OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Virginia Beach City Council Meeting – September 1, 2026

City Council Meetings — Tuesday, September 1, 2026
BodyVirginia Beach, Virginia
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateTuesday, September 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:05:12

Transcript — Verbatim
0:08

Welcome all.

0:09

We're about ready to start the meeting.

0:11

Mr.

0:12

Dehaney, what do we got?

0:14

So, Mr.

0:15

Mayor, members of council, as you all know, this is Zero Waste Awareness Week.

0:19

We'll be joined by members of our Virginia Beach Clean Communities Committee.

0:23

And also Christy Rhines of our public works department to give City Council overview of the campaign regarding zero waste awareness.

0:30

Christy, the floor is yours.

0:32

Welcome.

0:33

Also, Chair Stevens as well.

0:35

Okay.

0:37

Good night, everyone.

0:40

All right.

0:41

Good afternoon, members of council.

0:43

I'm really excited and honored to be here.

0:45

My name is Terry Stevens, and I am the chair of the Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission.

0:51

The commission was established in 1980 by City Council with the mission to beautify our city, help with litter prevention, recycling correctly, and provide environmental awareness through education.

1:09

In keeping with our mission, the city of Virginia Beach has been a catalyst in the zero waste awareness movement.

1:17

Christy Rhines is our liaison to our commission with waste management.

1:23

A couple years ago, she created a logo for Zero Waste Awareness Week.

1:28

And that logo has been spread not just in the city or the Commonwealth, but across our nation through the Keep America Beautiful program.

1:38

In keeping with our mission, also, the commission hosts two totally free events that are open to our residents, where residents can donate their clothing that they no longer want, and it can be reused by another resident in our city.

1:55

That is called our zero waste wardrobe event.

1:58

I have a flyer right here that I will pass out to you guys.

2:01

I'd love for you to share it in your district.

2:03

The next one will be at the Turkey Bowl in November, which will be at Salem High School.

2:09

Christy Rhines has been an amazing partner with the commission.

2:15

She should be commended for her creativity and her dedication to our city.

2:20

And now I am happy to introduce Christy, and she's going to share with you the Zero Waste Awareness Week social media campaign, which will start September 6th and continue through September 12th.

2:32

Thank you.

2:33

Thank you again.

2:34

Wow.

2:35

That really said the stage, didn't it?

2:38

See how that works for me.

2:41

My name is Christy Rhines.

2:43

I am the staff liaison for the Clean Community Commission.

2:45

A few of you may know me as the recycling coordinator for the city as well.

2:49

Also the executive director for Keep Virginia Beach Beautiful and Media Communications Coordinator.

2:55

I always say lots of titles, no extra pay.

2:58

So we're gonna roll through this real quick.

3:00

I don't want to take up too much of your time, but this is Zero Waste Awareness Week at seven days, seven ways, one beautiful Virginia Beach.

3:07

So a little bit about your commission, and at least for the 10 people at home watching.

3:23

Excuse me, the Virginia Beach uh keep Virginia Beach Beautiful.

3:26

Um and as you'll see up there through volunteer uh volunteerism, education, beautification, litter prevention, recycling, and of course now zero waste.

3:36

They continue to promote uh sustainable Virginia Beach.

3:40

So we're did this all start.

3:42

So in 2023, the Virginia Beach City Council recognized the first full week in September as Zero Waste Awareness Week.

3:50

The Virginia General Assembly picked that up last year.

3:54

Um, and they passed uh House Joint Resolution 446, which does declare the first full week in September every year and there every year thereafter as Zero Waste Awareness Week.

4:06

And that is supposedly going to be recognized across the Commonwealth.

4:10

Um and then what we'd like to point out as well is the idea that was championed locally has now gone across the Commonwealth.

4:18

And this is the logo that uh Terry was speaking about.

4:23

So this is the launch.

4:24

So this is the first of the uh series of posters that'll go out.

4:29

Um, this is Zero Waste Awareness Week, as Terry mentioned, September the 6th through the 12th of this year, and we're calling for everybody to reimagine seven days to see waste differently.

4:42

Oh, too far.

4:44

There we go.

4:45

Um seven days, seven ways, one beautiful Virginia Beach is the slogan.

