City Council Special Formal Meeting, 9/22/2026

Welcome all. We're going to start our meeting today. The first order of business is to wish our city manager a happy birthday.

All right.

All right. So, Mr. Mayor, members of council, the first briefing will be provided by Quincy White, who is the president and CEO of BBC CDC. He's going to brief council on update on the CDC and also their fundraising campaign. So, Quincy, come on up. >> Good afternoon.

Okay. All right. Uh, good afternoon, Mr.

Mayor, Madame Vice Mayor, Mr. manager and members of city council. Again, my name is Quincy White. I'm the president and CEO of the Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation. And uh we thank you for the opportunity to bring us here this afternoon. >> Hold on one second.

He's got to read the >> Yep.

Since we're doing a little bit of a special thing today, we're going to go ahead and I have to read this ahead of time. In accordance with Virginia Beach City Code 2-21 and by the authority vested in me uh as mayor uh of city of Virginia Beach, I hereby call for a special session of the Virginia Beach City Council on Tuesday uh 20 September 22nd, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Council uh conference room 2034, building 1 through 2241 Courthouse Drive. special session to allow council following its regularly scheduled former session as listed to the attached agenda to convene into a close session to consider for the following reasons. Um uh publicly held property district 2 personnel matters council appoints appointments

commissions committees authorities etc. At the conclusion of close session, we will convene into an open session for the purpose of certifying at the close session. Special for session will be broadcast on a formal session will be broadcast on cable TV and Facebook live. Bobby guy, thank you very much. I apologize for the oversight.

Okay. >> Okay. Sorry about the interruption.

Oh no, no issue. Um, so I'm joined today by members of our executive team. Our chief strategic officer, Ashley Jarvis, our chief financial officer, Doug Wilbornne, our chief program officer, Tanisha Davis, our chief housing officer, Susan Satara, and our controller Hampton Miller. I'm also joined uh today with members of our board, our board chair, Gary Sharp, our

board treasurer, Jessica Lynn, as well as K. Ashby. We're also pleased to have our partners from NAMI Coastal Virginia with us today. uh board president Max Wy development director Katie Roseman as well as Martha Mccur the affiliate director. So, and also lastly, I didn't want to forget Virginia Thumb, who's assisting us with our capital campaign for Solar Springs.

Right.

Turn it off.

There we go. Perfect. >> Thank you.

You're welcome. >> Thank you, Amanda.

Okay. All right. So, we're going to discuss a few things at a high level. Uh impact and progress, home ownership and development, uh preservation and financial sustainability, and of course, the future direction and partnership of the organization.

So from a high level, as you know, 40 years ago, the city of Virginia Beach founded uh the Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation. Since that time, we've been able to grow our portfolio to have 500 plus units uh making us the largest owner of affordable housing in the city of Virginia Beach. Also, during that time, we've been a we've been able to serve

and house nearly 10,000 people uh through our housing department as well as our programs and services division.

So, building on momentum, uh you can see that we've had some um we've seen some improvements over the last year or so. Um our occupancy within our portfolio has grown from 90 to 92%. Uh we've also seen uh within our SSVF programs, we've exceeded our goal um by far by serving today at least 214 households. Um, we we're creating the foundation of a first-time home buyer program and we've

already sold six homes as part of that program and we're seeing stronger financial oversight in regards to our operations.

So again um in regards to our programs and services division um housing support and stability um we provide housing assistance, case management, financial uh cap well financial capability, budgeting and financial coaching as well as uh resource connections and you can see again how many folks we've housed within that program. Well assisted throughout that program. Also want to

highlight that we have two veteran family communities. um Cedar Grove, that's right here in Virginia Beach, as well as Cypress Landing, which is in Chesapeake.

So, you know, my thought is um at least in my experience, any community development corporation is filling social gaps that you see within any city. And with that, the CDC, we have expanded some of the work that we're doing uh in regards to some of our outreach. So, you can see particularly in regards to our headquarters off of Potterish Road. We've utilized that

space to be more of a community hub, if you will. So, from mental health first aid training to Bank on Hampton Roads that just started last week to, you know, we're starting um uh uh realtor and first-time home buyer summit with Truis. That will be October 22nd. You can see some of the committees that our staff are currently um sitting on um from the Virginia Beach Housing Advisory

Board, the Hampton Roads Housing Consortium to the Regional Housing Assessment Advisory Committee and others.

So, again, as I mentioned before, we're in a really unique uh position in which we could start a first-time home buyer program. Um to date, we've sold at least six homes uh with an asking price anywhere between 225 to 250. Um, this is really exciting for us. We recognize that this is a gap for the city, meaning affordable home ownership, and we are working to really expand on that program.

And lastly, we're trying to add a component to that first-time home buyer program in regards to creating a community land trust. Uh, we're currently working with the Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust to develop a land trust for VBCDC. Um it will have a stewardship program to support homeowners to be successful homeowners. Um and we're hoping by the

end of the calendar year this this land trust will be fully constructed. Um but we're still in that process of analyzing and working through what it will look like for us and we recognize that this is also highlighted in your housing study the need for a community land trust.

So building the next generation of housing. Uh so when it comes to community development, we're trying to grow at least a pipeline for the next 10 years. Uh so Tranquility 2, 38 units of affordable senior housing, uh slated to be completed um relatively soon. We expect folks to move in early fall and Solless Springs, which will be 60 units of attainable housing. Uh we expect

construction to start March of 2027 and completed by December of 2028.

Okay. So, we are launching a capital campaign to support uh Solar Springs. Um so, altogether the project is a $24 million project. Um, of course, Virginia Thumb has helped us quite a bit in regards to all of our fundraising for this project. To date, um we have pledged at least $12 million of that $24 million needed for this development. Again, this will be 60 units of

attainable housing, nine units set aside for households that have a member with a mental illness. And of course uh NAMI Virginia NAMI coastal Virginia rather will have their corporate headquarters located on the site. So this is a great uh connection between community resources and attainable housing.

So we recently had a capital needs assessment to evaluate the health of our portfolio. Uh so most capital needs assessments they look at a percentage of your units whereas for us we wanted our consultants to go through every unit in our portfolio to give us a better sense of the health of our of our housing. Um you can see here over the next 20 years it's estimated that we will need to

invest at least $35 million to preserve our portfolio. And you can kind of see how that is broken down with the lion share of that being our scatter site units in which we have about 300 plus uh throughout the city.

So you know my thought is with this presentation I wanted to speak on wins opportunities and challenges. Uh this is one area of challenge for us. Um so no different than any other real estate company. um we have the same type of expenses that they have, but we're kind of capped on the type of income we could bring in uh due to the population that we serve. So, you know, there is a bit

of a hole here. Um a good analogy that we always use is that, you know, we have a hole we had to stop digging. Uh now, we have to fill that hole. And you could kind of see how much we need to fill year-over-year, which is roughly that $2.2 million.

Okay. So with that, you know, we think there's a lot of opportunities out there for us. Um, so we're in a really unique position to where we have the experience. Um, we we have done the work and we could outsource some of that experience to bring in new streams of revenue to the organization. So few things that we're looking at. Can we outsource our property management staff,

meaning property managers and maintenance staff to support organizations that may not have the capacity to maintain their affordable housing? Can we outsource our experience and knowledge through consulting with development and possibly asset and compliance as well? Um, is there a way that we could work with the city in regards to their infill strategy, you

all's infill strategy to to create a program in which it it aligns with our community land trust. It aligns with the first-time home buyer program and you have these pre-approved housing plans at an affordable cost point for the homeowner. So that that's something that we're still analyzing and we think it could be a really interesting concept for the city and we're even thinking

about activating office space and meeting space that you know typically are not occupied on a regular basis to bring in also alternate streams of revenue. Uh one thing that's not listed here we are looking at GC services, general contracting services. Again looking at organizations that want to get into affordable housing but don't have the capacity. How can we further support those organizations?

So again um on this slide we wanted to circle back on how all this connects with the housing study of the city. So the community land trust was a component of the housing study, the infill and housing strategy of course and affordable home ownership.

So what does VBC VBCDC look like 5 years from now? In my mind, a stronger development pipeline, a healthier portfolio, more home ownership, more partnership opportunities, less debt, reoccurring unrestricted revenue, um better property performance, and stronger staff capacity.

And again, this just kind of builds on what I said before. Um our strategic direct direction is strengthen, build, earn, and reinvest. uh we want to ensure that we are sustainable for the future and what does the partnership look like for the city with us at VBCDC you know preserve and build create and connect leverage and activate and innovate and

sustain uh we want to be your key partner in regards to affordable housing and that concludes my presentation and I'm open to any questions thank you Mayor Der thank you Mr. White and welcome. I think you're now a year close to a year and a half in your role. >> Uh, yep. Year and a half.

Yeah. So, welcome. Um, and best of luck. Could you go back to uh page 12? We'll put you on the spot on a couple places. Sure.

Here. Um, it's good. But the scattered site model, which BBCDC has followed from uh 1986. And by the way, council member Ross Hammond and I are leazison and councilman. Beluchcci has as well. The scattered site model is a great model. Tell us the pros of that, but also tell us the cons of that because of the cost. Sure. Associated with that. >> Uh so think about it this way. Uh these

are 300 plus units scattered throughout the city, all built around the 60s. Each unit has different appliances, fixtures, etc. Um our maintenance staff is having to drive all across the city to try to, you know, provide the maintenance services that are needed. Um, with that, you can imagine if there was some deferred maintenance over time, you know, what that might look like for us

and hence why you see that $24 million number up there. That's what, you know, that we have to invest back into the portfolio to bring it up to speed. Uh, but those are some of the cons to applaud your efforts on the outreach into the community on education and involvement with attainable housing and with banks and whatnot. That's that's a good uh way there for uh page 14 on land

trusts because that was a part of our housing study. Tell us a little bit more what you are thinking there and how it fits into building new affordable housing. >> Sure.

Housing. >> Yes. Uh so the main purpose of a community land trust is again to ensure that the home that is purchased by the homeowner is at an affordable rate. So the homeowner will be purchasing the home itself while we will still continue to own the land. Right? So it it brings a lower cost point to the homeowner and it allows the home to be affordable in

perpetuity long term. So it's a win for everyone in that concept. What we're doing that's unique is we're working with the Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust to provide compliance the to provide a stewardship program in regards to all the tools a homeowner needs to be successful. Right? So that's unique to us. Right? Another thing that's unique is that we're not building homes

necessarily to be a part of the land trust. we do have homes within our portfolio that we could put into the land trust potentially, right? So, we're already kind of a step ahead. So, hopefully that answer your question.

Answers it. Just one last thing. Uh you all work your 501c uh corporation separate from the city, but we do the council does appoint the u board of u the board. How well you work well with Ruthie Hill and our department of housing and neighborhood preservation. Can you expand on that?

Yeah. So, you know, I would say both the housing department and uh VBCDC are joined at the hip. Uh so, from compliance, we work very closely with the city. Um in regards to vouchers, we work very closely with the city. And I would say even when it comes to rehab of our units, um some of the funding that we've received has come through the housing division. Um and some of the

land that we that has been donated to VBCDC, uh in large part was in partnership with the housing division. So, we work very closely with Ruthie and her team. uh you know, of course we have Ruthie here right now supporting us, so uh she's been a great asset to us. >> Thank you.

Okay, Josh. >> Um thank you, mayor, and thank you very much for the presentation. Two questions for you. Um I I noticed that you you had said that you were selling off some of the housing uh to qualifying income families. >> Correct.

And and did you just did I just hear you say that you were retaining title to the to the land in those transactions? So yeah, great question. So the homes that we have sold already have not been a part of the land trust. Uh so we're still in the process of building that out.

I just want to make sure I understood that. So this great thing you've got equity building opportunities for people um to to take advantage of. Um and does that I guess short-term help you maybe with some of the operating deficiencies uh if you've got cash coming in. Um and I was wondering what um I saw you had applied for a community organization grant and did not get it in this most

recent round. Are is the city coming, you know, in with some assistance? Do we have um I guess a strategy for the for the operating clubs going forward?

Sure. I I would say the the home sales are a um temporary fix to our issue. Yes, it brings some liquidity back to the organization, but we don't want that to be our long-term plan. Uh we know it's not sustainable long term. Um, so some of the other strategies that I outlined in regards to revenue streams is is what we're hoping to put into play here. Um,

in regards to the city supporting us, yes, city has been a huge asset to us.

Uh, I would say this most recent rehab project was about $600 plus thousands uh in collaboration with Hoy Construction uh to rehab about 12 of our homes, 11 12 of our homes. So yes, the city has been a huge help. And and to uh Councilman Remick's question or comments about the scattered site model, um have you considered like swaps where you could maybe um put together a couple of

parcels together and engage in maybe some larger scale um affordable housing developments or um you know, I guess my my question to you is besides the land, you know, what what can you specifically specifically do to help facilitate redevelopment and like what kind of partners do you need are do you have do you have access to all of those resources?

