Public Meetings - Portsmouth, Virginia

The meeting consisted of a work session featuring updates on the city's broadband expansion, capital improvement program (CIP), and drought management plan, followed by the regular city council meeting which included three public hearing items (all deferred), a consent agenda, board appointments, council reports, and public comments. Consent Calendar - The Broadband Authority accepted meeting minutes via a roll call vote (7-0). - The City Council approved the consent agenda (items A-L) by a 7-0 vote, including acceptance of grant funds, certifications for revitalization grants, and adoption of the city's revised drought management plan. Specific grants included: $447,817.99 from USDA for summer food service; $591,226 from Virginia Department of Fire Programs; $2,937,775 from Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for safer communities; $3,030 from Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation for Glasgow Street pump station; $17,029 and $9,900 from NHTSA for traffic safety and DUI deterrence; $250,000 Port Host Community Revitalization Fund grant for 817-825 High Street; and $128,000 from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation for an open space lands preservation trust fund grant. Public Comments & Testimony - Tony Goodwin (Park View neighborhood) expressed support for the open space lands preservation trust fund grant (Consent Agenda Item K), noting that two previously non-conforming apartment properties in Park View are underwater and cause flooding issues for neighbors. He advocated using Virginia Outdoors Grant to acquire the land for open space and stormwater management, and suggested similar approaches for Cedar Grove cemetery flooding and Wall Street alleyway ownership issues. - Tania Garcia Cartagena (Portsmouth resident) proposed a Boricua Cultural Center in the Craddock/Old Town area, featuring a gym, a mother's oasis with café and library, a screen-free teen area, and a "my first job" program for youth ages 14-18. She requested the council review the plan with the Department of Economic Development. - David House (Simonsdale district) criticized the rollout of the new bulk trash pickup process, stating that the new process was not properly communicated and led to items being left on streets for weeks. He noted discrepancies between the waste management submission page and city code regarding limb diameter (6 inches vs. 18 inches) and pile size (reduced to 6x6x6). He asked for clarity on the hold status and future rollout. - Mark Badal de Gutrowski (Portsmouth resident) spoke against the proposed 1% sales tax referendum for school construction, suggesting instead that casino revenue and future hotel occupancy tax be dedicated to school construction and maintenance, arguing residents are already heavily taxed. - David Loving Good (owner of property at 749 Broad Street) complained that the city has allowed a neighboring property to become a junkyard within six feet of his home, attracting pests. He stated he received violation letters for his own property after complaining. He presented documentation showing a zoning violation notice from June 1st had not been enforced. - Sherman Tyler (Portsmouth resident) addressed the city's sign policy at City Hall. He stated that candidates were only notified of the sign ban on September 18th (the day of early voting), contradicting a council member's claim that the change was voted on in May. He demanded to know why notification was delayed and called the process suspicious. Discussion Items - Broadband Expansion Update: The CIO reported on three critical projects: - GNW Railroad Agreement: Application approved. A flagger is needed; Danella coordinated with VDOT and GNW Railroad for an October 19th date. Splicing and testing begin then, with completion targeted for October 30th. - Tri-Cities/ODU Area: Survey completed and provided to ODU on October 5th. ODU acknowledged receipt of survey and draft deed of easement; their design and engineering team is reviewing the proposed route and easement language. Once technical review is complete, the package moves through ODU's real estate and legal teams (may take weeks). Fiber splicing will proceed quickly after execution. - Churchland Bridge: Danella found that a directional bore is required because the bridge contractor did not complete the tie-in. Boring began October 10th but was delayed by weather on the 11th. Work resumed this week to set the handhold and replace fiber; splicing and testing targeted for October 30th. - Fiber Ring Update: Seven initial city sites (City Hall, Police Department Headquarters, Police Administration, Welcome Center, Detective Bureau, Fire Administration, Sheriff Training Building) will be connected to the fiber ring next week. All sites have been notified via change control forms. Each site may experience up to three hours of downtime during testing. Once these connections are complete, the remaining city sites will be migrated. - Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Update: - Seven projects completed; ten active construction projects totaling over $90 million. - Several large projects (e.g., City Hall relocation, public safety complex, K-8 school, sportsplex enhancements, Craddock Fire Station) are at risk due to cost, scope, or funding exposure. - ARPA: $31 million spending requirement; expenditures to date just under $19 million. Anticipate meeting the December deadline with $35.5 million spent. - A project prioritization tool (modeled after HRPDC's spreadsheet) is being developed to score projects based on council priorities; will be refined at the council retreat. - A project dashboard with 90+ projects (title, description, milestones, costs) is expected by early 2027. - Council members requested details on specific projects (e.g., Twin Pines Road widening, pump stations, Charles Peak Park, jail modifications), asked for a full project list including non-city projects (like VDOT or HRSD), and emphasized the need for clear communication with the public and civic leagues. - Drought Management Plan: Informational presentation by Public Utilities Director Michael Johnson and Ben Wright of Hazen & Sawyer. - The plan has three stages: Watch (voluntary conservation), Warning (mandatory restrictions on outdoor watering), and Emergency (further restrictions targeting 10% water use reduction). - Current conditions: rainfall surplus of 2.89 inches; reservoir storage at 87% (263 days of storage, trigger at 120 days); groundwater level at 11.19 feet (near trigger). Overall, conditions are normal but drier than typical. No drought stage is currently activated. - Residents on private wells are not subject to mandatory restrictions; they will be informed but not cited. - Crawford Bay Development: The selection process involves a committee of two council members, the EDA, and economic development. A recommendation will be brought to the EDA and council for a vote. Council members expressed a desire for full transparency to review all submissions before the final selection. - School MOU: City Manager Carter reported that there is a misunderstanding about the scope of the MOU between the city and school division. He stated his intent was to cover all projects, but the schools now do not want every project included. The K-8 school design is expected to start in January, take 16 months, with construction beginning about 4 years from now. Key Outcomes - Deferrals: All three public hearing items were deferred to the November 10, 2026 meeting: Item A (drug and alcohol treatment facility at 3736 Turnpike Road, deferred 6-1), Item B (multifamily complex at 2000 High Street, deferred 7-0), and Item C (short-term rental zoning amendment, deferred 7-0). - Consent Agenda: Adopted 7-0. - Boards and Commissions Appointments: Ollie Ray Farkin Dakish (Tilling Advisory Board) and Lavonda Graham Williams (Law Library Board) were appointed 7-0. - Closed Session: Council voted 7-0 to enter closed session for legal consultation regarding a specific lawsuit, shootings in the city, and appointments to boards and commissions. - Bulk Trash Policy: The policy remains on hold until January 1, 2027, per a previous council motion. The city manager affirmed that direction. - Property Enforcement: Councilwoman Thomas requested a report on properties with multiple zoning violations over 60-90 days; the city manager agreed to provide that.

