OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Virginia Beach City Council Formal Session – February 18, 2026

City Council Meetings — Wednesday, February 18, 2026
BodyVirginia Beach, Virginia
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateWednesday, February 18, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:14:26

Transcript — Verbatim
0:08

Recall the shock door.

0:11

Thank you.

0:12

Mr.

0:13

Hey, welcome back.

0:15

All right.

0:15

So, Mr.

0:16

Mayor, members of the council, the first briefing will be joined.

0:19

Dev will join us actually in person this time.

0:21

He'll give city council an update as it relates to the General Assembly session and where things are in that process.

0:27

So go ahead, Brent.

0:28

The floor is yours.

0:30

Thank you, Mr.

0:30

City Manager.

0:31

Good afternoon, Mr.

0:32

Mayor, Madam Vice Mayor, and members of the city council.

0:34

It's a pleasure to be here with you today.

0:37

So today we're gonna give you our typical weekly update on General Assembly action.

0:44

Today is the last day before crossover or today is crossover, depending on how you look at it.

0:49

But today is the deadline for each chamber to deal with the legislation that originated in this chamber and send it over to the other chamber.

0:58

So it's a busy floor day.

1:00

They're typically there late into the evening.

1:15

Once you kind of get each chamber's budget and you get through crossover, you get a better grasp of what's really gonna kind of happen this legislative session and how things are kind of looking for you.

1:26

So we'll know more, hopefully by next uh Tuesday's briefing.

1:31

Our legislative agenda.

1:33

Um hopefully you guys saw some of my emails over the last few days.

1:37

Um the Senate version of our 10-1 charter bill and the 10-1 general law has now passed both chambers and is headed to the governor.

1:46

Uh typically takes a few days for them to do what they call the enrollment process.

1:50

I'll be honest with you, I don't know exactly what it is they do in that process, but it takes them three or four days to do it, and then they send it off to the governor.

1:57

Once she and her office officially receive it, she'll have seven days to take action on that piece of legislation since it was passed uh with more than seven days to go in the legislative session.

2:08

So we should see some uh additional action on those two pieces of legislation here in the next week or so.

2:15

Um just today, our HB 393, the cancer screening for public safety bill passed the house 97 to zero.

2:23

Um I'll be giving you a few additional updates as things move through the house chamber today.

2:28

Uh, we had to turn in this presentation prior to that.

2:30

So there'll be a few additional updates.

2:32

Um cancer screening bill passed the house today, 97 to zero, heads to the Senate.

2:37

Um, all the other stuff is similar to where we last talked.

2:41

The only other one I want to um highlight for you is HB 1049, the Menhaden fishing study.

2:48

Um this bill has uh we call it has caught a fever.

2:53

It was moving along, has been approved by the committee, but somewhere in between the committee and when it's supposed to go to the house floor, it ran into some trouble, and it sounds like it's not gonna get a vote on the house floor as of right now.

3:06

Um, as I mentioned, today is the deadline.

3:08

Something could change, but it was not on the uh House docket for today.

3:12

Um, and I checked in with a few folks, and um I think that just uh basically told me it ran into some trouble and it may have to come back next year.

3:21

So one of those weird kind of uh procedural things where you know if you uh you remember schoolhouse rock, how a bill becomes a law.

3:30

They don't really mention this sort of thing in the song, but it happens uh fairly often.

3:41

Uh so uh last week we talked about all of this legislation.

3:46

We've called this our legislation with fiscal impact, things that we're working um mostly working against.

3:52

And I'll highlight here just the first four, the last two, nothing's really changed on, but um the collective bargaining legislation passed the house earlier today on a 6135 vote.

4:03

Uh so the House version will now go to the Senate.

4:06

Senate version is currently being debated on the Senate floor.

4:09

Um, and so we'll get an update on that as it goes.

4:12

Andrew's gonna give me a thumbs up here in a little bit if it passed or thumbs down if it didn't.

4:16

Um the Senate version is a little different than the House version.

4:20

Uh, so they'll have to rectify those uh uh those differences as it moves through the process.

4:26

So still a lot of action to take place here on collective bargaining.

4:29

Uh as you hopefully saw in my email on Friday, the legislation that would have eliminated sovereign immunity for local governments was continued to 2027.

4:39

So that legislation is dead for now.

4:41

Um, and then I've highlighted this piece of legislation for you multiple times, and it's gone through multiple iterations.

4:48

But HB 569 and SB 518 um originally would have required all public works projects at the local government and at the state level to use prevailing wage um in their procurement process.

5:08

And then there were some amendments in the last week that now would require local governments to use prevailing wage if they are receiving state funds for the project, kind of mirroring how federal projects work.