Wow, that's a that that's a that's a great question. Um, I don't think I have an answer for that right now. I'll probably let me think about that with our team and we could give you a solid answer on that. I want to make sure that we have a thoughtful answer to get back to you on.

Okay. Thank you. >> Um, to thank you again for presenting this and this is exciting what's going on. I noticed the scattered sites keep coming up. >> One of the things I noticed when I first came on to council was our city did not want to have projects.

Mhm. So this was the solution is to have homes throughout the city so that other people it can benefit them seeing the opportunity >> to be in a different setting because with the regular housing project well you're all at the same level.

Yeah. >> And we were a city that wanted to have people rise like the tide. Mhm. >> So that's why we have status sites instead of the whole nimi not in my backyard.

Mhm. >> So that's how that came about. And I remember when we did the Cedar Grove which is the veterans.

Yes ma'am. >> At that time so with what you're doing now you're mentioning that and this is the part that I'm looking at the land trust. >> Can you talk a little bit more about that land trust? >> Sure. Uh so you know uh what would you like to hear? I you know in regards to how it's conceptualized or Okay. So as I mentioned before um the land trust from a high level standpoint

you know homeowners are able to purchase the home right the land will still stay within the land trust. So folks are able to buy homes at an affordable price point. Uh the homes will stay affordable through deed restrictions in perpetuity.

Right now, something interesting that we're trying to do, as I mentioned before, we're trying to create a stewardship program. So, some programs and services to assure that folks are successful in these houses. Right? If that's how to maintain your home properly, if that's, you know, um financial assistance, maintenance assistance, etc. You know, we're working

with the experts, the Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust to develop that. So on our end, what it looks like is us rehabbing homes, putting those homes into land trust, selling said homes to homeowners, and letting our partners work to create the programs and services to ensure those homeowners are successful. So not sure hopefully that answered your question.

Yes, that's important because I shared about it at one of my community meetings and people are very interested >> in learning more about it. So thank you for bringing that. My last little question is um concerning what's the whiff? What more would you want from city to help you all continue what you do? >> So, you know, um well, sorry, it's a hard, but you have to bring it up.

Bring it away. >> Well, hey, you know, if if I'm going to be honest, you know, operational support is something that we are in need of. Um, so as I mentioned before, we're no different than any regular real estate organization, right? Our expenses are the same, but we are capped on the type of income we could bring in, right? So there there is a gap there that we need

help with. Um, I would say a pipeline of land to develop on, right? Um, we're trying to build out a pipeline for the next 10 years. We always need new projects. Uh, we are eager to help the city fulfill their housing goals. So I would say those two areas in particular are areas of need. for operation and land. >> Yes, ma'am.

Now we're running out of land. >> Fair, you know, but in anyway repurpose of something. >> There you go.

Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you, Michael.

Um, thank you, Mr. White. Appreciate you being here along with the just a substantial team from BBCDC and NAMI and a lot of good friends and new friends, too. So, so good to see you all. Um, unsurprisingly, I'm interested in the uh mental health and u the NAMI project and I was doing some I wanted to make sure I got the dates right because I was doing some research. Um, we uh publicly

initiated this process in 2022. >> Mhm.

And um that means that we began conversations really in 2020, right? Um and much of this was led by um the advocacy work that NAMI is has undertaken in our community and they they provide a very substantial role in um providing um support for people who live with mental illness and their families. That support is principally peer-led which is so important and essential. Um, one of the things that, um, they shared

with me at the beginning of my service on council was that there is an emergent need for and an urgent need for um, permanent supportive housing for people who live with mental illness. And that housing is also, of course, important to um to families who who support them. Um I'm a little frustrated with the with the um speed in which this has unfolded and there's a lot of reasons for it and

it doesn't rest with EBCDC. It's the it's the city. It's the resistance we received to the site locations we identified. It's the process involved and it's the bureaucracy. And then of course it's all the complicated sort of tax credits and um and um uh state procedures that are are necessary to support a project like this along with the private philanthropy. And yet all that said, we don't stop. We've never stopped,

right? >> And here we are in 2026.

Um crazy to imagine we're talking about the end of 2026.

Um and we're we're keep pressing on because we know that there is a need for housing >> for people who um live with inspir me mental health and NAMI has never backed down from that um from that charge and and I admire their perseverance along with all of ours to make sure that we get this project across the finish line. So, I want to say a few things about

that and wonder if you could answer and and and if if the mayor is agreeable, I would also be interested in um in hearing from NAMI and and Max on this, but that's the determination of the mayor, of course, but why is the mental health component to this project so important? And um can you talk about both the housing side and and as well the what the um relocation of the

coastal Virginia headquarters for for NAMI would do for our community.

Sure. Um so you know I want to I don't want to speak for NAMI so if Max would like to come up and add um >> is it okay?

Okay. Um, at least from my standpoint, you know, this location will provide quite a bit of visibility to NAMI that they don't currently have at their current location. Greetings, Max Willie, president, board president of NAMI Coast, Virginia. It's great seeing everyone from city council and as I briefed city council twice over the last year. What this will do, it

will bring our headquarters from um the Pinroke area into the community where our services can be maximized by folks walking up. Uh we'll have our offices there. We'll have conference rooms there and we'll be servicing folks in those housing uh units as well as and an ability to reach even further out in the community. So, it's truly a plus for us is we're very excited, but we really

still need to look at that longer term where we can get more permanent support of housing because we get so many calls every day looking for housing and right now we don't have the capacity. U I went out to the uh pin membership u ministry uh last year and and met with uh uh uh Dallas stamper. He says we, you know, he

does a lot of the homeless and there's a lot of folks that come to him with mental health conditions and we try our best to try to vector them to where they can go, but there's just not enough not enough locations for permanent supportive and it's got to be very afford. I I really like that land trust process where the city maintains the land and it keeps the housing, you know,

very affordable. So, if we can look at doing that, be happy to work with this team to see what's in the ramble possibility. But Max, um, when you talk about a term like permanent supportive housing, it sounds a little clinical to me. >> Could you provide just the briefest more human explanation of what that looks like for a family?

Sure. Absolutely. So what happens if someone is looking, you know, they have a mental health and they get they get help, they get support, they look for a temporary housing until they can get stabilized. Often times that person is not able to work. they're not able to get some of the medical care because their mental health challenges keeps them in a state of uh mental health

uncertainty which is unfortunate but that's part of their sickness and part of their illness their medical condition. Uh there are a group of folks living with mental health conditions that can sustain a household. So they are prime examples of folks who can have a permanent residence that's supportive which means also um affordable that they can maintain house they can maintain

work and employment and contribute you know as a regular citizen that you wouldn't even know that they have a mental health condition. So that's one of the things we want to get people to to look at. We have a lot of folks in our affiliate who are working, who are, you know, have families. They are prime candidates for someone with permanent support of housing where they have a

place to stay. They have a they can do 30 years like a lot of us or longer instead of bouncing from one place to the other. And and could you um address for a moment the um the inaccurate stigma that exists that somehow people who live with mental illness or who exist in this category are dangerous or make bad neighbors. >> Yeah. They they aren't. Uh so I always

whenever I do a public presentation I always say one in five persons live with some type of mental health conditions. So you can quickly look at the room here. There's about 35 or so. So one just count one in five experience some type of mental health condition. >> Don't feel paranoid.

Yeah. So these are people who are like just like you and I. Um I suffer from PTSD from my time in the military, but I have a master's degree. I'm working on another master's degree. I'm an associate minister, you know, and I have my good days. I have my bad days. But in all, I'm just a good guy. You know, I met I saw him last week at the chamber

uh event and we talked. Uh so there's that negative stigma that's out there that they're dangerous. They need to be locked up. They need to be in a silo.

Forget about all of that. They're just like you and I. And the key with anything, it's a treatable medical condition. and our job is to save lives and keep others aware of the need to to provide support with those with mental health conditions. >> That's very well said and and thank you for coming up. I I I knew we needed to hear from Max in addition to to Quincy

and um I I just really admire the work that you all are doing and I think the partnership will be transformational for our region for coastal you're calling it coastal Virginia. We call it all different names, but it will be transformational for uh the for the people who live in Virginia Beach and beyond. And I'm just so happy that NAMI will continue to have a home in Virginia

Beach, one at a retail level, that families can more easily access and get the services they need. >> Great.

Um and I'm so grateful, of course, to Mr. White and the team at VBCDC for all of the work that you do. It's been it's been a I don't know what it's been, but it's been years in the making, and you can count on my support. We will not stop. We will not give up until the shovels in the ground, until we're cutting a ribbon. And I look forward to that day.

Thank you very much. >> Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Yes.

All right. >> Hey, Jennifer. Anybody from Mr. Nami?

Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you went sit down.

No, that's okay. Um, actually, I have a question for you, Mr. White. Why are the 60 um units? They're all affordable. And how many are designated for individuals with mental health diagnosis? How many are available to anyone with an income qualification? >> So nine units are set aside.

You got to speak in >> uh yes. So 15%. So nine units would be set aside uh for a household with anyone that has a mental illness and then the lion share of everything else will be for those that are income qualified.

That's another dstigmatizing uh factor um for some of the questions that have come up about the project. Nami the headquarters you when I initially heard about the project and you hear headquarters you think you know perhaps a busy site but it's really like an office it's this project is primarily a housing project with a office for NAMI that will um I assume will be unassuming

in terms of the activity that happens there and um it's overwhelmingly a project for anyone who qualifies for income but also an opportunity to support um individuals with mental health diagnoses. So, just to kind of clarify what's happening with our project, I just wanted to make sure those numbers were out there. >> Correct. And you're looking at most of

our paid staff right there in the audience. There's one additional person, our board of directors, is all volunteers. So, there will be plenty of opportunity for the community to come in, look at literature, talk to us, see what services we provide, and be able to provide that one-on-one support. We'll have our support groups there, our in-house support groups, and we do

online services as well. So, it's really it's it's taking it out of a business community and putting it at the heart of the community where housing is and that is such an exciting thing that we're looking forward to.

Thank you. And then one final um I don't know if it's a comment or a question for Mr. White. Um, one of the recurring criticisms I hear about city council and our approach to affordable housing is that so much so many of our um, ideas are about development projects and incentivizing development to try to lower the cost. Uh, the criticism I hear is that we should give more support to

um, down payment assistant home buyers to get people in the homes. And so in terms of what you all are doing, and I really look forward to hearing your responses with your team about how the city can we can work with you, um the community land trust in partnership with some sort of home buyer assistance, down payment assistance to help people get into homes and to keep the cost

affordable. Um I know you all primarily focus on income. Another thing we a priority for us has been workforce. in your um efforts with BBCDC, do you have you been in support of fire, police, teachers, like do you have that kind of data about um being able to ensure that our workforce is uh able to attain housing or is that another lane? Is that beyond your scope

or do you see that as another um aspect of the work that y'all do?

Uh you know, I think it's another aspect of the work that we do. Um we we certainly encourage members of the workforce in the city to live in our housing, our developments, etc. Um in my experience previous to working here, uh I worked for the city of well the town of Hilton Head in South Carolina and we had a workforce housing program, right, where you had to work in the city. You

had to show, you know, uh documents to prove that. Um so maybe that's another component of some of our programs that we're trying to develop in the future. U we know that's a need for the city and you know I think we're here to fulfill that need. >> Thank you.

Thank you. Anybody else? >> Jennifer, I think when you look at the total spectrum of the dare I say the attainable housing crisis that the nation's having right now. uh there's got to be a multi-prong approach and multiple avenues uh to approach it because uh you know when you talk about low income that's one strap but then even when you talk about attainable

income you know getting people into you creating new inventory getting them out and creating vacancies along there's a multi-prong approach that uh you know that we really have to look into and you know Quincy if I could just ask you to highlight Um, you said that your organization's been around for 40 years and is it fair to say that housing has been in dare I

say a perpetual state of need and crisis you know throughout that talk?

I think that's fair to say. Uh I think it's uh coming more to light now. You know affordable housing is certainly a buzz word you hear everywhere. Um but at least in my travels and uh previous places of employment I can tell you housing is truly a crisis wherever you go. Um, but the difference here is that you have an organization that's nimble, flexible, have the experience that could

kind of fulfill some of the housing goals that housing needs that the city has. >> And I think, you know, one of, you know, one of the, you know, uh, what I call the URPS, ugly realities of property of politics is something that Amelia alluded to. You know, we're running out of land. So it's not unusual for pri land and you know worth correct me that a lot can cost $150,000 and then Wells Fargo mortgage

anticipates with the regulatory costs that go into housing it's approximately anywhere from 90 to $100,000 you know for the storm water racks. So in other words you're looking at a quarter of a million dollars about before you put the first nail down the first board. So now you're talking a starter home around 450. Would that be correct?

