OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Hampton City Council Legislative Session - February 11, 2026: Easement Bids, Appointments, and Community Concerns

City Council — Wednesday, February 11, 2026
BodyHampton, Virginia
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, February 11, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 46:06

Transcript — Verbatim
0:45

Good evening and welcome to Hampton City Council legislative meeting.

0:50

I want to ask the clerk to call the role, please.

0:52

Councilman Bowman.

0:53

Present.

0:53

Vice Mayor Brown.

0:54

Here.

0:55

Councilwoman Campbell.

0:56

Present.

0:56

Councilwoman Faraby.

0:57

President.

0:58

Councilwoman Harper.

0:59

Present.

0:59

Councilwoman Mugler.

1:00

President.

1:01

Mayor Gray.

1:02

Present.

1:03

And this evening the uh invitation will be uh given by uh Councilwoman Michelle Farabee, uh, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:12

So would you please stand and join us for both?

1:18

Let us pray.

1:20

Gracious God, we thank you for this community and for the opportunity to serve.

1:26

We lift up our first responders, our veterans, our city employees and volunteers, and give thanks for their service, sacrifice, and care for our city.

1:34

Grant them strength and protection.

1:36

As we honor Black History Month, we give thanks for the enduring contributions of Black Americans and ask for you for your guidance as we continue the work of justice and the equity.

1:47

During American Heart Month and National Cancer Prevention Month, we pray for health, healing, and commitment to prevention and care.

1:56

And as Valentine's Day reminds us of love, may we lead with kindness, patience, and respect.

2:04

As Ramadan begins, we lift up our Muslim neighbors, asking that this sacred season be filled with peace and reflection.

2:14

Grant us wisdom in our decisions and compassion in our leadership that we that all we do may serve the common good.

2:22

May we all say Amen.

3:16

Oftentimes we are, you know, relying on our uh local delegation to uh carry bills for us that that benefit Hampton, uh benefit our citizens, and they're always uh willing to do that.

3:30

Um there are some bills uh going on this year uh that uh you know in various stages that uh are of some concern to us, and one of those bills is uh a requirement that uh for collective bargaining for uh public service of uh public agency that includes state employees, that includes teachers, that includes city employees.

3:52

Uh through our own discussion, we know that uh collective bargaining does come with uh a cost uh you know for the uh number of bargaining units that you may have, uh may you know additional attorneys, uh labor relations attorneys uh and staff to manage all that.

4:09

And and so we uh expect that you know, should that pass, uh which right now it appears that it will in some form, that we'll have to uh you know absorb that cost.

4:20

And so I along with the other mayors uh of the seven cities in Hampton Rose region jointly signed a letter uh that went to the uh all of our local delegates in the Hampton Rose region as well as the governor, uh actually went to the entire General Assembly and to the governor uh asking them to leave uh collective bargaining as it is right now.

4:45

There's a framework in place right now that allows uh employees to come forward and uh identify themselves as a potential bargaining unit uh to discuss with the uh local governing body and then the governing body can decide uh you know whether they want to do a study, whether they want to enter into a collective bargaining, recognize the groups, but uh right now it's a local choice uh across the commonwealth.

5:10

Some cities, uh Richmond, Fairfax County, uh, Alexandria have entered entered into uh collective bargaining uh locally.

5:19

I think the decision is coming up in at least two other cities here.

5:22

Uh one of those is initially said yes, and then they uh reversed that decision and said uh they they declined to uh to recognize collective bargaining.

5:32

And so the mayors uh of the seven cities, we all got together and discussed this.

5:37

We're all concerned about the impact of of collective bargaining and the cost associated with that, and so we the letter that we sent was not uh against unions.

5:46

Uh it was not against collective bargaining.

5:49

It was asking the state not to mandate policies that add uh additional cost burdens on the localities.

5:58

And that's not new for us.

5:59

We're we're always asking our General Assembly to refrain from unfunded mandates that raise the cost of government, and then we have no choice in the matter.

6:09

But um, we here in Hampton uh have worked hard to uh provide good pay and benefits for our employees.

6:16

Uh we have a very generous uh pay plan uh in the public safety arena.

