City Council Meeting, 6/2/2026

Well, we are going to call this meeting together and Mr. Dohaney if we can get started.

>> All right. So, Mr. Mayor, members of council, the first presentation will be kicked off by Brent McKenzie. He'll introduce the members of our federal lobbyist team. So, go ahead, Brent. The floor is yours.

>> Thank you, Mr. Manager. Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor, Madame Vice Mayor, and members of council. It's a pleasure to be with you this afternoon. Uh today we are joined by our federal government relations team from Becker and Polyoff.

Uh we are joined by Anthony Bedell, senior corporate and government relations director, Alfonso Lopez, senior corporate and government relations consultant, and Perry Adair, government relations consultant. They will provide a short uh update on our federal government relations program, provide a overview of federal funds received over the last year, and an outlook uh for fiscal year 27.

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Alonso Lopez. Um just wanted to uh do a quick background about uh each of us at the firm and then also uh talk about some details and be open to any questions you might have. So, um, just by way of background, we are a national law and lobbying firm. Been around for 50 years, uh, 15 years in DC. We're recently named one of the top 100

lobbying firms in the country. Uh, number 77 to be exact. Um, very diverse bipartisan firm with folks who were chiefs of staff um, and then senior political and policy people in the, uh, Trump White House, the Obama White House u, and both sides of the aisle in Congress. Um the team is made up of uh myself an uh uh Anthony and Perry, but also our true grants expert um Amanda Wood, uh Omar Franco, who is as

knowledgeable of his appropriations work as anyone in the country. And then Clarence Williams, who is a policy person extraordinaire in the weeds, can make things happen, and a former chief of staff on the in the House of Representatives.

Um, we've had an incredibly successful uh 2025. Um, as you know, working closely with Brent McKenzie, who is amazing, and Andrew Damon, who was equally amazing, and your entire Virginia Beach um staff, everyone who works for public works, transportation, you you have to be incredibly proud of the work they do on behalf of the city and how responsive they are to every opportunity we present to the city. And

so from the mayor on down, thank you very, very much. Um, in total federal grant funding just last year, $15.34 million. In final FY26 earmarks, $12 million. Considering what was going on with uh the appropriations process last year, we thought that was incredibly good. This year already, as a result of the House and Senate, we have $35.6 6 million already um set aside in the Senate and then 4.05 million in the

House. Those bills will be reconciled, but uh it's looking like the Senate version will carry the day uh for the majority of our projects and we are in incredibly good position relative to other communities and municipalities in uh the region in you. Virginia Beach is doing incredibly well. Uh, and you are near the top for the entire Commonwealth of Virginia as well.

Um, with the breakdown of your marks, I want to hand it over to our uh our basically our uh our appropriations guru, Mr. Perry.

>> Uh, good evening, Mr. Mayor, members of the council. Thanks for having us. I'm Perry Derek at Becker and Polyoff. Just going to give you a quick overview of the awards. uh to date uh both finalized and confir pending. So FY26 that got cleared up in the if you remember that long shutdown, the minibus that ended it uh those included the final slate of FY26 earmarks. Uh the largest 10 million

for the I20 uh 264 Independence Boulevard interchange improvements to relieve congestion and the 1 million award for Boat Creek Stormwater Park to relieve flooding and 1 million for Pungo Ferry Road. Those are finalized and we're working with Brent and Andrew and our federal counterparts to draw those funds down if they're not already. So stay tuned for that. Uh moving forward

on the preliminary side, Alfonso touched on this as well in the Senate. Uh what they're a little bit further behind than the House, which is pretty standard. We have 35.6 million pending. Uh 10 million each for Eastern Shore drainage improvements. That's a flooding and storm water project. The storm water operations center and uh kind of a recurring project that we've had uh

Virginia Beach Trail phases two and three. And then 5 million for Demo Parkway and then 600,000 vehicle mitigation barriers to the police department. That's the Senate side and that's at the member level stage.

Senator Warms and Kaine have put in for that those projects. Uh they support them. On the House side, they're a little bit further ahead where Congresswoman Kiggins has put in for a number of projects 4.05 million and the committee has uh further called that number not just for her projects but housewide. And that slate includes two 2 million for the stormwater operations center uh a little over a million for

the uh Eastern Shore drainage project uh the trail projects and Nemo Parkway. So, similar slate but a different funding level. And to kind of give you a context of where we are procedurally in that process. Um, we're already in the May June area. This the cycle roughly mirrors uh what Congress typically does in a typical fiscal year, although it never really operates on time, but for

our purposes, we're in obviously the May June area. So, we're well on pace in the House. Uh, we have submitted those projects on the city's behalf. Uh, the members have selected them and the committees are now reviewing those project slates. Uh typically so the end of the fiscal year as always is September 30th and you got to have some funding bill to avoid a shutdown as you

all remember last year longest shutdown in government history. Uh but for our purposes we typically get a bill out with our member projects by the end of the year winter and then with uh funds being drawn down soon thereafter. So we're in a good place. Uh uh the committee is now reviewing those projects. We're feeling confident and as Alfonso alluded to when they reconcile

the two bills will likely be somewhere in between that 35 million in the Senate and the four million in the in the House. So with that, want to go over the grants Alfonso for the year?

>> Sure.

>> Um, part and parcel of what we do with the appropriations earmarks is also working very closely with your um with your agencies, your departments on specific federal grant awards. And so what that means is um we will work with the delegation uh to submit letters of support. will also work with folks who um we know in the administration, senior positions to get your projects a special

look to try to get them the kind of attention they need to get. And so as a result of that, you've seen uh around 15.4 34 million just in last year, earmarks alone. And these are just some of the examples um from everything from homeland security to education to housing and to um help with your uh relations with the local defense department um uh footprints. Next, [clears throat]

uh first off, I want to apologize to the mayor and the city council. In my haste of taking my daughter to school this morning and driving home from Leburg down here, I forgot my tie. So, please don't >> say >> please don't hold it against me.

>> Well, next time.

>> I know. I know.

>> Yeah.

>> I just wanted to make it clear. I do sometimes dress professionally. So, um anyway, um what we're doing obviously uh 2027 is a uh interesting year as you've probably noticed in Washington DC, but there will be a few things uh moving that will potentially have benefits to the city. Um right now they're working on surface transportation reauthorization that

passed the House Transportation Infrastructure Committee that will go to the House floor and subsequently to the Senate. Um that is that is a mustdo bill because the IJA expires at the end of this year. So they need to extend it.

This one has another five-year reauthorization. It's about $580 billion of uh infrastructure funding that uh would be available obviously across the country but offers the opportunities for the city. The word implementation uh and C CSRM and Alfonso can speak to some of this uh that is moving forward. They were going to mark that up in the house in two weeks and that will move forward.

That is another uh mustdo bill um on both sides and we expect that to be done by the end of the year. And also the uh NDAA which is important obviously to the military uh here in the city and and in Hampton Roads that will be um done as well. um the wide ranging uh opportunities that we work with the public works team and and Brett and um um Andrew obviously we're obviously

always pursuing uh flooding and storm resiliency including brick funding uh police and fire department cops AFG and then any last opportunities there were still uh I think two two and a half billion dollars of of the IG uh left for this year that they will be issuing no for so any opportunity unities for the beach to pursue those. Uh we will obviously do that. Um and work with the delegation. I think we have a great

bipartisan delegation obviously with the senators and representative Kiggins who work together and and make calls, write letters, and they're always very supportive of the city's priorities. So that's kind of what we're doing. Uh looking ahead, is it this one?

And then um some of these executive orders that have paused the the dispersement of infrastructure energy projects have been blocked by courts. So that is still ongoing in and not only in litigation, but some of them are moving forward despite um what's been going on with the executive orders. And then there are there's a they OM just issued a rule that we I'll I'll go over with

your government relations team that is a blanket rule that could fundamentally change how grants are given out. Um so we'll get you more details on that because it was really just released on Friday and there's a lot of strings attached that concerned me when I read it. And so we want to make sure that um the city's part of the comment period that goes through uh I think the middle

of July. So, we'll get more details on that. Um, and then like I said, the surface transportation reauthorization bill expires at the end of the year, so we expect action on that. And then, uh, I I believe we'll probably see appropriations wrapped up by December.

Yeah.

So, um, with that, that's the end of our formal presentation, but by way of background, just so you know that the immediate team that's working with you, um, Anthony Bedell was in the Trump, uh, White House in Trump 1, where he worked and he's also worked in the Bush White House on labor issues and he was the deputy assistant secretary for transportation. And so, you know, I I

I'm incredibly proud of the fact that our team knows and is able to deliver on transportation projects and work that process in a way that other other folks can't. I worked in the Obama White House and the Clinton White House and also was the head of congressional and federal affairs for all of the Commonwealth of Virginia under then Governor Tim Kaine, now Senator Tim Kaine. And so we're able

to bring our relationships on both sides of the aisle with the administration, with the Republican members of the Congress, with the senators and all the Democratic members of Congress to bear on accomplishing what the city needs and getting things done for the city. also uh our senior associate um periodair Georgetown law grad basically smarter than both of us combined um and but also delivering

delivering for the the city on a daily basis and so what we're able to do is because of our relationships with the city because of the length of time we've represented the city I think we've been incredibly effective in accomplishing what the city needs with that we're open to taking any uh questions we're and I would actually one thing Mr. Mayor,

before I begin, um I think that what usually happens is that the eventual earmark number is closer to the Senate number based on traditions of how things have worked. And so I think you'll be closer to that 35 million than the 4 million.

>> Okay, before I get to Rose Mary, you know, one very pressing project, Nimmo Parkway, this is something we got to get open.

We're talking about public safety. We're talking about lives. And you know, the fact is that the bureaucratic uh log jam is unacceptable.

And I know there's competing forces and you know, things that you know for and against, but I tell you what, you guys are amazing. And if anybody can do it, you can. Please get to Ken. Just be be aware, sir. I was actually talking to the legislative director for Senator Kaine yesterday about several projects, including the Mo Parkway. Um, and they are very aware of the environmental

assessments, the environmental impact statements, and everything else that's been going on with that process. And so, I understand and we're actually we're on it.

>> Yeah. Can you really stress the me that the high priority that we have this and we needed it done yesterday?

>> Yes, sir.

>> Thank you, Rosemary and Josh. Uh, thank you for bringing that up, Bobby. Uh, I think there's something called speed there. A new process [clears throat] called speed, especially the longer this takes also, the longer the more money it's going to cost. This is not just money, but it's also like lives and and it's the military ready

shouldn't have to worry about us going through their base to get people in and out of Sandbridge.

>> [clears throat] >> That being said, um we're so lucky to have y'all and your experience is really wonderful because it is all about relationships and we know how important that is. And if there's any time you ever need one of us to come up to to Washington to help you with anything, please feel free to reach out to us.

>> Thank you, ma'am. Thank you. We actually just hosted Brent up in DC to talk to all the senior staff about all of your projects. But there is great value in bringing up elected leaders and the mayor and everyone else to um when you're already planning to be there just to have those conversations with the delegation.

>> Hey, thank you Josh.

>> Um thank you mayor. Thank you everybody for your report. Um I just I wanted to chime in just to say how much I appreciate your approach. Um because you know we're local government. we're closest to the folks who need the services. And um [clears throat] you know, it's a big complicated world up on top of us. Um and what I often tell people is there are no uh red or blue

roads. There are no Republican or Democrat pipes in the ground. And there are no left or right environmental or economic development initiatives. I mean, we are all in this together. and and like the vice mayor said, it's it is it is all about relationships and and how you can help leverage resources for us and we really appreciate your work and approach.

>> Thank you, sir. And one thing to just say to that, Mr. Mayor, is the work that you have done over the last several decades of building those relationships in previous mayors, previous councils, previous staff uh have been very very valuable. And also it's not lost on anyone in the general assembly the congressional delegation that Virginia Beach is one of the biggest

players most important players in the Commonwealth Virginia and as Virginia Beach goes so does the Commonwealth.

>> Okay, Amelia then >> thank you again for presenting this.

Some of you I know because I will go up with the either the Hampton Roads Transit or as uh president for the Virginia Tourism uh [clears throat] transit association. I go up there. I'm very pleased about the 10 million for the I uh 264 for that area. I wrote down for the BB trail because both of them go right through my district and people are always asking when is that going to

happen? What? But you know like the elephant one bit at a time and you are doing it and when we go up there you treat us well. So thank you for the presentation.

>> Thank you ma'am.

>> They work.

>> Thank you mayor. Thank you all for the presentation and for your work.

Congratulations. Just a quick question about some of the grants because you mentioned here BB Trail phases two and three and the storm water. when we agree to a grant and commit to say $10 million with a federal match of 20 that doesn't get compromised in the budget process uh because it's not final here. In other words, if we if it's we agreed to 10 and the federal government does 20 but then

it gets squeezed down to 15, do we still have to put in our 10 if you understand the question?

>> Uh yeah, I I do. It really depends on the project. It depends on the program.

And so you'll have different um cost share agreements that have to go into place depending on if it's a interior environment interior bill or the THUD bill or the cops bill uh with regard to funding uh mechanisms. And so it really depends on on the grant and the and the earmark and the program.

>> Okay. Anybody else at this point? But thank you all for doing such a magnificent job. You know, during tough times it, you know, it takes really people with vision and just the can do spirit to do things. And I just want to thank you all, Brett, you, Andrew, you know, the entire team that it takes to make this work that [snorts] let keep it going. I think they deserve

>> you know also Mr. Mayor all of this difficult times of the you know partisansship and all it's nice to know things are getting done >> there are things that are getting done because if you just listen to news networks you don't think anything's happening [clears throat] >> or the internet

Hi, Amanda. All right. So, Mr. Mayor D, the council um D is going to bring the recommendations from the eBike task force and consolidate those in a brief presentation and walk council through some of the recommendations and seek your guidance as it relates to any changes that you like us to make policy or any next steps you want us to take as it relates to ebikes in the city of Virginia Beach.

Good afternoon, Mayor Dyer, Vice Mayor Wilson, members of city council, manager Duhaney, and city attorney Styles. As the manager mentioned, I'm here to provide another overview for you for the work that the ebike task force did. Um, I will summarize the recommendations, and then we'll seek city council direction on next steps. So, as a reminder, this task force was formed to

review current state and local laws, to study public safety and health risks associated with the use of ebikes, evaluate best practices that are found in other communities, and then recommend strategies in a variety of categories that we'll walk through. So, again, I'd like to thank some of the task force members that are here in the audience today for their work. Um, there was very

robust discussion throughout the meetings that occurred. And then this is the list of the extensive number of city staff that participated um in an effort to support the task force and answer any questions that they had during their discussion.

So, Fountain Works participated as the neutral facilitator to convene the meetings. Um the task force did meet on four occasions beginning in November of 2025 and finished their work in March of 2026. You did receive an initial presentation from the chair and vice chair as well as fountain works back in April, but it was a lot of information discussed in one setting. And so we're

here to just walk you through there's recommendations yet again, answer any questions you may have and seek your direction. I won't go through this slide in its entirety, but um the vision of the task force was to really discuss the various uses of ebikes, safety concerns, and the environment in which they should be operated. Um there was lots of discussion regarding not only location

of use of ebikes but also signage and education.

So again as a reminder there are three classes of ebikes. Um class one has a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour is really thought of more as like a pedal assist bike and um no assistance beyond that max speed. Class two is throttle assisted. Um again max speed of 20 miles per hour and then class three can go as high as 28 miles per hour.