On September 30, 2026, at 6:45 PM, Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins held a press conference to provide a comprehensive update on the investigation into the disappearance and death of Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr., whose remains were discovered at 3404 Elliott Avenue. The conference outlined a detailed timeline, addressed rumors, and concluded with the announcement that suspect Gregory Coffey had been taken into custody. Public Comments & Testimony - The victim’s mother stated that her son was a good, loving person with children and grandchildren. She expressed anger and a desire for justice, saying she wanted his killer to face severe punishment and also called for the release of her nephew Raymond Poole from jail. - Another family member echoed the call for justice, described the victim as caring, and condemned the actions of Gregory Coffey. They also urged the public to keep the family in prayer and expressed relief that Coffey had been captured. Discussion Items - Chief Jenkins presented the following timeline: - September 1-2: Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr., an unhoused individual, was last seen on September 1. A missing persons report was filed on September 2 by his brother Raymond Poole. - September 3: Poole went to 3404 Elliott Avenue, where he shot homeowner Gregory Coffey. Coffey was hospitalized and later released. - September 11: Poole was arrested and charged with second-degree attempted murder for the shooting. - September 21: Based on a citizen tip and further investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the property. - September 22: While executing the warrant, investigators discovered what were believed to be human remains. - September 23: The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the remains were human. - September 25: A multi-agency excavation (FBI, NCIS, Virginia State Police, and several local police departments) recovered burned and decomposed human remains and body parts from outside the home. - September 28: The remains were identified via fingerprint comparison as Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr. Arrest warrants were issued for Gregory Coffey for first-degree murder and desecration of a body. - Jenkins addressed community rumors, clarifying that only one body was recovered and there is no evidence of a serial killer connected to the property. He described the home as a hoarding situation with debris both inside and out, which complicated the search. Cadaver dogs were used to ensure no additional remains were missed. - Jenkins emphasized that Coffey is considered armed and dangerous and urged anyone with information to come forward. He confirmed that Coffey’s elderly mother had resided at the address but was not involved in the crime. - Jenkins declined to discuss motive, stating that the case must be tried in court, not in the media. He noted that the search warrants were sealed to protect the investigation. - The chief acknowledged previous city efforts to address code violations at the property, including an instance where Coffey brandished a firearm at a contractor; that case was ultimately dismissed. - At the conclusion of the press conference, Jenkins was notified and announced that Coffey had been taken into custody by fugitive apprehension units. Key Outcomes - Gregory Coffey was arrested on September 30, 2026, on charges of first-degree murder and desecration of human remains. He was considered armed and dangerous; his capture occurred without incident. - Raymond Poole remains charged with second-degree attempted murder in the shooting of Coffey. His case will proceed separately. - The investigation is ongoing, and authorities will release additional information as appropriate.

