City Council Agendas

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA MEETING OF COUNCIL TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m., with the following members present: Mrs. Courtney R. Doyle, Mrs. Mamie B. Johnson, Mrs. Andria P. McClellan, Mr. John E. Paige, Ms. Danica Royster, and Vice Mayor Martin A. Thomas Jr., participated remotely. AGENDA Pop Up Docket Item R-4 Presenters: Ms. Kimberly Pierce, Director, Neighborhood Services Ms. Sherry Johnson, Division Head, Neighborhood Services, Neighborhood Quality Ms. Pierce stated that this presentation on R-4 is an overview regarding commercial vehicles and removing the reference to gross vehicle weight. The reference to gross vehicle weight is taken from the state’s definition of commercial vehicles and the proposed ordinance removes that reference. The ordinance as currently written has always allowed for one van, pickup truck, or panel truck used for business or commercial use to be parked in a residential driveway. By removing that language, we will allow larger vehicles typically used for personal use such as a Cadillac Escalade or Chevrolet Suburban to be parked anywhere in a residential neighborhood. Commercial Vehicles – Gross Vehicle Weight and Trailers Current Ordinance Section 25-293 – Parking of buses, trucks, trailers, etc. in a residence district or on city streets and public places. a) It shall be unlawful for any person to park or store, or cause or permit to be parked or stored, at any time and in any place in an area zoned as a residence district under the zoning ordinance of the City of Norfolk, or on any of the streets, alleys or other public places of the city outside a residence district between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of any day, any of the following vehicles: b) This section shall not apply to any vehicle which is: 5) One van, pickup truck or panel truck less than seventy five hundred (7,500) pounds gross vehicle weight rating (gwr) per lot parked in a driveway in a residence district. -1- 5) More than one (1) van, pickup truck, or panel truck used for business or commercial use. Councilwoman Doyle stated that code enforcement is very important and a concern for our residents. Strong enforcement is needed for those who continually violate the law. Ms. Johnson stated that a citywide campaign to let citizens know about the change has been under way. They are in the process of educating citizens on what is and what is not a commercial vehicle before code enforcement is stepped up. Councilman Paige commented that we should carefully consider small business owners who will be impacted by the ordinance because we do not want to offend them which could result in their leaving the city. He cited home health care specifically where they do medical transport. He suggested looking to find a way to allow for that and similar businesses by charging some type of additional fees. Councilwoman Royster suggested code enforcement have a way to cross-reference with the Commissioner of the Revenue to ensure that citizens with commercial vehicles have current business licenses and permits. Mayor Alexander asked to continue R-4 so that language can be added stating that an exception is always allowed for vehicles that have been converted to accommodate persons with disabilities. He also asked that staff look at an exception for commercial-type vehicles that are parked in driveways waiting to be engaged for emergency services. Announcement Presenter: Mr. Peter Buryk, Director, Budget and Management Mr. Buryk stated in 2016, City Council enacted, by resolution, a commitment to data transparency and to engaging our community and staff in data-informed decision making across all lines of business and everything that we do. Since that time, we have worked very hard and intentionally using a roadmap created by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the What Works Cities initiative. In 2021, Norfolk was certified at the Silver level for What Works Cites. In 2023, Norfolk has achieved the Gold level for What Works Cities in data-informed decision making. This certification is the international standard for excellence in well-managed data-driven local government. Since the launching of this program in 2017, nearly 275 cities worldwide have had their data practices evaluated against the criteria laid forth in the certification process by What Works Cities. As of January 2024, only 74 cities worldwide have achieved any level of certification and Norfolk is one of eight in the entire world that has achieved Gold Certification. -2-  Citizens interested can go to https://data.norfolk.gov/ to view the 72 data sets. Q4 2023 Public Safety Update Presenter: Mr. Mark E. Talbot, Chief of Police Chief Talbot presented graphs and charts and he reviewed some crime statistics as follows: Citywide Crime Stats Year to Date May 1-21 (2022 and 2023) Chief Talbot stated 2023 was a positive year for the city. By year’s end:  Homicides: Down 33%.  Robberies: Down 31%.  