City Council Informal and Formal Meeting, 11/18/2025

Welcome one. Welcome all. Call this meeting to order. And uh Mr. Dehaney, if we can go ahead and get your right. So, Mr. Mayor, members of council, the first presentation will be provided by Crystal P, the CFO for the schools. She's going to brief city council on their fiscal year 2425 reversion and revenue sharing reconciliation request.

Hey, welcome. Nice to see you again. I know. Thank you. It's been so long.

Um, good afternoon, Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of city council. Mr. Dehaney.

This afternoon, I will provide a summary of Virginia Beach City Public Schools unudited 202425 reversion funds and the reconciliation of the revenue sharing formula between the city and schools. Um the information was presented to the school board which approved a resolution on October 28th. Um today's presentation will cover the timeline of revenue recognition for the school division, a

breakdown of the 202425 reversion funds, the city school revenue sharing formula reconciliation, the total amount available for reappropriation, and then the school board approved spending plan.

So to begin, I'd like to review when and how we learn about actual revenues compared to the projections used to build the budget. The fiscal year 202425 budget was approved in May of 2024 using forecast based on enrollment which determined staffing projected state and federal aid, the city's local contribution and other anticipated revenue sources. These were the best estimates available at adoption, but

actual receipts vary throughout the year. Each month, the school board receives interim financial statements reflecting actual revenues which are reporting on varying schedules. On September 23rd, we presented the fiscal year 2425 year-end interim financials to the school board, which provided an overview of revenues received related to the fiscal year. Because revenues are received on varying timelines, year-end

reporting includes both finalized amounts and pending receipts.

Key milestones in the fiscal year 2425 revenue timeline include December of 2024, the governor's bianial budget amendments are released and the Virginia Department of Education released the accompanying document and calculation tool on January 7th of 25 providing the first look at proposed state revenue adjustments for fiscal year 25 and 26.

On March 6 of 25, the Virginia Department of Education released the document and calculation tool reflecting the general assembly amendments adopted on February 22nd for fiscal year 25 and 26.

April of 2025 interim financial statements showed federal revenues above projected budget projections due to impact aid payments and other revenue sources were also slightly above budget at that time from a jewel settlement that was later transferred from the operating budget to the grant fund for the May 2025 interim financial statements. Additional impact aid payments increase federal revenues

further above budget and other revenues approach budget projections due to a propane bus rebate, indirect costs for grants and lost and damaged technology partially offset by lower than projected stop arm program receipts. On June 5th, the Virginia Department of Ed released its final calculation tool confirming state revenue adjustments. June 30th, 2025 year in financial statements

verified that both federal revenues and state revenues, including state sales tax, exceeded budget and note that sales tax allocations reported during the year, are based on state revenue projections with semionthly payments later tred up to actual collections.

August 2025, fiscal year in close, finalized and reconciled fiscal year 24-25 financials and preparation for year in reporting audits and submission of required state and federal documents.

And on September 3rd, 2025, the city confirmed us of a 7.5 million surplus for Virginia Beach City Public Schools under the revenue sharing formula. So this timeline illustrates that budget estimates evolve as more information becomes available. Flexibility remains essential to address revenue fluctuations and unforeseen needs such as fuel and utility cost increases, inflationary pressures, natural

disasters litigation technology demands, new mandates, or healthcare cost.

So this slide outlines each component contributing to the total 2425 reversion. Unexpended debt service for approximately $5.6 $6 million resulted from the absence of a bond sale leading to lower debt service costs than budgeted. To avoid volatility, we continue to budget debt service at the 2324 levels, knowing that if debt is not issued during the year, the surplus is typically redirected to the CIP at year

end. With a bond issuance planned for the spring, debt service costs are expected to increase in future years.

Next are revenues exceeding budget projections. Across all sources, revenues surpassed estimates by approximately $10.7 million. In Virginia, school divisions may not expend additional revenues without city council appropriation. Unappropriated funds revert to the locality. Most revenue surpluses are identified late in the year, leaving insufficient time to complete appropriation and spend

responsibly before June 30th. So, breaking down the $10.7 million variance further for federal revenue, the April 25 interim financial statements first signaled a surplus due to the impact aid payments and by year-end federal revenue exceeded budget by approximately $2.8 million driven by impact aid and Medicaid reimbursements. For other revenues, the May 2025 interim financial statement showed growth in this

category. By year end, these exceeded budget by roughly $415,000, largely due to a $400,000 propane bus rebate.

Regarding state revenues and state sales tax, the Virginia Department of Education released the final calculation tool on June 5th. As part of the year-end closing process, a portion of sales tax receipts collected in July are recorded back to June to ensure accurate recognition within the correct fiscal year. As reported in the interim financial statements for the year ending June 30th, the results were state

revenue exceeded budget by approximately $4.7 million. State sales tax revenue was overbudget by approximately $2.8 million.

Regarding the reversions for the operating athletic and green run collegiate funds, we do not officially close the June 30th financial books until August 15th each year. During this period, several transactions such as revenues received or expenses paid after June 30th must be posted back to the prior fiscal year. As a result, the final reversion amounts for the operating fund, athletic fund, and Green

Run Collegiate are not finalized until the closing process is complete in August. The school operating fund reversion is approximately 21.1 million representing 2.18% of the approved operating budget excluding debt service and revenue variances already mentioned.

As shared in prior presentations, our target reversion is around 2% annually, reflecting a fiscally responsible practice that preserves funds to address unanticipated cost for items I mentioned earlier. The athletic fund had a reversion of approximately 391,000 and Green Run Collegiate had a reversion of approximately 344,000.

Altogether, the total unodudited reversion for 2425 is 38,94,580 as shown at the bottom of this slide.

Under Virginia law, any unexpended local funds revert to the governing body for reappropriation in the following year.

As part of our revenue sharing agreement with the city, both city and school share in surpluses or shortfalls of specified tax revenues at year end. For fiscal year 2425, the seven revenue sources identified in the revenue sharing agreement exceeded projections.

The school division share of this birth plus is approximately $7.5 million.

Combining the 2425 unodudited reversion of $ 38,94,580 with the city's revenue sharing surplus of 7,464,613.

The total amount for reappropriation is $45,559,193.

These are non-recurring funds and therefore appropriate for one-time investments, not ongoing obligations such as employee compensation. They will be directed toward projects and improvements that deliver longerterm benefits without adding future budget commitments.

The school board approved the following allocation of approximately 40 point 45.5 million available for reappropriation.

Key allocations include approximately 38.5 million dedicated to the capital improvement program. In this op in there is 23.6 million for the Princess Anne High School replacement project, 4.4 million for the payroll system replacement project advancing toward the total estimated cost of 22 to $25 million. The project is currently in the beginning planning phase with a tenative go live date of July 1st, 2029. To date,

$13.6 6 million has already been appropriated in the six-year CIP.

10.5 million as reflected in the approved CIP budget will be transferred by the city to the school reserve special revenue fund for use in the 202627 CIP. 1.2 million allocated for the Jericho road demolition and 5.8 million directed to the health insurance fund to go towards building up the health fund two-month reserve to be two months of gross cost.

So a little bit of background and we've talked a lot about this um over the last several months on health insurance. So over the past three years we've experienced a combination of higher than expected medical claims, rising pharmacy cost and high-cost claimants. These factors are part of the broader national trend impacting virtually all employers and public sector plans. This means our

current health fund balance has fallen below the recommended reserve level of two months of gross cost. This recommended reserve acts as our safety net. This reserve protects the school division from volatility and month-to-month claims, unant unanticipated high-cost medical events, and market fluctuations in prescription drug cost. As mo as most know based on extensive analysis by our third party

health consultant, it was decided to increase employee rates back to the 2022 rates effective January 1st, 2026, which are the same rates for city employees.

The only difference is the city I think they're able to spread their payments over 26 pay periods right now where the school does it over 20 pay periods. So over the last 5 years BBCPS has increased employer health fund contributions by approximately 27.5 million a significant investment representing a meaningful and ongoing commitment to valuing and supporting our workforce.

We do not consider this as new spending.

We see it as a risk management and fiscally responsible to ensure the division continues to meet its future obligations related to the health plan without the need to utilize the operating budget on a ongoing basis to pay future claims. The goal is to incrementally increase the employer and employee rates as we move forward to adequately cover the cost of the health plan based on the trend from medical and

pharmaceutical cost while maintaining a healthy fund balance. This request is about strengthening our foundation. It reflects the realities of the current healthcare environment and our commitment to our employees to provide access to quality health care. We will continue to take actions aimed at strengthening our financial stability in the health fund and position us to make sound planning and decision-m in 2027.

And so that concludes the presentation.

I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Okay. Any questions?

Thank you, mayor.

Thank you, Miss Paige, for the presentation. Just a quick question. On page three, the top item, school operating fund reversion, $21 million.

Is that potentially vacancy savings? Is that it's a combination of budgeting?

Is we always try to budget about 98% of our operating budget? So, we have some reserve in place, which is the 2% that I mentioned, and it is a combination of vacancies as well as non-personnel costs.

Okay, Stacy. then Josh and Amelia.

Um, thank you for the presentation on uh as it relates to the um health insurance fund. You stated that the um one of the causes for the situation that we're we're in is the rise in cost expenditures, but also going into that fund should be contributions. And I think you mentioned this was over a period of a three-year period. I I guess my question is what took so long to react to the environment we're in.

So I think when the decision was made to cut those rates or reduce those rates for employees, it was based on tenure data where we were well below the book of business for health trends for that period of time. We also um were in a position where we had recruitment and retention issues at that point. And so the decision was made that that would be a good way for us to continue to work

reduce the health fund balance more incrementally if we maintain that lower trend and then also to give some benefit back to the employees. So we monitor that and so I think in the first couple of years it probably was not something as significant as what happened when that trend started to do double digits and our high cost claimments went specifically high so did our pharmaceutical cost. So it did happen

very quickly after that.

Well, I I guess I'm not my comment is not so much geared towards the current administration because it's changed since that decision was made, but it just seems like a pretty poor decision that we're going to let our fund balance go dwindle down.

Well, I don't and I I mean, in hindsight, obviously I agree agree with you. hindsight we look at it now is probably something that probably shouldn't have done but we didn't think we had the date at the time at that point when the decision was made that that would actually occur thank you Mr. Mayor Mate thank you very much um remind me your total budgets what 1.2 2 billion 1.1 billion 1.1 Okay.

All funds. Yes.

And you all target for 2% of the operating budget, which is a little under a billion dollars, about 970 million.

Okay. And you hit 2.18.

Mhm.

Um and then this unexpected stuff was maybe another percent on top of that.

Um I I know it's there's a big number at the bottom there, but I I just the our budget team, your budget team deserves a lot of credit um for budgeting something so massive to within a couple of percentage points. Um because I think you know that if you don't do that um you know people I think go to jail, right? I mean essentially is what happens. So, um it's a good motivator.

Yeah. Um fear really does do that for you. So, but I I just I wanted to say that out loud because um because you know we deal with lots of zeros and commas, but um when you're so do you and um that's a it's a remarkable feat. And I also wanted to just say thank you uh to you and to school staff and to the school board and the chair and um Superintendent Robertson for um

the reversion part of that reversion request and um for the uh Jericho road demolition um and and everybody kind of seeming to be a last step that at least for you know the next step to hopefully getting um Arona Village a park uh an open space that they've never had. So thank you very much.

Okay, um not really more than thank you again for the Jericho that was important work and the labor got done. Thank you so much.

Uh, I want to compliment the dedication of reversion money because it wasn't that long ago that a lot of the asks for the reversion money was for a lot of little things. A lot of little things, whiteboards, laptops, all that sort of stuff. and y'all have really made a remarkable turnaround to really dedicate much bigger chunks of money so that we can put that into school construction as we I mean I've

served on the school modernization committee for a very long time and kept saying how are we going to get these schools built and this is a lot this is a lot of money and and and y'all have done a really great job of like 23 million for Rand High School, which I'm really excited about it getting built. I think that we're actually going to get it built. Um, so just want to compliment

you on that and I wanted to speak a little bit to the uh healthc care. So when this came out, um I personally had a lot of concerns because reversion money, our policy is one time. This is onetime money and not to be used for reoccurring money. And there was a concern that healthc care could very easily be considered reoccurring.

And so I spoke with Dr. Robertson and the school board chair and proposed some new language so that we made sure that that 5.8 million was only to beef up your healthcare fund because that's dangerously low and we don't want you to get any trouble with that. And uh but it was not to be used for reoccurring expenses. And so superintendent said he was in full support of this change. And is he here today? Yeah, he's

I don't know if he wants to speak to that or not. Um, but the change was to put it in a special revenue fund so that can only be dedicated for that cannot be used to buy down premiums and to give us a monthly report on that. So, when I talk to Dr. Robertson, he seemed very, tell me if I'm wrong, you seem very pleased with the conversation.

I I think that uh the proposal that uh you provided to me after speaking to the school board chair is a proposal that protects the integrity of the purpose of this request. And so we're in full support and we appreciate the council's willingness to consider this unique request at this particular time based upon the situation that we have found ourselves in. So, we we this is definitely a one-time thing and we and uh

we'll have to do that in the future, but we really appreciate your cooperation and working with us. Thank you so much.

Yeah, collaboration and cooperation during this time, especially in these times.

Okay, any other questions? All right, thank you all very much. It was great spending the afternoon with you all.

Just fine.

Okay.

Just wait a second. The whole thing settled down a little bit.

Okay. Welcome.

Mr. Mayor, members of council, at this time you receive a briefing from the stormwater management implementation advisory group at council calls in late 1924. Council created this group to give feedback on ways to balance um development and also balance our stormwater regulations. The group has spent a significant amount of time reviewing the policies and hearing from different stakeholders and they're

bringing forward their recommendations at this time.

Welcome, welcome or sorry. Thank you. Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor, Madame Vice Mayor, members of council. I'm Julie Brenman with Fountain Works and we facilitated the storm water management advisory group. So, I'll just give a quick introduction and then turn it over to the chair. Uh, so as the manager said, the council adopted a resolution in June 2024 to establish this advisory group.

It had four main purposes in the resolution that you all adopted. And uh as the chair talks through the recommendations, each of the recommendations will line up with the four purposes of the advisory group. Uh the first is related to land use and redevelopment. The second purpose is related to the uh different drainage basins in the city tied to land use and zoning characteristics. The third is to

the cost sharing program. The council has set aside funds in your capital improvement program for cost sharing, but it's not a formalized program. And then the final um purpose that you charged the task force with was to identify opportunities for advancing council policies or objectives through storm water management. And you can see a a long list of different council priorities that the uh advisory group

considered.

You appointed 12 uh members to the task force and uh in addition planning commission had a liaison and two high school students one of whom is now in college uh were also active participants in the me in the task force council members uh Henley and Schulman were the liaison I'll just ask we have many of the task force members in the audience if you could just raise your hand to say hello Um

uh in addition we had a lot of city staff supporting the task force. They uh provided tremendous uh professional expertise and support throughout the process.

uh Fountain Works was here as a neutral convenor and the task force met six times between May and September for a total of 26 hours per person. Uh the meetings started uh in early May and here we are today uh with our council presentation.

The c the task force, the advisory group was tasked with representing the entire city of Virginia Beach. They brought their own personal perspectives, but they were also encouraged to think of be think beyond their personal perspectives and used a human- centered design approach looking at the perspectives of residents, the environmental and resilience community, the development community, and city storm water staff.

So, they use those perspectives to bring forward the recommendations they have today. With that, I'll turn it over to the chair, Chris Pa.

