City Council

Regular Session 08/26/25 HON. KERRY P. DEVINE, MAYOR CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA HON. CHARLIE L. FRYE, JR., VICE -MAYOR, WARD FOUR HON. JANNAN W. HOLMES, AT-LARGE CITY COUNCIL HON. DR. WILL B. MACKINTOSH, AT-LARGE HON. JASON N. GRAHAM, WARD ONE HON. JONATHAN A. GERLACH, WARD TWO HON. SUSANNA R. FINN, WARD THREE Council Chambers, 715 Princess Anne Street Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 August 26, 2025 The Council of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia held a regular session on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. City Council Present. Mayor Kerry P. Devine, Presiding; Vice-Mayor Charlie L. Frye, Jr.; Council members Susanna R. Finn; Jonathan A. Gerlach; Jason N. Graham; Jannan W. Holmes; and Dr. Will B. Mackintosh. City Council Absent. None. Others Present. City Manager Timothy J. Baroody, Deputy City Manager Mark Whitley, Deputy City Manager David Brown, Assistant City Manager Todd Flippen, City Attorney Kelly Lackey, Assistant City Attorney Dori Martin, Assistant City Attorney Alexandra Rhodes, Community Planning and Development Director Michael Craig, Principal Planner Joshua Crump, Historic Resources Planner Kate Schwartz, Economic Development and Tourism Director Joshua Summits, Senior Budget Analyst LaToya Marshall-Gronhoff, Zoning Administrator Kelly Machen, Stormwater Manager Brian Cooke, Stormwater Specialist Pamela Daniels, Senior Development Administrator Marne Sherman, Clerk of Council Tonya B. Lacey, and Assistant Clerk of Council Molly Henderson. 22603 Regular Session 08/26/25 Opening Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. The Council was led in prayer by Vice-Mayor Charlie Frye, Jr., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Jason Graham. Officer Recognized. Detective Gloria Mejia was present at this evening’s meeting. Proclamation for Retiring Clerk of Council Tonya B. Lacey – Mayor Devine (D25-291). Mayor Devine presented the Proclamation for retiring Clerk of Council Tonya B. Lacey, honoring over 16 years as Clerk of Council and 33 years of service to the City of Fredericksburg in total. Mrs. Lacey’s retirement is effective September 01, 2025. Mayor Devine recognized this Council meeting as Mrs. Lacey’s final meeting and expressed gratitude on behalf of the City Council for Mrs. Lacey’s service. Mrs. Lacey expressed thanks for her time working with the City of Fredericksburg. Congressional Record for Clerk of Council Tonya B. Lacey – Nathan Francis, District Coordinator for Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07). District Coordinator for Congressman Vindman, Nathan Francis, presented a congressional record for Mrs. Lacey; congressional records recognize individuals of exceptional tenure and support for a community. Mr. Francis thanked Mrs. Lacey for her 33 years of service. Consent Agenda Accepted for Transmittal as Recommended (D25- 292 thru D25-307). Councilor Graham moved approval of the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Councilor Gerlach and passed by the following recorded 22604 Regular Session 08/26/25 votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). o 5A. Transmittal of Assignment of Fund Balance for Fredericksburg 300th Anniversary Celebration (D25-292). o 5B. Resolution 25-52, First Read, Amending the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to Appropriate Funds in the City Grants Fund for a Grant for the Purchase of hardware and software equipment for the E911 Center (D25-293). o 5C. Resolution 25-53, Approving the City’s Participation in the Proposed Settlement of Opioid-Related Claims Against Henry Schein, Inc. and its Related Corporate Entities, and Directing the City Attorney and/or the City’s Outside Counsel to Execute the Documents Necessary to Effectuate the City’s Participation in the Settlement and Any Other Opioid-Related Settlements Recommended by the Virginia Attorney General with Minor Defendants (Yielding $10,000 or Less to the City) (D25-294). o 5D. Resolution 25-54, Authorizing the City’s outside counsel to vote on the City’s behalf to support the proposed Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Plan and to effectuate documentation to participate in the direct settlement of opioid-related claims with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family (D25-295). o 5E. Resolution 25-55, First Read, Amendment of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to Appropriate Funds for a Fredericksburg Regional Transit Replacement Vehicle (D25-296). 