So there is another discussion regarding emot. And so um sometimes it is difficult from the eye as you're driving to differentiate what may be an ebike and then what may be an emoto. And so these are just a visual representation of what would be considered an emoto.

So the task force again had very robust discussions. The majority of their recommendations were unanimously adopted. The only place where there was disscent was in the area related to the boardwalk bike path use and then in the area related to signage and infrastructure. Um so eight members were in support of those two recommendations that we'll walk through with one in descent but otherwise the remainder of

the recommendations were unanimous.

So you see two categories here. Um, as you all are well aware, we are Dylan rule states. We can only expressly um implement what the state offer uh we can only implement what the state expressly authorizes us to. And so a number of the recommendations that we'll walk through will require um state assistance and action by the Commonwealth. When we talk specifically about the city of Virginia

Beach, um you can see the number one recommendation from the task force was to advocate for state regulation, have a targeted communication strategy as a city, um and educate parents and users of ebikes about safety concerns. They did also suggest additional signage about ebikes be placed throughout the city um if empowered to regulate the speed of those ebikes and then restrict operations in the higher density areas

where there may be safety concerns. Then continue to monitor best practices across the country.

So we'll walk through these a little more specifically. Um, we are pleased to share that the House Bill 1120 was signed by the governor and that there is a working group that is being created and Brent McKenzie will serve as the city's representative.

Again, I spoke to this earlier, but a lot was what of what was discussed will require action by the Commonwealth.

There was a bill that was filed um, House Bill 269. It was deferred until 2027, but a number of items that were contained in that bill um, were recommendations from the task force. And so the task force would suggest supporting and being highly engaged in that um general assembly action as it moves forward.

So education and communication, the task force supported targeted communication and education to both residents and visitors. As you all know, we welcome over 14 million guests a year. And so it's important that we inform users of ebikes that may be visiting our community of how they are to be used and where they are to be used in the city of Virginia Beach. um they wanted us to

ensure that we were targeting the demographic to speak to them. So have content that would be for parents, visitors, and also youth. Um as well as involving the ebike vendors, so those that may sell an ebike. Um they also were very supportive of us coordinating with Virginia Beach Public Schools to ensure that students received safety education um regarding the use of ebikes.

Um there was lots of discussion related to signage um having more signage and where that signage should be placed. Um the focus was on high density areas as well as school zones and they wanted the signage to indicate where they were permitted um safe operating expectations as well as general guidance for the riders. Um and then create infrastructure that encouraged both safe and responsible operation of ebikes.

Speed management. So again, this would require some changes to current state uh code, but the task force recommended that if empowered, the city should restrict the speed of the ebikes.

Location restrictions, and I'll have a follow-up slide um regarding location restrictions at the end of the presentation, but they did um indicate that high density areas are priority for safety when utilizing ebikes. Um they did recommend to maintain the current ebike ban on sidewalks in both the town center area and the resort area. The task force recommended maintaining

prohibition of ebikes on the resort area boardwalk. Um they prohib the recommended prohibiting emodos on shared youth and bike paths and they recommended that we seek consistency in regulations between trails and shared youth paths not only in the city of Virginia Beach but across the entire Hampton Roads region. Um they also as a part of their discussion indicated that future location restrictions may be

warranted um based on how the city evolves and additional trails and paths that are constructed.

So the task force did and again I'll have a follow-up slide at the end of the presentation regarding this recommendation. Um but the task force did recommend that city code section 7-59.3 be amended that would allow ebikes on the resort area bike path. Um, they did also follow that up with a caveat that if allowed, a suggested speed limit should be posted.

We've touched on this earlier, but they suggested that we continue to monitor best practices um across resort communities and the country. Um again, as technology evolves, it'll be important that we stay in tune to what other localities are doing to regulate these devices um and collaborate with the um active transportation committee and then potentially reconvene the ebike

safety task force once a year.

So, uh again, as I mentioned, action by the general assembly will be required.

And so, here's more specifically, um what was suggested. I mentioned House Bill 269. Um they would like to require audible warning devices on the ebikes.

Um create an ebike code for our public safety partners and then require that all ebike riders wear helmets.

Was also discussed um the implementation of a registration program. So require ebike registration to assist in enforcement. This would create some sort of like visible indication of what type of ebike the individual was riding and then to issue license plates or some other similar identifying marker.

Again, we've touched on enforcement and training. Um it is really critical that we provide individuals tools to be safe um when utilizing these devices. And that's a collaborative effort between our city communications uh department and our public safety partners as well as the schools.

And so the recommendation to council um is that increased ebike usage in Virginia Beach has created the need for clearer guidelines and safeguards to address safety concerns. Um, and the ebike task force recognized the need to proactively address safety challenges while also integrating the use of these devices into the city.

You've seen this slide before, but this just breaks out the recommendations that we just walked through based on action in the city of Virginia Beach and then requests of support from the Commonwealth.

And here are some key like decision point slides. So I think um again the task force was united on the policy um and education components where there was some division was regarding locations of utilization of the ebikes. And so um here's the question before us. Um so are does city council support um the policy and education recommendations of the task force? Um, but should we maintain the

status quo and not allow ebikes on the resort bike path or amend the city code as was recommended by the task force to allow the use of ebikes on the resort bike path? Um, should the city maintain the current ebike ban on sidewalks and town center in the resort area? Should the city maintain the prohibition of ebikes on the resort area boardwalk? Um, and then should the city prohibit emotos

on shared youth paths or bike paths as allowed? Um, so these are the key decision points. Um, I'm happy to answer any questions. Um, we seek your direction on guidance and next steps.

>> Okay, we're going to go Rosemary and Stacy. Well, >> there's a lot of good people that worked on this and I know there was a lot of hard work on a very difficult topic and it's it's really a big buzz in the community because people really care about this because there's a lot of safety issues that are involved and we

all care about safety issues and I think there's a lot of great recommendations.

I I do agree with just about everything on there except for not not allowing the bikes on the bike path. I I live there.

I see it. I experience it every day. If you say you allowed on the bike path, they're going to still be on the boardwalk. There's a lot of pedestrians and there's also pedestrians when they come out of their hotels and all that.

They don't know to look both ways to see. They just they won't look at the ocean. They're like, "Oh, there's the ocean." And they don't look. There's a lot of some some severe safety issues involved with that. And we did just vote a few months ago to allow the um bikes on the on Atlantic Avenue.

>> Yes, ma'am.

>> So they do and we gave them permission for that. So I I cannot support having the ebikes on the boardwalk or the bike path. Um, I would also like to emphasize that I'm very very happy that Brent is going to be working with the state and I think that we should be going further than what they're recommend recommending. Uh, some states have done some things like New Jersey and

Pennsylvania where ebike owners have to be licensed like you do with a car. You have to have a license, not a license plate, but a license and have some age restrictions and perhaps insurance.

>> [snorts] >> These things are motorized vehicles and I I would like if if um Brent could represent that position when he is on that task force and perhaps we can put that in our legislative package as well.

But I want to thank everybody for what they've done. I know it's been it's been a long time coming.

>> Okay. Thank you, Stacy.

>> Thank you, Amanda. Um I was one of the liaons to the task um the task force on ebikes along with Councilman Hutchinson [snorts] and a friend of mine from Carlsbad, California sent me a um news clip that they just recently passed ordinances on ebikes out in Carlsbad. And one of the things that they did was they made an age restriction. Theirs is 12 years old.

I'm not I'm not I don't recall and I was at the majority vast majority of all the meetings that we had as a task force and I I'll ask Councilman Hutchinson if you recall us even talking about that. But that just struck me as one just an incredible uh tool because when you talk to people about their objections to ebikes, it's not the responsible adults

that are riding their ebikes around town.

It's the young kids that are out there that have no idea what traffic laws are, no training, and uh just too immature to be riding all these things. So, I think that um I I strongly propose that we ask the general assembly to look at or implement age restrictions on these ebikes.

Secondly, I know the task force uh had recommended uh taking away or doing away with the restriction of u ebikes on the boardwalk.

And I would say that um without some of the other measures being implemented as far uh such as speed restrictions um and the signage that are being you know proposed to be put up. Without those things already being in place, I think it might be a little um premature for us to lift or to even consider lifting the restriction on ebikes on the boardwalk until we have all the safety measures that would make

this feasible in place. So, I would ask that maybe we uh just defer considerate consider um considering uh the implementation of of or changing the ordinance about ebikes on the boardwalk until we have all the other safety measures in place that would even make this feasible. And I'm not saying that at the end of the day that um we should or shouldn't. I'm just saying that at

this point in time it might be irresponsible for us to um go forward with that until we had the other guard rails in place.

>> Okay. Thank you Josh then.

>> Um thank you mayor and thank you [clears throat] for the update and and uh also thank you to the members of the task force and the folks who are here who have put work in this. Um I I uh I've learned a lot about this subject as we all have. I know. Um and and there there are tremendous benefits uh you know for for folks uh in terms of mobility, that last mile. Um you know,

we're we're we're we're a city that that that should be open to these transportation alternatives. However, um I I I couldn't agree more with the vice mayor on the bike path >> [snorts] >> um at at the at the resort because I've seen it firsthand.

I've been startled by them. Um, you know, we've we I've witnessed near misses. I think, um, I think we just have to appreciate whether they're good or bad, they're they they create kind of a danger. Um, and we're trying to create a safe place for families and these people may not expect it. And to the vice mayor's point, I mean, you see that beach and

you're walking and you don't know to look both ways because I mean, even if you see a bike, you don't know if they're going, you look at a bike and they could be going slow, but you don't know the thing's going like 30 miles an hour. So, um, you can't even kind of gauge whether or not it's safe to cross.

Um, I do like some of these things, um, like a audio, uh, warnings and and things to make sure that people know that it's not just a traditional bike coming at you. Um I I support no ebikes on uh in Town Center. Um and uh and I think they should be on the streets, but but the resort is a different kind of place. And and what I would suggest if there is resistance around the table and

I I understand it um for an outright ban on the bike path. What I might suggest is while we work on some of these other state code issues, maybe we say just like do um or uh you know make it seasonal because I think um at least in my mind what we're trying to protect is the tourist coming here who doesn't know any better. So maybe 11:00 a.m. to 7:00

p.m. during the high season um you can't have ebikes on the boardwalk. Um early in the morning, maybe those people can go and they can get exercise. Maybe they maybe they go and go to the a bar or restaurant at night and they're free to go and do that and go up and down. And I know from an enforcement perspective that's impossible, but so is everything

else we're talking. Um [clears throat] so so if we're going to if we're going to if we're going to spend time, effort, and resources and put signs and rules in place, uh we might as well do it in a way that protects against the danger that that we perceive and that we know is real. uh while also allowing for these things to to serve the purposes that they that they need to serve for

people who need them.

>> Okay, we go hush and cash. Okay, I'm going to take a slightly different tack.

Um, for starters, uh, and and I can tell you that this could be, um, you know, I don't know, an older white guy way of thinking is is that, and I speak for Stacy as well from your past profession as being the fire chief, um, and how we rolled with stuff is when the city manager would give you programs or things to run, it wasn't him running it.

It was us running it. your job at, you know, priority. You know, I don't think anybody really told you a whole lot of how to do your position there at the last few years. Correct. Correct.

>> So, when you put the two of us on a task force and then and and I'm not putting words in your mouth that you were definitely against to begin with, you mean you were one over by the time this was over, right? So, fair statement. Um, and then just a few of the names that are on there is Mr. Kaitton is sitting back there. Um, there are multiple names. I'm

not going to go through them. Active transportation, all these people that really have a vested interest because what I'm going to say here for a second, a little bit of a sidebar is is that I know a few of you have taken some heat over this as far as the people that are calling you. You banned ebikes on the boardwalk and we're going to get blown up from people that are against what

you're doing. Because when you talk about close calls and everything else, you do you know it's an ebike or a regular bike. When we talked about the speed limits that that the deputy city manager talked about, 20 m an hour is is doable for most every bike. Not a lot of people do it, but there's not a lot of people doing that on the boardwalk on the be on the bike path. Now, our

problem is on the boardwalk for this particular case. So that's an enforcement issue no matter what. We say these things like the ebike on the boardwalk. Well, shouldn't be on the boardwalk. If you try to take ebikes off the bike path right now, for one thing, it's not going to happen. So that's a crazy way of doing business in my mind to enfor to say we're going to do

something and then not enforce it because that's what's going to happen because the captain who's now the deputy police chief on our committee was very adamant that 90% of the people do what they're supposed to do and the other five% of that when they ask for compliance they do it and there's 5% that are not going to do it. So that's the problem right now. But

you are not going to take ebikes off the bike path because 90% of them you can't tell that they're ebikes. So they're you're not doing a thing to to get them.

So are we going to enforce that starting now that we don't allow ebikes on the bike path? Because that's checkpoints.

There's no other way to do that. I I don't know how you could do it any other way. So, I just I just if we're going to say, "Okay, we're going to let I'm all about Mr. McKenzie doing his good work up there to bring it for us, but somehow we're going to have to have verbiage that we're not enforcing the ebikes on

the bike path right now." And then we talk about the interface, and I I'm down there as much as anybody else riding my bike, is is that that interface with the people coming out of the hotels is the same on a regular bike. It's the same on a fourcart tourist bike or it's the same on an ebike.

We had stats. I can get Mr. Kaitton up here if you like. We had stats given to us. There were no more accidents with ebikes than there were with regular bikes in our city. There wasn't.

So to to keep lumping them into the it's an ebike problem. There's a cat one, a cat 2, and a cat 3. The ones that y'all are having the problems with are the cat 3es. We need to learn that nomenclature and stick with it. And we don't want them on the boardwalk and we don't want them motorized on the bike path. If they pedal, that's one thing. But when you

have the I would say, Amanda, the unanimous decision of this very diverse crew for 95% of it. And then gosh, I just want to ask you when you say town center, we're not talking about the roads and stuff in town center. you mean on the sidewalks and stuff. We're all about the safety part of that, y'all. I I get that. But just those things that we say when [clears throat] we got to

clarify, we got to be very careful about how we do that. And my first thing I go back to and then I'll be done is I don't understand how you're going to do something here with enforcement on the boardwalk right now for the bike path. The boardwalk is simple. That's easy to enforce. Let's do that. Let's start with that. You want a middle

ground? Start with the boardwalk with enforcement. I know our folks sitting back here don't care for that one but so much, but that's that's what we're going to have to ask them to do, right? So, leave the bike path. Let it be that everybody on the committee voted for it to be on the bike path. So, let that go through. That's why you have a mayor's

task force. And once again, we went through this and we wouldn't bring it to you if we didn't think it was right. I fully understand what Councilman Cummings and others are saying like, "Let's let Brent do his good work." I'm all for that. I I believe in that and I think we will get there. But I think we got a gray area here that's going to

cause us more problems if we don't let Cats twos on the ebike on the on the bike path. enforce on the boardwalk. All of them because then I'll ask y'all this and then I promise Michael I'll be done.

[clears throat] You're >> just giving me license for labor.

>> Is is that are we talking about rollerblades? Are we talking about Segways? Are we talking about skateboards? You see, we were we were had a very small cone of what we could focus or what we could do. But I would ask any of us that are down there, there's a lot more to it than just the ebikes. I think we're we're kind of getting lost in what it is down there.

Now, the rest of the city, that's another issue. Again, I had a motorcycle go by me the other day with a kid, no helmet on, riding down Indian River Road on a wheelie. It's that's a problem, but that's not what we're talking about.

>> All right, I'm done.