4:50

Reduce, reuse, repurpose, repair, reware, refuse, rethink.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████19%
Waste Management██████████████████18%
Child Care████████████████16%
Zoning And Land Use███████████████15%
Event Planning████████8%
Public Safety████████8%
Short Term Rentals████4%
Public Engagement████4%
Volunteerism██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Virginia Beach City Council Meeting – September 1, 2026

The Virginia Beach City Council met on September 1, 2026, for an informal session followed by a formal session. The informal session featured a presentation on Zero Waste Awareness Week, council liaison reports, and a discussion of agenda items. The formal session included a public hearing on a conservation easement, approval of a consent agenda, and votes on two conditional use permits. Key topics included zero waste initiatives, short-term rental regulations, and Flock camera privacy concerns.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of the informal and formal sessions of August 11, 2026, August 18, 2026, and the special formal session of August 25, 2026, by a vote of 11-0.
  • Approved multiple consent agenda items, including:
    • Leases for city-owned property at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market to TFK Delhi LLC and Wild Works of Whimsey LLC.
    • Authorization for a temporary encroachment at Lake Joyce (District 9).
    • Carry forward and appropriation of $3,452,091 for previously approved FY25-26 budget items.
    • Authorization of $53,870 to the Great Neck Athletic Association for the Virginia Beach Youth Tackle Football League.
    • Resolution accepting $262,235 from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services.
    • Amendment to the Virginia Beach City Public Schools FY26-27 budget and capital improvement plan.
    • Acceptance of $5 million in pass-through revenue from the Commonwealth for the Atlantic Park Development Project, with no matching obligation for the city.
    • Conditional use permits for the Church of Virginia Beach (District 1), Stephanie J. Mateir Hawk (District 2), Unique Hearts LLC (District 3), and Casa Denuevo Comenzios TRC Center LLC (District 4).
  • Approved an alternative version of an ordinance amending zoning for short-term rental parking requirements, allowing existing STR owners to renew parking permits in two public garages.
  • Deferred ordinances related to short-term rental overlay districts indefinitely (items 8 and 9).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Zero Waste Awareness Week (Informal Session): Terry Stevens, Chair of the Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission, and Christy Rhines, Recycling Coordinator and staff liaison, presented the Zero Waste Awareness Week social media campaign (September 6–12, 2026). Stevens stated that the commission's mission is beautification, litter prevention, recycling, and environmental education. Rhines noted that the initiative, started locally, has become a statewide campaign through House Joint Resolution 446. She emphasized the seven R's (Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Repair, Rewear, Refuse, Rethink) and encouraged residents to choose one action during the week. Council members expressed strong support, with one noting the city's 11,000 volunteers and recognition as a caring city. No vote was taken.
  • Formal Session Presentation: Alexis Williams, Commissioner, and Anna Orchard Hayes, high school senior and chair of the Student Leaders Committee, reiterated the campaign and noted the city's $50 million annual waste management budget. Hayes announced the new Student Leaders Committee with 25 members from eight high schools. Council members thanked them and passed out reusable water bottles.
  • Euclid Road Duplex (Planning Item 3): Applicant Tricila Verner spoke in support of a revised proposal for a duplex at 4916 Euclid Road, stating she met with approximately 100 community members and made compromises to fit the neighborhood. WebEx speaker Stephanie Scott expressed opposition due to concerns about compatibility with the neighborhood and stormwater runoff, though technical difficulties limited her comments. Councilmember Amelia Ross Hammond noted Verner worked hard to downsize the proposal. The item was approved (11-0).
  • Tiny Root Learning Center (Planning Item 6): Applicant Pamela Hinton, with 30 years of early childhood education experience, requested a conditional use permit to open a childcare center for 21 children (ages six weeks to three years) at 1543 Amberlee Forest Road. She described safety improvements and planned to consult with police about a registered sex offender in the area. Supporters Faye York, Gregory Meyer (building owner), and Posey Jones (former employer) testified to her character and experience. No opposition speakers appeared. Council members praised the critical need and her qualifications. The item was approved (11-0).

Discussion Items

  • Flock Camera Concerns: Councilmember Arbor Henley raised concerns about Flock cameras used in Virginia Beach, citing potential privacy invasions. He requested a briefing on their locations, data storage, and use. City Manager stated a draft report is being compiled and will be shared with council in about two weeks.
  • Short-Term Rental Parking Ordinance (Planning Item 7): Councilmember proposed an alternative version allowing existing short-term rental owners to renew parking permits in public garages, with available spots. The alternative was adopted without objection.
  • Deferral of STR Overlay Items (8 and 9): Councilmember requested indefinite deferral for two ordinances related to the resort short-term rental overlay district, stating more work is needed. The council agreed.
  • Atlantic Park Pass-Through Funds (Resolution 8): Councilmember clarified the $5 million from the Commonwealth is pass-through only, with no city match required and reporting obligations only. The item was placed on consent.
  • Council Liaison Reports (Informal Session):
    • Councilmember reported on the East Coast Surfing Championships and Funk Fest (well attended).
    • Barbara reported on the House of Angels special needs prom at the West End, with over 200 attendees.
    • Walker noted the Green Ribbon Committee is planning a symposium for next April on drainage issues.
    • Rosemary mentioned sheriff's request for inclusion in police retention efforts.
    • Amelia reported on the reopening of New Light Full Gospel Baptist Church and a pharmaceutical group event at Hamilton Gardens.

