Portsmouth City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting - May 27, 2025

The Portsmouth City Council held a work session and regular meeting on May 27, 2025. The work session featured presentations from Friends of Foster Care and the Museum of Black Women Innovators. The regular meeting included public hearings, approval of ordinances, resolutions, and appointments. All votes were 7-0 except where noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Honorary Street Naming (DAP Senior Way): DeVish Jeanette Peace Branch spoke in support of naming a portion of Randolph Street after her father, Rev. D.A. Peace, citing his decades of community service. No opposition was voiced. One additional speaker, a community member, expressed support.
• Seaplane Base (Ordinance and Use Permit): Sam Riggs, applicant, presented the proposal and answered questions. Public commenter Tony Goodwin praised the zoning ordinance as a living document that accommodates new ideas. No opposition.
• Flood Resilience Study: Tony Goodwin spoke in support of the study, emphasizing the importance of public transportation and military access.
• Non-Agenda Speaker: Sheila Joseph raised concerns about traffic blocking at intersections, trash enforcement, and tree trimming near power lines.

Discussion Items

• Friends of Foster Care Presentation: Dr. Audra Bullock presented statistics on foster care in Portsmouth, noting 48 youth currently in care, an average age of 11.5, and 71% of exits being to emancipation. She described the organization's tutoring, enrichment, and support services, and shared outcomes (95% promotion, 88% pass rate, 100% senior graduation). Council members asked about partnerships with Portsmouth Public Schools, Portsmouth at Work, and other agencies. Dr. Bullock stated the organization does not receive city funding and relies on private donations. Council expressed support and offered to connect her with additional local resources.
• Museum of Black Women Innovators (MOBWI) Presentation: Dr. Reddix presented plans for Phase 2 of the Mustard Seed Place, including an interactive museum with a $6.2 million budget over four years. She requested a $600,000 partnership from the city (10% of the total). Council members expressed strong support, highlighting alignment with the city's vision and the museum's potential to attract tourism. Councilwoman Thomas suggested engaging local historians. Councilwoman Bryant noted alignment with state curriculum standards.
• Seaplane Base Operations: Sam Riggs explained the seaplane base would operate under Part 135 FAA certification, with noise levels comparable to a lawnmower for 5-10 seconds. He addressed safety measures, coordination with the Navy and Coast Guard, and plans to stand down during major events. Council discussed conditions, including a requirement to comply with Navy requirements. Councilman Hugo emphasized proactive communication with the Navy.
• Building Code Enforcement: Councilman Dodson raised concerns about property owners extending building permits without inspections. City Manager Carter noted the building official can grant extensions, and promised to review enforcement.
• Flood Resilience Study: Council discussed the study's recommendations for raising roads and improving drainage. City Manager Carter noted the study positions the city for federal funding. Councilman Hugo highlighted the availability of Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot (DCIP) grants.

Key Outcomes

• Honorary Street Name Designation (Resolution 25-137): Approved 7-0 to designate a portion of Randolph Street as DAP Senior Way.
• Entertainment Use Permit (Bar 9): Deferred to the last meeting of July 2025 (vote 4-3) to allow time for council to review the zoning ordinance and conduct site visits.
• Ordinance to Add Seaplane Base as Permitted Use (Z 24-02): Approved 7-0.
• Use Permit for Seaplane Base at 10 Crawford Parkway (UP 24-03): Approved 7-0.
• Ordinances Accepting Funds:
  • Opioid settlement ($28,960.59) – Approved 7-0.
  • HUD additional funding ($20,539.27) – Approved 7-0.
  • DSS family partnership meeting incentive ($2,400) – Approved 7-0.
  • 911 Services Board funding ($4,000) – Approved 7-0.
  • Donation from DeLong Company ($5,700) – Approved 7-0.
• Resolutions:
  • Temporary construction easement for Spillway Bridge project – Approved 7-0.
  • Power easement for Dominion Energy – Approved 7-0.
  • Endorsement of Critical Infrastructure Flood Resilience Study – Approved 7-0.
• Boards and Commissions Appointments: Approved 7-0 for six appointees to various boards.
• Closed Session: Held for consultation with legal counsel regarding state and local fiscal recovery funds and appointments to boards and commissions.