Harrisonburg City Council Regular Meeting – February 25, 2025

The Harrisonburg City Council met on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting began with roll call, invocation, and pledge of allegiance. Two proclamations were presented: one celebrating Shannon Porter’s 10th anniversary with Mercy House, and another recognizing March 2025 as Youth Art Month. Council Member Monica Robinson left at 7:09 PM and returned at 9:01 PM, affecting votes during her absence. The consent agenda, public hearing, and multiple regular items were addressed, followed by supplemental appropriations, a bond reallocation, boards and commissions appointments, and a closed session.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the January 28, 2025, City Council meeting.
• Approved amendments to City Code sections (4-2-124, 4-2-23, 4-2-25) regarding personal property and real estate tax relief on second reading. Vote: 4-0 (Council Member Robinson absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public hearing (Item 6.a) or during the general public comment period (Item 10.a). No callers were received.

Public Hearings

• 6.a: Consider a request from the City of Harrisonburg to amend the Zoning Ordinance, Article E. – Nonconforming Structures and Uses – Adam Fletcher, Director of Community Development, presented an amendment to allow certain single-family detached dwellings to remain as nonconforming residential uses in the B-2 and M-1 districts without requiring a special use permit, provided the structure’s square footage remains unchanged and occupancy is limited to single-family or two occupants. Staff and the Planning Commission (6-0) recommended approval. Council approved the ordinance amendment unanimously (4-0, Robinson absent).

Discussion Items

• 7.a & 7.b: Consider a request from B&A Group LLC to rezone 290, 294, and 298 Lucy Drive from R-3 to R-8C and grant a special use permit for attached townhomes (not more than 8 units) – The request had been previously tabled. Proffers include design standards, tree planting, and access restrictions. Staff and the Planning Commission (5-0) recommended approval without conditions. Council discussed a potential landscape buffer but decided not to impose conditions. The rezoning (second reading) and the special use permit were each approved unanimously (4-0, Robinson absent).
• 7.c: Update on Massanutten Regional Library – Director Zachary Elder reported significant FY 2024 statistical increases: 12% increase in visits, 18.4% increase in circulation (highest in MRL history), over 10,000 public computer uses, and $15.2 million in patron savings. The library completed a five-year strategic plan, expanded hours, added a young adult specialist, and saw a 500% increase in meeting/study room usage. The Big Read 2025 will feature the book Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, starting February 28. Council members praised the library’s outreach and discussed digital literacy initiatives. The presentation was received and filed.
• 7.d: Presentation on Youth Substance Use Prevention from Faces 4 Change Drug Free Communities Coalition and the Youth Popular Culture Institute, Inc. – Dr. P. Thandi Hicks Harper and Luke Morgan presented data from the JMU Youth Data Survey: 13.6% of Harrisonburg and Rockingham teens reported illicit drug use in 2023 (down from 16.9% in 2021); 39.3% of 12th graders reported easy access to marijuana. The coalition focuses on prevention of marijuana, lean, meth, fentanyl, and nonmedical prescription drug use. They highlighted the Harrisonburg Meth Prevention and Intervention Toolkit, which has been promoted statewide and at national conferences. They discussed collaborations with Harrisonburg City Public Schools, the Boys & Girls Club, and other partners. Council noted the importance of faith-based engagement. The presentation was received and filed.
• 7.e: Consider a request from Kappa Pi (the international Art Honors Society at JMU) to install a mural inside the Navigation Center – Penny Madden, representing Kappa Pi, presented a design inspired by the Shenandoah Mountains for the women’s sleeping quarters. The mural would be at no cost, painted by JMU students. Staff recommended approval. Council approved unanimously (4-0, Robinson absent).
• 7.f: Presentation on FY 2025 General Fund revenue and update on the local economy – Finance Director Larry Propst reviewed revenue trends: property taxes are $1.4 million ahead of budget; sales tax up 2.2% year-over-year; meals tax up 4.2%; lodging tax slightly behind projections. Interest earnings are declining due to lower rates and spending down ARPA funds. Real estate assessed values are projected to increase 5.9%, generating approximately $3.4 million in new revenue. Economic Development Director Brian Shull reported that Harrisonburg is the 5th fastest-growing city in Virginia (adding 900 people in the last year) and the 3rd fastest-growing metro area in the state. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, below state and national averages. Business license applications rebounded in 2024 (577). Building permit values rose sharply despite fewer permits, driven by projects like Farmer Focus (65 million, 1,350 employees), Kerry Foods, and Lauf Bicycles. The city’s Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (HEDI) has 29 businesses enrolled. Council discussed wage growth, the importance of private-sector expansion, and risks from potential federal funding cuts. The presentation was received and filed.
• 7.g: Consider approving an encroachment license agreement for 77 E Market St – City Attorney Chris Brown presented a request from WithSimplicity for a sign overhang above the sidewalk. The agreement includes insurance and revocability. Council approved unanimously (5-0, Robinson returned).

Key Outcomes

• Approved Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Item 6.a): Vote 4-0.
• Approved Rezoning and Special Use Permit for Lucy Drive (Items 7.a and 7.b): Both votes 4-0.
• Approved Mural Installation at Navigation Center (Item 7.e): Vote 4-0.
• Approved Encroachment License for 77 E Market St (Item 7.g): Vote 5-0.
• Approved Supplemental Appropriations:
  • 8.a: $375,000 for Harrisonburg City Public School Board grants (local, state, federal). Vote 5-0.
  • 8.b: $188,408.85 from four sources: $50,000 for Parks and Recreation (Swim for Sadie donation), $20,000 for Navigation Center (Sentara grant), $29,408.85 for Navigation Center furniture reimbursement, and $89,000 for Public Works generator (HEC cost share). Vote 5-0.
  • 8.c: $642,296.54 in interest earned on current bonds, appropriated to General and Water Capital Projects Funds. Vote 5-0.
• Approved Reallocation of Series 2021 Bond Proceeds (Item 9.a): $881,291.84 from the road project at the new high school to the continued construction of the waterline to Shenandoah River. Vote 5-0.
• Boards and Commissions Appointments:
  • Board of Equalization: Reappointed David Powell and appointed James T. Byrd to an unexpired term ending December 31, 2026, and Gerald Bland as alternate for a first term ending December 31, 2026. Voice vote unanimous.
  • Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT): Appointed Amy Snider as the city’s representative. Voice vote unanimous.
• Canceled March 11, 2025 City Council Meeting: Due to the majority of council attending the NLC Conference in Washington, DC. Motion carried unanimously.
• Closed Session: At 9:47 PM, council entered closed session under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A) subsection 8 (consultation with legal counsel). Subsection 3 (disposition of real property) was not discussed. The session ended at 10:22 PM, and council certified the closed session. The meeting then adjourned.