Absolutely. >> Okay. And you know once again I'll bring up again since I became mayor the price of building materials went up 99%.

And you know we're feeling that as a city and you know home and you know this is a problem you know that we have to address. And you know just to go back over some stuff I've been saying actually now for years. When I first got elected to city council in 2004, Rosemary and I were with a group called Empower Hampton Roads. Tim McCarthy and Terresa Stanley, we actually went up to

MLAN to look and seeing how they, you know, deal with it. This has been an ongoing thing for decades. And you know when even when I got elected then we were talking about the brain drain of people uh people's children not being able to find really good work but also affordable housing. But now all of a sudden with economic development we have a demand right now where people actually

want to come to Virginia Beach with the subcables and especially with the defense industry we work. But we now have over 70 major defense contractors here and they're looking for homes. And what happens is now when we have a shortage of inventory of thousands of homes on the market when people we keep the tax rate the same but uh but the assessments go up because people are

gaining far more money over assessed value because of the shortage. And you know that's why we have you know as a council uh you know in the 2023 uh you know retreat that we have housing is our fourth highest priority after stormwater public safety and uh you know schools and uh you know but then once again I'll bring up again uh my visit to the Pentagon a couple years ago when

every under secretary or assistant secretary of defense we spoke to said that housing was the highest per housing and daycare were essential to military readiness and I think that you know justifies a lot of it uh the the actions that we've been taking in trying to increase you know the inventory and recently it just came out I think over the weekend where the uh government Navy

is giving $400 million to our friends in Newport News to build housing because they had a true crisis there not too long ago where they had people living on ships during ship repair and there were as we talk about Nami, they were talking about depression, multiple suicides and things of that nature where you know the the mayor there has to find a whole bunch of homes, you know, in

that area for people. And the other thing I told you and you know I don't want to um you know paint a dark picture but a realistic one. We were told that, God forbid, if we got ever got into a national conflict where our nation would be in jeopardy, this area would be flooded with military people, shipyard workers for both uh manufacture and repair and uh you know,

and uh you know, things of that nature. And once again, we have to be proactive about this. And once again, there's always going to be, you know, hey, you know, folks, you have a right to be, you know, descent against, you know, building and things of that nature. But once again, I think we have to underscore we're talking about a crisis situation. And, you know, Quincy, would

you just comment to the validity of some of the things I said?

No, I think you're you're you're spot on. Um, housing is essential for any city to really flourish, right? Uh, especially affordable housing. Um we see the need here. Um folks are constantly coming to us for new projects and developments etc. Um but we constantly hear the same thing you know is there land available where other opportunities etc. Um you know we

have folks that work for us you know that live as far out as North Carolina u to come work for us. So you know there there's a serious need um as I mentioned before we're here to fill that need um and be a partner at the table with you all. And you know just as a finishing thought you know we you know as a city like many cities in this country are facing you know uh inevitable

uh extreme bills especially in this area with storm water for the future. You know we're looking at not millions but billions of dollars in infrastructure that we're going to have to do in the future. And if we're going to keep any modicum of tax rate uh you know you know realistic we're going to have to create new revenue sources and that you know by whether it be by homes or you know be

you know bringing in those defense industries or whatever industry that comes here to create new revenue sources to make us viable in the future. And the other thing is too uh we really got to think about another area the elderly population. Us baby boomers from the 50s are coming into 70s 80s and 90s and they also require uh we are lacking in the city of Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads

uh for elderly population and a lot of people are home with their elderly parents, grandparents living in place and everything. So once again, I'm serious. This is a full-blown crisis on multiple levels that we have to confront. But listen, thank you so much for what you're doing. Enjoyed meeting with you a couple while ago and let's continue to meet and let's confront the

crisis in the way we have to. Thank you. >> We do. Thank you.

Appreciate it. >> Okay.

Okay. So, Mr. Mayor, members of council, the next presentation will provided by Bob Monu, director of public utilities. He's going to brief city council on the most recent water service lines inventory, in particular, what they found as it relates to the no lead being found in the city's um pipes and also provide an overview of um welcome Bob. >> Thank you.

It's your birthday and you Yeah. Was that song that it's my birthday and I can cry if I want to.

Okay. Well, Mayor Dyer, Vice Mayor Wilson, members of council, it's a pleasure to be here today. Um, we're going to, um, talk more about lead, uh, regulatory requirements than you ever wanted to know. Um, but it's something that we work with on a regular basis in the, um, utility industry. And, um, specifically, we're we're concentrating on a water

service line inventory that, um, that we recently completed. This was a mandate from EPA's lead and copper rule. revision from 2021.

Um I thought I'd give you a little bit of a history of of how we got to where we are. Uh so in 1991, EPA um came out with the lead and copper rule um which established federal requirements to reduce lead and copper in drinking water. And this um um initial rule was really about uh trying to prevent lead from getting into the home. It wasn't really geared towards getting lead out

of distribution systems. Bless you. So it um required utilities to implement control corrosion control treatment. Um that's chemicals that are put in during the treatment process. Um the chemicals we use is called orthophosphate.

And what that does is it it creates a a film on the interior of pipes that prevent lead from leeching um into the drinking water. Um the problem with with lead uh when there is lead in drinking water, it's typically not uh lead in the water coming from the treatment plant. It's lead that that may get into water um from either lead components in the distribution system or lead components

in um the resident's um domestic plumbing.

So corrosion control was was a big deal um coming out of this uh rule in 1991.

Um the other big component was a lead sampling program that uh all utilities had to undertake. So in 1992, Virginia Beach um created and started its um initial lead sampling program uh that we still have in place today.

And um we'll cover more about this, but we've been in compliance for three plus decades now with respect to um to lead sampling and compliance of of um low levels of of lead in our water.

More recently, um this uh lead and copper rule was revised in 2021.

And this went um uh taking the industry more from the monitoring and corrosion control to having utilities conduct inventories of service lines uh throughout their service areas. um a huge undertaking and it also included expanded notification requirements um with respect to lead to our customers. So we'll talk um a little bit more about that. First of all though I wanted to explain what is a service line in the

utility industry. We we use these terms and uh think everybody knows what they are. Uh but we wanted to take a moment to um explain specifically what is a service line. So you see in this diagram, the service line is the pipe that carries water from the water man out in the street to the home. And it actually includes two components. The first component you see that that blue

line is the city-owned or utility owned portion of the service line. Um once it gets to the meter, the customer's private service line picks up and carries the water actually in into the house. the um LCR required that we inventory both sides of of the meter and we're talking about 135,000 connections in the city. So, a massive undertaking with um the lead and

copper rule revision. We were thinking that we were not going to have a big issue with respect to to lead components. Um and if you take a look at at the use of lead service lines um over time in the United States, this gives you an idea of why we felt that way. So lead service lines in the US really began um coming in into place in the 1800s.

Um by the 1930s, 1940s, um many cities started moving away um from lead service lines. uh alternate materials were becoming available and lead as we know the saying is heavy as lead. Um so alternate materials were cheaper to uh to um ship and um and use for for contractors doing building.

Um over time the health effects um concerns about lead uh became more apparent and you started seeing building codes um start to ban the use of lead. 1978 the uniform statewide building code uh banned the use of lead service lines. In 1982, the Virginia plumbing code followed suit and in 1986, the federal government banned the use of of serled service lines nationwide.

Um we knew that um in Virginia Beach uh just from anecdotal evidence from people who had worked in in Virginia Beach um utilities for many years that um the lead service lines were not typically used in in Virginia Beach. If anything, we had um lead connectors uh used many many decades ago. Um we feel like the vast majority of those have been removed from our system. Um we find them rarely

and when we do find them our policy is to remove them immediately but um um certainly not in um the the development that occurred um during the city's time of major growth 1970s and 80s. Lead was was not in use um at that point in time.

we saw copper and plastic lines um typically being put in um with respect to construction at that point in time.

Um I'll tell you it's one of the advantages of being a relatively young city. Uh we incorporated with Princess Anne in 1963. So the use of lead was was um pretty much history uh by the time the city really started growing. Um so it put us in a in a enviable position with respect to um lead service lines.

All right. A little bit about um the details of of what the uh inventory requirements uh were. So again, we had to inventory all the uh public and private service lines, including fire and irrigation um service lines. As we inventoried those, we had to designate what the material was that that was used for each connection, whether it was lead, whether it was

non-LED. Um if it was unknown or uh the fourth category is called galvanized requiring replacement. So galvanized lines were also a thing um a material that was used by plumbers. They were commonly used upstream of lead um what we call connectors um goose necks, pigtails, um plumbers used to use those uh way back in the day because lead is very mal malleable. so they could bend it um to

get it right to the perfect elevation that they needed to make a connection to a galvanized line, which you couldn't bend. Um so when we find galvanized, we replace those as well. Um the soils in Virginia Beach are relatively acidic. So we think that most galvanized lines um that were ever in use and say like old Virginia Beach um have long since corroded and and had to be replaced. Um

galvanized lines is not something that we typically see in Virginia Beach.

were were required to send uh notifications to customers where we had not yet um inventoried their service lines to let them know um that we had not identified what their line material was and that it could be um led.

So um in beginning this process, we had 10 years to get this work done. uh we made a commitment that we wanted to get it done in five years and um I'll talk a little bit more about that. We've actually um beat that goal by by quite a bit. Um but I wanted to to tell you um what what it meant in conducting this inventory and some of the strategies that we were able to use

to prevent from having to dig up 135,000 lines. Um so we worked um in um um cooperation with the uh Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water who had primacy for this regulation in Virginia. Um, if we were able to determine that a property was built after lead had been banned, then we were able to take them off the list and say and and make the assumption, a justifiable assumption

that um that the service line was was non-LED.

um for developments that were built in the same time. If we did sampling of 5% of the neighborhood, then we were able to make the uh justifiable assumption that the entire neighborhood was was non-LED. And if the service line was above two inches and we don't have a whole lot of those, then we were also able to um um to assume that the service line was non-LED

because um the largest lead service lines that were in existence were were to stopped at 2 in. So that that's a little bit about how um we were able to um move more quickly in uh coming into compliance with this um the service line inventory and getting started. Um the first thing we had to do can we go back one the inventory development plan um was was put put

together again exactly the strategy that that I talked about. We worked with um Hazen um a consultant to put a plan together. Um this plan did a number of things. It helped to identify and prioritize areas where we would be most likely to have lead. Um then we established procedures in the unexpected event that we would find lead or galvanized lines in need of replacement. Um then exactly what were

those procedures? How would we go about doing that?

We also worked to put together funding strategies because if we found lead lines on the on the private side that would require replacement as well. Um some customers may not be able to uh afford to be able to do that. So, we worked with the um with VDH to secure a grant um so that we would have funding in place in the event um that we needed to assist our customers with replacing

the private service line. We were also required to put together a communications plan and required messaging for our customers. Um and then we to we covered these uh justifiable assumption recommendations that that we use. So, that was our plan. And then we we um got started with this um inventory about three years ago. It was in uh the summer of 2023 uh that we got started. So what did we do once we got started?

We started doing a lot of desktop um research. Um these are some of the records that we took a look at. uh site plans, utility plans, our CIP record drawings, uh plumbing permits, misutility tickets. If it was u documented on on paper, we started looking at it trying to um to eliminate uh every potential property that we could to limit the the number of um excavations that we would need to conduct across the city.

as we were and and this this picture just shows you what those excavations look like. We actually performed 10,000 of these excavations across the city. Um this is called a vacuum excavation. It's a specialized piece of equipment that vacuums the soil out down to the service line so you can identify what the material is.

As that was being done, we were putting together a required inventory map uh that we published in in 2024. This enabled customers to um to go online and look up their their property and see what their their service line was and it would tell them if it was non-LED or if it was um yet to be determined.

So what the inventory uh actually find? So after completing this and this was just completed earlier uh this summer in June um just a couple of months ago.

Zero lead pipes uh were were found. Very happy to report that zero galvanized lines requiring replacement were found. At this point we have no unknown lines left. So 100% of our service lines are now classified and and we're in a pretty rare company in terms of other utilities that that have gotten this done. Again, you know, I'll say it's we're fortunate to be a younger city. We're also very

fortunate to have a dedicated staff that really plowed through this effort. I wanted to take a moment. I've got a couple staff members here. our regulatory compliance bureau manager, Michael Vieira, if you'd stand up.

Michael, who led this effort to get this done, and Laura Tor, who's our communications coordinator, who led the effort to ensure we were compliant with all required customer notifications.

So, in in wrapping up the lead and copper rule revision, as I mentioned, as of June, we're in full compliance with all applicable mandates, including all customer notifications and the completion of the service line um inventory.

