[0:04] Good evening, and welcome to the October 22nd, 2024, regular session meeting of city council. If you are here tonight, I'd like to address council, please register with staff in the lobby. Please indicate item I for matters that are germane to city council. We have a three minute light system. I have to say in your name and address. You will see a green light. After two minutes, you will see yellow light. After three minutes, you will see a red light. At that time, please take your seat. The city code identifies the procedure for the participation regarding items

[0:34] on tonight's council agenda and provides the opportunity

[0:37] for citizens to address city council on matters

[0:39] that are domain to council.

[0:41] Matters that are domain to council means that matter

[0:43] for the city council by law is empowered to act upon.

[0:47] Copies of this ordinance can be found

[0:48] at the desk in the lobby.

[0:50] At this time, please silence your phone.

[0:53] Prior to beginning the business portion

[0:55] of the meeting, Apostle Dr. Christopher Spell,

[0:57] with Harvard's Church, provide invocation to the council.

[1:00] Afterwards, Councilman Harris will lead us

[1:02] in the pledge of allegiance.

[1:04] It is a practice of council members

[1:05] to stand for the indication in pledge.

[1:07] Those who also wish to stand are welcome,

[1:09] but under no obligation do so.

[1:11] Thank you.

[1:23] Let us pray.

[1:25] Father, we are so grateful and thankful

[1:27] for this opportunity to come together

[1:29] and just about in your presence

[1:31] and ask for your hand to rest upon each and every one of us.

[1:36] We do understand that each and every one of us

[1:38] have our specific goals and purpose

[1:40] us that you have called us to achieve, but we can do nothing without you.

[1:46] So even now, we lean not to our own understanding, but we trust in you and all of our ways we

[1:52] acknowledge you.

[1:53] We speak blessings over our city tonight.

[1:57] We ask that you would keep in guard and protect us.

[2:02] We lift up our city leaders, we are thankful for the mayor, the vice mayor, and the council

[2:06] women and council men that sacrifice and stand and lobby for us to have a city that's thriving.

[2:15] We're so grateful for all of the people that work behind the scenes and our firefighters are

[2:21] chief of police and our police department and all the city employees and those who

[2:26] sometimes are not seen but they're felt in our everyday living.

[2:30] Do you set in your word, my people who are called by my name, would humble themselves

[2:36] and pray, seek my face and turn from their erred ways, then you would hear from heaven,

[2:43] you would heal our land, God, we submit to you, and ask that you to lead and guide us

[2:48] tonight as we come and reason together.

[2:50] We honor and respect as we make this friend's application, every citizen of this building

[2:56] to pray to the God of their choice.

[2:58] and mine is in the name of Jesus. Amen.

[3:02] Will you please join me as we recite the prayer?

[3:06] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America

[3:10] and to the Republic for which it ends.

[3:13] One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

[3:19] Thank you.

[3:23] So tonight we're going to celebrate as the City of Champions

[3:26] with historic championship.

[3:27] A very own, Christopher Newport University cheer team are national champions.

[3:32] The first time in C&U program history.

[3:40] At this time, I would like to invite the C&U cheer team along with their coaches, President

[3:44] Kelly, Angie and members of City Council to the podium to read a proclamation.

[4:15] All

[4:18] right, it's a brand new podium, so let me new world with it.

[4:23] Where's the proclamation?

[4:25] Okay, perfect.

[4:27] The proclamation reads, whereas the C&U Chair Team participated in the National

[4:32] Cheerleading Association College Nationals held in Daytona and Beach, Florida, and whereas

[4:38] the C&U Chair Team completed or competed in the all-girl division three category and delivered

[4:44] an exceptional performance securing the first national cheerleader association championship

[4:48] in program history. And whereas C&U's routine was the only one in the all-girl division three

[4:54] finals to achieve zero deductions in their score ranked in the top 10 across all divisions,

[5:00] which included 170 teams from the NCAA divisions, one, two, three in AIA and junior college

[5:09] levels of competition, and whereas the outstanding perseverance and skill demonstrated by the cheer

[5:15] team had brought pride and recognition to both CNU and the City of Newport News.

[5:21] Now, therefore, I, Philip Jones, mayor of the city of Newport News, do hereby congratulate

[5:27] and commend the Christopher Newport University cheer team for their outstanding accomplishment

[5:32] and for bringing home the very first NCAA championship in program history.

[5:38] As the city will clap there, we'll clap there.

[5:45] So as a city, we are extremely proud of our hometown university and our students.

[5:50] Keeping with tradition, we have one more item to display tonight with the proclamation.

[5:54] Can we add the vice mayor and Councilman Harris?

[5:57] Can you show us what's behind that cover?

[6:08] Just a few more things, a few more things.

[6:10] So you will see this street sign displayed in the city in the coming months.

[6:14] We look forward to continue to celebrate your successes both in competition and in the classroom.

[6:20] President Kelly, please come up and say a few words.

[6:28] Mr. Mayor, members of the City Council, thank you so much for having us tonight.

[6:32] It is an honor and privilege to be with you.

[6:34] We are so proud of our young ladies and our coach

[6:36] and all of our senior supporters, both on campus and off.

[6:41] It is an honor and a privilege to be the hometown university for this all-american city.

[6:45] Thank you so much for having us tonight, and as always, go Captains!

[6:54] So where do you want to eat? Right here? Tell us where.

[6:56] All right, I'm going to put this down.

[8:22] I think we have some like a city of champion coins for all of you, so thank you for coming.

[8:27] We appreciate it.

[8:38] Okay, we'll get started.

[8:39] Public hearings page four item E1 is requested up in ordinance authorizing zoning ordinance

[8:45] text.

[8:46] Mimment number Zulu Tango dash 2024 dash 0 0 0 4.

[8:51] Amending and reordaining city code chapter 45 zoning ordinance article 30 all street parking

[8:58] and loading regulations and Article 2, Article 32,

[9:02] Board of Zoning Appeals to eliminate

[9:04] the minimum off-street parking requirements

[9:06] and allowances for parking increases and reductions.

[9:09] At this time, are there any speakers?