22605 Regular Session 08/26/25 o 5F. Resolution 25-56, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Amendment to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality WQIF Agreement for the Fredericksburg Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion and Upgrade Project (D25-297). o 5G. Ordinance 25-10, First Read, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Right- of-Way Agreement with Dominion Energy Virginia to Provide Power for Electric Vehicle Charging at Gladys West Elementary School (D25-298). o 5H. Transmittal of the Wall of Honor Nominations – Janice Davies, Lawrence Davies, Thomas Williams (D25-299). o 5I. Transmittal of the Board and Commission Minutes • Architectural Review Board – June 09, 2025 (D25-300). • Board of Social Services – June 05, 2025 (D25-301). • Economic Development Authority – June 09, 2025 (D25-302). • Economic Development Authority – June 20, 2025 (D25-303). • Economic Development Authority – July 14, 2025 (D25-304). • Public Transit Advisory Board – June 04, 2025 (D25-305). • Public Transit Advisory Board – July 09, 2025 (D25-306). • Recreation Commission – March 20, 2025 (D25-307). Public Hearing. There was no scheduled public hearing. Comments from the Public (D25-308 thru D25-314). The following comments were given during the citizen comment portion of this evening’s meeting. Additionally, the Clerk of Council read 6 submitted letters. 22606 Regular Session 08/26/25 Joy Crump, 815 Hanover Street – Ms. Crump stated that conservation districts, if done right, are an opportunity to capture Fredericksburg’s social, cultural, and economic history, focusing on diverse narratives and underrepresented communities. Ms. Crump stated she supports having conservation district language in the City. Helen Ross, 1310 Franklin Street – Ms. Ross stated she was speaking from her role as the chair of the Architectural Review Board. Ms. Ross discussed five key differences between historic districts and neighborhood conservation districts and their roles in preserving communities: 1) Purpose, 2) Designation Criteria, 3) Regulation, 4) Review Process, and 5) Benefits and Burdens. Ms. Ross stated the choice between historic and conservation district designation should be informed by the neighborhood’s attributes, the community’s goals, and the desired level of regulatory involvement. Ms. Ross encouraged Council to support the proposed additional layer of zoning that will enhance the City’s livability and sense of place. Danae Peckler, 1410 Prince Edward Street – Ms. Peckler stated she was speaking on behalf of Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI) in support of creation of neighborhood conservation districts in the City. Ms. Peckler listed other Virginia localities that have adopted conservation districts without imposing excessive requirements on current and future residents. Ms. Peckler stated residents of College Terrace have been working to become Fredericksburg’s first conservation district for over a year, and HFFI has supported this effort. Ms. Peckler said that HFFI urges Council to support the development of a conservation district ordinance for Fredericksburg’s distinct and unique older neighborhoods. 22607 Regular Session 08/26/25 Matt Kelly, 1309 Hanover Street – Mr. Kelly discussed the upcoming proposed vote to extend the appeal on the data centers. Mr. Kelly stated he contacted a Planning Commission member to ask about the proposed vote, and the member was not aware of it. Mr. Kelly stated it was interesting that the Planning Commission recommended not to move forward with the data center, but Council did not mention the Planning Commission when they voted on the issue. Mr. Kelly said it was interesting that Council would consider giving a developer months of time to rework their proposal but only gave citizens a month and a half to deal with the data center issue. Mr. Kelly asked the Council to have public hearings to explain the impacts of data center projects, such as impacts to electrical and water, and to allow the public opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from Council. Mr. Kelly also asked that no vote be taken until the new Council is seated. Clint Schemmer, 1303 Franklin Street – Mr. Schemmer stated College Terrace residents have discussed the conservation district concept for over a year, and Mr. Schemmer asked Council to move this proposal forward. Mr. Schemmer stated that conservation districts only apply to new construction, teardowns, and add-ons to existing structures, and aim to keep new construction compatible with the scale and appearance of a neighborhood’s existing homes. Mr. Schemmer discussed reasons people live in Fredericksburg: affordability, location, walkable scale, history, and picket fence charm. Mr. Schemmer discussed Virginians’ concerns of high housing costs and stated that friends and former coworkers cannot afford rents at newer apartment projects in Fredericksburg. Mr. Schemmer quoted the National Housing Trust, stating 22608 Regular Session 08/26/25 that only by preserving existing housing while building new housing will the housing supply shortage improve. Mr. Schemmer asked Council to ensure City staff and advisory panels educate residents about conservation districts and shape each one to the neighborhood’s specific needs, emphasizing that residents should have the first say in their area’s district. Paula Chow, 132 Caroline Street – Ms. Chow stated that the neighborhood conservation district (NCD) is an economic development strategy that can be a tool to assist the City in preserving the charm and historic character of older neighborhoods. Ms. Chow said older neighborhoods had attracted now long-time residents to move to Fredericksburg. Ms. Chow said she fully supports an NCD ordinance. Ed Sandtner, 132 Caroline Street – Mr. Sandtner