City Council Meeting, 4/7/2026

Welcome all. We're ready for our afternoon session.

Uh it's that fun time of year with the budget presentations and uh we're going to look forward to them. Uh Mr. Dehaene, if we go ahead and get going.

>> All right. So, Mr. Mayor, members of council, before we get the first um string of budget presentations going, we're going to have our planning staff give City Council a briefing on the pending planning items that will come before you on April 21.

Go ahead, Katie. The floor is yours.

>> Mhm.

>> All right. Good afternoon, Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of council. As the city manager just stated, I will be running through the planning items that will be up for consideration at your April 21st hearing.

So, there are a total of 17 items on that agenda, including consideration of the Imagine VB 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

So, looking first at item one, this is a modification of proffers request for a parcel located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Northampton Boulevard and Premium Outlets Boulevard in District 4.

This property, which is located in the Burton Station SGA, was conditionally rezoned to B-2 in 2018 for the development of a 250,000 square foot retail center.

The current applicant is seeking a modification of proffers to develop the northern 20 acres of the site with an approximately 240,000 244,000 square foot Veterans Administration Outpatient Facility.

The facility will employ approximately 622 full-time employees. A total of 1,250 parking spaces are proposed to support the use, exceeding the 903 spaces required by the ordinance.

A 15-foot wide landscape buffer, shown in green on the slide here, is proposed along the northern and eastern property lines adjacent to the R-5D properties.

Various pedestrian connections are proposed with this development including an 8-ft wide side path along Premium Outlets Boulevard, an 8-ft wide multi-use path along the eastern and northern property lines connecting to the Lake Wright Linear Park, and a 10-ft wide multi-use path along the proposed Toler Road extension.

As seen in the images on the slide, the building will include a mix of brick veneer, aluminum paneling, and glass.

Since the building height is limited to a max of 35 ft when within 100 ft of a residentially zoned property, the applicant is requesting a deviation to allow a height of just over 64 ft. I will note that the proposed building is approximately 325 ft from the nearest single-family dwelling.

A traffic impact analysis was submitted with this request and reviewed by our public works staff as well as staff with the City of Norfolk. While the average daily trips are lower than the retail only development that was approved in 2018, the morning and afternoon peak hour traffic will be increased with this proposal.

The recommendations of the traffic impact analysis include retiming of several signals along this corridor including two signals in the City of Norfolk and two in Virginia Beach. The development is proposing a full access on Premium Outlets Boulevard at the northern edge of the site as well as a traffic signal at the intersection of Northampton Boulevard and the Toler Road extension. Staff is unaware of any

opposition to the request and the Planning Commission recommended approval by unanimous vote.

Item two is another modification of proffers for the same parcel that was discussed in the previous item. Again, this is in District 4.

So, this request is related to the southern 12.9 acres of the parcel which was also included in the 2018 conditional rezoning. It is now proposed to be developed with an 81,000 sq ft retail center.

The modified proposal, which will be located immediately south of the VA facility discussed in item one, includes a significant reduction in the overall retail space. 325 parking spaces are required to support the retail use and 416 are proposed on site.

As with the previous application, several pedestrian connections are included with the overall development, including a 10-ft wide shared use path along Northampton Boulevard.

The images on the screen here show the renderings approved with the 2018 application, which are not subject to change with this request.

And this concept plan here shows both developments together along with the proposed Halibut Road extension. The traffic impact analysis that was discussed with item one included the retail development that is proposed with this application. As with the previous item, staff is unaware of any opposition, and the planning commission recommended approval by unanimous vote.

The next two items include a straight rezoning and a conditional use permit for property at the northwest corner of London Bridge Road and Hornet Drive in District 5.

The site is just under 4 acres and is located within the greater than 75 decibel noise zone, as well as the special economic growth area or SEGA 2 West Oceana.

The applicant is requesting a straight rezoning of the site from AG1 and AG2 to I1 light industrial, along with the conditional use permit for a bulk storage yard.

The development will consist of 26 fenced storage lots ranging in size from 2,400 square feet to just under 5,000 square feet, and will be be leased individually for the storage of equipment and materials. No buildings or on-site employees are proposed with this request.

>> do you have something?

>> Yes.

Um I I had learned that we have no definition for >> light industrial.

And it's just sort of up to somebody's opinion, I think.

Uh could we look into that because we're having an awful lot of this come up.

Uh and I guess if there's a light industrial, we also have a heavy industrial. What's the difference?

And I look at what is going up in on light industrial property and that's not heavy. I don't know what it is. So I I since we're really having this come up quite often, I would like us to look at this issue of what is light industrial, what is allowed there, and and so forth.

>> Yeah, we can we can certainly do that.

>> Okay. Keep going.

>> As you are aware, the city's ordinance requires bulk storage yards to be screened on all sides with a privacy fence and landscaping. The applicant is requesting a deviation with this request for the landscaping requirement along the northern and western edges of the storage yard in order to utilize the existing wooded on the adjacent parcel, so you can kind of see that on the slide

there. Staff was amenable to that.

However, we are request or recommending a condition that if this is approved and should that existing wooded area be removed in the future, the applicant would need to provide the required landscaping on the site.

A preliminary drainage analysis was submitted with this request and staff determined that the proposed design had the ability to comply with the stormwater regulations. Staff has also recommended as a condition of approval to require the installation of curb and gutter as well as a 1-ft roadway wide widening along London Bridge Road. Staff has not received any opposition to either request and the planning

commission recommended approval of both on consent.

The next project also includes two requests. The first, a conditional rezoning from R-40 residential to B-2 community business along with a conditional use permit for an indoor recreational facility, both for a portion of 5620 Parliament Drive in District 1.

The gymnastics facility, Gym Strata, which is located on the adjacent parcel, is seeking to expand its parking lot onto the subject parcel, generating the need for the request.

The existing facility, which is considered a legally non-conforming use, would by ordinance require 76 parking spaces. However, there only 56 spaces currently provided on site. With this request, the applicant intends to add an additional 46 spaces for a total of 102 to serve the facility.

The applicant is requesting a deviation to the category 4 landscape buffer that's required along the eastern edge of the proposed parking lot, where this parcel will adjoin the R40 parcel.

However, they're requesting that deviation since the applicant owns both parcels. Staff again were amenable to that, but we are requesting a recommending a condition that if that property, the R40 property, ever changes ownership, the current applicant would be required to install that buffer at that time.

Staff is unaware of any opposition to this request, and the planning commission recommended approval of the items by consent with an additional condition that would require the proposed internal connection from the future VB Trail right of way to Parliament Drive to be relocated in the area in the shown in red there. So, on the eastern side of the parking lot, that would help it align with the

sidewalk that's on the south side of Parliament Drive.

>> Okay, Butch.

>> Yes, thank you.

>> Um just a quick just to clarify for me is uh so, I like that you added that for the the shrubbery and all that stuff that they're doing. The parking with the adding that path to get to the trail, that that's fantastic, you know. Are we going to be able to use that park Is there any discussion about that? Like you could park there and unload your bike or that would be between

>> part of this >> No, and that would be between the owner and them allowing that That's the right?

>> Correct.

>> Okay.

>> I just didn't know how that was going to We're going to have to have some kind of plan about that as this goes along, right? Up and down the whole length of it. Like where are people going to park? You know, if cuz they're not going to ride from home if they don't, you know what I mean? Just something to think about. So, anyway, it

just came up cuz y'all put it in red.

Thank you.

>> Okay.

>> Mental note, don't use red in the future.

>> Well, it's good color.

>> All right, items >> I just got it.

I just got it.

My wife's shaking her head.

>> All right, items seven and eight. Again, this is two requests. A conditional rezoning and a conditional use permit.

This is for 1756 South Rosemont Road in District 10.

The applicant is proposing to rezone the property from conditional O1 to conditional B2 along with a CUP for a mini warehouse facility. The parcel is just under two acres and is somewhat irregularly shaped. It lies within the 65 to 70 decibel noise zone and 70 to 75 decibel noise zone. It's encumbered by a 66-ft wide Dominion easement as well as a 15-ft wide public utility easement,

all of which constricts the building area on the site.

The applicant intends to construct a three-story self-storage facility on the property. All required parking is provided on site and access will be limited to right-in right-out movements only. The applicant is proposing a 6.6-ft right-of-way reservation with this proposal to accommodate the Rosemont Road Phase 5 CIP. Other improvements include curb and gutter and a raised median along Rosemont Road.

The existing fencing, which abuts the residential lots at the rear of the site, will be replaced with an 8-ft tall cedar privacy fence. While the required landscape buffers are proposed along the majority of the northern and eastern property lines adjacent to the residential and office districts. The applicant is requesting a deviation from the buffer requirements in the areas outlined in red on the slide where the

buffering cannot be installed due to site constraints and existing easements.

The proposed building will have a footprint of just under 19,000 square feet, a maximum height of 35 feet, and include a mix of EIFS and red brick brick veneer.

The only exterior lighting proposed on the rear of the site adjacent to those residential properties to the north will be building mounted at a height of 8 feet. They'll be motion activated and shielded to direct light downward and onto the site. One letter of opposition was received with concerns regarding traffic, safety, stormwater, loss of trees, noise, and lighting. There were

no speakers in attendance at the planning commission hearing and the commission recommended approval by consent.

Item nine is a CUP request for a home-based wildlife rehabilitation facility at 1212 Candlewood Drive in District 1.

The applicant intends to provide care to a maximum of five small mammals including squirrels, possums, and rabbits.

The animals will be kept in a 120 square foot room within the home. No public pickup or drop-off is proposed and the animals will not be permitted to be released on the site.

Staff has received one letter of support and one letter of opposition both from adjacent neighbors. There were no speakers at the planning commission hearing and the commission recommended approval of the item by consent.

Item 10 is a conditional use permit request for a multi-family for multi-family dwellings at the intersection of Cleveland Street and South Witch Duck Road in District 4.

The 4.7 acre site is zoned I-1 light industrial and lies within the Western Campus District of the Pembroke SGA.

Within the Western Campus District overlay, which is an opt-in overlay, multi-family developments are permitted with a CUP.

The proposed development includes a total of 160 apartment units.

The units will be spread across three 53-ft garden-style apartment buildings.

The overall layout is consistent with the recommendations for the SGA with buildings pulled towards the street and parking located in the rear. The applicant is requesting deviations to the overlay district's requirements for the build-to zone, parking setbacks, and transparency requirements along portions of the development.

The development includes an internal sidewalk network that will provide connectivity throughout the site and to the existing sidewalks within the adjacent rights-of-way, as well as to pedestrian facilities that connect to the VB Trail to the south. The applicant is proposing a total of 257 parking spaces utilizing the 1.6 spaces per unit that is permitted within the overlay.

The renderings on the slide show the view from the corner of Cleveland Street and Witchduck Road, as well as internal view of the site. As you can see in the bottom image, the units at the intersection feature large floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies to anchor the corner of the building. Staff is unaware of any opposition to the request, and the planning commission recommended approval

by a 10-0 vote with one abstention.

Item 11 is a CUP request for motor vehicle sales and rentals for 4417 Shore Drive, Unit B, in District 9.

The applicant intends to sell and rent low-speed vehicles within an existing unit on the site. The other unit is currently occupied by a dental office.

A total of 10 parking spaces are required to support both uses, and 22 spaces are provided on site. The applicant is proposing to utilize the four spaces nearest to Shore Drive for the display area for the low-speed vehicles.

The applicant intends to provide raised planters along Shore Drive to satisfy the display area landscaping requirement.

Since motor vehicle sales and rental use requires a minimum lot area of 20,000 sq ft, the applicant is requesting a deviation with this request since the site is only just over 12,000 square feet.

The application received support from the Bayfront Advisory Commission and staff received one letter of opposition with concerns related to traffic and impacts on the neighborhood character.

Ultimately, the Planning Commission did recommend approval on consent.

Item 12 is an alternative compliance request for the property at the southwest corner of Pacific Avenue and 22nd Street in District 6.

The property is zoned Oceanfront Resort District and is subject to the OR Form-Based Code. Specific to the site, the code allows a maximum height of 75 feet and the applicant is seeking approval through the alternative compliance process to increase the overall height to 110 feet. Since the property is within the 65 to 70 decibel noise zone, the applicant did have to demonstrate that an increase in height

would not result in any additional density.

The proposal includes a total of 131 condominium units with ground-floor retail and restaurant space. The development will be supported by an internal parking structure containing 253 spaces as well as both interior and exterior bicycle parking. An 8-foot-wide sidewalk is proposed along both 21st and 22nd Street and a 12-foot-wide sidewalk is proposed along Pacific. Additionally,

a 15-foot-wide right-of-way dedication is proposed along Pacific Avenue.

I do want to make note of two quick things. So, a separate cafe franchise agreement will be required for the proposed outdoor dining area and then an encroachment agreement granted by this body will be needed for the exterior stairs on the townhomes along 22nd Street.

The building elevation substantially conform to the OR design guidelines and the proposal received unanimous support from the Resort Advisory Commission's Planning Design Review Committee.

While staff did receive one letter of opposition from an adjacent neighbor noting concerns with privacy and construction impacts, the planning commission ultimately recommended approval by unanimous vote with an added condition to require the applicant to include a prohibition of short-term rentals within the condominium docs documents for the development.

Item 13 is an ordinance to adopt the Imagine VB 2040 comprehensive plan to supersede the 2016 comprehensive plan.

As you have received several briefings recently from Director Warren and Hank Morrison, I'm not going to go into great detail here. However, I do want to note a few items. So, the first is a housekeeping item to change the proposed Shore Drive North Great Neck Center, which is shown on the slide here. As you'll recall from those briefings, type one neighborhoods, which are exclusively

single-family neighborhoods, were intentionally excluded from being included in centers. It was noticed by staff recently that for this particular center, portions of a type one neighborhood was included, so we're just proposing to remove that with this.

