City Council Agendas

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA MEETING OF COUNCIL TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 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, John E. Paige, Ms. Danica J. Royster, Mr. Thomas R. Smigiel Jr., and Vice Mayor Martin A. Thomas Jr. AGENDA NorfolkTV Presenter: Ms. Kelly Straub, Director of Communications Ms. Straub reported as follows: Previously available:  Cox Channel 48  Online at Norfolk.gov NorfolkTV – Now Streaming Now available:  Apple TV  Roku  iOS  Android NorfolkTV – Viewership Audience Measurement Reports:  Video On Demand & Live Stream Views  App Downloads Ms. Straub stated the data shows who is downloading and their location. The viewership can be seen in terms of where the spikes are, which will help address what our programming needs are and what kind of interests our viewers have in the programming. Ms. Straub added that the app is a free download. -1-  The Development Showcase (Phase 1) Presenters: Mr. Bobby Tajan, Director of Planning Dr. Susan Perry, Director, Housing & Community Development Mr. Sean Washington, Director of Development Mr. Tajan reported as follows: Event date and time: October 16, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Location: The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1401 Ballentine Blvd. Objectives  Increase private sector interest on city-owned sites  Identify Development Partners  Phase 1 Pilot as template for future marketing efforts Development Showcase  Partnership between Planning, Economic Development, and Housing and Community Development  WPA providing logistical support  Featuring 12 properties (missing middle, multifamily, and commercial opportunities) as well as 10 individual lots Showcase Agenda 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Welcome and Opening Remarks  Area Overview  Work Sessions – 10 minutes/property over a working lunch (provided) 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Properties Tour 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Reception – Community/Developers Meet and Greet Property Work Sessions  Each parcel will be walked through in detail to include all known information from the City:  Acreage  Assessed/Appraised value  Zoning  Utility availability  Approved area plans  Community desires  Environmental reports, if known  Any renderings or concept drawings  Contact information  Invitations sent to 100 developers, contractors, and builders -2-  Mayor Alexander asked Mr. Tajan to highlight how easy it is for developers and contractors to do business in Norfolk once they have submitted a completed application. He stated he recently attended a civic league meeting where a citizen stated falsely that it takes a year to get a building permit in Norfolk. Tajan stated that once a completed application has been submitted it moves fairly quickly. The goal for a building permit plan review is 10 working days regardless of residential or commercial; for the site plan review process it is four to five weeks for the first submittal and two to four weeks for the second submittal, depending upon how efficient the engineer is; and for the conditional use permit process, code requires that an application be considered by the City Planning Commission within 45 days. Again, he emphasized that these timelines are for completed applications. He added that his team works very hard to help applicants get through the application process. Mr. Roberts stated that the bulk of the properties being showcased in this first phase are in Ward 3. He thanked Councilwoman Johnson for providing the opening remarks and context on successes they’ve had in this area of the city. City Planning Update Presenter: Mr. Bobby Tajan, Director of Planning Mr. Tajan reported as follows: Birdies, LLC Conditional Use Permit Location  2419 Hampton Boulevard, Suite E Existing Conditions  Vacant retail Request  Allow an Indoor Recreation Center to have a restaurant with live entertainment and extended hours of operation (Location map and floor plan presented) Hours of Operation  10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday  10:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight Friday  8:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight Saturday  8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Sunday Entertainment  Live Band  Karaoke  Trivia Bingo -3-  Capacity  48 seats indoors  68 seats outdoors  142 Total capacity Planning Commission Recommendation City Planning Commission, by a vote of 6-0, recommends approval  Consistent with uses within The Railyard at Lambert’s Point development  Two-year expiration Uno Pizzeria and Grill Conditional Use Permit Location  5700 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard Existing Conditions  Restaurant Request  Allow an existing restaurant to add forms of live entertainment and reduce operating hours (Location map and floor plan were presented) Hours of Operation, Sales of Alcoholic beverages, On-premises and Entertainment Current:  11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday  11:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight Friday and Saturday Proposed:  11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Seven days per week Capacity Current:  175 seats indoors  84 seats outdoors  274 total capacity Proposed:  Same Entertainment Options Current:  Live Band Proposed:  Live Band  DJ  Karaoke  Open Mic Night  Comedian  Trivia -4-  Planning Commission Recommendation City Planning Commission, by a vote of 6-0, recommends approval.  