Portsmouth City Council Meeting – September 8, 2026

The Portsmouth City Council met on September 8, 2026, at 9:30 AM. The meeting included presentations on a public art initiative for the Portsmouth Pavilion and an update from the Virginia Port Authority on the Virginia International Gateway (VIG). Council also held a public hearing on a use permit for an event space, approved consent agenda items, and heard multiple public comments covering topics from mental health to bulk trash collection.

Consent Calendar

• Adoption of five ordinances (approved 7-0):
  • Accepting $18,000 in HOME program income for FY2027 community development.
  • Accepting $212,019 from the Commonwealth for a 2% bonus to eligible Portsmouth Department of Social Services employees.
  • Accepting a $5,000 Virginia Homeless Solutions Program grant.
  • Accepting $140,000 from the Supreme Court of Virginia for the Adult Recovery Court.
  • Accepting $50,000 from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health for developmental disability support.

Public Comments & Testimony

• James Taliaferro: Apologized for his 2018 actions that endangered a state senator, discussed his mental health journey, and advocated for collaboration with NAMI. Council members thanked him for his courage.
• Yvonne Dodson: Reported that 1,035 children are now enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Portsmouth, with a goal of reaching 7,000 eligible children. Thanked council for support.
• David House: Raised concerns about violations of Craddock Historic District design guidelines, including illegal removal of front yards for parking, and asked why C-Click fix tickets issued in June 2025 remain unresolved.
• Tony Goodwin: Criticized the decline of downtown Portsmouth, citing encampments, crime, and lack of economic development. Stated he remains committed to the city despite feeling targeted by city departments.
• Garland Alexander: Spoke about confusion and inefficiency in the new bulk trash pickup scheduling system, noting that trash often sits for weeks untouched.
• Coleman Young: Urged council to expedite a new contract for the Portsmouth Pavilion, arguing that delays cost the city revenue. He estimated $400,000 per season in potential income.
• Sheila Joseph: Reported issues with bulk trash, a missing blinking stop sign, and the city's failure to maintain ditches despite charging residents.
• Ursula Murphy: Complained about a construction debris pile left in the road for days and criticized an elected official who told her to use a broom and trash can, calling the response unconscionable.
• Serena Mann: Requested a response on a city sponsorship application submitted in April for her organization's Beats and Pedals Festival, noting that a similar concern raised last year had not been resolved. She asked for communication regardless of the decision.

Discussion Items

• Pavilion Murals Proposal: Support Portsmouth Public Art (SPPA) presented a three-phase plan to revitalize the Portsmouth Pavilion with fence murals ($45,000), ground murals (cost TBD), and a large exterior mural (~8,000 sq ft, estimated $100,000). Council members praised the idea but discussed funding, maintenance, alignment with the Museum and Fine Arts Commission's citywide art plan, and potential corporate sponsorships. Mayor Clapper strongly advocated for moving forward aggressively, emphasizing a public-private partnership and citing the lost $100,000 roundabout donation as a cautionary tale. The council did not vote but directed staff to develop a detailed proposal with maintenance plans and timeline.
• Virginia International Gateway Update: Chris Gullickson of the Virginia Port Authority reported that VIG is fully built out with 2 million TEU capacity, highlighted the port's economic impact (1 in 9 jobs in Virginia), and discussed recent investments including the DeLong Company grain elevator and Raymont Logistics transloading. He also noted the city's success in securing grants, including $200,000 for American Cruise Lines seawall improvements. Council members expressed appreciation for the partnership.
• Event Space Use Permit (Public Hearing): Tracy Cross requested a use permit for an event space/banquet hall at 500 Rodman Avenue. She outlined security measures, soundproofing, and community benefits, including discounted rates for nonprofits. Councilman Moody moved to defer the item to the September 22nd meeting, citing a desire for more information on the number of event spaces citywide and input from the police chief. The motion passed 4-3, with Councilmembers Tillage, Thomas, and Hugo voting against deferral, arguing the applicant met conditions and the city already has an ordinance to address problematic venues.
• Bulk Trash Pickup Concerns: Multiple council members (Tillage, Thomas, Moody, Tillett) and citizens criticized the new scheduling system implemented in July. Complaints included trash sitting for weeks, lack of education, and the impending October 1st enforcement date. Vice Mayor Moody asked to delay the enforcement. City Manager Carter acknowledged the system is not working as intended and promised to evaluate modifications, including delaying enforcement, and report back by September 22nd.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda adopted 7-0.
• Deferral of event space use permit to September 22, 2026 (vote 4-3).
• Direction to City Manager: Reevaluate the bulk trash pickup process, consider delaying the October 1st enforcement date, and improve public education. Report back at the September 22nd meeting.
• Pavilion Murals: No formal vote; council expressed enthusiasm and requested a detailed proposal with maintenance plan, timeline, and funding strategy (including possible corporate sponsorships). Further presentation expected at a future meeting.
• City sponsorship process: Council acknowledged Serena Mann's concerns; City Manager committed to improving communication on sponsorship applications.