On September 22, 2026, the Portsmouth City Council held a public work session followed by a regular meeting at City Hall (801 Crawford Street). The agenda packet listed the work session as a called Joint Meeting with the Planning Commission for Monday, September 21, 2026, but the transcript indicates the session took place on Tuesday, September 22; this summary follows the transcript date. Six council members were present, with Dr. William S. Dodson, Jr. absent from the regular meeting. The work session covered the regional food bank, a $155 million City Hall financing plan, the bulk waste collection program, and political signs at City Hall. The regular meeting included a recognition, public hearings, the consent agenda, and adoption of a collective bargaining ordinance. Work Session: Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia & the Eastern Shore - Chris Tan presented, noting the food bank was founded in 1981 (45 years old), has delivered 442 million meals across a 4,400-square-mile service area covering 11 cities and counties, and works through 240+ partner agencies (up from 110 four years ago). - Portsmouth distributions increased 79% over five years, from 1.5 million pounds in FY22 to 2.7 million pounds last year — the equivalent of 1.9 million meals, or 25 meals per city resident. - The food bank set distribution records four consecutive years, growing 48% while most of the 199 U.S. food banks saw about a 5% decline. - Produce distribution nearly doubled, from 4.5 million pounds in FY23 to 9.5 million pounds last year, including a 44% increase in Portsmouth alone. Protein doubled in two years; donated Purdue chicken rose from 300,000 pounds per year to 1.4 million pounds last year. - Portsmouth represents about 9% of food-insecure individuals in the service area but received 18.6% of duplicated-count services. The food bank served 5,000 unique Portsmouth households last year, with 28 partner agencies distributing about 75% of Portsmouth food. - Direct city funding over the last five years totaled about $65,000; the food bank returned more than $15 million in food. Last year, a $15,000 city investment returned $5.2 million in food — a 348-times return on investment, calculated at Feeding America's $1.92-per-pound standard. - The food bank distributed 26 million pounds last year, including 11 million pounds of rescued grocery-store food; every 2,500 pounds rescued saves one ton of methane. Purchased food rose from about $1 million in 2019 to $5 million last year; roughly 10% of food comes from federal commodities. - Mobile pantries at Craddock, the SportsPlex, and Third Baptist serve about 20,000 people monthly and distribute about 380,000 pounds per year. Seven backpack sites deliver about 6,000 backpacks per year. The TCC Portsmouth campus market serves about 10,000 students and distributes about 45,000 pounds, with TCC reporting a 10% higher re-enrollment rate among users. - A Bethel Worship Center Church pilot delivers food to homebound seniors — 93 orders delivered in Portsmouth — and a DoorDash delivery pilot is underway. - Food hubs (three in Norfolk, one in Franklin) are rent-free, choice-based distribution sites connecting neighbors to legal aid, health screenings, and SNAP re-enrollment. A Portsmouth hub would cost about $10,000 per month in food ($120,000 per year); Tan suggested splitting roughly $30,000 each among the city, the food bank, and a corporate partner, with a three-year commitment. - Councilwoman Thomas expressed full support for a hub and noted a possible food-desert location; Vice Mayor Moody, a former food bank board member, asked about site scouting; Councilman Hugel asked how nonprofits can partner (via foodbankonline.org, with a waitlist); Councilwoman Bryant called the hub a trust-building channel for city services. Mayor Glover directed the city manager to continue the conversation. Work Session: City Hall Financing / 2026 Bond Plan - Interim CFO Stephanie Council and Davenport advisors Kyle Laps and David Rose presented a plan of finance for a new City Hall. - The estimated City Hall cost is about $125 million, plus about $30 million to reimburse the city for already-completed capital projects — approximately $155 million in total funding. The plan includes no increase in sales or other taxes. - Credit ratings are Moody's Aa2, S&P AA+, and Fitch AA-. General fund revenues and expenditures have each grown about 7% annually, with positive net changes in fund balance every year. Available fund balance is about 43% of the total budget versus a peer median of about 39%. - Tax-supported debt is about $300 million with a 10-year payout ratio of about 80%; pension bonds are expected to be fully paid off in about 10 years. Current debt service is about 7.5% of the budget (policy cap 10%), and debt is about 2.7% of assessed value (policy cap 4%). - Planning assumptions include a 30-year repayment and a conservative 5% interest rate. Even with the $155 million layered in, the city remains within its debt policies. Davenport expects to return in November 2026 for a public hearing and ordinance, with borrowing completed by the end of the calendar year; a broader capital planning discussion is anticipated for winter/spring 2027. - Councilman Dodson asked how other CIP and school projects fit; Councilman Hugel asked for ROI projections for developing the current City Hall waterfront site. Davenport confirmed the plan assumes only 1% assessed-value growth and 3% budget growth and does not rely on future economic development revenue. Mayor Glover called the project 'generational,' noted the city is financially strong, and urged patience to let the financial team complete its work. Work Session: Bulk Waste Program Update - City Manager Carter described the failed rollout of the scheduled bulk waste pickup system, saying the city tried to run scheduling and old canvassing simultaneously. Beginning October 1, scheduling would become the standard, with aggressive education, documentation, and readiness evaluations at 30, 60, and 90 days. The target is 95% successful service delivery before full enforcement, rather than an arbitrary January 1 date. - Dashboard data showed 171 stops planned for the next day with four trucks; daily requests up 21% (17 vs. 14); weekly submissions 165 vs. 164; and September submissions about 1,400 vs. 837 last month. Plans include truck cameras, door hangers, bin stickers, a management dashboard, and a 'one city, one message' education campaign. - Vice Mayor Moody called the rollout a failure, cited conflicting information (24-hour vs. 48-hour windows, confirmed by his own phone call that morning), said trash is accumulating citywide, and called for a timeout until January with a possible small-area pilot. Councilman Tillage concurred, noting residents were told different timeframes (including five days) and had trouble reaching staff by phone or online. Councilwoman Thomas supported delaying implementation while starting communication immediately; Councilman Hugel said the city has 'strike one' and must explain why the change is needed; Councilwoman Bryant recommended a communication playbook (press releases, home page icon, QR codes, door hangers), no fines starting October 1, and a citywide cleanup sweep. - Consensus: return to the prior collection system through January, and remain on it until the city manager can demonstrate the new system will be an improvement. The manager will report back with data-driven improvements. Councilman Dodson also noted the front desk/phone system is not working well. Work Session: Political Signs at