City Council Agendas

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA MEETING OF COUNCIL TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025 Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m., with the following members present: Mr. Carlos J. Clanton, Mrs. Courtney R. Doyle, Mrs. Mamie B. Johnson, Mr. Jeremy D. McGee, Mr. John E. Paige, Mr. Thomas R. Smigiel Jr. Vice Mayor Martin A. Thomas Jr. was absent. AGENDA Pop Up Presentations Presenter: Ms. Stephanie Iles, Director of Elections and General Registrar Ms. Iles asked City Council to approve two proposed polling relocations. Larchmont Library will be undergoing extensive renovations and this facility served as the polling place for Larchmont Library Precinct. The proposed relocation will be Larchmont United Methodist Church, 1101 Jamestown Crescent. The second request is relocating from Calvary Revival Church, 5833 Poplar Hall Drive, to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 5767 Sellger Drive. Calvary Revival Church is no longer available to serve as a polling place for the Glenrock and Easton neighborhoods. Ms. Iles stated there are democrat and republican primary elections June 17th and early voting begins May 2nd. Voters must be notified of the change by 60 days prior to the election. She stated they plan to talk to all civic leagues. She added that the public hearing and Council vote is scheduled for the April 8, 2025, Formal Session. Mayor Alexander introduced Mr. Ron Bailey of the Boyd Gaming Corporation, who is the new General Manager of the Norfolk Casino. Mr. Bailey stated that he looks forward to living and working in Norfolk. He stated the transitional casino will open later this year and the permanent casino will open in late 2027. He has been with Boyd Gaming for 13 years, a General Manager since 2018, and he has over 25 years of experience in gaming and hospitality. He noted there will be over 800 new hires from Hampton Roads, and he has met with different organizations and several universities to recruit new team members. In addition, they are providing shuttle services to customers taking the Amtrak train. They met with the Tides and are continuing the partnership the Pamunkey Tribe had with them. -1-  Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Briefing Presenter: Ms. Sonja Stills, Commissioner, MEAC (event schedule distributed) Ms. Stills expressed congratulations to the City of Norfolk, and announced that they are the MEAC corporate partner of the year. She thanked the City for their partnership and all the work they have done. Ms. Stills briefed Council on the Schedule of Events as follows: Schedule of Events Tuesday, March 11th, Tip-Off Tuesday  Read With MEAC Celebration in Partnership with Norfolk Public Schools (invitation only, location TBA)  MEAC Basketball Tournament Awards – Chrysler Hall Wednesday, March 12th, Community Night  College Fair – (invitation only) – Scope Arena (Exhibition Hall) Thursday, March 13th, Badge of Honor Night  Hall of Fame Brunch – Norfolk Waterside Marriott Friday, March 14th, MEAC Nation Homecoming  MEAC Fan Fest powered by the RnB Block Party – Norfolk Scope Plaza  The Legends of Laughter Comedy Show – Chrysler Hall  The Official MEAC Nation After Party – Norfolk Waterside Marriott  “Hey Ma” presented by the MEAC – Chicho’s Backstage Saturday, March 15th, Championship Saturday  MEAC Fan Fest powered by the RnB Block Party – Norfolk Scope Plaza  The Official MEAC Championship Day Party – Sheraton Norfolk Waterside  The Legends Series with Big Daddy Kane – Brothers Restaurant  MEAC Championship RnB Block Party – Norfolk Scope Plaza Sunday, March 16th, The Final Buzzer  MEAC Homecoming Brunch – Brothers Restaurant Councilwoman Johnson thanked Ms. Stills for their continued partnerships with the community and the positive role models representing every college and university. Mayor Alexander commented on the inclusion of the College Fair and how vitally important it is to introduce high school juniors and seniors and their families to the colleges and universities so they can interact with admissions and other individuals and hopefully meet the chancellors and presidents. -2-  City Planning Update Presenter: Mr. Bobby Tajan, Director of Planning Mr. Tajan reported as follows: City Planning Commission Zoning Text Amendment Cleanup  This request will make 7 minor technical changes and corrections, across Articles 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the Zoning Ordinance.  