Portsmouth City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting - June 24, 2025

The meeting began with a public work session featuring presentations on hurricane season preparedness and proposed zoning amendments for entertainment venues, followed by a regular meeting that included consent agenda items, employee retirements, a Government 101 graduation ceremony, and public comments. All consent items were adopted unanimously (6-0).

Consent Calendar

• Item 25-178: Ordinance accepting donation of a 2008 North Wind Boat and trailer from the City of Norfolk for Fire Rescue and Emergency Services. Adopted 6-0.
• Item 25-179: Ordinance to transfer $250,000 from Social Services Fund to Children's Services Act Fund for local match. Adopted 6-0.
• Item 25-180: Ordinance accepting a Marketing Leverage Tourism Grant ($22,500) and a Destination Marketing Organization Tourism Grant ($20,000) from Virginia Tourism Corporation. Adopted 6-0.
• Item 25-181: Ordinance to reappropriate unexpended federal grant funds ($45,441,964) and appropriate new federal grant funds ($2,789,480) for Portsmouth Public Schools. Adopted 6-0.
• Item 25-183: Resolution granting a one-year extension of use permit UP2307 for four townhouses at 3002 and 3006 Deep Creek Boulevard. Adopted 6-0.

Presentations & Recognitions

• Employee Retirements: Captain Eric L. Kirk (Fire Department, 20 years) and Ms. Ramona Ransom (45 years) were recognized for their service.
• Government 101 Graduation: 25 participants completed the Spring 2025 program; Fall 2025 session to begin in early September with registration in mid-to-late August.
• Lieutenant Mark Luck (Police) was recognized for his service upon retirement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sergio Neal (1420 Elm Avenue) expressed support for city-community partnerships that keep youth engaged during summer, highlighted a youth band program, and requested continued promotion of such opportunities.
• Donna Biggs (Woodvine Farms) questioned the city's organizational structure and communication between government and citizens, specifically regarding police service areas, workforce development, and board/commission accountability. She urged council to improve engagement.
• Sheila Joseph (139 Grant Street) praised the new water billing system but raised concerns about previous late fees and the transition process, asking for assistance with the new system and appropriate credits.

Discussion Items

Hurricane Season Preparedness Presentation

Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Anna McCray presented the 2025 hurricane outlook: 60% probability of a busy season with 13–19 storms, 6–10 hurricanes, and 3–5 major hurricanes. She highlighted changes to the National Hurricane Center forecast cone (permanent expanded watches/warnings), improved rip current and inland flooding communication, and local planning efforts including the Ready Portsmouth program, senior official workshops, and shelter training. Partnerships with VDOT (completed tide gate testing, hurricane lane reversal exercise on June 1), Dominion Energy (prioritization of power restoration), VDEM (SLOSH model updates, no evacuation zone changes for 2025), and local agencies were outlined. Councilwoman Thomas suggested distributing refrigerator magnets with emergency contacts; Councilman Hugel requested council-specific emergency training; Councilwoman Bryant asked about a registry for vulnerable populations and outreach through churches. Mayor Glover noted a Mayor's Minute on hurricane season has been released.

Zoning Amendments for Entertainment Venues

Dr. Russell (with Jeff Miller and Trebon Boone) presented proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance for entertainment establishments, event centers, and civic/social/fraternal clubs. Key proposals include:

• Supplemental use permit conditions: Mandatory security plans, soundproofing requirements, parking management, and restrictions on third-party promoters.
• Operating hours: Midnight closing (Monday–Saturday) for entertainment establishments, with case-by-case extensions possible.
• Civic/fraternal clubs: Must not operate in same space as restaurant/entertainment venue; seven-day membership waiting period; no same-day membership.
• Enforcement: Zoning administrator can revoke zoning permits for non-compliance; two or more violent incidents (as determined by police) within 12 months triggers automatic city council review within 60 days; city council may revoke, amend, or impose new conditions.
• Revocation procedure: The proposed language does not require immediate closure during the 60-day review process; Deputy City Attorney Challenger noted that ABC regulations could also trigger temporary closure. Councilman Tillage raised concerns about safety of the zoning administrator if acting alone, but City Manager Carter stated an enforcement team will be used.
• Discussion highlights: Councilman Hugel questioned why restaurants with ABC licenses are not included and raised concerns about parking enforcement, security plan clarity, and responsibility of property owners vs. applicants. Councilwoman Thomas suggested revisiting distance separators between businesses and residential areas. Councilwoman Bryant inquired about capping the number of such businesses and clarifying the definition of “violent incident.” Councilman Tillage questioned the effectiveness of the seven-day membership rule and soundproofing standards. The work session was informational; the planning commission will hold a public hearing on July 1, 2025, and the final language is expected for city council consideration on August 26, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Work session concluded with direction to staff to incorporate council feedback into the zoning amendment language.
• Consent agenda items (25-178 through 25-183) were adopted unanimously (6-0).
• City Manager Stephen Carter reported: a new building permit system launched successfully; Crawford Street roundabout project is underway with a September ribbon cutting target; traffic calming in the Water View community is to begin next week; and thanked the Government 101 class participants.
• Councilman Hugel noted remaining manhole hazards on Cedar Lane near Greenfield Farms and will provide locations for follow-up.
• Councilwoman Bryant asked about the Portsmouth United summer activities list; City Manager Carter committed to circulating the schedule.
• Councilwoman Thomas requested a centralized process for community organizations to submit youth events for city promotion; the city will vet and advertise through existing channels.
• The regular meeting adjourned after public comments.