Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Hampton City Council Legislative Session - March 25, 2026

City Council — Wednesday, March 25, 2026

BodyHampton, Virginia

SessionCity Council

DateWednesday, March 25, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:04:10

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:46

Good evening and uh welcome to the Hampton City Council legislative session.

0:51

Um our clerk uh Captain Glass is not with us this evening, and so uh uh deputy uh clerk uh Joy Moutz uh will be uh sitting in for her this evening.

1:02

So I'm gonna ask the deputy clerk to uh call the roll.

1:05

Councilman Bowman, present Vice Mayor Brown here, Councilwoman Campbell, present.

1:12

Councilwoman Faraby, present.

1:14

Councilwoman Harper, Councilwoman Muggler, Mayor Greg.

1:20

Present and Councilwoman Harper, Councilwoman Harper and Muggler will not be with us this evening.

1:26

So we look forward to having them back at the next meeting.

1:29

Umvocation this evening will be given by Councilman Randy Bowman, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:35

So I ask you to please stand uh and join us for both.

1:39

Heavenly Father, we come to you standing in need of prayer.

1:42

We ask that you protect our first responders, continue to unify the strong council of seven.

1:47

Let us be on the same accord as we make decisions to better our community.

1:51

Bless and preserve this nation under the shadow of your almighty wing.

1:55

Remind us always to live by your mercy and not by your merit.

1:59

For you cause the rain and the sunshine to fall upon good and the wicked alike.

2:04

Grant safety to all who dwell in our land, both the city, citizens, and the guests, that all who live here may go about their daily business without fear or terror.

2:15

Bless our land and peace and unity, bountiful harvest, and productive labor.

2:21

Defend us from every danger and guard and protect us from all evil.

2:25

Through Jesus Christ and Lord, our we pray.

2:28

Amen.

2:49

Pass the collection plates.

2:51

I have a couple of items I want to address on the mayor's comments this evening.

2:55

Um the first of those, uh, just want to take a moment to address concern that we've been hearing uh a lot of chatter going around about the city manager and I being a part of uh delegation that went to the United Kingdom uh last week uh on an economic development trip.

3:14

And while uh in some ways this uh has been characterized in the news that uh you know we were on a paid vacation at the taxpayers' expense.

3:24

Um this uh trip was anything but a paid vacation.

3:27

As a matter of fact, we were busy from the time we got there every evening, meeting schedule, and uh so we we didn't have a lot of time for uh you know vacationing while we were there.

3:40

But um, you know, that characterization of the trip was is you know not really accurate, and uh Canada's you know you know really kind of creates a disservice to the serious work that's being done in our region and on behalf of our region and as well as the residents in the city of Hampton.

3:56

Uh the delegation uh that we were involved with uh was a strategic economic development mission, uh, one that uh directly aligns with our region's efforts to grow jobs, attract investment, and strengthen our role in the national and global defense economy.

4:13

Hampton Roads is home to uh some of the largest concentrations of uh defense assets in the country and decisions being made today, particularly around advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, logistics, and emerging defense technologies will take uh shape, and uh economic future happens to depend on these and into the next few decades.

4:35

So the city manager and I participated in this delegation for a clear purpose to ensure that Hampton is not left behind as these investments begin to accelerate.

4:45

So during that trip, uh we engaged directly with defense leaders, global companies, international partners.

5:01

And so we uh we missed a portion of uh some of the tours and the uh visits uh with some of the factories that are doing uh advanced manufacturing there, but uh nevertheless uh we we benefit from the discussion afterwards, and then we did make all of the rest of those.

5:16

But during that trip, we uh engaged directly, as I mentioned, with defense uh and global companies, international partners.

5:22

We visited world-class innovation centers, strengthen relationships with allied nations and identified real opportunities for workforce development, supply chain growth, and new business investment that benefit that will benefit citizens of Hampton.