The proposed amendments contain no significant policy issues or changes; rather, they reflect a “cleanup” of the minor technical errors and omissions that have been identified. Mr. Tajan reviewed the proposed modifications. Planning Commission Recommendation  City Planning Commission, by a vote of 6-0, recommends approval. Update – Zoning Inspections Prior to FY2023, City Planning had one zoning inspector  Zoning inspections in Planning limited to permit follow-up inspections  All other zoning inspection functions were housed in Neighborhood Services In FY2023, four positions were added to the inspection team as part of the Business Compliance Unit  One team leader and three inspectors  Added responsibilities included STR and retail/restaurant business inspections In FY2025, five positions were added to the inspection team  One team leader, three inspectors, and a management analyst  Added responsibilities included residential zoning inspections Zoning Inspection Team Business Compliance Unit  Codes Enforcement Team Leader  Zoning Inspector III (STR Focus)  Zoning Inspector II  Zoning Inspector I Management Analyst I Mr. Tajan stated they converted one of the inspection positions to a management analyst to help clean up data and ensure that information being provided to the public and through the permitting system is clear and robust. Residential/Design Inspection Team  Codes Enforcement Team Leader  Sr. Design & Rehab Consultant -3-   Zoning Inspector I  Zoning Inspector I (vacant)  Zoning Inspector I (vacant) All members of the Zoning Inspection Team are assigned an area of the city  All zoning inspection activities within their area are their responsibility  BCU team have major commercial corridors  Team is cross-trained to handle all land use concerns (map presented) Inspection focus:  Zoning Ordinance compliance  Education  Knowledge of areas and know community members  Enforcement Councilman Smigiel noted that a food truck located on East Little Creek Road has evolved into a tractor trailer with a meter installed by Dominion Energy and is permanently parked. He stated that when food trucks were approved the idea was that they would drive and park at various locations and not to be permanent in one location. He asked the City Attorney to look at what changes can be made because there have been complaints from nearby brick and mortar restaurants. Regarding code enforcement, Councilwoman Johnson recommended that in-between the educational piece and actual enforcement there needs to be follow-up to ensure the citizen fully understands the issues. Mr. Tajan stated they are doing follow-ups which is part of the reinspection piece. Councilwoman Johnson stated if a code enforcement specialist or any employee in the City of Norfolk is threatened, it should be documented and followed up by the police. She added that no employee should experience a threat in any neighborhood in the city. Homeless Task Force Update Presenter: Ms. Carolsue McGehee, Division Head, Norfolk Community Services Board Ms. McGehee reported as follows: Housing and Homeless Services  Homeless Outreach: Three distinct teams who provide outreach, support, prevention strategies, and empowerment/education to address homelessness.  Homeless Initiatives/Homeless Task Force: Outreach targeting individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Norfolk  PATH: Outreach targeting homeless individuals diagnosed with behavioral health disorders  Shelter Plus Care: Supportive services and housing for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders. -4-  State Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): Housing and services for those at risk of homelessness or chronically homeless.  Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA): Rapid-rehousing and services for those who are able to group their income and self-sustain in housing after 2 years.  The Center: A 100-bed emergency shelter for single adults experiencing homelessness Housing and Homeless Services  If a homeless individual appears to be in crisis, call: (757) 441-5610  Individuals or families experiencing homelessness are encouraged to call the Housing Crisis Hotline: (757) 587-4202  Single adults experiencing homelessness should go to The Center. Day services are available 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. year-round. 1050 Tidewater Drive  Contact CSB’s Housing & Homeless Services Division for anyone needing outreach assistance: (757) 756-5600 Homeless Task Force Outcomes  57 Households in services as of October 2024, when CSB assumed responsibility for Homeless Task Force (HTF)  19 have self-resolved  23 have been referred to housing solutions through a Continuum of Care (CoC) and The Center  20 Households currently enrolled  Blending of HTF and CSB Outreach teams has allowed us to increase diversion efforts and linkage to shelters, reducing the need for hotel utilization  Time limits placed on hotel stays, transition to other shelters is expected unless exigent circumstances exist  Households are empowered to participate actively in housing planning Homelessness in Norfolk  2024 Point in Time count reflected an increase in the number of unsheltered individuals in Norfolk, in line with national trends  The City’s support of CSB’s housing programs, outreach teams, The Center and the Homeless Task Force, and upcoming prevention program has provided a broad range of resources for our unhoused citizens  Lack of affordable housing continues to be the greatest challenge to reducing homelessness  CSB’s Housing and Homeless Services Division has benefited from partnering with many agencies including, but not limited to the Urban Renewal Center, the Winter Shelter team, the Downtown Norfolk Council, Human Services, Parks and Rec, Citizen Services, Norfolk Police, Norfolk Fire and Rescue, The Planning Council, and many faith-based organizations to support our citizens Councilman Paige stated we are doing great work, but we must remember those folks we are not reaching. He asked Ms. McGehee to keep him updated