stated he was pleased that Councilor Gerlach planned to bring the neighborhood conservation district issue forward and said it had been a long time coming. Mr. Sandtner stated his concern about development in Fredericksburg, particularly in the historic district, and said it was necessary to have a buffer around a historic district to prevent inappropriate development. Mr. Sandtner stated that conservation districts can soften the push toward development and maintain neighborhood charm, emphasizing that ambiance is important. Council Agenda Presented. The following items were presented to Council for discussion: o 8A. Neighborhood Conservation Districts – Councilor Gerlach o 8B. Recognition of Community Outreach Manager – Mayor Devine 22609 Regular Session 08/26/25 o 8C. Support for Developing a George Weedon Stamp – Mayor Devine o 8D. Fredericksburg Clean and Green Commission By-Law Revisions – Councilor Mackintosh o 8E. Bus Stops, Student Safety, and Pedestrian Infrastructure – Councilor Mackintosh o 8F. Congressional Follow-Up to CSX Issues – Vice-Mayor Frye 8A. Neighborhood Conservation Districts (D25-315) – Councilor Gerlach referenced a handout he distributed of a City map showing distribution of the signed petition in support of an ordinance for neighborhood conservation districts. The petition included 286 signatures from City residents. Councilor Gerlach encouraged Council to give a thumbs-up to City staff and the City Manager’s Office to draft a conservation district ordinance for review at a work session and public input in effort to achieve the goals that City residents brought to tonight’s meeting. Mayor Devine clarified that Councilor Gerlach sought a thumbs-up from Council to direct staff to draft an ordinance in support of neighborhood conservation districts. Council members gave their thumbs up. Vice-Mayor Frye thanked Councilor Gerlach and the residents for their work in this effort. Vice-Mayor Frye stated his support and had one comment to add. Vice- Mayor Frye said that certain areas in Fredericksburg designate themselves as individual isolated neighborhoods and he wants to ensure this is part of the conversation regarding neighborhood conservation districts, since some residents may not feel like they are part of a neighborhood. Vice-Mayor Frye cited Charles Street and Mayfield as 22610 Regular Session 08/26/25 examples. Vice-Mayor Frye said he wants to ensure everyone is heard if the conversation goes from the small area plan to distinguishing areas by “neighborhood.” Councilor Mackintosh thanked Councilor Gerlach and the community and stated his support for beginning this conversation. Councilor Mackintosh voiced some concerns with conservation districts, stating it will require careful policymaking. Councilor Mackintosh stated that research regarding conservation districts suggests a causal relationship between new conservation or historic designations and increasing property values; in other words, conservation districts may negatively impact affordability. As such, Councilor Mackintosh wants to ensure the City designs an NCD policy that mitigates affordability concerns. Councilor Mackintosh stated that to propose NCDs is to propose adding new restrictions to homeowners, perhaps those who intentionally moved to a neighborhood to avoid restrictions on their property. Councilor Mackintosh stated the necessity for a high level of neighborhood consensus and said this will be a challenging policy question requiring careful balance because there are a lot of interests at play. Councilor Graham stated that according to The Wall Street Journal, when adjusted for inflation, Americans earn about 18% more than they did in the 1980s, but housing costs have increased over 400%. Councilor Graham stated there is a nationwide housing affordability crisis, and while he respects the desire to preserve aesthetic and walkability, he wants to make sure the City is allowing for thoughtful development that will provide different types of housing in a way that is compatible with the community. Councilor Graham stated he believes there is a way forward to increase housing stock 22611 Regular Session 08/26/25 and improve the affordability crisis in a thoughtful manner. Councilor Graham thanked Councilor Gerlach for bringing this topic forward and said he looked forward to putting something together that is deliberate and careful to ensure preservation not only of what has made Fredericksburg special in the past, but what will continue to make Fredericksburg special into the future. 8B. Recognition of Community Outreach Manager – Mayor Devine stated that the City has partnered with the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) to hire a Community Outreach Manager, Jessica Vaz Williams, taking a meaningful and compassionate step in providing housing stability and resource accessibility for unhoused individuals. Mayor Devine referenced a letter from Fredericksburg Main Street president Bart Goldberg in support of this effort which she read during the earlier work session. 