>> Thank you. Uh Cash, and then >> Yeah, I'm quick. I just want to say thank you to the safety task force for your time and dedication. I appreciate these um committees that are set up. Um I have reviewed the information.

Um I hear my council colleagues. I just wanted to say thank you. I don't know if I want to be in the battle between um the ebikes, but I do want to say thank you for your time, talent, and your information that you put into this these um these slides for council. So, thank you.

>> Okay. Thank you, Mayor. I'm going to take one more look at this. Um and and and it's not because I disagree with anything uh that has been said by any of my colleagues. Um, and what I think it's and you're you're uh you're right um when we when we talk about like just the nomenclature and that being careful to overgeneralize but

and not to overregulate and not to like expect too much out of our public safety folks, but I mean what what what we're really looking for I think or what I'd be looking for is some like predictability, right? So, like if I've got young kids or if I'm old and on a walker or if I'm just like I don't know, I'm kind of a clutch, so I I limp around

a lot and move slow. But I mean, if I'm just any of those people, I want to be able to cross that 10 feet or 8 feet or whatever safely. And predictability to me is not looking left and seeing somebody like way down the way and not expecting that they're going 30 miles an hour as opposed to like, oh, it's a bike, it's going slower than that. So,

and we've and I said it I don't know it was a month or two ago. I mean I've literally felt that rush of air and you could feel it from a regular biker going you know at at a full clip. Um but I mean these class 3 ones and if you know totally I mean those things move and um you know and if we're if we're going to say well we're not going to we're not

going to make rules just because people can't enforce them. I've had lots of people ask me for speed limit signs in places and people don't pay attention to those at all. Um and and people go as fast as they reasonably think they can on a road. Um so I'm I'm I wouldn't I wouldn't say to somebody like on Independence Patrick, by the way,

between uh Hey Good and Pleasure House Road, there is not a single 45 mile hour speed limit sign. Um people have to guess how fast they go. Um, and I forgot to tell you about that, but I'm telling you now. So, [snorts] um, so but but people will go as fast as they reasonably think they can. Um, and there's an expectation value when you approach a situation that I mean that

you see um somebody on a bike or somebody on a stroller or somebody whatever, they're going to in your mind they're going but so fast. Um, I just I don't know that we're ready for that fast on the bike lane. If that's one and two and those are only those go as fast as regular bikes, giddy up. Um but but if it's if it's something that is is

going like 20 30 miles an hour and that is going to be a complete surprise to somebody. Um and and the other thing that we have and we're blessed to have in both Town Center and the resort is our ambassadors. And those people are there block by block and they got walkie-talkies. So, I guarantee you that we can kind, you know, there there's nobody faster than a than a

walkie-talkie. So, I just I at the very least I I I sympathize with what the vice mayor has said because I've experienced it myself and and I think we we need to be we need to be um you know, mindful of people who might not expect that kind of speed um that quickly in a in a in a in a situation they're not familiar with.

Okay, we're going to go Michael and then uh Stacy and Rosemary.

>> Thank you, Mayor. Um well I will share in the previous remarks expressing appreciation for the work that the committee has performed thoughtful deliberative work and all the staff support that went with that and um and really appreciate the diversity of opinions that have been shared around this table and I think it reflects the broader community conversations that that happen around

[snorts] evolving and changing technologies that we're experiencing in all different aspects of our life. You know, we're having a conversation about data centers in a few minutes and and that I don't think is in in any way unrelated to our adaptations to um changing technologies that people find useful but also problematic. Um and that's I think what we're seeing here.

Um I I the way I see this uh and I've been trying to process and listen and decide if I wanted to weigh in. I'm not sure that we're in a position to to make any changes or recommendation at this time.

Number one, most of the information that I've heard at least today uh but from my recollections from the previous presentation is uh anecdotal and situational and observational rather than data driven. So my questions would be, has we performed a study about how many ebikes are, if we're talking about the boardwalk bike lane specifically, have we performed any studies that would

demonstrate how many ebikes are actually being used on the boardwalk or on the boardwalk bike lane um versus Atlantic Avenue or in general? Um what are the uh is there any record of um accidents involving injuries that require medical assistance related to um to those incidents? We did a similar study related to scooters at one time. I remember when we were having a similar conversation. Um and I think and and I

could go on but you get the point. I think we could use some data to drive this conversation and some some actual evidence rather than our feelings or or our perceptions about being scared or uncomfortable versus the benefits that come with people who use ebikes. I know people who use ebikes, young people and seniors who are loving the experience.

They're going further. They're going they're getting out. They're getting fresh air. They're exercising. They're pedaling and getting a little assist when they need it. and um and they're doing it safely and responsibly and pose no risk to the public and I don't want to overregulate their positive experience at the resort or anywhere

else. Um and so these are the things that I'm struggling with as we're contemplating a change in policy.

um that let me know that maybe I'm not sure that we need to move forward with any change right now because the status quo is kind of I'm not saying it's working but I don't know that I haven't heard anything that persuades me that that necessitates a change at this time because we're trying to balance all the different interests that exist there.

The other thing is, sorry I'm I'm doing a Dave here, but um I think you're more passionate about it than me, but the other thing is uh people vote with their feet. In this case, they're voting with their pedals.

>> And uh people like ebikes.

A lot of people like e I was thinking about it on I think on u the morning after Christmas, our ebike problem doubled in Virginia Beach in um in 2025.

I saw more ebikes that they were they were under the tree, you know, people got them over the holidays.

So, we have to be thinking about our and our the people we serve who are who are using the ebikes for recreation and and for other purposes, get to and from work, whatever. So, um, and then finally, if we made it, I guess the focus is on the bike lane at the boardwalk, and I do very much respect and appreciate your experiences there, and not diminishing them at all. Um,

it's just that they're banned now and people ride them.

And so, I think we need to somehow target the bad actors. So, I would wonder what that data set would look like. Um anyway, I know this is a ciruitous um list of comments, but those are kind of my thoughts on it. I'm not sure that we do need to make a change, and if we do, I think it needs to be evidence and data driven rather than and more dispassionate.

>> Council member, in uh in response to one of your questions, we did look at accident data as a part of the task force work. Um we had not historically tracked ebike accidents versus traditional bicycle accidents. Um but back in December when we were in the midst of our work, um there had been in the last 18 months, so this was from December of 25. So in the previous 18 months, there were 265 accidents

throughout the city across that 18-month period. Um based on conjectural data that we received from the hospitals, it appeared that we had 37 patients brought in um related to ebike incidents. So that would have been 14% of the total bicycle incidents across the city.

That's not specific to the resort, but that's from across the city um from the previous 18 months from December. Just to to let you know that we did look at that ex data and we've now been making efforts to clarify um when we do respond if it's a bicycle accident versus an ebike. Um >> thank you. And that is good to know. I don't sure what those numbers reveal

>> really at this point and that's citywide. But but then you have to ask that citywide over the course of a year, how many of those were at the boardwalk or the bike lane of the boardwalk if that's the point that we're talking about. [snorts and clears throat] Um but just as a followup, one data set that I am familiar with broadly that that I've

been able to um glean from my own research is that it is true that the severity of injuries when involving [snorts] an ebike is enhanced relative to a a traditional bicycle. So we do know that, >> right? Um, but then the information also showed that a lot of times they're senior citizens riding those and so the injuries can be exacerbated by the fact that they're more likely to sustain

those types of injuries when so I don't know. There's a lot I think there's a lot of analysis that has to occur here.

>> I was able to pull up some additional data. Um, there was 13 bicycle accidents at the resort in the last 12 months.

Seven of the 13 were ebikes.

at the boardwalk. You said >> in the resort area. Yes, sir.

>> Uh Stacy, that work council Hutcherson is right. I was on the task force and I think the big reason that I was on the task force is because I was the one that brought it to light and I was the one that said I mean my thinking was get rid of them period.

You know, we don't need them. And I was swayed that um ebikes are here. They're here to stay. They serve a valuable purpose for a certain segment of the population.

And I don't think there's I'm certainly not concerned about walking down the boardwalk and having some silverhaired people riding their ebikes in a very responsible manner uh down the bike lane. That's not what we're concerned about. What we're concerned about is that 12year-old And and I get it that a regular bicycle can do 20 miles an hour easily if pedal fast enough,

but 12-year-olds probably not going to take a regular bicycle and go 20 m hour down the boardwalk pedaling.

But they're more inclined to do it when they have a throttle and there's no governor on what they can do. So that's what concerns people in my experience is that these the younger kids that are on these ebikes, they have no idea what they're doing. They don't have the majority the maturity to to operate these things. And all I'm saying, and I'm not disagreeing

with the task force, I'm saying that we're probably getting to a point to where they're going to be more and more accepted and more and more in use. But until we have the guardrails, why we're getting to me it just seems we're getting the cart before the horse by taking the restriction whether it's enforceful or not, but to take the

restriction off of the boardwalk and to open it up to the Wild West before we have the restrictions on speed and age and um where they can go and the different cl the restriction on the different classes. So, I just think that taking action, and I'm not saying we're not going to do that in the future, or we shouldn't, but doing that before we had these other guardrails in place,

which I've already said, is premature.

And I I'm not trying to poo poo what the uh task force did. They did a great job.

It's awesome. I just think that listening to more and more public comment that and digesting all of this I think that's a simple a simple ask is let's let's have everything put up in place before we take the next step >> thank you mayor um this is a issue near and dear to me this is half of my district three mile long boardwalk I've

been down there several times looking at it I've heard from a lot of different uh folks in my district six different meetings whether it be committee meetings or uh my community meeting itself and folks are divided. Long story short uh and I've been on both sides of this issue as well and I mean you're human if you're not on either side of this. This is a very tough one

restricting freedoms or not. But I want to pick up exactly what Councilman Cummings just said and he said previously as well as what Councilman Baluchcci just said. I'd like to defer any decision on the bike path uh provision or not on the ebike until we have some more guidelines traffic what's called traffic calming on a street could be speed tables it could be speed limits

it could be signage it could be ways to calm down the speed and control the traffic I'd hate to restrict ebikes at the same time public safety is paramount um so I I think what I'm hearing from a couple people is we I agree with the the task force that once we get these guidelines in place maybe we go forward and restrict or allow it but right now folks it is not allowed there ebikes on

there so we're not enforcing it's a lot it's called behavior at the oceanfront this category I call behavior that we're trying to calm down on several places and this is a part of that so we're not even enforcing it today so I I ask I agree let's defer let's try to get some staff input on how we can control if we do allow it. And if we can't get there,

then maybe we we don't allow it. But I I think we can get there.

>> Hey, Rosemary. Michael, >> I have a lot of thoughts bouncing around in my head. I'm not quite sure where to begin, but um I will tell you that the people that live down there are terrified of these.

They they truly are terrified, and especially older people that live there.

And if you if you have talk about pred uh predictability, if you have a pet, you don't know if the pet, you know, they see a leaf blow and they go zoom and and someone coming with a bicycle or ebike may not see them. And the boardwalk is really meant for pedestrian use. It's not meant for the bikes.

That's why there's a bike path. But these ebikes are it's just a whole another animal. It's a really it's a whole another animal that people are just not prepared for. Um, my granddaughter about three weeks ago broke her leg and went to the urgent care center here at Virginia Beach and my daughter said, "What cases do you see the most

of?" Well, the first one was trampolines.

Second one was not bicycles, but ebikes.

And I don't know that we can ever gather all the data from all these urgent cares and all the different ones, but they they said that their second highest accidents that people come in for are from the e. So that's it's hard it's hard data to put your arm around, but these were the professionals saying that's what came in the most. Um the p

the task force didn't unanimously say we want them on the bike path. I think there was some that's still dissension was not unanimous and you know I I live there. I I see it every single day and we're out there and if you if you say you can be on the on the pike path, they're going to be on the boardwalk, they will be on the boardwalk because

that's what they do now. And if you try to tell them to go on the bike path, they let you know where the sun didn't shine. Um, it's just it's just a really hard thing.

And I think there's two things that we really h there's one thing we really haven't talked about, but I'm going to get that in a second. But people don't know because there's no signage to tell them right now. There's no signage to say they're not allowed. So people don't know they can't be there.

So, you know, it's as far as they're concerned, they're allowed. So, you're going to have to have signage. But that gets to the point which we really haven't talked about. How is this going to be enforced? And that's where we have to hear from our public safety people. I mean, we're short 90 officers as it is.

They've got lots of things that we're trying to talk to them about enforcing marijuana and all the other things that, you know, they're going to have to enforce. How are we going to enforce this? But we do need to start out with signage. At least tell the people what is expected and what's not expected. I I think um Councilman Baluchcci made and and also u

me said made some really good points of I think we could go ahead with just about everything on this list but maybe defer that particular recommendation and not take action on it and just leave it as it is for now. They're not allowed now. So I don't think we should be changing it. So I hope I put all those things together. Thank you.

>> Okay, Michael.

>> Thank you. Well, not a lot additional that needs to be said, but if I could rewind the uh tape, I would also have added that I'm concerned about the burden of enforcement on our police department. And I shared that previously. I've shared that in public and private conversations about this. Um that we have behavior issues at the resort. And as dangerous as they may or may not be,

riding ebikes is falls very low. And the priority of behavioral issues that exist at the resort. And I would like to see um those law enforcement resources be directed at preventing um and um pursuing violent and property crime rather than you know, whatever else is going on with the where you're not supposed to be on a on an ebike. Um, especially in the context of we know

citywide we're down one precinct. Um, I know they plus up in a robust fashion and we have great support from our sheriff's deputies during the summer and during special events, but in the grand scheme of things, and I do understand how it makes people feel, but with limited resources for uh, law enforcement, their job, in my opinion, should not be, you know, chasing after

kids who are going a little faster than other people are comfortable with. By the way, the kids are loving it, but that's another story. Um, you know, and they have, by the way, they have a right to have a little fun, too. It's worse kinds of fun to be having out there. Um, so those are just some of my thoughts. And then finally, I probably shouldn't ask you this, but

I'm going to ask to you anyway.

Maintaining the status quo. If you're just normally using an ebike on the boardwalk bike path, even though it's banned, do you anticipate having an interaction with our police department or some kind of enforcement?

If you're just if you're not acting crazy and I know I know you can't say that it's going to recommend, I I'm asking can you anticipate that type of enforcement? The police department does on occasion have folks enforce it and try to talk to people about putting a bike keeping say on a bike path currently right now. Um will we be able

to get enhanced enforcement? I don't necessarily feel like we're going to be able to. The other challenge as well that we get is that if folks have if they tell us they have an ADA or disability need, the police can't question that regardless of where they're using the ebike as well. So that comes into play in there as well.

>> Okay, >> so just a just a couple of quick clarifying things. I won't take long.

One thing is is the Cat One bike uh has no motor like that. So it can't it's not motorized like the other two. It can only go when it's being pedled. So if it's on the bike path, which 90% of them are, you're never going to be able to know the difference. So, we really need to stop saying ebikes on the boardwalk when you have a lot of bikes that are on

the bike path, especially like the cat one. I'm just saying just so you know that really stop. It's just a regular bike that gives some people that need a little bit of assistance assistance.

It's not anything. So, we're going to have to have that clarification or however that goes. The thing about enforcement I, you know, Captain Wesler is well, Chief Wesler is not here right now, but he was very adamant that that's going to be near impossible with the thousands of bikes down there to enforce it. So, I don't see it happening, but

whatever. That's that that can be made at a at a later determination. Um, yeah, that that's a good that's good enough.

Thank you. Okay, >> I was just going to look at what happens at our area, >> right?