about the homeless population who are in Ward 4 and he will do anything he can to help. He stated there was an encampment off of Military Highway by the interstate that no one knew was there until a car went into it, and as it gets warmer there will be more folks outside. -5- Councilwoman Johnson highlighted the entire team and agencies who support each other in working to reduce homelessness. It is successful because they all work closely together. She pointed out that some folks refuse services, and though it is heartbreaking, they have that right. Councilwoman Johnson asked to see more beautification added around the homeless centers and the businesses located near the centers. She stated that there is high grass behind The Center on Tidewater Drive and tractor trailers are parked there. Councilman McGee asked for the year over year increases and trends and asked how frequently are point in time counts done. Ms. McGehee stated this is the first time in a decade they are seeing increases nationwide. The city has gone from approximately 430 up to a little over 500. This number includes folks who are staying in shelters like The Union Mission and The Center. The unsheltered are folks who could not make rent and are now working two full-time jobs and living in their vehicles. They do not have enough money for that first month’s rent and a security deposit. She stated that the counts are done nationwide every January. Councilman Smigiel stated there have been complaints about homeless campers at Ocean View Beach Park. He added that some of these folks are committing other crimes. They are offered support but choose to be homeless. He stated he also has to consider constituents who want to go to a beach park and have a great experience but can’t because of the criminal activity. Ms. McGehee stated that citizens should call the police when they see someone breaking the law whether they are housed or unhoused. She stated that the outreach team works in concert with park rangers to try to provide a little bit of notice. They also work with Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Services. They post notices and talk to folks to make sure they understand they cannot be there and give three to five days’ notice to move somewhere else. The outreach team goes out when the notice is posted and they go back when it’s time to clean up the area and try again to offer services because sometimes people become a little more motivated to accept help when they don’t have an alternative. Ms. McGehee added that the CSB is mindful of all people’s rights and when someone is violating someone else’s rights they want to alert the appropriate authorities. To the extent that people are able to exercise choice without infringing on the rights of others, they honor that as well. It’s a delicate balance. Councilman Smigiel asked to ensure that our park rangers and police understand the issues because at times the police tell citizens making complaints that the campers have a right to be there because it is a public space. Mr. Pishko stated that he would look at the issues and report back to Council. Camping on the beach is not a constitutional right. He added that we have the authority to enforce it, but we want to do it compassionately. -6-  Keep America Beautiful – Greatest American Cleanup Initiative Presenter: Ms. Sarah Sterzing, Education and Program Manager, Public Works Ms. Sterzing reported as follows: 50 billion pieces of litter fill our streets and waterways nationwide  That’s 152 pieces of litter for every person in America*  Keep Norfolk Beautiful FY ’24 has incredible numbers, but we can do better, together!  6,163 Volunteers  106,875 Pounds of litter  922 Cleanup events  $360,815** value *Keep America Beautiful 2020 Litter Study **Independent Sector Annual Volunteer Valuation 2024 Norfolk to join the Greatest American Cleanup  In 2023, a three-year campaign began to motivate, educate, and celebrate communities by encouraging them to clean up, beautify and green up ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary, on July 4, 2026  Thousands of communities across the country have made the commitment and signed on. Now, it’s Norfolk’s turn! Greatest American Cleanup Goals  Gain more visibility and increase awareness of litter and prevention programming.  Challenge Partners, Team Norfolk, Universities, affiliates in other cities – Keep Portsmouth Beautiful, Keep Suffolk Beautiful.  Showcase our City’s sustainability goals and progress.  Continue building pride, expand volunteer base, strengthen civic partnerships with neighborhoods, businesses, schools and faith-based communities.  