Harrisonburg City Council Meeting - October 8, 2024

The City Council met on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation for Employee Appreciation Week, approval of a $600,000 supplemental appropriation for school transportation, three public hearings on rezoning requests, adoption of resolutions on election precinct scanners, procurement policy, support for the Harrison House project, and approval of HRHA revenue bonds, an update on employee benefits and parental leave, and cancellation of the November 12 meeting. All votes were recorded.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from September 24, 2024 approved unanimously (6-0).
• Supplemental appropriation of $600,000 for the School Transportation Fund approved on second reading (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

Item 6.a – 439/445 Myrtle Street Rezoning (R-2 to R-8C):

• Gil Coleman (Coleman Engineering, applicant representative) spoke in favor, calling it a great opportunity to add needed housing.
• Kathy Whitten (560 S. Mason Street) opposed the project, citing concerns about lot size, rental increases, loss of green space, and that the owner (Ritchie Vaughan) lives in California. She also criticized being cut off during the Planning Commission hearing.
• Panayotis “Poti” Giannakouros opposed, arguing the project increases density and reduces green space without ensuring affordability.
• Ritchie Vaughan (applicant) stated she aims to provide affordable housing and address neighborhood needs. She clarified that her tenant did not move due to rent increase but for more space, and that she is trying to keep the maple tree.

Item 6.b – 715 North Dogwood Drive Rezoning (R-1 to R-5C):

• Gil Coleman and Gary Myers (New Venture Partners) supported the request, citing a need for rental housing and the high cost of developing difficult terrain.
• Panayotis Giannakouros expressed caution about green space and trees but was in favor, stating there isn’t a housing shortage but a wage discrepancy that falls under economic development.

Item 6.c – EMU Master Plan Amendment:

• Gil Coleman and Phillip Martin (EMU) stated EMU plans to maintain as much green space as possible.
• Panayotis Giannakouros spoke about structural reasons why people don’t show up at public hearings, referencing his role as secretary of the Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition.

Other Public Comments (Item 9.a):

• Panayotis Giannakouros presented a box plot comparing asking and selling prices in a neighborhood with restrictive covenants vs. one without, arguing that inclusive neighborhoods sell at a premium. He also addressed political signs.

Discussion Items

• 6.a (Myrtle Street Rezoning): Council discussed the developer’s intentions, management company concerns, gentrification, and alignment with community connectors grant work. Council Member Jones supported the applicant as a local advocate for the neighborhood; Council Member Robinson expressed concern about not hearing from current residents. Motion carried 5-1 (Robinson opposed).
• 6.b (North Dogwood Rezoning): Council discussed pedestrian connectivity, terrain challenges, and the need for economic development alongside housing. Council Member Fleming noted the project allows connection from Chicago St. to Waterman St. Motion carried 6-0.
• 6.c (EMU Master Plan Amendment): Mayor Reed recused herself as an EMU employee. Vice Mayor Dent chaired. Discussion focused on open space regulation (not bound), building height increase for solar panels (additional 10 feet), and fire safety concerns. Motion carried 5-0-1 (Reed abstained).
• 7.a – Election Precinct Scanners: City Attorney Chris Brown and Registrar Mark Finks explained that two precincts slightly exceed 4,000 registered voters but absentee voting reduces it below threshold. A second scanner is not needed. Resolution adopted 6-0.
• 7.b – Procurement Policy Manual Update: Nicole Robertson presented streamlined manual with increased thresholds for sealed solicitations and new appendices. Vice Mayor Dent asked about technical vs. cost proposals; Robertson confirmed professional services use that method. Adopted 6-0.
• 7.c – Harrison House Project Resolution of Support: Tom Hartman requested support to compete for VA250 Preservation Fund Grant. Adopted 6-0.
• 7.d – Employee Benefits Study Update: Angela Clem reported 70 listening sessions with 85% participation. A prioritization matrix was developed, and a new Parental Leave Policy provides 8 weeks paid leave for birthing, non-birthing, and adoptive parents (effective Jan 1, 2025). Council discussed child care feasibility. Presentation received and filed.
• 7.e – HRHA Revenue Bonds: Chris Brown presented resolution for up to $24 million in bonds for 82 multifamily units in Charlottesville. No financial obligation to city; HRHA collects 0.5% fee plus $7,500 issuance fee. Adopted 6-0.
• 7.f – Cancel November 12, 2024 Meeting: All council members will attend NLC Conference in Tampa, FL (Nov 11–15). Motion carried; Vice Mayor Dent appointed voting delegate, Council Member Jones alternate for NLC Business Meeting.

Key Outcomes

• 6.a – Myrtle Street Rezoning: Approved (5-1).
• 6.b – North Dogwood Rezoning: Approved (6-0).
• 6.c – EMU Master Plan Amendment: Approved (5-0-1, Reed abstained).
• 7.a – Election Precinct Scanners Resolution: Adopted (6-0).
• 7.b – Procurement Policy Manual Resolution: Adopted (6-0).
• 7.c – Harrison House Resolution of Support: Adopted (6-0).
• 7.e – HRHA Revenue Bonds Resolution: Adopted (6-0).
• 7.f – November 12 Meeting Canceled: Unanimous voice vote. NLC delegates appointed.
• Parental Leave Policy: Approved for implementation starting January 1, 2025.
• Supplemental Appropriation: $600,000 approved for School Transportation Fund.

The meeting adjourned at 10:05 PM.