5:37

This was not downtime, it was a series of working sessions, site visits, and strategic conversations from morning to evening.

5:45

And the goal was simple bring back opportunities that translate into jobs, business growth, and long-term economic resilience for our city.

5:54

I also had the opportunity while I was there, uh the city manager and I to visit Hampton's most meaningful international sister city relationship in Southampton, England.

6:03

Southampton is Hampton's oldest sister city and one of Great Britain's most historic port cities.

6:09

Located on the south coast of England, it has been a gateway for global trade and travel with a population just under 250,000.

6:17

Its history is deeply connected to major moments in world history.

6:21

The Titanic departed from Southampton in 1912 and the Mayflower began its voyage in 1620, carrying settlers to the new world, not far from where our own city stands.

6:32

So our connection to Southampton is not just symbolic, it's part of the civic identity.

6:37

And during the administration of Mayor Ann Kilgore, the City of Hampton, with the support of Southampton, work with the College of Heralds in London to create the official seal of the City of Hampton.

6:48

And that partnership is still reflected in our city's identity today today.

6:52

So if we are serious about creating opportunities for our citizens, especially in high growth high-wage industries, we must be willing to show up, build relationships, and compete on the global stage.

7:05

And that includes strengthening historic partnerships like the ones we share with Southampton and other communities in the UK, while also forging new ones that will bring opportunity back to Hampton.

7:16

And this is exactly what this delegation was all about.

7:19

And so we look forward to sharing uh uh additional connections.

7:23

And I want to say when we think about this, and again, you know, what we think about of our academies in Hampton, we we are teaching kids about the advanced manufacturing, digital ship design.

7:35

Um advanced um trying to think of some of the others and drawing the blank on that, but uh in um in uh technology and around shipbuilding, um HVAC and electrical course to trades, we'll position our kids to uh take advantage of uh many of the opportunities that are going to come our way.

7:54

And so we're coming back, we're debriefing on on that.

7:58

We're we're putting our team together to kind of talk about how we can capitalize on the many partnerships that we built and how we will take advantage of the uh defense buildup and the millions and billions of dollars that would be investing in shipbuilding in this region as well.

8:14

And so it's important that Hampton be there and have a seat at the table.

8:18

So again, this was not a vacation.

8:20

Um it was not uh a waste of time.

8:23

We thought it was time well spent, and the partnerships that we built will uh benefit us uh for many years to come.

8:30

Yes.

8:32

Okay, I get to that in just a second.

8:35

All right, and then I have one other item that I want to uh talk about, speaking of trips, and uh many of our residents have likely seen or heard about the increasing number of data centers in Virginia.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Economic Development██████████████████18%

Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████17%

Procedural█████████████13%

Community Engagement████████████12%

Homelessness███████████11%

Affordable Housing███████7%

Historic Preservation█████5%

Legislative Advocacy█████5%

Youth Programs███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Hampton City Council Legislative Session - March 25, 2026

The Hampton City Council met for a legislative session on March 25, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Jimmy Gray presided, with Vice Mayor Steven L. Brown and Councilmembers Randy C. Bowman Sr., Carolyn S. Campbell, and Michelle Taylor Ferebee present. Councilmembers Hope L. Harper and Martha M. Mugler were excused. The meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM. Key actions included approval of consent agenda items, a public hearing on land acquisition for a bike/pedestrian project, a proclamation for Fair Housing Month, receipt of a single bid for a natural gas franchise, and multiple public comments on homelessness, cemeteries, and constitutional concerns. City Manager Mary Bunting provided responses to public comments and updates.

Consent Calendar

Resolution 26-0070: Approved the refund of certain erroneously assessed business taxes. Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 26-0106: Approved an encroachment agreement allowing John Alex Will and Anne G. Will to install a retaining wall and paver driveway within the city’s right-of-way on N. First Street. Motion carried 5-0.
Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes from the ceremonial and legislative sessions of February 25, 2026, and the work session of March 11, 2026. Motion carried 5-0.