Reducing hours of operation  Restaurant has been in operation since 1994  Support from the Lake Taylor Civic League NFK2050 Update  Completed phase 2 public input  Project team has proposed key “goals” of the plan for the Planning Commission to review  Goals based on public input and workgroups  Public Plan Workshop  October 26th at Granby High School 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Representation from each ward in the city  Additional public input on “goals” after workshop  Drafting of plan to begin after additional input Compensation Plan Update Presenter: Chief Sidney Carroll, Norfolk Fire-Rescue Chief Carroll reported as follows: Fire-Rescue Full-Time Paramedic Pilot Program Executive Summary The City of Norfolk is launching a pilot program to develop a full-time paramedic division Goal  Address Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staffing challenges using existing resources Focus  Establish 12 paramedics in FY25 and plan for expansion in FY26 Key Objectives & Background Key Objectives  Mitigate staffing gaps and enhance paramedic recruitment  Utilize existing budget and vacancies  Gather data to support an expansion in FY26 Background  Current staffing model includes 14 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances operated by a combination of Firefighters and Paramedics  Notable trends: Increased turnover to paramedic-only roles due to better work-life balance and compensation Paramedic Staffing Challenges/Mitigations Historical Goal – 126 Paramedics  42 per shift (3 per fire station) Shortfall for number of years  Currently, 93 FF/Paramedics -5-  Daily Paramedic Overtime  Paramedic Fire Officers supplementing ambulance Paramedic Training Timelines  Variable by program and individual  7 months to 2 years Timelines include curriculum and process for release by Operational Medical Director (OMD) (graphs presented) Proposed Pilot Program & Benefits Pilot Program:  Hire 12 Full-time paramedics in FY25  Funded through existing budget Anticipated Benefits:  Immediate staffing solutions and improved morale  Competitive employment opportunities for skilled paramedics  Enhanced EMS service delivery and community visibility Future Plans and Enhancement  Career Path Development  Structured path for full-time Paramedics  Supervisory Structure  Establish EMS supervisory framework  Expanded Coverage  More ambulances staffed by full-time Paramedics  Compensation Strategies  Incentives for Firefighter/Paramedics  Educational Opportunities  Support training for firefighters Paramedic Staffing and Schedule Plan Paramedics pay equivalent to FF/Paramedic compensation  $59,621 starting salary (Pay Plan 5, Grade 6, Step 1)  $68,563 with built-in overtime  Equivalent pay approach consistent with region  Starting salary highly competitive regionally Paramedics will be sworn, non-exempt employees Work Schedule  Paramedics operate on 40-hour schedule rotating 3-days on/3-days off  12-hour shifts  Will provide coverage for 3 ambulances 24/7 Next Steps  Action item on City Council’s October 22nd formal docket to amend Compensation Plan  Prepare for FY26 budget discussions to incorporate proposed enhancements -6- Councilman Smigiel suggested adding a higher sign-on bonus for those who are bilingual in Spanish. Councilwoman McClellan suggested partnering with Norfolk Public Schools to recruit students toward this career opportunity. CLOSED SESSION Motion for closed session was approved at 4:15 p.m. for purposes which are set out in Clauses 3, 3, 29, 7 and 7 of subsection (A) of Section 2.2-3711 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, as amended: (3) Discussion of the disposition of real property in Ward 2, Park Place area, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the public body. (3) Discussion of the disposition of real property in Ward 4: Virginia Beach Boulevard, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the public body. (29) Discussion of the award of a public contract involving property in Ward 2, where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the public body. (7) Consultation with legal counsel on a housing matter where such consultation in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating posture of the public body. (7) Consultation with legal counsel on a legal briefing where such briefing in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating posture of the public body. Yes: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas and Alexander. No: None. -7-  October 8, 2024 NORFOLK, VIRGINIA ACTION OF THE COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 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 Present Martin A. Thomas Jr. Vice Mayor - Ward 1 Present Kenneth Cooper Alexander Mayor Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the previous City Council meeting. ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander 1  October 8, 2024 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 PUBLIC HEARINGS PH‐1 Public Hearing scheduled this day, pursuant to State Law, to hear comments Approving a Second Amendment to Lease Between the City of Norfolk, as Lessor, and National Railroad Passenger Corporation, as Lessee, for a Portion of the Property Located at 280 Park Avenue in the City of Norfolk, Virginia, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Second Amendment to Lease on behalf of the City of Norfolk. An Ordinance Approving a Second Amendment to Lease Between the City of Norfolk, as Lessor, and National Railroad Passenger Corporation, as Lessee, for a Portion of the Property Located at 280 Park Avenue in the City of Norfolk, Virginia, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Second Amendment