So, the new boundary of this center would be what is shown in red on the slide there.

This is coming to you with a recommendation for approval from the planning commission with a few modifications, including additional references to broadband infrastructure and manufactured housing, as well as a recommendation to change the green line context area to the courthouse context area, and references to the blue line to be changed to the rural area boundary with blue line in parentheses.

Item 14 is an ordinance to amend numerous sections of the zoning ordinance to update all references to the 2016 comprehensive plan to reflect to reflect the Imagine VB 2040 comprehensive plan.

Similar to that previous item, item 15, this is an ordinance to amend section 16-43 of the city code again to reflect the Imagine VB 2040 comprehensive plan.

>> Barbara.

>> I understand that there were three amendments to the comprehensive plan that were just introduced the day it was adopted and had not been given to the planning commissioners before then.

Certainly not to the public. But I think one of those amendments, it was characterized that it was a request of city council.

Uh the one that would change the uh green line context area to the courthouse context area. I just remember a very brief discussion we had at this table and I remember objecting to that.

So, I don't know how it became a direction from city council that this be done. At least that was the impression that planning commissioners had. So, I want a a transcript of verbatim of that conversation we had uh regarding the uh context area title.

>> Okay.

>> All right. Item 16 is an ordinance to remove and eliminate the Nimmo Church Historic and Cultural District. So, before I get into the specifics of this request, I just wanted to provide a little bit of background info on historic and cultural districts or HCDs more generally. So, a historic and cultural district is a zoning overlay that is approved by the city council

with input from property owner or property owners. While the state and national register districts are honorary in nature and do not impact an owner's ability to make exterior changes to a property, um exterior changes in a local historic and cultural district do require an additional level of review. With that being said, HCDs are not intended to prevent change, just to ensure that the

historical character and integrity of a site or a structure is maintained as change occurs. Virginia Beach has a total of 16 historic and cultural districts, 15 of which, including the Nimmo Church HCD, includes only one single historic building, and six of those are city-owned.

There are two primary City Council-appointed agencies that are involved in the city's historic preservation program. The first, the Historic Preservation Commission or HPC, was established to preserve, protect, and maintain the historic identity of the city, while the Historic Review Board or the HRB is tasked with reviewing and approving certificate of appropriateness certificate of

appropriateness requests or COAs for exterior changes within an HCD. This could include new construction, demolition, or changes proposed to the exterior of a structure or site. This does not include any changes proposed to the interior of a building.

There are also certain changes that can be done administratively through a staff exception process. That is typically repair and maintenance items using like materials and colors.

I will note that if a his if the Historic Review Board denies a COA, the applicant does have the opportunity to take that or to appeal the denial to this body.

Now, to get to the specifics of the current request, the Nimmo Church HCD was established in 1980 and expanded in 1986 as a part of the General Booth Extension project.

The church was originally constructed in 1791 and expanded in the 1840s with the steeple and tower, which is seen on the front there, added in the 1890s. While multiple COAs have been issued since the district was established, there are no current applications under review by the Historic Review Board.

The Royal Farms, which is also um located in the district, it was constructed in 2023 and was required to get a COA prior to construction. So, during that review process, the HRB did make several design and material recommendations, all of which were agreed to by the Royal Farms.

I will note that the historic and cultural district does not govern uses there within the district. It's solely looking at what that development looks like. So, the use is still governed by the underlying zoning district.

Three letters of opposition have been received related to this request, including one from the Historic Preservation Commission, one from the Historic Review Board, and one from a nearby property owner. There were eight speakers at the Planning Commission hearing, equally split between support and opposition. Ultimately, the Planning Commission did vote to recommend denial of this request by a vote of eight to three.

And then the final item >> Opposition.

>> Yeah, because it's it's very important, but also very difficult.

Uh I think I have heard somewhere along the line, and maybe it was when we were looking at another application, that it was said that cost could not be a consideration.

You can't help but have cost as a consideration.

And when we require something that's going to cost almost a million dollars, uh that's significant.

And I think if it's if it's because the city wants something to be a historic museum-like structure, we're going to have to participate.

And I I think that there's probably money available around many different places for grants for this kind of thing, whether they're federal or state or whatnot. I think there's some thought that the state was adding some money to this. Could we have, as you're researching this, if there are possibilities that we as a the city could participate with them in in helping them

get some of this money that's supposedly out there for historic preservation for issues such as this because historic preservation is very very difficult.

And I notice in reading our comprehensive plan draft several times mentioning that there probably a number of sites around the city that should be historic districts or in the historic districts, but they're not.

Well, I can tell you why they're not.

People can't afford it.

Uh they can't afford to to do the kinds of maintenance and structure that is historic.

And so folks can't afford to put their properties in a historic district, and I always understood that it was voluntary.

Uh so I I really think this whole issue of cost has got to be a part of it.

Uh I know that I have a structure that should be in a con- in a historic district. I can't afford it. I couldn't afford to do the maintenance on it. And I think we really have to look at that cost.

And if we are going to require it, we've got to have some mechanism for assistance to allow people to be able to do what is being required.

Uh a congregation that's not real large can't do their mission if they are going to be required to maintain a structure that is museum quality.

They can't do it.

So, I really think we have to look at this and see if there's not some way we can work things out uh to assist in this situation, but then could be applied to other situations because uh if if people are going to be able to put their properties in a historic district voluntarily, um and they're going to be required to maintain them to that level and and that gets very expensive and very costly. And

so, I think we're hurting ourselves if we're not coming up with some mechanism to assist with this.

>> Rose, Mayor.

>> Uh I just I wanted to mention that uh Delegate Askew and Senator Lucas both put in the the state budget uh $500,000 for the Nemo Church. Now, we all know that the budget hasn't been passed yet, but uh we all need to remain hopeful that it stays there and if anybody would like to uh contact their legislators to let them know how important it is to maintain the uh integrity of this very very

historical piece of property. And I know part of what was being considered was putting vinyl siding on this church, which it's kind of hard for me to imagine. Um but anyway, it's been put in both sides.

So, hopefully it stays in there when they vote on it and then they they don't take it out when they're looking for money for other things. So, uh let's let's hope that $500,000 stays in there for Nemo Church.

>> Okay, let's Okay. Uh Hutch, Stacy, Jennifer Barbara.

>> So, uh like a lot of us, we've been contacted about this and you know, it is for me growing up, it's how you it was the gateway to Sandbridge, right? You knew when you got to Nemo that you were getting close to Sandbridge coming from Kempsville. But, um the two things for me uh and Miss Henley, I'm not sure, you know, who's

who's accurate on this and who's not, but I've been told that a majority of the congregation don't favor taking it out of a historical district, and that the price that's been set by floated by some is way over stated, that the clapboard is nowhere near what a million dollars to be fixed.

I don't know that.

I I'm not not a construction guy, but that's what I was told. So, I definitely want us to wait, as the vice mayor said, um to see if this half a million dollars is going to come in. They made it sound like that was going to certainly cover all of what they needed to be done and more, is how I was told.

I don't know that for it to be a factual. But, um I just think for the age and what this church has meant to us in the city, um forever, for longer than any of us, I just think we need to be real careful before we take it out.

Uh and I'm not normally a huge uh supporter of that, to be quite honest, but in this one, I think it is like a gateway for us and it's such an icon that it does matter, and it's still in use. So, I think that also matters.

>> Okay, Stacy, Jennifer, Barbara.

>> There are synthetic materials, for instance, there's synthetic slate roofs that have 100% the appearance of a natural slate roof.

And are there allowances made for those types of items to be used?

>> So, there have been discussions, um among very recently between leadership with the church and leadership for the historical review board and staff. And so, there were conversations that for the main church and the steeple in particular, it's a character defining feature, where you would want the historically appropriate materials, but for some of these later additions that don't have

the same level of kind of historical significance, it would be it could be more appropriate to use some sort of more modern material and then you could potentially use the existing siding wood siding that's on those portions of the church. If it's in good material or in good condition, you could have that kind of as a backup for the historic portion of the structure. So, there is some

ability to kind of discuss with the historical review board and the potential to use different materials.

>> Thank you.

Okay, Jennifer and Barbara.

>> Thank you, Mayor. I'm playing catch-up a bit, so I look forward to reading the transcript, but I'm just curious how this came to be a request. And it sounds like it's the funding dynamics, just the cost of maintaining all of this.

So, I get like the expectation of we want to preserve the historic nature, but if the organization itself is saying this is unsustainable, how then can we say you have to do it anyway? Makes me think of the unfunded mandates that we have to deal with that we put this burden on this building that at least maybe some within the organization are saying we can't do this. So, um the church is asking for this?

>> Correct. It came from the church through um down through the city to us. There is no as I mentioned, there's no current ask or request or proposal under review by the historical review board. Um so, the city's not requiring them to do anything, but they have made several um certificate of appropriateness requests to the city in recent years, several of

which have been approved. Um there was one a welcome center that was proposed in front of the steeple of the church and it was a more modern design. So, that the historical review board did recommend denial for. We did have conversations with the church that they could appeal that denial to the city council. Ultimately, that did not move forward. Um but the majority of the COA requests in recent years have been

approved, and that's why we wanted to have the conversation between the church staff and the historical review board to get a better understanding of what the church is current ask is so that we could have something to respond to.

>> Hey, Barbara.

>> I >> I thought it looked like Jennifer was getting ready to say something else.

>> Oh, I'm sorry.

>> No, I'm good. Thank you.

>> Uh Of course, our historic our our buildings here, we're in a historic district.

And it costs the city a whole lot more money every time we do something to our buildings. As a matter of fact, I think we decided not to have a slate roof.

Uh and I mean, just because the the the this facility has to meet the historic review board's requirements, too.

And it bumps the cost up considerably.

And I think we need to look at that.

Uh but also, my thinking is that I had always been the impression that for a a a facility to be in a historic district, it was voluntary. I'm assuming that's not right then. Is >> So, there would have been discussions um with the property owner or owners at the time that the historic the request to create the historic and cultural district was brought before the city council.

So, once it once it's approved by city council, it's a zoning overlay. It's part of the zoning ordinance and the official zoning map. So, it would require approval by this body to have either any changes to it or to be removed.

>> Councilor Handley, it's my understanding that the property owner has to acquiesce or or or bring it forward in order to end up to get their building in the district. Yeah.

>> It it gets pretty complicated, but well, I I know when we're talking about Nemo Church, are we talking about the congregation or are we talking about the building?

They're two entirely different things.

Of course, the congregation is one of the oldest in the in the city.

Um back to 1791.

Uh and nobody can take away the fact that they're the old one of the oldest congregations. But when you're maintaining the building, then that's something very different and for a church to be in that situation, that's kind of tough. So, anyway, I was just hoping we might be able to help them identify some grant money that's out there to assist them with this. I

mean, I think the state money is wonderful. I hope that all comes through, but they're going to need additional money from that too. So, maybe there's some out there that we can hit help with.

>> Hey, Jennifer.

>> This is a point of clarification. It's voluntary to enter the program. If they wanted to leave, it's more complicated.

>> It it it would take an act of council.

Yes, so from from my understanding, like for example, the buildings here, council had to put these buildings in that district. For us to come out of it, the council would have to take us out of the district. When we have had issues, I think with the courthouse when we went to make an improvement there and also to Ms. Henley's point when the cost of slate was so much more expensive than

the synthetic material, we went through the process, got denied by the respective boards and then we went to city council and got city council granted us a a pass, a waiver, so we could use more synthetic and more affordable material that had a look but not necessarily the same material that was done at the time when the building was constructed.

>> And Barbara Henley?

>> If I could make one more comment. At one time, I was council liaison to the historic review board and if you all recall, I said, "I can't do this anymore. I can't sit there and require these people to spend so much money." I had to say, "I'm not going to be this liaison." >> Hey, Harsh.

>> So, just to also to clarify for me from what I was told is that the board did not ask the congregation if they wanted to come forward with us. I was told that by a couple three different people. The that was the one thing one part here is I do think the board should be responsive to their congregates. And then number two that the as you just stated with the different

materials that that is going to cost that no matter whether they're in historical or not. They have if they can use the clapboard I think is what the term is what they said is that's going to be what the price is whether they're in historical or not. So, if they have to do that work it that has no bearing on whether that that's what I was kind of explained.

So, I don't know if you can elaborate on that or not.

>> I don't blame you.

>> Good answer.

Okay, moving on.

>> All right. Yeah, this final item this is an ordinance to add section 28208.1 to the city zoning ordinance. This is pertaining to the regulation of roll-off containers.

So, this ordinance would allow staff to regulate roll-off containers in residential districts. With this ordinance one roll-off container would be permitted for a maximum of 30 days within a 6-month period. The ordinance would also allow for a roll-off container to be placed on a site during periods of permitted construction activity as well as 24 hours before and after that construction activity begins and ends.

This was presented to the Coastal Virginia Building Industry Association or CVBIA and they were supportive of the request.

And it did um pass planning commission with a positive recommendation by unanimous vote. And Mayor, that concludes my briefing.

>> And any other questions? Thank you very much. You folks put a lot of hard work into this. Really appreciate it.

Okay, we are ready.

>> All right. So, Mr. Mayor, members of council this starts on the kickoff of the budget presentation city Council and this one is going to take a different approach as it relates to how we do the presentation. It's more consolidated and condensed with the hopes of giving City Council enough information so that it can stimulate a conversation amongst the council. The

first presentation will come from Director of ECCS, Jayda Lee, and she'll talk about emergency communications and citizen service citizen services budget request for fiscal year 2026-2027.

>> Welcome, Jayda.

>> Good afternoon, Mayor Dyer, Vice Mayor Wilson, members of council.

As City Manager Dehaney said, my name's Jayda Lee. I am the Director of Emergency Communications and Citizen Services. Today, I'm going to take just a few moments of your time to walk through the current programs and initiatives that ECCS presented during our budget discussions with the city manager and city leadership.