[9:10] Yes, sir.

[9:11] We have one, John Watson.

[9:23] Good evening.

[9:24] Good evening, how are you?

[9:25] Good.

[9:27] Thank you for allowing me to speak today.

[9:29] My name is John Watson.

[9:30] I'm a resident at Newport News

[9:30] and I am advocating for the removal

[9:32] of minimum parking requirements citywide.

[9:34] A couple of key points that I like to talk on

[9:35] is that minimum parking requirements

[9:38] to treat the availability of affordable housing, and also hinder inter-middle growth in development

[9:42] in our community. The term minimum parking requirements directly reduce the availability of

[9:46] overall housing, which doesn't seem like there would be a correlation there between parking

[9:50] minimums and affordable housing, but land is inherently valuable, and parking is an inefficient and

[9:56] costly use of that land. For example, building a parking garage in the United States just for

[10:00] approximately $20,000 per source space and as a general rule rent increases by about $100 per

[10:08] month for every $10,000 worth of development cost. Two space minimum parking environment

[10:12] for a two-bedroom apartment would directly increase monthly rent by $400 on average in just parking

[10:18] costs. These requirements also impede or have an infill prevent adaptive reuse of vacant buildings

[10:22] and trade significant barriers for developers. These requirements prevent developers or

[10:27] to turn developers to definitely reuse vacant lots and instead push them to Greenfield

[10:35] development sites and places like Suffolk and Chesapeake where I would much rather invite

[10:39] those developers to develop in new port news. For example, if a potential entrepreneur wanted

[10:45] to convert a warehouse into a restaurant, that warehouse would have something like 4 spaces

[10:49] or 4 spaces for 1,000 square feet, where a restaurant would require 20 spaces for 1,000

[10:54] work feet. So they would require a very costly engineering merit

[10:58] quality rate, 16 spaces out of thin air. These current

[11:03] parking minimums, a stifle, creativity, and innovation. I believe

[11:07] the developers will invest in their community. If they have

[11:08] the right incentives, we just have to give them those incentives.

[11:12] Double benefits about removing the minimum parking requirements

[11:14] and the promoting urban infill and without the reuse of the

[11:18] vacant buildings allow developers the flexibility to respond

[11:21] on to the demands of the community,

[11:22] encourage investment in the local economy

[11:24] and foster a more equitable and sustainable urban environment.

[11:27] In conclusion, I believe that voting

[11:29] to remove minimum parking requirements

[11:30] is crucial for creating a more sustainable transportation

[11:32] infrastructure and more livable new point news.

[11:37] This decision promotes economic growth,

[11:39] produces housing costs,

[11:40] and enhances the overall quality life for our residents.

[11:42] I also believe that in combination

[11:43] with the recently approved disaster-dolling units,

[11:46] creates a powerful tool for increasing

[11:48] the supply of affordable homes and new point news.

[11:50] I urge you consider voting to remove minimum parking requirements and thank you for your time and consideration, thank you so much.

[11:56] Thanks, John. Well said.

[11:58] Motion to close public hearing.

[11:59] Move and seconded. Any discussion?

[12:03] Yeah, I would just say I know with councilman Long, I think this is extremely important for our city.

[12:08] Not only did we approve the ad use, but in combination with reducing parking minimums and then building up on church land.

[12:14] It's how we have a pro growth and a pro housing mindset here at Newport News, so we appreciate all the hard work that's gone in this with staff and with that being said, call the role, please.

[12:24] Councilman Long.

[12:26] Councilwoman Dick.

[12:27] Four.

[12:28] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[12:29] Four.

[12:29] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[12:30] Four.

[12:31] Councilman Eileen.

[12:32] Four.

[12:32] Councilman Harris.

[12:33] Four.

[12:33] Mayor Jones.

[12:34] Four.

[12:34] Motion carried, 7-0.

[12:36] Thank you.

[12:36] Motion dropped the ordinance.

[12:37] Thank you.

[12:38] Any other discussion?

[12:40] Call the roll, please.

[12:41] Councilman Long.

[12:43] Councilwoman Dick.

[12:44] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[12:46] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[12:47] Councilman Eileen.

[12:49] Councilman Harris.

[12:50] Mayor Jones.

[12:52] Motion carried.

[12:53] 7-0.

[12:53] Thank you.

[12:54] Page 40.

[12:54] Item E2 is requested to adopt an ordinance authorizing a zoning

[12:57] text amendment.

[12:58] Zulu Tango.

[12:59] Dash 2024-005.

[13:02] Amending and reordaining City Code chapter 45.

[13:05] Zoning ordinance.

[13:06] Article 5.

[13:07] General regulations to add section 45-539, feeling station requirements, at this time are there any speakers?

[13:14] Motion to close public hearing.

[13:17] Move the second in discussion.

[13:19] Call the roll please.

[13:21] Councilman Long.

[13:23] Councilwoman Dick.

[13:24] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[13:26] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[13:28] Councilman Ealing.

[13:29] Councilman Harris.

[13:31] Mayor Jones.

[13:32] Motion carry 7-0.

[13:34] Thank you.

[13:34] Motion drop the ordinance.

[13:35] Any discussion?

[13:36] There are none. Call the roll, please.

[13:39] Councilman Long.

[13:40] Councilwoman Dick.

[13:42] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[13:44] Vice Mayor Bethanning.

[13:46] Councilman Ealing.

[13:47] Councilman Harris.

[13:49] Mayor Jones.

[13:51] Motion carried.

[13:51] 7-0.

[13:52] Thank you.

[13:52] Page 47.

[13:53] Item E3 is requested out the ordinance.

[13:55] Authorizing zoning ordinance.

[13:57] Text Amendment.

[13:57] Zulu Tango-2024-006.

[14:02] I'm ending and we are dating City Code, Chapter 45.

[14:04] 5 zoning ordinance article 31 overlays zone districts and regulations to add division 12 chestnut avenue corridor overlay district at this time. Are there any speakers?

[14:15] No, sir. Motion to close public hearing.

[14:17] Second moved and seconded any discussion. Hearing none. Call the roll, please.