8C. Support for Developing a George Weedon Stamp – Mayor Devine discussed a proposal to develop a postal stamp honoring General George Weedon, the first official Postmaster of Fredericksburg, to commemorate Fredericksburg’s 300th anniversary celebration taking place in 2028. Mayor Devine confirmed a thumbs-up from Council to direct City staff to assist in developing the stamp. 8D. Fredericksburg Clean and Green Commission By-Law Revisions – Councilor Mackintosh stated that one seat on the Clean and Green Commission is specifically set aside for an arborist per the City code. The City now has an arborist on staff, and the Commission has had trouble filling this seat, so they are requesting Council to consider an amendment to the Commission by-laws removing the arborist 22612 Regular Session 08/26/25 requirement. Councilor Mackintosh spoke with City Attorney Kelly Lackey for potential options, including removing the Commission arborist requirement entirely, or an amendment stating an arborist is only required if the City does not have one on staff. Mayor Devine said she was in favor of removing the arborist position from the Commission since the City has an arborist on staff. Councilor Graham agreed with Mayor Devine and stated that on the Fredericksburg Arts Commission, there are different classifications in terms of membership, which may be something the Clean and Green Commission could use to ensure the member is someone with related professional experience or formal education. Councilor Finn stated that since the City employs a staff arborist, it may benefit the Commission to consider a diverse range of applicants without restriction based on what they need at the given time. Councilor Finn stated she was in favor of removing the arborist requirement. Councilor Holmes agreed with Councilor Finn and Mayor Devine to remove the arborist requirement and allow for the seat to be left up to the Commission’s needs, rather than replacing it with a new requirement. Councilor Mackintosh agreed and said he would ask Ms. Lackey for by-laws revision language to bring before the Council. 8E. Bus Stops, Student Safety, and Pedestrian Infrastructure – Councilor Mackintosh stated he had heard concerns from parents regarding relocation of school bus stops and children reaching bus stops safely. Councilor Mackintosh 22613 Regular Session 08/26/25 proposed that as part of the school leadership group, he and Vice-Mayor Frye ask the schools what they need from Council to ensure safe routes to schools. Vice-Mayor Frye stated he would be happy to have that discussion. Mayor Devine asked if there was a meeting scheduled to address this. Vice-Mayor Frye and Councilor Mackintosh confirmed they have a regularly scheduled upcoming meeting where this could be discussed. 8F. Congressional Follow-Up to CSX Issues – Vice-Mayor Frye stated that since Nathan Francis was present representing Congressman Vindman, he wanted to discuss rail safety. Vice-Mayor Frye referred to the response from CSX regarding last year’s derailment (2024), and formally requested a follow-up from the Congressman’s office in effort to keep the topic active and Fredericksburg citizens safe. Adoption of Minutes (D25-316 thru D25-324). Councilor Gerlach moved to approve the following minutes as submitted: Work Session – December 10, 2024 (4:30 p.m.), December 10, 2024 (5:30 p.m.), January 14, 2025, January 22, 2025, January 28, 2025, February 25, 2025, March 11, 2025, March 18, 2025, March 28, 2025; Regular Session – July 8, 2025. The motion was seconded by Councilor Mackintosh and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Memorials Advisory Commission Appointment - Ethan Burgess, Jordan Hamilton, Mary Katherine Greenlaw (D25-325). Councilor Graham moved to appoint Ethan Burgess and Jordan Hamilton to serve full terms, and Mary 22614 Regular Session 08/26/25 Katherine Greenlaw to serve the partial unexpired term with her first full term approved for January 01, 2026 – December 31, 2030. The motion was seconded by Councilor Mackintosh and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Councilor Finn confirmed with Molly Henderson, representing the Clerk of Council’s office, that all applicants are City residents. Resolution 25-__, Extend the Appeal Period of the Planning Commission’s Determination of Inconsistency of a Substation for the 1500 Gateway Data Center Project with the Comprehensive Plan (D25-326 thru D25-328). Zoning Administrator Kelly Machen gave a brief overview of the request, stating there is an active rezoning and specialist permit application for 1500 Gateway Boulevard for a data center and a substation which Planning Commission reviewed to determine conformance with the comprehensive plan under the state code. Ms. Machen explained that if Planning Commission found a nonconformance, the applicant must appeal that decision to Council. Ms. Machen explained the request to Council associated with that appeal under state code must be heard and determined by Council within 60 days, which would be the Council meeting scheduled for September 09. The applicant requested Council defer the review of that appeal so it can be brought forward with the rezoning and the special use permit applications as a package in December. 