2026-10-13 - City Council Work Session

00:06For the Council of the City

00:09Mr. Roberts, the floor is yours.

00:11Thank you.

00:12Mayor, vice mayor, members of

00:14you a brief overview of your

00:16afternoon's work

00:18Uh, in the first presentation,

00:222027 legislative agenda, which

00:26the upcoming General

00:28In this presentation, Brian

00:30Intergovernmental Relations,

00:32highlights of this agenda

00:36Following that, DCM will

00:40Norfolk's upcoming fall

00:43community events and

00:45across the city in

00:48Following that, we do have

00:50consideration of a

00:52So with no objections or

00:55call to the lectern.

00:56Brian Pennington, Director

00:58Mr.. Welcome.

01:00Thank you.

01:01Mayor.

01:05Good afternoon, mayor Council.

01:07Thank you very much.

01:08Appreciate your time today.

01:10In 15 minutes or less, I will

01:132027 General Assembly.

01:16Okay. You already trying

01:19already, mayor?

01:20Let me get my rhythm here.

01:22Uh, this agenda reflects the

01:24upcoming session, our regional

01:27policy positions that we will

01:30affecting Norfolk.

01:31As the 2020 General Assembly

01:34central theme of this year's

01:36legislative agenda

01:37We want to work constructively

01:41our delegation, our governor,

01:43Norfolk's priorities.

01:46Uh, our first slide here

01:50At a glance before we get into

01:53wanted to provide

01:55This is actually more so for

01:58to let them know we already had

02:03$46 million.

02:04FY 27 funding gap.

02:06So any additional unfunded

02:08mandates or cost

02:11The Commonwealth onto US would

02:14absorb at this particular point.

02:17At the same time, we'll be

02:20We're now starting to

02:23significant uptick in the

02:27caused by the disabled veterans

02:32And these pressures are

02:35affect to provide its core

02:38And so in this agenda, we're

02:41that particular issue.

02:44Our first priority

02:46We've been at it for several

02:49for the Commonwealth to

02:53local flood mitigation,

02:57Major federally supported flood

03:00substantial local contributions.

03:02But today, localities in

03:04Commonwealth participation

03:07creates a lot of uncertainty,

03:09financial planning.

03:10So we're again, asking the

03:13more particular, predictable

03:16governments meet these

03:18federal investments.

03:20So we are partnering with

03:22Virginia Beach

03:26It's a J large study, and the

03:29goal is relatively

03:30They are trying to study

03:33equitable partnership that

03:35residents and infrastructure.

03:37So for this session, we'll

03:40Assembly subcommittee to

03:44and move it up so that it

03:47And that that will directly

03:50hopefully, in which the

03:53this Nonfederal match fund so

03:58Next priority.

03:59This is a regional priority.

04:01This is being felt by mostly

04:04Hampton Roads.

04:05And we're talking about the

04:07disabled veterans tax exemption.

04:09Uh, let me be clear.

04:10I'm a veteran myself, so

04:13But this is not a request

04:16qualifying veterans

04:18It has to do with the statewide

04:19policy and how it's implemented.

04:22Um, but since 2011, the number

04:26has increased from 262 to 2800.

04:30And the assessed value removed

04:32from 875 million when it

04:37And this has resulted in an

04:41program started of 563,000.

04:43We're up to 11.8 million.

04:46And talking with the budget

04:48other cities, all the other

04:52forecast and that

04:54If anything, it's expected

04:57So we're asking for the

04:59This is really starting to have

05:02in Norfolk's operations.

05:03Just one example, our smaller

05:07almost $15 million of this.

05:10They're feeling in foregone

05:11loss taxes for this

05:13So we're going to do our best

05:17across the Commonwealth as

05:21to provide some level of relief.

05:23There's various ideas that

05:26We're hoping to come to the

05:29that would make some sense.

05:33This one is a our next

05:35It's a carryover

05:37This has to do with

05:39Commonwealth's permitting

05:42federal process.

05:43And so what we're doing here

05:46that accomplishes everything

05:49It's being led by about a 13 to

05:54we're participating in, and

05:57legislation to the bill

06:01Williams Graves and Delegate

06:04this session if passed.

06:07And mind you, we will have the

06:08administration, the

06:10If it's passed, this would

06:13million for the Norfolk CSM

06:17benefit from all the systems

06:19the larger federal projects,

06:20and that we've

06:24The next one is priority for it

06:30and affordable housing.

06:31The objective here is not

06:35It's actually to give the city

06:38to encourage property owners

06:42notice and fair, fair

06:45comply have been provided.