City Hall - Council discussed political signs during early voting. Councilman Tillage said the May consensus barred all political signs on city property, and his email asking for reconsideration drew no responses (Councilwoman Bryant corrected that she did reply). Mayor Glover said there was no intent to deny anyone sign rights, only to establish rules. - Consensus: a limit of two yard signs per candidate, placed in designated grass areas on the Columbia Street side of City Hall and the small grass area next to the Water Street parking lot; signs may remain overnight but must be removed for maintenance, with the city providing notice; code enforcement will collect signs exceeding the limit. The city manager will send the policy to the registrar, candidates, and enforcement staff. Regular Meeting: Consent Calendar & Public Hearings - Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Epsilon Nu Lambda chapter, was recognized for its 75th charter week; chapter president Keith Bailey addressed council. - Public hearing 26-218 (resolution requesting the General Assembly to amend the city charter to delete Chapter 11, the Civil Service Commission) was held with no speakers; the resolution was later adopted as consent item H. - Item 26-219 (CF Honeycutt use permit UP-01-08, 4592 George Washington Highway) was deferred to the November 10, 2026 meeting by unanimous roll-call vote. - Public hearing 26-206 (UP-2608, T Cross event space/banquet hall at 500 Rodman Avenue) was approved 6-0 with conditions. - The consent agenda (items A–H) was adopted 6-0, including: a $502,494.87 U.S. Department of Justice bulletproof vest partnership grant; $5,226,000 in FEMA BRIC funding through VDEM for phase one of the Lake Meade Dam adaptations; $500,000 from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority; $53,715 in PATH funding for homelessness outreach; $111,856 in Partnership for Success funding for youth substance misuse; adoption of the Portsmouth Flood Resilience Strategy; a Dominion Energy easement over 2045, 2017, and 2023 Frederick Boulevard; and the Civil Service Commission charter amendment resolution. Regular Meeting: Collective Bargaining Ordinance (26-221) - The council considered an ordinance adding Section 2-118 to the city code to establish a collective bargaining framework. - Speakers in support included Tiffany Stewart (EMS lieutenant and president of IAF Local 539), who said negotiations with staff were productive and that contracts serve as long-term financial planning tools; Kurt Dietrich (president of the Virginia Professional Firefighters), who called it a historic opportunity; Todd Riley, speaking on behalf of the City of Roanoke's fire and EMS workforce as a sister locality; and Garland Alexander, a retired Local 539 member of 58 years. - Rhoda Young expressed support but argued the proposed structure makes it harder for non-sworn and general employees — including human services, behavioral health, and 911 dispatchers — to organize, and warned of political consequences if workers are denied a voice. - Chris Hollis (Laborers) expressed support but asked for four bargaining units instead of three, arguing the 'others' category unfairly groups distinct worker types; he cited the Richmond and Alexandria models and said collective bargaining has not broken those cities. - The ordinance was adopted 6-0. Council Member Reports & City Manager Announcements - Councilman Hugel reported on a Minus 9 to 5 / ODU presentation on the state of child care in Portsmouth: 6,351 children under age five; two-thirds have all available parents in the workforce; 86 regulated programs with capacity for 4,490 children; and two pages of strategy recommendations. National Night Out is rescheduled for October 6. - Councilwoman Bryant reported an urgent need for foster homes in Portsmouth, noted the assessor's office recertified for the Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration, and asked colleagues for policy direction on the community and regional funding framework. - Councilwoman Thomas highlighted the PRHA Youth Build workforce development home at 605 London Street, now on the market for eligible buyers. - Councilman Tillage promoted the Symphony on the River event and the 79th annual Fishbowl Parade on Saturday. - Mayor Glover announced a community day Saturday at 1701 High Street. - City Manager Carter announced: possible localized flooding with parking garages free starting tomorrow afternoon; Government 101 beginning Monday, September 28 at 6 p.m.; a peanut butter and jelly food drive competition; and Portsmouth being named a 2026 Virginia Municipal League Innovation Award winner for Rock the Block (environmental quality award), to be presented October 11. Public Comments & Testimony (Regular Meeting) - Desani Wilkerson (consent agenda speaker) described a planned organization for independent living, second-chance shared housing, and a Portsmouth wellness center offering digital literacy, job readiness, mentorship, and sound therapy; she said the effort is currently self-funded. - Sergi O'Neill thanked council for clarity on the Portsmouth United funding structure, decried misinformation about participating nonprofits, and encouraged citizen engagement. - Sherman Tyler expressed anger about the sign restrictions, saying candidates were not informed and that a candidate stood outside City Hall for eight hours; he suggested the timing near the election amounted to suppression. Councilwoman Bryant responded that the decision was made in May and that the work session had created a pathway forward. - Sheila Joseph complained about overgrown grass, trees, and right-of-way maintenance along Frederick Boulevard and in neighborhoods, noted new security screening at waste management, and asked for better public notice of street work. - Brian Williams (Parkview) requested speed tables or bumps and signage on Elm Avenue due to excessive speeding, military-base congestion, and vehicles being struck; Mayor Glover directed him to the traffic-calming request process. - Rhoda Young thanked council for the sign compromise and urged continued listening to residents. - Nicole Hardy (president, Charles Pete Little League) reported that the Charles Pete Little League Complex renovation is stalled; the contract with Turner Strategic Technologies (IFB E500, $6,540,252.75, executed March 19, 2025) anticipated a 270-day completion, but the league remains displaced at an inadequate field since spring 2025. She said a $210,000 covered pavilion (item 91) was omitted from the final construction drawings. Councilwoman Thomas requested a report back and a designated communication contact. Key Outcomes - Bulk waste: consensus to revert to the previous collection system through January and until the city manager can demonstrate the new system will improve service; data-driven updates to council expected. - Political signs: consensus allowing two yard signs per candidate in designated areas at City Hall, overnight placement allowed, removal for maintenance with notice; city manager to issue guidance. - CF Honeycutt use permit (26-219) deferred to November 10, 2026, by unanimous vote. - T Cross event space use permit (UP-2608) approved 6-0. - Consent agenda adopted 6-0. - Collective bargaining framework ordinance (26-221) adopted 6-0. - Direction given to the city manager to: advance the food bank hub conversation; report back on the Charles Pete Little League project status, scope changes, and communication contact; and provide CIP/school integration and waterfront ROI projections ahead of the November financing decision.