22615 Regular Session 08/26/25 Ms. Lackey mentioned the blue sheet distributed to Council which corrected a typographical error in the resolution from December 06 to December 09. Councilor Mackintosh confirmed with Ms. Machen that the applicant has the right to bring the appeal to Council, that the question is only regarding the timeline for the appeal, and that the applicant is only appealing one piece of the Planning Commission’s decision, which is the substation. Councilor Mackintosh confirmed with Ms. Machen that no Council member initiated the request for an extension; it was requested by the applicant within their right. Ms. Machen added that the City advertised the appeal as a public hearing for September 09. Councilor Holmes asked about the point of granting the extension to the applicant. Councilor Holmes confirmed with Ms. Machen that if Council grants the extension, Council will hear everything together rather than hearing one part on September 09 and another part on December 09. Ms. Machen added that the advertised public hearing would be for the appeal alone, not the rezoning and special use permit, which would come before Council later depending on how the appeal is addressed. Councilor Gerlach referenced the letter from the applicant’s attorney indicating that the applicant is revising the rezoning proffers and generalized development plan. Councilor Gerlach confirmed with Ms. Machen that it is feasible that the project may go back to the Planning Commission for another review before it comes to Council, depending on the extent of the revisions. 22616 Regular Session 08/26/25 Councilor Graham asked what the timeline looks like if the appeal occurred on September 09. Ms. Lackey said based when the appeal was filed, it must be heard by Council within 60 days. Ms. Lackey said the applicant has requested the appeal on the comprehensive plan review as to the substation be deferred until they can bring the full merits of the application to the Council. Councilor Graham asked if the appeal were to happen on September 09, what would happen if the appeal is upheld versus what would happen if Council denies the appeal. Ms. Lackey said if Council denies the appeal, the applicant could have recourse to an appeal to the courts, or the applicant could continue to pursue the application and seek Council reconsideration. Council can overrule the decision of the Planning Commission. The applicant cannot call for a vote on the appeal unless the Council grants this extension. The applicant’s legal representative, Matt Roberts with the Hirschler law firm, stated that the linked nature of the applications for the data center and the substation requires the applicant to file both given Virginia law; in other words, there is no data center without the substation and vice versa. Mr. Roberts stated that the applicant is interested in having the appeal heard in conjunction with the rezoning application, they have waived their rights to further appeal if no decision is made within 60 days, and there is no downside to Council if they were to extend. Regarding the issue of December 09, Mr. Roberts stated this is not a mechanism by which the applicant is trying to push a 22617 Regular Session 08/26/25 decision beyond the election, but rather it is due to rezoning; under state law, rezoning must be heard within 12 months, which is approximately January 2026. Mr. Roberts stated the December 09 date would give sufficient time to work with staff and the community on application revisions without pushing a decision to the January deadline. Mr. Roberts said the applicant could drop the appeal if Council decided to hear it on September 09 and refile so that it tracks with rezoning, but that it would not be the efficient path forward for anyone, including City staff. Councilor Mackintosh asked if the proposal would be significantly different if the applicant were to drop the appeal and return to the Planning Commission. Mr. Roberts said the proposed substation location would not change, but the proffers surrounding it to mitigate the impacts of transmission line routing may change. Councilor Gerlach asked if the State Corporation Commission (SCC) would be bound to proffers regarding the location of transmission lines. Mr. Roberts stated they cannot control the SCC’s decision, but they are trying to mitigate issues of an unfavorable SCC decision through the proffer. Councilor Graham said considering the information heard, he plans to vote against the resolution to extend the appeal. Councilors Finn, Holmes, and Mackintosh also expressed they would not support the extension. Councilor Gerlach suggested instead of denying the proposed resolution, Council could vote not to move the date to December 09. 