Thank you, Julie. Good afternoon, Mayor Dyer, Vice Mayor Wilson, members of city council. My name is Chris Pa, and I had the privilege of being the chair of the storm water advisory group for short. We called ourselves a swag. I think Councilman Schulman dubbed us that. Um, and it was fitting. Uh I I really want to thank the the group that's here and all the members of our of our task

force. It was a very collaborative approach, a collaborative effort and uh we reached a a conclusion that was based on that collaboration. And I think when we set out on the very first meeting, we discussed um challenges that maybe we thought would arise um and then al ultimately uh the ideal uh that we wish to arrive at at the end and some of us at the outset mentioned that you know we

feared there would be hindrances to collaboration. Um this is a rather significant topic. It can also be a a charged and and hot button issue in terms of storm water and uh so we set out to be collaborative uh achieving a teamwork approach and I believe and I think the the group can also support me in that uh we arrived at a conclusion that's that's based on that collaboration.

I also wanted to give thanks to uh the city staff. Um the city staff did a remarkable job in assisting us in the process. There were several occasions where we were briefed on a specific topic and there was a subject matter expert or two sometimes uh for a particular subject area that they they briefed us. We had discussion. There was Q&A uh and every step of the way they were involved in the process answering

questions and communication. And so I wanted to thank the city staff, the city management office and you all as council. Um I think often times we we think of things that are going wrong in society and in the city. Um and I wanted to recognize just how great a job um that this city is doing in this specific area. And we live in a region of the country, we talked about this on

multiple occasions, we live in a region of the country where this specific topic of storm water is especially challenging. We live in the Mid-Atlantic. We experience um storms on a on a regular basis and this is a difficult area to navigate and thanks to your leadership and the expertise of the city staff from planning to traffic to utilities to engineering uh this city does a remarkable job on this subject.

So the vision we set out um to approach from the from the get-go was was four-fold.

one, we wanted to make recommendations to you all uh that would create a more efficient, effective, and well understood program. We recognized there were some areas where uh first of all, we recognize the storm water ordinance itself uh from both federal, state, and local regulations can be complicated and difficult to navigate. Uh and then also the public need to be educated. the

development community, residents in the city. We recognize there are some gaps in those areas. So, we sought out to encourage and recommend things to help create a more efficient, effective, and well understood program. Two, to support economic vitality in the region. So, as Julie mentioned, we really took to heart the the things you all are doing and saying with regard to city policies, the

draft comprehensive plan, the existing comprehensive plan, and subsidiary plans throughout the city uh and both trying to target and and recommend and encourage redevelopment in certain areas of the city while also maintaining preservation in certain areas of the city and the city's heritage. So how to balance those two things with respect to storm water that was a major point of

our vision. Third to reduce the negative impacts of storm water and flooding. In fact there was a an occasion I think between our fourth and fifth meetings where there was a major storm event in the city. And so we saw in real time as we were discussing some of these issues how exactly these recommendations might play out and might assist you all and leadership and the city staff in the

policies and procedures for storm water.

And on that occasion on multiple occasions, the city staff did a remarkable job responding to that event and continues to do so. And then lastly, we recognize that this topic and our efforts are not just about today, not just about the conditions today or the happenings of yesterday, uh, but the future of this region, the future of the city. Um, I think about my own kids, you know, growing up here and, you know,

grandkids and our families growing up here. Um, it's significant that we get this topic right and that we make recommendations to you all that are helpful. um and that you can use.

So some large sort of takeaways for our recommendations which you'll see in the memorandum and then and then here in my presentation. Uh the first of which which is highlighted is that this group reached unanimous consensus on every recommendation. every single recommendation that was made, we had unonymity and in my experience that's difficult to achieve in any sector.

Unanimous recommendations you're telling us.

So I think that speaks volumes um to to the city uh also the representatives and the appointments that you all made to this group. folks not just willing to to bring their experiences and their professional expertise, but their love for this city, uh their love for this community and wanting to be of help uh in this specific subject area.

And then also uh recognizing as I mentioned earlier that this city uh is doing a remarkable job in this area. you all in leadership, the city staff, city management. This is a very challenging area uh that you all are doing a remarkable job in and we looked for areas where we can improve upon that where we can make recommendations um to help you um do an even better job um to make things even more efficient, more

effective uh and and and solve certain problems.

So, as we had four sort of marks of our vision, we had four objectives from you all. And I'm going to go into sort of the general recommendations for each one of those. And then I'll go into to more detail. But the first one, as was mentioned, was reviewing this topic of storm water, which which could uh require several more than than 25 hours.

Uh but reviewing this topic and its impact on land use and redevelopment issues. And within that objective uh we landed on three concrete recommendations to you all. One is to encourage and invest in regional storm water solutions. Oftentimes when an applicant or a proposal comes before the city before the planning department etc is on an individual basis an individual property an individual applicant with an

individual storm water solution. Uh so our recommendation to you all is to encourage and invest in regional storm water solutions and I'll get to that in more detail in a moment. The second is facilitating redevelopment.

As I mentioned earlier, we looked at uh the draft comprehensive plan to a degree, your existing comprehensive plan and some of the policy discussions that you're having about uh priorities for the city, targeted areas, um SGAAs, etc.

And so we wanted to uh make sure that our recommendation was aligned with your priorities and the things that u the city is looking to do and and target and incentivize. And so our recommendation is to facilitate that redevelopment. Uh and we're going to give some specific examples of how to do that with within storm water. And then finally, continuing to tell the story of sustainable practices. Uh not only did

we have uh engineers and uh attorneys and residents of the city, we also had some uh really remarkable individuals from the environmental community to some of which are are here today uh and nonprofits in the area who are doing incredible research um teaching courses and doing workshops on how to implement green infrastructure and nature-based solutions within storm water. Uh this

was a major learning opportunity for me in the process to know that storm water and storm water management is more than just gray infrastructure, more than just the pipes in the ground, the diameter, the materials, etc. But there are also opportunities for green infrastructure and nature-based solutions.

The second objective you tasked us with was identifying opportunities to strengthen realignment regulation realignment and specificity with regard to drainage basins or zoning districts and other land uses. And our first recommendation with this part with this particular objective is to not create additional um regulations or ordinances based on drainage basin. I'll get to some of the reasons why in just a

moment. The second one, and this you'll see as sort of a running theme throughout the memorandum and also my presentation, is that there's a need for additional education. Education on the topic of storm water, storm water management, but also drainage basins, land uses, zoning characteristics, um, and the zoning ordinance, not just in the public, not just with residents, but also with the development community and

other members, um, of the public and private sectors.

And then finally, we recommend aligning uh land use and zoning ordinances with the recommendations, the requirements, and the policies behind storm water management.

The third objective, which uh really I thought was the most concrete, um was the the cost share program. Uh so it sort of had the bones at the outset. It was explained to us uh and we and we did a a great deal of presentation and explanation from the city staff on what's available, what's in place, what's being discussed for a cost share program, but that there was a need for

us to flesh that out to explain how you might go about analyzing a given project, whether it's eligible for the cost share program, who is eligible and why, what kind of funds are available, whether funding should be available.

and how to prioritize those things and where. So, we recommend, and I'll get into some detail on this in a bit, creating criteria that meet the storm water requirements and prioritize the needs of the city. We came up with several factors uh for you to use uh to to look at uh to recommend to city staff to implement and you'll see that in just a moment. And then lastly on that objective, we recommend ensuring that

it's sufficiently funded. You can't implement a program that's not sufficiently funded. Uh and so taking a look at, you know, each given year whether the availability, whether the resources for this fund meet the needs.

Uh so we recommend ensuring that that funding is there and that it's accessible. And this goes to the education piece. uh making sure that the public, we recommend making sure the public, the development community, applicants, those who are involved in these projects are made aware of the cost share program, how it can be used, who's eligible, and then the last objective that you had

for us was to determine opportunities to advance or incentivize council adopted policy and planning objectives. And I found this to be the most enjoyable. I think that um there was an opportunity for us to be creative here. Uh each of us representing different backgrounds and professions and experiences and we spent a good deal of time at least a session or two and some additional homework. I apologize group uh to to

look at what are some incentives we can recommend to you all um to make these policies and to make these recommendations a reality. And I'll get to those in just a moment.

So with regard to that first objective um I mentioned encouraging regional storm water solutions the most concrete example of this uh is the regional BMP.

So he spent a good deal of time and this was a a running theme throughout the group's discussion of the city looking into opportunities and places where regional BMPs, regional storm water solutions are appropriate and even perhaps targeted with the the policies in the draft comprehensive plan. Are there areas in the city where you're looking at redevelopment for example or SGAAS where there might be an

opportunity for a regional BMP and not just the the BMP itself as a mechanism for storm water management uh but also looking at perhaps nuanced ways that this can be done. So not the obvious example is the city owning the land uh where the regional BMP sits or owning the regional BMP. But the recommendation is for council to also investigate other uh mechanisms and other frameworks for

ownership of those areas and perhaps management of those areas to look at considering um civic organizations or a collective of developers or land owners for a regional BMP or a nonprofit organization for example. But the recommendation is to invest and encourage regional storm water solutions.

Second, uh facilitating redevelopment.

As I mentioned, uh the city and its planning priorities and policies is looking at areas and opportunities for redevelopment, infill redevelopment and other redevelopment in the city. Are these opportunities and our group believe that they are uh are these opportunities for the city also to provide some of these incentives for storm water solutions? Are there ways to enhance uh or at least maintain uh the

current trend for storm water management uh and its regulation with respect to a given redevelopment project and if so investing and encouraging that opportunity and continuing dialogue. We as as I mentioned before we recognize some gaps between the development community or applicants etc and perhaps uh the education and the city staff uh and also the public. There are areas where certain certain members or certain

sectors of the community uh remain um uneducated on certain areas of storm water. So this is an opportunity on a regional storm water solution for residents, for the development community, and for staff to sort of come together and collaborate on a stormwater approach on a given project or in a region. And then finally, continuing to tell the story of sustainable practices.

Uh we had a presentation I believe in our second or third meeting uh by uh Billy Alman uh discussing the benefits of uh tree canopy coverage and evapo transpiration and ways in which certain studies like the one done by uh Dr.

Mclofflin at Virginia Tech, ways in which to perhaps uh reach out the city to reach out to the Department of Environmental Quality or the Commonwealth to better incorporate some of those findings um using trees and using tree canopy as ways of storm water management and mitigation. Uh and then there are also other examples of ways to use green infrastructure as a as opposed to just approaching storm water from a

gray infrastructure standpoint.

Uh the second objective was reviewing this topic of storm water and its effect on land use and redevelopment um and opportunities to strengthen alignment strengthen alignment with the city's ordinances but then also its priorities.

Uh and so one of the very first conclusions we came to rather quickly uh was to not create additional ordinances based on drainage basins. there's a need for education. Um but the group felt that uh adding an additional ordinance or ordinance is uh would create uh another lay layer of complexity um and and predictability. And so what we wanted to do was encourage education um on the part of the city to the public as

far as the different drainage basins throughout the city, how they act, how storm water affects them differently, how storm events affect them differently. And one other example of um the staff just being extremely helpful in this process was we made a recommendation to take a look at the GIS and the other map layers. one in particular the recurrent flooding. So where is the where is there recurrent

flooding in the city and is that accurately mapped and updated and the city staff uh very quickly addressed this concern of ours in this request and updated the recurrent flooding indicator map and this was just one example of a way to better inform the public and the development community. And then lastly, aligning land use and zoning ordinances to encourage redevelopment and preservation where appropriate. Uh so it

it it came to our attention that the city would be looking to um update its zoning ordinance in the next couple of years. And with that uh in mind, perhaps that's an opportunity, we recommend uh that you consider it. Perhaps that's an opportunity to incorporate a redevelopment ordinance or looking at the ordinances themselves in the drafts to see how they incorporate some of these storm water solutions or don't um

and also seeing how redevelopment can align in certain parts of the city with these storm water recommendations and with some of these opportunities.

The third objective as I mentioned was the the most concrete and that is developing the cost share program. Uh so we recommended creating criteria that meet the storm water requirements and prioritize needs of the city. Now this would be something which we recommend that the staff uh would establish and sort of maintain as they're receiving applications and uh conversing with with

applicants and those parties you know to the process itself. um and and including uh in initial packets and presubmitt meetings, explanations early on where there are opportunities for the cost share program or where there aren't, where there's funding, where there's not. um what the criteria are as a a developer or an applicant looks to chart out what is their concept for a given plan. But then to ensure that this

program is accessible, well known, and sufficiently funded. And these I I got to earlier, but I want to show you uh the chart that we landed on as far as factors for the city to consider for this cost share program. what would make a project eligible for this cost sharing with the city. And what we did was we we put them into two columns. Um and the first column were those criteria,

those factors which we recommended be considered mandatory. And obviously it would be at your discretion to determine this. Um but those factors that would be considered mandatory, probably the most significant, you know, at the top there is it has a public component to it. Um and then also the weight. Is this an important factor? Is this extremely important? Is this one factor among

many? Uh but to have some discretion there. Uh but but to analyze a given project based on factors that the city staff could go over with a potential applicant or developer to see whether there's eligibility there.

And then lastly, you asked us to look at uh determining opportunities to advance and incentivize council adopted policy and planning objectives. And I was just thinking of a a personal anecdote. I I gave or uh the vice chair and I gave this as homework uh to the group between two of our sessions because we thought it was important. Well, that that um homework assignment happened to fall

when u my wife and I were due with our most recent child. And so I ended up doing some of this homework assignment I think in labor delivery at spa or princess anara. Um but we this group was such a a diligent group of individuals uh wanting to do u to set out to achieve this task and do what's best for the city with regard to these recommendations that we spent a great

deal of time discussing ways to incentivize some of these recommendations and some of these uh some of these policies and goals as opposed to uh penalizing where they're not met. Uh we we had a lot of discussion, a lot of robust discussion at times on the carrot versus the stick approach. And what we landed on more often than not was recommending to you all opportunities to incentivize

developers, applicants, um incentivizing them to not only adhere to the storm water ordinance, uh but at times exceed the ordinance. And perhaps those are opportunities for credits or reductions or some of the other incentives that you'll find in your memorandum. A few of which I'm going to mention include the the parking reduction credit, um the financial incentives and flexibility in

storm water design, especially when it comes to the BMPs themselves. We also looked at where you might consider scenarios for these incentives. Um, so regional storm water solutions, regional BMPPS being one of these, multi-use spaces, a concept that puts forth uh tree canopy, uh, preserving or increasing and open space and other nature-based solutions. These were scenarios where you might consider

offering incentives to these applicants.

Also, housing density credits if you're aligning redevelopment in areas uh, where it's being sought. uh and we need uh creative uh but also firm storm water solutions. Perhaps those are opportunities for housing density credits and then expanding the existing water quality education outreach and storm water management program. So considering this program for commercial and residential and all waterheds, not

just certain watersheds throughout the city. And then finally, as you'll see in your memorandum, uh there are probably two or three pages of opportunities for incentivizing some of these storm water recommendations. Uh some of them involve seeking and lobbying the state, the Commonwealth, and Department of Environmental Quality uh for looking at standards or more sufficiently incorporating some of these studies. as

I mentioned earlier uh looking at nature-based solutions on given projects commercial and residential and other financial incentives.

So with that I wanted to thank you all um for this charge for this opportunity.

Uh we we enjoyed ourselves. There was some very robust discussion at times. Um we ultimately reached a unanimous consensus on these recommendations and it's thanks to um the attitudes and the perspectives of each of the individual members most of which are here now their professions their experience their love for the city also the city staff the city management and your encouragement

and support. So thank you and I'll stand by for any questions.