Engage young residents with exciting, collaborative educational programs developed with City departments. Annual Requirements to Participate (Beginning 2023)  5 Community Cleanups  4 Beautification Events  3 Recycling Drives  1 Community Celebration Upcoming Events Spring 2025 Friday, March 21 – Great American Cleanup Kick Off, Lafayette Park Saturday, March 22 – Great American Cleanup at the Beach, Community Beach Saturday, April 5 – Norfolk Recycles Day, Azalea Baptist Church Saturday, May 3 – Live Green Norfolk, Lafayette Park -7- CLOSED SESSION Motion for closed session was approved at 4:22 p.m. for purposes which are set out in Clause 8 of subsection (A) of Section 2.2-3711 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, as amended: (8) Consultation with legal counsel concerning a land use agreement where the advice of counsel is needed. Yes: Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, Paige, McGee, Smigiel, and Alexander. No: None. Absent: Thomas. -8-  March 4, 2025 NORFOLK, VIRGINIA ACTION OF THE COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025 – 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 Kenneth Cooper Alexander Mayor Present Carlos J. Clanton Councilmember-Superward 7 Present Courtney R. Doyle Councilmember - Ward 2 Present Mamie B. Johnson Councilmember - Ward 3 Present Jeremy D. McGee Councilmember-Superward 6 Present John E. Paige Councilmember - Ward 4 Present Thomas R. Smigiel Jr. Councilmember - Ward 5 Present Martin A. Thomas Jr. Vice Mayor - Ward 1 Absent APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the Minutes of the Previous City Council Meeting. ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. 1  March 4, 2025 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: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. REGULAR AGENDA R‐1 An Ordinance Granting Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC a Long Term Easement, With a Forty Year Term and an Associated Five Year Temporary Construction Easement Term, and a Long Term Access Easement, With a Forty Year Term, All Across City of Norfolk Property Located in the City of Suffolk, and a Long Term License, With a Forty Year Term, to Cross Certain City of Norfolk Easements Located in the City of Suffolk, All in Conjunction With the Construction, Installation and Maintenance of a New Natural Gas Pipeline, Subject to Certain Terms and Conditions. - (Ordinance No. 49875) The following were present to answer any questions relative to this matter: Aaron Rohfling, Land Project Manager, 1040 University Boulevard, Portsmouth Melissa Dettling, Environmental Planner, 700 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas R.J. Balis, Land Contractor, 1040 University Boulevard, Portsmouth Emily Reynolds, Government and Community Relations, 704 Hill Point Court, Chesapeake Morgan Whayland, Virginia Natural Gas Representative ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. 2  March 4, 2025 R‐2 An Ordinance Authorizing the Conveyance of a Temporary Construction Easement Over City of Norfolk Property Located in the City of Suffolk to Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC in Conjunction With the Construction, Installation and Maintenance of a New Natural Gas Pipeline, Subject to Certain Terms and Conditions; and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter Into the Temporary Construction Easement Agreement on Behalf of the City. - (Ordinance No. 49876) The following were present to answer any questions relative to this matter: Aaron Rohfling, Land Project Manager, 1040 University Boulevard, Portsmouth Melissa Dettling, Environmental Planner, 700 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas R.J. Balis, Land Contractor, 1040 University Boulevard, Portsmouth Emily Reynolds, Government and Community Relations, 704 Hill Point Court, Chesapeake Morgan Whayland, Virginia Natural Gas Representative ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐3 An Ordinance Approving a Right of Entry Permitting the City of Virginia Beach to go upon and use City Owned Property Located at 5637 Shell Road, Virginia Beach to Re- Establish the Original Channel Depth of Lake Lawson. - (Ordinance No. 49877) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐4 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) So As To Accept And Appropriate Grant Funds Up To The Sum Of $519,750 From And Through The Virginia Department of Emergency Management For A Critical Facility Generator At Norfolk Public Schools Nutrition Program Services, And Amending The FY2025 Budget To Include Same. - (Ordinance No. 49878) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. 3  March 4, 2025 R‐5 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) so as to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds up to the Sum of $736,800 from the Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") for the Transportation Information and Decision Support System Project UPS 115372 ("THE PROJECT"), if and when Received; Providing the Sum of $63,200 as Local Funds from Previously Appropriated Funds; Amending the Annual Grants Plan in the FY2025 Budget to Add the Grant Information for the Project; and Authorizing the Agreement with VDOT for the Project. - (Ordinance No. 49879) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐6 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) so as to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds up to the sum of $641,536 from the Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") for the ADA Ramp - Phase 6 Project UPC 120910 ("the Project"), if and when received; Providing the sum of $710,536 as Local Match and $34,000 as Local Funds from Previously Appropriated Funds; Amending the Annual Grants Plan in the FY2025 Budget to Add the Grant Information for the Project; and Authorizing the Agreement with VDOT for the Project. - (Ordinance No. 49880) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐7 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) so as to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds up to the sum of $1,641,071 from the Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") for the Chesapeake Blvd & Sheppard Ave Intersection Improvements Project ("the Project"), if and when received; Providing the sums of $1,732,771 as Local Match and $91,700 as Local Funds From Previously Appropriated Funds; Amending the Annual Grants Plan in the FY2025 Budget to Add the Grant Information for the Project; and Authorizing the Agreement with VDOT for the Project. - (Ordinance No. 49881) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. 