6:20

We've also worked on pay adjustments for all other many other the uh city uh positions that we fund.

6:27

And I think our council has been committed to uh moving our salaries for our city employees uh, you know, in the upper tier of the cities and counties in the region so that we can attract and retain you know the best employees, which we are always trying to do.

6:44

And so we communicated and I communicated to our our General Assembly delegates that for those places like Hampton that is trying to do the right thing for our employees that you know we at least need the option of retaining that choice of whether we need collective bargaining here or not.

7:01

But again, I reiterate that you know our signature on the letter was not uh we don't want or we don't like collective bargaining or we don't want to work with unions or any of that.

7:11

You know, I spent many years, 32 years in the fire service as a firefighter.

7:15

You know, I was a union member, and uh over the course of my career I've been I benefited from many of the uh uh uh uh benefits that uh fire safety or fire uh fire department groups, firefighters unions uh negotiated for or advocated for at the state level.

7:33

And so, you know, I've appreciated much of what they've done.

7:36

I've always, when I was a fire chief, uh met with our union here that exists in the fire department as well as police.

7:43

And so, you know, my reason for signing the letter was really because we want to maintain that local choice and preferred it the uh state not uh provide or or send down or make decisions on policies that raise the cost of city government and leave us with no choice but to absorb it.

8:01

And that has happened in many cases, and uh we constantly try to remind them uh and ask them to refrain from doing so.

8:10

But you know, um obviously in this case, you know, our voices may go unheard.

8:14

Uh hopefully some uh may some amendments may occur before the policy is uh finalized.

8:19

They give us some relief.

8:21

But I did want to at least make a public statement because there uh I think our signature on the letter may have been misinterpreted by some groups, and really it was not a letter that we're against unions or collective bargaining.

8:35

It was that we were against the state mandating and uh sending an unmanned uh unfunded mandate here uh on the city of Hampton that the taxpayers have to absorb.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████20%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████████████19%
Historic Preservation█████████████████17%
Legislative Advocacy████████████████16%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Racial Equity█████5%
Community Engagement████4%
Tax Policy████4%
Real Estate Assessment████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Hampton City Council Legislative Session - February 11, 2026

The Hampton City Council met on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 6:31 PM in Council Chambers at 22 Lincoln Street. All seven council members were present: Mayor Jimmy Gray, Vice Mayor Steven L. Brown, Councilmembers Randy C. Bowman Sr., Carolyn S. Campbell, Michelle Taylor Ferebee, Hope L. Harper, and Martha M. Mugler. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gray and adjourned at 7:16 PM. Key actions included unanimous approval of the consent agenda, opening of two easement bids from Dominion Energy, and multiple board appointments. Mayor Gray also addressed collective bargaining legislation and proclaimed Random Acts of Kindness Week.

Mayor's Comments

  • Mayor Gray discussed collective bargaining bills in the Virginia General Assembly. He explained that Hampton signed a joint letter with other mayors of the 757 area opposing a state mandate for collective bargaining because it would impose an unfunded cost on localities. He clarified that the city is not against unions or collective bargaining itself, but against the state requiring it without funding. He noted Hampton’s commitment to competitive pay and benefits for city employees.

Presentations, Proclamations, Awards

  • Mayor Gray proclaimed February 14–20, 2026 as Random Acts of Kindness Week in Hampton, urging everyone to perform at least three acts of kindness.
  • Council members gave Black History Month presentations recognizing four African Americans who made significant contributions to Hampton: Y.B. Williams Jr. (first African American on city council in modern era), John Mallory Phillips Sr. (first African American elected to council in 1974 and later first African American vice mayor), Brenda Wharton Taylor (first African American woman on council, elected 1984), and Mary Peake (teacher who secretly educated enslaved and free Black people, first teacher for the American Missionary Association, precursor to Hampton University).