Yeah let me just start by saying uh before I get to you know it was it Hutch or Stacy. Okay. You know, I just want to say I think it's really a great thing when we bring outside people to take an objective look and I just want to thank the team that was really put together and I see Brad Martin, Chuck Buowie from process improvement and one of the things is by

bringing an outside set of eyes to take a look at a situation at a problem and us confronting the storm water challenge in the future. This is going to go on in perpetuity. It's going to be at a cost of billions of dollars and it just not only affects Virginia Beach, it's going to affect our neighbors in Norark, but it's going to affect pretty much you, you know, a lot of people. But this I

really think what you have here is a temp template that other cities can also use uh that are going to be in need of something like that. But I think the dedication and the effort that you all put into it, uh, working collaboratively with a focused goal, I tell you what, I just got to say kudos to all of you and Chris. Thank you very much.

Okay, Stacy and then Josh and thank you, Mr. Um, first of all, I'd like to um thank Councilman Schulman and Councilwoman Henley for putting this task force together and working with them. And I will say that looking at the people that were on this task force, I'm glad the city didn't have to pay their hourly rate because it's a pretty that was that was a powerful powerful commission you guys put forward. Um,

question for you. I, you know, here in Virginia Beach, we we dance a dance that is very delicate between the need for more housing and storm water management.

And uh time and time again, I hear from uh developers that our ordinances are just restrict too restrictive. And I know that you had mentioned that we have a need to re-evaluate some of these. Are there any specifics that um the task force looked at and maybe um addressing how to make it easier without falling into that trap of of falling backwards?

Sure. Well, Councilman Cummings, I think generally my first answer to that is that we thought collectively education um as far as the process goes um from the timing that things are um introduced, opportunities for for variance, opportunities for flexibility in in storm water design. uh that that was really significant in some in alleviating some of these concerns. Um also we recognized it it wasn't

precisely within our scope to make recommendations for changes to the ordinance itself. Um so we wanted to be very careful about waiting into that territory. But if if I recall, there are some uh appendices or an appendix to our memorandum that will speak to maybe some specific examples uh where there are folks or um different aspects of the process that present some more of those challenges that you mentioned.

Thank you. And also uh this idea of regional VMPPS.

Uh were we able were you able to identify locations or places that might be uh right for that type of use?

Sure. I I think without pinpointing, you know, certain addresses or neighborhoods, what the what the group landed on was uh as the city looks at certain areas for redevelopment, specifically the SGAAS and some of the context areas within uh the draft comprehensive plan that those are areas ripe, if you will, for um a pilot program for regional BMPs. or perhaps you know multiple opportunities for

regional BMPPS. In addition to that, um, and this is why we found that that early map layer so important about recurrent flooding because we think it's important for the city to take a look at where are their areas and and the city did a wonderful job with this um and and Councilman uh Berluchcci's uh district and in Bo Creek and adjacent to to your your district, Councilwoman Rouse, um

with the the Bow Creek Park and addressing storm water and flooding mitigation in that area. So in addition to those areas where the city's being proactive um uh those context areas the SGAAS uh etc. where does the city also need to be reactive uh where are there areas of recurrent flooding etc. So those are sort of the the two answers for for recommendation of pinpointing specific areas of the city.

Thank you.

Okay Josh and then uh Worth and Amelia Mr. from here. Uh Chris and Carol and um everybody uh who participated on those six sessions over the last eight months or or more. Uh thank you. I mean it very very very much. Um, and I mean to think at the beginning to get a group of attorneys engineers conservation and environmental activists, and um, community reps all together in one room, and at the end of

the day, you have everybody in unanimous agreement in lock step. Um, I think is amazing. Um, and and it really goes I mean the first time I walked into one of these um and that and it's also the staff too because I I walked in there was a room full of people and um uh you know people we appointed people we all recognize and we appreciate and yeah your your hourly rate um you know it's

unbelievable the amount of time that you gave but but our staff too. I mean, we had a full accompaniment of, you know, department directors um administrator level on down and and um and everybody was was just participating and and uh and it was great. So, I mean, it honestly almost brought a tear to my eye like when I walked in the first time just like, "Wow, there's a lot of people here to to

support on this issue." And it and it was it was amazing. Um and you know importantly we wanted to make sure that this conversation was being um you know being had out in the open and in the public. Um and and all the minutes are available. All of them were public meetings. Um you can you can see things online and and you know please you know obviously ask questions and I mean these

are all things we're talking about any I mean really I mean this isn't necessarily a new way to slice bread but um but I think these are um these these help us as we go along with the comp plan and the zoning ordinance update and um and and Councilman Cummings just like what you're talking about confronting that you know I mean it's just environment and economy kind of sometimes go like this but they don't

have to all the time and and and the most important thing I think that one of the most important things that came out of it um was that um we all uh had a commitment to um the the the our strict standard and keeping it that way because um this was not about adjusting the the standards downward. Um we are making multi-generational investments um in in storm water and flooding. Um, and you

know, if we reduce the standards, we're putting taxpayers at risk, and that's that's not that's that's not responsible government. Um, so the other way around that is to try and I mean, we know what behavior we want to see. Um, and we just have to help find a way to get there given the fact that I mean, things cost, you know, three, four, five, 10 times as much as they ever have. So um you know

uh these regional storm water solutions um encouraging the development community really I mean this is all about encouraging finding ways to incentivize people to build things in places that don't negatively impact the environment and don't um serve as an upfront to suburban establish suburban neighborhoods. Um and those are along our STAs and our infrastructure corridors and those are all things that

we've been talking about for years. So, um, thank you for establishing some criteria for recommendation for the, uh, the storm cost share. Um, and you know, because that's that's just a what is it?

$2 million a year that, you know, some people know about. And then if you're first to go apply for it, you you either get it or you don't. And and I know public works has some like kind of loose standards, but these are these are reflective of our policy objectives so that we could really um you know use it as a as a metric for um new applications that come before us. Um so that we can

en encourage use of green infrastructure um you know get some housing stock and supply available so that we can help grow our economy and do it responsibly and in a resilient way. So, thank you.

Um, and and I'm I'm really looking forward to that continued dialogue piece. Um, you know, and and uh and just really really great work. Thank you everybody.

Hey, work that in America.

Thank you, Mayor. I just want to also join everyone to thank Mr. Pa for your time. Con m um vice chair considine and also fountain works for your continued work with our task forces and the two council member leazison. Thank you. And the team uh in attendance. I know it's a lot. This is a really really important topic in our city balancing growth over 60 years that we've had we're now you

know confronting now with storm water um with the bond referendum six you know $1.5 billion and so this is really really important as we go forward. So, that being said, I want to repeat actually what Council Member Cummings said because I too hear from many in the community, not only developers, but homeowners, too, how long it takes for permits and approvals to get uh approved. And I'm not trying to complain

here, but I think this is a part of the conversation because time is money and frustration. And I'm just being honest with you that this task force is helping educate and use other alternative ways to address storm water uh incentives and all that. It's really important that we do that. But my point my question is here, do you think this will help? Do we need to do anything as council with any

of our current ordinances or other? And then also how can we help with the process with permits and approvals getting Liz help?

Sure. I uh yeah, thank you for those uh comments, Councilman Remick and and Councilman Cummings, and thank you for your uh leadership, Councilman Schulman and Councilwoman Henley and putting this group together. Uh it was a it was a real joy for me also to be a part of a learning experience. So many members of the community I um I respect and enjoy spending time with. Um to answer your

question specifically, I think there there are several recommendations within the memorandum that you'll see. a couple in particular. Um, one is there's an opportunity for this city um to to lobby or reach out to the Commonwealth and see if because we're a Dylan rule state and so from a from a legal standpoint, you take your direction from uh what the state enables and authorizes. So, there

are a couple of opportunities which you'll see in that uh memorandum. Um and the second one is to look at when you do the zoning ordinance update when that time does come uh to look for opportunities to incorporate these recommendations and perhaps a redevelopment ordinance uh within that zoning ordinance. And then lastly, um the continued collaboration as as Councilman Schulman mentioned,

collaboration not just with council and and staff and management and staff, uh but staff and the development community.

And so that was one of the really great things about the dynamic of of this uh advisory group was it it it provided an opportunity and environment for the staff and the development community to talk to one another about where there's some of these gaps where is there a need for um more efficient more effective processes and uh I think there was a lot of discussion uh but that discussion can

be continued um and improving some of those processes and I think that the process and improvement, not to put um uh Brad and and Tuck on the spot here, but um that's another opportunity for those folks to look at the answer to that question and more concrete um processes to update and enhance.

Well, just something short, but first thanks all of you and Julie. And if you know anything about Chris Proctor, which I do, he's very thorough, very committed to what he's doing. And this shows all the details because the city, it is very important for the city that it shows we are proactive about the storm water and almost all developments ask how long is this going to take? What

permit? But to pull a nice team like this, can you all stand up back there who are part of this team? Because you're sitting there and you're you're not fighting each other. You're here.

You're here for a purpose. And that's what the unanimous part of it. So I would recommend to our council members definitely to take some time look at what you've put down and see what we can adopt because regionalism is the way to go.

Thank you so much. Thank you. Okay. Uh I just wanted to piggy back off of uh Councilman Rouse and um Ameilia uh Ameilia. Sorry, she's sitting next to me.

It's been a long afternoon.

I mean, she's right here.

That's all right. Rosand as always. Thank you. Uh this is very important and you know, I appreciate your leadership. So, every time I see your team and I know it's going to be something great. And so, with that being said, storm water is important to the resource city, but um we're so grateful to have your leadership, your direction, and including the community because that's really what it's about, engaging

them, getting their perspective, and then from there, we really have a city that's uh orchestrated by the people for the people. Thank you.

Hey, anybody else?

You know, we made storm water our highest priority in the city and it's followed by uh public safety in schools.

But the fourth highest priority is attainable housing. And I think the conversation before about finding the balance between the two is going to be the real challenge. But I think what you folks are doing uh by not only the engagement but the education. You know, storm water is a complex thing. It's going to cost us a lot of money. Uh as we often said, our $567 million bond referendum now costs $1.5 billion.

And this is a commitment that we're going to be making, you know, definitely going forward. And uh Chris, I just want to say your personal involvement not only with this but another major initiative that you're working on is going to see the light of day very very soon. It just shows that your personal commitment, your care and compassion not only for uh this uh the city but for people. You know, I just want to give

you special kudos to you and your family and the associates. uh you know things are going to be you're going to make Virginia Beach a great city even better and I just want to say thank you and thank you to everybody. Appreciate it.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you.

Thank you.

What was going on?

Okay.

All right. Uh at this point, do we have any liaison reports?

Jennifer and then Rosemary.

Okay. Uh clean community. So uh couple of Saturday they had a clothing swap for second I want to say or whatever it was. I don't know what even today is. So clean community at Ocean Lakes and it was successful and it was so successful that they are planning to offer it regularly. So, because so many people benefited, uh, families were able to just swap out clothing for their kids that are getting

bigger and not having to go purchase anything. So, it's a great example of sustainability, uh, reusing, not wasting clothing, um, and just, um, swapping out. So, um, they will host another one.

practices in their own lives but also in the school system. So bringing them into their schools that could be a part of the curriculum. So it's not just the students who attend these meetings who learn and benefit but it's something that just becomes a normalized thing in our public schools. So, we got an incredible uh we've just got incredible people um in our city. Um ATAC, so the

holiday lights um at the beach, the opening bike ride took place this past weekend. And so, uh shout out to beach events, resort office, uh our Virginia Beach Police Department, Rack, and of course, ATAC for organizing it. It is now so well known and loved that some of my best friends uh came all the way from SuffK to participate. So, they put their kids in their car, drove from Suffach to

the oceanfront, and rode through the lights. So, um I'm proud of the work that um our city continues to offer, not only for our residents, but for folks from the region. And finally, uh the NBC Expo mayor, you were there, council member Ross Hammond. um uh incredible opportunity for SWAM businesses, so small women, minority owned businesses to learn about, um partnering with the city, uh winning contracts, scaling up

their businesses so that they can um continue to provide not only their services to our community, but as small business operators, um hiring um employees and providing economic development um here in Virginia Beach.

So, that was you. I don't know if Councilwoman Ross Hammond or mayor if you want to add anything to that, but um shout out to the NBC for organizing that event.

Amelia, please forgot to add something there. A little one was very quietly listening. Olivia Olivia quietly through the whole thing.

She I was she was throwing I had a toy to distract her and uh she just threw it and I just picked it up the whole time.

So that kept me busy but it kept her quiet. So quiet. She's only what 11 minutes. Yeah.

And she was very quiet through that entire event and growing like a weed.

And um I'll go ahead. I went to and I'm sure Councilman Reik went and some of you all went to the 250 BA 250 revolutionary scrimmage and everything.

It was really interesting. And I pulled Lord Dumbore aside and talked to him. why did you choose to bring the Ethiopians in and he explained that the crown wouldn't give him new resources and what and he needed to fight this war so he promised them their freedom and then after that we said let's take a picture he and two others stood beside me and he said about to take the pictures no smiles and I wondered why

says well you're smiling at a war it looks who've been in the cups.

I've never heard the expression in the cups since that man been drinking.

That's something new I learned in the cups.

And then yeah, the old way they said things and they had the youth involved very much and um so I learned a lot. Got shocked and the cannons went off but otherwise it was good. And also we need to congratulate um Delino.

He was u named first citizen.

Yeah.

And um Billy Almond who you know and was he rise Taylor Franklin and then Taylor Franklin.

There was a good event and to see so many and again the mayor is very much on regional. So he announced three amigos.

We all looked around. We had Mayor Kenny Alexander on one side.

Mayor Shannon Glover on one side. So that's Hampton I mean Porsche in office and so he's you know doing the examples of what he calls region they were there to also welcome that. I thought that was really nice.

Thank you.

And Amelia, why didn't you ask Lord Gunar what he's going to do about speeding on Lord Gun.

That's Michael.

Someone might burn it down.

Yeah, we're going to combination of comments. Also, one of Francis Lanhouse also opened up on Saturday night and several of all of you were here were there and it is if you haven't been there, you've really got to see it. Uh, and Monica Kroski came and she I think she was really impressed.

But they have done the most incredible job. Uh, the top floor they've turned it to a museum and they've got on slavery.

They've got the old Rose Hall dress shop. Remember that, don't you, Barbara?

And, uh, what it was like in World War II. And the, uh, friends of the historic houses, they really stepped up. They donated all the chandeliers and the wall sconces and the and the wall uh the floor cloths that were quite expensive and the wine for the event which that was important too I guess. Uh but it's just absolutely stunning what they've done to rose the old rose I call the old rose hall the Francis land

house. So anyway I encourage anybody hasn't been there to please go out and see it. Um secondly, one of our constituents has spent a lot of time on the historic uh preservation commission. She was saying, you know, and I don't think that we do this, but it would be really nice for the people that do serve, and a lot of people serve many years on our boards and commissions that we give them a certificate at the

end. I think would be it wouldn't be very expensive to do that. You know, we can mail it with their letter to thank them and maybe we could consider doing a a certificate to Sherry Felton. She's been on the president.

Yeah. A lot of people. Yeah. This came from Bobby Gribble.

Oh, yes. You know, Bobby.

Uh so, if we could consider sending people who donate a lot of their volunteer time to our boards and commissions. And the third is a liazison appoint. And I'm glad Worth is back because I'm want you to comment too. We I think we had the final Atlantic Avenue task force meeting yesterday and uh people have worked really hard on this and they had lots of ideas and lots of conversation and they they came to a

really good consensus. Uh Fountain Works did a great job and helped facilitate all of it. Thank you, Patrick, for bringing them in. And uh they're going to be presenting to the council. I believe January 6 is when they're planning on coming.

They're going to be finalizing all the recommendations and sending them around.