Key Outcomes

  • Zero Waste Awareness Week (Sept 6-12, 2026) was presented and widely supported by council; social media campaign will be promoted citywide.
  • Flock camera briefing will be provided to council in approximately two weeks after a draft report.
  • Duplex at 4916 Euclid Road: Conditional use permit approved 11-0 after applicant revised plans to address community concerns.
  • Tiny Root Learning Center: Conditional use permit approved 11-0 for a 21-child childcare facility with enhanced security measures.
  • Short-term rental parking: Alternative ordinance approved allowing existing STR owners to keep parking in public garages upon renewal.
  • STR overlay ordinances (8 and 9): Deferred indefinitely pending further work.
  • Appointments: Approved William Shield (Bay Fund Advisory Commission), Robert Mandigo (Beaches and Waterways Advisory Commission), Bonika Persale (Clean Community Commission), Bailey Wilkins and Gilliam Tang (Green Ribbon Committee), and Steven Ballard (Wetlands Board).
  • Closed session: Certified by 11-0 vote for real estate acquisition and personnel matters.
  • Next meeting: Will be formal session in October for deferred STR items.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome all. We're about ready to start the meeting. Mr. Dehaney, what do we got? So, Mr. Mayor, members of council, as you all know, this is Zero Waste Awareness Week. We'll be joined by members of our Virginia Beach Clean Communities Committee. And also Christy Rhines of our public works department to give City Council overview of the campaign regarding zero waste awareness. Christy, the floor is yours. Welcome. Also, Chair Stevens as well. Okay. Good night, everyone. All right. Good afternoon, members of council. I'm really excited and honored to be here. My name is Terry Stevens, and I am the chair of the Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission. The commission was established in 1980 by City Council with the mission to beautify our city, help with litter prevention, recycling correctly, and provide environmental awareness through education. In keeping with our mission, the city of Virginia Beach has been a catalyst in the zero waste awareness movement. Christy Rhines is our liaison to our commission with waste management. A couple years ago, she created a logo for Zero Waste Awareness Week. And that logo has been spread not just in the city or the Commonwealth, but across our nation through the Keep America Beautiful program. In keeping with our mission, also, the commission hosts two totally free events that are open to our residents, where residents can donate their clothing that they no longer want, and it can be reused by another resident in our city. That is called our zero waste wardrobe event. I have a flyer right here that I will pass out to you guys. I'd love for you to share it in your district. The next one will be at the Turkey Bowl in November, which will be at Salem High School. Christy Rhines has been an amazing partner with the commission. She should be commended for her creativity and her dedication to our city. And now I am happy to introduce Christy, and she's going to share with you the Zero Waste Awareness Week social media campaign, which will start September 6th and continue through September 12th. Thank you. Thank you again. Wow. That really said the stage, didn't it? See how that works for me. My name is Christy Rhines. I am the staff liaison for the Clean Community Commission. A few of you may know me as the recycling coordinator for the city as well. Also the executive director for Keep Virginia Beach Beautiful and Media Communications Coordinator. I always say lots of titles, no extra pay. So we're gonna roll through this real quick. I don't want to take up too much of your time, but this is Zero Waste Awareness Week at seven days, seven ways, one beautiful Virginia Beach. So a little bit about your commission, and at least for the 10 people at home watching. Excuse me, the Virginia Beach uh keep Virginia Beach Beautiful. Um and as you'll see up there through volunteer uh volunteerism, education, beautification, litter prevention, recycling, and of course now zero waste. They continue to promote uh sustainable Virginia Beach. So we're did this all start. So in 2023, the Virginia Beach City Council recognized the first full week in September as Zero Waste Awareness Week. The Virginia General Assembly picked that up last year. Um, and they passed uh House Joint Resolution 446, which does declare the first full week in September every year and there every year thereafter as Zero Waste Awareness Week.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com