Portsmouth City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting - July 14, 2026

The Portsmouth City Council held a combined work session and regular meeting on July 14, 2026, beginning at approximately 5:30 PM. The work session focused on a quarterly crime statistics update from Police Chief Jenkins and a follow-up discussion on short-term rental regulations. The regular meeting included a public hearing on a conditional use permit, approval of a consent agenda, reports from council members, and public comment from over a dozen speakers. Key outcomes included approval of the development project, consensus to pursue a charter amendment regarding the civil service commission, and directives to the city manager on public safety staffing and youth program support.

Consent Calendar

• Items A–F adopted 7–0: The consent agenda included acceptance of a disaster medical support unit donation from the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, a forensic discharge planning grant ($107,835.38), a PHAC Continuum of Care planning grant ($95,199), an ordinance shifting city payroll from advance to arrears and appropriating $4,596,200 from the general fund, an opioid settlement acceptance ($15,194.34), and a PFAS settlement with BASF Corporation ($35,217). All items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit (UP-26-23): The hearing opened for a 30.49‑acre development at 109 Missy Elliott Boulevard. Applicant Melissa Venable described plans for 394 for‑sale units (townhomes, stacked townhouses, and condominiums) priced from the low‑$200,000s to $300,000s. Two citizens spoke: Jo Ann Clark asked about traffic, schools, and phasing but could not find detailed information due to a city linking error; Kenneth Bullock expressed support for the council’s work. The hearing closed and the permit was adopted 7‑0.
• Non‑Agenda Speakers (evening):
  • Sergi O’Neal (New Generation Marching Warriors) requested reinstatement of the organization’s use agreement with Parks & Recreation, stating a letter from the city claimed non‑compliance. He argued the program serves 125+ youth and helps combat youth crime.
  • Monica Atkins (Stop the Violence 757) introduced three youth who shared personal affirmations and invited council to their play “The Untold Legacy” on August 7. Council members expressed strong support.
  • Alexandra Westfall (West Haven Civic League) thanked the city for the work session on zoning and urged continued dialogue on neighborhood character.
  • Joanne Clark endorsed New Generation and suggested Parks & Rec may need additional staff to support youth programs.
  • Andrew Shannon (civil rights activist) praised New Generation as ambassadors for Portsmouth and asked council to embrace the program.
  • Christopher Hines (New Generation leader) voiced frustration about canceled practices, stating a meeting with the mayor and city manager did not resolve transportation and facility access issues. He alleged the city manager “canceled their practice.” Mayor Glover corrected some statements and noted the city offered help.
  • Tyvion Stith Cherry (New Generation youth) asked for a safe practice space, emphasizing the program keeps youth away from violence.
  • Jamari Edney Addison (New Generation youth) echoed the request, describing the program’s positive impact.
  • Jeremiah Fawkes (New Generation youth) argued that city leadership has not reflected youth needs and asked council to stand with the program.
  • Tiffany Stewart (President, IAFF Local 539, representing firefighters/paramedics/dispatchers) criticized the new step plan, citing confusion and frustration. She noted the city voted to move millions for payroll but continues understaffing (e.g., only three firefighters per engine). She called on council to put a collective bargaining ordinance on the agenda by September 8.
  • Steve Carroll raised water billing irregularities, showing multiple months with identical bills, and questioned a letter about lead in the water system. City Manager Carter explained billing is by tier and that the lead letter was a regulatory requirement due to late testing, not an actual lead problem.
  • Mark Gadilda‑Gutrowski requested a waiver of parking fees for civic meetings, suggested starting work sessions at 6 PM to avoid fees, and raised concerns about 95‑gallon solid waste bins and broken glass.
  • Sheila Joseph (Maplewood Civic League president) questioned the lead letter and water billing confusion (receiving multiple bills within a month). She also noted a new neighborhood sign installed after tree removal.
  • Latoya Fleming asked for a collaborative resolution to reinstate New Generation’s practice agreement, proposing a temporary conditional agreement and a corrective action plan. She presented a petition with over 100 signatures.