On September 21, 2026, the Portsmouth City Council and Planning Commission held a joint public work session at 5:30 p.m. to review the Planning Commission's 20-month body of work and upcoming land-use priorities. Planning Director Rhonda Russell presented on housing approvals, nonresidential uses, design review, stakeholder engagement, entertainment-use enforcement, and the commission's future work plan. No formal votes were taken; the council and commission reached consensus on follow-up items. Housing and Development Activity - Approximately 341 housing units were approved for development since January 2025. Of those, 299 are in Newport Phase 2, 39 multifamily units were approved in the West Croft/ANZO Gardens community, and three townhouse units each were approved as infill in Princess Place and Oakden. - Staff reported that nonresidential activity since August 2025 included entertainment-use cases, one on Hodges Ferry Road that was ultimately denied and two event centers that did not materialize, plus an outdoor kennel expansion on Towery Neck Road, a shipping container chassis storage use on Military Road, and a treatment facility in the Link District on Enterprise Parkway. - Staff observed that residential development has predominated over commercial permitting and that new housing is trending toward multifamily for-sale and rental units rather than detached single-family homes. Policy and Process Updates - Staff expects the short-term rental policy to come to a final City Council vote this fall, followed by development of the 2040 comprehensive plan and review of uses and design standards in the Link District. - Planned work includes a two-year 2040 comprehensive plan effort, Link District ordinance phase two design standards, and targeted zoning amendments for narrow lots and accessory dwelling units. - Staff will change the public notice sign process, modeled on Hampton and Newport News: the city will provide corrugated, weatherproof, UV-protected signs; applicants will post them and send photo verification. - For the Link District, staff is assembling a stakeholder task force of about 10 to 15 community members to help draft design standards by the end of the year. Design Quality and 'Character of the Neighborhood' - Dr. Russell said planning staff has responded to neighborhood complaints about narrow-lot infill by asking applicants to assess nearby single-family characteristics and incorporate design elements into their elevations. Staff described the required number of elements at times as up to three and later as three to five. - Councilman Hugo expressed concern that the 'character of the neighborhood' standard feels subjective; when a three-story house is proposed in a one-story neighborhood, he said he cannot explain to constituents how it was found compatible. He asked for a clearer rubric and staff report showing how staff's negotiations with the developer produced the final recommendation. - Vice Mayor Moody and others questioned whether the design-element approach will resolve resident opposition, and Commissioner Glover raised side-yard setback issues, including contractors working over neighbor property; City Attorney Derrick Challenger said trespass law already covers that issue and adding redundant language may not be advisable. - Council members and commissioners generally agreed that proactive, neighborhood-based design standards and going to residents rather than expecting them to come to city meetings improves engagement and reduces conflict later. Entertainment and Event Center Regulation - Staff reported that since the city adopted its entertainment/event space ordinance in August 2025, only one event center has been approved; a second application was considered at the prior council meeting and deferred. Staff identified five event space users and eight entertainment establishments, noting that many historically permitted venues are now non-operational. - Dr. Russell recognized confusion between entertainment uses and event center uses, including how DJs are treated, and noted problems with restaurant operators who serve alcohol with entertainment after midnight without obtaining the required use permit. She said the ordinance likely needs fine-tuning. - She also said planning staff's own provider outreach drew very low attendance, while a police chief's meeting with the same providers was fully attended, so staff intends to partner with the police department for education and enforcement outreach. Group Homes and Independent Living - Councilman Hugo raised constituent complaints about learning about group homes only when large vans arrive, with no advance notice. Zoning Administrator Mr. Boone confirmed that group homes must obtain a zoning clearance but that nothing in the current ordinance requires notification to neighboring property owners. - Councilman Hugo asked whether the ordinance could be amended to require notice during the zoning clearance process; City Attorney Challenger said that question needs research. Mayor Clever cautioned that informing neighbors that a group home is moving in could create legal challenges and that state code limits local authority. - Councilwoman Bryant urged the city not to target group homes because of Virginia Fair Housing Law concerns, saying enforcement should focus on property maintenance rather than the type of occupants. - Commissioner Curry suggested the recent influx may actually be independent living homes that are not licensed by DMAS or regulated like traditional group homes, driven by the regional housing crisis and the need to house people with disabilities or fixed incomes. Vice Mayor Moody called for more data on group homes' effects on property values. Board and Commission Training - Staff highlighted the VCU Planning Commissioners Institute, a hybrid certificate program; two commissioners have signed up, and the city covers tuition, commuting, and overnight costs. City Council consensus was to direct staff to return with cost and logistics information for making training mandatory for both the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. - Councilwoman Thomas asked that any required training be accessible to volunteers, including virtual options, so it does not create additional work or travel burdens. Key Outcomes - No formal motions or votes were taken during the joint work session. - Council consensus was reached to explore required training for Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals members, with staff to bring back cost and access options. - Staff will research whether the zoning ordinance can be amended to provide public notice for group homes or independent living uses. - The narrow-lot ordinance effort will continue with stakeholder engagement and return to the Planning Commission in October. - Staff will develop fine-tuning amendments for the entertainment/event center ordinance and work with the police department on provider education. - Staff will proceed with the 2040 comprehensive plan, Link District design standards, public notice sign changes, and the fall short-term rental vote.

