City Council

CITY OF COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VIRGINIA Regular Meeting of City Council Tuesday, July 8, 2025 1. Call to Order The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Kochuba at 7:03 P.M. 2. Roll Call The following members of the Council and Council’s staff were present for roll call by the Clerk: Present: Councilwoman Elizabeth G. Luck Councilwoman Tricia L. Palmer Councilman Craig R. Skalak Councilman Brad E. Slaybaugh Councilman John T. Wood Mayor T. Gregory Kochuba Absent: Vice Mayor John E. Piotrowski Also Present: Mr. Douglas E. Smith, City Manager Mr. Hugh P. Fisher, III, City Attorney Mrs. Pamela B. Wallace, Clerk 3. Devotion A devotional prayer was led by Mayor Kochuba. 4. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Kochuba. 5. Adoption of Agenda A motion was made by Mrs. Luck, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, to approve the agenda as presented. Vote: 6-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Regular Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 2 Kochuba No: None Absent: Piotrowski Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 6. Declarations of Personal Interest There were none. Before continuing, Mayor Kochuba recognized Mr. Stephen Neece, Chair, and Mrs. Lisa Kochuba from the School Board. 7. Commendations and Presentations There were none. 8. Reading of Manner of Addressing Council. Mr. Fisher read the Manner of Addressing Council. 9. Written Petitions and Communications by members of the Public and Council Members There were none. 10. Advertised Public Hearings A. A RESOLUTION NO 25-41 Adopting the City of Colonial Heights Housing and Development Annual Action Plan, consolidated Plan, Citizen participation Plan, and Budget for 2025-2026. A motion was made by Mr. Slaybaugh, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, to approve Resolution No. 25-41. At the request of Mr. Smith, Mr. Carter provided brief comments before Planner Prarthana Rao advised that the purpose of the presentation was to request the Council’s approval of not only the CDBG annual action Plan, but also the Consolidation Plan, Citizen Participation Plan, and the 2025-2026 Budget. Based on the directions received from the City Council at the January 2025 work session meeting, staff prepared the five-year Consolidated Plan for Program Years 2025-2029. Regular Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 3 Staff estimates receiving approximately $100,000 per year in CDBG funding over the next five years, for an estimated total of $500,000 for the five-year period, which will be used for essential home repair programs, as such funds have been used historically. For Program Year 2025-26, the City will receive $96,066 of CDBG funds to support the home repair program for approximately eight home repair grants. City Council approval of the Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan is necessary before funds can be expended for the upcoming program year, which begins July 1, 2025. Public Comments: None Council Comments: Addressing Mrs. Luck’s question, Mrs. Rao advised that priority is given to those already on the list. Within that list, a ranking is given to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Mrs. Rao addressed Mayor Kochuba’s question, advising that the program was advertised by several avenues. Vote: 6-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Kochuba No: None Absent: Piotrowski Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 11. Hearing of Citizens and Council Members Generally on Non-Agenda Items Chris Daniels, 3222 Glenview Avenue – Expressed his concern relative to excessive turnover in the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Mr. Daniels believes this turnover is due to compensation and argues that compensation should be comparable to that in neighboring jurisdictions. Mr. Daniels suggested that a committee be formed to consider adjustments to compensation. Harry Smith, 808 Kensington Avenue – Thanked public safety. Feels the City is being destroyed by issues that cannot be enforced by law enforcement. Mr. Smith spoke about the uncontrolled use of scooters and skateboards Regular Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 4 Joseph Burns, 612 Hamilton Avenue – Spoke to the condition of 608 Hamilton Avenue and what he feels is the lack of concern from the City with regard to the condition of the house. Ashley Bowman, 612 Hamilton Avenue – Ms. Bowman spoke to the condition of 608 Hamilton Avenue. LeAnne Carter, 606 Hamilton Avenue – Ms. Carter spoke to the condition of 608 Hamilton Avenue. Michelle Johnson, 620 Hamilton Avenue – Ms. Johnson spoke to the condition of 608 Hamilton Avenue. Donny Moring, 300 King Fisher Way – Mr. Moring spoke to the negative activity at White Bank Park, referencing the shooting that happened over the weekend. Mr. Moring suggested locking the gate at night and/or using cameras. David Biacan, 212 White Sands Court – Mr. Biacan spoke about the recent shooting in White Bank Park and suggested implementing a security alert system for the residents of the neighboring community. Ashley Marks, 309 Moorman Avenue – Spoke in favor of allowing chickens. 12. Consideration of Uncontested Minutes, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Motions in accordance with the Consent Agenda A. