Portsmouth City Council Work Session & Regular Meeting (Nov 25, 2025)

On November 25, 2025, the Portsmouth City Council convened for a joint work session and regular meeting to address state legislative initiatives, budget amendments, public safety accreditation, and community concerns. Key topics included a strategic update on 2025 legislative proposals, the distribution of holiday assistance including $100 gift cards, and a special announcement regarding the Councilman's term status. The meeting concluded with the celebration of the Portsmouth Police Department achieving CALEA accreditation and the presentation of donations and policy updates.

Consent Calendar

• City Manager's Report Items (25-332 through 25-348): Adopted 6-0. This bundled vote included:<ul><li>Donations to Social Services ($100) and Judicial Personnel ($6,000).</li><li>Acceptance of $288,215.13 from the 3M Company PFAS settlement for water testing.</li><li>Acceptance of $334,117 in dam safety grant funds for Lake Kilby Dam evaluation.</li><li>Acceptance of $708,177 in Behavioral Health and Developmental Services funding for peer support, permanent supportive housing, and workforce development.</li><li>Transfer of $3.46 million to fund BHS facility repairs.</li><li>Authorization to reconvey school water pond properties.</li><li>Approval of the 2026 state legislative initiative package.</li><li>Reappropriation of approximately $30 million in unspent FY25 school funds to FY26 for food services, general fund, grant fund, risk management, and textbook budgets.</li></ul>

Public Comments & Testimony

• G. W. Thompson (Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless): Expressed support for the organization's current work but voiced strong opposition to the limited shelter capacity (20-25 persons). Mr. Thompson urged the Council to expand emergency shelter capacity immediately, accelerate the timeline for a permanent shelter, and improve communication regarding warming stations. He requested a specific timeline for the permanent shelter be placed on an upcoming agenda.
• Leon Hammonds: Expressed opposition to the current value of the city's holiday gift card distribution program. He stated that the cards, marketed as '$100,' appear to be worth significantly less (citing a figure of $25 or $37.50), describing the practice as an "insult" and "ridiculous." He argued the city should either make up the difference or cease the program if it lacks accuracy.

Discussion Items

• 2025 Legislative Initiative Package (Work Session):

  • Position Support: The Legislative Advisory Committee presented five state legislative initiatives, six budget amendments, and public policy statements, expressing full support for the package. Council members, including Delegate Cliff Hayes and Senator Jordan, expressed full support for the collaboration and identified specific priorities.
  • Project Description & Position Nuance (Special Use Permits): The Council supported legislation to grant Portsmouth the same authority as Norfolk and Hampton to impose conditions on special use permits (specifically regarding automatic expiration upon ownership change) for retail alcohol licenses. Councilman Tilly asked for clarification on the specific mechanics of the bill (15.2-220A).
  • Position Support (Law Enforcement Detention): The Council expressed full support for legislation allowing retired law enforcement officers to execute temporary detention and emergency custody orders, noting it is fully supported by the Virginia Municipal Police Utilities Association to reduce officer burden at hospitals.
  • Position Support (Gun Violence): The Council supported creating a Class 2 misdemeanor for leaving firearms in unlocked vehicles. Speaker Scott expressed concern that the specific bill may have been vetoed previously, while Delegate Hayes anticipated it would return.
  • Position Support (Photo Enforcement Parity): The Council supported amending photo enforcement authority to increase the review period for stoplight speed violations to 30 days, matching the parity currently provided for school bus infractions.
  • Project Description (Police Staffing): The Council supported legislation authorizing trained special conservators of the peace and technicians to review traffic violations to assist with staffing shortages.
  • Budget Amendment Requests: The Council reviewed requests for $16 million for Prentice Street transmission (Phases 1 & 2), $17 million for a housing resource center, $4.25 million for sewer rehabilitation, $4 million for courthouse security, and $1.2 million for lead service line replacement. Speaker Scott expressed confidence in retrieving the vetoed Prentice Street funding but raised concern regarding the security infrastructure project's urgency.
  • Public Policy Positions:
    • Supported: The 599 program (state mental health funding), JLARC K-12 recommendations (noting chronic underfunding of schools), and opposition to state mandates that usurp local land use authority or eliminate local revenue without replacement funds.
    • Opined: Councilman Moody opined on the complexity of the 599 funding history and the potential impact of federal Medicaid pass-downs on state budgets. He expressed strong concern regarding the lack of a Department of Health lead in Portsmouth and voiced support for prioritizing the hiring of a Secretary and staff.
  • Maternal Health: Councilman Moody expressed full support for a local task force and stated that the inability to deliver babies in Portsmouth is "not acceptable." Councilman Hugo agreed 100% and supported a partnership approach involving public-private entities and potential incentives for providers.
  • Business Compliance Sentiment: Delegate Hayes reported hearing community sentiment (from small business owners) that the city is "bullying" African American business owners and suggested hiring a "navigator" to assist. He stated he is "hoping" the Council will take these complaints seriously. Mayor Glover expressed support for a fair process, stating the Council has "no intent to single out" groups.

• Community Initiatives:

  • Gift Card Distribution: Manager Carter confirmed that gift cards are being distributed by the non-profit Plan U, with values ranging from approximately $37.50 to $432.50. He stated the program would likely wrap up by year-end.
  • Public Works Updates: Councilman Hugo expressed satisfaction with the completion of road improvements on Cedar Lane and Manhope Road.
  • Boards and Commissions: Councilman Hugo supported multiple reappointments and new appointments to various commissions, including the Historic Preservation Commission, Museum and Fine Arts Commission, and Crime and Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

Key Outcomes

• CALEA Accreditation: The Portsmouth Police Department was formally awarded Advanced Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), effective August 9, 2025, for a four-year period. Chief Jenkins and the command staff received the certificate.
• Government 101: The graduating class of 18 participants received recognition for completing the city's civic engagement program.
• Zoning & Planning Decisions (Regular Meeting):<ul><li>Item 25-331 (Chesapeake Bay Preservation): Adopted 6-0. The ordinance amending Chapter 9.1 to include climate change and sea level rise impact assessments was passed in compliance with state law.</li><li>Item 25-349 (Urban Life Substance Abuse): Denied 6-0. The request for a use permit to operate a 3.1 group home at 21 Royal Street was denied.</li></ul>
• Council Member Status: Vice Mayor Bill Moody announced his decision not to seek a third consecutive eighth term on the Portsmouth City Council, though he committed to serving the remainder of his term.
• Next Steps:
  • City Council to adopt a resolution supporting the state and federal legislative packages.
  • Follow-up conversations scheduled with the new Governor Elect and Secretary of Health regarding the maternal health crisis.
  • Councilman Moody to facilitate further dialogue regarding the "navigator" role for small businesses.
  • Delegates and Senators to continue advocacy for the budget appropriations and legislative initiatives presented.