[14:22] Councilman Long.

[14:23] 4. Councilwoman Dick.

[14:24] 4. Councilwoman Woodbury.

[14:26] 4. Vice Mayor Bethany. 4.

[14:28] Councilman Ealy. 4. Councilman Harris. 4. Mayor Jones. 4.

[14:32] motion carried 7-0. Thank you. Motion adopt the ordinance. Second. Any discussion? Call the roll, please.

[14:40] Councilman Long.

[14:41] Four. Councilwoman Vic.

[14:42] Four. Councilwoman Woodbury. Four. Vice Mayor Bethany.

[14:45] Four. Councilman Ealy. Four. Councilman Harris. Four. Mayor Jones.

[14:50] Four. Motion carried 7-0. Thank you. Item four is requested adopt an ordinance

[14:54] grannic additional use permit number trelley uniform dash 2024-008

[15:00] To Bishop Barry C. Nescott and Catholic Diocese to allow for the operation of an electric display sign in conjunction with the community facility on a 53.73 equal parcel, located at 600 Harpersville Road, zoned R4, single family dwelling at this time. Are there any speakers? Yes, sir. One Mr. Randy Dressler. Mr. Randy Dressler. Good

[15:28] evening, Councilor. Good evening. We are asking to have an EMC sign put in. We're going to remove the existing sign.

[15:35] install a new one and I know we have to get the condition we use so there are quite a few of

[15:41] these already on Harvestville Road. There's one across the street from Pollard's Floor. So it's

[15:47] there any questions? Is it any larger than the one you already have? It's a price of the exact same

[15:55] size overall. You got the message center and then you have the name of the school so combined together

[16:01] or they're almost exact same size as the existing.

[16:05] Okay.

[16:06] They were good.

[16:06] Thanks, sir.

[16:07] Okay.

[16:07] Thank you.

[16:09] At the time, is there a motion in close public hearing?

[16:11] Second.

[16:12] Moved and seconded.

[16:13] Any discussion?

[16:15] Hearing none.

[16:15] Call the roll, please.

[16:16] Councilman Long.

[16:17] Four.

[16:18] Councilwoman Dick.

[16:19] Four.

[16:19] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[16:20] Four.

[16:21] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[16:22] Four.

[16:23] Councilman Ealing.

[16:24] Four.

[16:24] Councilman Harris.

[16:25] Four.

[16:26] Mayor Jones.

[16:26] Four.

[16:26] Motion carried, 7-0.

[16:28] Motion's out the ordinance.

[16:30] Any discussion?

[16:32] Hearing none, call the roll, please.

[16:34] Councilman Long.

[16:35] Councilwoman Vic.

[16:37] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[16:38] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[16:40] Councilman Ealy.

[16:41] Councilman Harris.

[16:42] Mayor Jones.

[16:44] Motion carried, 7-0.

[16:45] Thank you.

[16:47] Page 81.

[16:48] Item E5 is requested out the ordinance.

[16:50] Authorizing and directing the city manager.

[16:52] To execute a deed of lease by and between the city of Newport News.

[16:55] and B and C, Shoreside, LLC, for parcel 10 of the new port news to see Fuginestria Park.

[17:01] At this time, are there any speakers?

[17:03] No, sir.

[17:03] Motion to close public hearing.

[17:05] Second.

[17:06] Moved and seconded.

[17:07] Any discussion?

[17:08] Harry, none.

[17:09] Call the roll, please.

[17:10] Councilman Long.

[17:11] Four.

[17:11] Councilwoman Dick.

[17:12] Four.

[17:13] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[17:14] Four.

[17:14] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[17:15] Four.

[17:16] Councilman Ealing.

[17:18] Four.

[17:19] Councilman Harris.

[17:20] Four.

[17:21] Mayor Jones.

[17:21] Four.

[17:22] Motion carried.

[17:23] Motion adopted the ordinance.

[17:24] The move.

[17:25] Second.

[17:26] Any discussion?

[17:27] Hearing none.

[17:28] Call the roll, please.

[17:28] Councilman Long.

[17:30] Or.

[17:30] Councilwoman Dick.

[17:31] Or.

[17:32] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[17:33] Or.

[17:33] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[17:34] Or.

[17:35] Councilman Ealing.

[17:35] Or.

[17:36] Councilman Harris.

[17:37] Or.

[17:38] Mayor Jones.

[17:38] Or.

[17:39] Motion carried 7-0.

[17:40] Thank you.

[17:41] Paid 115 item E-6 is a request to approve a resolution of the council of the City of Newport News authorizing applications for boundary amendments of Virginia Enterprise Zone number three.

[17:50] Newport, New South, and zone number 31, Newport, New North, pursuant to the Virginia Enterprise Zone Grant Act at this time.

[17:58] Are there any speakers?

[17:58] No, sir.

[17:59] Motion goes public hearing.

[18:00] So moved.

[18:01] Thank you.

[18:02] Any discussion?

[18:03] Hearing none, call the roll, please.

[18:05] Councilman Long.

[18:06] Four.

[18:07] Councilwoman Dick.

[18:08] Four.

[18:08] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[18:09] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[18:10] Four.

[18:11] Councilman Harris.

[18:12] Four.

[18:12] Councilman Ealing.

[18:13] Four.

[18:14] Mayor Jones.

[18:15] Four.

[18:15] Motion carried.

[18:16] Seven zero.

[18:16] Thank you. Motion to approve the resolution.

[18:19] Second.

[18:20] In discussion.

[18:21] Call the roll, please.

[18:23] Councilman Long.

[18:24] Four.

[18:24] Councilwoman Vic.

[18:25] Four.

[18:26] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[18:27] Four.

[18:28] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[18:29] Four.

[18:29] Councilman Ealy.

[18:30] Four.

[18:30] Councilman Harris.

[18:32] Mayor Jones.

[18:33] Four.

[18:33] Motion carries.

[18:34] 7-0.

[18:34] Thank you.

[18:35] Page 121.

[18:36] Item E7 is requested up in ordinance.

[18:38] Authorizing the city manager.