But we can't rest on our laurels. Um, unfortunately, uh, there's new regulations and mandates that that are coming out. Um, the lead and copper rule improvements, um, rule was was, uh, put out in 2024.

Um, the requirements basically strengthen the the, um, lead sampling requirements that utilities have to meet by including schools and child care um, facilities. So those will have to be tested beginning in 2027.

Um also lead and drinking water is measured using what's called an action level. Um the the current action level is 15 parts per billion in the drinking water and it's going to be reduced to 10 parts per billion.

It also requires the um the actual replacement of lead and galvanized lines for utilities. And we're fortunate where we don't have to worry about that that part because we have none in our system.

So, um a little bit of detail about these requirements. Um, again, our base huntline inventory was was completed. Um, but beginning in November 1st, 2027, we just need to be in a position that when we dig up, when we're making repairs and we see connectors um that are used to actually tie u from the main to the the actual service line, we have to begin

documenting those. Again, we have a a practice if we ever find a lead service line, and believe me, we we just we really don't see them. When we do, it's a big deal. It's immediately pulled out, and then our engineers like to put it in a a lead service line hall of fame um that that they have um in our engineering division um because we we just don't see them them very often.

Um, we'll be working with schools and and child care facilities to establish a lead sampling uh program similar to what we've done for 30 plus years with a sample of residential houses in Virginia Beach. We'll be doing this with um schools is really ahead of the game. They've been lead testing for quite some time. So, we really think that uh their lead sampling actually exceeds what the

requirements are going to be. So, we think we'll just be able to use their their testing results to come into compliance. With child care facilities, we're going to have to put together a a list and beginning in 2027, we'll start sampling at least 20% of all child care facilities in the city over a 5-year period. And our goal will be to get through that required sampling sooner than five years.

Once all this work is done, um, at this point, we'll go into a a mode of rinse and repeat, um, and just staying compliant with, um, ensuring that that our inventory continues to be updated and and kept accurate.

So key takeaways um our service line inventory is completed. Uh we do not have lead or galvanized uh requiring replacement service lines uh in our distribution system. No lines are unclassified at this point in time. Um the results are consistent with historical records and development history. we had seen anecdotal evidence in our records to that led us to believe

that we could expect not to find anything and and that ended up being the case. And um I'll continue to say uh being in the utility industry for 30 plus years and having uh 400 plus very dedicated uh members as a part of utilities that public health and safety is a top priority um for um for our department and will continue to be moving forward.

Um, lastly, I wanted to address there there was a concern uh brought to council uh last week about a potential case of of lead poisoning. Um, wanted to to let you all know that we have um we're taking it very seriously and have contacted the uh customer to to speak with her. Um, I I'll say that um we know a lot about her neighborhood and we know that we

don't have lead um in in the neighborhood. We know that we don't have lead in the water um going to that neighborhood or any neighborhood um in Virginia Beach. Uh but we want to help the understand what the the the customer's concerns are. Uh we're doing a number of things that I just wanted to bring to your attention including um uh just doing a water quality test uh for

this customer. I will say that that um this concern was brought to us four years ago and and we did testing which showed no lead um in the customer's drinking water, but um to be careful, we're we're testing it uh once again.

We're actually digging up the service lines to to demonstrate for this customer that there's no lead on either side of the the meter. And I've also contacted the uh director of the Virginia Beach Health Department to consult with uh the the customer to better understand her concerns and what potentially um might be the cause. But you know the facts of the matter for uh

three plus decades we know that we've been in full compliance with um all drinking water standards with respect to all CA contaminants including lead. Um we know that we have no lead service lines. Um we've never had an instance in our lead sampling testing that we do across the city where we've exceeded the um EPA's action level for lead. Want to explain a little bit how that works. Um,

so when we test for lead, we're we're testing a a large sample of homes. This action level is based on what's called the 90th percentile. So in this this demonstration here or this graphic that I I have on the screen, it let's say your your sample was 10 homes. you would lay out your um lead sampling results from order of non-detect up to the highest value that you got. Um and

then you would look at the um value for the ninth home on that list, 90th percentile. And if you were below that action level, then you were compliant with the the water quality. So that's a little bit about how um it works. I will tell you that routinely um that we only not only meet that 90th percentile but we routinely meet all the way up to the 100th percentile. In 30

plus years we have had a couple episodes where you know maybe a home was vacant for a long time and um it had plumbing with with um lead solder or something along those lines and lead can leech into lines over time when they're sitting. um for a long time. So in every instance where we did see an exceedence out at that 100th percentile, we were able to then do follow-up testing and

demonstrate that the that the water was safe. There was, you know, a reason, maybe a old fixture, old plumbing fixture or something like that um that led to it. So I wanted to give you confidence as the um as the policy makers uh for this city that uh the city's water is safe. It's of the highest quality and we're committed to ensuring that it stays just like that.

Okay. Before I get going, I just want to say for the last couple years I've been at the convention center when the water uh professionals came for their annual meetings. >> Yes, sir. And I can tell you that it was so eyeopening the breadth and the diversity of all the different functions that your organization covers when you think about just turning on a shower or

a tap water. It goes real beyond that. Can you just touch on all the facets of water that you and your professionals deal with in five two minutes or less?

Well, it's it's >> No, but it's it's it's really complex.

There there's a lot to it and and the the basics in in a minute or less. Um, thank you. You got me out of trouble. >> Involves ensuring that we have adequate storage uh both in our reservoirs and and in our tanks with within the city.

We want to ensure that we can meet uh peak periods of demand. Of course, we've been talking about water quality. Um that that's number one and and goes goes without saying. Um when you turn on your tap, we want the water to to come out, meet your needs, and be safe and um and it is. And then the whole other side of

the equation that we deal with is when you're done with the water and it goes down the drain, then it's got to be collected. And that's a whole whole another thing, particularly in in a uh area like Virginia Beach that's on the coastal plane and flat. We've got a whole lot of pump stations that are moving that water along to HRSD for treatment. So, um, you know, maintaining

Lake Gaston, keeping the water flowing is an important part of the water story in Virginia Beach. And and those are those are the highlights.

I'll tell you, it's amazing. Hutch, uh, Cash and Rosemary and Stacy. >> So, first, you were right. That was more than I ever thought I would know about lead. Thank you very much. Um, very good presentation, Bob. Um, and um, just want to say one thing, uh, from the other night and then from some things I've heard is that like, well, we're not going to care anyway, whatever it is. Um, thank you for pointing out and

driving a stake through it as far as your whole department cares and that y'all spend countless hours uh, making sure that we're safe of one of our largest resources that we need, right? I mean, hands above and I've said it a hundred times is is that our our departments doesn't matter where it is and public utilities has proven it again. You're off the chart as far as

what we're supposed to be doing to keep our water safe. So, I just really from the bottom of my heart want to say thank you. So, it's it's very important.

Thank you. I appreciate that. >> Yeah. And then uh so for us and there was you know some of us are taking it a little bit more as far as the the not caring part. And I would just say that you know for me uh personally you don't spend 35 years in the fire department and not care about our city right it's all we're all working the same direction. We really are. Um so when we

hear something like this I'm very happy to hear all the data of why it's not.

But even the better is that you had been there four years ago and it came back negative and you're trying to go back now. So even the most minute level solder you're talking about solder in vacant houses that you're trying to take care of. I hope that everybody watching is picking up on what your what we you everybody here is laying down is that we absolutely do care about our citizens

and our visitors to this city at a very high level and we take care of them whether it's public safety or any of the other departments. They they really do a fine job of keeping that at the at the highest level that is that is out there measurable. So >> well then thank you. We we know we have an awesome set of responsibilities and we we do take them very seriously.

Yeah. Thank you. >> Okay. Cash and then Rosemary.

Bob, I want to thank you so much for your presentation for me. This is very important uh because of last Tuesday. This comment was made during city council at the formal session and um it's very important that those who are watching online know that our city staff is top priority especially when it comes to public utilities. This helps me as a representative where uh someone makes a

remark and they believe it's true, right? But I'm so grateful for your staff. The next you guys begin to work on it immediately and I'm so grateful for the sense of urgency that you placed on listening to your residents and those who support Virginia Beach. I'm so grateful because it goes to show that we are a city that cares. We are the number one caring city and this proves it. Not

because they get paid. Yeah, you get paid, but because you do care. And so I'm grateful that your testing is up to date, state and federal. I'm thankful that you will even go out even though you tested four years ago, just to show that the residents know that we care. We don't have to go but we go above and beyond. And so we are listening number one. Two, we have a staff that cares and

who are professional who meets and exceeds the state and federal mandate.

Thank you. >> Thank you.

Excellent. Excellent presentation. I think we all learned a lot from it. I've been on council a long time and I learned a lot today. U so thank you. And I've always known that we had our our water was always the top top quality.

And again, I I agree with Cash and Hutch about our attention to our staff and all of that sort of thing. So, thank you for doing that. I do have a couple of questions. Um, so the service lines have all been checked, 135,000. So the lines from that into the houses into the pipes, how do people know that they don't have a problem with those things

with domestic plumbing? Is is that the question? Um because the service lines have been covered as part of our inventory.

The service lines only go so far and then there's the line from that the service line into the house and then you've got the plumbing inside, right? plumbing inside the house is really the uh the customer's responsibility. Um as a public utility, we we um it was actually a struggle to to figure out how we're going to deal with the private service lines. Um we were fortunate where it was not a big deal for us

because we didn't find any, but we were able to get some grant funding to assist customers in the event that we that we found those with plumbing. Um there is like we were talking about um the in Virginia Beach, we're fortunate again where uh we're a relatively young city. Um there could be uh houses that have uh copper pipe inside that that have um uh

lead solder used to connect the joints, those fittings inside the home. Uh but that's where the the corrosion control comes into place and this has been in place since uh 1992 with the original lead and copper rule.

So when our water that's delivered to our residents in Virginia Beach um comes into the house, it has um um a component called ortho phosphate that provides a protective coating um for houses that are um that are regularly occupied.

Think of you know all of us in in in our homes and we're regularly using water.

um that coating is regularly getting applied by the ortho phosphate that that's coming through the lines and protecting um lines from um um the potential of of lead leeching into the water. Um some of you may be familiar with what happened in Flint um a number of years ago. Uh that was really a a corrosion control uh issue. Flint had many lead service lines um in their

their service area, but lead was not an issue when they were using appropriate and proper um corrosion control. The problem that happened in Flint is is they changed water sources without adjusting their corrosion control. So, the chemistry wasn't right and the lead started leeching into the water. Um, so we we feel like our customers are very safe even with those in older homes that

that may have lead uh components like lead solder.

What should a citizen do if they want to have their water tested?

If if a citizen um has concerns, they can call uh public utilities and speak with our lab. we can talk with them to assess what their risk may be and u and potentially conduct testing to um um ease their their their concerns if if they do have a risk. Um you know, there's some properties that that we know that we don't need to test. Um but some older properties in in the city um

if someone has a concern, we can speak with them to um uh and work with with them. and the air we in our rural area where people are on wellwater and that sort of thing. Um I guess film water is usually tested, isn't it? Or what do people in the rural areas do? >> It it varies. Um in rural areas where

you have wells, you have to get a permit to um to have the well in installed. So the um water quality is typically being um looked at at that point in time. If it's if it's water that's being used like by say a restaurant or um a school, then they have um regulatory requirements to have that water tested on a on a routine basis to ensure that it's safe to drink.

But the residential properties >> um those properties would um usually have a um a water service a system a water um treatment system on site. Um so they are typically working with with that provider to to have the um water quality checked >> and the health department perhaps.

Yeah, the the health department is a great um source. The office of drinking water with the health department is a great resource as well. Well, thank you again for visiting the lady with the concerns last week and and we were all concerned when we heard that though I' I've never heard of any of us having from anywhere of us having a a water problem. So, thank you for this

presentation. It was quite enlightening and I learned a lot today and and hopefully it'll be it was also good for the public.

Okay. >> Stacy, thank you. question. Uh, I guess we supply water to our military installations.

Yes, sir. >> And were were they included in this testing? To what extent? >> Well, they are included to the extent that the water that's wheeled through Virginia Beach, the the military installations are technically uh water customers of the city of NOFK. Um but the water uh supplied by NOFK is is wheeled through our distribution system. So it is tested um like anything else. Uh the the

military I can tell you does their own um testing. They have their own public works um facilities on on site. Uh but we deliver water to them that meets or exceeds all state and federal standards. >> Great. And then as far as our supply of water, there questions come up every once in a while about, you know, is there enough water at Lake Gaston to meet our needs? Can you address that?