4  March 4, 2025 R‐8 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) so as to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds up to the sum of $1,406,457 from the Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") for the Hampton Blvd & Magnolia Intersection Improvements Project UPC 120917 ("The Project"), if and when received; Providing the sums of $1,484,657 as Local Match and $78,200 as Local Funds from Previously Appropriated Funds; Amending the Annual Grants Plan in the FY2025 Budget to Add the Grant Information for the Project; and Authorizing the Agreement with VDOT for the Project. - (Ordinance No. 49882) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐9 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) so as to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds up to the sum of $1,747,673 from the Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") for the Tidewater Drive Improvements at Lakewood Project UPC 120912 ("The Project"), If And When Received; Providing the sums of $1,835,373 as Local Match and $87,700 as Local Funds From Previously Appropriated Funds; Amending the Annual Grants Plan in the FY2025 Budget to Add the Grant Information for the Project; and Authorizing the Agreement with VDOT for the Project. - (Ordinance No. 49883) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐10 An Ordinance Amending The FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) So As To Accept And Appropriate Grant Funds Up To The Sum Of $1,955,000 From The Virginia Department Of Transportation ("VDOT") For The 26th And 27th Street Resurfacing Projects UPC 126117, 126118, And 126120 (Collectively "The Project"), If and When Received; Providing The Sum of $45,000 As Local Funds From Previously Appropriated Funds; Amending The Annual Grants Plan In The FY2025 Budget To Add The Grant Information For The Project; And Authorizing The Agreement With VDOT For The Project - (Ordinance No. 49884) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. 5  March 4, 2025 R‐11 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) so as to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds up to the Sum of $1,469,997 from the Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") for the Hampton Boulevard Street Resurfacing Projects UPC 125489 and 125493 (Collectively "The Project"), if and When Received; Providing the Sum of $30,000 as Local Funds from Previously Appropriated Funds; Amending the Annual Grants Plan in the FY2025 Budget to Add the Grant Information for the Project; and Authorizing the Agreement with VDOT for the Project. - (Ordinance No. 49885) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐12 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) so as to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds up to the Sum of $233,840 from the Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") for the Newtown Road Corridor Study Project UPC 115379 ("THE PROJECT"), if and when Received; Providing the Sum of $16,160 as Local Funds from Previously Appropriated Funds; Amending the Annual Grants Plan in the FY2025 Budget to Add the Grant Information for the Project; and Authorizing the Agreement with VDOT for the Project. - (Ordinance No. 49886) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐13 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) so as to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds up to the Sum of $2,654,558 from the Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") for the Signal System Upgrade for Incident Management Project UPC 125975 ("THE PROJECT"), if and when Received; Providing the Sum of $345,442 as Local Funds from Previously Appropriated Funds; Amending the Annual Grants Plan in the FY2025 Budget to Add the Grant Information for the Project; and Authorizing the Agreement with VDOT for the Project. - (Ordinance No. 49887) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. 