Presentations & Proclamations

Mayor Gray proclaimed April 2026 as Fair Housing Month in Hampton. Carol Wilson (Community Engagement Specialist, Community Development Department), Georgette “Gigi” Houchins (Business Development Officer, Virginia Housing), and Sherri Payton (Housing Programs Manager, Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority) accepted the proclamation. Upcoming events include a training for housing professionals on April 7 and a public forum on April 18, both at the Rupert Sargent Veteran Conference Meeting Room.

Public Hearings

Resolution 26-0107: Authorized the acquisition, by negotiation or condemnation, of portions of land in fee simple from four properties (101 Clover Street, 715 E. Little Back River Road, 12 Classic Cove, and 1 Little Oak Lane) for a public street/road and associated right-of-way necessary for bike and pedestrian access (sidewalks/paths) as part of the Little Back River Road project, Phase A. City Manager Mary Bunting stated that the needed parcels are partial takes (0.069 acres, 0.061 acres, and 0.029 acres respectively) and that despite efforts to negotiate, condemnation proceedings are required to maintain the VDOT project schedule. No public speakers commented. The motion to approve carried 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

Joan Weaver: Expressed frustration with lack of accountability and transparency in city governance, specifically citing codes, property maintenance, and the treasurer’s department. She asked who protects citizens’ interests (noting that the city attorney protects the city) and requested the name of the Hampton City ombudsman, stating that citizens need a place to address poor customer service. She also advocated for a Leadership Academy to be used in municipal services.
Tom Shepperd (York County Board of Supervisors member): Thanked the council for supporting The First Tee of the Virginia Peninsula. He noted the program serves 500 students in after-school and summer programs and touches 37,000 students through academic programs in 71 schools, including all 15 Hampton schools. He highlighted that coaches are certified and that the program teaches life skills such as respect.
Aaron Weaver: Opposed the proposed camping/homelessness ordinance, arguing it is not about solving homelessness but about criminalizing sleep. He stated that the behaviors cited (public intoxication, urination, etc.) are already illegal and that the ordinance creates a new, easier-to-observe misdemeanor. He noted that limited shelter options, religious restrictions, trauma, and mental illness create barriers to entry and that turning down services does not create a legal place to sleep. He urged the council to focus on housing, outreach, treatment, and real solutions rather than criminal penalties.
Teresa Roundy: Reported that Barnes Cemetery has been designated as an archaeological site by the Department of Historic Resources (1.24 acres), preventing development until a survey is completed. She asked about protection for an adjacent 0.97 acres where a driveway, house, and sewer lines exist. She also raised concerns about the Stores family cemetery near Syms Middle School (documented as containing John Stores, died 1846, and his wife in 1886, known to the city since 1983), a potential slave cemetery at hole 18 of the golf course, the Good Samaritan and Israelites Cemetery near tennis courts and parking lots, and graves on Armistead Avenue dating to the 1700s.
Craig Knopp: Expressed concerns about the 2026 legislative session, including administrative costs for collective bargaining, a new law that could allow small businesses to be sued (potentially reducing tax revenue), and redistricting efforts that he felt create division. He urged conservation of small businesses and opposed additional taxation.
David Mongiello (U.S. Marine Corps veteran): Stated that during an interaction with a city employee in his own home, he was told “the Constitution does not apply here.” He asked what the city is doing to ensure all employees understand that the Constitution always applies and called for training and oversight improvements. He said the courts will handle his specific case.