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-FIN-8 (Second Reading) To amend the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, by appropriating $78,974 in Unassigned Fund Balance to Miscellaneous and to Debt Services & Transfers Out. To amend the Capital Projects Fund Budget by appropriating $395,897, consisting of $316,897 from the Virginia Department of Transportation to Intergovernmental Review and to the CHHS Sidewalk Project; and $78,974 from the General Fund to Miscellaneous and to the CHHS Sidewalk Project. Regular Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 5 A motion was made by Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Skalak, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Vote: 6-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Kochuba No: None Absent: Piotrowski Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 13. Introduction and Consideration of Ordinances and Resolutions Before continuing, Mayor Kochuba noted that Items 13 A, B, and C were all budget adjustments. A. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-FIN-9 (First Reading) To amend the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025, by appropriating $833,489 in prior year encumbrances. To amend the Water and Sewer fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, by appropriating $18,786 in prior year encumbrances. A motion was made by Mr. Skalak, seconded by Mrs. Luck, to approve Ordinance No. 25- FIN-9. Mr. Smith stated that the funds were “rollover” from the prior fiscal year to the current and had no other comments. There was no additional discussion. Vote: 6-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Kochuba No: None Regular Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 6 Absent: Piotrowski Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS B. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-FIN-10 (First Reading) To amend the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, by transferring $3,000 from Public Safety to Culture and Recreation. To amend the Capital Projects Fund Budget by transferring $77,762 from Hrouda Pump Station to Citywide Infrastructure Replacement. A motion was made by Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Slaybaugh, to approve Ordinance No. 25-FIN-10. Again, Mr. Smith advised that these adjustments were from the prior fiscal year. There was no additional discussion. Vote: 6-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Kochuba No: None Absent: Piotrowski Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS C. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-FIN-11 (First Reading) To amend the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2025, by appropriating $38k,421, consisting of: 1) $4,000 in state grant funds from the Virginia 9- 1-1 Serv ices Board to Public Safety and to Intergovernmental Revenues; 2) $29,723 in state grant funds from the Department of Criminal Justice Services to Public Safety and to Intergovernmental Revenues; and 3) $4,698 in Restricted Fund Balance to Miscellaneous and to Public Safety ($803) and to Human Services ($3,895). A motion was made by Mrs. Luck, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, to approve Ordinance No. 25-FIN-11. Regular Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 7 Mr. Smith advised that the ordinance was for the appropriation of several grants and requested that those employees responsible for the submission of the grant applications be recognized for their efforts. Vote: 6-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Kochuba No: None Absent: Piotrowski Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS D. A RESOLUTION NO 25-42 Approving the Addendum to Local Government Agreement between the City, the County of Chesterfield, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Chesterfield County Health District for local Health Department consolidation. A motion was made by Mr. Slaybaugh, seconded by Mr. Skalak, to approve Resolution No. 25-42. Dr. Caballero presented information on the final step in a transition process involving a move to Chesterfield County. The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors has approved the addendum allowing the move, and the proposed Resolution No. 25-42 confirms the city's participation. Dr. Caballero addressed the following concerns from Council:  The same staff and service setup will be maintained, but with expanded service capacity.  Transportation for citizens has been arranged in collaboration with recreation services, including vans and scheduled bus service on Tuesdays and Thursdays, like the current senior center model.  A request was made for up to $50,000 in moving expenses, to be covered by carryover funds (approximately $94,000 available).  All moving expenses will be reimbursed based on receipts and itemized documentation.  Movers—not pods—will handle the relocation.  The August 31, 2025 deadline for completion of the move remains in place. Regular Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 8 Vote: 6-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Kochuba No: None Absent: Piotrowski Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 14. Unfinished Business, Contested Ordinances and Resolutions, and Items Removed from the Consent Agenda. There were none. 15. Reports of Officers and Documents Related Thereto. A. City Manager 1. Chili Peppers Cosmic Baseball National News Story At the request of Mr. Smith, Mrs. Bosher played a clip from the Today Show on the Chili Peppers' Cosmic Baseball sensation. 