[18:39] Execute all documents necessary to make offers to acquire by voluntary sale or condemnation.

[18:44] portions of property for the Habersham area improvements project at this time, are there any speakers?

[18:50] No, sir.

[18:50] Motion to close public hearing.

[18:52] Second.

[18:53] Motion to seconded.

[18:54] Any discussion?

[18:56] Hearing none.

[18:56] Call the roll, please.

[18:57] Councilman Long.

[18:58] Four.

[18:59] Councilwoman Dick.

[18:59] Four.

[19:00] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[19:01] Four.

[19:02] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[19:03] Four.

[19:03] Councilman Ealing.

[19:04] Four.

[19:05] Councilman Harris.

[19:06] Four.

[19:06] Mayor Jones.

[19:07] Four.

[19:07] Motion to carry 7-0.

[19:09] Thank you.

[19:09] Motion to drop the ordinance.

[19:10] Still move.

[19:10] Thank you.

[19:11] Any discussion?

[19:13] Very none.

[19:13] Call the roll, please.

[19:14] Councilman Long.

[19:15] Or.

[19:16] Councilman Dick.

[19:17] Or.

[19:17] Councilman Woodbury.

[19:18] Or.

[19:19] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[19:20] Or.

[19:20] Councilman Ealing.

[19:21] Or.

[19:22] Councilman Harris.

[19:23] Or Mayor Jones.

[19:24] Or.

[19:25] Motion carried.

[19:25] 7-0.

[19:26] Thank you.

[19:26] Consent agenda.

[19:27] Item F contains the following items.

[19:29] Page 127.

[19:30] Minutes for the work session of October 8, 2024.

[19:33] Page 169.

[19:34] Minutes for the regular meeting.

[19:36] October 8, 2024.

[19:37] 4, page 187 minutes of the special meeting of October 10th, 2024, page 190 resolution of recognition honoring Natalie Ward Christian.

[19:47] It's our motion to approve the consent agenda, items F1 through our four on-clusive.

[19:51] Second.

[19:53] Moved and seconded, any discussion?

[19:55] Hearing none, call the roll, please.

[19:57] Councilman Long.

[19:58] 4.

[19:58] Councilwoman Dick.

[19:59] 4.

[20:00] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[20:01] 4.

[20:02] Nice may a Bethany.

[20:03] 4.

[20:03] Councilman Ealy.

[20:04] 4.

[20:05] Councilman Harris.

[20:06] First, Mayor Jones, motion carries 7-0.

[20:09] Thank you, next in our agenda, other City Council actions, page 193, item G1, Mr. Manager.

[20:14] Good evening, Mr. Mayor, City Council.

[20:16] Item G1 is a request for City Council to designate by motion the City's voting delegates and alternate voting delegates for the National League of Cities annual business meeting being held on November 16th, 2024.

[20:29] I defer this matter to Council for your consideration.

[20:33] I make the motion that Vice Mayor Bethany and Councilwoman Vic serve as delegates for the NLC conference.

[20:42] Can you designate one as voting delegate and one as the alternate?

[20:45] Vice Mayor Bethany is voting delegate and Councilwoman Vic for the alternate.

[20:53] Is there a second?

[20:54] Second.

[20:55] Moved and seconded.

[20:56] Any discussion?

[20:56] Motion.

[20:57] Hearing none.

[20:58] Call the roll, please.

[20:59] Councilman Long.

[21:00] Four.

[21:01] Councilwoman Dick.

[21:02] Four.

[21:02] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[21:03] Four.

[21:04] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[21:05] Four.

[21:06] Councilman Ealy.

[21:07] Four.

[21:08] Councilman Harris.

[21:09] Four.

[21:10] Mayor Jones.

[21:10] Four.

[21:11] Motion carried.

[21:12] 7-0.

[21:12] Thank you.

[21:13] Thank you.

[21:13] Pace the 24 item G2, Mr. Manager.

[21:16] Item G2 is a request to approve the resolution approving and adopting the city's legislative program

[21:21] for the 2025 Virginia General Assembly session.

[21:24] I recommend approval.

[21:26] At this time, are there any speakers?

[21:28] No, sir.

[21:28] Motion to approve the resolution.

[21:30] No, second.

[21:31] Any discussion?

[21:32] Here are none.

[21:33] Call the roll, please.

[21:34] Councilman Long.

[21:35] 4.

[21:35] Councilwoman Dick.

[21:36] 4.

[21:37] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[21:38] 4.

[21:39] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[21:40] 4.

[21:41] Councilman Ealy.

[21:42] 4.

[21:42] Councilman Harris.

[21:43] 4.

[21:44] Mayor Jones.

[21:45] 4.

[21:45] Motion Carrie.

[21:46] 7-0.

[21:47] Thank you.

[21:47] Page 239, item G3, Mr. Manager.

[21:50] Item G3 is a request to approve a resolution adopting the 2024 Newport News Program.

[21:55] program for public information plan as part of the city's participation in the FEMA floodplain

[22:01] management community rating system for CRS as we refer to it. The PPI proposed for adoption

[22:07] is intended to deliver messaging to enable citizens of Newport News to make better decisions

[22:12] and take additional steps to protect themselves and their property from flooding. It will be

[22:17] monitored, evaluated, and revised as deemed necessary to improve its effectiveness. I recommend

[22:22] approval. At this time, are there any speakers? No, sir. Motion to approve the resolution.

[22:28] Second. Move that second in any discussion? Yes, I did. How is this information going

[22:35] to get out to the public? How are you planning to promote it? Yes, I'd like to ask our

[22:41] director of engineering Craig Golan to address Council and respond to this question. Yeah, good

[22:47] evening. Actually, that's part of the plan. It hasn't been implemented. We've got the committees

[22:51] in place right now and there's discussions going on and how to best serve the neighborhoods throughout the city.

[22:58] So they'll be meeting on a regular basis and each one and it's going to be determined.

[23:02] It'll be to determine how's the best way to relate all the flood risk messaging throughout the city.

[23:09] So that is yet to be determined, yet through the committees, through the committee.