But they pretty much have the gist of what they would like for go forward with Atlantic Avenue. I I hope the council will be pleased with it, but it was a lot of hard work and and worthy. Did you want to comment?

Sure. Thank you, Vice Mayor. And just like the stormwater task force, these task forces are really are helping us in a lot of ways. And I think I don't know how many Fountain Works has done, but to your point about the Atlantic Avenue reimagine task force. So I think everyone is happy but unhappy uh because there are a lot of stakeholders. There's a lot uh Atlantic Avenue really is

important. Just to refresh everyone, we did have $48 million in the uh budget.

It came in estimated at $116 million.

that we created the task the mayor's task force that is and so January 6 we'll get recommendation that comes in lower than $48 million probably in the 30 mid to uh upper $30 million that does reimagine Atlantic Avenue and we are doing other things along Atlantic Avenue that's outside of the task force as you all know with code enforcement and t-shirts but this task force has done

well uh I look look forward to you all seeing that January Okay, Josh. Wait, got Cash, Josh, and Barbara.

Thank you, uh, Mayor. Um, we had, uh, something exciting. A lot of things happening this, uh, past weekend. Um, in College Park, Level Green, that's where we have the U. And, um, that is a concentration of hardworking uh, Americans. And so we're grateful that Director Kershman, myself, um Oh, and mayor, you were there.

I was the guy with the scissors, right?

He was like, "Look out." Anyway, we we were able to um do a soft opening. Um, obviously it's fall and so we have state-of-the-art, one of the first, I think, when it comes to uh planning and design. Level Green Park has one of the first splash parks um in Virginia Beach.

And I'm very grateful that um as a district, as a community, Virginia Beach, we we get to be number one. And so I'm grateful for that. The the kids I had um someone donated seven basketballs.

Who was there? Okay. So, okay. Good.

Good. Tough crowd. Tough crowd. Um but we had seven basketballs. Um and so the kids were able to be a part of that and so that was very great. Uh the soft opening of Level Green Park that's open.

We're um during the summer in May, we're going to do a um a grand opening of Level Green Park. And so that's when we'll have the media there and some other things. And but we just wanted to get the park open for the community because remember everything is about the community. Second, um PJ, my legislative aid, uh she is at uh PCC Filipino Cultural Center because as um right now

as we are um governing the city, she is out uh with PCC, which is the um Filipino American Veterans of Hampton Roads. They are feeding right now over a hundred disabled veterans and um that the organization FAV um they raise money so that they can feed the disabled veterans. They bust them in and they all come into um the uh Filipino Cultural Center. So I'm very grateful. I couldn't be there but um I

have a representative that's there. So, those are the two council comments that I definitely want to highlight and so grateful that we live in such a wonderful city, Virginia Beach.

Okay. Uh, we got Josh and Barbara and Worth.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just want to share with the council. Um, I was honored. Um, Saturday I drove I drove up to the Hampton Convention Center and uh participated as a speaker in the uh Black Diamond anniversary weekend for Black Brands um which is our um regional black chamber of commerce and um it was amazing. uh the panel of speakers that I participated with, they they came from

all over the country talking about um our creative economy and making sure um that we're um cognizant and st sending, you know, opportunities and and signaling that opportunities are available for everyone here. Um and and uh I got to share a lot of the good work that we're doing um in Hive uh and also um or the Vibe Creative District. Um you know, the the examples that that we have

with creatives coming together in our community. So um congrats to Black Brands on on 10 years of uh just bringing people together and helping elevate and lift up entrepreneurs and creatives. Uh and a special congratulations to Blair Durham. if you've never met her, there aren't very many transformational figures in our region and she's one of them. Um, she's she's amazing. Um, and then, uh, wanted

to let everybody know, uh, town hall. I have a district 9 town hall on December 1st from 6:00 to 8 at Bayside Rec Center. Um, we're going to be talking about how the resort and tourism benefit benefit our entire city. Um, we're going to be talking about the new uh uh community arts grants programs uh and grants to individual artists that we were able to um redirect that amusement tax revenue uh to create that

sustainable arts funding and um some traffic safety improvements that are going on right now along the Bayfront.

So, we'll see.

Well, two Saturdays ago, we had an annual event down in the uh southern part of the city which highlights the agricultural industry, which I have to keep emphasizing is an industry. I wish our economic development folks could have been there to see plow day, which is a culmination of the the year's crop.

as just as the soybeans have been picked, the plows come back and start getting things ready for next year. And if you've never been, you really need to come because you really need to see what agriculture is all about. So many people look at agriculture and say, "Well, that's just vacant land waiting to be developed." No, it's land that is very active in a lot of ways because it's

producing a crop. Our industry doesn't have to go build buildings. Our industry uses the dirt and I hope you'll put it on your calendar for next year to get to plow day. You've never seen so many different kinds of plows and what they do and and and the community coming together. It's a fantastic event. And I really hope that uh it'll be something that you can see one of these times so

that you can see what the land really is. It's not empty land doing nothing.

It's a major industry for our nation, our state, and our locality. And it's wonderful. And the community coming together. Everybody had a great time. It was a perfect day. And uh uh I do hope our economic development folks will put it on their calendar next year, too, so they can come see what agriculture is really all about.

Thank you, Mayor. I just want to make a quick comment. The southern part of the city is one of the reasons why I moved to this city because I'm from an agricultural area and I really appreciate every part of our that that community in our city and it is the fourth leg of our local economy and I appreciate it and I'll be there next year.

So just uh we've already talked about uh his what I call history day on Saturday um the skirmish at at Kemp's Landing.

Want to shout out to BB250 and staff Mark Reed for putting that on. Members of the committee uh led that uh ceremony. That was engaging day both Saturday and Sunday skirmish. I now know what a skirmish is. Um that was part of our revolutionary war. Um but that was on top of a symposium in Norfick that I think mayor you attended uh at the Sllover Library. Uh later that day I

went through the for the first time the Adam Keeling house because a descendant of a slave um freed by Adam Keeling as a part of the revolutionary war recruited by England a descendant came back from New Brunswick Canada for the first time in that family's life to tour Adam Keeling's house. So, and then later kudos to um Emily Leose and Monica Crosky and Francis Lanhouse and the decision of this council to to put the

money into Francis Lan House. It's a true gym right on Virginia Beach Boulevard. So, thank you for all of that.

I don't know if we're into council comments or not initiatives that I got.

Go ahead.

Yes. So, um Bob Pazini, owner of iFL on Pacific Avenue in the resort, has an adjacent property under contract and he's asked for uh me to ask you all to expedite a an an alternative compliance of a parking lot that he would like to convert this property to on Pacific Avenue. Alternative compliance for that would just be it would be separate than the current um or different than the

current uh guidelines for zoning and specs uh for that parking lot. So you'll see it coming forth through planning, but the expedit ex asking staff to expedite this would mean planning commission and council would hear it in the same month. That's correct. So that's uh I ask you all's approval for that uh to be expedited.

Anybody else? Okay, let me just close and uh I want to kind of highlight something Jennifer said. We got great people in Virginia Beach that do incredibly good things all the time that deserve the recognition.

And you know, at the Minority Business Council Expo, it was nothing but positive energy there. Uh, you know, Anthony Williams, the speaker was beyond dynamic and on message and everything.

And you see a community come together.

Uh, you know, we're one of the few communities that have a minority business council and it has over time had a seamless continuum of excellent excellence in leadership and participation and we're not there yet but we are moving the dial in a many many positive ways and a lot of people are taking advantage of that and you were talking about the lights uh there's another group out there uh Jay Archabel

is a de a developer in uh Chesapeake and every year he has what they call he's had it for years called Kids Cruise and he rents 15 buses. He gets a you know underprivileged children together at Eddingham Square and he gives them a $50 voucher to go shopping in Walmart. Then he puts them into buses and they go to the oceanfront. And over the years, he's been including Virginia Beach schools in

this, too. I'm just saying it's a spirit of cooperation, you know, that's out there. Um, and then, uh, you know, and then the other thing with, uh, cashes park, guess what?

That's where there's going to be a new parks after dark there. And, you know, Jennifer, you know, the program has turned out to be very successful. And I tell you what, it is worth the cost and investment in the community to have that. And it was very wellreceived and I think it's a template uh you know for going forward. Hopefully one day we can get it throughout the whole city and

other cities will emulate that. Then you take a look at the presentation of the storm water task force that we have.

Another sterling example of what what drives and makes Virginia Beach. And uh then Rosemary, your idea about certificates for um the people that served on boards of commission. You know, I have the privilege uh periodically Monica gives me a pile of thank you things to saying for our volunteers because if I'm not mistaken, we got something like 11,000 volunteers uh that really help, you know,

everywhere from libraries to ambulances to everything. and I signed some certificates of thanks, 5,000, 10,000, 15,000 uh hours from time to time. So, we'll definitely include them. But I'll tell you what, Virginia Beach is a remarkable city. And Jennifer, you're right. It's the people. Okay. All right. How about How about the agenda?

Yep.

Okay.

Uh we have a very busy evening ahead of us.

or something.

Yes, please.

I just would like us to consider if it's possible. I don't even know if it's possible, but we're doing a resolution tonight to honor uh Admiral Denton. And he has quite a number of family and friends in attendance.

And you know, I suspect that there may be some of the items before that that could run long.

If there's any way we could do the recognition in advance of some of these other if we can get the Motti one and that one done, we can do that uh right after we Well, the thought is that what we've done in the past is read through the consent agenda which I imagine they will be on consent and then as soon as we do the consent and vote on it then have them come forward.

Yeah.

But even some of the public comment things I think are going to take Yeah. Yeah, you know, I don't think there's with the public hearings we I don't think we've ever done that before. I think you know I I appreciate what you're doing but I think hopefully the you know we we have some speakers there and uh you know probably maybe take a half hour 40 minutes you know but

you know but once again I think uh you know you know what's your thoughts you know Patrick or you know Mark Mark it's u it's the discretion of the council Um, you would you would have to you would have to do your consent agenda before you did your public hearings, I guess.

But you you've got things on the public. Do you, Madam Clerk?

No, I'll accept one of the public hearings is is on the agenda.

Yeah. The Well, yeah, you're going to have to do the public.

That's what I'm That's what I'm saying.

We're kind of pigeon.

Have to do those before the consent agenda.

Yeah. you know, we'll go ahead and uh you know, we got some speakers, but it it's not going to be as long as I anticipated.

Hopefully.

Yeah. But I'll tell you what, that was a great idea.

Yeah, it was I was thinking about Yeah, we understand how you feel. Okay. Um number one is the charter change on the blue line. There's there's three alternatives. And number three um is is pretty much the reason we deferred this because we took suggestions from uh Council Lady Henley to include the water and sewer. Um so if everybody's okay, can we go with C uh alternative three?

Yeah.

Okay.

All right. Uh so under ordinances you have speakers on that mir uh on the public hearing.

Okay. All right.

We don't have any speakers signed up yet for the agenda item.

Right. Just right. And and the public hearing on the other change on the uh voting system is public hearings too. I think Bobby, can I have that list?

Yeah. Uh yeah, we got some uh just couple of speakers on the planning item.

So that's on the right. And so um so under ordinance and resolutions, does anybody have any they want to pull or to comment hard to say no to number five?

Yeah, I think you got speaker all in support.

I thought that was a public hearing.

Okay. Um, and under planning number one, there's two speakers, but one is only if it's not on consent. So, if we put it on consent, there's just one speaker. So, is everybody okay with number one being on consent? And that's district one.

Sorry.

Okay. And then the other one is number two and that is in district six.

Six. Six. Yes.

Speaker on that.

Yeah. There's two speakers in opposition.

Number two. There are no speakers.

I'm sorry. I'm number six.

It's number six.

I'm sorry. Number six.

Eddie with EDVY. Is that EDVY for Eddie? Is that the attorney Eddie or is that another I'm sorry. Well, these are the ones that are we're planning.

Yeah. Well, these are the ones that are speakers.

So there's number six it has one speaker and okay so number so number six is all right well let's just go down the list um so number two is consent please consent number three district two that's not Number four is district three. Michael's not here, but I haven't heard anything. Is everybody okay with dimmer?

Okay. Number five, Way Church, District 8.

Okay. Now, number six, District Nine.

I not heard anything about it. Um, you got one speaker.

Um, so would we need to is that that one speaker is enough to get it off consent or can we hear it on?

We can leave we can leave it on consent if you're okay.

And number seven, uh, district 8 green clean number n uh number nine is small circle and that is district 10.

That's fine.

That uh number nine is Mong Adesso as district five as consent.

That's it.

Okay.

All righty. The chair will entertain a motion at recess.

Number seven, green clean. That's to you know that's on consent for approval, right?

Yes. I got the chair will entertain a motion to recess into a closed session pursuant to the exemptions open meetings allowed by section 2.2371A code of Virginia as amended for the following purposes. Legal matters, consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation where such consultation or briefing an open meeting

would adversely affected negotiating or litigating posture of the public body pursuant to section 2.2 to 3711A.

The Atlantic Park election system.

Public contracting. Discussion of the award of public contract involving the expenditure of public funds and discussion of terms or scope of such contract where um the open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body pursuant to section 2.237A. to 37A1 1129 and that would be project Chronicle Sun and the other 19th Street RFP and then publicly held property

discussion or uh consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purpose or the disposition of public held property where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiation strategy of the public body pursuant to section 2.23711 A3 District 6 and then personal matters discussions considerations or interviews of prospective candidates for employment

assignment appointment promotion performance the motion salaries disciplining or resignation of specific public officers appointees or employees of any public body pursuant to section 2.2 to 371181 and that's appointments for council boards commissions committees authorities, agencies and appointees. I have a motion still move second

I

we're journing the cl

And if you kindly are able to stand for the invocation.

All righty.

Okay. Heavenly Father, you are always with us and beside us. Be with us this evening as we consider the affairs of our great city. Give us the patience to listen, the wisdom to decide, and the strength to act. Amen.

And thank you. Um, and I'm going to ask for a moment of silence in honor of all of those who paid the ultimate price to keep our city and nation safe.

Thank you. Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Okay. Thank you all.

Madame clerk, do we have a roll call?

Yes, your honor. All present, excluding Council Member Beluchcci.

Okay. Thank you. Uh, do we have a motion for the certification of the close session?

So moved.

Second.

Okay.

The vote is open.

Vice Mayor Wilson, may I have your vote, please? Yes.

Can you hit the button? It will let us close it. If not, it not working.

We won't close it.

By a vote of 10 to zero, you certify the closed session in accordance with a motion to recess.

Okay. Thank you. Uh, do we have a motion to approve the informal and formal session of October 21st, 2025?

So moved.

Mayor, are you doing both sets of minutes?

Pardon?

Are you doing both sets of minutes in one?

Yeah, I'll tell you what. Let's do the informal and formal session of the 21st and the special formal session of October 28th.

Thank you.

Um, did I hear I didn't hear a motion.

Did you second? Oh.

Oh, I'm sorry. My apologies.

I'm sorry. No, I probably missed it.

It's one of those high sinus days, folks.

By vote of 10 to zero, approved the minutes as submitted.

Okay. Thank you. Uh we'll move forward to the public hearings. The first one will be the proh proposed charter amendment land use and public approval south of the blue line.

We have a few speakers. The first speaker is John Moss.

Good evening.

It's only my second time on this side of the dis in a long time. Mayor and members of city council, since city council on two occasions by a supermajority vote of 9 to2 has voted to violate the green line by zoning decisions over the objection of the district 2 council member. The agenda items tonight would not preclude those reference violations being repeated. I do have one friendly

amendment for your consideration, one recommended additional ordinance, and a modification to the proposed ordinance for your consideration, and a word of caution. Amend the charter amendment to read that the supermajority of nine votes must include the vote of the district council member in which the property under consideration resides.