So, some of our trends and issues, um, the 911 profession, as it stands today, is very different than the 911 profession was 30 years ago when I started my career.

And one of the greatest impacts to the 911 community today is the use of AI.

And we have been using an AI tool on the front end of our non-emergency and administrative calls, um, for about a year and a half going on 2 years. And it has shown to alleviate some of those non-emergency calls that typically had to be handled by a live call taker.

Um, by reducing the number of non-emergency calls, then we are able to focus more on the 911 call taking, um, for our callers and citizens. So, how do we use it? So, the AI is able to learn our business processes and it is able to assist callers and provide them with redirection to meet their needs. The other piece here is about our recruitment and retention. So, many of these items are

covered in our department performance plan that we meet regularly with the manager to discuss. One of the biggest struggles today, not just in Virginia Beach, but across the entire country, is a lack of staffing in the 911 centers. Everyone still today struggles with staying relevant, um ensuring that our pay is competitive.

So, 2 years ago we began hiring bonuses because our partners in the region were offering hiring bonuses to their staff.

We also, um have a recruitment bonus that we offer to our current staff, right? So, who do you want to see sit next to you?

So, if they bring someone in and they're successful, then our current staff, they receive a bonus as well.

Um one of the other things that I've been doing to assist with retention is I hold a quarterly fireside chat with a representative from each division in ECCS. And during those meetings, we talk about everything from policy review and implementation, our new strategic plan, any other suggestions or thoughts that they might have to make people want to stay with us. I also hold quarterly stay

interviews with every single member of our department. I want to know what makes you keep coming to work every day and what are the two or three things that would make you want to leave the the department and the city.

We also have a very robust recognition program um that is run completely by staff. So, they use that to recognize each other, bring positivity to the workplace, um boost morale. They hold events after hours for staff and their families so that everyone can get together and spend time.

Lastly here, uh watch desk. Watch desk was introduced last year during our budget presentation. We now have hired a watch desk supervisor and he is doing amazing work. One of the many things that they do for us is they handle emergency alerting, they monitor the municipal campus cameras, and they work closely with emergency management security and emergency management. And on a side note, since we implemented

the watch desk, our EOC is always at a level one, meaning they are monitoring and they are ensuring that if something does occur, they are ready to respond and to act.

So, what were some of our major budget changes or asks for this year? As I spoke briefly about our AI, um we have recently acquired a new AI software that is going to be a game changer for the city of Virginia Beach. This AI software is going to review 100% of every call that is received into the 911 center, whether it's a 911 call, non-emergency, administrative call, to ensure that we're meeting the

expectations of our citizenship.

And um I can tell you I have 33 years of experience in this profession.

And you know, people talk about AI, they talk about AI. This is the first software that I've seen that I said this is going to be a game changer. Not only is it going to help with our quality assurance, it is also going to help us streamline our training processes.

Currently today, we have to meet certain stand standards for our new recruits.

And it takes four to five full-time employees two to three weeks to get them through that certification process.

This software is going to allow us to build scenarios into the system so that we can have one employee provide the exact same training to all of our recruits at the exact same time. That is a game changer for the 911 industry, and I can't say enough about it. Um this platform will also provide notifications to the 911 supervisors.

So, if an employee does take a critical call, that call is automatically flagged to the 911 supervisor so that they're able to follow up with that employee and ensure that they're doing well.

Uh let's see.

The next thing here is a transfer from the water and sewer fund. So, since 2018, we have received a budget transfer because our 311 division handles all of the public utilities calls after hours, nights, and weekends.

So, there has been a there was a lot of discussion about is that figure still accurate? And based on discussions with the budget office, our department public utilities, this will be the first time that there will be an increase in that budget transfer from $83,424 to $141,396.

And then there will also be a 3% increase each fiscal year to ensure that we're keeping up with the work and the man hours that are required to handle that.

And then lastly, I talked briefly about vacancies vacancies across the nation, vacancies in Virginia Beach.

Um Our Our budget was reduced by seven full-time employees this year.

Um due to the the longevity of the vacancies that we that they were holding. So, as you all are aware, we carry vacancies every year. We carry vacancies. It's a hard-to-fill position.

So, one of the things that we are doing is we have an academy that's slated to start July the 9th.

I currently have seven vacancies outside of the seven that were reduced in the budget. We hope to fill those for our July academy.

Um but one thing that we are doing that is a little bit um different is have you all heard of traveling nurses?

Well, there are now traveling dispatchers.

And we have contracted with a company that will send us eight experienced dispatchers call takers who are used to working in high volume, large public safety answering points to help to close the gap for us over the summer.

We struggle. We can bring in seven, but I can't take seven people off the floor to train. So, having these traveling dispatchers in place is going to help us to train our current staff that still needs training and our seven that are coming in, they will have an opportunity to get full-time training. We won't have to stop it due to gaps.

So, those are the major things that we discussed with the manager and the city leadership team during our budget hearing. Um I was very pleased about the water and sewer increase and I I can go on and on and on forever about the AI and the platform that we are implementing. And if you want to know more, let me know.

Um next week is Public Safety Telecommunicator Week. That is a national program that we thank our dispatchers for the hard work that they do.

They are the unseen heroes of public safety. They are the first of the first responders. And if you have an opportunity, I invite you over to the center to come say thank you for the work that they do tirelessly.

Questions?

>> Okay, Hutch, Jennifer.

So, you you touched on it. Well, for starters, Director Lee, thank you for being here and getting us kicked off with the budget season. I don't know if the first spot's an enviable one, but we appreciate it.

>> It's the first time I was the first of the first.

>> I did. Yeah.

Good deal.

Um you you've you have actually you've lost position not lost. I know we I don't know exactly what we're calling it.

>> ahead.

>> Reduced.

>> Yeah. Yeah, we've we've reallocated for right now.

Um Well, I can't really believe that because that was one of the things I was going to say is cuz you also gave up a bunch last year, correct? How many? 17.

So, we're at 24. Now, I know, like you're saying, there's things that are helping with that and you're doing it.

But, it is still my understanding that if you can get folks hired that we are to look hard and and manager is shaking his head that we're going to refill those positions for you as best we can.

>> That is correct.

>> Okay.

>> Um as long as we can hire them, >> Yeah.

>> retain them, then that will be a conversation that I will come back to the manager with to request an over hire of some of those positions that were decreased.

>> Yeah, and I'm pretty sure we'll support you on that. So.

>> Thank you.

>> Feel certain of it. Okay. Thank you.

>> Hey, Jennifer and Cash.

>> Thank you, Mayor.

>> Thank you, Ms. Lee. It's good to see you.

>> Good to see you.

>> I had two questions, one about AI and one about recruitment and retention. And I'm actually looking in the budget cuz I was seeing if I could answer my own question here. And the first one was about AI. I see my campus dean from TCC, Virginia Beach, so we know all about like AI in the classroom and how do you try to manage it. And we teach our students, you know, use it as a tool,

but it's not always accurate. And so, you have to ensure that the information that you're taking in is appropriate, that's useful, and that it's correct.

>> Mhm.

>> And so, I was wondering particularly because you're in emergency services, um how you can how you are safeguarding against inaccuracies.

Um looking in the budget document, it seems like, as you've mentioned, the use of this tool is to free up staff to get to core 911 operations where AI and I'll just read them part, it says, "It will aid in identifying performance insights, trends, compliance monitoring by partially automating the quality assurance review process." Um and so instead of staff human

labor working on quality assurance and training, human labor will go to 911 core operations and AI will will review >> Okay.

>> the calls. Now, when we implement this product we it has to continue to learn. So we will load all of our policies and procedures into the software.

And it will continue to learn. It will learn each of our call takers baseline.

So if their baseline goes up or their baseline goes down or if they're not meeting the mark in each of the call taking protocols, it's going to flag that. And in the beginning, we are going to have to ensure that it is um capturing the quality assurance appropriately. At the end of the day, it's it's a software. So there's still a bit of a human component. And and I

don't want to belabor this, but right now it takes four people to do quality assurance. Four people. Four full-time employees.

That's a lot and it's all manual and it's cumbersome. And I need to reallocate those people to core center.

>> Where does this fit in?

>> Um and then finally, uh recruitment and retention. You mentioned having some of these conversations with folks. Why do they stay? Why would they leave? Any themes you can share with us?

>> So the greatest theme is I never want to leave. I love this job. I love being a part of the public safety family.

Um our staff has dealt with tragedy just like the police department has and along with EMS and fire.

And that tragedy has brought closeness to the staff that is working today. And they feel like they truly make a difference every single day and they recognize that the job that they do is bigger than them.

And I hear that theme all the time. I'm part of the public safety family. The job I do is bigger than me and if I help one person every day, they're fulfilled.

It it's pretty deep and and I have a very young staff and for them to to recognize that out of the tragedy that was experienced last year, it it it really does show the work that we've been doing. I have to I have to say the work that me and my leadership team have been doing with the staff, being transparent, having that open communication. We've made some changes in our um

reporting structure that are paying huge dividends to us today and staff is so appreciative.

Yes.

>> Councilwoman >> Thank you. I'll be quick. Director Lee, thank you for your presentation.

And you had to make some structural changes. Um I hear it. I see it. Um it's always um something for us as a council to consider changes when it is dealing with 911, right? That's our our lifeline to our community. So uh this council, I know, is very amenable to the things that you may need. And AI, right? I'm a big fan of AI um because sometimes there is repeated necessary

calls and we need to have the system and structure in place. So, I'm picking up what you're putting down. I want to say thank you.

>> Thank you.

>> Okay.

That's it.

>> Well, Mr. Manager, I think this format, I know this is only the first one we've seen, is really, really nice. And Jayda, the way you care about your job is just really heartwarming that you're so devoted and you and try to take some really difficult areas to to make it work one way or the other.

And some really out of the box thinking.

I you really need to be commended for for what you have done.

When somebody calls 911, they expect somebody to answer.

>> I didn't know that.

>> they're calling 911. They're they're in a dire straight. There's something that's really could something I watched some of the real life real crime TV.

And when they call, it can be some really tough situations. So, >> Exactly.

>> I just want to thank you for what you and your team does. And uh hopefully some people watching this might say, "You know, that might be a good career for me." And maybe maybe you might get some recruits from today. But thank you so much.

>> Thank you.

>> Hey Jayda, I just want to say you're amazing. Your staff is amazing.

And one of the things that I and this council always recognizes when we talk about Virginia Beach being the safest city in the country, in a very, very large measure, you are definitely part of that equation.

You know, it all starts with you.

And it's amazing that thing in my 21 years, I think I mentioned to you when I first started here, I think uh everybody of your employees had little two screens.

>> Mhm.

>> And now what are you up to? Six and eight screens?

>> Eight.

>> Eight. Eight screens.

>> has eight.

>> And if you ever want a dynamic tour, fellow council folks, go over and see what they do, what they have to navigate uh from routine calls about cats in trees to you know, crisis >> Yes.

>> and crisis management and it's stressful and uh you know, you know, but once again, you set the tone there.

And uh once again, we'll look forward to coming to see you next week and recognize your staff and I invite everybody uh on council.

You know, come see what these folks do.

It is amazing.

And uh thank you. God bless you and >> Thank you.

>> Keep on doing what you're doing.

>> Thank you so much. You all have a great week.

>> Thank you.

>> So, Mr. Mayor, members of council, the next presentation will be provided by EMS Chief, Chief Jason Stroud. He's going to talk to city council about the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 operating budget for EMS.

>> Welcome, Jason.

>> Thank you, Mayor. Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of council, council, I appreciate the opportunity to be here.

Um I guess if I could if I could say real quick, Jayda certainly set the bar, right? With the um And so so I caught that, Vice Mayor. Uh I'll try to do my best. Um but I also would like to say uh again, recognize that certainly Jayda's team is the first of the first responders and truly none of us can do our job if she doesn't have the

resources to do hers. And so, it is a team approach, but but it truly starts with Jayda. And so, we're all very appreciative of that. I would also say that since you're meeting with ECCS, EMS, and the police department today, the three of us have talked and any available extra resources, we'll figure out how to split it and we'll let Chief Probitts know.

Um So, also if I could real quick because um I I I I my presentation is down to two slides, which I think you'll appreciate, but I don't want to miss the opportunity um to to identify who joined me today because we're going to be talking about our compassionate billing program, I'm sure.

And um that would only that wouldn't be possible if you all didn't set that up for us this last year, but also if the staff that didn't then build it out. So, if I could just real quick, our EMS business manager, Maryanne Twisdale, is here with me. Our EMS accountant, Christy Carlson and our billing coordinator Veronica Baker's with with us and my executive assistant Jordan Yates.

But certainly these are the the unsung heroes that are behind the scenes making sure this is all done. They put this budget together and build out the revenue source to be able to fund a lot of it.

So with that um you know my my my triad of issues if you will continue to to concentrate on staffing having adequate staffing and adequate ambulance fleet and adequate facilities.

We've made a lot of headway over the last several years and so those efforts certainly have have paid dividends.

We have currently we have 118 uniformed providers that contribute to daily ambulance staffing.

And so that's certainly come a long way.

I will tell you when we look at trying to staff one ambulance for every 3,000 calls out of 59,000 calls for service annually our goal is to get upwards of 20 ambulances during our busiest daytime period and then you know we can drop down to 18 17 at night.

In order to do that we still need an additional 32 employees uniformed employees to contribute towards ambulance staffing.

You'll see in our budget request to be funded by our compassionate billing program. We are including a request to to add 10 of those 32 positions towards that staffing. And the reason we're asking for 10 and not 32 is we want to make sure we're incremental and measured.

And so we certainly don't want to add more than necessary as we continue to build our volunteer try to build our volunteer ranks. We also want to make sure we don't exceed the capacity of the compassionate billing fund. So so again we're requesting to add 10 uniform staff positions to help with the ambulance staffing. We are in a good spot. There's no staffing crisis. But in order to

continue to provide to meet our goals and provide employees with the shift experience that they deserve and the community with the best responses feasible we we still will spend probably the next couple of years coming back with additional requests.