[23:12] Do you have a timeline of when you want the simple minute?

[23:15] Yeah, well, we're hoping within it'll be shorter, hopefully less than a year time frame we have.

[23:21] I think the next time we're meeting may be within a six month period for the committee.

[23:27] So hopefully by then, see, this is the first step of it to actually approve the draft, approve this plan that's in place.

[23:35] And then we'll be moving forward with developing what that messaging plan is throughout the city.

[23:41] Thank you.

[23:42] Any further questions?

[23:44] Thank you.

[23:45] At this time, call the roll, please.

[23:48] Councilman Long.

[23:49] Councilwoman Vic.

[23:50] For.

[23:51] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[23:52] For.

[23:52] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[23:53] For.

[23:54] Councilman Ealy.

[23:55] For.

[23:55] Councilman Harris.

[23:57] Mayor Jones.

[23:57] For.

[23:58] Motion carries, 7-0.

[23:59] Thank you.

[23:59] Page 300, item G-4, Mr. Manager.

[24:02] Item G-4 is a request to approve a resolution adopting the 2024 Newport News Repeditive Flood

[24:08] law's analysis plan as part of the city's participation in the FEMA floodplain management community

[24:14] rating system, or once again, CRS. The plan identifies 126 repetitive law's properties

[24:21] in 20 neighborhoods throughout the city. It also includes strategies to reduce cost of both the

[24:26] national floodplain insurance program and individual homeowners by mitigating flood risk.

[24:31] Plan will be monitored, evaluated, and revised as deemed necessary on an annual basis to improve

[24:36] We've been subject to this.

[24:37] I recommend approval.

[24:39] At this time, are there any speakers?

[24:40] Motion to approve the resolution.

[24:43] So moved.

[24:43] Second.

[24:44] Moved and seconded.

[24:44] Any discussion?

[24:46] Hearing none, call the roll, please.

[24:47] Councilman Long.

[24:49] Four.

[24:49] Councilwoman Dick.

[24:50] Four.

[24:50] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[24:52] Four.

[24:53] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[24:54] Four.

[24:55] Councilman Ealing.

[24:55] Four.

[24:56] Councilman Harris.

[24:57] Four.

[24:57] Mayor Jones.

[24:58] Four.

[24:59] Motion carried.

[25:00] Seven zero.

[25:01] Page 476, item G five, Mr. Manager.

[25:03] Item G5 is a request to adopt an ordinance approving the assignment of the lease for new

[25:09] port new seafood industrial park, parcel 8A from Fairlead Boatworks Inc. to Fairlead

[25:16] Integrated LLC. The assignment of the SIP parcel 8A lease will allow the Fairlead group to

[25:23] expand its fabrication division, Fairlead Integrated to the SIP resulting in increased employment

[25:30] and expanded equipment investment.

[25:32] I recommend approval.

[25:34] At this time, are there any speakers?

[25:35] Yes, there are one, Mr. Kevin Morozov.

[25:37] Mr. Kevin Morozov.

[25:48] At this time, are there any questions from City Council?

[25:50] Yes.

[25:50] We'll go, Councilman Woodbury, then Councilman Vivek.

[25:53] I wonder, does this mean that we'll be more public access

[25:59] to buy the products?

[26:01] The products are construction of steel structures

[26:05] for aircraft carriers, for pre-produced shipbuilding.

[26:08] to it just a better use of the property for our country.

[26:11] I see. All right.

[26:12] Councilor Winnvick.

[26:14] Kevin, I'd just like to say that, you know, I live in that area of town on 6th and Ivey,

[26:19] and I am just so elated that Fairleigh has come to our community not only to be able to do the

[26:26] ship repair, but to be able to bring so many jobs to citizens who normally would not be able to get

[26:34] the job because of transportation issues, but because you all are right there in the community.

[26:39] And of course, I do my walking at King Lincoln Park, so you probably see me out there.

[26:45] But to be able to know that people are getting empowered by fairly with the jobs that you provide.

[26:52] And that you're right in the community that has had the highest unemployment.

[26:58] So I just applaud you all all the time for what you're doing, what you are doing in our community.

[27:03] thank you so much. Thank you. Any further questions? All right, I think we're good. Tell Jarra said hello. Thank you.

[27:12] Motion dropped the ordinance. Move. Second. Moved and seconded at any discussion.

[27:17] Hearing none, call the roll, please. Councilman Long.

[27:20] For. Councilwoman Dick. For. Councilwoman Woodbury.

[27:23] For. Vice Mayor Bethany. For. Councilman Ealy.

[27:26] For. Councilman Harris. For. Mayor Jones.

[27:29] 4. Motion carries, 7-0.

[27:31] Thank you. Appropriations page 481, appropriations item H, Mr. Manager.

[27:36] The first appropriation is a request to approve a resolution appropriating $4,915,323 of fiscal year 2024 state revenue and

[27:47] city revenue for various Newport News public schools, capital projects.

[27:52] Projects include security enhancements, IT and equipment upgrades, building maintenance needs,

[27:57] elementary school playground replacement, landscaping, non-bus fleet replacements,

[28:02] and other improvements necessary for safety, and to maintain school facilities.

[28:06] The second appropriation is a request to approve a resolution appropriating $12 million,

[28:12] $800,000 from the fiscal year 2025 bonds authorized, and unissued schools category to fund Newport

[28:19] News Public Schools capital projects.

[28:21] appropriated funds will be used for the HVAC replacements, renovations to improve safety

[28:27] and security at school entrances, warwick high school renovation design, and other

[28:32] roof and facility repairs.

[28:35] The third appropriation is a request to approve a resolution appropriating $50 million

[28:40] of fiscal year 2025 bond authorization, public buildings category, and support of the construction

[28:46] phase of the South East Community Resource Area, or SACRA project, which is honey-to-middle

[28:51] School and Huntington Recreation Center.

[28:53] The master plan for the federal project includes the construction of a three-story middle

[28:57] school, bus loop, and multi-purpose field and track on the school's property.