22618 Regular Session 08/26/25 Ms. Lackey supported Councilor Gerlach’s suggestion to either not act on the resolution, or to have a substitute resolution to proceed with the appeal on September 09 rather than December 09. The motion to approve the resolution was substituted with a motion to deny the appeal. Councilor Graham moved to proceed with the original date of September 09 for the appeal. The motion was seconded by Councilor Holmes and passed by the following unanimously recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay District (D25-329 thru D25- 330). Resolution 25-57, Initiating Text Amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), City Code Chapter 72, Sections 72-34.5 and 72-84, to Align the City’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay District (CBPOD) Provisions and Applicable Definitions with Statutory and Regulatory Updates (D25-329 thru D25-330). After staff presentation by Stormwater Manager Brian Cooke and Stormwater Specialist Pamela Daniels, Councilor Graham thanked Mr. Cooke and Ms. Daniels for their detailed work and moved to approve Resolution 25-57, initiating Text Amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), City Code Chapter 72, Sections 72-34.5 and 72-84, to Align the City’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay District (CBPOD) Provisions and Applicable Definitions with Statutory and Regulatory Updates. The motion was seconded by 22619 Regular Session 08/26/25 Councilor Gerlach and passed by the following unanimously recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Resolution 25-58, Initiating Amendment to Update the City’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay District Map to Accurately Reflect Area Boundaries (D25-329 thru D25-330). Councilor Gerlach moved to approve Resolution 25-58, initiating Amendment to Update the City’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay District Map to Accurately Reflect Area Boundaries. The motion was seconded by Councilor Mackintosh and passed by the following unanimously recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Resolution 25-59, Initiating Text Amendment to City Code Chapter 10, “Agencies, Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees” and Chapter 72, “Unified Development Ordinance” to Implement Changes to Local Development Review Processes Adopted by the 2025 Virginia General Assembly (D25-331 thru D25-332). After staff presentation by Senior Development Administrator Marne Sherman regarding amendments to Virginia Code to the approval process and timeframes for subdivision plats and site plans, Councilor Holmes clarified with Ms. Sherman that the Development Administrator mentioned in the presentation refers to a City staff member, which is currently Ms. Sherman. Councilor Holmes also confirmed that the state has already approved the Virginia Code amendments presented, requiring amendments to the City Code to align. 22620 Regular Session 08/26/25 Mayor Devine confirmed with Ms. Sherman that an applicant’s attendance at a Technical Review Committee (TRC) pre-application meeting is optional but not required. Ms. Sherman added that per the state, this is to prevent an application from being held up by forcing an applicant to come to a pre-application meeting. Councilor Mackintosh confirmed with Ms. Sherman that Council is not losing control over land use in the City, rather the changes mean Council is removed from the step in the approval process for subdivision plats and site plans that determines whether a particular project adheres to the rules. Ms. Sherman added that this is referred to as a ministerial act since review of subdivisions and site plans is an objective review for compliance with existing laws. Ms. Sherman stated the public notice components associated with the preliminary plat and site plan will remain, maintaining public involvement. Councilor Gerlach moved to approve Resolution 25-59, initiating Text Amendment to City Code Chapter 10, “Agencies, Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees” and Chapter 72, “Unified Development Ordinance” to Implement Changes to Local Development Review Processes Adopted by the 2025 Virginia General Assembly. The motion was seconded by Councilor Graham and passed by the following unanimously recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Resolution 25-60, City of Fredericksburg 300th Anniversary Blue Ribbon Steering Committee Members Named (D25-333). City Manager Timothy Baroody said the proposed resolution would seat the Blue Ribbon Steering 22621 Regular Session 08/26/25 Committee. After appointment, the Committee would meet and report back to Council no later than January 2026 with a high-level plan of action and budget, including events or initiatives to celebrate the City’s 300th anniversary. Mayor Devine listed the names of the individuals to serve on the Committee: Gaila Sims, Chris Williams, Beth Black, Pamela Bridgewater, Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Kelly Paino, Lani Weiss, Christine Henry, Bruce Davis, Jeannette Cadwallender, Miller Blackburn, Scott Cole, and Nancy Moore. Councilor Gerlach asked that the names be attached to the final resolution. Councilor Mackintosh moved to approve Resolution 25-60, city of Fredericksburg 300th Anniversary Blue Ribbon Steering Committee Members Named. The motion was seconded by Councilor Graham and passed by the following unanimously recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Council Calendar (D25-334). Adjournment. There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Mayor Devine declared the meeting officially adjourned at 9:54pm. Kerry P. Devine Kerry P. Devine, Mayor Molly Henderson Molly Henderson, Clerk of Council 22622