City Council

CITY OF COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VIRGINIA Regular Meeting of City Council Tuesday, November 12, 2025 Meeting held in the Colonial Heights Middle School Auditorium 500 Conduit Road, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 1. Call to Order The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Kochuba at 7:02 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. Luck. 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 Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2025 Page 2 Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 6. Declarations of Personal Interest There were none. 7. Commendations and Presentations There were none. 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. There were none. 10. Advertised Public Hearings A. 7:00 PM AN ORDINANCE NO. 25-18 (First Reading)To change from Residential Low Density-Single Family to Residential Multi-Family the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map classification of an approximately 9.22-acre ± parcel of property owned by Roslyn Farm Corporation, which include parcel identification numbers: 6813180J010 also known as Lot 10, Block J, Mt Pleasant Acres; 6813180J011 also known as Lot 11, Block J, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6813180J012 also known as Lot 12, Block J, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6813180J013 also known as Lot 13, Block J, Mt. Pleasant Acres ; 6813180J014 also known as Lot 14, Block J, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6813180J015 also known as Lot 15, Block J, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6813180J016 also known as Lot 16, Block J, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6813200G010 also known as Lot 10, Block G, Mt. Pleasant Acres; Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2025 Page 3 6813200G011 also known as Lot 11, Block G, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6814200G009 also known as Lot 9, Block G, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6815120M010 also known as Lot 10, Block M, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6815120M011 also known as Lot 11, Block M, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6815120M012 also known as Lot 12, Block M, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6815120M013 also known as Lot 13, Block M, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6815120M014 also known as Lot 14, Block M, Mt. Pleasant Acres; and 6815120M015 also known as Lot 15, Block M, Mt. Pleasant Acres; and to amend the Land Use Map accordingly. To also change from Public and Open Space to Residential Multi-Family the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map classification of the northern approximate 17.48 ± acres of parcel identification number 68170000018 also known as Lot 18, Block 71.88 ± A; and to amend the Land Use Map accordingly. A motion to approve was made by Mr. Skalak, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, to approve both Ordinance No. 25-18 and Ordinance No. 25-19. At the request of Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Maxie Brown provided comments and a detailed description of the proposed subject property and project as described in Ordinance No. 25- 18. Mrs. Brown provided the findings as described in the Traffic Impact Analysis, the response from School Superintendent Travis Ridley, the city’s Public Works Department, Planning and Community Development, Recreation and Parks Department, and Housing Department. Mrs. Brown advised that the Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 7, 2025, at which time they voted against the proposed project. At the conclusion of Mrs. Brown’s presentation, Cory Sedler, the Developer for the project, thanked Mrs. Brown and her staff and provided clarification of any misconceptions regarding the following:  Environmental impact  Quality of homes and implementation of homeowners' association  Homes and townhomes for sale, not rent  Traffic and school impacts  Tax revenue generation  History of the property The developer is proffering an HOA, amenities, and connection to Mount Pleasant Drive. At the conclusion of Mr. Sedler’s comments, Mayor Kochuba opened the floor for public comment. The Clerk provided sign-up sheets for those wishing to address Council, and she called on those who signed up. Public Comment: Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2025 Page 4 Scott Spencer, 302 Walnut Avenue – Spoke in opposition to the project. Amy Bales, 1305 Elmwood Drive – Spoke in opposition to the project. Larry Brown, 311 Brook Edge Drive – Spoke in opposition to the project. Jennifer Frazier, 1219 Elmwood Drive – Spoke in opposition to the project. Priscilla Kennamon, 1206 Elmwood Drive – Spoke in opposition to the project. Bonnie Baird, 1213 Wellington Road – Spoke in opposition to the project. Charlotte Swearingen, 1510 Mt. Pleasant Drive – Spoke in opposition of the project. Bill Maywalt, 656 