5:22

So that's where they are currently.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement██████████████████18%
State Legislation█████████████13%
Military Support██████████10%
Procedural███████7%
Public Safety███████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Transportation Safety█████5%
Public Works█████5%
Election Procedures█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Virginia Beach City Council Formal Session – February 18, 2026

The Virginia Beach City Council met on February 18, 2026, for a formal session that included a legislative update from the General Assembly, a presentation on development review process improvements, multiple council discussions on pending ordinances and resolutions, proclamations honoring Captain Joshua Apazzaro and school crossing guards, and the unanimous approval of a consent agenda and appointments.

General Assembly Legislative Update

  • Crossover Deadline: Brent reported that the last day for each chamber to pass its own legislation. The city's 10-1 charter bills have passed both chambers and are heading to the governor.
  • Cancer Screening for Public Safety (HB 393): Passed the House 97-0, heads to the Senate.
  • Menhaden Fishing Study (HB 1049): Approved in committee but stalled; not on the House docket and may return next year. Councilman Shulman expressed disappointment, calling it "shameful" that even a study was resisted. Councilman Taylor also voiced deep disappointment, citing special interests and the impact on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. The study request was reportedly in the millions of dollars, complicating passage.
  • Collective Bargaining: House version passed 61-35; Senate version passed and differs — will need reconciliation. Mayor Dyer expressed strong opposition, calling it an unfunded mandate that would harm affordability.
  • Sovereign Immunity Elimination: Continued to 2027 (dead for now).
  • Prevailing Wage (HB 569 & SB 518): Amended to a study of rural fire department funding.
  • Northern Virginia Taxes: All failed in committee.
  • Speed Camera Legislation: Several bills addressed training, new camera types, school zone hours, and an omnibus bill (HB 1220) that originally allowed localities to be sued but amended to remove that provision. Funds must stay local and be spent on safety improvements.
  • E-Bike Legislation: HB 1120 (study group) passed House 97-0; HB 343 (helmet requirement for minors) passed 75-22; HB 269 (heavy regulation) did not pass. Councilman Cummings described e-bikes as a "serious public safety crisis," with kids riding motorcycle-like bikes in neighborhoods. Councilman Daughtry echoed the urgency and called for local control.
  • Cannabis Retail Marketplace: Legislation progressing; Councilman Daughtry urged approval to regulate pop-up shops and vape shops.
  • Faith in Housing (Land Use): Would allow religious organizations to build multifamily housing by right; an amendment exempted Oceana and AICUZ zones, but further work needed.
  • Homelessness Ordinance: Rejected in committee but expected to return next year.

Council Member Comments and Positions

  • Mayor Dyer: Venting about collective bargaining, stating it would harm the city's competitiveness and affordability.
  • Councilman Shulman: Expressed disappointment over the Menhaden study stalling, calling it a breach of responsible stewardship.
  • Councilman Taylor: Strongly criticized the failure to advance the Menhaden study, alleging special interest influence.
  • Councilman Daughtry: Emphasized the need for state legislation to allow localities to regulate e-bikes, noting the diversity of Virginia Beach.
  • Councilwoman Henley: Requested clarification on staff presentation caps for council events; concerned about limiting public information.
  • Councilman Worth: Argued that the signage resolution needed clearer definitions (election day vs. early voting) and number of signs; suggested deferring for school coordination.
  • Councilman Remick: Supported deferring the sports district resolution for community input.

Planning Department Presentation on Development Review

Kathy Warren and Carrie Bookholt presented customer service improvements and FY2025 statistics:

  • Customer Service: 5,268 visits (avg. 752/month), 28,803 calls (92.7% capture rate), new phone system with queuing.
  • Project Volume: 101 pre-submittal meetings, 450 discretionary applications, 2,655 site plan submittals, 34,631 permits, 79,000 inspections.
  • Site Plan Review Times (average business days):
    • Single-family: 36.1 days (state allows 63.6)
    • Duplex: 60.6 days (state allows 82.5)
    • Commercial: 79 days (state allows 100.2)
  • Building Plan Review Times (average days):
    • New commercial: 22 days
    • Commercial alterations: 10.7 days
    • Residential alterations: 4.3 days
  • Data will be posted on the city website starting tomorrow. The department is also exploring AI software for permit processing.

Public Hearing

  • Dark Fiber Lease Agreement: Proposed lease of two fiber strands to Lumos Telephone, LLC. No speakers. Item moved to consent agenda and approved.

