Portsmouth City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting - January 14, 2025

The Portsmouth City Council held a work session at approximately 9:45 AM followed by a regular public meeting in the evening. The work session featured presentations from Bon Secours Mercy Health on a bond issuance, a planning and zoning training overview, introduction of a new HR director, and liaison reports. The regular meeting included public hearings on four zoning and use permit applications, approval of several grants and donations, appointments to boards and commissions, and public comments on a variety of issues.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from meetings on December 10, 2024 (called and regular), January 2, 2025 (special call and reorganization) – vote 6-0.
• Items 25-14 through 25-19 were all adopted 6-0 (see below for details).
• Boards and commissions appointments (Item 25-20) were adopted 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing for Z-24-03 (3719 Dartmouth Street): Applicant Claudia Aristival spoke in favor of rezoning to build a two-story single-family home, citing lack of affordable housing for military families. Councilmember questions focused on the lack of proffers and the design change from three stories. Public speaker Donna Biggs questioned whether the civic league was consulted. Council denied the application 5-1.
• Public Hearing for Z-24-04 (1001 Elm Avenue): Applicant Mark Parker (Satisfied Home Builders LLC) spoke in favor of a 30-unit multifamily development, emphasizing his local roots and support from the Westbury Civic League. Planning staff recommended denial due to density concerns and lack of design guarantees. Public speakers included:
  • Donna Biggs (opposed): argued the development lacks green space and family amenities.
  • Pamela Wilkins (president of Westbury Civic League, in favor): highlighted the need for new housing and tax revenue, noting the property’s long vacancy.
  • Tony Goodwin (in favor): pointed out existing high-density developments nearby and noted the building could serve as a sound buffer for I-264.
  • Cassandra Cobb (concerned about affordability): asked if rents would be affordable for young professionals.
  • Jovina Parker (in favor): urged Portsmouth to catch up with Norfolk in providing housing for young professionals.
  • Raphael Winyarek (in favor, employee of applicant): detailed rent projections (one-bedroom $1,125–$1,250, two-bedroom $1,450–$1,500) and estimated $40,000 annual tax revenue.
  • Gary Bahina (suggested deferral to allow proffers on design). Council approved the rezoning 5-1 after discussion about density and proffers limiting units to 30.
• Public Hearing for UP-24-11 (3114 Tower Neck Road): Applicant Sherry Capuano spoke in favor of a use permit for an outdoor kennel (fenced potty area) for Port Rover pet services, stating neighbors were informed and supportive. No public speakers. Council approved 6-0.
• Public Hearing for UP-24-12 (4054 Victory Boulevard): Applicant absent. Planning commission recommended denial. No public speakers. Council denied 6-0.
• Non-Agenda Speakers:
  • Michael Clark: contested a school zone speeding citation, claiming lights were not flashing at the time of the violation. Urged council to investigate synchronization of cameras and flashing lights.
  • David Whitfield: alleged police misconduct including illegal eviction and false arrest. Provided video and claimed retaliation when filing complaints.
  • Donna Biggs: called for better neighborhood governance and a ward system, criticized lack of communication between departments.
  • Sergio Neal: requested that the city allow New Generation youth organization to store equipment at the Neighborhood Facility Recreation Center, citing underutilization and positive impact.
  • Mark Godal Dig Yetrovsky: criticized council for not referring earlier speakers to staff for assistance.
  • Merle Rutledge: attempted to speak about artificial intelligence and election integrity but was ruled out of order for not addressing matters under council authority.

Discussion Items

• Bon Secours Bond Presentation (Work Session): Aaron Sutton (bond counsel) and John Haynes (CFO Hampton Roads) presented a $30 million bond allocation for Maryview Hospital upgrades in Portsmouth. The bonds, issued through the Henrico EDA, will be repaid solely by Bon Secours and pose no financial liability to the city. Council is asked to pass a concurring resolution for federal tax compliance. Councilman Hugo inquired about timing and capital investments. Haynes listed retrospective and prospective projects including interventional radiology relocation, endoscopy suite relocation, medication dispensing upgrades, and kitchen renovation. Councilman Moody asked about workforce impact; Haynes noted efficiencies may reduce needs but new strategies could increase workforce.
• Planning and Zoning Training (Work Session): Dr. Rhonda Russell presented an overview of rezoning and use permit processes, explaining the roles of planning commission, staff recommendations, and proffers. Councilwoman Thomas asked about stakeholder input. The mayor praised the planning department’s customer service.
• Introduction of HR Director: City Manager Carter introduced Michael Claytor as new HR director. Claytor, formerly with the City of Richmond, spoke briefly.
• Liaison Reports (Work Session):
  • Councilman Hugo reported on the Crime and Gun Violence Reduction Task Force: working committees being formed, RFP for consultant reissued, community engagement encouraged via Portsmouth United meetings.
  • Planning Commission update: first honorary street naming application reviewed, questions raised about criteria.
  • Mayor announced attendance at U.S. Conference of Mayors.
• Council Member Items (Regular Meeting): Councilman Tillage paid tribute to the late Pastor Milton Blunt and recognized two deceased Portsmouth firefighters. Councilman Hugo announced the naming of USNS Portsmouth, a new expeditionary medical ship, honoring Navy Medical Center Portsmouth and the city.

Key Outcomes

• Z-24-03 (Dartmouth Street rezone): Denied 5-1.
• Z-24-04 (Elm Avenue rezone): Approved 5-1. Development limited to maximum 30 units per proffer.
• UP-24-11 (Tower Neck Road use permit): Approved 6-0.
• UP-24-12 (Victory Boulevard use permit): Denied 6-0.
• Item 25-14: Accepted $92,582 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for police and drug court – adopted 6-0.
• Item 25-15: Accepted $1,000 donation from Betty W. Guard for Fire Rescue – adopted 6-0.
• Item 25-16: Accepted additional auxiliary grant funding from Virginia DSS – amount stated as $257,500, then corrected to $297 (discrepancy in transcript; final adopted amount uncertain). Adopted 6-0.
• Item 25-17: Accepted $30,041 in foster care funding – adopted 6-0.
• Item 25-18: Accepted $4,401 for family preservation and support – adopted 6-0.
• Item 25-19: Certified support for $750,000 Virginia DRPT Industrial Access Railroad Track Fund Grant for Harper Avenue development – adopted 6-0.
• Boards and Commissions Appointments (Item 25-20): Approved 6-0. Reappointments: George Brockman Jr. (Historic Preservation), Linda Dyer, Amelia Horton, Patricia Knight (Museum and Fine Arts), LaToya Height (Law Library), Sondra Nicholson (Library), Neil Barber and Malcolm Mitchell (Economic Development Authority), Ron Green (Broadband Authority). New appointments: Timothy Armstrong (Zoning Appeals), John Quinn Stringer and Davy Smith (Criminal Justice Board), Fitzroy Smith and John Quinn Stringer and Dr. Comita Emirett Thomas (Community Policy and Management Team), Camille Cherry (Economic Development Authority), Veronica James, Monique Miller, Rakeem Reed (Library Board), Don Richardson (Museum and Fine Arts), Angela White (Newport Development Authority), Shawnee Twyman and Samuel Forster III (Parks and Recreation), Sheila Glover and Christian Johnson (Planning Commission), Trenton Walker, Sheila Glover, Jennifer Hughes (Broadband Authority), Frederick Whittington (Disability Services Board).
• Closed Session: Council voted to enter closed session to discuss city auditor position, city manager performance, and board appointments. They later certified compliance with the Virginia Code (no substantive action reported).