Portsmouth City Council Work Session & Regular Meeting - September 9, 2025

The Portsmouth City Council held a work session followed by a regular meeting on September 9, 2025. The work session featured presentations on short-term rental regulations and the city's financial outlook, with extensive council discussion. The regular meeting included public hearings on an honorary street naming, three use permits (parking facility, telecommunications tower, and multifamily development), approval of multiple budget ordinances, board appointments, and public comments on various community issues.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved from the August 25, 26, and regular August 26 meetings (7-0).
• Budget Ordinances (all adopted 7-0):
  • Opiate settlement appropriation of $194,168.12 for behavioral health services.
  • PFAS settlement appropriation of $150,714.13 from 3M for water supply testing/treatment.
  • DCJS grant of $564,882 for the Victim Witness Program.
  • VDEM grant of $30,000 for the South Side Regional Hazmat Response Team.
  • VDEM grant of $1,000 for radiological emergency preparedness.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Honorary Street Naming (Dr. Milton R. Blunt): Multiple speakers (church representatives, family, community members) testified in support, highlighting Dr. Blunt's 35-year pastorate, community service, youth programs, and humanitarian work. No opposition.
• Victory Boulevard Multifamily Use Permit: Two public speakers opposed the project, citing concerns over density (potential for up to 240 units vs. proposed 144), traffic, stormwater management, school impact, parking, easement conflicts, and deed restrictions. A third speaker asked to confirm rent levels ($1,475/1BR, $2,000/2BR, $2,800/3BR). One speaker urged the council to require school impact data before approval.
• Non-Agenda Speakers:
  • Lakeisha Alston: Requested a handicap parking space on her street; referred to city staff.
  • Gary Bahena: Reported theft of equipment for the Portsmouth Paddle Battle but thanked the community for rallying to save the event.
  • David House: Raised visibility issues at Lexington Heights apartments due to a fence impeding sight lines.
  • Brenda Porter Rockwell: Described rising homeless encampments and litter in the Randolph area; referred to staff for follow-up.
  • Sharon Anderson: Invited the public to a Commonwealth's Attorney candidate forum hosted by Ebony Heights Civic League.
  • Serena Mann: Requested city sponsorship for the inaugural Beats and Pedals event; expressed frustration with delayed response.
  • Dolise Whitehurst: Expressed deep disappointment over the city's failure to honor her late husband, former Vice Mayor Charles B. Whitehurst Sr., after nine years of efforts; Vice Mayor Moody pledged to investigate the street naming process.

Discussion Items

• Short-Term Rental Regulations (Work Session): Dr. Russell presented an overview of current lack of regulation (only state code allows owner-occupied rentals), regional practices, and problems (noise, parking, crime, lost tax revenue). Council members discussed the need for balance, enforcement challenges, potential housing supply impacts, registration/licensing, occupancy taxes, and citizen engagement. A six-month timeline was suggested, but some council members urged faster action. No formal vote was taken.
• Budget Outlook (Work Session): Trey and CFO Jeanette Fernandez presented FY2025 revenue/expenditure data and a forecast through FY2030. Key points: overall revenues tracking budget ($313M vs $316M), expenditures growing faster than revenues (11% vs 6% growth from 2021-2025). Factors that could worsen the outlook include declining federal contributions, labor market volatility, and economic contraction. Factors that could improve include revitalization, operational efficiencies, and revenue diversification. Council members discussed the need for economic modeling to identify revenue-generating priorities, clarified that school investments are costs today with long-term benefits, and asked for assumptions behind the forecast. No formal action was taken.
• Telecommunications Tower Use Permit: During the public hearing, Councilman Dotson raised concerns about the fall zone of the 195-foot tower potentially extending beyond the property. The applicant noted no structures within 200 feet, and staff confirmed that site plan review would address compliance. Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Honorary Street Naming (Dr. Milton R. Blunt Way): Approved 7-0.
• Parking Facility Use Permit (2000 Harper Ave): Approved 7-0.
• Telecommunications Tower Use Permit (0 West Norfolk Rd): Approved 7-0.
• Multifamily Use Permit (4054 Victory Blvd, 144 units): Approved 6-1 (one dissenting vote recorded).
• Board and Commission Appointments: Approved 7-0 (list of reappointments and new members included).
• Council Liaison Reports: Noted upcoming events: 9/11 remembrance (Sept 11), Greenville trip feedback session (Sept 16, 5:30 PM at Sportsplex), Government 101 classes start Sept 15, and various community successes (Mercy Chefs recognition, Reflection Walk, Symphony on the River, Portsmouth Paddle Battle).
• Traffic Calming and Homelessness Response: Councilwoman Thomas requested a broader policy on addressing homeless encampments and safe walking concerns. City Manager noted a traffic calming policy will be presented at a future work session.

Note: The work session and regular meeting both took place on September 9, 2025. The work session preceded the regular meeting and included no formal votes.