Consent Calendar

  • All items were approved by a 7-0 vote, including:
    • Resolution 26-0052: Initiating amendments to the zoning district map to adjust the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Overlay District and Noise Contour District boundaries based on Langley Air Force Base notification.
    • Resolution 26-0053: Initiating zoning ordinance amendments concerning coin-operated amusement machines.
    • Resolution 26-0054: Initiating zoning ordinance amendments to modify standards for the Restaurant 2 use.
    • Resolution 26-0046: Confirming the declaration and termination of the local emergency for the January 31, 2026 winter storm.
    • Approval of minutes from the August 13, 2025 work session and the January 28, 2026 special, ceremonial, and legislative sessions.

Public Comments & Testimony

Three citizens spoke during public comment:

  • Joan Weaver (Greater Wythe): Criticized the city for lacking kindness, marginalizing her neighborhood, making false promises, and levying a baseless code violations charge. She stated that Mayor Gray had called her and two other citizens “trouble” at a previous meeting, and she asserted they are “good trouble” in the spirit of John Lewis. She demanded respect and said the court system would expose a “cracked system.”
  • Craig Knopp: Expressed concern about a redistricting referendum passed by the General Assembly (HB29) that he said allows political gerrymandering from 2025–2030, contrary to earlier anti-gerrymandering legislation (HB1255) supported by former Delegate Mugler. He urged the council to use its lobbying power to oppose the map and fight it in court.
  • Chris Bowman: Requested updates on several vacant or underdeveloped properties (Lincoln Park, old Quality Inn, Buckroe Junior High, Pembroke High, Buckroe Beach mini golf, Slaughter Lumber Company site, Macy Carmel site). He commended the $1 million appropriation for the Fort Monroe master plan update.

City Manager Mary Bunting responded:

  • The $1 million for Fort Monroe comes from Fort Monroe Authority funds (state appropriations, rent, philanthropy), not Hampton taxpayer dollars.
  • As a city government, Hampton does not take sides on voter referendums or elections but provides factual information.
  • She will follow up personally with Ms. Weaver regarding the code violation and reiterated the city’s commitment to the Greater Wythe neighborhood, noting that $250,000 was appropriated for an infrastructure assessment to help set priorities.

General Items

Item 6 – Easement for VDOT (26-0042):

  • The city invited bids for a non-exclusive easement across the Bethel Landfill property (100 North Point Park Lane) to provide electric service to VDOT property.
  • One bid was received: Dominion Energy Virginia offered $1. The bid was opened and read aloud. Mayor Gray declared bidding closed. Staff will review and recommend at a public hearing on February 25, 2026.

Item 7 – Easement for Langley Air Force Base (26-0043):

  • Similar action for an easement across city-owned properties on North Armistead Avenue to serve Langley AFB.
  • One bid was received: Dominion Energy Virginia offered $1. The bid was opened and read. Bidding closed, with a recommendation to follow on February 25, 2026.

Appointments (Items 8–17)