[29:02] The recreation center's property includes indoor and outdoor basketball courts, an indoor

[29:06] pool, a new library, a splash pad, tennis and pickable courts, and an amphitheater.

[29:11] I recommend approval of all the appropriations.

[29:14] At this time, are there any speakers?

[29:16] No, sir.

[29:16] Motion to approve item H1-383.

[29:19] Second.

[29:20] Second.

[29:20] Moving second.

[29:20] Any discussion?

[29:22] Very none.

[29:23] Call the roll, please.

[29:24] Councilman Long.

[29:25] Four.

[29:26] Councilwoman Dick.

[29:27] Four.

[29:27] Councilwoman Woodbury.

[29:28] Four.

[29:29] Vice Mayor Bethany.

[29:30] Four.

[29:30] Councilman Ealy.

[29:31] Four.

[29:32] Councilman Harris.

[29:33] Four.

[29:33] Mayor Jones.

[29:34] Four.

[29:35] Motion carried.

[29:36] 7-0.

[29:36] Thank you.

[29:37] Citizen comments.

[29:37] Item I.

[29:38] Citizen comments on matters domain to council.

[29:40] I will call each name in the order that appears in front of me.

[29:42] Michael McCabe.

[29:54] Good evening. Good evening. My name is Michael McCabe. I live in Newport news and

[30:00] And I'm here tonight to ask you guys about a matter concerning health care price transparency. In 2021, January 1, 2021, a ruling was came into effect from CMS, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, requiring all hospitals and health care providers to comply with the same price transparency legislation as any other business. For instance, you can't go to McDonald's and get your food, eat it.

[30:29] and then two weeks later you get a bill saying,

[30:31] oh, we charge $60 for the French fries.

[30:34] Price transparency is critical,

[30:36] but most hospitals, three years and 10 months later,

[30:40] still are not compliant with this CMS ruling.

[30:44] So, what I would like to ask City Council to do

[30:48] is to enforce this.

[30:52] There's no need for court cases or extra legislation.

[30:56] The ruling has been made, the ink is on the paper.

[30:58] or CMS's message is quite clear, but I would like to ask City Council to consider enforcing this simply because

[31:07] price transparency is critical in all elements of economics, health care, consumption, et cetera.

[31:16] Councillor Woodbearer.

[31:18] Yes.

[31:19] Who is not complying with it?

[31:21] In other words, the House Fellows or individual doctors or who?

[31:25] Who?

[31:27] Hospitals, clinics, basically everybody, there are probably only a handful of hospitals in

[31:33] the whole country that are compliant with it.

[31:37] The norm is noncompliance.

[31:40] Is there a reason for that?

[31:44] Because they can get away with it.

[31:49] We'll take a look at it, sir.

[31:51] Thank you, Attorney.

[31:52] Thank you.

[31:54] Jim Pindarvis.

[31:57] Good evening.

[31:58] Good evening.

[32:02] Of course, continuing the investigation of the homelessness, and why it has been on

[32:08] the rise since the pandemic.

[32:11] I hope everybody had a good day.

[32:17] When it comes to some of the people who work and human resources or just human services,

[32:22] You have some people who, let's just say, they put on a very good facade when it comes

[32:29] to caring about people, but when it comes to doing the work properly, compartmentalizing

[32:35] some of your emotions that you go through at home, whether it be a argument, whatever it

[32:40] is, even a person like me or someone who is on drugs, but home that still deserves the

[32:48] same level of respect, care, and where with all with you doing your job from nine to five,

[32:53] or whatever the hours are. I have discovered that we have homeless kids getting up and going

[33:01] to school, but they're still homeless, as well as the sick thing in my opinion, again, my opinion,

[33:10] of some of the counselors who just they're not going to do their job. And since the pandemic,

[33:17] If we look at the way people have kind of been able to kind of smart off and do their job

[33:23] or hey, I just got something done from nine to five or hey, I just completed these hours

[33:28] from nine to five there where I can bring a check home to my family.

[33:32] That still leaves out a lot of people that you really need to help.

[33:37] Also without compartmentalizing your emotions, you will make a ignorant decision on some

[33:43] of the people that you encounter.

[33:45] So, just shedding light on that, no this is not about all of the directives because,

[33:52] like I said, some people put on a very good facade of I care about people.

[33:57] And then once someone like you guys walks off, it's a completely different conversation.

[34:03] So, just once you guys have used proper discernment on the top level and as it trickles down,

[34:09] to make sure you guys are hiring the right people that way we can lessen the homeless problem.

[34:13] Thank you. Thank you, sir. Pastor John James.

[34:29] Good evening. Good evening. Mayor, Council, men and women. How y'all doing today? Good. Good.

[34:35] Everybody that's here.

[34:39] The last time I was here, I talked about how the church is and you know, need to help support the homeless situation and what we can do and things of that nature.

[34:49] and we had some agencies that did step up and they are true to their call and

[34:59] the reason why they are put in that's an excellent reason why they're put in

[35:04] that right perspective place.

[35:09] I want to just name a few like the food bank. They

[35:14] They came.

[35:14] They agreed to bring food to the church, a pastor, camper, haskins.

[35:22] She helped lead that way so that the food paint can come and supply food in the area of

[35:29] Newport News where we reside at.

[35:32] Also we have four Oaks, Director Kim Lee Thomas, she stepped up and said that four Oaks will

[35:41] work with us in our programs so that we can help handle the small details that homeless

[35:49] people go through that nobody really looks at.

[35:54] I mean, yes, we get them covers, clothes, hats, socks, food.

[35:58] But then there has to be education, there has to be reframing of understanding because you

[36:06] go through some type of culture shock when you are once in a home with a family and then

[36:12] you're out in the street cold.

[36:14] Something happens to you and you have to destabilize or re bring that back into the person's

[36:20] mind and heart that they can't live and succeed at a level.

[36:26] Some people are getting beat down and beat down and there's no way out of it.

[36:31] They feel like and there is a way out of it.

[36:33] Um, like, um, Mr. Pindale, Dura said there was a family of six out in the streets right now.

[36:43] Um, nowhere to go, and they're going to come meet with me tomorrow.