Boulevard – Spoke in opposition to the project. Kim Tucker, 1219 Elmwood Drive- Spoke to the Comprehensive Plan, specifically Housing for the elderly. Doug Harris, 1202 Elmwood Drive - Mr. Harris was not present; however, his statement of opposition to the project was read by Kim Tucker, 1219 Elmwood Drive. Alexandra Gibson,1526 Elmwood Drive – Ms. Gibson was not present; however, her statement of opposition to the project was read by Kim Tucker, 1219 Elmwood Drive. Kevin Steinke, 3101 Green Wood Avenue – Spoke in opposition to the project. David Bass, 1006 Forestview Drive – Spoke in opposition to the project. John Chapman, 1114 Elmwood Drive – Spoke in opposition to the project. Kelly Runyon, 1113 Yacht Basin Drive – Spoke in opposition to the project. Jan Pingel, 1106 Elmwood Drive – Spoke in opposition of the project. Mary Dean, 117 Yacht Basin Drive – Spoke in opposition to the project. Jonathan Hernandez, 1212 Yacht Basin Drive – Spoke in opposition to the project. Erin Mitton 3001, Conduit Road – Spoke in opposition to the project. Richard Sorensen, 223 Virginia Avenue – Spoke in opposition to the project. Sharon Westin,1317 Elmwood Drive – Spoke in opposition to the project. Cecelia 204 Ridgewood Road – Spoke to the increase to the project. Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2025 Page 5 Jill Mitton, 3001 Conduit Road – Spoke in opposition to the project. Brian McBride, 913 Forestview Drive – Spoke in opposition to the project. At the conclusion of the public comment period, Mr. Sedler provided additional comments that further clarified the process for addressing any environmental issues, as well as traffic concerns, specifically noting that the traffic data had been collected in accordance with VDOT standards. Council Comments Mr. Skalak thanked Mr. Walker and his team for bringing the plan forward and stated that city officials are aware of the need for additional housing. Mr. Skalak thanked Mount Pleasant residents for their concern and comments and thanked city staff for their efforts to gather information concerning the project. Continuing, Mr. Skalak commended the developer for the quality of the homes; however, he expressed concern about the reduced lot sizes of single-family homes, increased utility usage, and a significant increase in traffic. Regarding schools, although the increase will not happen initially, Mr. Skalak felt it was a concern. Because of the significant traffic concerns, Mr. Skalak stated he would not support the request. Vice-Mayor Piotrowski stated that he has received many comments from citizens expressing their concerns regarding the proposed project. Mr. Piotrowski stated that “citizens are the heart and soul of the community,” not the developers; therefore, he would not support this request. Mayor Kochuba discussed the development of the comprehensive plan and expressed concerns about potential traffic increases. He also raised concerns about the proposed lot sizes for single-family homes and the impact on water and sewer systems from the number of proposed homes, potential street maintenance needs, and social services costs related to the schools. Mayor Kochuba felt that the city should prioritize retail growth and sports tourism. Due to the concerns as stated above, Mayor Kochuba stated he would not support the proposed request. Mr. Wood stated that he is known for his opposition to high-density development. He noted the challenge of creating enough revenue-generating properties to address ongoing cost increases, emphasizing that some level of development is necessary. He also acknowledged the long-term residents of the Mt. Pleasant area and the natural resistance to change among them. Mr. Wood stated that he does not base his vote on how many people attend a council meeting, but rather on what will impact the entire City—not just one group. He noted that Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2025 Page 6 higher-density developments are increasingly being proposed to meet the demand for housing, and he bases his decisions on a cost-versus-benefit analysis. After weighing the benefits against the costs, Mr. Wood expressed concern about the density proposed for such a small acreage, concluding that the resulting negative impacts would outweigh the benefits. Mr. Wood stated he would be voting “No”. Mrs. Luck stated she concurred with the comments given by the previous councilmembers and would also be voting “No”. Mrs. Palmer thanked everyone for coming out and thanked the developer for bringing the request forward. Mrs. Palmer expressed her overall concern for safety on city streets, particularly involving children, and noted the lack of sidewalks in the subject area. She felt the proposed development would increase traffic and stated that our responsibility is to keep kids safe. Mr. Slaybaugh stated that the city must increase revenue to support first responders and city employees. He noted that 51% of the City’s budget goes to the schools and the proposed