>> Because it's not a one straight path. We have people coming in between just jotting out and we're not happy with that >> on the road or on the on the on the bike path.

>> On the you know, people are coming.

Yeah.

>> Yeah, I agree. Shouldn't be allowed.

>> That's my opinion on that. and one or two of the ebikes people end up going up um the purple parking going up that way and you know having joy rides. It's not as dangerous but on the main [snorts] road we have little kids and people going to Legos and lot of the other areas apex I don't think it's you know can be monitored as well as over at the um ocean print.

Okay. H say sorry. The one thing that I really think that might be a middle ground here is is that looking looking at you and you and these two here is is that the enforcement does need to start. We we could start working on that is is that the cat 3s and the ones well any bike but the ones that are on there that are on the boardwalk can be enforced. That is those numbers are a

lot lower. So start that enforcement that will start to help us get that under control. The other is is is that I've had at least three people tell me that well it's sometimes hard to ride on the bike path when you have pickup trucks parked on the bike path while they're doing the yard maintenance lawn and all that stuff. So they have to come out and then go back in. So they've been

yelled at for that and they're like, "Well, what do you want us to do?" So and these are people riding regular bikes. So, I'm just saying there's always going to be an interface problem down there, but I really think if we stuck to enforcement on the boardwalk, that would help clear up a lot of this stuff that with people that are nervous.

Just my two cents on maybe a way to get moving forward together.

>> Okay.

>> Can we talk about um the state and what Brit can do to represent our our feelings on that? I brought up uh having a tougher policy like New Jersey and Pennsylvania where they have to be certain age and I don't want to set what the age is but age and licensed and by being licensed they probably have to take a test so they they know what the rules are. a lot of these young kids,

you know, like when you're six years old, you learn how to ride a bike and then, you know, you really don't know what all rules are. Um, what the rules are and and probably some insurance and to look at what other states have been doing to because this is not unique to us. Um, how do y'all feel about We're very lucky to have Brent on that task force.

>> Okay.

All right, Stacy. As I said earlier, I think I think it's easy an easy decision to make to have some type of age restriction and that's got to come from the state.

So, at least an age restriction.

>> Okay. We also did say about speed speed, you know, suggested speed signs. We couldn't do a speed limit sign on and on the regular road. When they ride on a regular road, they can go as fast as a car. But on the bike pass or boardwalk and h not the boardwalk say we all do it the bike pass of any type in the city is it could be we could [snorts] say

suggested 8 m an hour something like that um anything because that's what Captain Wesler was saying that will help because people do want to abide by the rules. So that's what he was saying if we could get something like that but you we were told by legal [snorts] that you couldn't just have a speed limit. We can't make our own speed limit even for

our bike paths. That to me would be one that we should be able to do. You know, when you're riding on that, you know, 7 8 mph, something that is very pedestrian, you know, will it fix everything? Maybe not. But it's not 20 or 28 miles an hour.

Okay.

All right. Let me say this is one of what I call a dilemma type issue because I really agree with Rosemary's and principle.

But on the other hand, whether we like it or not, we have a disruptive technology upon us. Now, it kind of reminds me a little parallel when uh Ubers and Lyft came out, what it did to the industry. And once again, we had to accept it and embrace it. And whether we like it or not, ebikes are going to be here to say, I can tell you those scooters that we had a couple years ago,

they drove me nuts. Mhm.

>> And people would have let them [snorts] pile up on the sidewalks and almost got run over. I see two people riding on it.

I see eight years old, eight year olds riding on it. I think what we should do and you know what I'm kind of hearing, you know, the buzz out rather than acting immediately on. Let's get things in place first. Let's find out what we can do statutoily first. Uh I am a big believer that there should be an age restriction on these things. You know, normal bicycles, no problem. Uh but I'm

seeing kids on the street, uh you know, with these ebikes with no helmets on or anything of that nature and they're on major thorough affairs and things, you know, that's not good. Uh the other thing is too, you know, I would have a very strong objection for anything above uh you know, class one or two. You know, they're just too fast. They're too out

of control. Uh you know, things of that nature. I think strict enforcement on the boardwalk is essential. But boy, I'll tell you what, even on a crowded boardwalk day where you get the rollerbladers, the sk the skateboarders, uh things of that nature, you know, that thing, you know, can get, you know, kind of hairy. Uh but once again, I think if we get the plan in place first, I think

there was a mention of cork before the horse, you know, let's put some of these rules up there. I uh there's signage.

There's no no nothing to tell somebody that somebody's doing wrong. And so you're just going to go out and uh you know kind of do it. Uh but the the other thing is I think we might be able to do uh when I was in London Amanda remember when we were crossing the street they would say right on the thing look right look left.

>> Yes sir. You know, I think that might be helpful because I'll tell you what, sometimes I'm walking, you know, and [snorts] I'm just not paying attention and you cross, you know, uh, you know, the break in the boardwalk to get to the street. Uh, I almost got, you know, especially those little >> thing for people that self-pal, you

know, they take, you know, uh, you know, a lot of the room up there, too. But, you know, I think we got to do things slow and deliberately. And I'm going to bring up, you know, like I said, I'm real concerned about the safety, but I'm also concerned about the reality and the enforcement. And I think the point, you know, our police, uh, you know, a lot easier to enforce on the boardwalk

that's more visible than on the bike path.

you know, a very dear friend of mine, uh, texted me today, you know, Bill Gamrell, and he was on the task force, and he brought up a point that Michael brought up. You know, a lot of elderly folks use this as, you know, almost maybe a primary source of transportation, you know, at the thing. So, we got to do our best to accommodate, uh, you know, the groups that we're going to do. And as of

right now, uh, you know, some of the I guess class one hutch, I can't tell those, you know, from your normal bike that you would buy at Walmart >> at the bottom at the bottom. You can't tell.

>> Yeah. And so, but once again, should the direction be, you know, let's put all the plans, the signage, uh, the statutory empowerment from Richmond, let's get that in place first.

So, mayor, what I heard was to move forward with the task force recommendations as it relates to communication education signage the general assembly policy discussions, and then um not move forward with the one to amend the city code. That's what I'm hearing from the >> Okay. I think we go Amelia Sty. Well, I was just saying make sure that you have set aside resources

to implement what we're doing >> that we're taking that funds from.

>> Station, I would also like to see us ask the state for a station.

>> Okay. That's what I'm saying. Yeah.

>> I think we should add that to the task force >> we can work to develop some draft language for your review.

>> Sure. in discussion in advance of any >> we could just um we'll have BR because Brent needs to do that now as part of um the work group of the state. So we'll take that as direction and work towards the age restriction and any other kind of like licensing requirements that the state may want to bring forward that we will support that. Hey, Michael.

>> I I think we need to have I mean I perhaps I'm the minority here, but I don't know enough about licensing and age restrictions to sign on as a supporter of that initiative. That for me, I'll speak for myself. You know, I said young people love to ride them.

They have fun riding them. They ride them safely. They wear helmets. I have no idea what the bureaucracy involving licensing ebikes would be for those young people or for adults. I'm not comfortable signing on to that at this time. I'll just express that.

>> What about, you know, the class one or class 2? I don't I think it's applicable, but anything that can go >> up to 30 miles an hour, even more, I see some of these ones that could really fly.

>> Sorry, maybe Dave. I was saying, well, I would think y'all would just give us some information back on this like kind of like Brent does.

>> Yeah. So, basically, the task force is just meeting and giving recommendations to the general assembly, right? So, like ultimately whatever is [snorts] going to come to them will still have to get taken up by the general assembly. So, there will be time for Brent to kind of let the council know where the general assembly is, where the task force is going with their recommendations

ultimately to the governor and the general assembly. So, it's not necessarily pouring anything in concrete, but what we're hearing is that council is open to some sort of restrictions to it, right? To include possibly age and possibly some other kind of registration stuff.

>> That's what I want clarity on to include possibly.

>> I I it was unclear to me based on the previous conversation that we were expressing our support for lensure and for age restrictions. What age? I don't know. But I as long as you're our understanding of is that we're including that as a possibility of options that we could express but we're not taking a position.

>> No, that is correct. Yeah, >> that that's what I was just going to ask is we have like council member Luchcci was asking was is to have some more some more data, you know, as far as is it age related like what is what is that like they might they might come back and say that it is or it isn't, you know, across the state, you know, that's all I'm

sorry I shouldn't turn around so much if I was sitting on the other side to speak easy. um is is that you know it may there could be a couple things to what council member Luchi and quite frankly myself want to have. I'm not opposed to some lights especially for the cat 3s. Um so how would that look?

>> Yeah, if if as soon as we can get that >> and all those things will be discussed as part of the task force and I'm assuming that's how the task force is going to go. They're probably going to say >> class threes have a certain degree of requirements, class ones and two have a certain amount as well, right? Yeah. And

we'll make sure that we communicate out when we get the different milestones before they can have their final um recommendation.

>> Right.

>> We're just going to study uh the realm of possibilities.

>> Yes.

>> And then we can have the meaningful discussions and you know let's find out what we can do, what we can't do and then based on that we can get to a decision.

>> Okay. Are we good?

>> Okay. Thank you.

>> Thank you.

>> Moving on to data centers.

>> So Mr. Mayor, members of the council, at this time we'll have staff from our planning department and our IT department, and they'll brief city council about our data center regulations. And just to clarify, this is not a briefing about any potential data centers. There's none in the queue, but this is a opportunity to talk about what data centers are, also what the

zoning regulations in place are as it relates to data centers, and see council guidance as it relates to this council want us to enhance our regulations to include a conditional use permit for data center regulations. So, go ahead Kathy, the floor is yours.

>> All right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of council, Mr. City Manager. As you may know, staff briefed the planning commission in April and provided general information on data centers and how our zoning ordinance addresses them. From that presentation, a lot of conversation was generated on whether or not city council should consider further restriction on data

centers and add a discretionary approval process. Peter Wallace and I are here today to give you a more detailed briefing on data centers. There's a lot of misinformation, as I'm sure you know, regarding data centers, and we'd like to provide some additional detail about what they are and what they are not, and specifically what we have here in Virginia Beach. So, Peter will walk you

through infrastructure and data center types and the needs of data centers, and then I'll go over the environmental impacts, our current zoning ordinance as it pertains to data centers, and then discuss how you may want to consider how our ordinance can be amended should you wish to place more regulation around the use. Peter, >> thank you.

>> Peter, how you doing? I'm doing well as mayor. Thank you, mayor, vice mayor, council, city manager, and staff. So, what we're going to do is talk about data centers as as Kathy mentioned. And I want to start out by saying that not every building that look like a data center is really data center. There are scales. You're going to hear me talk

about scales today in my presentation, but it's it's it is because of those fundamental difference that that varies.

And we'll talk about from the very basic one from a subc landing site to a hyperscaler data center which is a whole computing different storage needs. So I want to start start out with that.

So before I begin let's talk about the um subc cable landing site. The main purpose of subc cable site is to transmit fiber which is really fiber is really a light in a glass. That's what it is from Europe from the entire globe and we have that currently in Virginia Beach. We we have global link selects us. We have a few companies here that does that very well. All right. So again

I want to emphasize that's not necessarily a power consumption need that is really a connection between Europe Asia rest of the market to United States and we have that termination here it requires very little computing power no water consumption when it when it comes to operating that the second one is a collocation that's where the same building could also serve as a collocation

the minimal rack spaces for providers such as you may hear Cox Verizon they want to sell you internet services so they will go into this collocation and tie into this network provide that very fast access that you need the need for speed right that's what they're going to sell you so that's where that collocation comes in very minimal impact once again when it comes to power

consumption or water for coolant The next phase is the data center.

That's really have a need for storage and computing. If you have a need to have bits and bites, which is what computers really are to to have heavy transaction, you need a data center. You could be have a closed one like what we have here in the city is within the building. It's not standalone or you can definitely have a large scale self-contained data center. And again it

varies as far as consumption goes. Then of course you have the hyperscalers.

You have heard about AI. If you have a need for AI, the hyperscaler is what going to get you there. These are the cloud. These are the the the meta. These are the Amazon. These are the huge global presence we have in the world.

Those are strictly different footprint off the chain. And I'm sure you know Kathy going to talk about that. But is a I'm talking about the difference between those really is scale between those particular facilities.

All right. So the subc cable once again is talking about the it has a meet me room which where we talked with the Cox the Verizon or any ISPs that's internet service provider that connect it is it that's it basic function and it terminates that glass from from international to to us locally that's exactly what it does and it repeats the signal know the reason

why it doesn't have the power consumption it is repeating the the the transmitters between here and on and on under the subc cables to say light repeat every so often so that so there's no heavy usage of power in the facilities when it come to be hardened the collocation once again it interconnects fiber you can definitely have a little more more power and cooling depends on how many servers how

many network gear you have in that room but it's a small scale data center like I said before is a heavy digestion appetite for computer needs and it varies it varies depends on your business purpose and the reason why you want to do that purpose in the first place so I want to make sure we understand that and of course the hyperscalers we talked about before sits by itself now I want to talk about the power

consumption.

But before I do, I want to make sure that we can look at it from the kilo kilowatts to the megawatts because I want to show you the the difference between the usage. Now, be mindful that a regular household could use anywhere between 800 I mean, you know, 800 kilowatts um per per month. Okay, it's very small, very small scale. Okay, that's a regular household. Then you step up into a

coanding sites, a very large scale one could go to 5 megawws. 1,00 kilowatts makes one megawws. So I want to have that distinction so they understand the course of what we're talking about. And that is what really power the household in the in the US. That's an average wholesale power. and you go to collocation which is about um 50 and of course a data center anything a 100 meg

megabytes or more would be considered hypers scale and that's a whole bunch of servers attached to those facilities to make it look look the same. Now again from the outside it may look like it's a hardened facilities no windows it's not pretty to the eyes but it's it's for that purpose got to be hardened got to be secure and the basic thing is to have

the backup power outside to provide power in um to to the system that you're running from the why would you pick one of these location from a cable landing site You would need for strategy wise let's say you want to start up a new company startup company you need a SAS solution because you don't have the the way it beans to really h have you built your own data center so you connect to that

data center to provide the coverage the internet speed that you desire that's the main purpose of of the landing site other known as CLS all right so and again the Cox and the Verizon they will also attached to that. As far as the collocation, think about the collocation as if you want to connect your business from from United States to Europe, you can in that cable landing site in the same room

crossconnect a connection and it connects you from let's say Spain to the United States just like that. You don't have to keep building data centers every site. And that's the beautiful thing about the connect room, the meet me room. It does that for you without major expenses on on the organization as if you were actually in a different country right in the same room. That's the major

difference between them. As it comes to data center, again if you finance healthcare industry, other governments, you're going to need a secure space for data centers. Scale once again varies.

depends on how far you want to go, how fast you want to go, what you have for computing, it makes a difference.

We talk about the hyperscalers.

Um, those are going to be extremely expensive. Um, but we know that Lorden County is considered one of the data center capital of the world. And the reason why is because you have all these hyperscalers in Lorden County. We don't have that here in Virginia Beach. Okay?

But but these are I want to make sure that's clear that those are some of the various difference between these facilities that could look like a data center and act like one but they're different purpose in what they serve.

So a data center going to require cooling.

You're going to have to heat it up, cool it down. That's just the nature of the game. And that goes beyond just the office spaces. Just talking about equipment, a server requires a lot of cooling. Um, being in the computer industry for more than 40 years, I got to tell you something. The what you don't want to hear. If you walk into a data center, it's going to be

quiet. That means something is wrong.