In terms of an ambulance fleet, we're doing very well there as well. And again, that's because of the investment you all have made. Um the good news is I'm update even since this was put together because of some of the work that the rescue squads have done, we're actually um we are on pace to have a fleet of 47 ambulances with what is currently here

and that has been ordered. So, that I you know, I hesitate to say that to get us where we need that gets us where we need until until one gets out of service or or or gets damaged. But, um we are in a good place there. Recently, we completed some work with the rescue council to um um have a third-party firm come in and do an assessment of our fleet. I believe in just the last

several weeks that was included in your packet. Um the nice thing about that, the rescue council, we were able to get the rescue council um buy-in and agreement to to in endorse a policy for me to develop that would require any if any ambulance is going to be purchased with the use of public funds um to to purchase, operate, or maintain, that that ambulance be one that um meets our standardization requirements. And

so, we look for that to help um significantly with our maintenance downtime. As well as, you know, if we're able to train everybody to operate the same ambulance platform, we hope that cuts down on kind of bumping into some stuff. And um and parts availability should be streamlined, etc. So, again, ambulance fleet is a really good spot.

The thing I I also want to mention with that um that rescue council support it was was extremely important and necessary. Um it's also with the caveat that the rescue squads continue should continue to purchase and own the ambulances and maintain the ability to um identify them, have that pride and ownership in their identity, have their markings on the ambulances, etc. And so, it's it's

it's quite a a partnership and investment that the city's been able to benefit from.

And then also finally the EMS station facilities.

This is probably if I guess if I would have to say kind of what's next, what's the next thing, it's it's the it's where we're at with um our station facilities.

Our We operate out of 17 facilities in the city, 13 of which are shared fire and EMS facilities, three are owned by rescue squads, and one is the standalone EMS station at Athalia.

The thing is with a majority of our um shared fire and EMS facilities, they were built at a time when there was just volunteer rescue squads and and and in many ways where members just responded from home on pagers, let and and never considering the idea that there would be 24/7 staffing there. And so we're busting at the seams. We have So every night I have to house three

people in one room that's meant for one person.

And that and that's standard in some of our older stations that were built in the um well, we have some built I think 50 years old. Um and so that's that's a I'd say a a looming issue for us to kind of tackle. Chief Private and I have discussed this in detail and I and I I look forward to collaborating with him and working with him in hopes of being able to get to to

to develop and deliver an adequate facility needs assessment to to give us a strategic road map there.

So, um the good thing is my general fund budget portion that I submitted is within target. And then um as and then um are any additional resources or programs that I I sought to add uh were able to self-fund through the uh restricted special revenue fund of the compassionate EMS billing program.

So, that program is fully operational.

It's up and running and fully operational. We started July 1. You approved that in last year's budget ordinance vote.

Um and I would say we're at a point now where where it's running as it should.

We uh projected our consultant when we did a billing study, projected that we would earn in the realm of $14.5 million for the year. I would say we feel comfortable that that's um a target that is realistic.

We won't really know until we do it for a full year. And the And And the reason being is um while we're seeing some stabilized revenue each month of about 1.2 to 1.3 million each month.

Um what does impact that is the time of the year.

So So, you know, the last months of last year we saw more revenue, but as we started a new year, um those high deductible health care plans um people haven't met their deductible, and we don't charge co-pays or co-deductibles. And so we look for maybe some of that revenue to dip in those month months, but we do feel comfortable that we're on pace to to hit that target

in the $14 million realm. We left our our projections for this next fiscal fiscal year relatively flat because of impact unknown impacts from um the big beautiful bill as it relates to Medicare and Medicaid funding. And so industry experts recommended budgeting revenue flat um just cuz that's that's somewhat unknown at this time.

So our budget request um like I I mentioned before, we're we're looking to add 10 uniformed positions.

These will directly help with ambulance staffing. We will deploy them to the shifts. Um we would We We operate on a ABCD four-shift rotation. So we would put two on each shift. And then the ninth and 10th, we we have demand staffing on 12-hour day shifts. We would put them there.

That helps ambulance staffing. It helps give us additional leave capacity for the leave our our employees are earning.

Also, we provide para um paramedic support to different special operations programs including the police department SWAT team, civil dis- civil disturbance response team, um marine medic programs, etc. And I would say that's that's relatively almost a daily occurrence we're having to pull somebody off staffing to go to one of those activities. And so, by adding these staff members, we we um

looking for that to give us some depth so that doesn't impact the staffed ambulances that day.

And and finally, on just a note on this slide, uh well, I'm sorry, let me back up real quick. That's 10 employees I I counted for. Um we're also looking to add a fleet and facilities coordinator.

It would be a civilian position. This was with the endorsement of the rescue council. This would be somebody to um because our ambulance fleet is going to be upwards of 47 ambulances.

Plus, in addition, we have a bunch of SUVs, jet skis, ATVs, pickup trucks, etc.

Um just the day-to-day coordination of that fleet, that making sure that the preventive maintenance gets done on schedule, getting trucks to and from, etc. is pretty intensive.

And so, it would be a position to coordinate all that. It's also a position to develop standardized ambulance specifications with the rescue council work group and administer that.

And then, we are um we did include a 12th position um an administrative position to to try to bolster and and help um the vitality of the volunteer rescue squad portion of our service.

Uh we still have a little bit of work to do to figure out exactly what that title or workload may be. Um but but essentially, a placeholder for that sort of effort.

And then finally, I just that table's in there somewhat as a reminder for when we approved billing the billing program last year that, you know, it it's it was agreed to with some allocations and some distributions back to the rescue squads.

So, 30% of the funds are going directly back to the rescue squads. Um that's about 4.3 million.

And so, they're using that to make their their loan payments um for for any that loans that were made in just the recent years, also to maintain um a future replacement cycle of ambulances and buy uniforms for their people and and items that they need to conduct their business day-to-day and and other things such as that.

So, with that, that is all I have prepared.

Um and any questions?

>> Chief, I've got a couple for you. Um I'll get to the copay and deductibles in a minute, but first, I read the uh the report from the uh stat unit that y'all that y'all had done. And uh a couple of them stuck out to me. Uh and it's the fleet standardization. Are we moving that direction or are we not moving that direction?

>> Oh, we we are.

>> We are moving that direction, so it will include standardized chassis.

>> conceptual here, and that's why I just wanted to make sure.

So, we've we've moved past conceptual.

>> We we've we've got the commitment.

>> cool. Cuz I was going to say cuz that was it. I'm like, why not? And then uh uh the replacement cycles, is that area when we're talking about that and vary?

Is that just because one's a lemon and one's not or different things or what's your what's your reason for that?

>> So, it varies because essentially we're operating 10 individual fleets as one system. And so, because it's very important, and I'm not understating this, like each squad to maintain their identity.

>> Sure. Oh, yeah, we want to do that.

>> It We do not have the opportunity to move trucks around to to put one down in the county. So, it's if it can accumulate mileage slower while this one accumulates faster. So, that that's >> what you're saying. Okay.

>> There's somewhat of an increased cost with that, but in the big the big scheme, it's a big savings.

>> Yep, I yep, I get it. And then um one thing I wanted to ask you was, and I'm I'm going to need some help on this.

When we we you, sorry. Uh I can't have a hard time losing that. Um I can't help it.

The downgrading, when you took and changed one of the con- What was that again? What was that one on that you downgraded some of the calls?

>> So, so essentially those calls that are triaged as priority two, which are lower acuity, um we we stopped allowing the routine use of red lights and sirens to respond to those.

Um and s- essentially what we saw from that, and and and that followed some industry best practices across the country and what we saw from that was was an additional two to three minutes on our average response times.

Um but however, we also saw that there was no impacts to patient outcomes.

>> Right. And so the >> and lower accident rate as well.

>> Well, that's what I was back to the >> Yeah.

>> back to not having them as long as part of that is is when you have the accidents.

And that typically across the country when you have a call might be put out as a priority one, but by the time we're done and we re-look at it, it's probably a priority two, priority three call sometimes right?

>> Yes, sir. And and and I I think it's important for those that are listening to to just remind everybody we we did allow our EMS supervisors to retain the ability to upgrade that should they read comments that that warranted so.

>> For sure. And then the last thing is is that you touched on it. Well, it's a two-part question. One is is okay, so hopefully the compassionate building is going to work. So, you were saying that we're on target to get to the 14 million-ish range. And then And then I'm not saying we're going to do anything with this. I'm just asking a

question to see where we're at is uh like co-pay and co-deductibles and all that is do do we have a number there that you could speak to?

>> Yeah. Again, I'm not saying we're even thinking about doing it. I just asking to be clear.

>> So So, it looks like on an annualized basis we're we're on track to bill out about $27 million in services grossly. We're collecting about $14 million.

We anticipate the resident write-off portion since we do not charge co-pays or co-deductibles of residents will be in the realm of $6 million or more.

>> Okay.

>> Um and and we know that because for the last four months or or for the latter half of 2025 for a four-month period it was 1.9 million. If we annualize it, you know, it's 5.7. But we also know like right now January, February, March, April, people have not met their deductibles, so we recover less because we're not charging them deductibles.

So, it's at least 6 million if not more.

>> Okay, thank you.

Um Kathy, did you have something?

>> No.

>> Okay, Amelia.

>> Thank you so much, Chief.

>> Thank you.

>> Um What number of staff is you're asking for? 23?

>> Um no, ma'am. 12. 12.

>> Also, the You mentioned about the peace coordinators.

And then 12 uh admin?

>> So, so it's 12 positions, 10 of which are are are paramedic positions.

One is a a fleet and facilities coordinator, and the 12th is um of an administrative position to help us bolster volunteer services and and some of our clinical program. So, it's a civilian position in the office.

>> Okay.

And you also mentioned about having to have three in a room sometimes.

>> Yes, ma'am. So, >> elaborate on that?

>> Sure. So, so in in some of the um shared fire and EMS facilities, the ones that quickly come to mind is um Davis Corner, Haygood, um Kempsville Station 9, um and and there there's certainly some others.

We have um you know, the bunk rooms are relatively the same size, and so so so fire you utilizes them to put typically put a person in each room.

We have a we we find that we have to have a set of bunk beds and a twin bed in the room um because we have two people staff the ambulance, plus we have a trainee or intern usually as the third.

Honestly, a good deal of times our providers are sleeping on sofas in the TV rooms. Um one out of convenience cuz they're I mean, quite they're they're they're a lot busier at night, and so they just get an hour or two here or there, but but two because they want to spread out from each other.

>> Ms. Home.

Thank you.

>> Hey, anybody else?

>> No, Chief. Once again, we are so grateful to you and I tell you what, the progression that you're making is incredible when you consider you know, the size group. But once again, the silver tsunami is on us. Uh we are an aging city and quite frankly, I'm the one of the leaders of the silver tsunami.

Uh 3/4 of a century here. But you know, once again, it is elderly, it really puts a lot of strain. Uh you know, whether you talk about falls or just medical calls or you know, you know, things of that nature. And I'm just uh delighted to see the interaction that you're having with the fire department and everything. And you know, in combination of working with the police

and the 911, it's a well it's a well-oiled machine that you're part of.

So I just want to thank you for >> It is and it's it's only cuz of the support of council. So we appreciate that. Thank you.

>> Thank you.

>> All right. So Mr. Mayor, members of council, the next presentation will be provided by Police Chief Rudy Gade. He's going to give City Council an overview of the fiscal year 2016-17 operating budget for the police department.

>> Welcome, Chief.

>> Good afternoon, Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of council. Unfortunately, I have more than two slides, so thanks, Jason. Appreciate it. Um but uh I think we really only have five, but just want to acknowledge my team. Of course, I've got uh my executive aide, Lieutenant Brian Strouse up there and three of our four deputy chiefs, Deputy Chief Zelms, Deputy Chief Walker, and of

course, our newest Deputy Chief Brad Wester, so uh promoted last week. So congrats to Brad and uh And uh obviously, his time in the second precinct is coming to a uh close, but we are going to have a very capable and dedicated replacement down there for everyone to interact with. So we'll get into it real quick talking about the PD's budget. So Jada Jada kind of set the tone uh

talking about recruitment and staffing efforts. At one time uh about a little over a year ago, we had closed the vacancy gap in our sworn staffing to about 45 positions. Unfortunately, we are sitting at 86 as of today. So, we have definitely went in the wrong direction. Uh I think council has heard me say that unfortunately and Jada Jada mentioned it and we are still on the the trail end of a tragic loss for this

department. And uh where we were going in a positive direction, I think that really stalled our efforts and we lost a lot of men and women uh that had dedicated their lives to this department that uh decided that it was time. You know, where they could have done you know, they had 27 years on and maybe they were going to do 30 and that was the magic number. 27 became that new number and we

actually had uh officers or potential officers in our recruit classes that uh resigned and and they said, you know, the realization of how dangerous this job can be has hit home and we lost uh productive active members out of those recruit classes. Now, happy to say that seems like that attrition has slowed.

Um we you know, 86 and we've been about 80 for the last couple of months and we just had uh a few retirements.

But uh we want to talk about the efforts. And uh we have invested a significant amount of time partnering with Studio Center.

We took that a first initial allotment of funds to partner with a true dedicated recruiting firm out of our asset forfeiture funds to partner with Studio Center realizing that uh you know, we are going to the recruiting fairs and we're doing everything that we have done. We're partnering with our city coms folks, but it's not working. We need more.

And uh that's why we sought out a true recruiting firm here locally. And uh I know that you've all seen our uh efforts on TV, on social media.