Today, that would be the district 2 council member. Without this amendment, this charter change is more style than substance.

Secondly, adopt a Virginia Beach specific count council conflict of entrance ordinance. The Virginia Supreme Court in the city of Chesapeake versus Gardener Enterprises in 1998 rule that local jurisdictions can adopt more restrictive conflict of interest ordinances than the state law. recommend you adopt a conflict of interest ordinance that requires any council member to recuse themselves from voting

on a contractual, zoning, conditional use, or modification of a prior imposed condition matter in which a person or commercial entity or nonprofit entity has contributed in excess of $250 to the most recent campaign of a council member prior to taking office or after taking office. in their current term.

Addressing the agenda ordinance, whatever alternative is adopted, it should explicitly state that it takes nine votes to include the council member of that district that the property resides in, both to approve it and to also extend city and water sewer.

As a word of caution, once the first successful supermajority vote is taken, the criteria and the reasoning doc documented for the exemption will establish a precedent that any other applicant meeting that criteria if not granted. Approval creates a potential liability for the city, meaning us, the taxpayers, under the equal protection clause to secure approval and damages.

So voters, you have to be careful to make sure that you vote for future council people when you know what their positions are on these ordinances. Thank you so much.

The next speaker is Shawn Montero.

I don't see Shan Waverly Woods.

Council members, thank you. Pleasure to meet you here. I recognize all of you and hope you recognize me. I am the chair of the Virginia Beach Tea Party here in Virginia Beach. Um, I am opposed to you going across the Green Line and Blue Line for many reasons. Barbara Henley, you should already know. The people of Virginia Beach have everything here, don't we? We have our beautiful

ocean that we can admire and love for for centuries to come. We have a beautiful suburban area that is not a metropolitan city but gives us that flare at town center. And then we have our beautiful countryside of Pungo which is my favorite part of our city. Not because I have the privilege of living there, but because my horse has the privilege of living there and I enjoy visiting him on a

regular basis. You remember Lorie Le, God rest her soul. And of course, we know um many of the farms out there with many of the people that really enjoy the beauty of our city. The minute you start tapping into the resources of that area, you change the water dynamic. And it's going to end up forcing people back on city water. They love being on wellwater. They love not getting a water bill. They love the beautiful

countryside. They don't want more development out in Pungo. I want to encourage each of you to go and visit it. And Barbara, go and talk to some of your neighbors. Carol Darden, which I still call her, you know, Carol Webb because for years, you know, before her husband passed and she remarried. If you know the people out there, Tommy Tilman, all of these people live out there and

they live out there for a reason. James Cohen and his wife Lisa, they are out there for the same reason that I love it out there. Overdevelopment in any part of our city changes the dynamic and the beauty of our city. And Bobby Dyer, you should know that already as well. Many of you should not be taking donations from developers that only want to ruin our city and hurt the beautiful parts of

our V Virginia and our Virginia beach that makes this city so popular. You don't live out there, so you don't really know what to experience. But I can tell you it is a breath of fresh air that I am not willing to sacrifice. So, thank you for your time and I hope you will vote in favor of the people and not in favor of the developers. Thank you, mayor. That's all the speakers.

That's all the speakers for that public hearing.

Okay. Uh we'll move on to the next one, which is the ordinance to provide uh li uh living increases to the salaries of mayor and city members of city council.

The first speaker is John Moss.

The second speaker is Katherine How.

I apologize for earlier not recognizing my good friend, the city manager. Nice to see you again.

Dear honorable mayor and members of council, I have already submitted a copy of my statement to the city clerk, and I will be posting that on my John Moss Facebook page. As a 17-year prior member of city council, I speak from experience in the job and with deference to the public. Independent of a factual examination, the low level of public engagement in advance of this public hearing has been inadequate in my

judgment. In 2006, each council member was directly accountable to 434,454 residents per the US Census Bureau. In 2025, each council member, excluding the mayor, is directly accountable for only 45,359 residents for a reduction of 89.6% in your constituent workload, further reduced by the funding for personal assistance for each council member. So, let us review. Council members run for

office knowing what the terms and conditions were. There's no shortage of candidates willing to run for the office under the current terms. If a member of city council finds the current terms and conditions of employment unacceptable, resignations are acceptable. Since city council members current salaries were established in 2006, with the exception of the mayor, their constituent workload has been reduced by 89.6%

under the 101 system, which we'll be voting on tonight.

And additionally, you've authorized special assistance for each of you, though I know some of you do not take advantage of that public expense. And thank you. The conclusion is there's no shortage of candidates for the job.

Reduce constituent workload and increased support staff equals no justification for a raise. If a majority of the city council believes there is a case to be made, like any other employee, make your case by putting this draft ordinance on the ballot as an advisory referendum. Let the voters, your employer, see if they share your judgment on increasing the salary of council members. So rather than

increasing your own pay, I do believe that a majority of you do not share Vice Mayor Wilson's council members Hutchinson Scholman's recommendation that city council salary increase is merited. Thank you so much.

The next speaker is Katherine How. After Miss How is Jimmy Frost.

Good evening. Good evening, mayor, council members. Um, I'm coming to oppose this cost of living increase. We just witnessed the longest government shutdown in history. People are getting ready to lose SNAP. Our homeless crisis is highest than it's been in history.

Um, healthc care crisis, health care prices are getting ready to skyrocket.

Social Security is dwindling.

Homelessness is skyrocketing. And among those are veterans, disabled people, and domestic violence survivors. So, some of the most vulnerable people in our country, right? And the cost of living is skyrocketed. The inflation rate is incredibly high. So I think that we should probably address some of these issues, these systemic issues that have been happening for decades prior to, you

know, giving oursel raises. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Jimmy Frost and after Mr. Frost is Martha Thorough.

Hey Jimmy.

Evening folks. Um, I did a search on Chad GPT today and going back as far as 2007, there seems to be a habit of this city council to try and pull a fast one on the voters between the election and Thanksgiving and Christmas when you think we're not watching. In 2008 or 2009, I think it was, John Moss can correct me. They tried to tell us we had to have this executive hotel at the

ocean front because it's going to be so important for the pavilion or the dome or whatever they're going to build down there. And then it was an arena that they wanted to build. Oh, we had to have it. We had to get this land. We had to make all these deals on the fly. And thankfully, it was patriots, some of whom were in this office that stood up and fought back. And now you want to

come to us and tell us right before Thanksgiving when you'd vote on it that you deserve a 70% 70% pay increase. Are you out of your mind? If you're going to shoot yourself in the foot, please don't use a bazooka.

That's what you're doing here. You're telling each one of these taxpayers that we're going to take money from you under penalty of law if you do not pay, but we're going to give ourselves a 70% pay increase. What in God's name makes you think you deserve that?

Any employee is going to think they're worth more money? I get that. But you have the difference of being the government closest to us. And you need to lead by example. People are hurting.

You know this. You hear it from your constituents every day. I drive Uber and Lift. I see people begging and sleeping in the streets every day. You cannot in good conscious do this. Not now, not ever. Call it a cost of living adjustment. Call it whatever you will, but 70% is absolutely criminal. Do not do it.

The next speaker is Martha Theo and then Conrad is Venttor.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Mayor Dyer was right. This is not a good time to be asking for a raise.

Here are just a few reasons of why you should can this idea.

You gave away the Green Line to developers and encroached upon Oceanana.

You destroyed the maritime forest at Pleasure House Point for $12 million.

You raised our real estate taxes by one means or another year after year despite pleased not to do so. You failed to appropriately manage the public private partnerships that you put us in. You forfeited $6 million taxpayer dollars on failed sports center management brought to you by a crony political operative.

You've practically given away millions of dollars worth of public land, including Brack lands, to your crony friends, such as London Bridge Road property that went to State Senator D.

Stef. You've co covertly spent multiple millions of dollars in attorneys fees combating the hallway right to vote lawsuit and the 10 to1 voting system.

You've kept secret problems and expenses incured with the new public private deal known as Atlantic Park, including the cleanup of arsenic in the Lake Holly.

You've repeatedly biased tip monies to the resort oceanfront and left the rest of the city out. You've denied personal property tax relief to people with disabilities who make over $29,000.

You've stacked all of your committees, boards, commissions, and with crony supporters and their employees, some of whom are on multiple of these bodies, and ignored the talent bank application of regular citizens. You have allowed for utter destruction of our tree canopies by poor governance throughout the city by allowing for unchecked development. You've repeatedly allowed your developer friends to build on

fragile wetlands through zoning, reszonings, and use permits. your repeated refusal to honor the council commitment on the stormwater resolution of September 2021 and more. 3 minutes is not enough time.

It wasn't that long ago you insisted on having assistance. That was a raise. And though taxpayers paid for said assistance, you are still unable and failed to even do the little things for us, such as answer emails, even if it's to acknowledge receipt. Yep, Bobby Dyer, you and I agree on this one. It's a bad time to be asking for a raise.

The next speaker is Conrad Conrad's Venture Waverly Woods and after Miss Woods will be Tim Worst.

Well, good evening again. Thank you for at least hearing us at this opportunity.

Um, again, my name is Waverly Woods. I am the chair of the Virginia Beach Tea Party. Um, first and foremost, I want to thank each of you personally that have been public Stacy and Bobby for saying you are opposed to the pay raise.

Literally, T stands for taxed enough already. I encourage you to come to our meetings and learn really what that's all about.

In my private sector job, I work a lot with uh private businesses, small businesses, which make 75% of our country's economic development.

75%.

And they are struggling.

The economy is not turned around. Gas is back up to over $3 a gallon. They can't afford eggs unless they go to Carol Darden's place where she gives them away free half the time. And that's out in Bungo. They are struggling. They can't even buy processed. They can't buy unprocessed milk because of legislation that's been put through. I'm telling you, this is bad all the way around.

Your timing is off and your lack of consideration for the people out here.

Think about all the money you've been given from these donors. If you want to make a trade that you'll stop taking over $50,000 in campaign donations, you can have your pay raise. But considering what I've seen on everyone's donations, I encourage everyone in this audience and listening that virginiaacp project.org or is our friend and it exposes all of your donations and it tells us you may be living off of

their donations and you really don't need a pay raise. Think about that. I want to encourage you to hold the line and think about the people of that really make this city function and listen to them cuz we are taxed enough already. Thank you.

The next speaker is Tim Worst.

And after Mr. Worst, we have two WebEx speakers.

Hey Tim, welcome.

Good evening, sir.

My name is Tim Worst and I live here in Virginia Beach for most of my life and I have no intentions for running for city council for anything that I say. Uh, I am here tonight in opinion of my opinion for disapproval of city city council giving themselves a raise. Um, like was said before and we just had one of the longest government closures and now you're saying we need a raise. That

timing is horrible. Um, and just to hear that with your own ears, I'm voting to give myself a raise. Where does that happen? It's ridiculous.

For a reality check, I think you should ask the citizens of Virginia Beach, should we get a raise? I'd love to see that poll. I'd love to see the poll answers on should city council get a raise.

Affordability is the number one topic.

There's an article in uh Wavy today about how we're one of the largest or we're one of the cities that cost the most to raise children. And people on this council are asking, most of you are asking to get a raise.

New people just recently elected, you knew what the salary was when you wanted to get elected. I can appreciate that from when I ran for city council. I would have done this job for a lot less because just as Bobby said and probably a couple of you other folks, it's about serving the people of Virginia Beach.

It's not about the money that you get paid to do it. Certainly, you deserve some money, but it's not about the money. It's about the people you're serving.

You're spending money like we have it to burn. First, we have for real world, the wave pool. We're losing a million dollars at the convention center. I'm sorry. I think somebody mentioned that.

500,000 at the sports center. And and again about the wave pool, I just can't get over the fact that we that we the citizens paid $140 million for somebody's idea. An idea that no bank ever wanted to get in front of and fund.

Thank you to Stacy and to Bobby for acknowledging now that is not the time for a raise. Thank you for Josh for answering my emails and texting and calling. I appreciate that greatly uh for a raise. And somebody else just said about the assistance you have. I get less replies from emails now than ever.

And now you have assistance.

Lastly, thank you. Thank you for serving on the city council. Thank you for for doing your job for this great city.

Thank you.

Thanks.

We have two WebEx speakers. The first WebEx speaker is Kim Mayo. Miss Mayo, you are unmuted and may begin.

Good evening. I oppose this. Any type of raise should be voted on by citizens.

Politicians should never be voting on a pay raise for themselves. We have a good school board. They are all public servants, but our city council is unfortunately not well regarded by many informed intelligent citizens. There may be some good individual members on the dis tonight, but you are not a good team.

My District 9 Councilman Josh Schulman pushing the pay raise as a pro-developer wealthy lawyer. Nothing wrong with having a lot of money, but it's classless for someone who doesn't need it to try to grab more. City councilmen who can run to be reelected stand to benefit directly. Don't let them tell you this is all about altruism.

Josh Schulman and Vice Mayor are out of touch with our working-class constituents, teachers, and students, asking them to support your increase while they're already burdened.

Good performance should be rewarded with higher pay. This city council did the unthinkable. They destroyed our pleasure house point and squandered 12 million of our tax dollars. Michael Berluchcci and Mr. Schulman need to be investigated as members of the Pleasure House Point working group. We greatly appreciate the media and all who support our federal lawsuit. In conclusion, given your

collective performance and recurrent economic climate does not merit any pay increase. Thank you.

The next and last WebEx speaker is Sally Ward. Miss Ward, you are unmuted and may begin.

Thank you. Um, council members, I share the concerns expressed by previous speakers and want to raise critical question. How do you plan to fund a 71% increase for a part-time position?

Residents already pay sales tax both city and state, and we've seen property taxes increase, even if it was presented as a red herring decline in rate with an increase in our home values. On top of that, insurance costs are up and inflation continues to squeeze families.

The standard raise for most positions is 2 to 3%. and nothing the council does warrants a 71% increase. Public service should be about commitment, not compensation. The argument that low salaries defer candidates is not convincing. People run for office to serve their community, not to earn a corporate level paycheck. I've also heard the claim that this raise won't benefit current members because doesn't

take effect until effect until 2027. But whether that benefits you personally or not, it still needs to be funded. And that funding will come from taxpayers who are already overburdened. Frankly, this raise feels undeserved when the council continues to prioritize vanity projects and overdevelopment, especially at the o ocean front and while ignoring the needs of everyday residents.

Millions are spent on projects that cater to celebrities or deep pocket donors. While basic affordability for families is overlooked, these decisions do not reflect the priorities of the people who live and work here. I work for nonprofit and my husband serves in the military. Costs are skyrocketing for families like ours. Even suggesting an increase at this time is tonedeaf. If you believe your current pay is

insufficient, that perhaps it's time to re-evaluate your reasons for running for public service position. City council should be looking for ways to make our community more affordable, lowering taxes and reducing costs, not looking for ways to line your pocket. I urge the council to explain clearly how this phrase will be funded without further burdening taxpayers and to reconsider this decision in favor of fiscal

responsibility and restoring public trust. Thank you, mayor. That's all the speakers for that public hearing.

Okay. Thank you. Moving on to public hearing number three. Virginia Beach public schools operating budget and capital improvement program CIP amendments.

There are no speakers, sir.

Okay. Number four, acquisition by agreement or condemnation for shore drive pedestrian improvements project CIP 1000383.001.

There are no speakers, sir.

And finally, lease of city property at 912 Princess Anne Road to the Senior Resource Center incorporate.

No speakers.

No speakers. Okay. Consent agenda.

There's a couple of um one do we have one speaker items?