The Well, we recently requested that our citizens um take voluntary measures to conserve water and uh we've we've made that request because much of the state is is in a drought um situation. It's hard to say that on days like today where rain is expected and we have received some um um you know some more significant rain in the last several weeks including uh all the um flooding

that we saw in the lowlying levels of NOFK several weeks ago. Um, but those rain events don't don't make up for months and months of lower uh levels of of rain. And uh we have to remember that uh our reservoirs that hold our storage are located to our west in Suffach. And then um the Lake Gaston project is even further 120 miles uh to our west. in that that area where the intake is is

one of the more significantly impacted areas with respect to drought um in in the state. Um the good news is um though the reservoirs in um Suffach are about 10% below where they historically are this time of year. We still have 12 plus billion gallons of storage. We're pumping about 50 million gallons a day from Lake Gaston. So, we're not in um any sort of catastrophic state to be

sure. Uh but with the ongoing drought, those drier than normal conditions, we thought was a responsible thing to do um to request that our our citizens do what they can voluntarily to conserve water. >> Thank you.

Okay. Anybody else? Yeah. Jennifer, >> actually I don't know if you can speak to this, but I read reporting some time ago concerns about groundwater and collection and sort of the status of with the drought and with we're not getting as much rain as we had um and however groundwater is used or factored into our water supply. Do you have any information about that or do you know

what I'm talking about? Well, uh, groundwater resources are very important for many many utilities um, across the state and it's something that that's looked at and is a very active topic of conversation in terms of how do we responsibil responsibly regulate um, groundwater resources. Again, in Virginia Beach, we're fortunate where our water supply is um, surface water

supply from from Lake Gaston. And even though we're in a drought, we've been in in a um um a relatively good position where we've been able to continue um pumping and keeping water flowing in into the reservoirs to ensure we've got adequate water um for our citizens. But groundwater is a a significant concern across the state because many utilities rely on pumping groundwater. So that's

probably >> what I think you're you're talking about. >> Okay. Hey Bob, let me just end on two quick notes. Can you tell us about this really cool program you got where you got those elementary school kids uh submitting uh artwork and you making calendars out of it. That is kind of cool.

You know what's scary about that, Mayor Dyer, is we've been doing that for 30 plus years. So, some of the kids that were the original contest winners, and these are kids in in Virginia Beach schools that um uh that make drawings that show how they conserve water or what not to flush, things like that. Um and then they submit them to us. We have a a committee of staff members who love

doing this. Um, every year they're serve as judges and and select um 13 uh folks to to or kids to have their um artwork um shown in in a calendar. It's got a cover winner and then 12 months of of contest winners and a number of honorable mentions as well. the schools, the teachers, the principles, the um the art teachers um have we've got many who have just

been big supporters of this program. And it's it's a great way to teach our um our youngest citizens about the importance of water resources, things u involving being responsible users of the utility systems. So they they learn these lessons um early in life.

like to thank you for coming out every year to help us to recognize um those children. It's a big deal when they they get to come uh to uh city the council and uh receive their awards and it's it's always a fun um fun time for us.

And let me end on this. You know, this was an outstanding detailed presentation which truly exhibited the professionalism that you and your department have. And as Hutch said before, this is an example of whether it be fire and Patrick, how many operating core centers we have about 60 there?

About 30 under your control, probably about seven that are like state or constitutional. I'm just saying, you know, 7,400 employees all participating and doing things. And there's an old saying I often use. It's the fact that a braggen once again recently Virginia Beach was no observed nationally as one of the were top 10 best men in cities in the country. If it's a fact and it ain't thank you very much.

Thank you.

All right. So, Mr. Mayor, members of council, at this time we'll be joined by Nancy Bloom. She's going to give city council an overview of our civic leaders academy program that was recently completed the beginning of the year and also next steps as it relates to that program.

Welcome

Good afternoon, Mayor Dyer. Get it to my height. Mayor Dyer, Vice Mayor Wilson, city council members, Mr. Duhaney, Mr. Styles, thank you so much for the opportunity to come in and talk to you about this wonderful public engagement initiative. So today uh we're going to be covering I'm going to give you a high level overview of the city hall 101 civic

leaders academy initiative pilot. Uh we're going to share the results of the pilot as well as some of the results and the analysis that we did of the data that we collected during the pilot. And we hope that we're going to show you how this reinforces that the academy strengthens neighborhood leadership and city community connections. So the purpose and intent of this

initiative, I like to call it the four E, is to educate, equip, encourage, and enhance. So we wanted to educate our neighborhood and civic leaders about basic civics and the city's organizational structure and as well as our internal operations. and we wanted to equip the participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary so that they can actively

represent the needs of their organizations. We also wanted to encourage collaboration and participation amongst all of the participants um that come from a a wide range of our community organizations and we wanted to enhance the communications between those groups and the city as well. In developing this initiative as requested by the city manager uh we reviewed the 2001 connections for a lifetime building

community trust and relationships report. This was a report that was prepared by an interdisciplinary group of city staff and community leaders as well as look at some of some of the similar programs around the country um that had this type of educational program. But we also knew that we really wanted to customize this program to include topics that responded to the

needs and the desires of our community. So, in order to do that, we invited the leaders of approximately 123 neighborhood associations to attend listening sessions with the city manager. We had 51 individuals from 22 organizations that attended and provided their input and that input helped inform the decisions of the pilot content.

So, our development goals with this pilot were that we really wanted it to be in person and interactive. We wanted to provide an overview of our guiding documents such as our city uh charter and our city code as well as services, programs and initiatives and to uh explain our data reporting. Uh we wanted to provide a deeper understanding of our municipal operations and we feel that

that can help serve as a foundation of understanding that could prepare them to serve on public bodies as well as volunteer.

And we wanted to have them be able to have a takeaway of a toolkit of resources that they could then refer to after the class was over to assist in answering questions or sharing with their organizations. um the information that they learned. So the scope of the pilot, we conducted this pilot January the 8th through the February the 26th. Classes were once a

week on Thursday evenings. They ran from 6:30 to 9. So 8 weeks times 2 and 1/2 hours per week was 20 hours. And the sessions were held in various city facilities that aligned with the content of the sessions. And where we could to the extent possible we tried to equally distribute that uh across the local election system districts. The sessions uh the uh class size was

limited to 20 participants and during the listening sessions with the city manager. We made a promise to those neighborhood leaders that they would be invited to participate in the pilot. they would have um the first opportunity to sign up to uh participate in the pilot. And we held true to that. We sent out an initial round of of invitations and found that we still had capacity for

the pilot. So we then sent that invitation out to the remaining neighborhood associations on our city on our city's listing. I would note that we did start with 11 uh participants. Unfortunately, one had to drop out because of personal uh reasons, but the remaining 10 completed the pilot with no more than one absence. The sessions were led by city staff and

subject matter experts and they included interactive elements and experience. So, for example, we had offered an adult touch a truck with public utility and public works vehicles. um a tour of the Realtime Crime Center as well as a mini tour of the just reopened Francis Land House and of course the binder that uh had the resource materials. Um some of those resources were uh we provided them

with probably the the most important uh document in the book was a master list of the acronyms that we use. We also provided them with bios of each speaker, a copy of all the presentations, a resource listing for each session that had web addresses as well as hard copy information.

So um the assessment that we did so for each session we included a short survey for each participant to take that covered each speaker and the topic that they were covering. Um we also included um sta our own staff notes from developing this pilot going through the preparation the logistics and actually the execution of the pilot. And three, after the pilot was over, we did

one-on-one interviews with each one of with nine out of our 10 participants.

And we included questions regarding the content of the pilot, the pacing, the location selection, and most especially what made the greatest impact to them.

So now I'm going to cover a little bit about what we heard. So they really gained clarity on the department roles and city operations and there was strong appreciation for our department directors um for their expertise, theiru enthusiasm and their openness. They really like the rotating locations and the networking opportunities um the majority of them found those to be major

strengths. Um the most impactful content you can see here public works, public safety, planning, um which we we did a very deep dive into um economic development, public utilities and agriculture.

Participants described the academy as rewarding, eye-opening and an engaging experience. And um many of them expressed that it was more than they thought it was going to be and we're very pleased by that. They valued the transparent insight into our operations. Uh again, the opportunity to interact directly with our city staff. And I like this one, the ability to contextualize

services they previously viewed only from the resident perspective.

Um as I mentioned before, visiting the multiple sites enhanced their understanding of the scale and the complexity of our city services.

Excuse me.

and uh the presence and accessibility of senior leadership, including the city manager who attended uh all but one of the sessions reinforced the program's credibility and underscored our commitment to our collaboration with city leaders. Um, it also stressed the importance and intentionality of this specific initiative and most said that they would be willing to serve as ambassadors for future co cohorts.

We also heard suggestions for improvements to the program. Um, so as I mentioned before, we provided them with binders. We actually had two binders.

One was three inches and one was 2 in. It's a lot of information. Um so the recommendations and suggestions were perhaps we could provide that to them electronically. Um that would make it a little easier. So the suggestion was to put this these resource materials on a thumb drive and and tried to consolidate some of them. Um and so that will include the present would include the

presentations and speaker bios as well as the hard copy. Um, we thought it would be really helpful to provide as a pre-eread the budget pages from the FY2627 budget document uh, operating budget.

So, if they read that information before the sessions, then they would have a better idea, excuse me, of the budgetary um, the budget of the department, the amount of personnel they have, the division structure, as well as the challenges and trends. Um so they would come in with that little bit of knowledge that uh could provide for a deeper interaction with the session and

uh provide for deeper questions at the end of that. So we also uh heard that we could adjust the program time to provide a buffer from running late. So we had a couple of sessions that ran a little long. So perhaps we would look at programming the time instead of ending at 9:00 to end at 8:45 to give us that little buffer. We also heard um to maybe cap the

attendance at 15. Um the pilot was with 10 participants and we really feel like that that really provided a more intimate experience and that people felt that it wasn't so big that they could inter really interact with each other and they could interact with our city leaders.

I'm sorry. Um so I've included a couple pictures from the pilot class. Um you'll see the first picture on the left. That is our very first session that was held at city hall and that's Brett McKenzie the legislative liaison leading that session. And then the picture on the right is actually our last session and that is a uh city senior leadership roundt with the city manager and council member Schulman.

So this is a picture of our graduating pilot class and some of them actually are in the audience today to join us and I would ask them to stand up and be recognized.

Thank you. Um, we were very proud that we had representation from Green Run Homes Association, North Virginia Beach Civic League, Battery Park Homeowners Association at Town Square, and Pemrook, Croatan, Sandbridge, SeaTac, and Pine Ridge Civic Leagues. So with the direction from the city manager to move forward with transitioning city hall 101 civic

leaders academy to a permanent initiative, we are pleased to announce that we have rebranded the pilot class to city hall 101 Civic Leaders Academy class number one.

Yay.

So moving forward um we have for 2027 two cohorts, one in January and one starting in September. Uh we have taken the recommendation to adjust the programming to run to 8:45. And here I've listed out the various sessions that we have. So session one takes place at city hall and includes a tour of city hall and it will cover civics and governance.

Session two covers public infrastructure and that will be held at the public utilities conference room at the public utilities public works compound on uh complex on dam neck and that will cover public work public works public utilities the new public facilities department as well as parks and recreation infrastructure. Session three will be at Sandler Center

and feature only the planning and land use planning department in land use.

And session four will be our first public safety session and that will be held at the at the first precinct command building. It will include a tour of the realtime crime center as well as a presentation on the work that they do in there as well as the police department, fire department, and emergency medical services. Session five is at the convention of visitors bureau

conference room. It covers economic vitality which of course is agriculture, economic development as well as CVB. Session six is what we call quality of life and the participants in that are human services, parks and wreck operations, libraries, aquarium, housing and neighborhood preservation and cultural affairs. This is held at the Francis Land House. Session seven is

held at Bayside Library and it is our uh money matters and accountability session and that includes the office of account of performance and accountability, budget management service, finance and we also offer a capstone exercise on the budget. Session eight is get involved and stay engaged. That's where we hear from our uh city clerk's office about the

appointed agencies and the talent bank as well as our office of volunteer resources. And that session also contains the city uh leadership roundt and Q&A. Uh session nine, this is a new session from the pilot. This is our public safety session two where we will cover emergency communications and citizen services as well as emergency management

and the communications department as well as tutorials on how to navigate our website as well as how to utilize uh 311 to put in a service request and the VB connect app. And then the final session is going to be graduation. Um, and that is going to uh take place at the municipal center and that's where we're going to move the opportunity for the adult touch a truck so that they have

enough time to actually enjoy that. And then we do do the graduation. We have a nice little reception cake and um it's really lovely and we uh ask them to invite their families and it's just it's really really great. So I have to say thank you to the city manager. Um, this has been a very challenging and rewarding experience and I really must recognize Karen Gil who is the

engagement communication strategist on the public engagement team. Um, she was my partner in working on this and um, thank you so much. Um, really appreciate you. Uh, I would also like to thank those council members who are able to stop by and visit with us. Mayor Dyer, council member uh, Jackson Green came to Francis Landhouse. Uh, council member Schuman. Thank you very much for for

volunteering to uh participate in the round table. Um I also would like to thank the as I said the city manager the city management leadership team especially deputy city manager Kroski and chief of staff Zabudas for um their wonderful guidance and suggestion during the process. Um the the um communications office for helping us um with all of the logistics of this. It

would not have been able to be um to happen if it were not for our department directors. Our department directors were amazing. Their staffs were amazing um in getting together their presentations and and having the available availability to participate. So, we very much want to thank them. And last, but definitely not least, we want to thank the Office of Volunteer Resources and our city

volunteers. So we did a dry run of this entire pilot before we actually did the pilot and we saw it as a wonderful opportunity to engage our city volunteers. So we put the word out and said we'd like to offer you an opportunity to be a focus group. So if you would like to participate, sign up to come to one of these sessions. And we had a phenomenal response and I will

just say that it was a very diverse group that showed up. they were engaging and they provided some of the most valuable input and insight for us to really fine-tune this before we ran the pilot. So, um, thank you. That's what I have. This is our resource guide books. Um, and, uh, I'm happy to take any questions. >> Well, thank you. And before you go,

Nancy, I've known you a long time. Everything you touch turns to gold. You are super. >> Thank you, Mayor.