Um Captain Kept tells me that we are seeing about a 15% increase in the number of people that are initially applying. So, some positive movement, but we need to make sure that that is going to translate into people that go through the entire process and we get quality people in those seats. So, we really only been partnering with Studio Center for a little over six or seven

months. It's going to take us some time to make sure that uh it's effective. And I think it's actually on the next slide, but these are efforts that uh I would offer that we're going to need funded for the foreseeable future that we can't do this as a one-and-done with Studio Center.

Uh next, Real Time Crime Center, up and running. Uh we have talked also about uh drones as a first responder. Uh we are hopeful that it will be up and running sometime in the next 30 days, which will give us that additional situational tool and awareness that we need uh starting at the oceanfront. I will not belabor.

Uh I was just in front of you all. We talked about the great work and the number uh the crime reductions that we had in 2025.

Um we're our goal is to on top of the reductions that we saw last year is another 5% reduction for 2026.

Um we mentioned uh asking for continued funding for our recruiting initiatives.

So, I did mention that we took the initial four outlay of money out of asset forfeiture.

As we all know, asset forfeiture cannot be used for recurring cost. So, we are asking this council to please fund us moving forward to help us continue those recruiting efforts. Another piece of funding that we are asking for is the Paragon software platform.

This was also initially funded out of asset forfeiture to make sure that it is a feasible uh uh next generation software and that we're getting our return on investment.

And what this does, as you can imagine, the police department, we have a tremendous amount of data sets uh across the spectrum. We are responsible for the creation and ingestion of large amounts of data. And when our officers and our detectives are trying to find a certain individual or a piece of data, they don't have the time nor inclination to go to 20 different data sets and

search through that. So, what Paragon has done is ingested our 15 most used populous data sets and allows our officers to go to one-stop solution and it uses We're talking about AI. It uses an AI search engine to search across all those different platforms and bring that information to the front and then also all the companion data. So, I will give you a prime example of some of the

successes is you would not think that 911 and CAD data would be something that our detectives would necessarily be looking at. But what they are telling us is now the CAD data is integrated into the Paragon platform that some of the things some of the individuals that they are looking for are coming up in Jada's call CAD data and the call data that we had no idea it was even there. So, it's

uh you know we're very appreciative that uh Jada was able to uh give us the opportunity to ingest that into Paragon because it is working for us. And we we see the a definite need to continue with that platform.

So, last is the special conservators of the peace.

And uh what uh we are asking for is to add positions.

And these are non-sworn positions with some limited authority in regards to care, custody, and transport of individuals under a temporary detainment order or emergency custody order.

And I think you've heard me talk about our system here in the Commonwealth. And I won't say that it's completely broken, but it is dysfunctional.

And the way that it runs. And many times our officers are further and call it what it is, they are babysitting individuals until they are seen.

And then a suitable facility is located. And sometimes that means that suitable facility could be in Danville, uh it could be in Staunton Staunton.

Uh just Deputy Chief Zell was telling me the other day that we transported an individual almost into Kentucky. It was right on the border of Virginia and Kentucky. So, that's that's not what we're set up for Council is you know, for us to be sitting and waiting for an individual to get screened and then tell us that we have to transport 4 hours away.

That is valuable time for the men and women of your police department. So, what this does is allow us to hire individuals that are not police officers. They have this limited authority and then we would in task them with doing some of the care and custody at the pods and also some of this long-distance transport. And what we envision is that we'll free up your Virginia Beach police officers to do the things

in our community that we want and expect them to do. Uh 911 response, uh traffic enforcement, case investigation instead of sitting uh in someone else's city 4 hours away while uh they're looking to uh find adequate bed space for an individual suffering from a mental health episode. So, I know that uh we have asked for the positions in the recommendation of the management

labor team and I do understand it is uh for us to take those out of our vacancies. And when we're sitting at 86 vacancies, I definitely understand where uh the manager's position is. I just need to put it on record that uh my concern, as always, is that I'm hopeful that at some point we're going to fill those positions and that we're going to

need those uh sworn men and women. And that's that's all I will say on that one.

And um when we go back to the special conservators of the peace, just to really make that point, if we look at calls for service for our CIT related runs, they were 3,700 last year out of all of our calls for service, accounted for 1.7% of overall calls for service, but the dedicated time that we spend on those CIT calls, and I'm sure EMS can confirm that uh it is over 10% and that was for 2025

and that the actual data for 2026, as of right now, it's up to about 12%. So, there is a huge need for us to get some help in transporting those ECOs and TDOs. And I think those special conservators of the peace give us an opportunity to do it besides our police officers. And if the program is successful, I do anticipate looking to convert additional positions.

Uh drone program, uh we like I said, we hope it will be up and running hopefully within about 30 days. The biggest obstacle uh that we have found is identifying the locations where those drone hives will be located and then working through the MOUs uh for those individuals. We know how it is when you get the attorneys involved, it takes some time. So.

And then uh the increased revenue, we know where we are with the new school zone program.

It's my understanding that three of those school zones are up and functional at this time. Three additional will be up and running in the next month or two and then eight more at the beginning of the new school year.

And uh I will open it up for questions.

>> Okay, we're going to go Stacy, Michael, Ash.

>> Rosemary, do you have any uh >> Thank you, Chief. I have a couple of questions about these uh special conservator of the peace positions.

>> Yes, sir.

>> So, these are not sworn.

Are these So, I'm taking it they're not going to be armed either?

>> There is an option for them to be unarmed or armed. I don't think that we have made a determination on what that looks like. Uh the program is still in its conceptual phase. So, the there may be a need to arm them um but it's not yet been decided.

>> Uh it just seems to me like that's a pretty hazardous kind of position to be in.

And then also if doing that would also require additional vehicles and equipment, I'm assuming.

>> Yes, sir, it would.

Yes sir.

>> Thank you.

>> Michael.

>> Um thank you. Few questions, Chief. Um, and and also some comments.

Um, let me start with the maybe the more difficult.

Um, the Peregrine software data integration system, if I if I heard if I think I I think I heard you correctly when you provided an example that the ECCS records will be made available to your detectives and investigators um, for their review and coordination with um, any potential investigations or if they're looking for a person. Is that correct?

>> That is correct, sir.

>> So, so John Smith called 911 and said, "My dad's having a heart attack. I need you to come." And they asked them to identify himself, then John Smith's record would would be present and then from that data the police department would be able to pull John Smith's whereabouts?

>> It would give us the information that was captured in that specific call. If he was at a certain location at that certain time, anything that's public record that would be in that CAD data, we can pull. We have access to it now.

It's just going to 15 different data sets to run one specific query. Imagine the time that that would take and what this allows us to do is run a singular query that will now bounce amongst all those 15 different data sets and provide any responses as well as any other companion data that it's attached to.

So, what we're finding out is it's really a huge time saver for our detectives when they're trying to do an investigation. They're looking for specific data that's already under our control. This is not anyone else's data that we're looking into. It already belongs to the police department or the city of Virginia Beach.

>> that's where I'm going with this cuz based on and I and this, you know, shows that um potentially I'm not familiar with all the legalities related to the documents uh as part of 911 or those communications, but just seems to me that there could be some privacy concerns, and that's where you as you could tell I was going with that.

>> Yes, sure.

>> But a 911 call is a matter of public record in any event. It is. All aspects of that call.

>> Not all aspects. There's certain information that would have to be redacted due from a FOIA request, but as part of a criminal investigation, we've had access to that type of data all along. This just allows us to find things that we are looking for that we probably would not have found or put the time into when you're you're going to 15

different data sets to to run a specific query.

>> To your point, the CAD 911 data, that's basically public information, but the other data sets, like some of one you're probably thinking like the Flock cameras and things like that, the police department does follow all the regulations that are were approved by the Commonwealth, including the most restrictive ones that came out of the last um General Assembly.

>> I have no doubt. I have no doubt. I think what I'm where I'm getting at in just the broadest strokes is that 911 should be sacred. You know, I don't want I used the example of someone's dad having a heart attack.

I don't want someone to say I'm not calling 911 because I don't want my You know what I'm saying?

>> Mhm.

>> So, um that's the concern that triggered for me when when you raised that, but but you know, if it's already a matter of I So, I understand and and thank you for the clarification.

>> Yes, sure.

>> Uh I'm you know, I'm glad that those tools are available, and if it's publicly accessible information already then I don't have it I withdraw my consent.

>> I think you can.

>> But but I do think people should be free and comfortable to communicate with our 911 especially when there's an emergency.

And that's important to keep in mind and preserve.

Um the mental health response I think is very good.

And how does that differ from the mobile co-responder team?

>> The mobile co-responder team is a combination of police and our crisis intervention officers from the Department of Human Services that will go out into the community and interact with those mental health consumers on a personal basis. But once the decision is made and usually by one of those clinicians that we need to take that individual into custody on either

an ECO or a TDO from the court, that's when this clock starts ticking. We transport and then we transport them for usually an additional assessment where they're going to do an overall evaluation of their physical health and then they start looking for the available bed space. And unfortunately, there is a finite number of bed space for individuals that need mental health

and treatment in the Commonwealth and many times that first available bed could be in Danville.

>> Oh no, yeah. Unfortunately, it's not in the beach. It's not even close enough in Chesapeake.

>> Uh and then we are driving sometimes 4 hours, sometimes up to 7 hours away to drop someone off and then travel back 7 hours. So it uh it it's a very complex, time-consuming process and I will tell you that uh you know, it really shocked me when I got to Virginia 5 and 1/2 years ago because the process uh in Ohio was very simple. I would take them in to psych emergency services.

There was no question about bed space.

There was no sitting with the individual. I signed a statement of belief. I turned them over. It was about a 45-minute process versus sometimes we're doing this for 48 hours.

>> And I've heard a lot from the officers who are who are tasked with those responsibilities about how um not only exhausting it is for them but the impact that it has on the agency more broadly and the coverage um within the city.

So, that's a very good um and welcome efficiency and development in my mind and continues with the prioritization of mental health that I think your agency is really been at the lead of.

>> Okay.

>> Two more questions.

>> Oh, yes, sir.

>> Oh, wait, sorry.

>> Councilman, I was just going to say thank you because I think, you know, when we talk about and I think it was Jade alluded to the stay interviews and that's something that uh you know, recently came up that we're talking about and um that is one of the top concerns that our officers complain about is the amount of time dedicated to these types of calls. So, you talk about a boost for

morale. If we can make this happen, I think that's what you're going to see.

>> I think so, too. And and I hear that as well from the officers.

Um I want to talk a little bit about community engagement. There was a slide that I think mentioned something there was some some funding made available.

As part of the recruit recruiting and staffing >> Yes, sir.

>> A lot of so, what what I one of the things that I've seen in the last I would say 5 years in particular um is an enhanced emphasis on community engagement from the police department.

>> Thank you.

>> And I wonder if you could and that goes to some of your liaison programs that you have your agency has established and maintained.

Um it goes to presence in the community and at events. It goes to um sometimes the vehicles, um just a variety of techniques to create relevancy and connection between the police officers and the communities they are tasked with serving.

And I think sometimes some people miss the point.

And I want to just take an opportunity in this setting if you could share for anyone who may be interested um why that community engagement is essential not only to public safety but generally but also to and how it relates to your recruiting and staffing efforts.

>> Absolutely, Councilman, thank you. And um tracking where you're going. So, it it's incredibly important for us because we are part of the community and we have to be seen as part of the community. We are not an outside force that just comes in and imposes our will and makes an arrest.

Uh we have to be seen as part of the solution and to do that we have to embrace all different segments of our community regardless. You know, we don't see uh one is more important or any less important to other than another. Uh so, it's very important that we can reach out and we identify with all the different uh individual groups within a community because we need their trust. And I think

that's one thing that makes Virginia Beach incredibly special. And when we talk about reduction in part one violent crime, yes, cops make a huge difference.

All this technology that I'm asking you for huge force multiplier. But the one thing that I see in the beach that we didn't have where I came from and I don't see it in other large cities is the trust of this community and that's how we close out some of these big cases because they trust that we are going to do the right thing and that they can come to us with

confidential information. And if we don't have the trust of the community, and how do we do that? We build it through community engagement every day.

>> Well, I I think you do, and and uh police department in particular is very skilled at this, and it's not only I think from where I'm sitting an operational necessity, but it's the right thing to do. The other aspect of it as we are um continuing to have conversations about building trust and respect between law enforcement professionals in the communities they serve

is that one of the best ways to do that if not the best way to do that is to ensure that the men and women of the department reflect the community they serve.

>> Absolutely.

>> And the and the in order to do that um so just as you said, the police department is the community.

And when that's reflected genuinely, and that's done through that type of engagement that I think the Richmond police department has really been a leader in um that not only uh do we end up with a community that's safer, but we end up with one where people are treated with the dignity they deserve. So, thank you for your efforts there. Finally, as we're contemplating recruitment and

staffing, the technological changes that you've anticipated the challenges in um retention I wonder if you could talk about how um the current training academy meets the um needs that exist presently and that you anticipate for the future.

>> Uh I would say right now that uh you know, we pride ourselves on our training.

Um but when we compare ourselves to other large departments and the facilities that they have, you know, we're woefully lacking.

You know, and let's face it, we are competing with every police department in this Commonwealth. And I think that is a critical point that you make, council member, that we are looking for every advantage. And when we don't have a 21st century training environment to use to attract new talent to this police department, there's a potential that they're going to go elsewhere. And I

think that's why LIDA is critically important that we can attract new officers to our great city and our great department and continue the world-class training that we provide now. And there are limitations on what we can do in a 60-year-old school building that we're currently in.

>> I think it's more than 60. I think it's 75 years old.

And that's just to say, I think he said 21st century police force is training in a mid-century of the last century elementary school building.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Thank you.

>> Michael, I don't know if you heard, somebody said we need a LIDA.