Yes. Um mayor on number six um Kim Mayo is the only um individual signed up to speak for planning number six. Would you like for me to call her? And she's participating by Yeah. Let me go ahead and read the speaker policy first.

Okay. Yes, sir. I want to remind everyone that the city council speaker policy that allows certain representatives a group to speak for 10 minutes applies only to planning items.

All other speakers, whether speaking individually or in behalf of a group will have up to three minutes to speak on a single item. Speakers are reminded that comments during the formal session of the meeting must be limited to the subject of the item that is being considered by council at the time you are called. For items placed on the consent agenda, a speaker will have up to three minutes to address any single

item. If a speaker wishes to address multiple consent agenda items, the speaker will have a cumulative time of six minutes to address those items.

Again, the speaker must limit his or her comments to the subject matter of the items they have signed to address. And finally, I call upon all speakers and all persons in the chamber to be civil in their discussion in the quorum.

Whatever views you hold and wish to express, the city council wants to hear from you and to ensure that all viewpoints and all persons are respected. The best way to do this is for us to strive for uh strive for civility and respect. Uh, you can call the speaker now.

Kim Mayo is participating by WebEx and this is for planning item number six, Bickl LLC. Miss Mayo, you are unmuted and may begin.

Thank you again. I had actually signed up to speak on this item because it is close very right next to our property before the pay raise matter came up. So, here I am again. I want to express opposition. This is a huge density change. Potentially 42 people plus guests and not ample parking per the plans. We've seen a recent explosion of density at Chicks Beach. Windong Apartments, now known as Attain Chicks

Beach. Almost 200 residential units across the street from this and still plenty of unrened units available.

Luxury new condos nearby have also contributed to gridlock. Our sidewalks and infrastructure is not in place. This type of density does not belong in wellestablished residential neighborhoods.

Our former councilman Lewis Jones fought against Windong apartments and protected our property rights, which isn't true of our current ones, including Michael Buchcci, who voted for Windong and is known as someone who rewards developer donors while disrespecting those who disagree.

Mr. Mr. Beluchcci and Schulman were the two council members part of Pleasure House Point working group and need to be investigated wide and deep. The recent press coverage of that federal lawsuit will have a cascading effect. As citizens, thank you to all who have shown up this evening and all who are listening. We need to keep showing up and help bring about positive change.

Thank you, mayor. That's the only single speaker item.

Okay. Thank you. I believe we're ready for a consent agenda.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Under ordinance and resolutions. Number one is the resolution to request the general assembly to add section 2.03 to the city charter to require a supermajority vote to approve certain land use approvals south of the blue line. And we are going for alternative three, revision two, uh any any applicants to reszone property to a high density or a more intense

zoning district and to require a public hearing and findings prior to attending water and sewer utilities extending water and sewer utilities south of the blue line requested by Mayor Dyer and Vice Mayor Wilson. Number two is the ordinance to authorize the city manager to execute a lease agreement for up to five years with T-Mobile Northeast LLC for city-owned property at the 31st

Street parking garage to five parking spaces. Number three is the ordinance to declare city- owned property located on Bars Road in Burton station in excess of the city needs and authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement for the exchange of property ray a future pump station owned by Air Rail Properties LLC. Number four is the ordinance to renew a franchise granted to Cox Communications Hampton Roads LLC

may reconstruct, operate, and maintain a cable system to the city. Uh number six is a resolution to design King's Grant Road in honor of Jeremiah A. Denton uh at the request of city council.

Number seven is a resolution to name the 24th Street Stage and the Robert N.

Bobby Melotti stage requested by Mayor Dyer, Vice Mayor and Council members Belaluchcci Cummings Henley Hutchinson, Jackson Green, Remick, Ross, Hammond, and Shman. Number five is a resolution to approve the modification of a construction contract Ray the Bow Creek Stormwater Park section one.

Number nine is the author ordinance to authorize temporary encroachments into city-owned property known as Harbor Canal R maintain an existing timber bulkhead pier and deck and to construct and maintain a timber pier addition for timber pile aluminum boat lift and an easy dock jet ski float located at the rear of 2361 Leeward Shore Drive and that is in district Eight. Number 10 is the

ordinance to convert three part-time positions and one full-time paramedic position within the FY202526 Department of Emergency Medical Services operating budget. Number 11 is the ordinance to appropriate $415,000 from the fund balance of the police, federal, and state seized asset special revenue fund to the 202526 police department operating budget rate police equipment and training. Number 12 is the

ordinance to appropriate $41,78 in private dredging revenue to capital project 1210 Herds Cove neighborhood dredging ray access basin dredging agreements. Number 13 is the ordinance to accept and appropriate $54,350 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to the FY202526 Department of Emergency Management operating budget. rate over the containing to cover the remaining expenses associated with the flood

mitigation assistance 2019 elevation project. Number 14 is the ordinance to accept and appropriate $25,000 from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to the FY202526 Department of Housing Neighborhood Preservation Race Support Continuum of Care Programs.

Number 15 is the ordinance to accept and appropriate $4,000 from the Department of Motor Vehicles to the FY202526 Police Department operating budget and authorize 50% in kind match in overtime training and equipment expenses related to DUI enforcements.

I open a public hearing on planning.

Number one is the John M. Knuckles for a change in the non-conformity reexpansion reexpansion to an existing single family dwelling at 1029 Hillview Boulevard and that is in district 1.

Number two is Amanda Lynhart Jane B Jane R and Winthrop A Short Jr.

for a change in non-conforming rate expansion to an existing single family dwelling at 20375th Street and that is in district 6. Number three is Catholic Dascese of Richmond for a modification of conditions to a conditional use permit rate the cemetery for two parcels directly east of 3168 Indian River Road and that is in district 2. Number four, C Ford FS LLC for modification, a conditional modification to a

conditional use permit, Ray Mini warehouse at 772 Lord Dunmar Drive and that is in district three. Number five is Wave Church for a modification of conditions to a conditional use permit religious use at 1000 North Great Neck Road and that is in district 8. Number six is Bickl LLC, Alton Neil Edward Jr.

and at all for a conditional change of zoning from R7.5 residential district to conditional A12 apartment district construction of seven condominium units at 2421 Pleasure House Road that is in district 9 number seven Green Holdings LLC Joe Patucci Granite Peak Property Investment LP LP and NG20 LP for conditional use permit Ray car wash facility at 1373 North Great Neck Road and that is in district 8. Number eight

is a small circle tattoo visc for a conditional use permit Ray Tattoo Parlor and 979 Chimney Hill Shop Center unit 103 district 10. Number nine is Bim O and Yukong Adesso for conditional use permit raise short-term rentals for 303 Atlantic Avenue sweep 102 that is in district 5. Move for approval.

Okay. Do we have a second?

Second.

Any discussion, Barbara?

Um, I am going to vote uh to approve the alternative uh uh version of the um proposal to change the charter to uh help protect the blue line since it does include this portion which I had asked for that uh makes the extension of water and sewer utilities south of the blue line difficult. Uh but I have still been concerned because it does open a path for development below the blue line

which does not exist now. And so that does still give me a problem. But I very much like Mr. Moss's op uh proposal tonight and this was the first I'd heard of it which I think makes that work and that is that the district representative must be in favor of the change. I think now that we've got this 10- one system, when you are only voting for your representative and the mayor, it's very possible that the

representative of the district is the only one who is in opposition and everybody else approves it. And because that's what's been happening with these recent resonings which sort of obliterated the green line, the district representative, me made motions to deny, but they were approved.

The last one I couldn't even get a second. So the district representative in that instance, those instances was opposed, but they got approved. And that bothers me. I think I think when people have voted for the 10-1 system and we really need some more discussion of this, I think they think that that representative is going to have a lot more clout than they actually are. But you have to remember they're only one

vote. So I do want to bring this back in the future after it's had a little more discussion to see if that might be something we might also want to do. But I will vote to approve it as it is on the agenda tonight because it does uh address the uh question of whether or not the utilities can go south. But I appreciate Mr. Moss making that comment

and I I hope we can look at it and possibly consider it. Stacy.

Yeah. My objection to um that uh addition is that I don't think in any um on any vote that any one member should have a veto over the will of the other 10 10 members. So while I think the intent is good, I don't think giving absolute power to one person uh in that situation uh solves solves the problem.

Rosemary, um I just want to mention that the uh Farm Bureau when they had their annual meeting, which was their entire membership, they voted on this and it was a unanimous vote from the Farm Bureau of Virginia Beach.

Okay. Anyone else? Okay, let's open the vote on the consent agenda.

The vote is open.

By vote of 10 to zero, you approve the consent agenda as read by Vice Mayor Wilson.

My friends, we have a special night tonight.

Virginia Beach is a city of heroes when you think about our military presence, our public safety, but there are people that live among us that are also heroes that deserve recognition.

Tonight we we passed the consent agenda and now we have a couple resolutions that we're going to read and honor the families and friends of some of the people that make Virginia Beach the great city that it is. Eva, come on up.

Nothing like putting you on the spot, huh? Eva Matti.

You know, and let me just say a couple words. Knowing Bobby for so many years, and it's nice to know that a guy with a New York accent could talk to the guy with the Jersey accent and understand each other. But once again, Bobby was a dear friend to many, many people.

He was a mover and a shaker and his legacy will continue in the hearts of his family and friends. So, I'm honored to read this to you and all of the people here. I bet the people that are here for Bobby, come on and stand up.

You just come on and stand up.

Whereas Robert Bobby Nicholas Motti was born in New York City into a musical family. His father Nicholas was a concert ma master and his mother Jean was a soprano with the Metropolitan Opera.

And whereas after high school graduation, he began an apprenticeship as a stage hand at the Metropolitan Opera and later became a production manager for Saridor, traveling from venue to venue and building relationships in the music industry.

And whereas his work for Seller Door brought him to Virginia in 1978, producing everything from nightclub acts to the Rolling Stones. And he toured with Van Howland, David Lee Roth, Guns and Roses. and he created and served as program director of beach events, the city of Virginia Beach's entertainment contractor for the Oceanfront, taking great care to ensure an inclusive resort

area for all by producing entertainment and cultural events including Funkfest, Latinfest, Philf Fest, and the Skyfest.

and he produced hundreds of concerts and events at the oceanfront stages including the 24th Street stage.

And whereas he played a key role in creating Virginia Beach le legends walk at the oceanfront to honor the great Virginiaians past and present. And whereas for more than 20 years he served as volunteer member of city boards and commissions including the resort advisory commission, the arts and humanities commission, the human rights commission and VB VA250 committee.

And whereas he strongly valued education earning both bachelor's and master's degrees from Old Dominion University. He served with distinction as an elected member of the Virginia Beach School Board and he supported scholarships for promising young artists, including Rupus Melotti Jr. Scholarship for graduates of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School.

And whereas he received numerous awards and recognitions for his support of the arts at our city, including two human rights awards and the Bobby Matti Attractions and Entertainment Award, an annual award named to honor that is presented as part of the convention and visitors bureau national travel and tourism week celebration.

And whereas he was a friend, mentor, and guiding light to many. And his tireless dedication to public service, education, and civic engagement has enriched our city and our lives for so many.

And whereas the city council desires to acknowledge Bobby Melott's extraordinary contributions to the city by naming the 24th street stage in his honor.

Therefore, it be resolved that this entire city council of Virginia Beach designates the 24th Street stage and shall be henceforth known as the Robert Bobby Malotti stage given by the council of the city of Virginia Beach on V on the 18th day of November 2025.

And we pass this resolution.

It's a long diva and friends Bobby, this is a special moment. And I'll tell you what, Bobby's memory will live in our hearts and minds forever.

Thank you.

No one loved his city like Bobby loved Virginia Beach.

Dating him while he was trying to create for the city was a challenge because I realized early on it was like having a tiger by the tail.

He had a master blaster that he would attend every single fireworks to make sure he captured a nine or 10 year old child right before the fireworks were display were to go off just to watch a child push a button and think he or she started the fireworks. He was also somebody who uh enjoyed civic duty, schoolboard duty, family duty, entertainment duty. He was a Renaissance man, but he loved all of you. And even

if he didn't agree with you, he enjoyed the differences that made the city so interesting. He understood how to compromise. He understood how to negotiate. And much to my chagrin and his, he's got a granddaughter who inherited that goal and that talent and she uses it frequently.

in his later years, because I only met him when he was 53, he had already created a lot of the magic that the city was enjoying. And I got to jump on that train and watch that through its fruition as he developed and grew and aged with the city. And I just want to tell you how much he would appreciate this honor and how welldeserved I think it is. He

would disagree that he was he was humble and had a lot of humility by nature. But I cannot tell you how much and how touched I am that you have unanimously agreed to dedicate something so special to him.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Yeah. and Eva, you know, as I told you before, when uh springtime starts to roll around and the 24th Street stage starts getting active, we're going to have a formal unveiling ceremony. And folks, you're all invited because that's the way Bobby would want it. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

And uh Stacy Cummings, you have another uh local hero to honor.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. If I could get uh Jerry Denton to please come forward.

Good evening.

Good evening.

So, I um I grew up in the 60s as a little child and I was old enough to remember the Vietnam War. Uh there are several iconic moments uh that that I do remember, but one of the most special moments I recall was watching Walder Kron one night and seeing a news reel of a one of the prisoners of war using Morse code to top out the word torture still lives with me. My mother, if for

those of you who might remember, my mother got us all kids the uh P MIA bracelets that we wore in school and we wore around till and I wore mine until the uh prisoners came home.

I don't know what happened to it today, but uh while for several years I wore it every day.

And several months ago, I was at a Kings Grant uh civic league meeting where I met Steve Nimttz who shared the story of Admiral Jeremiah Denton with the people that were there that night and it seriously brought a tear to my eye and made me reflect on that on that time and on the heroes that served our country and uh gave me a true appreciation. I was able to put a name with that memory

that will live with me forever now. So, uh I'd like to read this resolution in his honor.

Whereas Jeremiah Denton Jr. was distinguished graduate of the wartime accelerated class of 1947 at United States Naval Academy, graduating in June 1946 alongside notable classmates including future President Jimmy Carter, Admiral Stanfield Turner and Admiral James Stockdale. And whereas following his graduation, Jeremiah Denton ordered his earned his wings as a United States Naval Aviator serving with valor and

distinction throughout his naval career, including his assignment to attack Squadron 42 based at Naval Air Station Oceanana in September 1961.

And whereas at that time he built a home in King's Grant neighborhood of Virginia Beach where his family lived while he served in the Navy. And whereas in July 1965 while leading a bombing raid of 28 jets over North Vietnam from the USS Independence in the Tonkan Gulf, Commander Denton's A6 intruder was shot down. He was captured and endured seven years and seven months as a prisoner of

war in Hanoi, during which time he suffered prolonged torture, including four years of solitary confinement, two of which were in the in infamous Alcatres prison camp. And whereas during his captivity, Commander Denton exhibited extraordinary courage and leadership, famously resisting enemy propaganda efforts by blinking the words torture and Morris code during a televised interview, providing the first

confirmation to US officials that American PS were being mistreated. And whereas upon his release in 1973, he was the first to step off the plane at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines where he addressed the nation with the words that moved millions expressing his gratitude and ending with a heartfelt God bless America and a crisp salute to the flag.

And whereas he returned to Hampton Roads for treatment at Portsmith Naval Hospital and later served as common of the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfick, Virginia, retiring from the Navy in 1977.

And whereas for his valor, leadership, and service, Admiral Denton was awarded numerous decorations, including the Navy Cross, three silver stars, five bronze stars, the Purple Heart twice, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and others, all of which are represented in a shadow box now proudly displayed in

his son's law office in Virginia Beach.