You got to you got to appreciate that hum. When you walk in the room and hear that hum, the HVAC is kicking. That's a beautiful thing. If you have dead silence, something wrong is about to happen.

Already happened. All right. So, I just want to paint that. So, it does require hefty coolant for that. And of course, size [snorts] and energy usage depends and varies hyperscalers.

You heard about the public clouds. Like I said, the meta and they're building these now for AI. That's how AI can learn. It needs vast amount of data to learn and relearn and so therefore having something like this where it has all the computing power and the different source of power to cool it down and heat it up differs. Okay, we're talking about when

you're talking about 3 million square feet or more of of um acreage to do this and it's a lot of acres of land to consume and also to power up. So um it it's a gigantic difference between those two collocation again providing space and connectivity third parties I said with the with with the Cox the Verizon the Lumis all of those that are currently here and we have about maybe five ISPs

now in in Virginia Beach or in in Hampton Roads. Um so we we are really growing. When I started with the beach nine years ago we only had 1.5. I said 1.5 because Verizon wasn't everywhere.

Now we have choices. It's because of the subsequent site that bring that particular strength to our area that the ISPs could go ahead and tap into and then sell it to the business to your homes and and to the business side.

So it's optimized the speed.

The edge computers look at this as low latencies probably in a You probably wouldn't recognize it so much in a small smaller space. It's it's considered a telco really. It powers your equipment up and it if you have a problem with speed or latency between two different buildings, you could add that to help you boost your signal. Okay, that's kind of for what it does. Again, minimal

should not be in a conversation when it comes to power or water consumption because it's it's uses very very basic Just direct traffic back and forth. All it does onrem data centers are owned and hosted by the organization. They actually have very low consumption. They don't need special water events to to cool them down. They just use a regular HVAC. And

normally if you don't want to go to the cloud, you want to keep everything somewhat private, you have that need for data center. The CI obviously have one.

We also have collocation in case of redundancy and backup something fail. We have a big one that comes through the Hampton Roads. We have collocation out of this area so that we can real connect and continue broadcasting council meetings from anywhere. So that's the kind of stuff that I want to make sure that we paint u when it comes to the data center and the various differences between them. Kathy

Thank you, Peter. So, now we're going to move from the technical aspects of data centers and really start talking about land use and future considerations.

Data centers sites require access to transmission lines and generally flat land sites. They want close proximity to their customers and population centers.

Newer facilities that are using AI workloads are large and therefore require larger sites. And as you heard Peter mentioned, since noise can affect neighborhood neighboring communities, many data centers are looking for more more rural sites because of the noise.

For environmental impacts, the diesel generators used for backup power emit air pollutants. These are regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality using state and national standards which limit use and allowable emissions. A large percentage of data centers use the same amount of water as average office buildings, but of course hyperscaler centers may have larger water usage and

this all varies on the cooling system and often the water is recycled within the system.

Noise has been an issue for some data centers which can negatively affect neighboring communities. As already mentioned, the noise is typically a low frequency hum and most are not audible past the property line.

Here in Virginia Beach, we are the landing point for several trans oceanic fiber connection cables and the mega data center outside of Richmond is where these cables terminate.

We have two collocation facilities in Virginia Beach. Global Links, which is located in Corporate Landing and is 9700 square feet on a 7 acre parcel.

Telus is the other colllocation facility that also is landed is located in corporate landing with an over 21,000t building on a 3.4 acre site.

So for our zoning ordinance, data centers are not specifically listed as data centers in our zoning code. They're categorized as wholesaling, warehousing, storage, or distribution establishments.

and per are permitted by right only in industrial districts. They are considered compatible in the noise zones and APC 1 and two but not compatible in the clear zone. Standard setbacks apply.

So if these are next to a residential or apartment district, a 25- ft setback applies. From a hotel office or business district, it's 15 ft.

So, as I mentioned at the beginning, staff gave planning commission a very general briefing on data centers in April 2026.

During the commission's discussion, they raised several conditions, excuse me, several concerns pertaining to infrastructure needs, fire and building code requirements, high utility usages, land use impacts, and sound impacts.

They followed up with a letter to city council asking for council to consider amending our code to add data centers as a specific use and add a conditional use permit process for industrial zones.

Should you choose to amend the code, additional restrictions council could place on data centers include limiting districts where data centers can be located, increasing setbacks from residential property, limiting size, requiring a sound study, placing time limits on generator testing, requiring additional screening, and a safety plan.

And with that, we'll take any questions.

Okay. Stacy, then Rosemary, then Michael.

>> So Kathy, the we were told the definition of data centers includes four different categories are considered data centers.

So and then throughout the present the second half of the presentation um I guess the term data centers was used >> overall >> globally >> just globally describing all four categories >> right. So my question is the recommendation of um or the consideration of limiting data centers or putting restrictions on the ability to um develop a data center within these

areas. Are we talking about all four categories? Are we talking about the latter two categories? Are we talking about let's have a further discussion?

So because some of these data data centers you know the seem to be pretty small and self-contained.

>> That's right.

>> Are the you know we talking about those or are we only talking about the hypers scale data centers which so in in the last slide we had the recommendations or the proposals you know are we talking about all four or we just talking about the latter two or one the one? So, we're talking about them globally and that's where that conditional use permit

process can come into place because then you can start putting further restrictions on those like size. If you if you want only a certain size and below, that's where you can address that.

>> So, and then the staff doesn't know where this is going to end yet. We're asking council, does council want us to explore this? Because likely what would happen is the planning staff would work on putting together a presentation and recommendation and options for planning commission to consider advising city council where you want to land. So, we

don't necessarily know where we're going to land with this, but we plan to bring the information to the planning commission and to the public and then through a funnel work down on what they feel is the the most advantageous recommendations and requirements they want to bring forward to the council for consideration.

Well, so if I can just finish then I think my my thought is is that these seem to be four very distinct different issues and I would think that we would treat them as four distinctly different issues and not a global ever how we get there I don't know but I don't think we globally say you know for all >> as they're described but that they're

each uh treated separately. Okay. Thank you, >> Michael.

>> Oh, okay. Let's go with worth and then I'll I'll go then.

I don't know.

>> I have a feel on everybody.

>> All right. I think we're all going to go.

>> Just a thought.

>> Let me jump in.

>> Miss Jarrett was here and and I she said she may be available to come up, but I would like you to if you could. Um but but I want to start with a comment uh first on the question of conditional use permit. I 100% support adopting a process by which um a conditional use permit would need to be um obtained for a data center. Um and I think that could

apply any even potentially to all four.

Um and that'll that's another part of the point that I'll make in just a few moments. But um we've heard from the public and we and we have seen the conversations that have occurred and we're and we we know the limitations that exist in land use in Virginia Beach. And what what I've heard loud and clear is that the public wants some assurances um and regulation

related to any potential data center use within our city. And I think that's appropriate. I think we should respond to it and I think we need to do it quickly. We cannot wait for this technology to outpace our zoning um regulations even though in many ways it already has. Um, additionally, I think we owe it to we I don't think I'm sure we owe the public those types

of asurances that they're seeking to know that the types of data centers and I forget the names exactly uh that are the high power high water uh consuming high space consuming data centers are ones that um we're not going to be living with here in Virginia Beach. And I think my sense is that from the public and from members of this body and from the professional staff is that we're not

interested in and don't have those currently and are not recruiting them or pursuing them. And so our zoning regulations could and should reflect that and implementing the conditional use program as part of the process would provide that assurance and it would give localities control on any potential data center site. if one is proposed and I I think we should move forward with that

right away as quickly as possible. I time is of the essence. We don't have a lot of time because we're seeing a proliferation of these around the country that's causing alarm from among the public and um we need to be responsive. So, I would just say that and and what would be included in the CUP, everything above conditional use permit, you know, all of those, the sound study,

the time limits, the screenings, the safety plans, that would all be part of the process and it should be, but really what that leads to, and it's Kathy or potentially um Miss Jarrett who leads the economic vitality portfolio, I think it's important that you may speak to this very specifically about from our economic development point of view because there is misinformation. Could

you speak to is our development economic development department actively recruiting data centers? Do you anticipate the type of use of data centers um that are raising these alarms nationally and regionally and within Virginia Beach? Um and kind of help to provide more clarity around those uses or potential uses and what your departments are doing in that regard.

And then also um I think further um articulate the differences between the necessary data centers as Mr. Cummings said that are main that are um contained and small footprint and highly secure that are related to an important industry that has emerged in Virginia Beach which is the transatlantic cables and how those are different and how those are necessary for the cables that we have and optimizing opportunities

there but where the but the difference in delineation between those types of AI mega power mega water data centers and I think we'd even love some assurances.

>> Sure, absolutely. So, as was mentioned earlier in the presentation, the city of Virginia Beach is home to several subc cables that have connected the United States to Europe and further abroad. We do have the two collocation facilities that were outlined, global links and Telus that allow you utilization of those cables. However, we are not actively recruiting data centers or the

hyperscalers. We do not have any projects in Q for those types of projects. Um, as you all know, we're constantly having discussions um regarding available industrial land in the city of Virginia Beach. And um based on our current tax structure, this would not be um an industry that we would actively recruit. It's not a highest and best use of the property that we have

available in the city. And so this is not a target industry in any way for our economic development team. um as for all the reasons that were just outlined in the previous discussion, the acreage requirements that they have, the power demands that they have, the water usage demands that they have, um the data center and the hyperscaler are are are different product. And so what we have

supported is the landing of the subc cables for internet capacity um for the ability to utilize those subc cables in the collocation facilities. Um but we are not um in discussions or recruiting data centers or hyperscalers and would be supportive of efforts that the planning department would undertake to update our zoning ordinance and um as the manager mentioned have a discussion

with the planning commission that would ultimately make a recommendation to this body about what those um restrictions would include.

>> Thank you. I I don't think anything [snorts] needs to be I mean that was beautiful beautifully stated. Um but the headlines coming out of that are you're not recruiting them. You would agree with the reasonable restrictions, >> correct?

>> Um on those higher intensity uses that are not related to the subc cables, and that's not um from a your professional standpoint an appropriate fit in Virginia Beach. And I don't know anyone um around the table or within the city organization, and if there is someone, you know, please let me know uh who is supportive of those uses. And then finally just a final question and point

because it has been um uh has been raised that there are discussions ongoing about the comprehensive plan and about expansion for um industrial or um other um entrepreneurial uses within the ITA uh for economic development purposes. But I just want to could you just put a clarifying point on are any of those uses related to data centers?

Are there any are would you support the use of a data center as part of that expansion? Is that on the development authority or economic development department's radar in any way or >> absolutely so data centers are not being contemplated for location in the ITA.

Now certainly land use decisions are those of the city council and the planning commission. Um but that's not what's being actively recruited. That's not under discussion with the development authority or city staff. Um, we certainly take the guidance and advice of the planning commission and city council. Um, but as I stated earlier, um, we absolutely support the

update of the city of Virginia Beach zoning ordinance as was discussed and are not actively recruiting data centers and that's not being contemplated as a part of the ITA master plan update.

>> Thank you. Sorry, one final question that appreciate your articulation. What industries are you recruiting?

So we as as everyone here knows um our four top economic drivers are tourism, the defense industry, advanced manufacturing as well as agriculture. So those are our top four industries in the city of Virginia Beach. And we base our recruitment uh around those four target industries. That's our primary focus. We also are very um intentional about working with our existing business

community to support them and staying in the city of Virginia Beach and also growing here. And so our key target and strategic plan is based around those four key areas. Tourism, defense, advanced manufacturing and agriculture.

And >> those four key areas are what's being comp contemplated as any part of >> our economic development strategy >> in the ITA master plan or otherwise >> in the ITA and the entire city of Virginia Beach.

>> Thank you.

>> Yes sir. Hey, before I get to work with Barbara and Rosemary, u let me just say piggybacking on here at this point, I don't think we should do anything above collocation. I mean, we've had those collocation to two facilities there for years, you know, without incident. And at this point, you know, I I I would really recommend that, you know, ordinance just banning

data centers in Virginia Beach.

>> You know, yeah. And the other thing is too and you know and you know sometimes I get criticized for saying that we're running out of land and these things and you know we need revenue generation to take care of our storm water obligation which are going to be in the billions going forward >> and if we're going to do something uh

you know let's do something that's practical but also you know these things are not good neighbors >> and you know I mean I wouldn't want to live one near one I think a lot of other people but you know but you know the thing is with the how the consumption of it the [snorts] complexity to operate these centers so I'm going to make a

recommendation that you know we can what you know hey the subsec cables I mean that's putting us on the map you know Rosemary's been working on broadband you know these are the practical things that we need and the thing is going above a collocation I just think we just got you know, let people know that we're, you know, not the Virginia Beach chain for you.

>> I love it.

>> Okay. Worth.

>> Thank you, Mayor. And I second that. Um, so if you could go to page three because that that's the four categories. And I just don't think data centers will even look at Virginia Beach for the reasons that you've heard today. Uh, storm, water, storms, coastal location. But so when I guess it's an I1 or I2 zoning, we would ban data centers and hyperscalers.

Not that they would look here, but it would just go outright and then we'd put conditional use permit because we do have to protect the subc cable landing sites. That is a precious thing that we have here and that's and so my question I'm going to have about that in a minute and also include the collocation as the mayor said um but require conditional use permits on those. So, Miss Jarrett,

could you tell us with the subc uh cable landing, where do the subc cables go from here? They don't go to a data center here in the city, it would go to other locations.

Um, >> Peter, [snorts] can you expand on that?

I believe they go outside of the Richmond region and into Northern Virginia, >> right?

>> Yes. So um as the subtleties come from Europe into uh United States which by the way Virginia Beach is becoming the epicenter of such landing site and and it's very scale for the future as well.

So it goes to Richmond and from Richmond go to Lorden County again Lorden county I said before is in the capital world and so the need for speed exist there but we don't have to have that facilities here we have that the connection to make it happen.

Okay Barbara.

>> Um, [clears throat] well, I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we lack definition in what we have in our code.

And it's very broad when we say industrial. And so when we don't have a definition for light industry in our code, then anything goes. And I think that's why data centers since that's essentially what they are as broad as they are just is industry and that's all we have. And so that's one of the things that is you know being recommended

uh with this update of the ITA plan is that we define light industry. uh right now it it's just wide open. And so that's the problem I think because we don't have a um a definition wholesaling and storage and packaging and distribution and retailing and so forth are light industry. And so we really need as we're going forward and and I think we need to

do it sooner rather than later. I don't think we ought to take the time that it's going to take us to do our whole code, but we need to do this now [clears throat] because this is when we're looking at at this issue. Last night, the planning commission had a a meeting u because they're looking at this whole question. I know that you all have been uh listening to Clay Dills and

and his um update of the inter facility traffic area and vicinity master plan.

Uh and that's been repeated in many places around the city and I have to tell you it was an overflow crowd there last night uh with that because there is so much interest around the city with this whole question of what is industry and when we're talking about what we have historically had for this area as agriculture sports tourism recreation and preservation. and we're going to

insert industry, we really need to know what we're inserting. And so we need that definition. And I think that's what would help us here because it's such a broad thing when you say any of these things, it really is intent rather than than some kind of definition. And I I think as people are are looking at what they can expect to have next to them when they look at some of these things

as being in the same category as whatever might have been light industry.

And of course this whole proposal that we have before us to expand the innovation park which was supposed to have looked like this when we planned it for the biomed park. And we know what's there doesn't look anything like this.