Aggravated assaults: Down 23%.  Non-fatal shootings: Down 32%.  Total Violent Crime overall: Down 24%.  Burglaries were about the same as the previous year, up 1%. However, residential burglaries were down 10%.  Since Covid, larcenies increased, but by year’s end they were down 26%.  All other larcenies: Down 4%.  Parts taken from autos: Down 41%.  Stolen vehicles: Down 20% (assisted by Flock cameras).  Crime overall throughout the city: Down 24%. 2023 Crime Update By Ward Total Crimes Ward 1 1,068 (1,439 in 2022) Ward 2 2,284 (3,064 in 2022) Ward 3 2,115 (2,571 in 2022) Ward 4 2,816 (3,601 in 2022) Ward 5 1,509 (2,141) Super Ward 6 3,749 (5,300 in 2022) -3- Super Ward 7 6,043 (7,516 in 2022) Citywide 9,792 (12,816 in 2022) Norfolk Police Department Firearm Recoveries Citywide 2023: 853 2022: 789 2021: 828 2020: 879 2019: 796 Councilwoman McClellan asked how Norfolk compares to nationwide statistics. Chief Talbot stated the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) figures are not yet available, but preliminary numbers indicate that many major cities throughout the country are seeing similar decreases. Councilman Paige asked if citizen involvement has had a direct impact on the decrease in crime. Chief Talbot stated that citizen involvement has played a significant part. Citing a recent incident, Councilman Paige asked, what are non-lethal approaches that police can use in mental health situations? Chief Talbot stated that the reality of policing is that when an officer is confronted with lethal violence, there is not a less lethal remedy for lethal violence. The police do train with less lethal approaches. Ideally, there are several steps prior to somebody getting to the point where they are engaging in lethal violence and if a police officer happens to be engaged at that stage of the interaction, there are alternatives. The ideal way to change someone’s behavior is through communication and try to de- escalate violent encounters. Councilwoman Royster asked how technology and Flock have impacted the statistics presented today. Chief Talbot stated that technology has made a substantial impact. Technology is a tool to leverage good policing into good outcomes. The Flock system has helped to reduce property crimes and in particular stolen vehicles, theft from vehicles, violent crimes, etc. He added that the Real Time Crime Center ultimately will be part of the key steps taken that will allow them to incorporate several sources of information and intelligence into their operations. Mayor Alexander commented that we are seeing more persons experiencing acute mental illness and homelessness in our commercial corridors and communities. He asked about best practices, strategies, or tools that can be developed towards early intervention. Chief Talbot stated they have been working on putting together a collaborative group that will meet monthly to work together to solve problems in the downtown area as a starting point. They believe that the collaborative problem-solving process will be instrumental in allowing -4-  them to identify problems, quantify them in appropriate ways, and then work together with both city agencies and external stakeholders to come up with the best approach to solve these problems. Mayor Alexander noted that Philadelphia has a team that is comprised of a mental health professional, a sworn officer, and an EMT, and they respond together as a collaborative unit. Vice Mayor Thomas stated the complaints he hears in downtown are not about homelessness. The complaints are about people who appear to be homeless committing crimes such as public urination and defecation, exposing themselves, etc. He asked the department to also address that type of behavior. Councilwoman Johnson stated that the police department is doing everything it can do. The responsibility is on the City Council and staff to come up with a master plan to address mental illness and homelessness. Councilwoman McClellan asked for an update from the Community Services Board on outreach and homelessness. Recruitment & Retention Strategy Online Marketing In June of 2022, our marketing strategy and campaign with Epic Recruiting officially began. Immediately, we began to see an overall increase in applications received, and thus more police recruits being hired. These results allowed us to host a police academy every four months compared to every six months resulting in new police officers hitting the streets more frequently. Since transitioning to online advertising, we have seen an annual growth rate for received applications of 31% between 2021 through mid-2023; this was during the height of our online advertising spending. 2023 was the first year we achieved an overall net gain in sworn officers since 2018. Referral Bonuses In the Fall of 2021, the city approved a $5,000 referral bonus program for city employees who refer police applicants. The bonus is contingent upon the police recruit successfully completing a police academy.  To date, the Norfolk Police Department received a total of 210 applications from officer referrals.  