City Manager Mary Bunting’s responses:

To Ms. Weaver: She will explore adding leadership academy ideas to existing programs. Clarified that the city no longer has an ombudsman; the position was eliminated after Hardy Cash retired. Residents with concerns can use 311 or contact the City Manager’s Office.
To Mr. Shepperd: Acknowledged First Tee as a good program; the city supports it by providing free tee times at The Hamptons.
To Mr. Weaver: Appreciated his commitment; noted that immediate resources are available, including hotel vouchers, veterans’ vouchers, family shelters, and the Peninsula Rescue Mission. Council and public polling have shown supportive housing as a priority, and funding for it will be included in her upcoming budget recommendation (to be released April 15).
To Ms. Roundy: Will research her questions; she is not aware of any pending proposal affecting the Stores family cemetery but will notify the Community Development Department to be cautious.
To Mr. Knopp: Apologized for not being able to address the numerous bills he raised.
To Mr. Mongiello: Stated that the council, herself, and department leaders take the Constitution very seriously. An investigation is already underway regarding the incident. She noted that discussing the specific CPS case in public is inappropriate but emphasized that all employees are expected to uphold the Constitution and that action will be taken if they do not.

General Items

Item 26-0108: Invitation for Bids for a non-exclusive franchise to construct, maintain, and operate a natural gas system within public streets and rights-of-way. City Manager Bunting explained that Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) requested the franchise; because the franchise would exceed five years, a public bid process was required. One sealed bid was received from VNG, offering $1 and proposing a five-year term with two automatic five-year renewals, a $150,000 performance bond, and service at current tariff rates. The bid was opened and read. No other bids were received, and Mayor Gray declared bidding closed. Staff will review the bid and make a recommendation at a public hearing on April 8, 2026.

Reports & Presentations

Mayor’s Comments:
- Defended the recent economic development trip to the United Kingdom, stating it was not a paid vacation but a working mission involving meetings with defense leaders, global companies, and international partners. He noted visits to Hampton’s sister city, Southampton, England, and highlighted the trip’s alignment with regional efforts to grow jobs and attract investment, especially in shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing.
- Announced that council and staff will tour two data center facilities next month to strengthen understanding of digital infrastructure. A work session on data centers in open session will follow. The tours will be publicly noticed as closed session meetings due to proprietary information.
Councilmember Reports:
- Councilmembers Campbell and Ferebee presented on Women’s History Month, highlighting statistics: women own approximately 13.3 million businesses (45% of all U.S. entrepreneurs), provide over 10 million jobs, contribute more than $2.5 trillion annually to the economy, and have seen 26% growth since 2012. They recognized numerous women-owned businesses in Hampton and spotlighted female leaders: Charvela West (United Way of the Virginia Peninsula), Dr. Daphne Cunningham (Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board), Sister David Ann Niski (Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation), Kasha Griskowski (Accessability Resources), Alexa Swan (TowneBank, Peninsula and Williamsburg), and Dr. Tawana Porter Brandon (Virginia Peninsula Community College).