And when people are looking at expanding the in asking to expand the innovation park, they want to know what it's going to be expanded for. And these kinds of definitions that we have up here just are wide open. And so we really really need to think about when we say we're going to put industrial, light industrial in an area, is there a difference between light industrial and

heavy industrial? Right now we don't have any difference. And and so we really do need to talk about it in a in the broad sense because our folks really do want to know what what we are meaning when we say light industry. And when you look at this category as as being qualifying and as it is right now without a conditional use permit for it, this would be by right.

And so I guess if someone [clears throat] wanted to apply for this, it's by right at this point. [snorts] And so we really need to look at this whole question.

>> David Rosemary.

>> Um I agree with the mayor about us banning.

I think that is a fantastic idea. And do we still have to run through if we wanted to do that? Do we still want to do we still need to go through the planning commission to ask for that and then come back to to us? How what is that process?

>> Yes, it'd be a discretionary approval process through the planning commission and city council for adoption.

Um, and I want to thank the planning commission for writing the letter and bringing this up and bringing it, you know, forward like this. Um, I don't know if anybody remembers the when we had the uh, Bitcoin center.

Oh boy. We had no idea what we were getting into when that came here to beach. It created so much noise and it was over in the Kimsville area. I think near I think near Mount Trashmore.

>> That's [clears throat] right.

it. Oh, it was extraordinarily disruptive to the neighbors. So, we certainly don't want anything like that ever again. But [clears throat] JB is not a good fit for these things. And I'm I'm agreeing with what I think Stacy was saying about and the mayor about the eliminate banning the data centers and the hyperscalers. We don't want to mess up the what we have going with subc

cables. They're doing a fantastic job and it's also helps to bring business into our city and there's very small scale for what for what they do which is really going to make Virginia Beach the center of subc cables on the whole east coast which is fantastic. So um anyway wanted to say that and however we can speed this along to do this banning I think it would be fantastic. uh we need

to send it to the planning commission to ask for them to do that that ball rolling because right now um I think as Barbara kind of mentioned we don't have any rules or regulations they could come in even though we're not a good fit for it because we don't have a lot of the land we're the wild wild west they could come in with by right and and do something so we need to get something

in place >> let me ask you we have to go back to the planning commission or we just can't decide >> [clears throat] >> They recommend >> you making a non permitted use under the zoning.

>> Okay. Can we get a resolution uh going to that effect?

And can I ask all the council people to sign on to this?

>> Absolutely.

>> Okay. But we'll go for cash, you are up and then Michael and then Amelia.

>> Yes, sir. I agree with you. Mayor 100%.

I've got 13 plus emails sitting in my inbox for no data centers. So, for that being um the case, uh we work up a um um I want to say a resolution, but I think you put a discretionary so where it comes back to city council. We make this um an ordinance and we follow through with it and we make our commitment to our people sound, clear, and professional.

>> You got it, Michael. And then >> thank you, Mayor. J [clears throat] >> I want to offer a point of clarification that I think needs to be stated. Um there are two industrial codes. Uh one is I1 and one is I2. One is more intensive than the other. Um and I think it's some sometimes referred to as heavy industrial and light industrial but

there are in fact two uh distinct and enumerated industrial codes. And I and I think it's problematic when we share to the public that we don't have definitions um that we that do exist.

And Miss Warren, I wonder if you could um share just uh a brief description of the differences between those distinctions as it relates to city code.

And could you also make sure the council receives a copy of the differences of those codes and the definitions contained within? Because when we tell the public that something doesn't exist that does, it diminishes confidence in the deliberations that occur here. And I've expressed this previously, I I think that um uh it's is problematic for policym discussions, but it also can

sometimes be used as a technique or a tactic. And I and I have a concern about that. And I think it's important that we have a discussion on the merits of the issues rather than either intentionally or unintentionally spreading misinformation.

>> Okay, let's go with Kathy.

>> Sorry, Barb.

>> Okay, so within the zoning ordinance, there's our zoning our various zoning districts and they all have use tables.

So within the I1 use table, you can see what is permitted, what you'd have to get a cup for, and what is not permitted. Same thing with the I2. So that's what defines the difference in each of those >> is I2 sometimes referred us to as light industrial.

>> I2 is heavy.

>> So I1 would be sometimes referred to. So light >> definitions do exist for both.

>> Yes. Well, so council member Henley is correct. There's more of an intent paragraph that talks about that and what uses are in each of those, but the the use table is really where it's called out. So when we do our zoning update, whether it's there or before that, we can flesh that out more.

>> Thank you. And and that is not necessarily directly related to this discussion because I support I support the initiatives that have been taken here, whether it's a condition use permit or um more specifically I think probably inappropriately uh the ban as discussed. So um but but having said that for the other uses it's important to note that we're not without a definition.

>> Okay Barbara >> I'm reading from this data we got from the city manager uh dated April 10th. Uh during the April 7th city council meeting in formal session staff was asked to clarify the definition of light versus heavy industrial districts. The zoning ordinance does not provide a definition of light or heavy industrial districts. However, section 1000 of the

zoning ordinance provides the purpose and intent of the light and heavy industrial districts. And it goes on and what I'm saying is that we need to go forward and correct this fact that we don't clarify the difference between light and heavy. I mean, and that that's what you said here. And this whole thing of being leading it to uh intent, I think, is what's causing the confusion

with the public. When used in the context of the city of Virginia Beach zoning ordinance, the terms heavy industrial and light industrial refer to the title of two zoning districts, I1 light industrial and I2 zoning districts below. But then it goes on to talk about the intent of what it is. And so I think there's a lot of confusion about just what each category is and it's kind of

left up to somebody's not being sure.

But I can tell you there's a lot of concern among our people about what we have gotten out of something that's zoned light industrial that is creating a terrific traffic problem on Princess Anne Road with enormous trucks that have to come out of the light industrial use and so forth.

So I really think when we are going to talk more about industrial uses and allowing them into areas that have not previously been allowed industrial uses, we need to know what we're doing. And when we call something light industrial, and we tell them it's going to be something like this, which is research, and it turns out to be heavy manufacturing, the public doesn't believe us. And I

think our public is about ready to say it doesn't really matter what you say.

And so I was reading from this piece right here and and I'll be glad to let you have it uh because this was the answer that we got in April on April 10th.

>> Sorry, mayor if I could respond.

I also received that memo and read it and and I think probably both of our points stand because it clearly states that there are two industrial zoning categories and they are sometimes referred to as light and heavy industrial and there are definitions of both.

>> Thank you. This is not >> you know Mrs. Senate, if I can give you clarification, the the the reason the biomed did not fly was because it was dictated by the market and uh once again we had a pivot.

It was well intended. We I was 100% in uh favor of it, but the market said this is not feasible. Okay, Stacy and then uh work.

Oh, wait a minute. I'm sorry. Sorry.

Amelia and Jen. First, >> a lot of things are going on, but I remember when we started talking about this whole cable, one of the things I whispered to Councilman Schumman is, "But we're running out of money." So, how this was going to fit in what we need. I remember being here on council for the sub uh cables at that time and it did make a difference. If we can

continue down a certain path instead of just jumping on board for whatever's brand new and shiny, I think it would do our city well. So really, I'm for banning what you mentioned about the data centers and the hyperscalers.

Let's put together a resolution or whatever will work that we can get ahead of this train because it's on its way.

And as I listened already to the other two already have sites that these two are in place. So when we do not have this data center all that I've receive a lot of emails as well and when you were mentioning you mentioned the noise you mentioned you mentioned the cooling. So it's there and if we we cannot be blindsided by what looks shiny as a city we have to maintain what is

best for our city not just an individual group that would like to do this. So thank you.

>> Thank you. Yeah. So this is actually way easier than I was prepared for today because Yes. So thank you for recommending just straight up ban it so we don't have to worry about it. Thank you for the education as well. So to distinguish all these different types of data centers. Um so in terms of I guess preserving the first two and connecting to the light industrial versus heavy

industrial which would these two be the subc landing cable location >> I1 I1 >> right >> um I'm okay giving more another look to the language. So even if it's there if the public is confused the public is confused. So, if we can add more clarity, um whether it's more examples or it's, you know, descriptions and I

think that's fine to give more information so that it can answer some of these questions that may still be out there. Um and so I thank you for making um that recommendation and um look forward to supporting it.

>> Okay, Stacy and then Barbara.

>> Um this body is a nonpartisan body. We are all independent. We are not elected on either side of the aisle.

And recently, this issue of data centers has become very political nationwide statewide.

And I would just like our resolution to make clear that our which I'm in favor of our banning of data centers and hyperscalers is not based upon anything except our physical limitations to support those facilities. We don't have the land. We don't have the energy. We don't have the um the ability to house them. So, it's nothing more than that. It's not taking

one side of the equation or the political side, one side or the other.

It's just based upon just the mere limitations that we have as a city.

>> Okay. Barbara, >> going back to your comment about this being the absolutely we wanted it and that's why we zoned this property light industrial to get a biomed park and that's what we marketed it. But it didn't work.

And I remember so well the day that we came to city council with all the neighbors around who were now going to not get their biomed park and we're looking at something else. And we promised them it won't be medical, but we will have to look at some other possible uses for this property, but it's still zone light industrial, which we had already done. and it had

already been conveyed to the development authority [snorts] for a biomedical park. So, the city council had no input and look at what they've got out there today. And I think when you look at what we promised and what we said with light industrial and when we're told now that things like this would would fit our ordinance because we're not defined enough. I think we definitely need to

know when people say it's light industrial and I'm looking at heavy industrial I think what is the difference and and I think if we haven't been able to tell people the difference that's what we need to get to and and in reading this you know it's not just purpose and intent and a broad thing like wholesaling I mean we're not a

warehouse city we're a city of sports tourism and agriculture and preservation and what we've always had. And if we're going to convert, we've got to be careful. And if we want to have more industrial, that's fine, but let's define it so people know what they're getting. And when they're told that they're going to get something like

a research park and they suddenly have this great manufacturing stuff out there, they don't trust us anymore. And I think it's the trust of the public that we really need to make sure we have.

>> Yeah. With once again with due respect, Miss Henley, Manda J was just just up there when Michael asked her [snorts] about our economic develop development initiative. Two of them were defense contractors and we are also we have a heck of a lot of manufacturers here. You know, we're about getting ready to celebrate steel's uh anniversary and when you think about all whether it be

IMS year or Bosch or a whole bunch of stuff, manufacturing helps us pay our bills. Okay. Uh okay, let's go. Uh worth and then Hutch.

>> Thank you, Mayor. If I could just weigh in for a minute because I think a lot of you all know I've been in the space for 40 years now and all active around the region. Virginia Beach has 14 a little over 14 million square feet under roof for all types of industrial real estate.

I would say 90% of that um and I'll say the different parks that that's contained in contained in is I1 and very few I2. I2 really covers outside storage. I1 covers just about every industry that's in the following locations. Airport Industrial Park, which was developed by the Development Authority, London Bridge Industrial Park, Taylor Farms Commerce Park, and

then the big one that's really the capstone of our city, Oceanana West Corporate Park, which started in 1970s.

That's Linhaven Parkway, um, International Parkway, and all the streets around it. that originally was intentioned and um planned for an industrial park and look how many class A office buildings are in it. That's um Linhaven Mall is down there. That's where steel is is based. Uh huge presence. ADS. We have defense contractors. We have a ton of manufacturing, a lot of distribution,

and a lot of small mom and pop contractors, those who paint our houses, fix our cars, electricians, and I would say industrial is a big part of our city, as well as tourism as well as agriculture as well as Port of Virginia and manufacturing. So I think if you want an idea of what I1 is light industrial drive down LHaven Parkway that's Oceanana West corporate park or go over to airport industrial park next

to the airport. Those are great businesses a lot of jobs a lot of paychecks and a lot of taxes. Thank you.

>> I'm sorry Mark I missed your hand. Uh, I was just going to say that I think what I've heard here today in terms of what a resolution would say and how you would uh incorporate a ban on data centers and hyperscalers. I think the way that you would do that is you would pass a resolution directing the planning commission to make a recommendation to you

that would change the use tables in I1 and I2. And in I1 and I2 data centers and hyperscalers would not be a permitted use and subc cable landing sites and collocation facilities would be a conditional use. I think that's what your ban would look like.

>> Um and I think that that's a pretty simple resolution to write. U >> should we do that as an emergency tonight?

Well, it's just a referral resolution if you if if the if if we typically like to have resolutions referring to the planning commission a specific ordinance.

>> Okay. But if the council just wants to direct staff to to take to draft and and go directly to the planning commission with that simple change in the um use tables. I I think that's something that we could do correct without waiting for the resolution. If that's if if if I have correctly captured what it is you're asking for and if there's unonyimity around the

table as to that's what you want us to bring forward.

>> Would anybody object to that? Can you do it tonight?

>> Yes, let's do it.

>> Let's do it.

>> Well, there's nothing to do tonight because it still has to go to the planning commission. But what what I'm taking from you is you want planning staff in my office to take to the planning commission an or a zoning ordinance amendment that will make the two red and green up there, the data centers and the hyperscalers non-permitted uses and the other two

conditional uses. they would consider that ordinance amendment, the planning the the zoning ordinance amendment and then it would come back to you for adoption pursuant to the normal planning process.

>> Okay. And can we ask them to expedite that post?

>> You can ask them. Yes. Uh they they um >> I'll make some phone calls.

>> Well, they get >> Yeah. Maybe just a simple resolution.

Not only no, but hell no.

That'll keep it simple. Okay. Hutch.

>> I just to kind of keep it light because we've been kind of serious here for a little bit. I was just going to say to deputy Yeah. Well, other than that part, thank you. Other than the deputy to the deputy city manager, thank you so much for picking Hummingbird as a name that really uh that really kicked this ball off.

Had nothing to do with the data centers, but that's okay. Um, you know, it's nothing getting everybody informed. Um, thank you to to y'all, you know, Director Wallace for your presentation.

It was very good. I was going to say to the planning to our planning team and to our planning commission, there's some of them here. Um, we had no intentions of doing green and red. There's not one person here that was going to support that. The mayor said it perfectly. We all, none of us are thinking that stuff on the right. We've had the ones on the

left. We've had the Verizon switching centers all over the city. You know, they're they're teeny little things. Got big batteries in them. That's why with fire department hazmat had to worry about them. I would also like to say thank you to the planning commission chair who is a retired fire captain I might add that he uh that he brought this up saying hey I know it was

everybody's deal but this is a little bit of a testament to how we can work quickly and get things accomplished in the right way so that we keep Virginia Beach the way we want. I know we're going to argue over a couple of names on things like that's that doesn't seem like it's going to die. um but that we can work that way and it's a credit to

all of us when we catch a bunch of heat from other things. There are times when this comes together very well and I think this is a perfect example. The last thing I would like to say is if you say subc cables that's like a cat one bike coalition of facilities is like two and threes and then the motos then the motos are down on the right. I'm just saying >> too soon. Too soon.

>> I'm saying right now.

>> Hey, Hud. You're not going to bring it up again to our good. I'm good. Okay.

>> All right. Anybody else at this point? I think we have the direction.

>> Yes.

>> It was good conversation.

>> Good conversation.

>> Okay. Let's see.

Okay. Uh, council liaison reports.

Anybody [snorts] work?

>> Thank you, mayor. I am less on to the uh old beach design review committee.

>> I'll wait for things to settle.

