Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Whitehall City Council met on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting included the swearing-in of new Treasurer Janell Luke, a special business recognition, three public hearings on zoning and gasoline station regulations, a contentious discussion on filling the vacant Council President position, and the adoption of numerous ordinances and resolutions. The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
Mayor Michael T. Bivens presented a proclamation declaring August 21, 2026 as "Devin Highlight Keaton Day" in recognition of Keaton's community service, including annual holiday giveaways, a 2025 Thanksgiving distribution providing 1,000 families with meals, and his work as an entrepreneur and youth mentor. Keaton addressed council briefly.
Ordinance 064-2026 (Third Reading): Rezoning of 4870 Poth Road from Community Crossroads District (CCD) to Industrial District (INDD). The property, owned by the Whitehall Community Improvement Corporation, is under contract to be sold to Link Logistics for a 35,000 square foot warehouse expansion. Economic Development Director Jackie Russell presented that the change aligns with the 2019 Whitehall Works comprehensive plan, planning best practices, economic development goals to diversify the tax base, and the purpose of the zoning code. No public comments. Unanimously adopted (7-0).
Ordinance 065-2026 (Third Reading): Rezoning of 265 North Hamilton Road from CCD to INDD. The property is owned by BCORE Defender OH1M05 LLC, a subsidiary of Link Logistics. Same rationale and presentation. No public comments. Unanimously adopted (7-0).
Ordinance 066-2026 (Third Reading): Amendment to the Planning and Zoning Code to limit the construction and operation of gasoline stations. Russell presented data indicating Whitehall has 2.4 gas stations per square mile (excluding the Defense Supply Center), the second highest among comparison communities (Reynoldsburg highest). The amendment would prohibit gas stations on Main Street and require a special use permit on Broad Street and Hamilton Road. The change aims to prepare for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and encourage higher-density, family-oriented redevelopment. No public comments. Unanimously adopted (7-0).
Council Presidency Vacancy Council needed to fill the President position following President Potter's resignation. President Pro Tem Larry Morrison was nominated by Councilor McCann (seconded by Dixon). A roll call vote resulted in a 3-3 tie (Harcar no, Adkins yes, McCann yes, Dixon yes, Brown no, Elmore no, Morrison declined to vote), so the motion failed. Councilor Dixon then nominated Patricia Balser, seconded by Councilor Adkins; that motion passed 4-3 (Harcar no, Adkins yes, McCann yes, Dixon yes, Brown no, Elmore no, Morrison yes). City Attorney Bradley Nicodemus immediately raised concern that the lack of public discussion and Balser's presence in the audience indicated a potential open meetings violation, which could void the action and require him to sue council. After lengthy debate about transparency and process, a motion to table the presidency selection for one week pending an investigation passed (6-1: Harcar yes, Adkins yes, McCann yes, Dixon no, Brown yes, Elmore yes, Morrison yes). The city attorney will investigate whether unauthorized deliberations occurred.
Censure Resolution Councilor Harcar introduced Resolution 038-2026 to censure Councilor Gerald Dixon for conduct unbecoming, specifically referencing a remark from the previous meeting ("if you want to dance, we will dance") and other aggressive behavior. After discussion, a motion to table the resolution passed (4-3: Harcar no, Adkins yes, McCann yes, Dixon yes, Brown no, Elmore no, Morrison yes), deferring action.
Officials' Reports
I also am not a lot of people. Yeah, welcome to White Hall City Council Agenda meeting. Tuesday, August 18th, 2026. We're going to go off the uh order for right now because we are going to have the privilege of having our new treasury. Mr. sworn in at this point. So if you and God would come forward to do this, whoever's going to swear you in. Yes. Sorry. No, you're good. No rush. I'm trying to do this right. Sorry. She's on our hello tour. Greetings, good evening, everyone. To the honorable, to the constituents, family members, citizens of Whitehall. Before I read the official oath, I would like to give you a vote of confidence of the individual you have chosen for this office. I had the honor and privilege of working with her in a professional capital between May of 2019 and June 2023. And she would have lasted that long. 100% transparent, auditable, and defensible in everything she did in Virginia at Franklin and Treasurer's Office. And it is again my mom. And what you are swearing to, what you're obliging yourself to, are the people of your community and to the leadership that directs the people of your community to the charter that tells you what you do, what you are to do, and what you are not to do. After I say I, I want you to state your name. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. And the state and the state. And the charter. And laws and ordinances. And laws and ordinances. Of the city of Whitehall. Of the city of Whitehall. That I shall not be influenced. That I shall not be influenced. By any consideration. Except that of mirror. Except that of mirror.