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.

A public work session and regular council meeting were held on August 25, 2026, addressing the Douglas Avenue sewer main failure response, an update on proposed short-term rental regulations, multiple use permit requests, consent agenda approvals, and a motion to advance a collective bargaining ordinance. The meeting began with a work session featuring presentations from HRSD and planning staff, followed by the regular council meeting with public hearings and council actions. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals included acceptance of $140,654.85 in PFAS settlement funds (3M Company), a $550,000 Portsmouth host communities revitalization grant, a $30,000 tourism marketing grant, a $85,724 criminal justice planning grant with a $28,575 local match, $600,000 for five school resource officer positions, and several behavioral health grants totaling over $777,000. Also approved were a resolution to rename Eighth and Jefferson Park as Charles B. Whitehurst Senior Park, support for a Virginia Main Street designation, and a resolution certifying support for a $2 million federal marine highway barge grant for Crofton Industries. Public Comments & Testimony - David House criticized the planning commission's notification process, highlighting signage that was difficult to read and delayed posting of agenda packets. He also reported that a property owner in West Norfolk had moved debris to multiple lots after a cleanup. He asked for better enforcement and transparency. - Alexandra Westfall (West Haven Civic League) raised concerns about the proposed zoning amendment reducing side-yard setbacks, stormwater capacity for new developments, and gun violence in her neighborhood. She urged council to consider neighborhood character and infrastructure. - Tiffany Stewart (IAFF Local 539 president) and Daniel Logan (Tidewater Federal Firefighters) testified in favor of collective bargaining, arguing it improves retention, morale, and safety. They emphasized that it is a collaborative process, not a confrontation with management. - Chris Hollis (LION organizer) and Melvin Smith (city worker) also expressed support for collective bargaining, noting its success in Richmond and Newport News. - Sheila Joseph raised ongoing issues with water billing errors and the removal of a safety stop sign she had previously requested. - Tony Goodwin spoke in support of the Main Street program, highlighting its 16-year history and importance for historic preservation and economic development. Discussion Items - HRSD Presentation (Douglas Avenue Sewer Failure): Sean Hazleton (Director of Interceptor Operations) detailed the August 4, 2026 failure of a 30-inch reinforced concrete pipe installed in 1943. The break released an estimated 3.15 million gallons into Hull Creek at a rate of 12,000 gallons per minute. Within five hours, flow was throttled to 500 gallons per minute using valves and 30 pump-and-haul trucks. The repair was completed in 72 hours. Ongoing environmental monitoring shows enterococcus levels dropped below VDH beach action values within a week; sediment metals are below DEQ action value for biota effects. HRSD has invested $30 million in Portsmouth over the past decade and has $37 million in active projects, including the Douglas Avenue Interceptor Force Main Phase One (already in planning before the failure). Future $34 million in CIP investments are planned over seven years. Council members questioned inspection intervals, prioritization of pipe replacement, and coordination of capital projects with the city to avoid pavement damage. - Short-Term Rental Ordinance Update: Dr. Russell and Michelle Bowman presented a revised tiered framework based on owner occupancy and number of properties. Tier 1 (owner-occupied): administrative permit. Tier 2 (one non-owner-occupied): zoning permit, annual inspection, local contact. Tier 3 (multiple properties): conditional use permit, 24-hour manager, enhanced enforcement. Parking requirements: one additional off-street space beyond the existing two for single-family; a parking plan can be submitted for approval. Event prohibition for groups over eight. A 90-day transition plan for existing operators. The planning commission public hearing is set for September 1, 2026, with adoption expected by November and effective date January 1, 2027. Council discussed staffing needs for enforcement, tax collection, and concerns from downtown areas about parking plans. - Use Permit UP-26-04 (Oregon Acres): Applicant Juan Aponte proposed six townhouse units on 0.52 acres at 2400 Airline Boulevard. Public speaker David House noted outstanding zoning violations (unpermitted dumpster storage) and the three-story design incompatible with the neighborhood's one- and two-story homes. The planning commission had approved 6-0, but council denied the permit 4-3, citing character mismatch. - Use Permit UP-26-06 (West Haven): Applicant Keith Alexander sought renewal of an expired permit for seven townhouses on 0.37 acres at 1211 Rodman Avenue and 3614 Race Street. A public speaker raised density concerns and stormwater capacity. Council adopted the permit 7-0. - Use Permit UP-26-07 (Twin Pines): Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority requested construction of an 82-unit senior (62+) apartment building on 3.73 acres at 3993 Twin Pines Road. The project includes project-based vouchers (30% of income rent), one EV charging station, and design features for elderly residents. Council adopted 7-0. - Collective Bargaining Motion: Councilman Tillich moved to place the collective bargaining ordinance on the September 22, 2026 regular meeting agenda for a public vote. After debate, council unanimously (7-0) approved adding the item, with a closed session scheduled for September 8 to finalize the ordinance language. - Firefighter Staffing: Vice Mayor Moody expressed support for adding 11 firefighter positions, referencing a VOSH violation from March 2024 and the fire chief's budget request. The city manager will evaluate for FY28 budget. Key Outcomes - Use Permit UP-26-04 (Oregon Acres) denied 4-3. - Use Permit UP-26-06 (West Haven) adopted 7-0. - Use Permit UP-26-07 (Twin Pines senior housing) adopted 7-0. - Consent agenda adopted (all items). - Motion to add collective bargaining ordinance to September 22 agenda adopted 7-0. - Council informally supports evaluating 11 additional firefighter positions for FY28 budget. - HRSD to provide contacts for affected residents and continue environmental monitoring and restoration, with final pavement restoration expected by mid-September. - Planning staff to continue short-term rental ordinance process; planning commission hearing on September 1.