Yeah. No question. You're a superstar. And I know there's and I want to give credit to your team as well and everyone that supports you in this, but to see it expand to um adults in our community because you I mean you spearheaded this whole thing of bringing in Virginia Beach City Public Schools. So, we've had middle schools and uh elementary schools come in for tours of City Hall. They sat

at the table. They got to push the buttons and the giants. I think that might be their favorite part. They get to sit in the seats and so especially seeing themselves on TV. >> Yeah, they look themselves. not even caring about anything. They're just where's the camera? I got to find it.

So, I just think that, you know, you're I appreciate how you are lending your creativity to open up the government, open up city hall because it belongs to the people. It belongs to the public. So, from our elementary school students and beyond, I just want to, you know, that's great work that you're doing. I appreciate it. >> Thank you very much.

Um, Nancy, I had a wonderful time. Uh it was really neat to come in at the end and be with be there with the manager and see I guess the product of all of those sessions and and having that just group discussion where they get to you know folks got to ask us whatever they wanted and and they had a lot better understanding all of them had mentioned to me that a lot better understanding of

how our city works um after those sessions. So, thank you very very much to you and your team for an excellent initiative.

You're welcome. >> Thank you again, Nancy. I keep looking at you. You will make a good principal.

Maybe you could be the principal of the civic academy. Thank you so much. Thank you, council member.

Anybody else? >> Yeah. Okay. As always, I want to thank you uh Miss Nancy for putting on such a professional class of government, right?

And when I went to the France Landing House, right, I felt like out of place.

I was like, I should I um you made me feel comfortable and uh city manager Dehaney said, just speak like a little bit. It's for them.

But I'm so glad that we have a class to keep our residents informed of the government process that we are transparent and so this class goes to show that transparency. So I'm thankful for that.

Okay. >> Just real quick also big shout out to you. You are helping us with our town halls. It doesn't go unnoticed. That's not an easy job. Oneman team showing up making sure everything works and holding the mic. Thank you, council member.

That's a big deal. >> It's a new skill I'm learning.

We were both back and forth the other night.

All right. Let me end by saying this. One of the slides you mentioned the complexity and magnitude of local government.

Yes, sir. >> And I think a lot of people are surprised about how many, you know, moving parts there are. And you know right now I'm teaching a course at region on local government and people are really surprised how detailed how rigorous uh how many regulations are encumber us and the thing the rules the regulations the laws that we have to follow that you know people are surprised what we're doing and I did a a

course in human resources management people were surprised by the breath and depth of what goes on and you know running the 7,400 people that we have here. So it really is an awesome responsibility and thank you for taking it on and once again your success is our success. Thank you.

Thank you sir. >> Okay.

So Mr. Mayor comes to the last briefing before you go into close session provided by Caitlyn Alco with the planning department. that I give the council overview of the pending planning items for your October 6th and October 20th, 2026 council meetings.

We believe in you.

All righty. >> All right. Good afternoon, mayor, vice mayor, members of council. As usual, I'm here this afternoon to go over the planning items that will be up for your consideration at your October hearings.

So, first to run through the items on your October 6th agenda. There are a total of seven items. Looking at item one, this includes two related requests for 2512 Seabard Road in District 2. These requests include a conditional resoning from A1 and A2 agricultural districts to conditional R15 residential district as well as a subdivision variance related to lot width, street

frontage, and lack of direct access to a public street. The applicant intends to subdivide the 3.85 acre parcel, which is located within the transition area into three single family residential lots, resulting in a density of approximately 0.77 dwelling units per acre. The proposed R15 district requires a minimum lot area of 15,000 square feet, a minimum lot width of 100 ft, a minimum

uh street line frontage of 80 ft. Furthermore, the subdivision ordinance requires parcels to have direct access to a public street. While proposed lot one will satisfy these requirements, proposed lots two and three will be deficient. Therefore, a subdivision variance is required to provide access to the two lots in the rear. The conceptual plan depicts a 16 foot wide

shared driveway within a 30- foot wide easement that's shown in green on the slide there. Um staff has recommended a condition that would require adequate fire department access to all proposed parcels as noted in condition six.

Hello. >> As the site is located within the transition area, staff evaluated the request for conformance with the transition area design guidelines. The proposed density and lot sizes conform with the recommendations. Furthermore, the applicant has profered that all exterior building materials and the overall design of the homes will conform

to the recommendations found in those guidelines. Additionally, the applicant has profered that each home will contain a minimum of 2500 square ft. While the guidelines do recommend a 150 foot wide buffer along Seabard Road for residential developments, the applicant is proposing a 50- foot wide buffer due to the relatively small size of the development. Um the buffer will include

a 12- foot wide shared use path as recommended by the active transportation plan. And similarly to the reduction in the buffer width, the applicant is opted to provide larger individual lots rather than providing the 50% shared open space that's recommended by the design guidelines.

This request was presented to the transition area interfacility traffic area citizens advisory committee and received their support. There was one speaker in opposition at the planning commission hearing who noted concern with development behind his home and potential impacts to storm water and then the potential for other a um properties in the area to be reszoned.

Ultimately, the planning commission did recommend approval by a unanimous vote.

Item two is a modification of conditions request for the Catholic high school located at 4552 Princess Anne Road in District 1.

A cup for a private school was approved for the site by the city council in 1992 with a subsequent modification in 2013. The current modification of request modification request is to permit the construction of a 20,000 ft fieldhouse at the rear of the site shown in blue there and this is adjacent to the existing football field and tennis courts.

The building will be 28t tall at the highest point and will feature brick veneil veneer metal wall panels and a metal roof. Access to the facility will be via Healthy Way and proposed hours of operation will be 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.

depending on scheduled events and activities. While the active transportation plan does call for a inst the installation of an 11 foot wide shared juice path along Princess Anne Road, that has not been conditioned with this request since the proposed improvements are located to the rear of the property. There is no known opposition to the application and the planning commission recommended approval on consent.

Item three includes three requests related to 3386 and 3396 Holland Road in district 10. The applicant is requesting to conditionally reszone the rear portion of the 2.2 acre site from O2 office district to conditional B2 community business district in order to construct a mini warehouse facility with an associated bulk storage yard. The proposal includes a gated self- storage

facility with 25 fully enclosed storage units, 12 covered storage spaces, and then 14 open surface storage spaces. A 25 foot wide landscape buffer is required along the rear property line where the subject site is adjacent to an apartment district. Additionally, the ordinance requires bulk storage yards to be enclosed with a six-ft tall privacy fence and category 1 landscaping along

all sides. The applicant is proposing an 8-ft tall privacy fence with this request around the entire perimeter. Deviations to the buffering requirements are requested in the areas highlighted in orange on the slide there due to the existing utility easements which impact where and what type of landscaping can be proposed in those areas. And then there is an existing communication tower

on site that limits some of the buffering capability.

The enclosed storage units will have a maximum height of 16 ft and will feature a neutral color palette. The planning commission recommended approval of the request with a modification at the applicant's request to allow operable vehicles to be stored within that bulk storageard area in addition to boats and RVs. Staff is unaware of any opposition and the planning commission recommended

approval with that modification. Item four is another conditional use permit request for a parcel northeast of 3024 Holland Road in District 2.

The applicant intends to develop just under four acres of the 32 acre site to store operable vehicles, RVs, boats, and trailers. The site is located within the special economic growth area 3, South Oceanana, as well as a greater than 75 decel noise zone, the accident potential zone 2, and is encumbered by a Navy restricted easement. The proposed bulk storage yard use is considered

compatible with both the high noise zone and the APZ2.

There are environmental factors which impact development of the site including a large portion lying within the AE flood zone and the city's flood plane subject to special restrictions which is shown in purple on the slide here. No impacts are proposed to the flood plane with this project.

Um, I will note that there are a portion of uh the development that does appear to impact nine non-title wetlands and as such a joint permit application will be required and that will be reviewed by both the Army Corps of Engineers as well as Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Since that area is outside the jurisdiction of the city's wetlands board, their review and approval will

not be required. The storage yard is proposed to be fully enclosed with an 8ft tall wood privacy fence with category 1 landscaping. Apart from a small parking lot to support the proposed 300 square foot office building, the storage yard will consist of a gravel surface. Staff is unaware of any opposition to the request and the planning commission recommended approval on consent. Item five is a conditional use current

request for an indoor recreational facility at 5512 Virginia Beach Boulevard in District 4. The applicant is seeking approval to continue operating an indoor recreational facility within an existing suite on the site. While customers can access the gym 247 with an entry code, the facility is staffed Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and then Saturdays

and Sundays from 9:00 am to 3 pm. The site also contains an urgent care facility which is proposed to remain. While a total of 98 parking spaces would be required by the ordinance to support both uses, the applicant submitted a parking study prepared by an engineer which was approved by our zoning administrator to allow a total of 68 parking spaces on site. That was based

on hourly gym attendance, alternative means of transportation within the area, and then average available parking spaces per hour.

staff received 26 letters of support, including one from the adjacent medical facility, which noted that there had been no issues since the gym facility has been operating on the site. Um, this item was recommended for approval by the planning commission on their consent agenda.

Item six is a conditional use permit request for a bar and nightclub at 446 Oceanana Boulevard in District 6. The site is located within the greater than 75 decel noise zone where the bar and nightclub use is considered compatible. The site is also within the special economic growth area 1, East Oceanana, where medium intensity industrial uses are recommended. This

use has operated on the site since the 1950s prior to the adoption of the current zoning ordinance and therefore is considered a legally non-conforming use. Approval of the conditional use permit would bring the site into compliance with the current ordinance. A notice of violation was issued in January of this year for an expansion of the use without the required approvals

and permits. Staff received one letter of opposition and there was one speaker in opposition at the planning commission hearing who noted concerns regarding the nature of the use and compatibility in the area. Ultimately, the planning commission recommended approval by a 91 vote.

Item seven is another conditional use permit request for an indoor recreational facility at 3754 Virginia Beach Boulevard in District 8.

The applicant intends to operate a fitness center within a vacant 20,000 square foot space within the existing shopping center which lies within the Rosemont SGA. This will be the third location for the tenant which is Iron Asylum. The facility will be open 24 hours a day with staff on site from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Adequate parking is

available on site and there's no known opposition. The planning commission recommended approval on consent. Moving now to your October 20th agenda.

There are a total of nine planning items for consideration.

Item one is a subdivision variance request for parcels along Gumridge Road and Dolly Road in District 2. The existing parcels, which are outlined in yellow here, were improperly subdivided by deed in the 1970s when a subdivision plat signed by the planning director would have been required. Since the parcels are zoned a one and a two, a minimum lot area of 1 acre, minimum lot

width of 150 ft, and then a minimum street line frontage of 120 ft are required. The applicant is proposing to resubdivide the parcels to create two lots, each of which would meet the minimum lot area, but would have zero feet of lot width and street line frontage, and therefore would need to have the subdivision variance approved. Um, also, neither of the proposed

parcels would have access, direct access to a public street.

The parcels do however have legal access through two private ingress egress easements, which are highlighted in yellow on the slide here. Staff received one letter of opposition along with two affidavit. Additionally, there were two speakers in opposition at the planning commission hearing who noted concerns with the proposed access um fire department access and then general

concerns with safety and the potential for tree removal. I will note this request was reviewed by the fire marshall's office and staff has recommended condition six to require adequate fire department access be provided to both proposed parcels. The planning commission recommended approval of the request with the removal of condition five which required a new

ingress egress easement with a shared maintenance agreement to be recorded.