  • Deferred to March 11, 2026 (all by 7-0 vote):
    • Citizens Police Advisory Group (CPAG)
    • Citizens’ Unity Commission (CUC)
    • Golf Course Advisory Committee
  • Approved (all 7-0):
    • Peninsula Alcohol Safety Action Program Advisory Board: Appoint Tremaine Brown to serve unexpired term until June 30, 2026.
    • Hampton Economic Development Authority (EDA): Appoint Patrick Jackowski (term beginning April 1, 2026) and Dwayne Blake (term until February 28, 2030).
    • Hampton Clean City Commission: Appoint Travis Adams (remainder of term until January 31, 2028) and reappoint Kimberly King to a first full term expiring March 31, 2030.
    • Grievance Board: Reappoint Tiffany Knotts to a second term until March 30, 2030.
    • Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities (MCFPWD): Appoint Christopher Brown (unexpired term until February 28, 2028), Melanie Paul and Tiffany Knotts (first terms until February 28, 2030).
    • Peninsula Town Center Community Development Authority: Reappoint Ava Green to a second term until April 30, 2030.
    • Athletic Hall of Fame: Reappoint Quinton Jackson and Lavon Marrow to second terms until March 31, 2029, and appoint Robert Guerin to a first term until March 31, 2029.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved 7-0.
  • Dominion Energy’s bids ($1 each) for two easements were opened; final decisions will be made at the February 25, 2026 legislative session after staff review.
  • Three appointments were deferred to March 11, 2026; nine appointments (including reappointments) were approved unanimously.
  • The city reaffirmed its commitment to the Greater Wythe neighborhood and will use the $250,000 infrastructure assessment to guide spending.
  • No new business or additional reports were presented.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to Hampton City Council legislative meeting. I want to ask the clerk to call the role, please. Councilman Bowman. Present. Vice Mayor Brown. Here. Councilwoman Campbell. Present. Councilwoman Faraby. President. Councilwoman Harper. Present. Councilwoman Mugler. President. Mayor Gray. Present. And this evening the uh invitation will be uh given by uh Councilwoman Michelle Farabee, uh, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. So would you please stand and join us for both? Let us pray. Gracious God, we thank you for this community and for the opportunity to serve. We lift up our first responders, our veterans, our city employees and volunteers, and give thanks for their service, sacrifice, and care for our city. Grant them strength and protection. As we honor Black History Month, we give thanks for the enduring contributions of Black Americans and ask for you for your guidance as we continue the work of justice and the equity. During American Heart Month and National Cancer Prevention Month, we pray for health, healing, and commitment to prevention and care. And as Valentine's Day reminds us of love, may we lead with kindness, patience, and respect. As Ramadan begins, we lift up our Muslim neighbors, asking that this sacred season be filled with peace and reflection. Grant us wisdom in our decisions and compassion in our leadership that we that all we do may serve the common good. May we all say Amen. Oftentimes we are, you know, relying on our uh local delegation to uh carry bills for us that that benefit Hampton, uh benefit our citizens, and they're always uh willing to do that. Um there are some bills uh going on this year uh that uh you know in various stages that uh are of some concern to us, and one of those bills is uh a requirement that uh for collective bargaining for uh public service of uh public agency that includes state employees, that includes teachers, that includes city employees. Uh through our own discussion, we know that uh collective bargaining does come with uh a cost uh you know for the uh number of bargaining units that you may have, uh may you know additional attorneys, uh labor relations attorneys uh and staff to manage all that. And and so we uh expect that you know, should that pass, uh which right now it appears that it will in some form, that we'll have to uh you know absorb that cost. And so I along with the other mayors uh of the seven cities in Hampton Rose region jointly signed a letter uh that went to the uh all of our local delegates in the Hampton Rose region as well as the governor, uh actually went to the entire General Assembly and to the governor uh asking them to leave uh collective bargaining as it is right now. There's a framework in place right now that allows uh employees to come forward and uh identify themselves as a potential bargaining unit uh to discuss with the uh local governing body and then the governing body can decide uh you know whether they want to do a study, whether they want to enter into a collective bargaining, recognize the groups, but uh right now it's a local choice uh across the commonwealth. Some cities, uh Richmond, Fairfax County, uh, Alexandria have entered entered into uh collective bargaining uh locally. I think the decision is coming up in at least two other cities here. Uh one of those is initially said yes, and then they uh reversed that decision and said uh they they declined to uh to recognize collective bargaining. And so the mayors uh of the seven cities, we all got together and discussed this. We're all concerned about the impact of of collective bargaining and the cost associated with that, and so we the letter that we sent was not uh against unions. Uh it was not against collective bargaining. It was asking the state not to mandate policies that add uh additional cost burdens on the localities. And that's not new for us. We're we're always asking our General Assembly to refrain from unfunded mandates that raise the cost of government, and then we have no choice in the matter. But um, we here in Hampton uh have worked hard to uh provide good pay and benefits for our employees. Uh we have a very generous uh pay plan uh in the public safety arena. We've also worked on pay adjustments for all other many other the uh city uh positions that we fund. And I think our council has been committed to uh moving our salaries for our city employees uh, you know, in the upper tier of the cities and counties in the region so that we can attract and retain you know the best employees, which we are always trying to do. And so we communicated and I communicated to our our General Assembly delegates that for those places like Hampton that is trying to do the right thing for our employees that you know we at least need the option of retaining that choice of whether we need collective bargaining here or not. But again, I reiterate that you know our signature on the letter was not uh we don't want or we don't like collective bargaining or we don't want to work with unions or any of that. You know, I spent many years, 32 years in the fire service as a firefighter.

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