City Council

CITY OF COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VIRGINIA Special Meeting of City Council Tuesday, September 16, 2025 1. Call to Order. The Special Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Kochuba at 6:00 P.M. 2. Roll Call. Present: Councilwoman Elizabeth G. Luck Councilwoman Tricia L. Palmer Councilman Craig R. Skalak Councilman Brad E. Slaybaugh Vice Mayor John E. Piotrowski Mayor T. Gregory Kochuba Absent: Councilman John T. Wood (arrived 6:14 PM) Also Present: Mr. Douglas E. Smith, City Manager Mrs. Pamela B. Wallace, City Clerk Mayor Kochuba recognized Danielle Powers, who was acting as substitute Interim City Attorney in the absence of Jeff Gore. 3. Declarations of Personal Interest There were none. 4. Advertised Public Hearing: A. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-15 (Second Reading) Amending Chapter 286, Zoning, of the Colonial Heights City Code by amending § 286-202.10 by adding the use types of “recreational substances” and “recreational substances, retail”; amending § 286-312.04 by adding “recreational substances, retail” as a permitted use; and adding a new § 286-410.67 providing requirements for recreational substances retail establishments. A motion to approve was made by Mrs. Palmer and seconded by Mr. Slaybaugh. Mr. Smith stated that the ordinance establishes a definition for “Recreational Substances,” creating a new use category covering these areas; and a new definition for “Recreational Substances Retail” that includes various requirements. Mayor Kochuba opened the floor for comments from the public; however, there were none. There were also no comments from Council. There being no further discussion, Mayor Kochuba called for the vote. Special Meeting Minutes September 16, 2025 Page 2 Vote: 6-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: Wood Abstained: None Motion UNANIMOUS PASS 5. Work Session on the Following Items: A. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-FIN-13 (First Reading) To amend the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, by appropriating $640,733, consisting of: 1) $150,000 in state grant funds from the Virginia 9-1-1 Services Board to Public Safety and to Intergovernmental Reviews; 2) $5,000 in state grant funds from the Virginia Risk Sharing Association to Public Safety and to Intergovernmental Review; 3) $3,000 in grants to General & Financial Administration and to Intergovernmental Revenues; 4) $64,328 in Restricted Fund Balance to Public Safety and to Miscellaneous; 5) $38,441 in Insurance Recoveries to Public Safety and to Miscellaneous; and 6) $379,964 in Unassigned Fund Balance to Miscellaneous and to Debt & Transfers. To amend the Capital Projects Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, by appropriating $4,861 in Virginia Department of Transportation Funding to Intergovernmental Review and to Boulevard Sidewalks Project and by transferring $30,182 from White Bank Park – Pavillion Roof and Lights Project to Park Improvements Project. To amend the Stormwater Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, by transferring $379,964 from the General Fund to Miscellaneous and to Stormwater. A motion was made by Mr. Skalak, seconded by Vice Mayor Piotrowski, to adopt Ordinance No. 25-FIN-13. Mr. Smith reviewed several budget items, ranging from smaller dollar amounts to larger allocations. One of the highlighted items was a $150,000 state grant from the Virginia 911 Services Board. The most significant expenditure involves emergency stormwater projects, and the Interim Public Works Director, Mr. King, was asked to provide an overview of those projects. Mr. King advised of the current condition of the C&B pump station access road, noting that it has become overgrown with brush and was being used as a dumping site. The Special Meeting Minutes September 16, 2025 Page 3 debris must first be removed to determine the condition of the inlet pipe before committing to a solution. Mr. King stated that he hoped none of the proposed funding would be spent; however, this was the best estimate based on what could be seen. Continuing, Mr. King addressed an additional area that has become eroded and overgrown and needs to be stabilized to address erosion. Mr. King addressed Mayor Kochuba’s question regarding the method for stabilizing the area. Addressing Mrs. Palmer’s comments, Mr. King concurred that the recent rain had caused further erosion, advising that the project contract would be submitted for Phase I to be assessed; however, staff did not feel there was an extreme urgency and expected that the work would be performed during the colder weather. Mr. Smith stated that, should the work become an emergency project, funding can be obtained. There being no further discussion, Mayor Kochuba called for the vote. Vote: 6-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: Wood Abstained: None Motion UNANIMOUS PASS B. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-FIN-14 (First Reading) To amend the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, by appropriating $16,192, consisting of: 1) $3,200 in federal Judge Advocate General Funds administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice of Public Safety and to Intergovernmental Revenues and 2) $12,992 in Restricted Fund Balance to Public Safety and to Miscellaneous. The General Fund Budget is also amended by transferring $339,701 from Nondepartmental to Health and Social Services. A motion to approve was made by Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Vice Mayor Piotrowski. Mr. Smith advised that the proposed ordinance amends prior fiscal year appropriations, specifically noting the transfer of funds for the Health Department (Comprehensive Services Act expenses). Mr. Smith explained that Social Services performed an expense “true-up” during the year, for which the City usually budgets a lower amount than the requested amount. He provided additional comments supporting the amendment and the process by Special Meeting Minutes September 16, 2025 Page 4 which staff appropriates funds for Comprehensive Services. Mrs. Sadler stated that staff bases the funding estimate on the prior year’s expenditure. Mr. Slaybaugh commended staff on their efforts to secure grant funding. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion UNANIMOUS PASS C. Transportation Safety Commission Update Mayor Kochuba recalled Council’s lengthy discussion at the September 9th meeting, particularly around the Shepherd Stadium area, and advised of the Transportation Safety Commission meeting earlier in the day. Mr. Smith advised that there was no quorum at the meeting, and action was not taken on any of the agenda items; however, the commission discussed several areas of concern. At the request of Mr. Smith, Chief Anspach reported that staff set a date of November 17 for the next commission meeting. Chief Anspach provided the following items of discussion from the meeting:  Fairfax Avenue Chief Anspach stated that residents have requested stop signs and/or speed humps. There have been two prior speed studies and radar enforcement operations conducted in the area, with no citations issued during those study periods. Chief Anspach stated that although speeding was recorded, it was insufficient to implement any speed-calming measures. Chief Anspach reported that due to insignificant findings of the speed studies, no advisory measures were necessary.  Piedmont Avenue and Westover Avenue Chief Anspach advised that speed detection equipment is currently in place on Westover Avenue, with monitoring on Piedmont to begin at the conclusion of operations on Westover. Additionally, monitoring is being conducted on Forestview, and another non-disclosed location was added today. Special Meeting Minutes September 16, 2025 Page 5 There was also discussion regarding a request for a stop sign at Dustin Point and Waterfront Drive in Conjures Neck; however, Chief Anspach reported there were no significant findings from the speed studies conducted. Additionally, Chief Anspach noted that federal government recommendations say that stop signs should not be used as a traffic-calming measure. Chief Anspach was hopeful that the newly collected data would be available before the November 17th meeting. Mr. Smith recommended that staff develop uniform criteria to be presented to the Transportation Safety Commission when addressing requests for speed humps. Continuing, Mr. Smith provided several possible criteria, noting that the criteria would assist in determining why speed humps should be installed in one area and not another. Addressing Mr. Slaybaugh’s question regarding the total cost for a set of speed humps, Mr. Smith recalled the previous installation by City workers, which was in the $1200 to $1500 per speed hump. Mr. Smith further advised that three speed humps were purchased and placed on Meridian. There was continued discussion with Mrs. Palmer, noting that parking on Westover was challenging due to the lack of off-street parking. She further expressed her concern regarding speed and visibility issues caused by on-street parking, which raises safety concerns. Addressing these concerns, Chief Anspach stated that he felt having criteria would help maintain uniformity when addressing areas throughout the city. Addressing Mr. Wood’s questions, Chief Anspach explained the protocol by which his department conducts traffic/speed studies. Mr. Wood expressed that he felt that the amount of traffic, not just speed, should be taken into consideration