2. FY25-26 Personnel Revision Request – Sheriff’s Office In FY 24-25, the City Manager revised the Sheriff’s staffing from 10 full-time and 5 part- time deputies back to 9 full-time and 7 part-time due to a vacancy. For FY 25-26, the Sheriff is requesting to restore the allocation to 10 full-time and 5 part-time positions, with the support of the City Manager. This request is based on increased operational demands in FY 24-25, including:  29% increase in prisoner transportation  11% increase in mental health transport, often to distant locations (e.g., Fairfax, VA Beach)  10% increase in extraditions  2% increase in overall court dockets The Sheriff’s Office will also take on supervision of a new litter abatement program for first-time offenders. Regular Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 9 No additional funding is required for the staffing change. It was the consensus of the Council for staff to move forward with the personnel revision request. 3. Public Works Projects Update Before the presentation, Mr. Smith advised that Mr. Flippen had taken another position and would be leaving the City at the end of July after 19 years of service. Mr. Smith thanked Mr. Flippen for his service and contributions to the City, further stating that he would be missed. Mr. Flippen thanked Mr. Smith and members of Council stating that he had enjoyed his time with the City. Continuing, Mr. Flippen provided information on the following:  Completed projects  Planned FY2025/2026 projects  Active project funding  Future project grant funding  Highway Safety Improvement Program  City Water Tower Repairs  2025 Pavement Preservation 4. Recreational Substances Draft Ordinance Staff previously discussed the topic of recreational substances with the Council, including an overview of regulations in other localities. Staff prepared Draft Ordinance No. 25-15 for review by the Council, which includes definitions of Recreational Substances, proposed zoning district locations, and other proposed regulations. Staff will review the draft ordinance with the City Council for Council feedback and guidance on next steps. Mr. Carter provided information explaining the proposed ordinance and the specific location of the recreational substance uses in industrially zoned areas of the City and addressed specific questions by Council. Mr. Smith advised that the proposed ordinance must be reviewed by the Planning Commission before final approval by the Council; therefore, a vote to proceed with this review must be taken. Mayor Kochuba called for the vote. Vote: 5-1 Regular Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 10 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Kochuba No: Wood Absent: Piotrowski Abstained: None Motion: PASS 5. Golf Cart Draft Ordinance Mr. Smith advised that staff had been instructed to review the procedures of other localities regarding the use of golf carts on public streets. Mr. Smith noted that the feedback received will be presented by Dr. Caballero and will be considered by the Council. At the request of Mr. Smith, Dr. Caballero provided a general update on staff efforts, commending Chief Anspach and Todd Flippen for their research findings. They noted that Goochland has a strong ordinance that the city may want to model. Chesterfield, by contrast, follows state code, requiring petitions such as those from 75 nearby property owners, for certain actions. The percentage required for petitions (e.g., 50%, 60%, 75%) is flexible and can be defined by ordinance or state code. The Council would ultimately review the petition, with staff designating application procedures, responsible parties, fees, and other details. Dr. Caballero addressed the Council's questions regarding the use of golf carts in neighborhoods. However, due to the complexity of the issues and concerns raised by Council members, it was agreed that staff should reevaluate their findings and present them at a future meeting. 6. General Activity Report Mr. Smith provided the Council with the upcoming Dates of Interest and advised that the July work session had been rescheduled for July 23rd. 7. City of Colonial Heights Audit Statement City of Colonial Heights Audit Statement In accordance with requirements in the Code of Virginia §15.2-2511, if a locality’s audit is not completed as required by statute, the locality must promptly post a statement on its website with the following information:  That the required audit is pending,  The reasons for the delay, Regular Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 Page 11  And the estimated date of completion. City of Colonial Heights Audit Statement The City of Colonial Heights' audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, is pending. The major factor for the delay of the audit is: delay in completion of the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 resulting in significant delay in the year-end close and audit work for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Our estimated date of completion for the audit report is July 31, 2025. B. City Attorney In a case previously disclosed to Council, Mr. Fisher advised it had been appealed to the Court of Appeals, and the two sides had submitted briefs in the case. The city will be allowed to submit a final brief, and then there will be oral arguments. Mr. Fisher advised it was proceeding; however, very slowly. Secondly, Mr. Fisher stated he had talked to an outside law firm about providing interim legal services for the City due to his retirement and would be glad to discuss it in closed meeting at the upcoming work session. C. Director of Planning and Community Development Mr. Carter had no additional information to present other than that the Board of Zoning Appeals would hold a meeting in July. 16. Adjournment There being no further business, a motion was made by Mayor Kochuba, seconded by Mr. Slaybaugh, and carried unanimously on a voice vote to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:43 P.M. APPROVED: ______________________________ T. Gregory Kochuba, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________________ Pamela B. Wallace, City Clerk