>> Thank you, Chief, for your presentation. I was with Regent University today, the police department there, and we were talking prevention about youth crime and in the area College Park. And so, we're always trying to be one step ahead. Our initiative is about youth and how we can plug them in. And so, I So, I wanted to as a way for my staff to get to know the

the the police department at Regent University. They were talking a lot about special conservator of the peace, which I I just learned about that, right? And should have been more adept, but but when they gave me the information, they were once classified like that before being a um >> full-fledged police department.

>> Yes. And so, that to me taught me they taught me the importance of it. They're not just security guards, and they're they fall under the uh Virginia Beach and their tactics, and how they uh perform operational situations. And so, that's very important because I was briefed on this today. So, I now have a knowledge a working knowledge of why this

these positions are very important, different from a security guard, that they may have certain protocols that are different. So, having a working knowledge now, I truly appreciate that this is here as a uh budget change, which is in College Park. I'm grateful that we are going to always stay one step ahead, and each council member is doing that for their district, but I'm just grateful

that you have it here in black and white. So, uh I'm on board.

>> Thank you, Councilman.

>> Mr. Mayor.

>> Thank you for a great presentation, and >> Thank you, Vice Mayor.

>> No question. All of the new technology that you have brought since you have been on truly made a difference. And when I I'm sure all of us when the we're reading not just our budget, but when we're reading the paper what the other cities' budgets are doing, we see that the other cities are copying what you have already put in place well

ahead. So, we're definitely before time, and thank you for for doing all that.

So, the things that you're asking for today, I I know it's at the expense of the vacancies, but uh that you're authorized to do that with the with the um budget passing. Is that correct?

>> Yes, ma'am.

>> So, that's in there. All right, that's good to know.

>> Yes, ma'am. It'll be the convert >> get lucky enough to have to fill those positions. I'm sure we'll do something to figure out a way to get there. So, >> I'm confident that you will. Yes, ma'am.

>> really concerned about that. Well, if if we can get those extra positions, we'll we'll do everything we can to get there.

Thank you for what you've done and for all the men and women that keep our city safe. We We're so proud of you and what you do for us every day and we we're very grateful. Thank you.

>> Thank you, Vice Mayor.

>> Yeah, thank you.

You know, I'm familiar.

>> Yes, I just wanted to echo one of the things uh Councilman Paluchy brought up about that community engagement because people are still asking. They do not know how you were able to round up all those ones in the last event that happened, you know, with the six >> Okay.

>> at the Oceanfront.

It was like, "How did he get to get all of these young people and in and so forth?" It's that trust.

>> Yes, ma'am.

>> felt. So, this is showing and definitely we know we need a leader.

Thank you for all you do.

>> Thank you for your support.

>> Okay, let me uh finish up here, Chief, and I guess it's time to jump back on my soapbox a little bit.

You know, localities can't do it by themselves. We need help from the state.

We need help from the federal government to not only empower but to recognize police and give you the tools they need what you got to do. You know, I understand that one of the reasons that uh you couldn't hire retired police officers, you know, to you know, help uh with transportation and you know, staying with people was VRS regula- regulations.

>> Correct, sir.

>> You know, that's something that, you know, I think that we could really, you know, you know, kind of look at. Uh today, I sent a couple news articles to you know, our city manager.

And uh the first one was out of Chicago.

Uh Teen stakes Chicago streets and mayor warns that this could be deadly.

So we have teen violence going on all over. And then in our friends up in Washington D.C. Fights arrests during teen teen spring jam.

So what we are in comp what we are encountering is happening in everywhere.

>> Yes.

>> And you know, it makes news when Virginia Beach happens because it doesn't happen all that often. But I think every municipality in the Commonwealth of Virginia is facing the same thing. You know, I think Patrick you told me something we had an okay weekend, but they had some incidents in Hampton.

Okay? But the thing is we need the tools to do what we need to do. And I think that is incredibly thing thing. You know, we had our pop-up a legis request and you know, it was you know, denied.

But we're going to work on that. And we're going to build bridges there.

But but once again, I think empowering and give you the tools you know, concerns over civil liberties are important, but by the same token we're talking about saving lives.

And you know, community order and getting rid of chaos and things of that nature.

And but once again, I think if we empower the police and you know, once again, I don't care if it's the state level or national level, when we had any discussions above us on taking away qualified immunity, I have a real problem with that.

You know, what individual would want to get a job with without the protections they need to do their job?

And you know, once again, I know it's a very emotional issue for me but us, but you know, the folks is we got you we got to work you know, with our folks in Richmond and Washington and I think every city has to do that. You know, we need the tools to give you they have to give you the tools to do your job. And you know, sometimes uh

you know, it's a tough order to do and there's going to be some scrutiny.

But really it comes down to one thing, what you do for a career and all the fine folks, you save lives, maintain order and make communities safe and I think that's the goal. And I can't think of a better city that's doing it right now than you folks. Thank you all very much.

>> Thank you, Mayor.

>> Okay.

Thank you.

Off my soapbox now.

Okay, any Council Liaison reports?

Anything? Barbara.

>> Uh yes.

I attended the uh the most recent uh committee meeting of the TAI TIA committee. They're a very vibrant committee and I got to tell you they they're some interested people there, but I particularly went because I wanted to hear if there was a a I thought we were in the midst of a study, an update of the ITA uh plan area. I think this is the third budget I've been asking about that. Uh

and I'm not sure I think there is a study going on and I I want to know what the scope of it is and what the timeline is because we need to if if there's some recommendations that we need to get in the budget and like I say, this is my third year of asking uh what we can do to to get this area uh up to speed on what we have been planning

for decades. So, I would really be interested in knowing is there a study?

If there is, where is it in the in the timeline and when will we get something that we can do some work on and I hope that it could be in time to do something from this budget if we if there's some recommendations.

>> Alfred.

>> So, Miss Miss Sally, we'll send a update with the timeline and the information again, but I take committee as one of the groups that will get briefed as part of what we'll be recommending to the planning commission and the city council.

>> Well, maybe we need to have a talk.

>> Okay.

Hey, anybody liaison? Okay, any other council comments? So, Amelia and Rosemary.

>> I was just jotting down that last week we had at the town center part of that three students, brilliant students. We got a few of us were there for the scholarship through the CBDA.

So, it was well attended and those two really spoke well. And then they also surprised us having the young lady, you remember?

Corey, I'm trying to think of her name, but she was the guest speaker.

She did an amazing job. Um, I attended on Saturday the bunny event at town center.

I got to take a picture with the bunny.

We had lots of young people, lots of children. It was from 10 and under that were out there, very orderly and it worked well.

And um, there is one other thing.

Nope, I didn't write that down. So, at least those two.

Yes, there is one.

At the minority business council they're doing their contractors uh conference on Thursday from 1:00 to 5:00 at the Hive.

So, if anyone would like to come out or see what we do, there are two of us that are liaisons. I am and uh, councilwoman Rouse.

>> Okay, thank you. Anybody else?

Okay, we're just going to go Hutch, Michael and Rouse.

>> Hey, so Cash and I both are on the COG grant review board and committee and we missed each other. I was out of town and then Cash was out on the second day.

So I'm going to basically report on the second day.

>> Okay.

>> But um one of the things that we had asked for them to do was look at the regional grants and I think they did a fantastic job. Let me just back up a second. I just would like to recognize Lori's on team as the chair. She does a phenomenal job and the everybody on the team was very committed. I could tell from being there that they they put a lot of thought and

having having Joseph and Katie as as the two city from the from the budget office.

Um one of y'all might want to head down here when I get started. So I'm going to ask a couple questions or say something.

So just a fantastic job in running it and and going through all that they did. So the COG met for the for the second round and it was 23 interviews. The ask was over This is the part where I want to make sure I'm saying accurately. The one point I think it was $1.2 million was was the ask for the second round.

You just give a ballpark, Joseph. This Nobody's going to hold you accountable.

He's not going to do that.

>> He likes it to be exact.

>> While he's looking we See see he's on it. We came up Yeah.

We came up with about $358,000 give or take a little bit as to what we're asking. I can't say who and how it's being split up just yet.

Go ahead, Joseph. Did you find it?

>> Okay. Yeah, so um in the second round yeah, it was about

I have so many things.

Sorry.

>> thought process.

>> It was.

Um okay, so the second round we had actually 1.6 million in just eligible um application requests.

>> Okay. So, thank you.

I said 1.2. I think that's right.

Um They asked was for 1.6. So, we came up with a lot of discussion, um a lot of well-thought-out issues, and we reviewed the regional grants as you as we already said, and they advised some to move to COG, and then they also had some that they wanted to move from COG to regional. Correct, Katie?

>> Yes, that's correct.

>> Okay. Um There was about a $19,000 after they went all the way through it uh to to give out the money, there was about a $19,000 uh delta where there was a little bit more that we felt very strongly that was needed. Um in talking in talking with Katie and Joseph, they they informed me that as long as we're okay with it, that's within the signature of the

manager or the budget director or Kevin.

Um I'd like for everybody to agree that we can go up cuz it was a like I said, 1.6 million ask, and we came out with 358,000 with a lot of heartfelt discussion to go up just a little bit on their signature to be able to do that.

>> That's on the COG, not the regional.

>> COG.

>> That's on the COG, yeah.

>> Yeah.

>> So, Mr. Hutchinson, you're basically and um Katie, um director, deputy director James clarified for me. So, basically they awarded a certain amount, and then there's a delta between kind of what they would like to be of 18 to 16,000, and the goal would be if we can get to that number.

>> Yes, that's correct. They had about 300 and 50 left to award, 339 left to award, and after went through that 1.6 million, they just wanted about another $18,000 to award all of the grants that they wanted to award.

>> So, that's basically they're they're trying to get to from like 339 about 360.

>> Correct.

>> Okay. So, Mr. Mayor, members of Council, that's I think Mr. Hutchinson is asking and I think Mr. Jackson Green is the COG um representative as well is asking is Council mind if we were to give them another 18 million dollars so that they can award >> the remaining funds.

>> 18,000.

>> 18,000.

>> 18,000.

>> 18,000.

>> That could be something we take up in reconciliation or >> Yeah, they have a They were telling me that it's under their signature that it's not it's such a low amount that that is something that could just be moved.

>> And it's the current year, not FY 27.

>> You really do it in reconciliation because it's the current year.

>> Right.

Yeah. So, is Council mind if I if we do were to do a budget transfer and it'll come it'll be communicated as we typically do.

>> You can do a transfer so we don't have to take it >> I think that would be the best way.

>> Thank you. Sorry for the discombobulated part there. I appreciate it.

>> Yeah.

>> If I could just point out that COG is an important tool that we have. We have so many organizations in this city that, you know, help faith-based and just help organizations that really go out deep into the community and supply a lot of community needs.

>> It's just unbelievable, right?

>> It's really unbelievable.

>> It's a lot of good people doing a lot of good work.

>> And the group the COG group has a very difficult job >> Yeah.

>> trying to trying to parcel out the money. That's why when they got to that amount, I just felt like we would be in support of it. So, >> Now, that that's good.

>> Thank you very much.

>> and thank you for helping do what you do.

>> Thank you.

>> Yes. Thank you, Mayor. I have I have two things as I guess Council comments and liaison reports.

Um the first is that last Wednesday Dr. Ross Hammond and I visited the 531 Memorial that's currently under construction.

And of course that is scheduled to be unveiled um on May 31st.

They do have some work to do over there.

Um but it was really incredible.

It was an amazing experience with um the members of the committee who involved people who responded to that tragedy to be individuals who lost loved ones city employees citizens who were impacted and just once again want to emphasize how much of um privilege it has been to work with the members of that committee coordinated by Emily Labows in our cultural affairs department.

And and I'm I'm sure especially now I was sure anyway but especially now having visited the site um the city created a memorial to the individuals who were impacted and whose lives were lost that is worthy of their loss and is worthy of the experience that occurred on May 31st and and that individuals have continued to confront since then.

It was the worst tragedy in our city's history.

Um and I hesitate to say that anyone would be Well, let me try to rephrase this.

It's solemn, it's serious, it's meaningful, it's thoughtful and I hope that all I know everyone will be there on May 31st who's able and um and I welcome the community to that site. It's going to be incredible.

So, thank you for everything that you did uh Patrick and um and thanks to Emily Labows and all the citizens who worked very hard um to make that a very special place, which it will be. Have you been there?

>> I >> Yeah.

Did I say anything that you disagree with?

>> No, I fully agree with what you said.

>> Um And then the next day or on on um yeah, the next day on Thursday um we had a District 3 Community Summit, which was a little different than a traditional town hall. It was something of a mini retreat for District 3 residents um and business owners and was facilitated by um professional city staff, many of whom have other responsibilities, very serious responsibilities in other areas.

Um I'm so excited to get the report. I know they're working on that now.

But um it was a chance for citizens to directly shape the priorities for our district and also inform um how I represent their priorities sitting around this table and in our chambers.

And uh they did a really, really great job and I I really want to thank them.

Monica Croskey, Nancy Bloom each and every one of the city staff who were who were there um and all those who participated. It was really good and and I I thank all involved.

>> Thank you, Michael.

Anybody else?

>> Uh first mayor.

>> Just wanted I can't It goes without saying that the the voucher parking program is up and running. So, I think you go to the virginia beach.gov page and you can find the link to get to it. So, those of you that would like the $50 with the free parking can go start go sign up.

>> Okay, uh just a final thing. I want to thank the folks in economic development.

We hosted a defense contractors forum at the Vibe. It was a incredibly well attended. Let me tell you what a remarkable job we're doing getting, you know, really key defense contractors, which is very important to our nation right here in Virginia.

Could I have CACI, Patrick?

>> Okay, let's do the uh consent agenda.

>> Okay, so the only speakers that we have uh but Auden's is is for number two.

Um is there anything else that anybody wants to be pulled or commented on?

>> On number 26.

>> Number 26.

>> Number 26.

>> Um >> Well, there's been recent concern about the price of uh what we're spending to acquire this property.