They did this because it was determined that the existing ingress egress easements were sufficient and that the maintenance responsibilities would lie with the um owners of propo the two proposed lots there.

Item two is a street closure request for a 15 foot wide unimproved alley between 512 Vanderbilt Avenue and 613 South Atlantic Avenue in District 5.

The total area proposed for closure is approximately 700 square ft and will be split evenly between the two adjacent property owners. There are um improvements within the closure area including a wood deck that was done by prior owners to the lot. Should this street closure be approved, we do have a recommendation that a public drainage easement be retained over the entire

closure area. As such, any of those existing improvements or any future improve improvements would require a separate encroachment agreement approved by this body um that are located within that easement easement area. Staff is unaware of any opposition to the request and the planning commission recommended approval on consent. The next item is another street closure

request for a portion of Fountain Drive uh adjacent to 1945 Alaskan Road in District 6. The area proposed to be closed, which is outlined in red on the slide here, equates to approximately 2600 square ft and was initially intended to provide access to five parcels that have since been combined into the singular parcel, lot 16A, as seen on the exhibit here.

Staff has not received any opposition to this request and the planning commission recommended approval on consent. Item four includes two requests. The first a modification of profers and then a conditional use permit for a bulk storage yard at 1050 Bells Road in District 6. The site which is just under two acres is currently vacant and located within the greater than 75 decel

noise zone. The accident potential zone 2 and is encumbered by a Navy restrictive easement. The proposed bulk storage yard is considered compatible in both the high noise zone and APZ2. This site was reszoned from R10 to conditional I1 light industrial in 2017 and the profers at that time prohibited the storage of motorized vehicles on the site. The current applicant seeks to

redevelop the site with covered storage for commercial and recreational vehicles and as such the modification of profers is required. The proposed structures will be 22 feet 10 in in height and will include corrugated metal roofing and siding. The applicant is proposing to install a 5 foot wide sidewalk along Bell's Road with this request. Additionally, the

required 25 foot wide category 2 landscape buffer is provided along all property lines abuing the adjacent R10 residential district and a 7 foot tall privacy fence is proposed around the entire perimeter of the storage yard.

The applicant is requesting a deviation from the landscaping around the storage area in the portions shown in orange here where the property abuts the adjacent I1 district. Staff received four letters of opposition and there were four speakers in opposition the planning commission hearing. Those in opposition noted concerns with the compatibility of the

use with the adjacent properties and the SeaTac neighborhood overall. Concerns with safety, lighting, um impacts to storm water and then noise and trash.

Ultimately, the planning commission did not find that the concerns of the opposition had been adequately addressed and recommended a denial of the application by unanimous vote. Item five is a conditional resoning and a conditional use permit request for 2548 Potter Road. This is one that I briefed you on at the end of August and it was deferred at your September 15th,

2026 hearing at the request of the applicant. Since that time, the applicant has conducted additional outreach with the surrounding neighborhood to discuss their concerns regarding overall safety and security in the area. As a reminder, the applicant is seeking approval to develop 14 individual storage lots on the site, which can be leased to individuals looking to store contractors vehicles, equipment, and

materials. The applicant is proposing a 10- foot wide landscape buffer along the east and west property lines and is requesting a deviation to that buffer width along the eastern property line where a 25 foot wide buffer would typically be required. A 6ft tall privacy fence will enclose the entire storage area. Staff did receive one letter of opposition with

concerns about compatibility and the planning commission ultimately recommended approval on consent.

Item six is a conditional resoning request for 4576 Bonnie Road in District 4. The applicant is seeking to reszone the property from I1 Light Industrial to conditional A24 apartment district in order to develop the site with a 29 209 multif family unit development which equates to 21.5 units per acre. The roughly 12 acres site is currently undeveloped and lies within the central

B business district Bonnie area of the Penrook SGAA and includes the Failia Creek Greenway. Portions of the site lie within the resource protection area of the Chesapeake Bay and a Chesig Bay preservation area board variance was granted in 2020 to permit approximately 18,000 square feet of new impervious area in the RPA. This current proposal

reduces the proposed impervious within the RPA by approximately 10,000 square feet. Since the site lies within half a mile of a covered bus shelter, parking is required at a rate of half a parking space per dwelling unit, which equates to 105 spaces. The applicant is proposing 370 307 spaces to support the units. Various right-of-way improvements

are proposed 11 foot wide shared juice path and right and left turn lanes on Bonnie Road. The applicant has profered that if a left turn lane cannot be designed to meet city standards, then left turn lanes from Bonnie Road would not be permitted and the access would need to be redesigned accordingly. The applicant is proposing to realign a small segment of the greenway as shown in the images here to include a

reduction of the easement width from 25 ft to 25 ft which or excuse me from 25 ft to 20 ft which will require separate council action. The 10 foot wide path will remain centered within that easement area and the design will continue to meet VOTE standards. The applicant is requesting a deviation to the overall building height of 45 ft to allow a max height of 55 ft 1 inch.

Due to the maximum height permitted on the adjacent properties as well as the site's proximity to town center, staff was amanable to this deviation request.

Staff received one letter of concern and one letter of opposition with concerns regarding traffic and impacts to the surrounding properties. While there was one speaker registered for at the planning commission hearing, they were not online when this item was heard. Following the hearing, the planning commission recommended approval by a 91 vote.

Item seven is a conditional use permit request for a mini warehouse facility at 941 Laskin Road in District 6. This proposal also includes 8,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor, which is permitted by Wright in the B2 district.

staff received a request from the applicant earlier today asking that this item be placed on the November 10th city council hearing. So, this will not come before you on the October 20th hearing. There's no formal action required by this body because we haven't done the legal notifications yet, but I'll go ahead and run through it since we had it prepared.

Um, as I mentioned previously, the applicant intends to develop a self-s storage facility with ground flooror retail on the western half of this parcel. The site does lie within the resort SGAA, the greater than 75 decel noise zone, and the APZ2. The applicant intends to satisfy the buffer requirements by retaining existing vegetation where the site um adjoins the

adjacent apartment district. The proposed four-story building will have a maximum height of 54t 7 in with a total floor area of 126,000 square ft, including 8,000 ft of retail space on the ground floor. I do want to take a second to commend the applicant on working to address staff comments regarding the building elevations to achieve a look that looked more

commercial or like an office building rather than a self- storage facility.

Okay, >> um could you tell me why they recommended denial >> on this one?

the I was getting yeah we don't think it's compatible with the recommendations of the comprehensive plan specific to the Alaskan corridor doesn't align with align with the vision for the SGA plan which calls for a more um pedestrianfriendly activated street frontage along that that corridor. So, we commend the improvements adding the additional retail space on the ground

floor and the overall design of the building, but kind of that primary use of a self- storage facility we felt did not align with the recommendations of the comp plan. You're welcome.

Staff received two letters of support, 18 letters of opposition, and a petition of opposition with 140 signatures. Um those in opposition expressed concerns related to the compatibility of the use and impacts to the environment. Um again while staff commends the applicant for working with staff to add additional retail space. They did kind of grow that square footage throughout the process

and went through several iterations on the building elevations to improve the overall look of the building. Um we just find that that primary use of self storage does not align with the comp plan recommendations in this area on this gateway to the ocean front. Similarly, the planning commission just another quick question. Um and I know that there has been some concern

about this. I would like to better understand if we can before it comes to us um for consideration what because there's a lot of restrictions that pertain to this property. So, I would like to know I mean in a perfect world it might be a whole bunch of things. Um but but what could they do there is really what I'm interested in knowing based on what the restrictions are um

you know for for that area because I know I I think there was a preference for retail and walkability which is >> which is why it looks like they put some of that in and it um so I just I want to learn more about it if you don't mind.

Absolutely. >> Absolutely. And I will just say generally the so it's it's zoned B2 currently. So typically the uses that would be permitted by right in B2 could still be permitted. You don't get into the compatibility in the AUS restrictions unless it has to come forward for discretionary approval. So it does kind of open it up a little bit more for what could be there. But we can prepare something.

Okay. Stay in work. So, and I'd like to understand if if the storage was done away with and it was just the retail on the first floor, then would that meet the that staff approve that and say that that was compatible? >> That would align more yes with the recommendations of the >> strictly the fact that the storage facility above the retail. >> Correct. The primary use of self storage

we didn't feel was compatible. >> Okay. work.

The other thing I think that's in consideration here is in overall owner of the property, the entire property, they're selling this or leasing this parcel because we agreed to a subdivision last week formally to allow the owner to subdivide this particular parcel. The owner is developing the form of movie cinemas into a pedel facility. So, in that presentation, they said a

restaurant could should go there. And that was pretty um interesting idea.

That's what got my attention, a lot of people's attention. Now, a restaurant's not going there. They want something else.

Okay, Josh. And then Michael. >> Well, and I guess that's that's the question is can a restaurant even go there? And and and not just because the restrictions, but also the parking requirements because I know it's kind of an odd and wonky site. So, if we say we want, you know, in a perfect world, a restaurant there and we can't park it, that doesn't help us. If we say we want

office there and we can't park that either and there's vacant office across the street, you know, I mean, so I just kind of I want to see what, you know, if if we were going to we can't design the project for them either by pigeon holeing them into like one or two different uses. Um, so anyway, those are just the points I want to make. here, Michael.

Well, I still have um learning to do about this application, but I just remember the previous contemplated use of this property, which was to go from the when the if you all remember, we all do, the kind of save the movie theater movement that occurred and and what I took out of that, putting the movie theater aside, was that The community really valued this property as

an asset they could enjoy, as an an amenity, as a place where tourists visit, as a place where families would visit and um even more so, I mean, in addition to the their connection to the theater and um and and and I heard a lot that that there would be some synergy with the resort and the as a tourism amenity. and as a community asset. And I think my recollection is that that was

part of the basis for the withdrawal from the application for a church was that my sense was that there wasn't support on the council for that application because of those preferred uses. So um you know I tried to be differential. I don't I don't want you know I don't think we should be you know manipulating the market by picking what the uses are. But we do

have um but we do have an opportunity to um because they require a conditioning permit because the storage correct >> we do have the opportunity to to determine whether we think that's an appropriate use and and and I just recall hearing a lot of um a lot of information and feedback about how that people from all over the community view that as a destin destination and a place

for an opportunity to have some community connection and enjoyment and and that's why I think the uh recreational use that's been that that's been being proposed and will be built there is in alignment with that which is is great and I guess that's why it moved forward. Um I guess I still have some questions about that use being a storage. >> Okay.

All right. The next item includes six total requests for short-term rentals at 1909 Cypress Avenue in District 6. The applicants applicant intends to reuse and repurpose the existing structure, adding five one-bedroom rentals and one two-bedroom rental on the second floor while utilizing the first floor for office space. Adequate parking is provided to support

both the short-term rental and office uses. There are no prior zoning complaints or violations, no advertisements or documented stays.

Staff is unaware of any opposition, and the planning commission recommended approval by a 64 vote. The final item is a CP request for a short-term rental at 414 19th Street, Unit 104 in District 6. This was deferred at your hearing last week to give the applicant time to address concerns that were raised by an adjacent property owner regarding parking and the

possibility of installing a fence between along that western property line between the two parcels. It is my understanding that there has been initial contact between the two parties. However, I don't have an update on where those discussions lie. Um, if there's no specific questions about this one, mayor, that concludes my briefing and I'm happy to answer any other questions.

Okay. Any questions at all? >> Okay. Thank you very much.

Okay, folks. It is now time council comments, discussions, initiative.

Anything? >> Okay, let's go. Rosemary have two things to say. Um, one, we don't have a meeting next week as a fifth Tuesday. Since we don't have that, I wanted to announce that October 3rd We're going to have a ribbon cutting for Winston Salem Avenue, which I'm very excited about. And oh my gosh, it's um Mr. Manager, it looks so beautiful with the street lights and the landscaping and the wide sidewalks. It's just a

fantastic job. And it was a difficult it was a difficult road with all the things going on there. And then of course we had a lot of uh people who had a lot of concerns during construction, but I'm very excited about October 3rd at 10:00 in the morning if anyone is able to attend. And then the second thing and say this with Worth Worth and I had a meeting with um

people that go to the SeaTac Recreation Center and it was gosh it was what 80 was about 80 people there were. >> That's I'll agree to some of that. Most of that. Yeah. >> Yeah.

Is that okay? Um, but anyway, but they were really wonderful, nice, positive people and they had a lot of concerns about how small it is and and the restrictions that it has and um they were very positive, very nice people.

And uh we were shocked because we went around the room, we thought it was going to be mostly people that lived right around there, but there were people from Lin Haven Mall. There was a bunch of people from district eight. There was somebody from district nine. I mean, it was just people from all over the city that go to that recreation center. Um, so they gave us a lot of really good

ideas and I think it was Jason was taking them down. So hopefully we can get some of their ideas and see if we can do something about it. And I don't Worth wanted to. >> Thank you.

