Portsmouth City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting - January 28, 2025

The meeting began with a work session featuring presentations on the state of the city's public utilities and facilities, followed by a regular council meeting that considered several ordinances, resolutions, charter amendments, and public comments. The work session focused on the immense infrastructure needs of the water and sewer systems and the condition of city buildings, while the regular meeting addressed legislative items and public concerns.

Consent Calendar (Regular Meeting Items 25-30 through 25-34)

• 25-30: Ordinance accepting $1,500 from the Virginia Department of Social Services for the Family Partnership Mini Incentive Program. Adopted 7-0.
• 25-31: Ordinance accepting $11,600 in program income from the Home Investment Partnership Program. Adopted 7-0.
• 25-32: Ordinance amending City Code to consolidate erosion and sediment control and stormwater management regulations. Adopted 7-0.
• 25-33: Resolution supporting a Vision Zero policy for the city. Adopted 7-0.
• 25-34: Resolution concurring with Henrico County's inducement for revenue bonds for Bon Secours Mercy Health, Inc. (no financial obligation for Portsmouth). Adopted 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robert Turner (retired fire captain, 4313 Templar Dr.): Expressed frustration over the city's failure to provide cost-of-living adjustments for retired employees, stating that he has not received a raise in over 11 years despite rising taxes and living costs. He urged the council to address the underfunded retirement system.
• G.W. Thompson (4065 Windabrow Dr., representing Virginia Organizing): Advocated for a designated emergency shelter for the homeless during inclement weather, noting that the previous plan (using Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless, PVH) is no longer operational. Requested a coordinated plan, warming/cooling stations, and publicized information. Councilwoman Thomas asked the city manager about responsible departments; Manager Carter acknowledged that no single department has ongoing responsibility, but promised a report.
• Aaron Cody (2908 Tanbark Ln.): Spoke in favor of ranked-choice voting for city council elections, noting that no current council member was elected with a majority. Asked the council to discuss and consider adopting ranked-choice voting.
• James Seagraves (4716 Thornwood St., retired civil engineer): Described difficulty reporting a water leak at the main library via the city's 311 system, encountering poor phone connections and being unable to reach the utility department directly. He requested improved customer service.
• Vic Nichols: Raised multiple issues: poor lighting at the building's handicapped entrance, lack of a stormwater committee, need for clearer budget graphs, and questioned the $35 fee for concealed handgun permit background checks, claiming it may violate state law. Also expressed opposition to ranked-choice voting.
• Merle Rutledge: Criticized the council for perceived suppression of free speech and lack of leadership, urging them to accept criticism and prioritize truth over ego.

Discussion Items

• Public Utilities Presentation (Mr. Wright, Engineering): Detailed the aging water and sewer infrastructure. Key points:
  • Water comes from Suffolk via a transmission system dating to the 1890s; over two-thirds of pipes are beyond useful life.
  • Five dams are rated 'poor' under new state regulations; rehabilitation estimated at over $100 million.
  • Water treatment plant filter upgrade completed in 2023 ($43 million).
  • Transmission main repairs since 2016 cost nearly $17 million; a comprehensive upgrade plan in 2015 dollars was $100 million.
  • Sewer system: 65 pump stations, many aging; 16 sewer basins exceed risk threshold, replacement cost $1.5 billion.
  • Lead and copper rule requires replacement of all lead service lines by 2037; estimated cost exceeds $50 million.
  • Total infrastructure needs estimated at $1.9 billion; current yearly spending $19 million, but needed $127 million per year.
  • Councilmembers Hugo, Moody, Thomas, Dodson questioned about maintenance plans, consent order deadlines, funding sources (potential $101 million CWIFP loan, BRIC grant), and prioritization. City Manager Carter noted that the city is addressing past neglect and that the utility is an enterprise fund.
• Facilities Presentation (Mr. Garcia, Property Management): The city maintains 123 buildings; 60% need $50,000-$100,000 each to become code compliant. Staffing is 33, short of the 37 funded positions, and 50 are needed. Planned assessments and a 10-year goal to bring all buildings up to code. Councilmembers asked about consolidating buildings and potential collaboration with schools.
• New Business – Items Submitted by Council:
  • Item A (Ordinance repealing open space tax assessment): After a speaker (Mr. Yotowski) opposed repeal, council debated. Motion to adopt (repeal) failed 4-3.
  • Item B (Charter amendment on non-interference in appointments): Speaker Aaron Cody and Mr. Yotowski opposed. Motion to deny the resolution passed 7-0.
  • Item C (Charter amendment on recall of elective officers): Speakers opposed. Motion to deny the resolution passed 5-2.
  • Item D (Charter amendment on MWBE disparity remedy): Speaker Yotowski supported. Debate: Councilman Hugo and Vice Mayor Moody opposed, citing undefined remedy and potential overreach; Councilman Tillard and Councilwoman Thomas supported for equity. Motion to adopt (approve resolution) was denied 4-3.
• Council Liaison Reports:
  • Councilman Hugel reported on military affairs committee meeting (toll relief for military), Port and Industrial Commission (new transload facility for port), and upcoming crime task force meeting.
  • Councilwoman Thomas reported on PRHA wait lists.
  • Mayor reported on a housing conference in Washington, D.C.

Key Outcomes

• Consent items (25-30 to 25-34) adopted unanimously (7-0).
• Item A (Open space repeal) – Motion to adopt (repeal) failed 4-3.
• Item B (Non-interference charter change) – Motion to deny passed 7-0 (resolution not adopted).
• Item C (Recall charter change) – Motion to deny passed 5-2 (resolution not adopted).
• Item D (MWBE disparity charter change) – Motion to adopt denied 4-3 (resolution not adopted).
• Council requested the city manager provide a report on the impact of the federal funding freeze on city projects and cash flow. City Attorney noted a court stay until February 3, 2025.
• Council directed the city manager to follow up on improved communication regarding homeless shelter plans and to address the water leak reporting issue raised by Mr. Seagraves.
• Council recognized retiring employees and awarded a fire captain of the year.