And you know, it seems excessive and on the face of it, you know, I would tend to agree. It's a lot of money for what we're spending to acquire this property, but you know, um what we need to also think about is how valuable this land is not just in monetary value, but as it relates to what the city's been trying to create in this area for quite some time.

Uh a nature preserve.

And we In this In this area, we have the Brock Environmental Center, we have the Environmental Study Program, we have Pleasure House Point, where we're doing the wetlands mitigation there, surrounded by 110 acres of parkland.

And this property is sitting in a strategic spot that would just uh denigrate everything that we're trying to create there.

So, when you look at the city assessment of $152,000, I'm thinking, "Why are we paying 2.6 for this?" It's It's just not applicable. This is a piece of property that is in a strategic spot.

The owner of this property by right can develop this.

We would have housing in the middle of this park, this nature preserve, that is just a valuable, valuable asset to the city.

It's just one of the will be already is, but it's going to be an incredible preserve of wetlands, park area. People are already using this area as a park. They consider it their own.

Um You know, a price that you pay is not dependent upon what a third party values it at all the time.

A price is when you have a willing seller and a desperate buyer.

And if we don't buy this piece of property, it's going to be an eyesore, a thorn in what we've tried to create out there for forever.

The the seller uh has done the math. They've said, "This is what we could make by developing this property, and we're willing to sell it for what we could make on the development." And we're stuck.

Maybe we should have bought this property 10, 15, 20 years ago.

Uh but we didn't. It's available now.

It's at a high price.

But I think it's it's a good investment.

Uh I just received an email from a constituent Well, it's not even a constituent. He lives in Norfolk, but he said he came up with some really great points that I had uh been struggling with the ways to articulate Uh gentleman by the name of Ian Blair from Wetlands Watch.

And he emailed and said given the rising sea level concerns that we have that this investment is forward planning, builds long-term resilience, maintains critical coastal habitat and protecting them now is an investment in the functioning of our coastal ecosystems for decades to come.

So to look at this transaction and just say that the city is way overpaying for a piece of property and um you know, what what value does it you know, is it it's it that valuable to us?

I believe it is. I believe that we're going to look back on this investment years from now and we're going to have one of the great nature preserves on the East Coast if not in the entire nation and people will be enjoying this park, our kids, our grandkids will be uh using this piece of property.

In in in in in eternity. So, I I do think it's a lot of money to pay. I do think it's a hefty price. I don't think that you know, equating the the price that we're paying to an assessment or to somebody's you know, outside person's opinion is relevant. I think that if we don't do it that the downside would be would be tough. Would be people would be

coming out of the woodwork saying, "Why didn't you buy it when you had the opportunity?" >> Worth it.

>> And I just want to add on I can't I agree a thousand percent with Councilman Cummings on this topic and I want to just say congratulations and thanks to the Open Space Committee and Councilman Shulman, I guess you as well, Councilman Cummings on putting us where we are. This is a very valuable piece of property to us.

Uh that we do need to add to the Brock Center and there's a playground to the north of it. It's just the whole it would just be really bad if we lost control of it. So, uh I look forward to voting yes for this.

>> Okay, we're we're going to be calling it. Okay.

>> Um yes, and we also want to make sure that we're getting some very hefty grants to help with the offset of the cost.

>> 500 grants.

>> Yes, which wouldn't happen if it wasn't well observed.

Um anything else?

>> That's it.

>> And I just want to add that Councilman Showman that Yogan's job >> Yeah.

>> He sure did.

>> And he'll be here.

>> I don't know if he'll be here at 6:00, but he has done an amazing job and worked really long and hard and he deserves a lot of credit for this. Bye.

>> Okay, good. Is that it?

>> That's it.

>> Okay, moving along. The chair will entertain a motion to recess into a closed session pursuant to the exemptions from open meetings allowed by section 2.2-37-11-A Code of Virginia, as amended, for the following purposes: Legal matters.

Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by the public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice counsel pursuant to action 2.2-37-11-A-8, and that is TC Hotel LLC Hampton Inn and development agreement.

Public contract.

Discussions of an award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds and discussion of the terms or scope of such contract where discussions in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining positions or negotiating strategy of the public body pursuant to section 2.2-37-11-A-29.

Town Center parking and then personnel matters.

Discussions considerations interviews prospective candidates for employment, assignment, appointment, uh promotion, performance demotion salaries disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body pursuant to section 2.2-3711.A.1.

And that's council appointments for boards commissions committees authorities, agencies, and appointees.

Do I have a motion?

>> Second.

Council member Clarice >> Aye.

>> Council member Wilson >> Aye.

>> Aye.

>> Aye.

>> Aye.

>> Aye.

>> Aye.

>> Aye.

>> Aye.

>> Aye.

Okay, we are recessed into closed session. Thank you.

They're called to order. If we could all, if you are willing to stand for the invocation.

Heavenly Father, creator of everything good, thank you for this opportunity to be with you.

Please give this council the courage, the commitment, and the integrity to do the city's work in the most noble way.

And may we also pray for all those of our military, especially from this region, who are in harm's way.

Empower them to do well, and have and may we may bless the city of Virginia Beach and this great nation. For this we pray. Thank you.

And if we may have a moment of silence for all those who have paid the ultimate price to defend our nation and our city.

>> Thank you. And the pledge.

>> 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.

>> Thank you all. Madam Clerk, may we have a roll call?

>> Yes, your honor. All present excluding Council Member Henly who is absent and Council Member Schulman who is just running a few minutes late.

>> Okay. Can I have a motion for the certification of the closed session?

>> So moved.

>> Second.

>> Okay. Vote's open.

>> One second.

The vote is open.

By vote of 9 to 0, you certified the closed session to be in accordance with the motion to recess.

>> Okay. Can I have an approval for approval of the minutes for the informal and formal sessions of March 17th, 2026, the formal session of March 24th, 2026, and the special formal session of March 24th 2026.

>> Move for approval.

>> Second.

>> Okay.

>> The vote is open.

By vote of 9 to 0, we approve the minutes as submitted.

>> Okay. One of the special things we do here at City Council during our meetings is to honor people who deserve honor.

And at this point, we're going to call up a dear friend who has served our military and the city of Virginia Beach so well. And Captain David L. Gray, United States Navy, will you please come forward?

Right behind the podium. you're going to be speaking shortly.

Put you on the spot. Welcome to the club.

Okay.

Resolution, whereas Captain David L. Gray is a native of Massachusetts and enlisted in the United States Navy as an engineman in August of 1990 with his first assignment being on board the USS Gunston Hall LSD 44. And then in 1996 was selected for Seaman to Admiral Program, commissioned on June 7th, 1996.

And whereas following his commission, Captain Gray attended Surface Warfare Division Officer School in Newport, Rhode Island. And whereas Captain Gray earned a bachelor's degree in science and psychology from Old Dominion University and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategy from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. And whereas the sea duty assignments included serving as

communications officers against the USS Stout DDG 55, weapons officer on the USS Typhoon PC 5, first lieutenant on board the USS Ponce LP 15, and USS Nassau as executive officer on the USS Ashland LSD 48.

And whereas Captain Gray transferred USS Ashland from extended docking phase maintenance availability through the Board of Inspection and Survey, making her ready for the whole swap swap to to Japan during his XO tour when he was selected for commander and completed a command tour aboard the USS Whitney Island and commanded the new expeditionary sea base class warship USS Hershel "Woody" Williams.

And whereas his shore duty assignments include serving as the Deputy N7 Surface Warfare Directorate N31 for Maritime Operations, Chief Staff Officer of Float for Training Group Atlantic N1 and Comps Com Nav Surf Lant. I got that pretty good yeah.

Uh Staff uh South of Joint uh Staff Hampton Roads and GMF as the JWG Waterside Lead, Rotation Branch Chief and Joint Force Expedi- uh Coordinator Division Chief, Commanding Officer of the Navy Expeditionary Warfare Development Center in Virginia Beach. And whereas Captain Gray's last assignment as Commanding Officer of the Joint Expeditionary Base at Little Creek Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Whereas Captain Gray's awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards.

And will always be known to exemplify the finest traditions of the United States Navy as an officer, a gentleman, a gallant warfighter, passionate motorcycle rider, caretaker of the military members, and a friend.

Now, therefore, be resolved that the City of Virginia Beach Council pauses in its deliberations to recognize Captain David L. Gray to thank him for his meritorious service to the Navy, our country, and our city.

Now, would be further resolved that all citizens recognize Captain Gray's exemplary military service on this day is commemorated as Captain David L. Gray Day. Given by the City Council of Virginia Beach the 7th day of April 2026 and present the resolution duly signed by each member of the Virginia Beach City Council.

Now, right there.

That's a lot of good stuff.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

TEST ONE.

UM I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU very much.

This is a This is a very prestigious honor. Uh I really was not expecting this. Uh I don't you know, you mentioned so much stuff in my bio, sir.

Uh that's that's what 36 years will get you is a long lengthy bio.

Um and a lot of a lot of stuff. All I want to say is uh is thank you so much for your guys' support uh during my tenure as CEO of Little Creek Base for the story.

Uh and I want to thank everybody uh in the audience for uh being great citizens. Uh for the young'uns out there, um when I started in the in the Navy, I didn't have any any guidance.

The military helped me find myself, helped me find discipline, and helped me to make the good citizen that I am today. So, my advice is to you is to do a little time in the military and get yourself find find your find your niche and and go from there. So, and then come back, be great citizens in the great city of Virginia Beach. So, thank you so much, everybody. I appreciate this award. I am very honored

and humbled. And I am really glad my wife's not here to hear it's David Gray Day cuz she says his head is fat enough as it is.

>> Thank you so much, Mr. Mayor.

>> Let me say this here, Dave. You know, um everything is about relationships. And what makes Virginia Beach such a great city is the fact that we have such a proud and stout military presence. We have a significant amount of military history.

You know, we are Virginia Beach is a city of heroes.

And they live among us. They are the spouses, they are the the warriors that are here.

And we can't thank you enough for everything you've done. And I'm I'm gratified for the fact that you're staying in the area and the relationships will continue. But, you know, between you know, we're really proud of the fact that over the years that we've had a seamless continuum of excellence in leadership at Little Creek, Oceana,

Dam Neck. We are so proud of our naval tradition right here in Virginia Beach.

You helped define and make Virginia Beach the great city that it is. Thank you and God bless you.

See around.

>> Okay, Cash Green, you are on deck.

>> All right. Um are am I going to have the Mustangs line up as I read the resolution or read it first and have them line up?

Will the Virginia Mustangs come forward behind the podium? I'm going to be speaking to you.

Oh, is that Bruce Pearl? That is Bruce.

>> My goodness, that's after gallery.

>> That's coach Pearl.

He watched that he played on this team.

Scooch in, scooch in, scooch in.

Very good. Very good.

All right.

Whereas the Virginia Beach Mustangs Youth Football Organization is a program that has become a cornerstone of youth development in Virginia Beach and whereas the Virginia Beach Mustangs started in Pop Warner in 2001 winning the national championship in its first year. Wow. And become part of the youth United Youth Football League U YFL in 2021. Over the past 25 years, the Mustangs have won 10

national championships and they have become the standard of youth football in Virginia.

The organization now serves over 1,000 children each year with a variety of training, conditioning, and game seasons.

The mission of the Mustangs has always been to provide structured, disciplined, and positive mentorship while keeping our youth active, engaged, and on the right path. And whereas the Mustangs organization was founded by Sydney Pops Pearl and his son Bruce Pearl. Sydney started his coaching with the Woodstock Mustangs in 1965.

Pops passed away in November 2021. His legacy continues with Pops being printed on all jerseys and a prestigious award and named after him being given to one special player of each team at the annual banquet. And whereas former Mustang players include gold medal winners at the Olympics in the track Grant Holloway Quincy Wilson NCAA national champion winner in wrestling Bubba Jenkins and former NFL player Scotty McGee

Mr. Boyd, Percy Harvins Eli Harold and Matt Derby just to name a few. And whereas in December 2025 the Mustangs sent three teams to Plant City, Florida to compete in the national championship game.

The 10U and the 12U teams won the championships with the 12U becoming back-to-back champions.

All fought with heart discipline, and unity. And whereas the teams were led by an exceptional coaching staff who exemplified leadership both on the field and off the field.

10U head coach Curtis Stewart, 10U coach Justin Whitney, 10U coach Greg Williams Sr., 10U coach Tavon Gatlin, 12U coach Bruce Pearl, 10U coach Tyrone Franklin, 12U coach Keith Pearl, 12U coach Dave Stewart, 12U coach DJ Deshmukh, 12U coach Josh Henderson, 12U coach Brent Lee Zachary. I'm almost done. You guys are doing great. Okay.

Whereas, beyond the wins and statistics, the Mustangs represent hope, resilience, and opportunity.

Many of the athletes face challenges, life circumstances, and this program provides them with mentorship, structure, and a positive outlet that reinforces the belief that there is more to life than the sex success is achieved through hard work and dedication. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the city council, both individually and collectively, extend their heartfelt congratulations

and commendations to the Virginia Beach Mustangs for their outstanding dedication and sportsmanship and success both on and off the field.

Go Mustangs!

ONE MORE.

GIVEN by the council on the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia, the 7th day of April 2026 and present and present this resolution duly signed by each member of the Virginia Beach City Council.

Now we're going to come and join you for picture.

Are you guys coming?

>> I'll sit in the front.

>> We'll stand behind you. We'll stand behind you.

>> Okay.

Yeah.

You're in the front.

Just on the side. We're swinging towards the other

>> All right, everybody keep looking right here. I'm going to take about 5,000 photos.

So, no blinking is allowed.

Thank you very much. Congratulations.

>> First of all, on behalf of the Virginia Beach Mustangs, I don't know why Bruce put me on the the microphone, but we want to say thank you to the kids and players, all the coaches. Outstanding job this year. We want to keep moving forward and keep continuing doing what we do.