to Lease on Behalf of the City of Norfolk. - (Ordinance No. 49749) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander PH‐2 Public Hearing scheduled this day, pursuant to State Law, to hear comments Authorizing the Conveyance to Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority of any interest the City has in a closed portion of Chapel Street. An Ordinance Authorizing the Conveyance to Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority of Any Interest the City Has In a Closed Portion of Chapel Street. - (Ordinance No. 49750) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander 2  October 8, 2024 PH‐3 Public Hearing scheduled this day, pursuant to State Law, to hear comments Authorizing the Conveyance to Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority of a small portion of City property located at the Southeastern Corner of Mariner Street and Church Street. An Ordinance Authorizing the Conveyance to Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority of a Small Portion of City Property Located at the Southeastern Corner of Mariner Street and Church Street. - (Ordinance No. 49751) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander PH‐4 Public Hearing scheduled this day, pursuant to State Law, to hear comments Authorizing the Sale and Conveyance to Prosperity Collective LLC of that Certain Parcel of Property Located at 749 E. 28th Street in Accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the City's Online Real Estate Auction and Authorizing the Modification, Revision or Release of Certain Protective and Restrictive Covenants. An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale and Conveyance to Prosperity Collective LLC of that Certain Parcel of Property Located at 749 E. 28th Street in Accordance With the Terms and Conditions of the City's Online Real Estate Auction and Authorizing the Modification, Revision or Release of Certain Protective and Restrictive Covenants. - (Ordinance No. 49752) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander PH‐5 Public Hearing scheduled this day, pursuant to State Law, to hear comments approving a Lease Agreement with the Virginia Opera Association, Inc. for the Lease of the Harrison Opera House and a portion of the office space located within the Civic Arena Building, adjacent to the Harrison Opera House, at 160 W. Virginia Beach Boulevard. 3  October 8, 2024 An Ordinance Approving a Lease Agreement with the Virginia Opera Association, Inc. For the Lease of the Harrison Opera House and a Portion of the Office Space Located Within the Civic Arena Building Adjacent to the Harrison Opera House, at 160 W. Virginia Beach Boulevard. - (Ordinance No. 49753) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander CONSENT AGENDA ALL MATTERS LISTED UNDER THE CONSENT AGENDA WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE MOTION IN THE FORM LISTED. IF DISCUSSION IS DESIRED ON ANY ITEM, IT WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERED SEPARATELY. C‐1 An Ordinance Approving a Right of Entry Agreement Between the City of Norfolk and Downtown Norfolk Council For Use of the Property Located at 134 W. Olney Road for the 2024 NEON Festival and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Right of Entry on Behalf of the City. - (Ordinance No. 49754) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander C‐2 An Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Permit the Resumption of a Nonconforming Religious Institution Named “Favor Nation Church” In A Historic Building on Property Located at 739 Yarmouth Street. - (Ordinance No. 49755) Pastor Adrian Woodard, applicant, 237 Hanbury Road, Chesapeake was present to answer questions. ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander 4  October 8, 2024 REGULAR AGENDA R‐1 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) so as to Accept, Appropriate and Authorize the Expenditure of Donated Funds up to the Sum of $9,500 from Coastal Virginia Plein Air for the Installation of Public Art at the Median on 21st Bay Street and Ocean View Avenue. - (Ordinance No. 49756) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander R‐2 An Ordinance Granting a Development Certificate, with Waivers, to Permit the Construction of a Resort and Casino Complex on a Portion of Property Located at 200 Park Avenue. - (Ordinance No. 49757) Ken Rodman, 4500 Main Street, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, was present to answer questions. ACTION: Adopted [7 to 1] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander NAYS: Andria P. McClellan R‐3 A Resolution appointing and reappointing 21 Members to 2 Commissions, 1 Board, and 1 Committee for Certain Terms. - (Resolution No. 1923) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander R‐4 An Ordinance Granting Conditional Use Permits to Authorize the Operation of a Restaurant with Extended Hours, the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages for On-Premises Consumption, and Live Entertainment Named “Just Birdies” on Property Located at 2419 Hampton Boulevard, Suite E. - (Ordinance No. 49758) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Doyle, Johnson, McClellan, Paige, Royster, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr., Alexander 5  October 8, 2024 NEW BUSINESS Michael Wilson, President of Titustown Civic League, 7731 Armfield Avenue, spoke regarding the proposed merger with Prime Plus and Titustown Recreation Center. Angela Stevens, 1701 Parkview Avenue, spoke regarding the ceasefire in Gaza. Saher Mirza, 3940 Meeting House Road, Virginia Beach, spoke regarding the ceasefire in Gaza. ADJOURNMENT 6