Hampton City Council Legislative Session - October 15, 2026

The Hampton City Council held its legislative session on October 15, 2026, beginning at approximately 8:30 PM. The meeting featured proclamations, a presentation on the Fort Monroe Landscape Design Plan, a public hearing on a dumpster enclosure use agreement, and adoption of an ordinance updating police-requested towing rates. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda, which included vacating a portion of an unimproved right-of-way designated as Barrick Street, amending the FY 2027 budget to appropriate approximately $2.3 million in state carryover funds to the general fund school operating fund, $7,000 from the Bluebird Gap Farm Vending Fee Revenue to the Parks Recreation and Leisure Services operating budget, $7,000 from the Capital Projects Fund restricted fund balance for the Transportation Initiative project, approval of a refund of certain erroneously assessed business taxes, an update to the city manager chain of command succession, and approval of minutes from three prior meetings (legislative session of September 9th and special and ceremonial meetings of September 23rd).

Proclamations & Recognitions

• Hampton University Recognition: Mayor Gray recognized members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Hampton University. Hampton University President Darrell Williams had earlier presented the university's economic impact report, noting rising enrollment and the value of events such as football, homecoming, and the Hampton Jazz and Music Festival.
• House Resolution for City Manager Mary B. Bunting: Delegate Virgil Thornton presented House Resolution No. 2124 from the Virginia General Assembly, commemorating City Manager Mary B. Bunting for her service since 1990, including her role as the first female city manager of Hampton (appointed 2009) and recognition as a White House Champion of Change by President Barack Obama in 2012.
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 2026): Mayor Gray proclaimed October 2026 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Krista Scott of the Pretty in Pink event was recognized for her advocacy work.
• Fire Prevention Week (October 4–10, 2026): The council proclaimed Fire Prevention Week with the theme "Charge It into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower," emphasizing safe use of lithium-ion batteries. The Deputy Fire Marshal accepted the proclamation. Mayor Gray noted that technology now requires focusing on safe charging of devices to prevent fires.
• National 4-H Week (October 4–10, 2026): The council proclaimed National 4-H Week with the theme "Beyond Ready." Karen Baker and students accepted the proclamation.

Discussion Items

• Fort Monroe Landscape Design Plan (Item 26-0320): Scott Martin, CEO of the Fort Monroe Authority, presented the 60% complete conceptual design by Hargreaves Jones, the firm behind the Sydney and London Olympic Park sites. Key features include: a leveed core protected to 9.5 feet of flood elevation to address climate change and sea-level rise, removal of pavement with net parking capacity increase, a pedestrian-privileged design, an ADA-accessible 1.3-mile trail atop the ramparts, activation of the parade ground as a public commons, a recreation and sports district with a sailing facility and sports training center, a promenade along the seawall, Mill Creek wetland restoration with a filled island to extend bird and marine habitat by 25 years, a hospitality district near the marina, potential for smaller cruise ships (150-passenger range) to land, a lodge-scale hotel, housing infill including duplexes respecting the historic grain, and a 7.57-mile loop trail connecting to the 757 trail. The plan accounts for all of Fort Monroe including National Park Service land. The Fort Monroe Authority board will consider the plan in November, with submission to Governor Spanberger anticipated in December.
• Police-Requested Towing Rates (Item 26-0323): The council considered and adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 21 of the city code to update rates for police-requested towing. The new ordinance ties local rates to the state-provided rate for private tows with automatic updates, includes a $30 after-hours charge, and establishes several other specialized charges based on regional benchmarks. The Towing Advisory Committee expressed support.

Public Hearing

• Dumpster Enclosure Use Agreement (Item 26-0303): The council held a public hearing on a resolution authorizing a dumpster enclosure use agreement with Partnership for a New Phoebus Inc. for a brick enclosure at 8 South Hope Street. The enclosure, originally constructed by the city in 2016, provides a shared locked location for solid waste disposal for restaurants and retail businesses in the Phoebus district. No speakers signed up, the hearing was closed, and the resolution was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christine Dupuis spoke on behalf of local towing owner-operators, emphasizing the dangers drivers face responding to accident scenes and arguing for fair compensation that reflects the responsibility and risk of the work.
• Ayesha Garcia raised concerns about the timeline for the Wyatt Fire Station reuse project, stating that a presentation had been removed from the agenda despite prior commitments to issue an RFQ by August 31, 2026. She also noted that Colonial Landing apartments, which the city had said had no plans, was being demolished.
• Stephanie Rola (owner of Simple Treats) opposed allowing cottage bakeries to operate retail bake stands from their residences, arguing it violates existing state regulations (which limit cottage bakers to direct-to-consumer sales) and city home occupation rules. She questioned how tax collection (13.5% combined state and city) would be enforced and warned that allowing bake stands could lead to a proliferation of home-based retail, creating an uneven playing field for brick-and-mortar businesses.
• Brenda Marks asked the council to implement biennial real property assessments as permitted by state law (Code of Virginia 58.1-3250), rather than annual assessments, to offset rising property tax burdens.
• Joan Weaver called for greater recognition of Hampton University (her alma mater, class of 1978) within the city; criticized council for what she characterized as inaction and lack of accountability; urged council not to place data centers or an ice center on the Virginia State School for the Deaf and Blind parcel; and demanded that council keep promises regarding housing.

City Manager Responses

• Property assessments: City Manager Bunting clarified that Hampton's charter (Section 6.06) requires annual assessments as a state-enacted law, and the council would need to petition the General Assembly to change the charter.
• Wyatt Fire Station: The timeline was extended to accommodate the community engagement process requested by council. Staff will present survey results and engagement findings to council before proceeding with an RFP.
• Colonial Landing: The city does not own the property. The condemned building was demolished through a public nuisance process, and future use is at the property owner's discretion.
• Cottage bakeries: Staff plans to conduct stakeholder engagement with both brick-and-mortar businesses and cottage bakery proponents, likely in January 2026 (sic), after currently scheduled engagements for the fire station and short-term rental regulations.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Dumpster Enclosure Use Agreement (26-0303): Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Police-Requested Towing Ordinance (26-0323): Approved unanimously (7-0). Rates will now automatically update with state private-tow rates and include a $30 after-hours fee.
• Fort Monroe Plan: The Fort Monroe Authority board will consider the 60% design in November; submission to Governor Spanberger expected in December 2026.
• Phoebus Branch Library: Reopening scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2026, following carpet replacement, HVAC repairs, brickwork repairs, and interior reconfiguration creating a new children's area, improved adult seating, and a quiet reading area.