City Council

CITY OF COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VIRGINIA Regular Meeting of City Council Tuesday, October 14, 2025 1. Call to Order The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Kochuba at 7:06 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 Vice Mayor John E. Piotrowski Mayor T. Gregory Kochuba Absent: None Also Present: Mr. Douglas E. Smith, City Manager Mr. Andrew A. Meyer City Attorney Mrs. Pamela B. Wallace, Clerk 3. Devotion A devotional prayer was led by Mrs. Palmer. 4. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Kochuba. 5. Adoption of Agenda A motion was made by Mr. Slaybaugh, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, to approve the agenda as presented. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Regular Meeting Minutes October 14, 2025 Page 2 Wood Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 6. Declarations of Personal Interest There were none. Before continuing, Mayor Kochuba recognized Mrs. Angie Woody, Vice Chair, from the School Board. 7. Commendations and Presentations A. Introduction of Andrew A. Meyer, Newly Appointed City Attorney. B. A PROCLAMATION Designating the month of October 2025 as “Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month” in the City of Colonial Heights, Virginia. C. Introduction of New Assistant Fire Chiefs in the Fire & EMS Department. Fire Chief David Bailey introduced Assistant Fire Chief Steven Gilliam and Assistant Fire Chief Stephen Hoke. 8. Reading of Manner of Addressing Council. Mr. Meyer read the Manner of Addressing Council. 9. Written Petitions and Communications by members of the Public and Council Members A. Review and Consider a Special Use Permit Allowing Additional Companion Animals at 232 Virginia Avenue. Ms. Beth Knight, 232 Virginia Avenue, is requesting a Special Use Permit to temporarily foster up to five “bottle baby” kittens as such time arises. Mayor Kochuba advised that Mrs. Knight was not present due to illness; however, Animal Control provided their letter supporting her request. Mrs. Palmer, Mrs. Luck, and Mr. Slaybaugh provided comments supporting the request. Regular Meeting Minutes October 14, 2025 Page 3 At the request of Mayor Kochuba, the Clerk took a Roll Call Vote to approve the request for a Special Use Permit. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 10. Advertised Public Hearings None. 11. Hearing of Citizens and Council Members Generally on Non-Agenda Items Kim Tucker, 1219 Elmwood Drive – Requested that the Public Hearing for the proposed development in the Mount Pleasant area be moved to the Middle School. 12. Consideration of Uncontested Minutes, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Motions in accordance with the Consent Agenda A. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-17 (Second Reading) To adopt a revised General Pay Plan Class and Salary Range that removes the Building Inspector position; eliminates the Recreation Specialist III position; adds Recreation Supervisor and Recreation Supervisor – Senior Center as new full-time positions; adopts the corresponding job descriptions and class specifications for such new positions; amends the job description for Recreation Specialist II; and revises the language in the last paragraph under Part-Time/Seasonal;/Temporary Positions to provide flexibility in pay based on experience. B. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-FIN-13 (Second 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 Revenues; 2) $5,000 in state grant funds from the Virginia Risk Sharing Association to Public Safety and to Regular Meeting Minutes October 14, 2025 Page 4 Intergovernmental Revenues; 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 Revenue and to Boulevard Sidewalks Project and by transferring $30,182 from White Banik Park – Pavilion 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. C. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-FIN-14 (Second Reading) To amend the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1014 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 to 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. D. August 12, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes E. August 12, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes F. September 9, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes G. September 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes A motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented was made by Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Slaybaugh. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Regular Meeting Minutes October 14, 2025 Page 5 Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 13. Introduction and Consideration of Ordinances and Resolutions A. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-20 (First Reading) To adopt a revised General Pay Plan Class and Salary Range that removes the Code Enforcement Supervisor position; adds Code Enforcement Inspector to Grade 14; adds Radio System Specialist to the list of Part-Time/Seasonal/Temporary positions; and adopts the corresponding job descriptions and class specifications for such new positions. A motion to approve was made by Mrs. Luck, seconded by Mrs. Palmer. Mr. Smith explained that the Code Enforcement Inspector position would replace the Code Enforcement Supervisor position, providing a full-time inspector position carrying supervisory responsibilities. Additionally, Mr. Smith advised that the addition of the part- time Radio System Specialist in the IT Department will provide dedicated staff for the City’s ongoing regional radio system project. Mr. Smith provided additional clarification for the proposed positions, and he and Dr. Caballero addressed questions from Council. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS B. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-FIN-15 Regular Meeting Minutes October 14, 2025 Page 6 (First Reading) to amend the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, by appropriating $27,789, consisting of: 1) $21,018 in Federal Selective Enforcement grant funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration administered by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to Public Safety and to Intergovernmental Revenues; 2) $5,000 in Restricted Fund Balance to Public Safety and to Miscellaneous; and 3) $1,771 in donations to Human Services and to Miscellaneous. The General Fund Budget is also amended by transferring $36,069 from Non- Departmental to General & Financial. A motion to approve was made by Mr. Skalak and seconded by Mrs. Palmer. Mr. Smith advised that the City has been awarded $21,018 in additional Federal Selective Enforcement grant funding from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles as pass- through grant funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration supporting the City’s transportation safety initiative for reimbursement of personnel costs, training, and equipment. The total amount awarded is $31,018; however, $10,000 is already included in Intergovernmental Revenue in the FY 26 budget. Additionally, staff is requesting to use $5,000 in Restricted Police Asset Forfeiture funds for the purchase of equipment. The City has received $1,771 in private donations to support the Shoe Fund program administered by the Office on Youth. Staff is requesting to transfer $36,069 in Contingency funds to the Economic Development department ($16,069 for Economic Development professional services and $20,000 to support the City’s 100th Anniversary promotions and events). After a brief discussion, Mayor Kochuba called for the vote. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS Regular Meeting Minutes October 14, 2025 Page 7 C. A RESOLUTION NO 25-54 Authorizing the submission of a request to the Tri-Cities MPO for additional funding up to $181,965 for the Boulevard spur of the Appomattox Regional Trail project; authorizing the transfer of Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) fund allocations from the Tri-Cities Statewide TAP Balance Entry UPC 70466 to UPC 121417; committing to pay the 20% local match for the funding transfer ($36,393); and providing for future maintenance and upkeep of completed projects. A motion to approve was made by Mr. Skalak and seconded by Mrs. Palmer. Mr. Smith provided additional clarifying comments related to the request for funding, with Mrs. Luck injecting that she wanted to make sure that the City’s request for additional screening between residents' yards and the trail was made clear. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS D. A RESOLUTION NO 25-55 Authorizing the City Manager to sign and submit on behalf of the City an Annuity Death Claim and associated documents related to a potential monetary bequest to the Colonial Heights Animal Shelter. A motion to approve was made by Mrs. Luck and seconded by Mrs. Palmer. Mr. Smith advised that the Police Department received a beneficiary notification from American General Life Insurance Company that the Animal Shelter was the beneficiary of a bequest from the decedent. To receive the funds, Mr. Smith stated that the City must complete an Annuity Death Claim and associated documents for submission. There was no discussion. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Luck Regular Meeting Minutes October 14, 2025 Page 8 Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 14. Unfinished Business, Contested Ordinances and Resolutions, and Items Removed from the Consent Agenda. A. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-16 (Second Reading) To grant a special use permit to Duane Rankin on behalf of American Behavior Health Group, LLC allowing an approximate 135- foot-long, 7-foot-high aluminum picket fence with gate and automatic gate opener to be installed in front of the building line at 439 Jennick Drive. The property, also known as parcel identification number 68215600001, is comprised of approximately 3.32 acres and is zoned GB (General Business). A motion to approve was made by Mrs. Luck, seconded by Mrs. Palmer. Mr. Smith advised that the proposed ordinance had been removed from the consent agenda due to a 5-2 vote on first reading. Mr. Duane Rankin again addressed concerns from Council regarding the need to continue a 7-foot aluminum fence across the front of the property at 439 Jennick Drive, following vandalism to the outdoor HVAC systems. Council questioned the relevance of the applicant's photos showing vandalism and asked how installing a fence would deter future vandalism. The owner of the subject business was asked if the business was currently open, to which she replied that it was not. The owner, however, advised that her other business in the Dunlop Farms area was operational. Mayor Kochuba advised, with Mrs. Sadler confirming, that the 2025 business license for the subject property had not been renewed and that real estate taxes were due. The owner responded that she thought one business license covered both properties and questioned the delinquent real estate taxes. Mayor Kochuba explained that both businesses were required to have a business license. The owner stated that the two delinquencies would be paid the following day to bring the accounts up to date. Regular Meeting Minutes October 14, 2025 Page 9 After brief discussion by Council, a motion was made by Mayor Kochuba, seconded by Mr. Slaybaugh, to table further discussion to the October Work Session to allow the owner/applicant to resolve the two delinquencies. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 15. Reports of Officers and Documents Related Thereto. A. City Manager 1. General Activity Report Mr. Smith provided updates on the following:  Hiring of a new Public Works Director, Andrew Barnes  Mrs. Sadler reported there was over $1.2M in delinquent Personal Property Taxes; however, staff were working on recovery efforts.  The library will have a launch party for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library on Wednesday, October 15th.  The Fire Department’s Station 2 will host an Open House on Saturday, October 18th.  Upcoming dates of interest; specifically, the City's Octoberfest on the 25th and the City Council Work Session on October 21st at 6:00 P.M. 2. 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 October 14, 2025 Page 10  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 October 31, 2025. Mr. Smith advised that staff have received outside assistance to bring the audit up to date, and he will continue to provide updates. Addressing Mr. Wood’s question regarding the recurring delay in completion, Mr. Smith advised that the difficulties staff have experienced with the new financial system conversion have been a significant contributor to the updated audit. Mrs. Sadler also provided supporting comments; however, she added that there had been a consistent 30% vacancy rate in the finance department, which was another contributing factor. B. City Attorney Mr. Meyer had nothing to report. C. Director of Planning and Community Development Mr. Smith reported that the Planning Commission met for a special meeting/public hearing to discuss an application by Roslyn Farm Corporation for potential rezoning of an approximate 82.7-acre parcel, located in the Mt. Pleasant Acres Subdivision, from RL to RH residential district; and the potential land use change to Residential Multi-Family of an approximate 26.70-acres of the 82.7-acre parcel. Mr. Smith advised that the Planning Commission denied the two requests with a 3-4 vote. Addressing Mr. Wood’s question as to why the items were denied, Mr. Smith stated traffic and transportation concerns played a major part of the denial of the request. 16. Adjournment There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Slaybaugh, seconded by Mrs. Luck, and carried unanimously on a voice vote to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 P.M. APPROVED: Regular Meeting Minutes October 14, 2025 Page 11 ______________________________ T. Gregory Kochuba, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________________ Pamela B. Wallace, City Clerk