On Monday, August 24, 2026, the Portsmouth City Council held a public work session with the Crime and Gun Violence Prevention Commission to discuss the commission's recent work and proposals. The commission presented Project IMPACT, a multidisciplinary strategy to treat gun violence as a public health emergency, and requested council consensus on five action items to implement the initiative. Council members provided feedback on workforce training, youth engagement, parental support, data analysis, and recreational opportunities, and expressed support for the proposal. The council reached consensus to direct the city manager to develop a plan for implementing the five action items. Discussion Items - Commission Introductions and Reset: Chair James Cullen introduced the commission members and noted that the group had redefined its role as a recommendation-making body, moving away from the "task force" label. The commission's first recommendation involved realigning parking enforcement into the police department to increase uniformed presence, a measure now being implemented. - Project IMPACT Presentation: Chair Cullen presented Project IMPACT (Interagency Multidisciplinary Prevention Analysis and Community Transformation), which treats gun violence as a communicable disease. The proposal establishes a 24/7 unified incident command to respond to violent incidents within 24 hours, deploying city departments (police, fire, code enforcement, zoning, etc.) to analyze environmental factors and enforce rapid remediation (e.g., lighting, brush trimming, blight abatement) over a 180-day timeline. A partnership with Old Dominion University's Center for Mission Engineering was proposed to analyze cross-departmental data and identify unknown trends. - Parking Authority Realignment: Vice Mayor Moody sought an update on the consolidation of parking enforcement under the police department. Chief Jenkins confirmed that parking authority personnel are now under police oversight but are awaiting uniforms and equipment to be placed in marked cars. - Workforce and Youth Engagement: Mayor Glover emphasized the need for workforce training and job opportunities for young people as a violence prevention tool. Chair Cullen noted that a workforce- and job-focused proposal from Commissioner McDonald and Commissioner DeGroot is in a three-month development cycle. Mayor Glover also proposed creating a youth advisory council to give young people a voice in city decisions, building on past models. Council members Hugo, Thomas, and others expressed support for connecting summer jobs to year-round opportunities and providing wraparound support. - Parental Support and Community Resources: Councilman Tillage highlighted the need for resources and training for parents, noting that many parents of program-enrolled youth lack similar opportunities. Commissioners and staff noted existing programs through Portsmouth Workforce Council and PRHA, but emphasized the need to better connect families to these services and address transportation barriers. - Data Analysis and ODU Partnership: Councilwoman Bryant asked for clarification on ODU's role. Chair Cullen and City Manager Carter explained that ODU would provide historical data analysis and trend identification, not just post-incident reporting, and that a response team could be formed immediately at minimal cost. Councilman Dotsman suggested also contacting crime analysis groups at Christopher Newport University. - Recreational Opportunities: Vice Mayor Moody called for expanding city sports teams and aquatic programs as positive outlets for youth. Key Outcomes - Consensus to Move Forward: The city council reached a consensus to authorize the city manager to proceed with developing an implementation plan for the five action items requested by the commission, as detailed at the bottom of the City Council Executive Briefing. Those actions are: (1) authorize Project IMPACT resolution to establish unified command protocol; (2) affirm statutory ordinances for cost recovery; (3) advance interagency MOUs for data sharing with schools, sheriff, and other entities; (4) establish rapid remediation and survivor panel review with $75,000 funding for public works and CPTED; (5) direct city manager to scope an applied research and evaluation partnership with ODU. - Parking Authority Implementation: The police department has assumed oversight of parking enforcement personnel, with uniforms and deployment pending. - Youth Advisory Council: Mayor Glover announced plans to create a youth advisory council, with a framework to be developed and shared with council and the city manager. - Next Steps for Workforce Proposal: The commission will continue developing a Portsmouth-specific workforce and job training proposal over the next three months.