To date, the Norfolk Police Department hired a total of 59 police recruits from officer referrals which accounts for 42% of our new hires. Renova Center In support of employee wellness and fitness, the Department contracted with the Renova Center in February of 2023. The Renova Center provides a variety of health and wellness services at no cost to full-time Norfolk Police Department employees on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. -5-  Increases Trust and Legitimacy Amongst the Community and its Stakeholders We’ve identified that a positive return on investment can be achieved by our blueprint that has shown proven success.  The positive boost in morale by increasing officers will continue to have a direct impact on officer and community safety and the crime reduction we have seen during the course of our recruiting and retention initiatives.  Community members and stakeholders who feel safer are more likely to trust the police department and believe that we are a legitimate law enforcement agency. Current Efforts The Norfolk Police Department has identified additional recruiting efforts that can have an immediate impact on our manpower crisis.  Partner with Recruit Military who provides direct hires for $10,000 per police recruit. They guarantee that the applicant will pass all required testing and the first 90 days of the police academy, or they will provide a replacement for no additional cost.  Provide additional funding to expand our online advertising to other regions in the country.  Provide additional funding to host one-day hiring events in different regions along the east coast. Key Projects Real Time Crime Center (RTCC)  The construction of the permanent site in City Hall continues. There are weekly site visits to check on the progress of the construction. Anticipated start date is March of 2024.  Of the eight civilian positions for the RTCC, five applicants have been selected and are going through the final stages of reference checks and background investigations. Interviews are scheduled for three more applicants. Public Safety Aids (PSAs) The Norfolk Police Department is in the process of developing Public Safety Aid (PSA) positions that will assist sworn police officers with minor day to day operations. These positions are full-time professional staff employees that will assist with items such as traffic control, parking violations, and take certain incidents reports. By employing PSAs, officers’ availability to rapidly respond to emergencies increase, keeps officers in their area of responsibility, and can help reduce officer fatigue and overall wellness. These positions afford the opportunity to transition to a police recruit if they have a desire to become a police officer. Currently waiting approval of budget enhancement for vehicles; we expect to start advertising at the beginning fiscal year 2025. NPD 7-8-9 Plan Vision for 2024 1. Extraordinary leadership at every level of the department. 2. Legitimacy and procedural justice at the center of all of our interactions. 3. Transformational reduction in the violence occurring in and around public housing. 4. An organizational culture that is effective, supportive, and inclusive. 5. Become a national model for reducing gun violence. -6- 6. Strategy, culture, pay, and benefits support significant progress with staffing, retention, motivation, and morale. 7. Enhanced performance through the effective management of important projects. Goals for 2024 1. Ahead of schedule for 600 in 2026.  We have exceeded our target staffing level to reach 600 sworn members by 2026. 2. Sub 40  Murders do not exceed 39 in 2024. 3. Clear 70  70 percent clearance rate for 2024. 4. Minus 20 non-fatal’s.  Reduce non-fatal shootings by 20 percent. 5. 75 leaders for 8.  75 percent of leaders get at least 8 hours of leadership training. 6. 100 Thursday meeting attendance.  Everyone attends at least one Thursday meeting. 7. Transition 25  Identify all positions to transition from sworn to professional staff and then effectively complete the transition of 25 percent of the identified positions. 8. Juvenile victims – 20  Reduce juvenile victims of gun violence by 20 percent. 9. Justice and fairness for all.  Develop and implement a minimum of 5 methods of reducing evidence of disparities in our enforcement practices. CLOSED SESSION Motion for closed session was approved at 4:43 p.m. for purposes which are set out in Clauses 1, 3, 8 and 29 of subsection (A) of Section 2.2-3711 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, as amended: (1) Discussion and consideration of potential candidates for Council appointed Boards, Commissions, Authorities and Committees. (3) Discussion of the acquisition and disposition of publicly real property in the Downtown area where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the public body. (8) Consultation with legal counsel regarding Virginia Lottery discussion. -7- (29) Discussion of the award of a lease/contract