Consent Agenda (Approved Unanimously)

Ordinances and resolutions included:

  • Acquisition for Laskin Road Sidewalk Improvements
  • Traffic calming program addition (South Woodhouse Road)
  • Curfew for unaccompanied minors (effective 30 days after adoption; includes exceptions for work, religion, First Amendment activities, emergencies)
  • Signage on public property resolution (adopted; regulates signs from 6 p.m. day before election through election day; size limit 4x4 ft; no signs during early voting; to be field-tested in March referendum)
  • Virginia Beach Sports District resolution (deferred to April 21, 2026)
  • School bus use agreement for Senior Nationals
  • Flood protection CIP (Eastern Shore Drive)
  • Commonwealth attorney office remodel ($40,000)
  • Surplus transportation funds ($2.95 million for Centerville Turnpike)
  • EMS grant ($24,346 for ventilators)
  • Several conditional use permits (including deferral of #7 to March 17, 2026)

Proclamations

  • Captain Joshua Apazzaro (NAS Oceana Commanding Officer): Recognized for his service; February 18, 2026 proclaimed Captain Joshua "Noodle" Apazzaro Day.
  • School Crossing Guards: Recognized for their dedication; February 17, 2026 proclaimed School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day.

Appointments

Approved 10-0 appointments to numerous boards and commissions, including the Advertising Advisory Committee, Beaches and Waterways, Clean Community Commission, Community Criminal Justice Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Open Space Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Commission, Personnel Board, Public Library Board, Stormwater Appeals Board, Cannabis Advisory Task Force, Community Development Corporation, Wetlands Board, and others.

Key Outcomes

  • Unanimous approval of consent agenda (including curfew with 30-day implementation) and appointments.
  • Signage regulation adopted after clarification; will be refined based on upcoming election.
  • Sports district resolution deferred to April 21, 2026 for community engagement.
  • Collective bargaining legislation continues; mayor and some council members opposed.
  • Planning department data to be published online; AI software under consideration.

Meeting Transcript

Recall the shock door. Thank you. Mr. Hey, welcome back. All right. So, Mr. Mayor, members of the council, the first briefing will be joined. Dev will join us actually in person this time. He'll give city council an update as it relates to the General Assembly session and where things are in that process. So go ahead, Brent. The floor is yours. Thank you, Mr. City Manager. Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor, Madam Vice Mayor, and members of the city council. It's a pleasure to be here with you today. So today we're gonna give you our typical weekly update on General Assembly action. Today is the last day before crossover or today is crossover, depending on how you look at it. But today is the deadline for each chamber to deal with the legislation that originated in this chamber and send it over to the other chamber. So it's a busy floor day. They're typically there late into the evening. Once you kind of get each chamber's budget and you get through crossover, you get a better grasp of what's really gonna kind of happen this legislative session and how things are kind of looking for you. So we'll know more, hopefully by next uh Tuesday's briefing. Our legislative agenda. Um hopefully you guys saw some of my emails over the last few days. Um the Senate version of our 10-1 charter bill and the 10-1 general law has now passed both chambers and is headed to the governor. Uh typically takes a few days for them to do what they call the enrollment process. I'll be honest with you, I don't know exactly what it is they do in that process, but it takes them three or four days to do it, and then they send it off to the governor. Once she and her office officially receive it, she'll have seven days to take action on that piece of legislation since it was passed uh with more than seven days to go in the legislative session. So we should see some uh additional action on those two pieces of legislation here in the next week or so. Um just today, our HB 393, the cancer screening for public safety bill passed the house 97 to zero. Um I'll be giving you a few additional updates as things move through the house chamber today. Uh, we had to turn in this presentation prior to that. So there'll be a few additional updates. Um cancer screening bill passed the house today, 97 to zero, heads to the Senate. Um, all the other stuff is similar to where we last talked. The only other one I want to um highlight for you is HB 1049, the Menhaden fishing study. Um this bill has uh we call it has caught a fever. It was moving along, has been approved by the committee, but somewhere in between the committee and when it's supposed to go to the house floor, it ran into some trouble, and it sounds like it's not gonna get a vote on the house floor as of right now. Um, as I mentioned, today is the deadline. Something could change, but it was not on the uh House docket for today. Um, and I checked in with a few folks, and um I think that just uh basically told me it ran into some trouble and it may have to come back next year. So one of those weird kind of uh procedural things where you know if you uh you remember schoolhouse rock, how a bill becomes a law. They don't really mention this sort of thing in the song, but it happens uh fairly often. Uh so uh last week we talked about all of this legislation. We've called this our legislation with fiscal impact, things that we're working um mostly working against. And I'll highlight here just the first four, the last two, nothing's really changed on, but um the collective bargaining legislation passed the house earlier today on a 6135 vote. Uh so the House version will now go to the Senate. Senate version is currently being debated on the Senate floor. Um, and so we'll get an update on that as it goes.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com