[36:47] So, um, I don't know how many churches went by there, but what I wanted to just say that, um,

[36:53] Our churches at 221, 223, 34th Street, Newport News, Virginia 2306, I mean it's giving

[37:08] 2307 and I want to thank Alan Tanner who is the property owner who is allowing us

[37:15] to bring the churches, not just my church, but as other churches that's inactive and helping

[37:21] this cause, and we want the council to know that we are putting out efforts in fourth,

[37:28] so if y'all can help us in any way possible, if we come to your desk with something, we

[37:35] just want y'all to help and provide that.

[37:38] Thank you, sir.

[37:39] Thank you.

[37:40] Councilman Vick.

[37:41] Yeah, I just have one thing.

[37:42] You know, I don't know if you know, do you know about the books crossing innovation and opportunity

[37:46] in the center, on around 30th and Justin Avenue where they can go and get jobs,

[37:53] the connectivity to jobs and job training.

[37:56] They also have the connectivity with the Virginia RealWorks program that connects people to jobs.

[38:02] Because as you very well know pastor, that so many people, if they can get a job,

[38:08] they can make their income and they will not have to be homeless.

[38:11] So what I employ you to do is be able to connect with the Brooks Cross and

[38:15] an innovation opportunity center to be able to help them find employment, which will

[38:19] help them then be a general income so they can, you know, not be home.

[38:25] I'm familiar with Brooks Cross because I put my daughter, she got a job working for

[38:30] the congressperson in the summer. So I use Brooks Cross and so I know about that. But what

[38:36] I'm, what I'm, what I'm, what we have to do is know about all the programs so that there's

[38:43] there's people that don't know about them, and that's where, if I'm boots on the ground,

[38:48] doing that, I need this information, and maybe that's where we all connect and share,

[38:54] and put it out there saying that, no, you're not alone, you're not by yourself, there are

[38:57] things here, here, here, here, and here.

[38:59] That's right.

[39:00] You know what I mean?

[39:00] So, it's not me just saying that this is the answer.

[39:04] I know that there's stuff out there that I didn't like, there's a program that they have

[39:11] out there. I forgot what the name of it is. Hampton Rose Workforce Council. No. Tom DeShine.

[39:21] Chancellor Shine. Yes, I'm here and that's a great program that you can step into and stuff like that.

[39:28] Then we have good stuff like we have of course we're going to help people with prayer and knowing God,

[39:34] but food, job search, housing, legal assistance, off-training. If you want to start your own business,

[39:41] So just reframing the people's mind, you're not just, you fell into the situation, you're not permanently in that situation, right?

[39:50] Okay, thank you.

[39:50] Thank you.

[39:51] All right.

[39:52] John Watson.

[39:55] Okay.

[39:56] At this time, when we now move to new business, we're going to let Vice Mayor Bethany go first.

[40:02] Yep.

[40:02] We have a new member joining our team.

[40:06] So, I have a motion, I move to adopt an ordinance authorizing the execution of an employment contract between the City of Newport News and Tammy Danceller for the position of City Auditor.

[40:21] A copy of the ordinance is before you.

[40:24] Second.

[40:25] Moves and seconded. At this time is there any discussion? Call the roll, please.

[40:29] Councilman Long, Councilwoman Vick, Councilwoman Woodbury, Vice Mayor Bethany, Councilman Ealy,

[40:37] Councilman Harris, Mayor Jones, Motion Carrier, 7-0.

[40:41] Thank you.

[40:42] She is here.

[40:44] If you would mind, thank you so much for not only serving our country in the military but

[40:54] also for choosing to serve the residents of Newport News.

[41:02] Councilman Victor you on the spot I didn't you know I was going to tell you

[41:05] you have to. It's always a time to shine. First of all I would like to say thank

[41:11] you I am honored and humble for you all trusting in me to become your first

[41:18] city auditor ever. I am a believer so I trust God that he would guide me and

[41:24] direct me and I will be able to do whatever you need me to do and to meet the

[41:30] expectations of the council. And I also want to introduce my husband who is here with me.

[41:35] Mr. Daryl Dance. Thank you,

[41:42] ma'am. We're going to go back to the original order, Mr.

[41:45] Manager. None, sir. City Attorney? Nothing, sir.

[41:49] City Clerk? Nothing, sir. Councilman Harris. Yes, and good evening to everyone and thank you

[41:55] for everyone who came out on tonight to be a part of our public meeting. I just had a couple

[42:00] things real quick. I wanted to send a special shout out to the Victor program in Miss

[42:07] Latoya Wallace for their pop-up community cookout that they had out at the Grove and residential

[42:15] community in the North District in which they bought radio food, games, inflatables for the community

[42:23] in which the young people had a good opportunity to come out and just enjoy some fun and then they

[42:29] They also had some resources for the families in the community that they typically would

[42:33] not be privy to.

[42:36] So that was amazing that they were able to get that information that was shared with

[42:39] them.

[42:40] So I want to thank the members of the Victor program for putting on that event.

[42:44] Also want to thank Sandra Check, Dr. Sandra Cherry for inviting me out to the chaplains

[42:52] of Newport News prayer event that they had on last Friday in which I was able to be a part

[42:58] of the event in which they, all the chaplains and Newport News who do a phenomenal job of being out there with the Newport News Police Department Chief Drew, and they're often called out the traumatic situations just to pray a covering over the officers and any of those that were involved in an incident that may have occurred, they prayed over the community, prayed for our schools, prayed for the member first responders, so that was a very phenomenal event that we had an opportunity to attend.

[43:27] and to Mr. Tommy Raymond, who was able to have his annual city fest,

[43:33] in which a lot of our young people from the Hurricanes organization

[43:37] was able to participate.

[43:39] We had cheerleaders from the North District that went out there

[43:43] and did an amazing job during that event.

[43:48] I do have a young person I want to highlight on tonight.

[43:51] I want to acknowledge Adriana Sutherland.

[43:56] Adrienne is an eighth grader, she's a scholar at Ella Fitzgerald Middle School.