>> Thanks. I'm uh less on to the old beach design review committee and we've met for a couple years and talked about what's happening in Old Beach. that's uh close to the resort just west of Pacific Avenue, the numbered streets from 17th to about uh 30th Street. Uh historic neighborhood so to speak. Um goes way back a lot of um great houses there. And

so it's uh gentrification. I don't know if that's the right term or not, but we have some density issues and some concerns from the community. And so we've addressed this in a lot of ways thanks to the help of both the planning staff and the uh city attorney's office.

So, uh, the old the resort beach civic league as well as the planning commission and, uh, old beach design review committee and the development community have, uh, talked and conferred. And we not going to change any, uh, building codes or design standards necessarily, but we want to allow some uh, changes to or some potential changes to the design setbacks. So, so we can have better

looking product at the end of the day.

And it's hard for me to verbalize all of this. And so I Kathy, I don't if you miss Warren, you want to speak to this or not, but we would ask for council's approval for a planning commission and staff to come forward with some recommendations or ordinance.

>> So, Mr. Mayor Kathy and members of council, Kathy give a brief synopsis.

But the end of this, if council is okay with it, then we would have planned staff work with the planning commission to make amendments to the policy and bring it forward to your to you all for approval. Mati, give a quick synopsis on what the ask is.

>> So, council member, you're correct.

We've been working with the Old Beach Civic League for probably a couple of years now on this. There's a concern about the form of the buildings, the the tall and narrow, and they'd like to get to more of a wider structure uh to create more of what that community was intended to do and what the streets should look like in the houses. So, we are happy to look at that. We have some

ideas already and uh we can do that in short order.

>> So, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Remick is asking for staff to work with the planning commission on that. Council has no objection to that. I can have the plan here with that folks. Any objections?

Let's move forward with that.

>> Okay. Michael and then Amelia.

>> Thank you, Mayor. Um I'm just going to just make a few brief remarks. First is that um on Friday, I think it was Friday. Yeah. Friday evening, I had the privilege to attend the 4H livestock show and sale at Creeds Ruron that was supported by our city's agricultural department along with Mrs. Henley, of course. And um it was amazing. This was my first

time at that livestock show and sale to see [snorts] the young people and generations supported by generations who had previously participated um selling the livestock that they raised and for a lot of money by the way, a lot of money um and continuing those agricultural traditions that exist in Virginia Beach and passing them through the generations.

It was pure Americana and it was really really wonderful to see how connected and supportive um and productive that community is and um and how wonderful that 4 uh organization that we have in Virginia Beach is and supported by our a team. So it was really wonderful. Um, mayor, I'm sure you're going to talk about the uh 531 memorial, but I just as the leaison.

>> What is the leaison? Why don't we go into it right now?

>> Yeah. uh just as the as one of the liaison to that initiative um and there from the you know time that we set up the committee in addition to uh all the incredible aspects of what occurred on Sunday and this weekend. I particularly want to pay tribute to the members of the committee who brought their expertise and their um broad array of knowledge and their experiences, but I think most

importantly their heart and their passion um and their consideration for their neighbors in Virginia Beach and their colleagues uh to that effort. What we saw unveiled was the culmination of um years of effort and was a truly inclusive and um considerate and thoughtful process that resulted in memorial that pays tribute to those 12 individuals who uh whose lives were taken in and that

horrific murder. all of the survivors, the colleagues, city colleagues and workforce first responders, um, and all of those who are impacted in our community. And I encourage anyone and everyone [clears throat] in our in our city and beyond to visit the memorial at their time of their choosing and um, and experience what was created there. So, um, in particular, I just want to thank our, um, cultural affairs

department, Emily Leose and her team, Gills Architects, uh, the contractor, ET Gresham, and, um, and of course the volunteer committee who led that effort, and and Dr. Larry Schooler who served as a consultant on the project and where other communities found disagreement, discord and argument, division, we found unity and um consideration and that was a very special and very magical process to be a part of. So well

done and thanks to all the committee members. And then >> yeah I was one of the >> one more thing to add >> separate from the memorial if I just could um the jackaloupe festival was also this weekend and uh our it's the fourth year.

It's one of the city's best new festivals and I don't want to diminish the importance of what you're about to say, but I just want to um offer congratulations to the Jackaloupe team and to RCVB for executing another amazing event.

>> And thank you, Michael. Very well said.

>> Well, we're both on the same line in that I'm also a member of the memorial uh committee. And when I talked to Keith uh Cocker's brother, he looked at me and he said [snorts] number seven is the number of completion and we have actually gotten to completing what we set out which to me was very important in the way he said it. Then I was able to take a photo of

he and his uh mother. But just to hear cuz a lot of people always say when will this be done but this was one person where his brother he said the number seven we've done it in seven years and it's now complete because that's the number of completion. I thought that was very touching.

>> Like Michael mentioned, it was quite moving as people walked through and looked through and very respectful in the manner. Even all the speeches, your speech and the others who spoke on behalf including deal was well thought out and the volunteers was really really really well done. So I applaud the city and all of us for looking at how important this was and giving it the complete respect.

And the second thing um I went along and Councilman Worth we were over at um to see the beginning meeting some of the people for Jackaloupe and that was really nice and to hear from Steel how excited they are about being a part of this. So need to continue growing situations like that that our city can feel proud about. And then the final thing I want to mention is that I'm on

the committee for the uh council songs.

I think the two of us are for the arts and humanities. They want to announce that they're about to do the second round beginning in June. So, I'll share more about that for the creative neighborhood grant as well as the project grant for anyone who will be interested in applying for that.

>> Yeah. Before I get to Jennifer, I just want to say, yeah, I want to give kudos to Michael, Amelia, the team that came together.

When you think about the awesome task that confronted them years ago, dealing with a variety of emotions, heartbreak sorrow you know, things of that nature, they were able to come together and really do it right. Did it take a little longer? Yeah. But I'll tell you what folks, you got it right. And you know when I saw the memorial for the first time was, you know, the Sunday and it's a wow factor

and it is touching and when you see the love that was put into that and I'll tell you what it it's an amazing completion. And I just want to thank you all, Jennifer, and then Cash.

>> Thank you, mayor. Uh, uh, four things.

One, this morning I, uh, gave welcoming remarks at the citywide forever young tea party. This is something I didn't realize that the parks and wreck that we offer through our recreation center. So, any adult age 55 and over, it's free through their um, parks and recck membership. uh social events. So across the city uh there was a number of folks from um all over that came to Kimville

rec center for a tea party today and so everyone was looking fantastic and in my remarks I said thank you for showing us the way to as you're aging but you're looking great doing it and they were having a good time. So that's just information for you all to share and for the public. Um so if you're 55 and older and know someone who is uh that these are there are there are a number of

social uh events and gatherings uh specific to seniors uh called the senior what is it Kersman uh forever young senior centers and the forever young program. Um secondly over the weekend I just want to shout out Tree Kelty who um at Mount Trashmore hosted the inaugural Black Pride event. I know a number of uh council members and the mayor Cash you were there and anyone else I missed you.

I apologize. Uh but just to shout her out for bringing that um uh pride event to Virginia Beach. Um third uh want to give congratulations to uh Palace of Pickle Ball that opened in District 10 in the Timberlake Shopping Center. So I uh played pickle ball for the first time at that grand opening and I know now why it's the fastest growing sport in America. So I don't understand the rules

but I am very good. So I will be >> So I'm looking forward to being on council.

>> Yeah.

So, I'm already like, "Oh, I'm going to I'll be back." So, uh, thanks. You know, I know we've expanded across the rec center, but just want to shout out that, uh, business opening. Then I'll close out with the, uh, Boys and Girls Club, the mayor and I, um, we visited the Boys and Girls Club, uh, in Rosemont in my district this past week. And really the

intention was to listen to teenagers and just give them a space to tell us about uh, what they do and what they think.

And the intention was to not only speak to Virginia Beach teens, but teens from around Hampton Roads, because what we know is at the oceanfront, it attracts everybody. And that as we're dealing with um violence and behavior issues, but also, you know, not all teens are doing these things, but these teens are more connected to um Tik Tok and takeover culture than we are. So, the idea was, can you tell us

about um what you're seeing and what you're hearing? And um so I want to thank the mayor for joining and um listening in on that. And um I hope to have more of those uh kinds of meetings and uh we have the threeperson rule which is why not all council could attend because then it would become a public meeting and then the teens would have been quiet because there might have

been too many people there. So, um um I think it's something that hopefully it'll go across other cities as well as we look towards a more regional and even statewide um effort to try to create a space in our oceanfront and in our city that's welcoming um to these young people as they're finding their way. One more thing just as we're planning a lot

of what they said was um you know some of those third spaces where they can go aren't aren't options for them anymore.

So, as malls are closing or malls like Linhaven Mall now has a curfew as well.

So these spaces where if you're just young and want to be around other young people, where can you go that's free? It doesn't cost a lot of money and that's becoming the oceanfront. And so um as we're programming out the oceanfront, as we're also making planning decisions, these are things to keep in mind as well. What are some of those spaces or

facilities that um uh teens, young adults, and older adults can access without a lot of money and you can just spend time um um in a safe environment um and just kind of hang out and people watch or spend time with your friends.

Um they're missing a lot of those spaces. So um that's something we ought to be thinking about as we're planning going forward. Thank you.

>> And you know, Jennifer and thank you for organizing or you know partaking. You know what really struck me, we had youth from pretty much all over Southside of Hampton Roads representing multiple cities. And when the question came up about the youth curfew, we didn't have anybody object to that.

And the thing is that, you know, because they want to be safe and they understood. [clears throat] Am I correct in >> Yeah. And I was surprised like it makes sense. And then when the popup event thing came, somebody one of the young men said, he goes, "Hey, listen. If I'm having a birthday party with my family, I'm going to invite my family and my

friends, but if it's open to anybody, somebody else can come and ruin the whole thing." Is that was that correct?

>> Yeah. We also had uh uh Sergeant Chris Washington from the police department to talk also about from the police perspective that when people these they're they're just a social media people. They put everything on the internet and there's no boundaries on the internet. So then when stuff grows and it takes off and that's how

takeovers happen where what's meant to be fun and innocent goes to whatever corner of the internet and it gets attention and people want to be seen and then they start Snapchatting if that's still around or whatever. And so you know trying to hey you create spaces but close it make it more exclusive. Don't put addresses out there. Don't put you know invites just on your social media

platform. send it directly to people and try to contain it. But um yeah, so a lot of this revolves around social media. A lot of it's beyond our control, but trying to understand what worlds they're living in so we can uh address it more effectively.

>> Okay. Anybody else at this point? Yeah.

>> Yes.

>> So I'm thankful uh this is council comments. Uh but my wife and I, we received a letter from one of the uh seniors in our district from Atlantic Shores Christian High School.

>> Water Seahawks. I hate to say that.

>> Look, Seahawks. That's right.

>> It touched our hearts so much that I have to read. It's short, but listen, let me just read this to you.

>> It said, "Dear Councilman, uh Cal Jackson Green, Jr., my name is," and it gives the name of the senior. I am a senior at Atlantic Shore Christian High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, but she lives in district 7. This year, I was able to take government class where we had a year-long assignment titled praying for those in authority. Students would pick four government officials

who we found interesting or were connected to research and write a prayer for. We would then present our findings to the class and pray for each official.

Finally, we fill out a paper star, that's this, which each official's name and position and staple it to our bulletin board. I live in Virginia Beach, District 7, and I wanted to pray for my representative who works very hard to serve all the people in my community. I am grateful for all the effort you put in into improving our lives and I am continuing to pray for

you to stand strong in your faith as you lead this city. As our country celebrates 250 years this year, I am reminded of what government officials such as yourself do for the people to allow the country to run smoothly. Thank you so much again for all that you do sincerely. And then it gives the name of the senior. It just touched my heart because there are powerful seniors that are within Virginia Beach who are very

positive. So when it's bleak and we hear reports of, you know, maybe seniors not living up to their standards, know that there are seniors who are in youth who are striving for positive outcomes. So I just wanted to read this.

>> Oh, that that was great. What district was that in?

>> Oh, thank you. District seven.

I know. Sorry. It's a letter.

>> Okay, just real quick. Um, we we got out the announcement of the mayor's task force on a safe for safer Virginia. We have a dynamite group of people. As a matter of fact, one is out in the audience today. and it was a very eclectic group that is a broad representation of everybody. Uh we're going to have I believe six meetings between now and uh October and then

we're going to have some public forums.

Delino Miles will be the moderator.

It's going to be open and transparent and it's going to be productive, you know. But thank you. Appreciate it.

Okay. How about agenda review?

>> How about the agenda review? We only have four items. Does anybody have any issues with that or can they all go on consent?

>> All on consent.

>> All consent. Um here's We also have a very extensive >> open mic night. A lot of it was on data.

>> I know they may change their mind now.

>> There's 23.

>> Maybe we can make it an announcement at the beginning.

>> 23 speakers.

>> Yeah. Okay. Okay. The chair will entertain a motion to recess into a close session pursuant to the exemptions from open gaining law by section 2.2 3711A code of Virginia as amended for the following purposes. publicly held property. Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purpose or the disposition of publicly held uh property where

discussion open the city would affect adversely the bargaining position or negotiate negotiating strategy of the public body pursuant to section 2.2371 2371183 district 6 district 2 personnel matters discussion consideration or interviews of prospective candidates for employment assignment appointment promotion performance demotion salaries disciplining or resignation of specific

public officers appointees or employees of any public body pursuant to section 2237 111A1 council appointment boards commissions committees authorities agencies and appointees and performative of council employees. Do I have a motion?

>> Second.

>> I [clears throat]

>> Okay, we're reset and folks, we got a

Welcome all. Good evening. We're going to gabble this to get going. And today we are pleased to have Reverend Beth Anderson Paser Courthouse Community United Methodists to give us the invocation. If you're willing and able, please stand.

>> Thank you, Mr. May.

>> Welcome.

>> Let us pray. Almighty and awesome God, pour your Holy Spirit upon all of us gathered here this evening to work for the good of our city. I pray for our city leaders, our mayor, our city manager, our city staff, and our city council. We pray that tonight that you will lead us and guide us and strengthen every single one of them with wisdom, compassion, and justice. Give them

clarity, and discernment as they lead and do this work on behalf of all the citizens of Virginia Beach. We pray for our city, especially as we remember the victims, families, heroes, and all who continue to suffer and mourn the losses from May 31, 2019. We thank you for all who work to create a memorial that honors their legacy and helps us to remember them with love and hope for a

future without violence. We pray for our mayor's new task force for a safer Virginia Beach. bless these members and work that they do to create a safer Virginia Beach for all who live and visit our wonderful city. We pray tonight that as our city council learns and makes decisions, they will be given thoughtfulness to make decisions and consider the people, the environment,

and the future for Virginia Beach. We pray that every single person here is valued and acknowledged with kindness and respect. Every person here is made in the image of God, and we will never see or meet a person, Lord, whom you do not love. You have given us a gift of leadership and service and that is a privilege and a responsibility. With this gift, may we love and care for all

people who fill your city. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

>> Thank you. Thank you, Reverend Anderson.

Good to see you again.

>> Good to see you.

>> Okay, at this point, um, maybe I ask for a moment of silence to honor those who have paid the ultimate price protecting our city and our nation.

And now the pledge of allegiance.

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

Okay, madame clerk, do we have roll call?

>> Yes, your honor. All present.

>> Okay. And um a motion for the certification of the close session.

>> Second.

>> And that's of May uh 19th, 2026.

>> Okay.

