and said staff will follow up.
• Craig Knopp: Expressed concerns about state legislation on gun restrictions (affecting disabled and women), a constitutional amendment for redistricting, and prioritization of marijuana retail licenses. Urged equal opportunity for ownership. Also noted a website error for Councilwoman Ferebee’s term.
• Darin Williams: Thanked the city for repaving Briarfield tennis courts but reported ongoing lighting issues and problems with skaters causing damage and using profanity. City Manager stated a contractor is scheduled to fix lights on January 20, and a park ranger will be deployed during peak violation times.
• Travis Adams: Advocated for HB10, a state bill allowing localities to set separate property tax rates for land and improvements, to discourage vacant land speculation. City Manager noted the city is exploring a higher tax rate for blighted property as part of the FY2026 budget process.
• Dennis Greene: Updated his proposal for a partnership on the Big Bethel Blueway, noting he had a survey completed to delineate property lines.
• Chris Bowman: Recommended the city purchase the adjacent fireplace shop building to expand senior services and parking.
• Tanawah Downing: Presented a constitutional argument that Virginia’s practice of charging by information (not grand jury indictment) violates the Fifth Amendment and that paying officials to enforce such laws is an emolument violation. He left documents with the clerk. City Attorney Sydnor agreed to review them.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items and public hearing items were approved as described.
• The Smoke or Vape Shop Ordinance was adopted with a one-mile separation buffer between shops (Planning Commission version).
• The city manager committed to follow up on HRT issues, the Wythe neighborhood commitments, cemetery concerns, and Briarfield Park lighting and enforcement.
• The city attorney will review the constitutional notice provided by Mr. Downing.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.