as it relates to the criteria to be considered. Mr. Wood also noted the safety issues associated with the width of the streets and on-street parking. Mr. Skalak expressed his support for implementing the criteria. Continuing, Mr. Skalak inquired whether any technology was available to record speed with a third-party ticketing system. Chief Anspach advised that state law allows jurisdictions to place third-party speed cameras in work zones and school zones. The Chief stated that a third-party had conducted a survey at the high school and middle school locations; however, those locations would not generate enough revenue to support the installation of the equipment. Mr. Piotrowski, speaking as Council’s representative on the Transportation Safety Commission, stated there were just as many people at the meeting as those attending a City Council meeting, and they were very concerned about the speeding on Fairfax and Piedmont. Vice-Mayor Piotrowski stated he felt speed humps should be installed. Addressing Vice- Mayor Piotrowski’s concerns, Mayor Kochuba asked if staff could expedite addressing these issues. Special Meeting Minutes September 16, 2025 Page 6 Mr. Slaybaugh stated that Fairfax was one issue with the other streets being a separate issue. Vice-Mayor Piotrowski concurred with Mr. Slaybaugh, noting that the citizens from Fairfax have come out to express their concerns. There were continued comments from members of Council supporting the immediate installation of speed humps along Fairfax and conducting future speed studies for Piedmont and Westover. Mayor Kochuba emphasized that criteria should be established moving forward. A motion was made by Vice-Mayor Piotrowski, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, for the immediate installation of speed humps on Fairfax Avenue. Mayor Kochuba confirmed the motion for the immediate installation of speed humps on Fairfax, as well as the future speed studies on Piedmont and Westover, and the creation of criteria by the Transportation Safety Commission for the implementation of speed humps on City streets. Mrs. Luck expressed her concern with the immediate installation of speed humps on Fairfax, stating she was hesitant to approve the installation without having criteria. There being no further comments, Mayor Kochuba called for the vote. Vote: 6-1 Yes: Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Piotrowski Kochuba No: Luck Absent: None Abstained: None Motion PASS D. Discussion on Chickens Mayor Kochuba recalled the Council’s previous discussion on chickens, which was voted down. The most recent discussion was to bring the item back to Council to determine whether not Council wishes to develop an ordinance allowing chickens. Mayor Kochuba polled Council as to their desire for an ordinance allowing chickens in the City and for further discussion of such. Yes: Slaybaugh Palmer Special Meeting Minutes September 16, 2025 Page 7 Skalak Kochuba Piotrowski No: Wood Luck With enough support to move forward, Dr. Caballero presented Council with the following questions, at which time, there was discussion, and a consensus was given: Maximum number of Chickens: Three (3) Prohibiting Roosters: Yes Property Line Setback Requirements: Ten feet to lot line was the recommendation in 2019; however, no specified setback was determined. Covered enclosure coop/pen: Yes Free roaming within yard: No Permit Required: Yes Backyard vs front yard/side: Backyard only Commercial or non-commercial: Commercial Zoning requirement: (Residential Low) RL There was continued discussion among council members regarding the need for increased code enforcement, the attraction of unwanted predators, odors, and vermin, as well as the necessity of having a proper enclosure when chickens are allowed in residential neighborhoods. With an initial vote of five supporting allowing chickens in residential neighborhoods, Mayor Kochuba advised that staff bring this item back to Council in the form of an ordinance for further discussion and consideration. E. 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 this statute, the locality must promptly post a statement on its website with the following information: o That the required audit is pending, o The reasons for the delay, o And the estimated date of completion. City of Colonial Heights Audit Statement Special Meeting Minutes September 16, 2025 Page 8 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 October 31, 2025. 7. Adjournment. A motion to adjourn the Special Meeting was made by Mr. Slaybaugh, seconded by Mr. Skalak, and carried unanimously on voice vote at 7:17 P.M. APPROVED: ____________________________________ T. Gregory Kochuba, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________________ Pamela B. Wallace, City Clerk