I was very touched and moved by this meeting. I was we were invited I thought to meet some pickleball players and they were going to talk about limited amount of time and and space for pickle ball. The CAT rec center was um agreed to by council and built way back I don't know 20 to 25 years ago but is it is now

almost overused and that was the message that they were sending to us. But I was so touched and moved by everyone who spoke. It was a lot. It was over by the time we were speaking it was 40. It was a lot more than a 40 at the beginning, but when we sat down, each and everyone, it was over an hour meeting. I was so

touched by what this rec center meant to them and to our community who could ever write a report or a script, why you do, why we spend so much money on parks and wreck, this hourlong session was so cool to hear everybody speak so highly about it. So, thank you. And we So, therefore, we have to find a way to expand Cat Rec Center. >> Challenging. We'll put that on the list.

We'll put it on the list. >> Uh Barbara and then Amelia.

Uh yes, I would like to thank the city manager for investigating the issue I brought forward last week about the new bridge, Sandbridge, uh road problem, and that's going to be repaired this week. Uh I think he said in your uh material that it's probably going to be able to be done without closing the road, but it is a very tight road. So, I would suggest

that anybody avoid New Bridge Road while it's being repaired if at all possible.

But, thank you so much for getting right on that because that's that's really important. Uh, also, we had in our uh documentation this week that I hope you didn't miss this uh update on the Sandbridge Beach Restoration Program summary because we're at that time of year for the next project. Uh it was advertised August 31st and the bid opening is going to be October 5th. So

that's coming right up. Uh and then of course the contract it will be awarded before the end of this year and the work will be done in the first six months of next year. But if you look at this summary that was in your packet, you notice of the uh restoration program. It started in 98 and we've been doing it every two or three years since then. Uh it's a 35%

local 65% federal uh funding for these projects and so far the local sponsor costs to date have been 55.8 million in Sandbridge Beach restoration. Uh but when you look at the storm damage aversion since 2000, we've averted approximately $150 million worth of damages. So I go back to when we decided to do the beach restoration several years ago uh when we were talking about

should we try to do uh a beach replenishment or should we just let it happen? and North Carolina with the Outdoor Banks was having their discussion at the very same time. Well, we decided to do beach restoration and they decided to just let it happen. So, you look at the differences between what's going on there and what we're doing. And so, I think this sponsor cost

of 55.8 million is money well spent. Of course, it's done with the Sandbridge Special Service District. So, it's paid for by the by that area and I think it's been very successful. But anyway, October 5th, we'll get the opening of this year's project and then that will move forward. So, I think that's something for us to look forward to and really follow and appreciate the fact

that we've done it all these years and look forward to uh seeing what happens this year. Thank you. >> Thank you, Amelia.

Well, I have first. I'm really humbled to do with the Black Street event.

We had a nurse of people come out. It was peaceful, also inspirational to have these four young men out there and their families. So, I thank especially the mayor for working with me on this.

He brought it to my attention and once we realized they were from district 4 went about working on this and uh Tamaya Davis was the consultant and the city quickly gathered around. We had a couple of meetings and it went very smoothly.

I was really humbled. But a lot of the things to mention about the work I've done with them and um considering that Chanty black one of the lead had been in a serious accident the day before. I mean his car was smashed at the back but he still came through spoke. We had lot of couple of of uh media there and uh at

the end he took time to sing one of their gospel songs in thanks for God sparing his life for this. So we are a very very special city.

We care. We don't forget. And I would let I will stop let the mayor say something about that. >> No, I'll just say this. It's real. There was a tremendous amount of positive energy there and uh and I just tell you it was a very appreciative broad-based community. Any of the other council members are there. Jennifer, what you think about?

It was really cool. You could tell, you know, for someone who's been in the industry as long as Black Street has. Um, and the story from Virginia Beach, but like just well beyond. Uh, it was so moving from not only them, but their family, the producers, so many local stars that aren't recognized. Uh, they maybe aren't named in the Black Street Group, but are a part of their story,

too. There was great appreciation there. So, it was really cool to see that happen and to celebrate that. So, good job.

Good. >> Yeah. grateful that Virginia Beach is such this place where stars are born, right? If they're not born here, then they come here and they stay here and they become a part of the community. And that's what showed on Saturday is that they were a part of the community and are a part of the community. >> Josh, uh, Mr. Mayor, I was blown away by um just all the positive energy surrounding

that event. I mean um you could tell it really meant something not just to the artists but to the entire community and our creative community. Um people who probably feel that maybe we don't give them enough love. Um and there was a lot of love to go around that day. So it was awesome.

Rosemary. Well, I don't know what to say that's already been said, but I sure I'm glad I was there because it was so exciting and the positive energy and our staff always they did a great job getting everything ready, but the the love that you could feel amongst the crowd and amongst the the performers and the people working with them and their families, it was

absolutely amazing. And I'm so so glad that you y'all brought this forward and it was a nice article in the newspaper. Really enjoyed that.

So, uh it was a fantastic event. And one of the first calls I made after was to Patrick to commend him on the staff every way from the traffic control in the beginning uh you know and Sheila you know and just organizing and you know u Bill Kelly was I mean it was all hands on deck and I thought it was pretty much

a flawless you know thing and you know the ceremony started at 10:00 and I left at 12:30. 30 and they still had you know a number of people around but once again I think it really defines us you know and you know when Fel Williams was asked me years ago in a TV interview how come so many Grammy winners come from the Hampton Roads area and you know what he said

there's something in the water okay and there is and when you think about the talent that we have there and you know we point out this was just not a recognition about Black Street. It was about the whole culture of Teddy Riley starting on, you know, all the energy that came about out, you know, from the mid1 1990s to now, which is still going. And I will say that, um, you know, um,

Black Street, you know, and, you know, videoed the whole thing and it's going to be part of the video that's going to come out with their next album.

Wow. >> You know, coming next year. And the other thing is next year we actually beat Hollywood to the punch where you know they're going to be getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year.

And so all started right here in Virginia Beach. And I also mentioned Patterson, New Jersey, where two of them are from, but we won't go there.

Right next to New York. No, but it was really a good thing. And uh yesterday I had the pleasure to recognize National Forensic Sciences Week and I went down to Leroy Drive where our you know uh many of our police operations are squad you know Fox squad everything and I got a tour of that facility and how our forensic team, you know, the technology that they use

and the signs that they use. um you know uh looking at uh you know spent you know gun casings and you know you know the fingerprint area and you know where they collect forensic evidence after a crime scene and everything. You know, we were talking before about how many moving parts it takes to run a city, especially our size when we're talking about 455,000 people. And uh I'll tell you

what, we this city has quite a bit to be proud of. And you know, once again, Mr.

Manager, you know, congratulations for that. Okay, anybody else? Okay, Amelia.

And then Michael, >> on the last one, I also want to thank Amanda Jarrett. she came in into our meeting and helped us pull the one or two extra pieces together which was great. So, thank you. I do have two others and I'll try to just compress um I'm council son along with um Councilman Cummings for the military devel economic development advisory

council and it was a big meeting. We had a close to 50 people at the Rivers uh casino even though we didn't get to go into the casino but uh we had a nice presentation we uh Emily Archer did on behalf of us and just a few things she mentioned about our red white and blue summit at Fort Eustace which was September 9th and 10th told them about the whole part of

our mission start and stay was all about helping transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses to get the homes front stabilized and map out real training and education pipeline. This was very important because we could see as different people talk, spouses was very important then daycare was something very important. They've gotten some extra 400 or what million to help

with all of this. So, we're on the right track and they still need more. And she talked about the Sardup World Cup which was September 17th at the Sandless Performance and we gave prizes. And then we had um from Virginia Beach, two companies that placed second and third place. And then she went on to talk about what's upcoming tight uh tech night October 29th at the

dome and veterans in business November 3rd at the hives. So that's and also she told them about the 10,000 business grant reminders. So it was positive for us. And then if someone wants to go, I have the fund. I'm learning to do this technical where I've put in from the housing which I'm also a council member for that along with um you are too, right? Uh councilman uh Cash Green.

Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, I do have a little report on them. I have to go and look for it in a second. I'll be as quick as I can.

Okay. And because I wanted to share what they were doing as well quickly as I can to find this.

Nope. I can't find it yet. Anybody else? I will find it as quickly as I can.

Michael, you have >> Sure, Mayor. Thanks.

Yes. >> Uh, two things. The first is that we're having a community meeting tomorrow night for district 3 and anyone else who's w who's interested in and they will all be welcome to the Kempville rec center tomorrow from 6:00 to 8. We'll cover three topics primarily. Um the flood protection program which is obviously is very important for district 3. The um very exciting public art

installation that's coming to Mount Trashmore this fall. And then third, our sheriff will be there to talk about some of the really innovative programming he's doing inside the jail. So that's really great. Um, I also wanted just to mention if I could that this weekend is the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend and that's our hometown festival. And it's more than just our hometown

festival. It's a festival that welcomes more than 400,000 people over the course of three days with a parade, with an art show, with lots of activations and activity and fun things to do. It's um the largest festival in the Commonwealth of Virginia and we're all very proud of it and um just want to invite everyone to enjoy our hometown festival, the Neptune Festival, and look forward to

seeing you all there. >> And Michael, don't you have a Windsor Woods uh pump station dedication? We did, but it's been uh postponed till next week. Yes, it'll be next Wednesday at the same time and um obviously a vital and essential project and more on that next week. >> That's a big deal. Okay. I know it was on the radar. Rosemary and then Barbara. Can't believe I didn't bring it up

before, but we can't forget the air show that was this weekend with our military that happened in District 5 and 300,000 people came out and what a partnership that we have with our military and with our city to make it happen and they work with also the young the young people on Friday and it was just a fantastic event and this was a very special one because it was a 250th anniversary. So we are so

lucky and this is a festival that we don't have to pay for.

That's right. >> So we are I think we're a city of festivals because there's just one thing after another which is great. No one should be bored in this city. >> No, let me also say that the Navy is very grateful the commanding off the command staff there with the with the cooperation they get from the city uh you know with sheriff services with traffic management and you know security. And I'll tell you what,

they're probably going to start planning next year's one probably next Monday.

And our city staff and you know, Hutch, you know, fire, EMS, and you know, it's an all hands on deck thing with uh public safety that we have. We're very a big drill a couple months earlier. Everybody's involved.

Yeah. Takes a remarkable man and planning. Thank you. And Barbara, and this is the fourth Thursday this week. So this is the week for the district 2 forum and it will be again at the Princess Anne Rec Center because of our requirements that it be at a place that everybody can attend. So Princess and Rec Center the fourth Thursday 5:15 to 7.

Okay. Outstanding. Okay. Anybody else? >> I found the last one. See, I'm trying to save the trees. So I'm learning how to put them right here. Um this is from the other as council layers on for the housing advisory that um they provided.

Sharon Sha did a presentation that provided metrics on our housing education campaign which ran from July 9th to July 31st 2026.

And the campaign exceeded its goal in terms of web page views and social media. There were 440,000 plus um impressions through social media, more than 26,000 likes. Uh the staff attended at least and held 77 community outreach engagement events and oneonone with 1,180 individuals as these events. A post campaign quiz is currently underway through November 15th and we're hoping that at

least 2,000 take the quiz and that we see an average correct responsive question of 55% higher than the one done last year. Uh Ruth the director indicated that our department is applying to the state of Virginia for the Virginia eviction reduction program funding in October and we if we are funded we can use the funds to provide assistance to prevent persons in

Virginia Beach from being evicted. This will be in addition to the current prevention and diversion program that is operated at the housing resource center because they have lot of people the time is short that they has to be evicted and they were trying to change that so they can have a little more extension time.

So yes, we are a city that cares. That ends my announcements. >> Okay, folks. At this point, the chair will entertain a motion to recess into a closed session pursuant to the exemptions from open meetings allowed by section 2.2 3711A code Virginia is amended for the following purposes. Publicly held property discussions are disc uh consideration of acquisition of real

property for a public purpose or of disposition of publicly held property where discussion and open meeting would first adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiation strategy of the public body pursuant to section 2.2 to 37 371183 and that's district 2 and this is for possible disposition and then personnel matters discussions considerations or

interviews of prospective candidates for employment assignment appointment promotion performance demotion salaries disciplining or resignation of specific public officers employees or employees of any public body pursuant to section 2.23711A1 to 3711A1 and that's for council boards, commissions, committees, authorities, agencies and appointees. Do I have a motion? So move >> second. Okay.

Hi Jackson. >> Hi.

Hi Wilson. >> Hi.

Hi. >> We are close.

Okay. >> Well, you didn't g back in. So, we need to do that first. >> Okay. We are back in session.

Okay. Can we have a motion to certify the session?

Second. >> I

caused

I'll see you in a couple of weeks.