And whereas his wife, the late Jane Denton, was a tireless and courageous advocate for American PWS and their families, co-founding the National League of Families of Prisoners of War and Missing in action, work that was instrumental in promoting humane treatment and securing the release of American service members. And whereas after retiring from active duty, Jeremiah Denton returned to his native

Alabama and continued his service to the nation as the United States Senator. And whereas upon his passing in 2014, Senator Denton was honored with a memorial service in the King's Grant community of Virginia Beach where his family were original residents and was laid to rest in full honors at Arlington National Cemetery. And whereas in lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice, the United States Navy

christened the USS Jeremiah Denton DDG129, a guided missile destroyer on June 28th, 2025 in Pensacola, Mississippi with commissioning expected in 2027.

And whereas that the city council honors his life, courage, and patriotism of the late Admiral Senator Jeremiah Dent Jr., a true American hero whose legacy of service, sacrifice, and steadfast dedication to his country continues to inspire generations of Americans. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the city council hereby designates Kings Grant Road in honor of Jeremiah A. Denton,

Jr., and hereby directs the city manager to cause signage in honor of Admiral Denton to be erected at Kings Grant Road. Adopted by the city council of the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia the 18th day of November 2025 and presented this resolution duly signed by each member of the Virginia Beach City Council.

And you know, anybody that wishes should come down and be in the picture with them.

So if you can get your family up here, your family, friends, always loves.

Anybody else want to come down?

Yeah, I think we need

a little bit more back a little bit.

Keep on coming down.

is great.

Okay.

Shameless.

Shameless.

Beautiful.

Wow, that's fantastic.

Right here, please.

There we go.

He's not going anywhere.

Okay.

You're supposed to keep going.

All right, Mr. Denton. And we again once the spring hits and the flowers bloom, we'll get out there. We'll have a ceremony where we'll post that sign up and get the neighbors out.

Well, this is a wonderful tribute. um dad, you know, he um has received a lot of recognition in a lot of forums and but this is particularly poignant and um heartfelt for us and uh my sons who I mean my brothers and sisters who grew up here. I want them to be recognized.

Billy, would you stand up? Bill, would you stand?

and and Mal Meline came in from Houston for this and Mary Beth from Atlanta and Michael from Richmond and thank you all.

Um, and I've got grandchildren here and many dear friends and um, I very much appreciate we very much appreciate the city doing this. And you know, dad was not known for being a citizen of Virginia Beach particularly, but he was a citizen of Virginia Beach. He was very early on here. We I felt like a pioneer at age 14 when we moved into King's Grand in our first house there. Um the soil was like

freshly tilled. You could the earthy smell to it. It was just a wonderful fresh place to be. And dad took to it u very warmly. He uh was constantly fishing in the backyard in the lake catching the brim and the bass. That was how he would relax when he came home from from work at the base.

um he was active as a um a coach for the boys, little boys football teams. And uh you know my if you know anything about my dad, you know he's he was known in the Senate for being pretty conservative, but um at the time the football teams were segregated and there was this little black boy that wanted to play on the team and the they said and dad talked to

the you know dad was a coach but there was somebody above him in the system and dad said this kid needs to be on the team and the man said well he can't because of his color. And dad said, "Well, who says?" And he said, "Well, if you want to change that, Lieutenant, you need to go talk to Mr. Sydney."

Well, I don't know. I guess everybody here is some of don't all remember that name, but that was Sydney Callum. He was like the u the equivalent of Harry Bird here in Virginia Beach. He ran the machine and dad went in and they had a tatat and the end of that and Mr. Sydney was a fine fine gentleman. Anyway, at the end of that session, that team was integrated and by the way, that boy was

elected the captain of the team by his teammates. So, dad was a uh involved in this community is what I want to tell you. But the idea of naming uh that road uh or or dedicating that road as you're doing to dad is particularly meaningful to us who were back here when he was over there in that cell or in those various cells he was in. One of which was as mentioned was at Alcatraz which

was where they kept the worst of the worst if you will and the toughest and the most resistant PS over there. And um you know it was in Kings Grant 100 yards from Kings Grant Road where we learned he was shot down.

We were very fortunate amongst the PMIA families because within about a week we also learned that he was not dead that they had taken him prisoner and his rank was high enough as a commander at that time that they were proud of the fact that they had somebody that senior. And so they published his picture along with Bill Shudy, his bomader navigator. So we knew at that moment when that picture

had been taken that he was alive. And this is something that we went through um you know during the entire this is the kind of all of these experiences along the way. These milestones of his uh imprisonment over there we experienced right next to King's Grant Road.

um you know, right on up through the uh the blinking of the interview. And there's there's a lot to that besides just the cleverness of the Morse code.

um the uh my mother and through some other women on the west coast and the east coast civil stop on the west coast and Louise Mullikin here and I'm forgetting names right now but there were some others were very instrumental in uh forming and activating what they called the national league of uh families of PS and MIAs and they basically advocated in Washington, but also in Richmond and

other places. And I mean in the White House, in the State Department, meetings with Henry Kissinger every month after a certain period of time. Um, and President Nixon and Henry Kissinger respected the PIS because yes, they were they may be agitators, if you will, against the war, but it was in a respectful way and it was in a way that recognized the that we were trying to do the right thing over there at least. And

uh so but the point being that those women mom one of the leaders put it in the brains of these senior people in DC that those PS had to come out of there and they had to be protected or or you know their interests had to be included as a vital element of any of any peace accords and pods when they came home they said the wives got them home. We were here while mom was

doing that all of that work. Um we were here you know when the par in King's Grant when the finally the Paris peace talks started when finally there was an agreement and then there was a setback with the bombing in December of 18 of 72 and then there was the formal agreement and Kissinger made that speech pieces at hand and um then we were um we saw that as you say that uh

interview on television And uh we all thought he was just blinded by the lights having been dragged up from a dungeon. He looked so bad and he was blanking so much. It wasn't until he got home that we learned that it was Morris code. Very few people in the United States knew that before that. Um so anyway, we experienced all that in Vietnam. The uh we're my mother and I

are up in her bedroom at two in the morning when somebody from Naval Intelligence calls us. I think his name was Admiral Burroughs. Uh said, "The plane's off the ground. He's on it." And then we two hours later, we're all sitting down in the den and and he gets off that plane really cuz they didn't feed him anything. So, he really looked good actually. and he made those remarks that uh kind of rang

around the world and um ended with as as you say, "God bless America." And then it was here that he he came home to. And of course, in the meantime, my poor mother is raising seven kids, okay? And they're all going through their various milestones and and so forth. And all anyway, all of that took place in there in Kings Grant. And uh so it means a lot to us to have this local uh endorsement

and expression of uh appreciation. Thank you each one of you very much. Thank you.

Thank you.

We can be sure of one thing. Virginia Beach is indeed a city of heroes. Thank you all and God bless you for coming.

Thank you.

Okay, we're going to go ahead and move forward uh with ordinance resolutions number five. Resolution. Say one other thing.

Oh, sir, go up to the microphone. You got to do that.

We need you on TV, sir.

I bought a lot of food and everybody is welcome to come over to my house and would like to tonight.

I know you don't know where I live, so I also bought some cards and I'm going to put them right over here on this bench. And it's got my address.

Yeah. Leave it with the city clerk. I work for food. Thank you.

All right. Thank you. Okay. Okay, we're going to move on to uh the resolution to join the voters in support of the charter amendment to reflect a 101 method of elections for members of city council requested by Dyer, Cummings, Hutchinson, uh Remick, Ross, Hammond, Rouse, and Shman. But let's just wait a minute or two to clear the room.

God bless you. You take this.

Mayor, you let me know when you're ready.

Yeah. Let's just give it one more minute and I'll do a reread.

Okay, let me do a a quick reread. Uh and this is going to be the resolution to join the voters in support of the charter amendment to reflect the 101 method of elections for members of city council and that is requested by Dyer Cummings Hutchson Remick Russ Hammond Rouse and Shman.

The first speaker is John Moss.

After Mr. Moss will be Janet Burns.

Well, I I forgot to recognize one other person, longtime friend, and probably the person who'll be most involved in this is the city attorney, Mr. Styles.

Nice to see you as well.

I'll speak louder. That was just a personal address to Mark Styles.

Council member Moss. Oh, I'm sorry, Mr.

Moss, if you'll pull your microphone up.

Sorry, mayor and members of council. Tonight, we are one step closer to amending the city charter to codify the 10-1 district election system for the city council and the school board. Your prompt action on the will of the people, independent of your individual positions, is commendable.

Beach residents are fortunate that their representatives in the House of Delegates and the state senate will be quickly moving this amendment forward in the general assembly for the governor's signature. But beach residents do need to be educated by the city council on what is next with our litigation and the Holloway case in the federal district court under Judge Ramen Jackson as well

as the parallel process to develop the implementation plan for this charter amendment to comply with the Virginia Voting Rights Act of 2021.

There are a lot of questions not all of which are in the wheelhouse of this body. For example, city council and schoolboard candidates usually start collecting signatures to get on the ballot starting this coming January, but there are no legally established 10 districts as of now. I have previously shared an alternative to draw the boundaries for the 101 election system approved by a majority of the voters. an

alternative that puts the drawing of districts out of the hands of this body and instead much like juries who can convict people and find them guilty and send them in life imprisonment to select 12 people at random from our 12 single zip code districts with the chair being a non- voting member which which will give you 11 members and give them the task of drawing the districts.

I think that will serve us well and I look forward to the potential of the 10-1 election system to dislodge the undue influence of money spential interest over this body being realized over several future district election cycles. Thank you so much for your time and attention.

The next speaker is Janet Burns.

Then Eddie say good evening. Good evening, Mayor Dyer, Vice Mayor Wilson, and members of council.

Pull the mic down a little bit. There we go.

I'm a little short.

Thank you.

Um, my name is Janet Burns. I'm a resident of District 4 and a supporter of 101. I stand before you today urging you to recognize and honor the will of the people regarding the 101 charter.

The referendum results are clear and the majority of the citizens are in favor of 101.

To the council members who have not joined the resolution in supporting a charter amendment to protect to reflect a 10-1 method of elections, this is your opportunity to show the citizens of Virginia Beach that their voices have been heard and that they matter.

The city has spent millions of taxpayer dollars fighting against legal proceedings, funding the UVA independent review and referendum. Let's end it now.

I'm requesting for council to reach a unanimous decision to submit a charter amendment in support of the 101 system to the general assembly. Thank you for your time and your consideration.

Thank you for coming.

The next speaker is Eddie C and then Martha Theo.

Good evening.

Good evening, council members. Good evening, mayor. Uh, what a fight.

After a tough, hardw campaign, we resoundingly won the vote yes on 101 referendum here in Virginia Beach.

This victory is a clear reflection of the genuine genuine will of Virginia Beach voters and generated huge amounts of interest as we worked tirelessly from town halls to online events and across this entire city.

We proved that big money was not going to win.

lies were not going to win.

The majority on city council was not going to win.

Instead, the will of the people, voting based on truth and good information, would win the day.

Those who opposed us, even those with huge financial support, have seen the writing on the wall.

We are here today to celebrate that victory and the sweet smell of success, but we're also here to make sure city council follows the clear mandate of the voters and unanimously approves 101 with a unanimous vote. Thank you so much.

The next speaker is Martha Theorough and then Bernita Richardson.

Hello again.

Hello to those of you to whom the shoe fits.

As you have recently learned, hopefully, it is we, the citizens of Virginia Beach, who are the boss of this city, not the deep pocket-moneyed interest you have come to favor whenever making decisions for us. We have spoken and now you must listen in earnest. To do otherwise will be at your own peril. Our pocketbooks are closed for your special interest friends and their projects, and

any grand ideas and deals based on the wants and desires of those you have favored for decades will be scrutinized like never before.

Henceforth holding public hearings that pretend to respect the will of the people. Pretending to listen to we the taxpayers.

Pretending to care what citizens want.

Pretending to be good stewards of our natural natural resources, time, and money will be met with exposure like unlike that you've ever seen before. We will systematically replace you. those of you who dain such continued abuse of your fiduciary duties and abuse of authority.

And it will start in 2026.

You and your crony supporters feared the 101 voting system unlike any movement that's historically come before you, as you should have. Let the almost $1 million you and yours spent on the 731 through your manipulative pack stand pack stand as testament to the fact that we do not have any confidence in your government governance.

We've been telling you this for years.

You just refuse to listen. Ironically, in the end on this we do agree every vote does indeed vote does indeed count.

It is time that you understand what this means and request the charter change.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Bernita Richardson.

After Miss Richardson is Ella Dunar.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Good evening to my fellow citizens and members of city council. Today I stand before you humbled and hopeful because with our votes we've made a choice that speaks to who we are as a community. By voting yes on the 101 voting referendum, we have entrusted in this new system something more than lines on a map. We have given a voice to a renewed commitment to fairness, accountability, and shared responsibility.

and representation.

What do we now expect rightly from your leaders and from this system? Let me paint that picture for you. First, we expect fair and equal representation.

This means that every neighborhood, every street, every corner of Virginia Beach has someone who lives near you, understands your concerns, and represents your district on city council. No longer is representation diluted by the power distributed across our city. More equitably, voters themselves said they want accountability.

Second, we expect inclusivity and fair opportunity, especially for historically underrepresented communities. That is not just good democracy, it's justice.

Third, we expect stability and legitimacy. Our yes vote signals more than the approval of certain district lines. It's a call to enshrine this system permanently and to our city charter to resolve the legal uncertainties.

This isn't an trial run, but it's a commitment. We've told city council that we want you to make this real. Make it last so we don't return to confusion and more litigation. Fourth, we expect responsiveness with single member districts. Your council members can't ignore us any longer. They represent us.

You represent us.

It is important that you hear our concerns about public safety, schools, and infrastructure and whatever matters in our neighborhoods because our political f your political future depends on being present, grounded, and accountable to each of us. Finally, we expect good governance rooted in trust.

The vote isn't about math or maps. It's about restoring faith in our local government. And after years of debate, lawsuits, and other studies, it is now time to choose the system that brings us closer to a government that reflects diversity, the diversity of our city, and listens to every part of that. Now, the work begins and we hold you all.

Thank you.

To high expectations. Thank you.

The next speaker is Ella Dunar. After Miss Dumbar is Shawn Montero.

Good evening.

Good evening.

You know, a few years ago I was busy minding my own business and then I saw something on the news talking about our voting system and I had to get up and come out and see what it was all about. Uh when you held the town halls, I went to every single town hall and listened to every single person almost without exception say how they wanted the 101 voting system. And then

we came to city council and it seemed like people were doing their own thing.

And so I just come here before you tonight to say the citizens have voted.

We want equal and fair representation.

No area of the city is above another area of the city. And I would like for all city council members to remember that you work for us. You're not here to serve your own agenda that benefits you or your Well friends. Uh during the course of all of all the things that have transpired, I've had city council member tell me, "I've got a developer and we're going to do this, this, and

this." And then I had my city council members say, "Well, the reason I voted no is because we don't want the city to have collective bargaining and then hotelers don't want it either." And I'm thinking with the millions of dollars that we have given to developers, my goodness, you would think a city like the city of Virginia Beach that all the employees would have the absolute best

of everything that they needed, healthc care, whatever. But then I realized that I heard it long time ago and I think it's still current today that if you're a childbearing uh age woman to the city of Virginia Beach and you want to go out on maternity leave uh you got to make sure you save your sick time and your vacation time. And then also city employees donate time to each other and

I think that's obscene that you're not taking care of your own citizens. So if you're talking I think that you really have to be more concerned instead of funding developers, how about spending even half as much of that on underserved neighborhoods. Why does certain parts of the city look the way they do and then you allow certain parts of the city to fall into disarray and then the values

of the homes sink and then a developer can come in and grab it for a song. So to me, we live here year round and I absolutely demand that you take care of all the citizens, not just those who don't really need the help. Why is we got money to give developers to do whatever, but where are where's the money for underserved neighborhoods that people can improve their properties? The dividends would be phenomenal if you

invest in these neighborhoods. And so while I had um we grew up with not a whole lot of money but I was able to do certain things because of everything we have in the city of Virginia Beach. And I think you need to really think about serving all the people.