06:46Right now, our staff

06:50than 50% of the unaddressed

06:53These are nuisance, abatement

06:56experience in the city are by

06:59more similar violations

07:04Our analysis also shows that

07:07created affordable housing is

07:09naturally occurring

07:12When residential properties

07:15deteriorate beyond economic

07:18losing affordable homes that

07:20the city to replace.

07:22Chronic violations also create

07:26safe and creates unnecessary

07:31So this legislative request

07:33preservation type issue.

07:35It is significantly more

07:38affordable housing than it

07:42maintain Norfolk's naturally

07:43occurring affordable

07:45So we're seeking the

07:47proportionate, escalating civil

07:50compliance tools for repeated

07:54The desired outcome here is

07:58neighborhoods, and preservation

08:00already have now

08:03This would be

08:05We'd be seeking it just for

08:07unique circumstances.

08:10Priority five we're asking for

08:14accomplish a port and

08:16intermodal acoustic

08:19The Port of Virginia is an

08:22Commonwealth and to the nation,

08:25living near near the maritime

08:29more concerns about

08:31So the city is requesting a

08:34analysis that would examine

08:37trains, yard backup alarms,

08:40freight trucks and other

08:44The study would include long

08:47modeling, identification of

08:50assessment of community

08:54feasible mitigation measures.

08:57Because these operations occur

09:00the cities ordinary

09:02A state directed analysis would

09:06identifying practical solutions.

09:08Our goal would be to balance

09:11operations with the quality

09:14Norfolk Hernandez has agreed to

09:18the city's request.

09:20I talked with them yesterday

09:23waiting to see what the

09:27Moving on.

09:28We're now talking about the

09:31We have two of them this

09:33The first concerns emergency

09:36protection along the

09:39Following the September

09:42actually includes 17.5 million

09:46Willoughby Spit and Vicinity

09:49Protection Project, along with

09:54for the city's planned PL 84-99.

09:58US Army Corps of Engineers

10:02Disaster program.

10:03So that totals to 20 million

10:06appropriation to help us with

10:09in the September nor'easter.

10:11The second, if there's no

10:14request is for an increase

10:19Preparedness Fund

10:22As I'll remind council, Norfolk

10:25We're a top three local

10:26government in

10:29And so this is viewed as a very

10:32more resources will be

10:36resilience and

10:39Um, this request recognizes

10:42simply a local concern.

10:44It protects homes and

10:45infrastructure and broader

10:49Quickly. These are the five,

10:53regional transportation

10:56All of these comport with the

11:00being considered by the HR, TPO

11:02and PDC in the in

11:05Again, very quickly, we're

11:07asking for the Nonfederal match.

11:10Secondly, Delegate Bonita

11:13advancing HB 1241, which

11:18framework study.

11:19And what that really means

11:22definitively what projects are

11:24for transportation.

11:26We don't have the same analysis

11:29projects are highest priority

11:31for resilience

11:33So this is a first step in

11:37prioritization of all of our

11:40across the Commonwealth.

11:41And that analysis will directly

11:46hopeful creation of the

11:48flooding responsibilities.

11:49But we need to have this

11:52Next, we talked about the

11:55be originally pursued priority.

11:57Third, I'm sorry.

11:59Fourth is the regional Primary

12:03As of now, City of Norfolk

12:06establishment of the fund.

12:07However, the city does

12:11Uh, the contemplation of an

12:15tax to fund the new regional

12:18primary and secondary road fund.

12:20Lastly, we are communicating

12:26Ask you this is

12:30Specifically, we're looking

12:34Commonwealth to provide

12:35additional resources

12:42Our legislative positions have

12:45the past two years in the

12:48won't go through

12:50These legislative positions are

12:54package to provide guidance

12:58sure that we're weighing in

13:00that's coming before the

13:04So I met with all of you,

13:08get your specific

13:10And I believe that we have

13:13your direction.

13:14And we will be making the

13:18this presentation.

13:21Again, housing and

13:22These are nothing new.

13:23Strengthening the economy.

13:30Okay, I'm almost finished here.

13:33Norfolk City Council, this

13:36statements for the General

13:39We are opposed to unfunded

13:41local taxing authority

13:45land use decisions away

13:47Proposals that phase out or

13:50collected by cities and

13:53liability and or erodes local

13:56at the state level.

14:04These are our several

14:07priorities are important

14:09As shown, these endorsements

14:12priorities with the broader

14:17These are the key dates for

14:19the. As we prepare

14:21Pre filing period

14:25November 20th.

14:26This year is the pre filed

14:28the Committee to act on

14:32the 2026 session.

14:33December 31st is the deadline

14:37to be available for review.

14:38That means posted online.

14:40As we approach

14:42Our work will focus on

14:45delegations, engaging regional

14:47legislative patrons, advancing

14:51today mayors and

14:54That concludes the overview of

14:57Assembly legislative agenda.