>> The certification is for the earlier close session. Mayor, >> okay. I'm sorry. The close session first. Okay. and then we'll do the minutes.

>> The vote is open.

>> Okay. My apologies. Thank you, madam clerk.

[clears throat] >> By vote of 11 to zero, you certify the closed session to be in accordance with a motion to reset.

>> And now I would ask for a motion to approve the minutes of the informal and formal session of May 19th, 2026.

>> So moved.

>> Second.

The vote is open.

>> Thank you.

>> By a vote of 10 to zero with Vice Mayor Wilson abstaining, you have approved the minutes as submitted.

>> Okay. Thank you all very much. Uh before we get into the mayor's presentations, I just want to make an announcement. As we all know, the subject of data centers has been a very hot tissue issue uh going forward. And just to let you know that the council this after noon unanimously agreed that we will not entertain any data centers in the city of Virginia Beach and and

we will be be forward. We're going to ask the uh planning commission to expedite this and we're going to vote this down at the earliest possible convenience. But I just wanted to let you know right up front. Okay. Okay. At this point, uh first resolution, Steel's 100th birthday. Uh do we have Hugh Hirs here, Lorraine Amsbury Holder, and Scott Tilly per chance? Please come forward.

Welcome everyone.

[sighs] Okay, it's so proud to read this resolution that was signed by every city council member. And whereas in 1926, Andred Steel established an engineering firm and dealer for woodworking machines in Stuttgart, Germany, and manufactured his first steel chainsaw. And whereas the company expanded in 1930, employing 30 people and setting up their first manufacturing facility in Canstat near Stogart.

And whereas steel is responsible for major innovations in chainsaw development and is credited for the antiibration system, electronic ignition system and saw chain with selflubricating effect. And whereas in 1971 stero [snorts] achieved market position of the world's top selling chainsaw brand. Whereas after decades of demand and growth, in 1973, Steel expanded their footprint for the

first time outside of Germany with a sales and production facility in Brazil.

A year later, the company selected a production site in Virginia Beach to establish their US presence. Whereas in 1974, Steel began construction in Virginia Beach location, which has since grown to be one of the largest manufacturing facilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia with nearly 2,700 employees.

Whereas steel has production facilities in eight different countries and steel pro products are sold through 44 steel owned companies. Approximately 120 importers and more than 55,000 independent steel dealers across60 company countries.

Whereas the year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of steel, we celebrate their legacy and pioneering innovation and manufacturing excellence that has made them a top selling brand of handheld outdoor power equipment worldwide. Now, therefore, it be it resolved that the City of Virginia Beach Council celebrates the 100th anniversary of steel and recognizes their contribution to the global and Virginia Beach ma

manufacturing community given [snorts] by the city council of Virginia Beach on the second day of June 2026. We present this resolution signed by each and every member of city council.

Right.

>> Stand behind.

>> Can we stand behind y'all?

>> We'll stand up here.

>> What do you want us to see?

>> Okay.

>> Thanks for the warning. That would not be >> Yeah, that would not be good. Just got [clears throat] here.

Oh my goodness.

>> Where was this when we did the budget?

Excellent.

[snorts] Sneak in.

like microphone.

Thank you.

>> Turn that off.

Thank you.

>> I should get it and pull it out.

>> [clears throat]

>> Okay.

>> [snorts] >> It's great to have folks like that helping make Virginia Beach such a great place to live, work, play, and have their businesses.

Okay, moving on. Um, Michael Baluchcci, I believe you have a resolution for something.

>> I do, Mayor. Thank you. And, um, before I read the begin reading the proclamation, I'd like to invite everyone who's here for the Pride Month proclamation to come down, um, to the podium please.

And and while they're coming down, mayor, if I could, before I read the proclamation, I'd just like to say a couple of things. The first is to thank you, mayor, for um for issuing this proclamation as you have every year since you've been mayor. You're the first mayor to issue the proclamation, declaring officially declaring Pride Month in the city of Virginia Beach. And

I think that you deserve a lot of credit um for recognizing each and every member of our community and the value that each and every person brings to our community. And I want to thank you, mayor, for your leadership and for your dedication to serving all of your constituents. Um and thank you for that.

And I think you should be recognized for your leadership in that effort.

>> Oh, thank you.

>> Uh I also just want to say just a few words. Thank you, mayor. Let's give HIM I'd also just like to say a few words about Pride Month and that it's especially meaningful to me personally and professionally as a member of the LGBT community myself and having spent many years involved in this work. I've seen firsthand the difference that

visibility, acceptance, and belonging make in a person's life. And uh as I'm looking out and I'm seeing a broad range of people who are involved in this work, I've se seen firsthand the impact that the work you do has on the lives of members of our community. And I'm very grateful for that. And I'm grateful to be part of a city, Virginia Beach, that

continues to strive to be a city where every single person is welcome, valued, safe, and able to contribute their talents and their perspectives and have the opportunity to fulfill their highest potential. And so, it's my honor to present this Pride Month proclamation.

And of course, we're joined by representatives from a variety of organizations, some of which you'll hear from in just a few moments. And again, I want to thank you for your work. And and [snorts] I'd also like to just uh end my personal remarks by sharing something that I saw recently that is simple but is poignant. And I want to invite all of us to contemplate on these words just briefly

because it's it impacted me when I read it. Um it's 2026. We've come a long way, but we still know we have some uh a ways to go. Um, but what I saw that was simple but impactful read, "Love is a terrible thing to hate." So with that, with that, I would like to read this proclamation. It's my great honor to do so.

Whereas the city of Virginia Beach values the many contributions of its lesbian gay bisexual transgender and other community members whose leadership service volunteerism creativity, and civic engagement continue to strengthen our city and enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike. And whereas the LGBT LGBTQ community members and their allies foster connection, compassion, and

support throughout Virginia Beach by building partnerships, uplifting youth and families, and promoting opportunities that enhance the physical, mental, social, and cultural well-being of our community. And whereas June is recognized nationwide as Pride Month, commemorating the events surrounding the Stonewall protest of June 28th, 1969 in New York City, which marked a significant moment in the ongoing

pursuit of dignity, visibility, and equal opportunity for LGBTQ individuals.

And whereas Pride Month celebrations provide an opportunity to recognize the diversity of our community, encourage understanding and respect, and celebrate the spirit of inclusion that makes Virginia Beach a welcoming place for all. And whereas June 2026 marks 38 years of summertime celebrations hosted by many organizations including Hampton Roads Pride who whose Pridefest events

continue to bring together residents and visitors in celebration of unity, diversity, and community pride throughout the Hampton Roads region. And whereas the city of Virginia Beach remains committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

And in support of that commitment, LGBTQ liaison have been identified within public safety departments and the city manager's office to help provide resources, support, and communication for residents and employees. The liaison review the city's policies and services through an LGBTQ lens and provide a friendly ear to constituents or staff wishing to bring LGBTQ related issues to

the attention of city government which has led to V to the city of Virginia Beach receiving a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's municipal equality index.

And whereas the city of Virginia Beach encourages all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity to be safe, supported, empowered, and valued within our community. Now therefore I Michael Berluchcci, along with our mayor, Robert M. Bobby Dyer, mayor of the [clears throat] city of Virginia Beach, do hereby proclaim June 2026 as Pride Month in the city of Virginia Beach and encourage all

residents to celebrate the diversity of our community and continue working together to promote inclusion, kindness, and mutual respect throughout our city.

So, happy Pride Month and congratulations and thank you.

And what we're going to do is come down.

We're going to take a p We're going to come down. We're going to take a picture all together and then invite uh anyone of those who would like to just offer very brief remarks and reflections to do so. Um and just wait till we come back if that's okay. All right. Thanks.

Thank you.

>> I got to watch my steps.

Wait,

I

>> Yeah.

Okay.

All right, we're missing a person, but I'll go ahead and get started. Mayor, if you're good with that. Um, mayor, city council, city manager, all with the city of Virginia Beach. My name is Jamar Davis, president of Ham Turos Pride. I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to speak. Um, [snorts] I must echo micro Beluchcci in recognizing the tremendous

progress that city of Virginia Beach has made.

>> [snorts] >> Um, as we're gathering for Pride Month, uh, this proclamation, I reflect on more than about 7 months of planning with your resort management committee. A little bit more probably. Um, but it's it's been a great experience. Beach events, the restaurant association, different hotels, Neptunes Park, everyone that kind of works with CVB and

the different committees. It has been great great to work with them. Um, and I would say that my team feels the same way about that.

Uh, Council Member Michael Bulichi, thank you for your support over the years, a mentor to not only myself, but to those in our community. Um, Pride at the Beach will be at Neptune's Park June 28th. So, we're super excited. We're expecting thousands to come together in our city to celebrate inclusion um, and all of the efforts that we're putting into the region. I want to thank you all

for the progress we continue to make and all the efforts and truly reflecting that diversity in our city. Thank you and I hope to see you all during prime month.

>> We'll do.

>> Good evening and happy Pride. My name is Thea Ross and I my pronouns are she her.

I'm the founder and executive director of the Kais Coalition. We're a local trans empowerment nonprofit based right here in Virginia Beach. But what is Kaos? Pronounced Kaos is the non-gendered ancient Greek word for beauty. Equally applied to Adonis or Athena. Kaos isn't about perfection or appearance. It's about the light that shines when someone lives align with

their purpose. That light, that sense of presence, wholeness, and joy, aligned toward good works, and excellence.

That's what builds strong communities.

That's what beauty is. That's what Kaos is. Now, I know when people hear the phrase transmpowerment, their minds jump to headlines of politics. But I'm here to talk about people, neighbors, youth, families who deserve what we all do.

Connection, dignity, and hope. Many folks are surprised to learn that there are an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 transgender and gender expansive people across the seven cities, including estimated over 4,500 transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse folks living right here in Virginia Beach. It doesn't surprise me, though, because be it lawyers, doctors, Navy captains, firefighters, grocery baggers,

caregivers, musicians, and on and on, we are your neighbors. Hampton Roads has always been a rich and diverse area of the world and there are sadly some darkened hearts that would view not just trans folk but the entire LGBTQIA plus community as some sort of threat. To each person confused or concerned, I ask you to reject such nonsense and instead orient together towards pressing issues

and shared threats such as our livelihood and unity when we chase away tourism waging culture wars against young people or queer folks. We have much work to do to ensure the safety, privacy, and respect of all workers and families regardless of who they love or how they identify. I am so proud of the progress Virginia Beach has made and I look forward to the progress we will all

make together in the coming years. Trans rights are human rights and human rights include the right to have a family and to thrive in our community. Thank you for your time. Your work >> appreciate that.

>> Good evening.

>> Good evening. Uh Lieutenant Vano, Sergeant Perry Chrisman from the Virginia Beach Police Department. We are your two LGBT liaison. I've been doing it for 12 years. Uh Sergeant Chrisman's been with me for three years. Um so I I have to thank her for a lot of work that she's done over the three years that she has become an ally. Um I specifically

recruited her because she was an ally.

And I wanted everyone not only within the Virginia Beach Police Department, but our community to know that we do support them. We are here for them. and really working on building that bridge and that gap between the police department, law enforcement, and the LGBT community because we know that history shows that there's uh not always been a great relationship there. So, we

have put in a lot of work uh between Captain Meister who has stepped down because of being promoted to captain um and pass the torch to me and now to Sergeant Perry. We we have really put in a lot of work to build that relationship with not only internally our police department um the certified officers as well as our civilian staff and then working with the community um adult

level and our youth. Um it's not a secret that I've done a lot of work with stand up for kids. I think Becca's gonna talk a little bit about that, so I don't want to steal her thunder, but I take a lot of pride in five years ago realizing that um with Mark Stevens, Nicole Pixler, Becca, that we had nothing for our youth in the LGBT community and a

lot of them end up homeless, committing suicide, or addicted to narcotics and drugs because they they come out and their parents kick them out. That's a problem, folks. Uh they need to feel the love. They need to know that we support them. They know that they need to know that we're there for them and that we have resources out there for them. So, we've taken the last five years and

really dove into our kids. We started out with like five kids, ended up with about 5055, and we fluctuate in between the five and that 5560ish number to this day. So, um those folks care. They appreciate your support. It's nice to say that the city of Virginia Beach um supports them. So, city council, mayor, city manager, police chief Paul Nudigate, we really appreciate the

support for us to be able to do the work that we do, not only within the police department, but also within the community. So, thank you very much for your support.

>> And thanks to both of you for making Virginia Beach a true city of heroes, for what you do every day. Thank you and God bless.

>> [snorts] >> My name is Becca Diggs and I'm here representing Stand Up for Kids. To echo the words of Lieutenant Vanote, Stand Up for Kids helps youth and young adults who are experiencing homelessness. And over five years ago, Mark Stevens, Nicole Pixler, and Lieutenant Vanote herself came together and they realized there are so many of these youth that

they're serving in this homeless population that have that crossover into the LGBTQ plus community and they didn't have that resource of support. They didn't come from families where they were loved and cherished and honored the way so many youth are and should be. and they looked around and they said, "Where are these young people to turn when they

have no one else who's looking at them and wanting to welcome and accept them?" So, they created the U meetings that happen every other Wednesday evening at the Oceanfront Library and will be happening tomorrow. If anyone ever wants to stop by and visit and give support to our youth, we welcome that. Those meetings are specifically for middle school and high school youth who

identify with the LGBTQ plus community or are allies of the LGBTQ plus community. I have had the extreme honor and privilege of being a part of helping co-f facilitate these meetings for the last four years. And it has been a life-changing experience to have youth who came from their middle school years coming in with anxiety and insecurities, not feeling like they had anyone who saw

them for who they were and loved them for who they were to now those youth being in high school and in turn acting as a support system for the younger students who now come and are a part of the group. It has been an absolute joy to be a part of creating this community for them and with them and seeing them create the that same community in turn for each other. So to have people in

positions of authority and power willing to stand up and say we see you, we see you. we accept you and we love you exactly the way you are means so much not just to the people in this room but to the youth who are experiencing that lack of support and love and guidance on a daily basis. So thank you so much for your part in this because it means more

to us and to them than you can ever know.

>> Thank you.

>> That's it. That's it.

>> Okay. Thank you all for coming and uh thanks once again for being such a vital part of Virginia Beach and you too make Phoebe strong. Thank you.

>> Are there any speakers?

>> There are no speakers, sir.

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

>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And under ordinances, there's four items. Uh, [clears throat] one is the ordinance to authorize a city manager to execute a lease agreement for up to five years with the Virginia Beach Bar Association for use of appropriately approximately 215 square ft at the judicial center 2425 Nemo Parkway 10 Ray office space.

Number two is the ordinance to donate 48 parking meters to the to the Vibe Creative District to use to reuse in an art project. Number three is the ordinance to accept and appropriate $725,220 from the office of local defense community cooperate corporation to the FY202526 capital improvement program to project 171 [snorts] Princess Anne Bond water transmission main and authorize a local match of $80,580

within Capital Project 1701. And number four, last but not least, is the ordinance to accept and appropriate $43,400 from the Virginia State Police for the FY 202526 Police Department operating budget rate [snorts] travel and training to address human trafficking in Hampton Roads. Move for approval.

>> Second. Okay. Any discussion? Let's open the vote.

>> The vote is open.

Thank you. By vote 11 to zero, you've approved the consent agenda as read by Vice Mayor Wilson.

>> Okay. Do we have any appointments tonight?

>> Not tonight.

>> Okay. Not tonight. Any old business? Any new business? Okay. We're going to adjourn and we're going to go into open mic. Thank you.