And once again, City Council, we really appreciate this. Thank you.

>> Thanks a bunch. Well deserved.

We're looking at the future, folks.

>> Yeah.

Oh yeah.

We'll see you later.

>> Okay, folks. We're going to move forward.

First thing I'm going to do is have a public hearing on the lease of the property, approximately 7 acres at 928 South Birdneck Road to Virginia Pickleball Classic.

>> And we have one speaker, Jim Aldrich.

>> Okay, not going to speak? Okay, we're good.

>> He's not speaking, okay. Then there's no speakers.

>> Okay, now we're going to go to the cafe franchise agreements. I will read all of them.

Um first is Sida Incorporated raised sidewalk cafe. Next is Calabrese Management Group RA raised sidewalk cafe.

And next is Moller Liquid Assets 2 LLC raised sidewalk cafe.

D Corey LLC raised sidewalk cafe.

E Ignat Mint Melt Inc. sidewalk cafe.

Next is Planet Pizza sidewalk cafe.

Next is Curly LLC sidewalk cafe.

H Next is Ansy Incorporated sidewalk cafe.

Next is K&M Inc. sidewalk cafe.

Next is Happy Meals LLC sidewalk cafe.

Next is Virginia Beach Raw Bar sidewalk cafe. Next is EEE LLC sidewalk cafe.

And then Thirsty 24 LLC sidewalk cafe.

We're getting there.

Next is Virginia George Company sidewalk cafe.

Next is Grill Virginia LLC, sidewalk cafe. Next is Me Vida Virginia Beach LLC, sidewalk cafe.

Next is Las Pal- Palmas Boardwalk Corp- Corporation, sidewalk boardwalk cafe.

Next is Beachside LC, boardwalk cafe.

Next is 3001 Atlantic LLC, boardwalk cafe. Next is 3315 Atlantic LLC, great boardwalk cafe. And finally, Harrison Virginia Beach North SPE LLC, boardwalk cafe. That concludes it. Any speakers?

>> No speakers?

>> No speakers.

>> Okay, at this point I'm going to go ahead and read the speakers policy and then we'll do the consent agenda.

>> Sorry, Mayor, we have two more public hearings.

>> Pardon?

>> You have two more public hearings.

>> Oh, two more public hearings. Oh my goodness okay.

Sorry about that.

Um the acquisition by agreement or condemnation of Rosemont Road and South Plaza Trail intersection improvement project CIP 1004-23022.

>> No speakers, sir.

>> All right, and the last one, acquisition by agreement or condemnation, Lake View Drive channel improvements project CIP 1004-05 and 100662.

>> There are no speakers, sir.

>> Okay, at this point I'll read the speakers script and then we'll do the consent agenda. I want to remind everyone that the City Council speaker policy that allows certain representatives of groups to speak for 10 minutes applies only to planning items. All other speakers, while speaking individually or on behalf of a group, will have up to 3 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 you're being considered by the council at the time you are called.

For items placed on the consent agenda, a speaker will have up to 3 minutes to address any single item. If a speaker wishes to address multiple consent items, speaker will have a cumulative total of 6 minutes to address those items. Again, the speaker must limit his or her comments to the subject matter of the items they have signed up to address.

And finally, I call upon all speakers and all persons in the chamber to be civil in their discussions and decorum.

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 all of us to strive for civility and respect. Okay, at this point, do we have the consent agenda?

>> Yes, uh Mr. Mayor.

Uh under ordinances, number one is the ordinance to authorize the city manager to execute a lease agreement with Virginia Pickleball Classic LLC for city-owned property at 928 South Burdneck Road right pickleball facility.

Number three is the ordinance to donate to the Powhatan County Sheriff's Department Virginia right 75 Taser times two handles and accessories.

Number four is the ordinance to accept and appropriate $215,231.70 from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to the FY 2025-26 Human Services operating budget rate Step Virginia service enhancements.

Number five is the ordinance to accept and appropriate $23,055.20 from the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services to the FY 25-26 Department of Emergency Medical Services operating budget rate training programs and courses. Number six is the ordinance to accept and appropriate $5,000 from the Virginia State Police HEAT Program FY 2025-26 Police Department operating budget to re- Ray reducing a motor

vehicle theft and related crimes.

And last but not least, seven ordinances to transfer 3.2 million within the FY 2025-26 Department of Public Works operating budget rate capital outlays.

Move for approval.

>> Do I have a second?

>> Second.

>> Any discussion?

Let's vote on it.

>> The vote is open.

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

>> Okay, uh we do have one item to discuss and that is uh K2 ordinance to authorize the acquisition of five lots totaling approximately 0.57 acres adjacent to Crab Tree Creek and near Pleasure House Point Natural Area from River Walk River Walk LLC.

Authorize the city manager to execute two grant agreements and accept and appropriate grant funds in the uh amount of $300,000 uh dollars to CIP 100641 open space acquisition of uh four Ray property preservation.

>> The first speaker is Kristi Everitt.

After Ms. Everitt, will be Diana Howard.

>> Good evening.

>> Evening.

>> Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of Council. My name is Kristi Everitt. I serve as the Hampton Roads director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Appreciate the opportunity to speak tonight in strong support of council's action regarding conservation of the Crab Creek lots at Pleasure House Point.

This vote is critically important to protecting the integrity of one of Virginia Beach's most valued and recreational spaces. While the parcel may appear small on its own, there are still other there are still other parcels that remain unprotected. The protection of this parcel plays an outsized role in preserving the character of the broader Pleasure House Point site and preventing further

development along the waterfront.

This action by council is especially welcome because without it, this area could have been developed up to 10 duplexes or as many five as five single-family homes, likely with site design six duplexes or three single-family homes. Instead of development, council's choosing conservation, public access, and long-term community benefit.

This land is a study area for the adjacent City of Virginia Beach Environmental Studies Program, which hosts students from high schools all over Virginia Beach. Some of the students are taking time from their spring break to be here tonight.

Students Talis, Anna, and Nate. Not sure if they want to stand or be recognized.

There's Anna.

Um thank you for coming.

As City of Virginia Beach Open Space Advisory Committee recognized, it is space that supports outdoor recreation, hands-on education, and a deeper connection to Virginia Beach waterways for residents and visitors alike.

CBF and many others have been asking for protection for this for years. The council's action represents a missing piece of the puzzle to get this portion preserved, completing efforts to secure and preserve the portion of the broader Pleasure House Point site for future generations.

While preserving land can have a high opportunity cost, report after report demonstrates it's highly valued by communities, and the value that this site plays in flood protection alone is a wise investment for City of Virginia Beach. Council's decision also leverages grant funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia through both the Virginia Outdoors Foundation and the Virginia

Land Conservation Foundation grant sources. The modest in size, this parcel is central in maintaining the park's continuity, ecological value, and public access.

On behalf of Chesapeake Bay Foundation and our partners, I thank you for your leadership in recognizing the long-term value of protecting this special place for current and future Virginia Beach residents. And if you allow me one more minute, I have comment from Wetlands Watch who could not be here today.

>> Okay, you have to do it in your time limit.

>> Yes, it was still within my time limit.

Yes. Um Wetlands Watch supports this proposed acquisition. Virginia Beach is no stranger to the cost of rising seas and increased flooding. Preserving these five lots near Pleasure House Point Natural Area is exactly the kind of proactive, forward-looking planning that builds long-term resilience. Once land is developed, the natural co-benefits disappear and risk increases.

Opportunities like this don't come back.

These parcels matter for several reasons. They protect critical coastal habitat and help maintain water quality in the Lynnhaven River. They expand public access to natural spaces part of the city that is already under significant development pressure. And perhaps most importantly for the long-term, they give coastal wetlands somewhere to go.

>> Thank you very much.

>> Thank you so much for your time.

>> Appreciated. Thank you for coming.

>> is Diana Howard. After Ms. Howard is Karen Berje.

>> Hey Diana, how you doing?

>> I'm good. How are you doing?

>> Good.

>> Good.

I had to come down here to ask one question. How in the world would you come up with $2.5 million for half acre of property? Where did that come from? Right? Is that a good use of our money?

I mean How much money do we have in open space?

I'm sorry Ms. Henley isn't here cuz it would I would ask her what she was thinking of this. Because if that's the assessed value of a half acre of property in Virginia Beach, I can't imagine what it's going to look like for people that have a house on a half acre when they get their assessment and the increase in their property taxes this

year. And so I hope you're working on reducing the real estate rates because that $80 is not going to touch it.

>> Thank you.

>> The next speaker is Karen Forge and then we have one WebEx speaker.

>> Hello.

>> Good evening Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council members. I'm Karen Forge and I'm the director of LR Now in Virginia Beach and I'm here to speak in support of the acquisition of the open space adjacent to Crab Creek and close to the Pleasure House Point Natural Area. First this area is already important and actively used by the public, by hikers, by bird

watchers and especially by fishermen and fisherwomen.

Secondly, it is also very important habitat. Maintaining the shoreline in a natural condition supports both wildlife and good water quality.

Third, Crab Creek drains directly into the Lynnhaven River and the Chesapeake Bay and and helps the adjacent helps support the adjacent wetlands and vital oyster reefs that that contribute to a healthy Lynnhaven River.

Lastly, it is a very good use of our open space funds.

Access to natural areas is important to the well-being and the health of our citizens and this open space happens to be in one of the most densely populated parts of our city and has been carefully vetted by the open space committee.

On behalf of the wildlife, the birds, the oysters, the wetlands and the humans, I support this acquisition of open space. Thank you for your time.

>> Thank you for coming, Karen.

>> Mayor, we have one WebEx speaker, Rona Marsh.

You are unmuted and may begin.

>> Good evening, Mayor and council members.

Um I learned about this $2.6 million open space acquisition yesterday, and I have to say I'm really taken aback that land that the assessor had assessed all five lots in total at $152,000.

So, it was greatly under-assessed, and we've been missing tax collections. Um what I'm not understanding is why it's now $2.6 million.

And it does seem that if Councilman Schulman, who received a donation from I believe the developer in the amount of $1,000, was he really the best person to negotiate this? Council should be recusing themselves from voting for ordinances involving donors who they've contributed to in their campaigns.

So, we should avoid conflicts of interest and maintain impartiality.

And this is this is crucial for ensuring public trust, but we have uh Vice Mayor Wilson got $7,500 from this developer.

Mayor Dyer, it appears you got $3,000.

Uh Ross Hammond got $1,500.

Uh Cash, Jackson Green got $1,000, and Schulman got $1,000. So, what we're looking at are people who are going to vote on this to give a developer $2.6 million consideration, and five of them should be recusing themselves because we don't have impartiality.

And as a citizen who is hearing that we don't have money, that we're short money, we need 86 more police officers, there's so many things we need, is this really the best use of our tax dollars at this particular moment in time for a developer who's given hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign donations. I'm just very questioning about the common sense and is this wise

with our tax dollars? And it doesn't seem like there's much concern for anyone except developers in the city.

Thank you for listening.

>> Thank you.

>> Mayor, that's all the speakers, sir.

>> Okay, Mr. Schulman, you have been a stalwart in pushing this for all the right reasons. Can you kindly explain?

>> Yes, sir. Would you mind if I made a motion to approve it and get a second and then I'll talk about it?

>> Let's go ahead and do that first.

>> I will go ahead and make a motion to approve this item.

>> Grab a second.

>> Second.

>> Okay.

>> Um and thank you, Mayor.

And I also want to just say um in a testament to how complicated each and every one of our lives are up here and everybody else out there, um I drove 14 hours to be here, which is why I'm sorry I wasn't able to be here with all of you earlier today, but um and I really felt like I was kind of third sliding into third base. Um but I drove 14 hours to say thank you.

Um because um number one, I want to say thank you to y'all because y'all you are supportive of this and and this is something that each and every one of you know that we've been working towards for the last 3 years and we've not been alone. We've been with it through um community members who have come and spoke. Um I want to say thank you to the students

who come here on spring break cuz that's um why I slid into third base is cuz my kids were we were in Orlando um and we missed some flights, but um thank you to the people who wrote grants um to uh you know, obtain money for this property because um Ocean Park and the Bayfront in general and the northern part of our city um you know, we have challenges there uh

with respect to trying to balance uh growth responsibly, respect neighborhoods and our environment at the same time.

Um you know, this is um this is open space money well spent because this is um in an effort to conserve property that is and was under threat of development. Um you know, there are there are people who supported those grant applications and it was also supported by our open space advisory committee um that vetted this property along with um others that are priority conservation candidates.

Um as much as we would love to conserve every property that we can that is under the threat of development, we have limited resources. So, I think um and I'm I'm sad Miss Howard left and I I I really enjoyed talking with with Miss Howard. She's a very nice lady and um if she were still here, I'd tell her we have about $16 million in our open space fund.

Um and and I believe and and I hope we believe that this is a responsible use of that money because I would never come and ask for public dollars absent some effort or attempt to get third-party money, which we thankfully did in the form of grant money um with the with with the community vetting that we did with open space advisory committee.

Um and then with the community support that we've gotten, thank you Christie for coming and thank you Karen for coming um from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Lynnhaven River Now and and to our students, um this property, saving it, um will preserve the view shed between the Environmental Studies Program and the Lynnhaven River um and the Lesner Bridge. Um this property is property that most people

think is public already and um this property will help protect the investments that we've made behind it, including in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation property, Pleasure House Point, and the Environmental Studies Program. So, um I I just I want to I'm here to say thank you and I'm here to make a motion to approve this and I hope I have everybody's support.

>> Okay, anybody else?

Okay, let's open a vote.

>> The vote is open.

Councilwoman Rouse, say may I help you?

Thank you. By vote of 10 to 0, you've approved the ordinance.

>> Okay, thank you.

No appointments?

Okay, no appointments. Okay, at this point, uh let's go ahead and recess into open mic. And I want to thank you all in the gallery for coming out tonight.