14:59This is an agenda that's

15:01coordinated framework for

15:03advances Norfolk's

15:06collaboration, and protects

15:08responsibilities to residents.

15:10Thank you.

15:11I'd be happy to

15:18I don't have any questions

15:20I know that we've gone through

15:22Virginia Municipal League

15:25were in the legislative

15:29clearly understanding that the

15:31to reduce the criteria by which

15:352030 census.

15:37They are asking for

15:41That period is very short.

15:42So what I would request is that

15:44period by which you can provide

15:48on those narrow restrictions.

15:50they will go into effect and

15:54for the 2030 census

15:57So if we don't act now

15:59and are not heard now, our

16:02chances are gone

16:04And while we have a lot of

16:06city, this is a very important

16:09everybody to be counted

16:12We were undercounted as well.

16:14We went to the federal

16:16said, please change

16:17And they answered, no.

16:19So I just want to bring this

16:21This is really key for us to

16:25federal funding and all sorts

16:28appropriate services in

16:32So I ask for us to apply for

16:36within the timeline today

16:39are heard.

16:39Our voices are heard.

16:42Thank you.

16:42Thank you, Miss Doyle.

16:43Um,

16:45Mister Roberts,

16:48Don't remember we had a staff

16:54in the House helping,

16:58how we count it and,

17:03Uh, do we plan to do that again?

17:06Because there are, there are

17:11permanent resident, but they're

17:16during that time.

17:17Uh, I hear that they are

17:21homelessness or in a shelter

17:22or, or, uh, confined

17:27We just want to make sure that

17:30will affect federal funding

17:33for health and education, for

17:34roads and housing and

17:37So we just want to make sure

17:41coordinated effort in making to

17:42ensure that every

17:45So I thank you for bringing it

17:49probably don't have

17:51That's absolutely that's it is

17:54put a considerable effort

17:57And so we will designate a

18:00to take the lead.

18:01I appreciate the recommendation

18:03extension and make sure that we

18:06are developed based on we know

18:10the last census as a result

18:13So yes, on all those.

18:16Wasn't the deadline, I think.

18:19I believe the deadline

18:21I'll double check my notes.

18:23Yes, ma'am.

18:24I received the same briefing

18:26We do have the information

18:28I'll work with the city manager

18:31that we can be

18:33We don't have the extension.

18:34I don't want us to submit on.

18:35Agreed.

18:36Thank you.

18:37Any other

18:40Mr. Johnson?

18:41I just wanted to say

18:44Um, DCM James Rogers With the

18:55a wonderful job with

19:01at identifying people

19:04Um, and I, I don't want to say

19:09information to identify

19:14So I think that they would be

19:19the sensors.

19:20Because your DS, DHS team, I

19:26locating people and identifying

19:30provide resources to the people

19:37residences and who

19:40Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

19:42There are no other questions.

19:47I just want to commend Brian

19:49with all the members of

19:52So thank you.

19:53That was very nice of you.

19:54Good job.

19:55Thank you for the direction.

19:55Mayor.

19:59Has the next presentation

20:03in pace?

20:05Thank you, Mr. Roberts.

20:07Mayor. Vice mayor,

20:09Good afternoon

20:13mayor. My presentation

20:15I promise you.

20:17A taste of fall

20:21The downtown Norfolk

20:25The vibrant, creative energy of

20:29this year with the introduction

20:33evolution of the beloved

20:37Shifting away from a single,

20:42Nights will feature a series

20:46engaging events happening

20:48multiple times

20:51The inaugural Neon Nights event

20:56this Friday, October 16th,

21:00Come out and experience

21:05Fall Towne Point Wine Festival.

21:09Year after year, the Fall Towne

21:13one of Hampton Roads most

21:17the fall season.

21:18This year, the Fall Festival

21:22Sunday, October 17th and 18th

21:26to 6 p.m..

21:28Wine Enthusiast Magazine named

21:33best wine destinations in the

21:38Virginia Wine Festival

21:42grand fashion, with more than

21:46wineries showcasing

21:52The Stockley Gardens

21:55Since 1984, the Hope House

21:59Stockley Gardens Arts Festival,

22:04two day event featuring over

22:06125 artists from across the U.S.

22:09and overseas to participate and

22:14a variety of mediums to

22:19sculpture, painting,

22:23Stockley gardens offers a

22:27with its peaceful garden

22:30Norfolk's historic district.

22:33The festival is free and open

22:37thousands of people who enjoy

22:41food and community atmosphere.

22:43Held in the spring

22:47Baroque Park Grand reopening

22:52renovated park this Saturday,

22:57to 2 p.m..