development would add additional revenue through real estate taxes. Mr. Slaybaugh added that the proposed development design would appeal to younger generations, attract younger families to the City, and increase personal property values in the area. Mr. Slaybaugh noted that there may be a slight increase in the number of students in the affected schools; however, it would not be significant, as students would move from elementary to high school. To conclude, Mr. Slaybaugh stated that he would be the only person voting to support the proposed development because he felt he needed to do what was right for everyone in the city. There being no further comments, Mayor Kochuba reminded Council that they would be voting on both Ordinance No. 25-18 and Ordinance No. 25-19. Vote: 1-6 Yes: Slaybaugh No: Luck Palmer Skalak Wood Piotrowski Kochuba Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: FAIL B. AN ORDINANCE NO. 25-19 Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2025 Page 7 (First Reading) To change from RL – Low Density Residential District to RH –High Density Residential District the zoning classification of an 82.7 ± acre parcel of property consisting of 17 parcel identification numbers owned by Roslyn Farm Corporation, including 68170000018 also known as Lot 18, Block 71.88± A; 6813180J010 also known as Lot 10, Block J, Mt Pleasant Acres; 6813180J011 also known as Lot 11, Block J, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6813180J012 also known as Lot 12, Block J, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6813180J013 also known as Lot 13, Block J, Mt. Pleasant Acres ; 6813180J014 also known as Lot 14, Block J, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6813180J015 also known as Lot 15, Block J, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6813180J016 also known as Lot 16, Block J, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6813200G010 also known as Lot 10, Block G, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6813200G011 also known as Lot 11, Block G, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6814200G009 also known as Lot 9, Block G, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6815120M010 also known as Lot 10, Block M, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6815120M011 also known as Lot 11, Block M, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6815120M012 also known as Lot 12, Block M, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6815120M013 also known as Lot 13, Block M, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6815120M014 also known as Lot 14, Block M, Mt. Pleasant Acres; 6815120M015 also known as Lot 15, Block M, Mt. Pleasant Acres; and to amend the Zoning Map accordingly. Ordinance No. 25-19 was included in the same motion and vote as Ordinance No 25-18 as previously stated by Mayor Kochuba. 11. Hearing of Citizens and Council Members Generally on Non-Agenda Items There were none. 12. Consideration of Uncontested Minutes, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Motions in accordance with the Consent Agenda A. AN ORDINANCE NO 25-FIN-17 (Second Reading) To amend the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 20, 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 A motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented was made by Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Skalak, to approve the consent agenda as presented. Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2025 Page 8 Vote: 7-0 Yes: Luck Palmer Skalak Slaybaugh Wood Piotrowski Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 13. Introduction and Consideration of Ordinances and Resolutions There were none. 14. Unfinished Business, Contested Ordinances and Resolutions, and Items Removed from the Consent Agenda. 15. Reports of Officers and Documents Related Thereto. A. City Manager 1. General Activity Report Mr. Smith introduced and welcomed Andrew Barnes, the new Director of Public Works. He also advised of the upcoming annual city Tree Lighting and Christmas Market beginning at 6 PM on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Courthouse. There was brief discussion regarding the December 16, 2025 Work Session; however, it was the consensus of Council not to hold the December Work Session. 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 November 12, 2025 Page 9  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 November 26, 2025. 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 the November meeting, at which time they voted to allow up to three hens with specific regulations. 16. Adjournment There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Slaybaugh, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, and carried unanimously on a voice vote to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 P.M. APPROVED: ______________________________ T. Gregory Kochuba, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________________ Pamela B. Wallace, City Clerk