The Portsmouth City Council held a public work session and regular meeting on July 28, 2026. The work session featured a detailed update on the Main Street accreditation initiative and an extensive debate on a $2.5 million budget shortfall for Portsmouth Public Schools caused by a state-mandated teacher raise. At the regular meeting, the council voted to address the gap by transferring funds from a dormant risk management account, approved a resolution for a November referendum on a 1% sales tax for school capital projects, and directed staff to find $600,000 for elementary school resource officers. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously adopted the consent agenda (Item 26-178, 6-0), which included the acceptance and appropriation of grants for the Fire Department, Social Services, Commonwealth Attorney’s Victim Witness Program, local probation services, the Sheriff’s Office, and several behavioral health programs. Public Comments & Testimony - Sergi O’Neill: Addressed the school budget, urging better communication between the council and school board. Later, during non-agenda comments, he thanked the city for resolving the New Generation Band MOU issue and called for proactive safety measures in the London Oaks community. - Lewis Padilla: Opposed the 1% sales tax referendum, arguing the school division should undergo an independent audit before taxpayers are asked to contribute more. - Coleman Young: Urged the council to expedite the hiring of a vendor operator for the Pavilion, warning that delays cost the city revenue and strategic planning time. City Manager Carter confirmed the RFP will be issued on August 15th. - David House: Reported on a property he has flagged for blight since February, noting that 9 violations were finally cited. He asked whether the city’s new blight ordinance would apply to the property. Council committed to following up. - Alexandra Westfall: Representing West Haven, she argued that reduced side-yard setbacks create unsafe maintenance hazards. She clarified her advocacy was not NIMBY but a call for responsible, compatible development that respects neighborhood character. - Leon Hammonds: Proposed naming the park on Jefferson Street after former Councilman and City Treasurer Charles Whitehurst. Council members praised the idea and directed staff to begin the official naming process. - William Britt: Complained about speed traps and automated enforcement cameras on High Street, calling them revenue-driven. He urged that the funds be redirected to crime prevention in areas like London Oaks. Councilman Hugel disagreed, defending the enforcement of speed limits. - Walter Carter: Reported that diseased sweet gum trees on a city paper street are threatening his home, stating he was asked to sign a liability waiver that he refused. He gave his copies of the paperwork to council members, who said they would investigate. - Sherman Tyler: Praised Police Chief Jenkins for transparency but pleaded for city leaders to show more public compassion for families impacted by violent crime. He thanked Councilman Hugel for personally sitting with his family during a tragedy, stating that Portsmouth needs healing. Discussion Items - Main Street Update: Michelle Ren and Liz Pascalini presented on the Main Street program’s progress. The city is currently a “Mobilizing Main Street” community targeting “Advancing” status and eventually national accreditation. They reported 5,000 volunteer hours logged, over $4 million in public-private investment, a new Booms Tracker property database, building wraps, lighting and security projects, and a $180,000 “Unlocking Capital” grant for the Zion mixed-use project. The new brand “High Street Happens” was previewed, and Ports Events was relaunched to coordinate event management and DORA activations. Council discussed district boundaries, citizen input, ways to tell the program’s story, and the role of the city versus Ports Events as the “traffic cop” for events. The mayor praised the program as an “accelerator” for the city’s future. - Public School Budget Gap (Work Session): City Manager Carter outlined four options to close a $2.5 million gap caused by the state funding 4% teacher raises (schools had budgeted for 2%). Options included using vacancy savings, anticipating year-end surpluses, maintaining the current budget, or reallocating city CIP funds. Councilmembers Thomas and Tillett supported using city CIP funds, arguing vacancy savings are unsustainable and would create a fiscal cliff. Councilwoman Bryant raised concerns about reopening the adopted budget. Councilman Hugel highlighted the need for a long-term funding formula. After debate, Mayor proffered a fifth option: releasing $2.5 million from a dormant Risk Management Schools Revenues Fund. The council reached consensus to pursue this route, contingent on school board agreement. - Councilmember Items and New Business: Councilwoman Bryant provided updates on the Swanson demolition and the city event calendar. Councilwoman Thomas requested quarterly MWBE data, a follow-up on collective bargaining, and expressed support for quarterly joint meetings with the school board. Councilman Tillett reported on the legislative policy committee meeting. Councilman Hugel requested a consensus to find $600,000 to fund elementary school SROs after state funding was cut, which was approved by the council. Key Outcomes - School Budget Shortfall: The council voted unanimously (6-0) to adopt an ordinance (Item 26-179) transferring $2,522,484 from the FY 2027 Risk Management Schools Revenues Fund to the general fund to cover the school’s salary gap and approve the FY 2027 school budget. Councilwoman Thomas noted the option was presented last-minute but voted in favor. - Sales Tax Referendum: The council approved (5-1) a resolution to place a referendum on the November ballot asking voters to authorize a 1% local general retail sales tax. Proceeds can only be used for capital projects (construction/major renovation) for Portsmouth schools. Vice Mayor Moody dissented, stating the city has funded three new schools within its budget without a tax increase. - School Resource Officers: The council reached a consensus to direct the city manager to identify and allocate $600,000 to maintain school resource officers in elementary schools for the upcoming year, offsetting lost state funding. - Future Collaboration: Council expressed a strong commitment to improving communication with the School Board. Leaders signaled intent to explore a formal revenue-sharing formula and schedule quarterly joint meetings to improve budget and capital planning. - Other: The city manager was directed to begin the process for naming the Jefferson Street park after Charles Whitehurst following a request from the community.