Key Outcomes

Consent agenda approved unanimously (5-0).
Public hearing resolution on land acquisitions approved unanimously (5-0).
The natural gas franchise bid from Virginia Natural Gas was received and opened; final decision deferred to a public hearing on April 8, 2026.
City Manager will research cemetery concerns raised by Teresa Roundy and explore the leadership academy idea from Joan Weaver.
An investigation is ongoing regarding the complaint that a city employee said the Constitution does not apply.
Supportive housing funding will be included in the City Manager’s budget recommendation.
Meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and uh welcome to the Hampton City Council legislative session. Um our clerk uh Captain Glass is not with us this evening, and so uh uh deputy uh clerk uh Joy Moutz uh will be uh sitting in for her this evening. So I'm gonna ask the deputy clerk to uh call the roll. Councilman Bowman, present Vice Mayor Brown here, Councilwoman Campbell, present. Councilwoman Faraby, present. Councilwoman Harper, Councilwoman Muggler, Mayor Greg. Present and Councilwoman Harper, Councilwoman Harper and Muggler will not be with us this evening. So we look forward to having them back at the next meeting. Umvocation this evening will be given by Councilman Randy Bowman, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. So I ask you to please stand uh and join us for both. Heavenly Father, we come to you standing in need of prayer. We ask that you protect our first responders, continue to unify the strong council of seven. Let us be on the same accord as we make decisions to better our community. Bless and preserve this nation under the shadow of your almighty wing. Remind us always to live by your mercy and not by your merit. For you cause the rain and the sunshine to fall upon good and the wicked alike. Grant safety to all who dwell in our land, both the city, citizens, and the guests, that all who live here may go about their daily business without fear or terror. Bless our land and peace and unity, bountiful harvest, and productive labor. Defend us from every danger and guard and protect us from all evil. Through Jesus Christ and Lord, our we pray. Amen. Pass the collection plates. I have a couple of items I want to address on the mayor's comments this evening. Um the first of those, uh, just want to take a moment to address concern that we've been hearing uh a lot of chatter going around about the city manager and I being a part of uh delegation that went to the United Kingdom uh last week uh on an economic development trip. And while uh in some ways this uh has been characterized in the news that uh you know we were on a paid vacation at the taxpayers' expense. Um this uh trip was anything but a paid vacation. As a matter of fact, we were busy from the time we got there every evening, meeting schedule, and uh so we we didn't have a lot of time for uh you know vacationing while we were there. But um, you know, that characterization of the trip was is you know not really accurate, and uh Canada's you know you know really kind of creates a disservice to the serious work that's being done in our region and on behalf of our region and as well as the residents in the city of Hampton. Uh the delegation uh that we were involved with uh was a strategic economic development mission, uh, one that uh directly aligns with our region's efforts to grow jobs, attract investment, and strengthen our role in the national and global defense economy. Hampton Roads is home to uh some of the largest concentrations of uh defense assets in the country and decisions being made today, particularly around advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, logistics, and emerging defense technologies will take uh shape, and uh economic future happens to depend on these and into the next few decades. So the city manager and I participated in this delegation for a clear purpose to ensure that Hampton is not left behind as these investments begin to accelerate. So during that trip, uh we engaged directly with defense leaders, global companies, international partners. And so we uh we missed a portion of uh some of the tours and the uh visits uh with some of the factories that are doing uh advanced manufacturing there, but uh nevertheless uh we we benefit from the discussion afterwards, and then we did make all of the rest of those. But during that trip, we uh engaged directly, as I mentioned, with defense uh and global companies, international partners. We visited world-class innovation centers, strengthen relationships with allied nations and identified real opportunities for workforce development, supply chain growth, and new business investment that benefit that will benefit citizens of Hampton. This was not downtime, it was a series of working sessions, site visits, and strategic conversations from morning to evening. And the goal was simple bring back opportunities that translate into jobs, business growth, and long-term economic resilience for our city. I also had the opportunity while I was there, uh the city manager and I to visit Hampton's most meaningful international sister city relationship in Southampton, England. Southampton is Hampton's oldest sister city and one of Great Britain's most historic port cities. Located on the south coast of England, it has been a gateway for global trade and travel with a population just under 250,000. Its history is deeply connected to major moments in world history. The Titanic departed from Southampton in 1912 and the Mayflower began its voyage in 1620, carrying settlers to the new world, not far from where our own city stands. So our connection to Southampton is not just symbolic, it's part of the civic identity. And during the administration of Mayor Ann Kilgore, the City of Hampton, with the support of Southampton, work with the College of Heralds in London to create the official seal of the City of Hampton. And that partnership is still reflected in our city's identity today today. So if we are serious about creating opportunities for our citizens, especially in high growth high-wage industries, we must be willing to show up, build relationships, and compete on the global stage. And that includes strengthening historic partnerships like the ones we share with Southampton and other communities in the UK, while also forging new ones that will bring opportunity back to Hampton. And this is exactly what this delegation was all about. And so we look forward to sharing uh uh additional connections. And I want to say when we think about this, and again, you know, what we think about of our academies in Hampton, we we are teaching kids about the advanced manufacturing, digital ship design.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com