[44:01] She's a member of the Hurricanes Cheer and Tracking Field teams.

[44:05] She enjoys hanging out with her friends and of course making TikToks, which almost

[44:09] everybody does.

[44:11] Well, young people, I still don't know how to do it.

[44:13] In the future, Adrienne, she aspires to attend college on an athletic scholarship and I just

[44:19] want to say congratulations to her, she's doing a phenomenal job, not just in her recreational

[44:24] activities but she's doing phenomenal job in the classroom and as always whenever I get the

[44:30] opportunity to get information on a young person doing great things in school outside of school I

[44:35] just want to let the city know about them and so Adriana congratulations to you and continue to do

[44:40] great things and that's all I have there. Thank you councilman Long. Oh it's always a pleasure to see

[44:45] people come out and speak about the different concerns that they have here in the city.

[44:50] I want to mention that this Saturday, October 26th at CNU Games Theater from 12 to 4, there

[44:58] will be a housing symposium.

[45:00] Title is breakthrough in housing, knighting communities, this is anyone, wherever you are in your housing journey, this is meant to be workshops, gear to provide the tools to empower you, whatever journey you may be in your housing choice. Also, I would like to congratulate Tammy Danceler for becoming a new city auditor. Look forward to all the great work that you bring here to the city.

[45:29] that's all I have. Councilman Woodbury. Yes as you all can see I have my pumpkins on. I have my

[45:38] pumpkin earrings on. I am ready for Halloween. So I hope you are ready for Halloween but I really want

[45:46] to emphasize that the most important thing is that it be safe and that you follow the rules and I've

[45:55] I've got some candy at my house, so come on up.

[45:58] I'll be glad to share.

[46:00] But do be safe and do follow the rules.

[46:03] So thank you very much.

[46:05] Trick or treat.

[46:07] Thank you, ma'am.

[46:08] Councilman V.

[46:09] I just want to congratulate Ms. Dancer

[46:13] and welcome to the City of Newport News.

[46:15] But also let everyone know that elections are very important.

[46:19] We are coming very close on November the 50 election day,

[46:24] But we have three sites in Newport news.

[46:28] You can check out on the website in V.A.gov to where you can go and vote early.

[46:34] So make sure you get out to vote.

[46:36] That's all I have, Mr. Mayor.

[46:37] Thank you, ma'am. Councilman Ealy.

[46:41] I just want to thank the Parks and Recreation Department for all they're doing with the youth basketball in the city.

[46:49] was what to my knowledge that Youth Basketball is free.

[46:52] Forced citizens of Newport News, which has been overwhelming support from citizens in Newport news.

[46:58] They've been very excited to have it free.

[47:01] We'll be having a meeting for parents this Thursday at Achievement Dream Tennis Center from 6 to 8 p.m.

[47:09] Looking for coaches and players.

[47:13] The ages are 7 to 15.

[47:15] So if you are interested to bring your young child out and let's call it

[47:20] Bring them out from 68th 10th Center, and we still are looking for coaches.

[47:24] We had a meeting on Saturday, hit about 11 coaches show up.

[47:28] So we need about 10 to 11 more.

[47:31] No, we really need 12 because my mom thinks she's a coach.

[47:35] She came to the coaches meeting.

[47:37] She came to the coaches meeting and she already have two assistant coaches.

[47:41] And I said, Mom, would you know our basketball ball?

[47:44] She said I know about saving children lives and being a mom, so I told her she could be a team mom, so we don't we want that to be the last result.

[47:52] So if you are interested in being a coach, I beg you, I urge you come out to the people during Tennessee Center this Thursday from 68.

[48:04] We also have Quenata Wilmington coming to Down in Gross this Thursday from 78 to do a dance workshop.

[48:13] She used to practice in dance hell-nupered news.

[48:16] She was on tour recently with Beyonce. She's done three tours with her.

[48:22] She also did one of her real-made dancers, and she also danced with Megan Estogian.

[48:26] for her to come back to this area and has made it dancing around the world and countless

[48:33] TV commercials ads want to give back to our kids at Nupin News. It's for Nupin News

[48:41] residents only and it's free of charge. It's no trick, no free. So thank you.

[48:47] all people come.

[48:51] You could kick us off, Dr. Woodbury. So that is a downing gross

[48:58] this Thursday starts at seven o'clock and we're asking parents to bring

[49:04] your children around six thirty. And I also have the opportunity to attend the

[49:08] arts band performance at Todd Stadium. I will say our youth are doing amazing

[49:13] and things in the arts and

[49:15] new produce.

[49:16] They had a band performance, all

[49:17] the bands, high schools, and

[49:19] some of the school bands in

[49:20] there was really good to see

[49:21] that.

[49:22] And great things are happening

[49:24] in new produce.

[49:25] And once again, I'm excited

[49:26] about a new auditor we have.

[49:28] Thank you for coming over the

[49:30] new produce, the best city.

[49:32] I know we got you from

[49:33] Norfolk, but welcome home.

[49:37] That's all, Mr. Mayor.

[49:38] Nice man.

[49:41] I want to thank everybody

[49:42] everybody for coming out for sure.

[49:44] Again, congratulations, Ms. Danceley, we're looking forward to working with you.

[49:48] I do want to give a special shout out to Chief Drew and our co-case unit.

[49:55] Which, and Chief correct me if I'm wrong, isn't even a year old.

[49:59] And so, I don't know if everyone saw in the news.

[50:02] We saw our first murder with the co-case unit, and

[50:07] being able to provide closure to the family's paramount.

[50:11] And so I think I'm extremely grateful we invested in our department and I'm grateful for the chief and the team.

[50:19] I had the opportunity to meet our co-occasional team.

[50:23] They are working hard and diligent to provide relief to a lot more families.

[50:29] And so I'm looking forward to seeing the great work that they're going to do.

[50:34] And with that, that is all I have, Mr. Mayor.

[50:36] Thank you.

[50:37] No big speeches just want to say ma'am welcome to the team and John appreciate the comments and with that

[50:42] Senator and thanks

City Council Regular Meeting - Oct 22 2024

Agenda

Transcript