Appreciate you coming.

The next speaker is Sean Montero.

After Mr. Monto is Susan Feathers.

Hey, good evening Sean.

Hey, good evening, uh, Mayor Dyer, Vice Mayor Wilson, and members of city council. First, I want to thank Councilwoman Jennifer Rouse for speedily bringing this resolution forward. And I want to acknowledge the members of this body who chose to wait for the voters to decide this question through the referendum process. That restraint, that respect for the democratic process did not go unnoticed.

But we also must be honest about how we got here.

Some members of this council as defendants in federal litigation on this very issue did far more than place a thumb on the scale. You put your full weight on it, including up to $10,000 of personal funds to steer the city in a direction that voters have now decisively rejected. That effort was not only out of step with the will of the people. It was against the promise of fair, accountable, and equally

representative local government.

Two weeks ago, Virginia Beach voters spoke with unmistakable clarity. Across every district, every community, and every demographic, the city said yes to 101. That wasn't a narrow call. This was a strong city-wide mandate for equal representation.

And now is not the moment for delay, not the moment for procedural games, not the moment for alternative substitutes or half measures. The House of Representatives today just cast a unanimous vote on the Epstein files request because it was the right and responsible thing to do. This vote deserves the same.

Tonight, you are not deciding whether you personally like 101. You're deciding whether you respect the voters who make this city run.

We, the people of Virginia Beach, will not rest. We will walk this process from this chamber to the general assembly and all the way to the governor's desk. And we look forward to the day when Governor Spanberger's pen puts ink to paper and finalizes the charter change the people demanded. Before I close, I want to thank the vote yes on 101 coalition, the nonpartisan grassroots coalition that

made this happen. Neighbors, families, advocates, and volunteers who knocked the doors, made the calls, and ensured that the will of the people was heard.

And I want to thank the voters themselves who spoke loud, clear, and overwhelmingly.

They want equal representation. They want accountable leaders. They want balanced governance worthy of this great city. Tonight, I urge this council to honor them with a unanimous vote. Thank you very much.

The next speaker is Susan Feathers.

After Miss Feathers is Dr. Eric Majette.

Good evening.

Good evening. Uh, first I want to u just say that I my name is Susan Feathers and I'm here representing myself.

I'd like to thank the council members u for their service and I'm here to assure that um my vote will have equal weight as anyone else's vote. I am in support of the 1011.

It is the voting system that best distributes the influence of each person's vote democratically across districts. I've heard 1011 described as gerrymandering.

This is an obuscation.

1011 attempts to render each vote equally as influential as any other vote across all districts and across elections over time. This is not gerrymandering, but a correction at the local level to change an unfair local voting system. I encourage the city council to send our wishes to the state assembly to amend the charter for a fair voting system. And I also would like to give my gratitude uh I'm I live in

district 10 uh to the able representation of uh Councilwoman Jennifer Ross. I just she's been extremely responsive to everyone in our district and I I am so impressed God pleasure with the um members of our city who have come and spoken to us on many different issues tonight. Really outstanding citizen involvement and um the vote was clear. I agree with the gentleman before me that the council

needs to show that each of you are as committed to democratic institutions in the nation starting at the local level to protect the right to vote and to have fair representation is the beginning of everything and it's the strongest guard rail of our democra democracy. So, I hope all of you will vote to send the voters's will to the state assembly. Thank you very much.

Thank you for coming.

The next speaker is Dr. Eric Mette and then Georgia Allen.

Good evening, mayor, members of council, and fellow citizens. I'm Dr. Eric Bridgetette, president of the Virginia Beach NAACP.

I stand before you tonight to speak on behalf of countless residents across our great city, who made their voices clear in the recent 10-1 voting referendum.

The citizens of Virginia Beach voted yes for 101 voting system. Not maybe, not someday. Yes. And when the people have spoken collectively, it's not only for is our responsibility to listen, but it's our duty to act. The message from voters was simple. They want a system that is fair, equitable, accountable, and reflective of every community in Virginia Beach. They want representation

rooted in neighborhoods, not political formulas, not outdated structures, not systems that have historically diluted community voices. The 101 system ensures that every resident has the power to elect the person who represents their district. Someone who knows their streets, their schools, their needs, their challenges. It brings government closer to the people. It raises the stand up for transparency,

responsiveness, and trust. This is not about politics. This is not about winners or losers. This is about honoring the process and respecting the will of the people. The voters said yes because they believe 101 gives them every neighborhood from Pongo to Bayside, from Kimville to SeaTac, a real authentic voice in shaping the future of our city. And now it is time for us to move forward together with clarity,

unity, and commitment. I urge this council to fully support and implement and embrace the 101 voting system without delay or hesitation. Let us show our community that when citizens speak, their government listens. When when we demonstrate that Virginia Beach is ready for a more inclusive, more representative, and more accountable future, let us demonstrate that. The people has have spoken. Now it's time

for us to follow their lead. Thank you.

Georgia Allen is the next speaker and after Miss Allen is Waverly Woods.

Good evening.

Good evening.

after months and years of working on this system. As you can see, I'm now sick.

So, good evening. Greetings, Mayor Dyier, Vice Mayor Wilson, and all the members of the Virginia Beach City Council as well as your supporting staff. I am Georgia F. Allen, a lifetime resident of Virginia Beach and formerly Old Princess Anne County. I stand before you this evening to ask the council vote unanimously to change the city charter to reflect the 10-1 voting system. I am thrilled that our city will

finally finally comply with the voting rights act of 1965.

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who supported um the vote yes on the 101 referendum coalition. This includes all groups, organizations, and individuals who believe that it is important for we the people to have a voice in the type of governing body that we want.

My message tonight is declaring a call to our young people. Every day, another young person turns 18 years old and becomes eligible to register and vote because of the passing of the referendum. Excuse me. Our youth and others no longer have to be obligated to any special interest in order for them to run for office.

The smaller district sizes opens the doors to members of our community who are no longer deterred from running for office because of the high costs and the unfortunate position of maybe even um diminishing their voice or being subjected to the special interest or losing their integrity. That is very important to me and especially important that our young people to maintain their

integrity. This is a win for all of us.

There should only be one special interest and that interest must be we the people. The clarion call to our youth is to consider becoming a candidate and run for office. Let us see our young people bring new ideas to the policy table. We would like to see our young people identify ways to reduce costs by ethically utilizing the many new tools and resources that are readily available in the 21st century.

It is time to make a change with new voices, more creative, innovative ways to create better outcomes for our city.

In conclusion, we look forward to you unanimously vote in support of a charter amendment to reflect a 10-1 method of elections for members of the city council.

November 4, 2025, the people of Virginia Beach spoke. Now it's time for the city council to do the same and do their duty by the will of the people. Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Waverly Woods. After Miss Woods is Melissa Lucasen.

I'm back.

Thank you very much for having this uh conversation. Um Waverly Woods, I am the chair of the Virginia Beach Tea Party, but moreover, I'm a conservative and I'm a member of the Republican Party of Virginia Beach.

It was a coalition cuz they had me too.

I want to express to you why this was a coalition.

It wasn't for me. It wasn't because someone was black. It wasn't because someone was white. It wasn't because someone lived in a poor neighborhood or someone was blessed enough to live in a rich neighborhood.

This was about for me it was about my party being hijacked and pushing a 731 agenda that I didn't get to vote for. It was about your developer donors that have taken too much. I mean, can you give them a limit? They take and they take and they take and who picks up the tab for a water park next to the ocean.

Is there anything more nonsensical than that? But furthermore, let me bring up that the top 10 donors of the vote no coalition were all developers, all feeding campaigns.

And most of those developers donated over $888,000 to these Narn Patterson seats. And they've done it citywide or statewide for sure, but I didn't see any school board seats. So our kids aren't on their on their wish list. They don't care about our children. They care about their next project.

When you lose someone like me on a conservative team because you hijacked my party, that needs to say something more about you than it says about me. I am a staunch conservative. I am a staunch Republican and I am a lifelong citizen of this city. Went to Green Run High School.

I'm telling you, you're making the wrong choice when you don't limit your donor buddies and you don't put us first.

That's why I supported 101 and I'm demanding and requesting that you vote to send that to the general assembly because the referendum was not illegal.

Maybe voting systems in the past were, but putting a referendum on the ballot is not illegal and not sending it to the general assembly for the will of the people should be ashamed of yourself for not doing it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Melissa Lucasen.

After Miss Lucasen is Gary McCullum.

Good evening.

Good evening, council. Well, we know what happened on November 4th. No need to rehash that. But this journey has been long for many of us in this room.

And throughout it, some members of this body have quietly obstructed or slowed the process. But each of you also said you wanted to hear directly from the voters. Well, the voters have spoken.

And now we expect our elected leaders to do what they committed to do. Vote yes to approve the resolution supporting the charter amendment codifying the 10-1 voting system. The resolution before you tonight is missing four council members, Perluchcci, Henley, Wilson, and Green.

While that does not automatically signal opposition, it does raise concerns and it warrants a reminder. This council voted to put the referendum on the ballot. You asked the people, the people answered and the results by district.

There's those four members. Council Member Lochi's district voted overwhelmingly. Nine out of 10 neighborhoods voted yes with 56% of voters supporting it. In Councilman Green's district, voters rejected the propaganda campaign funded by the Every Vote Counts Committee. Every single neighborhood 100% voted yes. 53% of voters chose to keep the 10-1 system. In Vice Mayor Wilson's district, the majority did not support

the current system. And I understand why you may feel compelled to vote in line with your district, but as the vice mayor, you occupy a role that carries citywide visibility and responsibility.

And you are one of two public faces of Virginia Beach. With that title comes a higher expectation to honor the integrity of our democratic processes and respect the outcome of a citywide vote. I urge you to vote yes. And then of course, Councilman Barbara Henley, who left because she would much rather have an absent than vote yes on 101. So I'll just skip my paragraph on her. Um, elected officials are chosen to

represent the constituents, not their personal preferences, not special interests, and not political donors. Our expectations today are the same as they have been for 2 years. deliver a unanimous vote to send this charter amendment to Richmond and finally codify the 10-1 voting system. Do not undermine the will of the people behind the scenes as you have done in the past. Honor the

results of the referendums. We have done our part. Now it's time for you to do yours. Thank you.

The next the last speaker is Gary McCollum.

Good evening. I'm Reverend Gary McCullum. I'm here with my daughter Ruth and my father-in-law who's a 94 year old Korean War veteran. Uh while I agree with everything that's been said before, I'm not going to repeat it. I'd like to just use my privilege as a licensed ordained minister and lift a prayer.

Dear God, we come before you acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from you, including the privilege of self-governance and public service. We give you thanks for all that Virginia Beach offers. From Bayside to Bay Colony, from Sandbridge to SeaTac, from Little Neck to Linhaven.

We give thanks to its people, its beauty, its many opportunities for growth, safety, and shared prosperity.

Lord, as this council gathers to consider this voting rights issue and other matters that affect individuals, families schools businesses neighborhoods, we ask for your guidance.

Your word remind us that a city divided cannot stand. So we ask that you unite us, leader and laborer, neighbor and newcomer, regardless of background, ideology or political affiliation. God, we ask for a unanimous 110 vote on this issue. Grant these leaders on the dis wisdom that is greater than human understanding. Fill them with clarity fairness courage and humility. Let this decision and all

decisions made in this chamber reflect not personal opinions or advantage, but the common good of all who call Virginia Beach home. God, we also pray for healing. Where division has taken root in our community. Where trust has been broken, we ask you to mend it. Where suspicion has surfaced, replace it with understanding. Where voices have been silenced or overlooked, open pathways

for dialogue and shared purpose. God, we ask also for your hand upon our political systems where the power and love of money threatens to overshadow the voices of everyday citizens. We pray for change and renewal. Help us build relationships that honor equity, transparency, integrity. Raise up leaders who cannot be swayed by pressure, not bought by influence, but who seek justice, love mercy, and walk

humbly with you, oh God. Bless every resident of Virginia Beach, every student, senior worker, business owner, every public servant, every family.

Strengthen the bonds that make us a community. Let this city be known as a place where people work together for the flourishing of all, where disagreements are honest but not hostile, where unity prevails over division. And as this meeting proceeds, God, every decision, God, every discussion, every vote, every outcome, and let your wisdom govern, let your peace preside, and let your hope

lead the way. And I ask this prayer in your son's name.

Thank you.

Amen.

Mayor, that's all the speakers.

Okay. At this point, do we have a motion?

Yes. I'd like to move to approve this resolution.

Do I have a second?

Second.

Second.

Okay. Any discussion? Stacy, thank you. Um, it's pretty well known that I supported the no side of the vote. I supported the 731.

And as Miss Lucas started to show, um, not every district was in support of the yes vote. and district 8, my district was one of those that was not in support of the S vote.

I worked hard, I campaigned hard, I advocated strongly to reflect the views of the people in the district.

But having said that, I just want to read my thoughts.

For the last several years, our city has been divided over the issue of the voting rights or the voting system used to elect our city council and school board. The question has been addressed by two court decisions. Our city council twice, our state legislature twice, our governor.

Finally, the question was asked of our Virginia Beach citizens in the form of referendum on the ballot earlier this month.

The people have spoken. The majority of those casting votes support the 10-1 system as used in our last two city elections.

This referendum cost the city less than $250,000 and given our action here tonight will hopefully save millions in ongoing legal fees. But more importantly, it has put this issue to rest once and for all.

This is not a time for gloating or ridicule.

It is not a time for remorse or resistance.

This is a time to celebrate our democracy. The people were given a choice. There was vigorous debate on both sides and at long last the people spoke. This is the time to unite and implement the will of the people. That is why I'm co-sponsoring the resolution asking the state legislature to amend our city charter to call for the 101 system to be used to elect our city council and school board.

Some may say there is still legal issues ahead given the case before the Supreme Court currently. That may be that is not it is in that is not in our control.

What is in our control is listening to the people and voting in support of this resolution.

Okay. Anyone else at this point? Okay. I just want to thank you all because once again government is a process and you know sometimes it's not an easy way but as long as people come together and if you recall uh I gave a commitment when I said let's have a referendum and I would honor that and that's what I intend to do right now. Okay. Thank you. Votes open.

Vice Mayor Wilson, may I have your vote, please?

I'm voting in the affirmative. Thank you. I don't know if it'll It won't let us choose. Yes.

Vice Mayor, can you press the button one more time? I'm sorry.

They're not working.

I have trouble saying it.

It's flashing. Okay, we'll just Can I She had a verote. Yes. By vote of of nine to zero, you have approved the resolution.

Okay. Thank you all for coming.

Appreciate it.

I don't know what to do about it.

Okay. Do we have appointments?

We do, Mr. Mayor.

Okay. Well, hang on one second.

Okay. Uh these are our appointments under arts and humanities commission to appoint Tim Crowley under the health service advisory board.

Tina Gustin under the independent uh citizens review board to appoint Isadro Berea, Lozo Angela Campos, and Arnetta Spikes. Move for approval.

Second. Okay, votes open.

Vote is open.

By a vote of nine to zero, you've appointed those as read by Vice Mayor Wilson.

Okay. Thank you. At this any point any unfinished business, any new business?

Okay, we are going to adjourn to open mic.