Discussion Items

• Quarterly Crime Statistics (Work Session): Chief Jenkins presented year‑to‑date comparisons. Overall incidents decreased 13% compared to 2025, with aggravated assaults down 23% and simple assaults down 23%. However, burglaries increased 50%, motor vehicle thefts 34%, and shoplifting 82% (with 24% of larcenies at a Churchland ABC store). Homicides were level with the previous year. Chief Jenkins introduced new technology: a Drone as First Responder (DFR) system with three launch sites, additional gunshot detection coverage in Churchland, and 12 mobile camera trailers. He detailed the lengthy hiring process (six weeks for a responsive applicant) and noted that only 10–15 of 100 candidates typically qualify. He mentioned legislative challenges, including a lack of relief for officers guarding mental health patients at emergency rooms.
• Short‑Term Rental Ordinance Update (Work Session): Dr. LaToya Russell and Michelle Bowman presented revised draft language. The code currently allows owner‑occupied short‑term rentals by right if the owner resides there 185+ days. The proposed tiered system would: (1) require only registration for owner‑occupied rentals, (2) require a zoning permit and annual inspection for one non‑owner‑occupied rental, and (3) require conditional use permits for three or more non‑owner‑occupied rentals. Maximum occupancy remains eight registered guests. Events such as weddings are excluded. Council members raised questions about multifamily buildings (10% cap per code), accessory structures (requiring site‑specific safety evaluation), and enforcement of party restrictions. Councilman Hugo suggested the city adopt rules at least as strict as platform policies (e.g., Airbnb). Councilman Tillage recommended requiring exterior cameras and sound monitors in every permit. The city manager will incorporate feedback and bring a revised draft back.
• Public Art at the Pavilion (Working Session): Mayor Glover shared a rendering of a potential welcome sign for the city on the pavilion and noted that Support Portsmouth Public Art is developing a concept proposal to present to council.
• Council Member Reports (Regular Meeting):
  • Councilman Hugo highlighted summer camps at the Children’s Museum and the Multi‑Agency Craft Conference (MAC boat show) at North Landing, including a jet pack demonstration on July 15.
  • Councilman Dodson asked about the Shipyard Museum; City Manager Carter reported chronic HVAC issues and said the city is evaluating a new facility on the corner of Court and County streets due to high repair costs.
  • Councilwoman Thomas offered condolences for Sean Prince, a member of the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Historic Commission, and announced a “Balling on the River” back‑to‑school event on August 15.
• City Manager’s Report: Carter stated that all previously requested items from council have been provided and new items from the work session will be reported back at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Conditional Use Permit (UP-26-23): Adopted 7–0 for the 394‑unit development at 109 Missy Elliott Boulevard. The development will include for‑sale affordable housing units.
• Civil Service Commission Reform: Council reached consensus to include a charter amendment in the 2027 legislative package to remove the civil service commission from the police hiring process, as Portsmouth is the only city in the region with such a step.
• Fire Department Staffing: Councilman Tillage requested a feasibility study on implementing a fourth shift for firefighters, with a report back by September 8. Vice Mayor Moody requested a report on how to implement the OSHA standard of four firefighters per engine, citing recent citations and safety concerns.
• Collective Bargaining Ordinance: Tiffany Stewart’s request to place a collective bargaining ordinance on a public agenda within 60 days (by September 8) was noted; no immediate vote was taken.
• New Generation Marching Warriors: City Manager Carter reiterated his offer to help the organization meet compliance requirements. Council asked for a report back on the status of discussions.
• Short‑Term Rental Ordinance: The city manager will revise the draft based on council feedback and bring a final version for approval.
• Water Bill and Lead Letter: City Manager Carter explained that tiered billing accounts for identical monthly amounts and that the lead letter was a regulatory requirement unrelated to a water quality problem. The city will provide council with a copy of the letter and talking points.