22:58Following the brief ceremony

23:02join community vendors, family

23:05tours and newly renovated

23:11Virginia's zoo Zoo boo

23:14Halloween gets wild at the

23:19October 17th and

23:21to 4 p.m..

23:22This family friendly

23:25animal experiences, hands on

23:28activities, and fang tastic fun.

23:31Carve out time to watch animals

23:37meat mystery animal ambassadors

23:43giveaway goodies like an

23:47card at trick or treat

23:52Boogie to the local DJ's tunes.

23:56Compete in costume contests and

24:01local vendors.

24:02Kids can even bounce in themed

24:06friendly, friendly activities

24:10special character guests.

24:14Frighteningly fun events.

24:17Norfolk Police Department hosts

24:20Pranks on the Scope Plaza event

24:256 to 8 p.m.

24:26to make getting there more fun.

24:28Hampton Roads Transit will

24:32patrons can take the light rail

24:365:22 p.m.

24:38to the Monticello Station,

24:42pranks on the Plaza Norfolk

24:47family friendly event at Fire

24:52Street on Friday, October

24:56Join our first responders

25:00I'm sorry.

25:01Suburban Acres Civic League for

25:04fish fry, candy treats for the

25:09and trucks, and a kid friendly

25:13Administration Training

25:17Costumes for kids and

25:20Admission is free, but tickets

25:23reserved at

25:30Movie night

25:32and events and Fest events

25:37Halloween block party on

25:408:30 p.m.

25:41at Five Points Park.

25:43A spooky, fun block party

25:47giveaways, live entertainment

25:52Theory Studios will be on hand.

25:56HBCU band battle the Grammy

26:00rapper and Virginia native

26:04together five HBCU marching

26:08at 4 p.m.

26:10at Norfolk State University's

26:13the HBCU band battle.

26:15Norfolk State University

26:18University's fourth Virginia

26:22Explosion, and Elizabeth City

26:26class, and the North Carolina

26:30machine will face off in a

26:34marching expedition that's sure

26:38bragging rights for the

26:39remainder of the

26:42Now,

26:44Mr. City Manager and Mr. Mayor

26:48this time.

26:49As I was as well.

26:50But I can promise you none of

26:53this Sunday.

26:57It was.

27:03We'll give you our explanation.

27:08Ma'am.

27:10East Beach Farmers Market, the

27:15Farmers market located within

27:192413 East Ocean View

27:23Um. The East Beach Farmers

27:27community Saturdays through

27:31to noon.

27:32Over 70 artisans, chefs,

27:38well to Well for Health's um

27:42flavored oils meticulously

27:46wares to sell handcrafted

27:51Come out and enjoy the crisp

27:55Bay and one of a kind homemade

28:00hungry, scratch made, Mexican

28:03inspired breakfast

28:06If you're looking for a unique

28:10parking and fun by the pounds,

28:17That's the end of

28:18If you have any questions,

28:20Thank you.

28:22Mr. Johnson.

28:23DCM can you go back to the neon?

28:27Yes.

28:28Knight.

28:30Neon Knights is only going

28:32going to make it a

28:35It will, rather than it be.

28:37Several nights at one time.

28:39They're going to spread it

28:40So it'll be one night this

28:43back at another point

28:45Neon nights but not the same.

28:46But do another

28:48Thank you.

28:48You're welcome.

28:51Yes, sir.

28:52First of all, thank you

28:54I understand how you

28:56You use a whole bunch

28:58We can never replace you

29:02when it comes to the

29:05Yes, sir.

29:06Let's make sure we coordinate.

29:07Uh, DCM George, to make sure

29:11community, uh, that are

29:15for what's going on.

29:17You might want to reach out

29:19League, too.

29:20Okay. All right.

29:22Yeah. Just so you know, we have

29:24Carter, who is working with,

29:28to produce it.

29:29And we've talked about

29:32And so we're on it.

29:34Yeah. Thank you.

29:35Okay. That's it.

29:37Thank you.

29:37Thank you.

29:45All in Closed Meeting

29:484:34 p.m..

29:51Welcome to the City Hall

29:52Building in the City of Norfolk.

29:55Clauses one, three and three of

30:05Discussion. Prospective

30:06candidates for Board

30:09Discussion of the disposition

30:12on which and where discussion

30:15adversely affect the

30:17public body and clause three

30:21of publicly held real property

30:24Norfolk, where discussion in

30:26affect the negotiating

30:29Mr. Clanton.

30:31Hi,

30:32Miss Johnson.

30:33Hi.

30:34Mr. McGee.

30:34Hi, Mr..

30:36Mr. speaker.

30:37Hi, doctor.

30:39Alexander.