City Council

Regular Session 10/28/25 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 October 28, 2025 The Council of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia held a regular session on Tuesday, October 28, 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, Community Planning and Development Director Michael Craig, Economic Development and Tourism Director Joshua Summits, Senior Budget Analyst LaToya Marshall-Gronhoff, Deputy Chief of Police Betsy Mason, Department of Social Services Director Christen Gallik, and Clerk of Council Molly Henderson. 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. 22685 Regular Session 10/28/25 Officer Recognized. Mayor Devine recognized the presence of Detective Gloria Mejia at this evening’s meeting. Wall of Honor Ceremony, Honoring Janice Davies, Lawrence A. Davies, and Thomas Williams. Memorials Advisory Commission Chair, Nancy Moore, introduced the Wall of Honor Ceremony and the 2025 recipients. Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater spoke in tribute to recipients Janice Davies and Lawrence A. Davies. Ms. Moore spoke in tribute to recipient Thomas Williams. Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Annual Report for Tri-County/City Soil and Water Conservation District (D25-430 thru D25-431). After presentation by Education and Outreach Coordinator for Tri-County/City Soil and Water Conservation District Madison Morgan, Councilor Mackintosh asked if Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) funds could increase. Ms. Morgan said VCAP has been a federally funded source, and they were hopeful for more funding throughout the state next fiscal year. Consent Agenda Accepted for Transmittal as Recommended (D25- 432 thru D25-446). Councilor Graham moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Councilor Holmes and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). o 5A. Ordinance 25-15, Second Read, Amending City Code Chapter 10, “Agencies, Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees” and Chapter 72, “Unified 22686 Regular Session 10/28/25 Development Ordinance” to Implement Changes to Local Development Review Processes Adopted by the 2025 Virginia General Assembly (D25-432). o 5B. Resolution 25-77, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the National Park Service for Law Enforcement Mutual Aid (D25-433). o 5C. Resolution 25-78, Supporting Submittal of Revenue Sharing Application to Reconstruct Cowan Boulevard (D25-434). o 5D. Transmittal of the Board and Commission Minutes • Architectural Review Board – September 8, 2025 (D25-435). • Architectural Review Board – September 22, 2025 (D25-436). • Fredericksburg Clean and Green Commission – May 5, 2025 (D25-437). • Fredericksburg Clean and Green Commission – June 2, 2025 (D25-438). • Fredericksburg Clean and Green Commission – September 8, 2025 (D25- 439). • Memorials Advisory Commission – September 18, 2025 (D25-440). • Memorials Advisory Commission – October 7, 2025 (D25-441). • Planning Commission – May 24, 2023 (D25-442). • Planning Commission – April 10, 2024 (D25-443). • Planning Commission – April 24, 2024 (D25-444). • Planning Commission – June 12, 2024 (D25-445). • Planning Commission – April 23, 2025 (D25-446). Public Hearing. There was no scheduled public hearing. 22687 Regular Session 10/28/25 Comments from the Public. There were no speakers. The Clerk of Council read one (1) submitted letter. (D25-447) Council Agenda Presented. The following items were presented to Council for discussion: o 8A. Trail Safety – Vice-Mayor Frye 8A. Trail Safety – Vice Mayor Frye suggested a work session discussion of options to enhance trail safety features, such as the University of Mary Washington’s (UMW) blue light emergency phone system or Riverfront Park’s security cameras. Deputy Chief of Police Betsy Mason stated there was an incident on the trail about one week ago and detectives are working diligently on the case. Deputy Chief Mason said Fredericksburg and UMW Police are implementing trail safety strategies, issuing reminders to the public, and increasing foot and vehicle patrol on the trails at all hours. Deputy Chief Mason said an officer trained in community policing through environmental design will partner with the Parks and Recreation department to conduct a full analysis of the trail, including the Heritage Trail and the Canal Path. The trail assessment will study and offer recommendations for safety regarding trail entry and exit points, vegetation, lighting, and more. Councilor Graham confirmed with Deputy Chief Mason that the Virginia Central Railway (VCR) Trail can be included in the assessment. Councilor Holmes confirmed with Deputy Chief Mason and City Manager Tim Baroody that bike safety signage could be added to trails for reminders to cyclists to 22688 Regular Session 10/28/25 announce passage to pedestrians. Deputy Chief Mason said the assessment would encompass all types of trail safety, including recommendations for signage. Adoption of Minutes (D25-448). Councilor Graham moved to approve the following minutes as submitted: Work Session – September 23, 2025; Public Hearing – October 14, 2025; Regular Session – October 14, 2025. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Frye and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Towing and Recovery Advisory Board Appointment – Michele Maxey (D25-449). Councilor Graham moved to appoint Michele Maxey to the Towing and Recovery Advisory Board. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Frye and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Fredericksburg Arts Commission Appointment – Sarah Artin, Diamond Booker, James Flippen (D25-450). Sarah Artin was appointed to serve on the Fredericksburg Arts Commission by the following recorded votes: Artin (4) – Councilors Devine, Frye, Gerlach, and Graham; Flippen (3) – Councilors Finn, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Booker (0). Resolution 25-79, Approving the City of Fredericksburg Public Art Policy (D25-451). After summary of the resolution by Economic Development and Tourism Director Joshua Summits, Councilor Graham moved to approve Resolution 25- 79, approving the City of Fredericksburg Public Art Policy. The motion was seconded by 22689 Regular Session 10/28/25 Councilor Holmes and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Resolution 25-80, Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Supplement and Appropriation of Dominion Energy Transmission Line Cultural Resource Impact Funding (D25-452). After summary of the resolution by Senior Budget Analyst LaToya Marshall-Gronhoff, Councilor Mackintosh stated he was happy to see inclusion of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible path connecting Mary Washington