6  March 4, 2025 R‐14 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) so as to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds up to the Sum of $939,828 from the Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") for the Southside Bike Lane Network Project UPC 115424 ("THE PROJECT"), if and when Received; Providing the Sum of $76,072 as Local Funds from Previously Appropriated Funds; Amending the Annual Grants Plan in the FY2025 Budget to Add the Grant Information for the Project; and Authorizing the Agreement with VDOT for the Project. - (Ordinance No. 49888) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐15 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) so as to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds up to the Sum of $936,800 from the Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") for the Traffic Signal System Communications Network Upgrades Project UPC 115377 ("THE PROJECT"), if and when Received; Providing the Sum of $63,200 as Local Funds from Previously Appropriated Funds; Amending the Annual Grants Plan in the FY2025 Budget to Add the Grant Information for the Project; and Authorizing the Agreement with VDOT for the Project. - (Ordinance No. 49889) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐16 An Ordinance Amending the FY2025 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (No. 49,590) so as to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds up to the Sum of $782,400 from the Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") for the Traffic Signal Detection Upgrades Project UPC 115370 ("The Project"), if and when Received; Providing the Sum of $217,600 as Local Funds from Previously Appropriated Funds; Amending the Annual Grants Plan in the FY2025 Budget to Add the Grant Information for the Project; and Authorizing the Agreement with VDOT for the Project. - (Ordinance No. 49890) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. 7  March 4, 2025 R‐17 The Third Ordinance Amending and Reordaining the Fiscal Year 2025 Compensation Plan Ordinance and its Incorporated Attachments so as to Amend Three Sections of its Exhibit A (Regulations), consisting in one amendment to change Applicants to Candidates in Section 4, to add only Full-Time Employees are eligible for a Signing Bonus in Section 5, add Lifeguard I to Lifeguard II and School Crossing Guard to School Crossing Guard, Senior in Section 11; Exhibit B (Appendix 1 – Job Assignments Supplements) to add Tier 1 and Tier 2 to Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and Exhibit C (Alphabetical Classification Listing) to remove minimum and maximum monetary amounts for the Classification Titles of City Auditor and City Clerk, change Classification Title of Deputy Fire Chief to Unclassified, change the Grade attached to the Classification Title Environmental Health Assistant II from 5 to 6, change FLSA status to the Classification Titles HR Administrator – SC and Operations Manager to Exempt and add two new Classification Titles Victim Services Specialist and Victim Services Supervisor. - (Ordinance No. 49891) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐18 An Ordinance to Amend Ordinance Number 49,825 so as to Schedule the Work Sessions of the City Council Meetings to Commence at 4:00 P.M. - (Ordinance No. 49892) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐19 An Ordinance Permitting Oculus Rail, Inc. to Encroach into City Right of Way at Twelve Locations with Rail Computer Vision Sensors Mounted on Ten-Foot Poles. ACTION: Continued to March 25, 2025 [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. 8  March 4, 2025 R‐20 An Ordinance Granting Wyatt Sutton, Associate Commissioner, Championships and Sports Administration for Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Permission to Encroach into the Right-of-Way Located Along the Railings on Monticello Avenue and City Hall Avenue with MEAC Banners. - (Ordinance No. 49893) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐21 A Resolution appointing 1 member to 1 Board for certain terms. - (Resolution No. 1942) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. R‐22 An Ordinance Approving a Right of Entry Agreement Between the City of Norfolk and H.O.P.E. Foundation, Inc. For Use of City-Owned Property Located at 801 Church Street For the H.O.P.E. Foundation Community Day and Authorizing the City Manage to Execute the Right of Entry On Behalf of the City. - (Ordinance No. 49894) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr. ABSENT: Thomas Jr. NEW BUSINESS Linda Danziger, 1611 Parkview Avenue, President of Bayview Civic League, spoke regarding safety improvements, beautification efforts, and other investments in Ocean View. William Keplesky, Jr., 9663 24th Bay Street, President of East Ocean View Civic League, spoke regarding safety improvements, beautification efforts, and other investments in Ocean View. Carlos Tanner, 1080 Dubose Drive, spoke regarding programming and partnerships in Norfolk to better serve the youth. 9  March 4, 2025 Susan Matousek, 8214 Andrew Lane, spoke regarding various concerns with oversight in public offices. James Clary, 887 A Avenue, spoke regarding the death of his mother in City Park and the housing crisis. Jim Casey, 9649 Dolphin Run, spoke regarding issues with the Commissioner of the Revenue's office. Lucy Hall, 714 Rhode Island Avenue, spoke regarding the impact of the Maury High School renovation project. Arthur Devine, 2728 Colchester Crescent, spoke regarding the Norfolk Electoral Board. The following spoke regarding eviction prevention and a housing trust fund: Monet Johnson, 208 W. 25th Street Tiarra Lassiter, 3055 Sewells Point Road Javon Bennett, 1342 Reservoir Avenue Elise Peterson-McMath, 1625 Lafayette Boulevard Keenen Baskerville, 8236 Nathan Avenue Terri White, 2909 Parkside Drive Carl Poole, 9424 Peach Tree Street ADJOURNMENT 10