Hampton City Council Legislative Session - March 11, 2026

Mayor Jimmy Gray presided over the meeting, which was called to order at 6:30 p.m. and adjourned at 9:49 p.m. All seven council members were present. The meeting included consent agenda approvals, proclamations, presentations on utility rate increases, three public hearings, a public comment period, and consideration of a camping ordinance that was deferred to April 8, 2026.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Second Quarter Budget Adjustments (Resolution 26-0059) and the minutes from the February 11, 2026 work session (26-0050) by a unanimous 7-0 vote.

Presentations, Proclamations, Awards

• Mayor Gray read proclamations for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, American Red Cross Month, and International Women’s Day. He noted that the council has a female majority for the first time in Hampton’s history.
• Public Works Interim Director Michael Bowery presented recommended increases for wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater fees for FY2027. No council discussion followed.
  • Wastewater: user fee increase of $0.07 to $2.52; surcharge increase of $0.14 to $4.93. Average monthly bill would increase by $1.41 to $49.80.
  • Solid waste: increase to $9.04 per week (monthly increase of $1.12 to $39.17).
  • Stormwater: increase to $13.83 per month.
  • City Manager Bunting noted these options are on the I-Value poll for public feedback.

Public Comments & Testimony

On the proposed camping ordinance (25-0170):

• Stephanie Baird (former Hampton math teacher) opposed the ordinance, citing research that such laws do not reduce homelessness but worsen it, and that a $250 fine can be insurmountable for someone with no income. She referenced studies showing legal debt extends homelessness.
• Michelle Uscanga (CNU student, President of HOME) opposed, arguing the ordinance criminalizes homelessness and pushes people away from resources. She urged investment in services.
• Aaron Weaver opposed, stating the ordinance still makes sleeping in public illegal and that existing laws already address disruptive behaviors. He called for evidence-based policy.
• David Likavec (attorney serving indigent clients) opposed, calling the ordinance inhumane and morally reprehensible. He noted 44% of working-class Hampton households struggle to meet basic needs.
• Bob Harper (30-year resident, small business owner) spoke in favor, saying the ordinance provides a compassionate way to address issues affecting commerce and public safety. He noted he had to move camping materials from his business doorway.
• Joan Weaver (68-year resident) opposed, accusing the city of weaponizing code enforcement and criminalizing homelessness. She called for an ombudsman.

On other topics:

• Brenda Marks raised concerns about a $25 million line item for capital improvements in the I-Value survey, alleging a lack of specificity and questioning the classification of Christmas decorations as infrastructure.
• Joe Griffith (Phoebus Partnership) expressed disappointment that only two projects from the Phoebus master plan appeared on the CIP priority list and were ranked last. He urged continued investment in placemaking.
• David Mongiello (resident, father, former Marine) alleged constitutional violations by the Hampton Department of Human Services during a child protective services investigation. He asked for oversight.
• Earl Miller raised issues at Briarfield Tennis Park: newly resurfaced courts with holes and cracks, broken lights, and homeless encampments affecting the park.
• Jeannie Belgrave suggested creating a single animal services hub page on the city website.

City Manager Bunting responded to several comments: clarified that Christmas decorations were coded as special events equipment (account 570); noted that code violations are enforced through a process that includes warnings and summonses (200 active summonses citywide); said she would look into the CPS allegations; and noted that Briarfield Park lights are on the CIP for public ranking and that she would investigate the court conditions.

Discussion Items

Public Hearings:

1. Rezoning 26-0037 and Use Permit 26-0038 (Woda Cooper Companies) – Proposed rezoning of 1.69 acres at 2601 Cunningham Drive from General Commercial (C-3) to Multifamily Residential (MD-4) for a 44-unit affordable housing development named after Katherine Johnson. The project includes 57 parking spaces, elevators, and ADA units. Planning Commission and staff recommended approval with 20 proffered conditions and 9 use permit conditions. Councilmember Campbell expressed concern about placing housing in a commercial corridor. The public hearing had no speakers. Approved 6-1 (Campbell dissenting).

2. Use Permit 26-0039 (Southern Comfort Restaurant & Lounge) – Request to amend hours of operation to 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. daily and reduce security staffing when the event space is not in use. Staff and Planning Commission recommended denial of the hours amendment but offered an option to modify security conditions. The applicant, Eddie Gomez, presented petitions with 250+ signatures. Four public speakers (Mirav Patel, Rashonn Bracey, Trey Carter, Arnell Davis) spoke in support. Council approved in part: security conditions amended (bifurcation of security staffing based on occupancy), but hours of operation remained unchanged (Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m.). Unanimous 7-0.

3. Resolution 26-0072 (Land Acquisition for Little Back River Road Bike/Pedestrian Path) – Authorizes acquisition by negotiation or condemnation of portions of five properties for a path from North King Street to Valerie Drive. The public hearing had no speakers. Approved 7-0.

Camping Ordinance 25-0170:

• City Manager Bunting presented a detailed overview of the stakeholder group’s recommendations: a service-first approach, reducing the penalty from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 4 for first offense ($250 max fine, no jail) and Class 2 for subsequent offenses (up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine – to access behavioral health court). The ordinance includes a preamble emphasizing compassionate compliance, verbal warnings, and offers of services before enforcement. Senior Deputy City Attorney Brandi Law reviewed the legal language. After discussion, Councilmember Campbell moved to defer the item to the April 8, 2026 legislative session to allow more time for review. The motion passed 7-0.

Appointments:

• Citizens Police Advisory Group (CPAG): Reappointed Linda Curtis, Gail House, Benton Knight, Stephen Deane; appointed Spenser Bosch, Amanda Wroten, Keith Foster, and Jason Mitchell. Vacancies remain for two business representatives and a neighborhood commission representative. Unanimous 7-0.
• Citizens’ Unity Commission (CUC): Reappointed Mara Yoko; appointed Alyssa A. Turner. Unanimous 7-0.
• Parks & Recreation Advisory Board: Appointed Thurman L. Diamond and Justin Vias. Unanimous 7-0.
• Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority (EVRIFA): Appointed Carlton Campbell. Unanimous 7-0.
• Golf Course Advisory Committee: Reappointed Ralph Roberts; appointed John Campbell and Vanessa L. Hill. Councilmember Campbell abstained due to a conflict of interest (spouse under consideration). Motion carried 6-0-1.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (7-0).
• Rezoning and use permit for Woda Cooper approved (6-1).
• Southern Comfort use permit approved in part: security conditions amended, hours unchanged (7-0).
• Land acquisition resolution approved (7-0).
• Camping ordinance deferred to April 8, 2026 (7-0).
• Appointments to six boards/commissions approved as listed.
• City Manager will follow up on Briarfield Tennis Park, CPS allegations, and other public comment concerns.