involving city owned property in downtown, where discussion of the terms or scop of the contract in an open session would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the public body. AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., and Alexander NO: None -8-  January 23, 2024 NORFOLK, VIRGINIA ACTION OF THE COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024 – 6:00 P.M. A CITIZEN WHO WISHES TO ADDRESS COUNCIL CONCERNING A DOCKET ITEM OR NEW BUSINESS MUST REGISTER TO SPEAK WITH THE CITY CLERK BY 3:00 PM THE DAY OF THE MEETING BY CALLING (757) 664-4253 OR EMAILING CCOUNCIL@NORFOLK.GOV. MOMENT OF SILENCE Followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Attendee Name Title Status Courtney R. Doyle Councilmember - Ward 2 Present Mamie B. Johnson Councilmember - Ward 3 Present Andria P. McClellan Councilmember - Superward 6 Present John E. Paige Councilmember - Ward 4 Present Danica J. Royster Councilmember - Superward 7 Present Thomas R. Smigiel Jr. Councilmember - Ward 5 Remote Martin A. Thomas Jr. Vice Mayor - Ward 1 Present Kenneth Cooper Alexander Mayor Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the City Council Retreat on November 28, 2023 and of the City Council meeting on January 9, 2024 ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander CLOSED SESSION RESOLUTION A Resolution certifying a closed meeting of the council of the City of Norfolk in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander 1  January 23, 2024 CEREMONIAL MATTER A Resolution congratulating Coach McCain and the Maury High School Commodores football team on the occasion of their Class 5 state title championship win. The Mayor presented the following Resolution: WHEREAS, the Maury Commodores football team, under the leadership of Head Coach Dyrri McCain, celebrated their victory over the Stone Bridge Bulldogs of Ashburn to win the Class 5 state championship on December 9, 2023, at the University of Virginia’s Scott Stadium; and WHEREAS, the Commodores, ranked number 83 nationally by MaxPreps, were in a state final for the third consecutive season, finishing their 2023 season with a perfect 15-0 record which included huge victories over nationally ranked Highland Springs and defending Class 4 state champion Dinwiddie; and WHEREAS, the Commodores displayed an inspiring level of skill, strategy, persistence, teamwork, and passion for football as they revived Maury’s historic reputation as a state champion; and WHEREAS, in earning this well-deserved state championship, the Maury Commodores represented the City of Norfolk ably and well throughout the entire season, earning the respect of their opponents and bringing recognition to themselves and to Norfolk. NOW, Therefore, Be It Resolved: Section 1:- That in recognition of this extraordinary accomplishment, the Council of the City of Norfolk hereby extends hearty congratulations to Coach McCain and the Maury High School Commodores football team on the occasion of their Class 5 state title championship win. Section 2:- That this resolution be recorded in the permanent proceedings of the City Council and that a copy be presented to Coach McCain, his staff and team. ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander 2  January 23, 2024 REGULAR AGENDA R‐1 An Ordinance Permitting Charles T. May, Jr. to Encroach into the Right of Way at 513- 517 W. 35th Street with Three Doors. - (Ordinance No. 49468) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander R‐2 An Ordinance Approving an Agreement for Preliminary Engineering Services Between the City of Norfolk and Norfolk Southern Railway Company for the City of Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter Into the Agreement for Preliminary Engineering Services. - (Ordinance No. 49469) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander R‐3 An Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Authorize a Short-Term Rental Unit (Vacation Rental) on Property Located at 1511 Lea View Avenue. Nicole Pace, 1600 Granby Street, was present to answer any questions relative to this matter. ACTION: Motion Lost [0 to 8] NAYS: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander R‐4 An Ordinance to Amend and Reordain Subsection (b)(5) and (d) of Section 25-293 of the Norfolk City Code, 1979, so as to allow One Commercial Truck to Park per lot in Residential Driveways. ACTION: Continued [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander 3  January 23, 2024 NEW BUSINESS Stella Council, President of the Broad Creek Civic League, spoke regarding concerns regarding City operations. Tariq Jawhar, 3304 Lynnhurst Boulevard, Chesapeake, spoke regarding a ceasefire in Gaza. Nichole McGill, 3701 E. Princess Anne Road, spoke regarding the enforcement of Virginia Code §18.2-369. Susan Matousek, 8214 Andrew Lane, spoke regarding squatters, animal abuse, and mail fraud. Alton Robinson, 5116 E. Princess Anne Road, spoke regarding community concerns. Angela Stevens, 1701 Parkview Avenue, spoke regarding a ceasefire in Gaza. ADJOURNMENT 4