Boulevard to the Canal Path and asked how quickly it could be executed. Deputy City Manager Mark Whitley stated considering the process timeline to include procurement, design, and construction of the path improvement, he estimated completion by the end of the next fiscal year. Councilor Mackintosh moved to approve Resolution 25-80, Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Supplement and Appropriation of Dominion Energy Transmission Line Cultural Resource Impact Funding. The motion was seconded by Councilor Gerlach and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Resolution 25-81, Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Supplement and Appropriation of Virginia Department of Historic Resources Grant (D25- 453). After summary of the resolution by Ms. Marshall-Gronhoff, Councilor Gerlach moved to approve Resolution 25-81, Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Supplement and Appropriation of Virginia Department of Historic Resources Grant. The motion was 22690 Regular Session 10/28/25 seconded by Vice-Mayor Frye and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Resolution 25-82, First Read, Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Amendment Authorizing the Appropriation of FY 2025 Transit Carryovers (D25-454). After summary of the resolution by Ms. Marshall-Gronhoff, Councilor Gerlach moved to approve Resolution 25-82, on first read, Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Amendment Authorizing the Appropriation of FY 2025 Transit Carryovers. The motion was seconded by Councilor Holmes and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Motion to Suspend the Rules. For Resolution 25-82 to be second read, Councilor Graham moved to suspend the rules. The motion was seconded by Councilor Gerlach and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Resolution 25-82, Second Read, Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Amendment Authorizing the Appropriation of FY 2025 Transit Carryovers (D25-454). Councilor Gerlach moved to approve Resolution 25-82, on second read, Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Amendment Authorizing the Appropriation of FY 2025 Transit Carryovers. The motion was seconded by Councilor Holmes and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). 22691 Regular Session 10/28/25 Resolution 25-83, Amending Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget to Appropriate in the General Fund for Supplemental Funding for the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank (D25-455). After summary of the resolution and updates by Mr. Whitley and Department of Social Services Director Christen Gallik, Councilor Mackintosh confirmed with Mr. Whitley and Ms. Gallik that the total amount SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients receive would be the same as the normal federal benefit, but it would be staggered throughout the month. Ms. Gallik added that the Governor was concentrating on people who already receive SNAP benefits, so there may be a delay for new applicants. Councilor Holmes confirmed with Ms. Gallik that recipients will use their current EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card. Ms. Gallik encouraged recipients to check their benefits before shopping and stated that current benefits can still be used. Ms. Gallik confirmed that WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits will continue through November 15. Councilor Gerlach asked what the Governor’s press conference changed in terms of the resolution. Ms. Gallik said the resolution would not change. Ms. Gallik explained that the need is great considering high food prices and the current circumstances, and the intent is to assure citizens the City has considered every avenue to have a safety net in place for contingencies. 22692 Regular Session 10/28/25 Councilor Finn confirmed with Ms. Gallik that there is an expected funding shift in SNAP administration from federal to state level, but that has not yet been determined. President and CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank Dan Maher stated he was thankful the Governor declared a state of emergency and the Food Bank needs local communities to be invested in this response as well. Mr. Maher said volunteer- driven food pantries are a primary means of getting food to the public, and the Food Bank will need volunteers to help with distribution and packing. Mr. Maher said that people could visit FredFood.org to donate and find volunteer opportunities. Mr. Maher said the FredFoodVA App is available as a pantry locator for people who need resources. Mayor Devine thanked Governor Youngkin and Mr. Maher for the emergency measures. Councilor Mackintosh asked what would happen if Council passes the resolution, but other jurisdictions do not act. Mr. Maher said there will be less resources. Mr. Maher said he planned to follow up with other communities, and that other local departments of social services will do the same, and they are fairly confident other localities will take similar measures. Councilor Graham moved to approve Resolution 25-83, amending Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget to Appropriate in the General Fund for Supplemental Funding for the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. The motion was seconded by Councilor Holmes and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). 22693 Regular Session 10/28/25 Resolution 25-84, Approving the Fredericksburg 2026 General Assembly Legislative Program (D25-456). After summary of the resolution by Mr. Whitley, Councilor Finn confirmed that the Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance Authority is not the creation of an ordinance but instead allows Council to determine if an ordinance is appropriate as part of a multi-step process. Councilor Mackintosh moved to approve Resolution 25-84, approving the Fredericksburg 2026 General Assembly Legislative Program. The motion was seconded by Councilor Graham and passed by the following recorded votes: Ayes (7) - Councilors Devine, Frye, Finn, Gerlach, Graham, Holmes, and Mackintosh; Nays (0). Transmittal of the Quarterly Update on Council Priorities (D25-457). After summary of the transmittal by Mr. Baroody, Mayor Devine and Vice-Mayor Frye expressed thanks to City staff and Council for effort and progress on long-term goals. Councilor Holmes noted there was a correction to be made to Priority #21 regarding the completed library elevator. Council Calendar (D25-458). Adjournment. There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Mayor Devine declared the meeting officially adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Kerry P. Devine Kerry P. Devine, Mayor Molly Henderson Molly Henderson, Clerk of Council 22694