City Council Agendas

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA MEETING OF COUNCIL TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 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. Mamie B. Johnson, Mr. Jeremy D. McGee, Mr. John E. Paige, Mr. Thomas R. Smigiel Jr., and Vice Mayor Martin A. Thomas Jr. Mrs. Courtney R. Doyle was present remotely by telephone. RESOLUTION FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION Resolution approving the participation through electronic communication means by Councilwoman Courtny R. Doyle in the Norfolk City Council meeting on June 10, 2025. ADOPTED: Yes: Clanton, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr., Thomas and Alexander. No: None. AGENDA Proposed Annual Audit Plan Presenter: Mr. Brad Smith, City Auditor Mr. Smith reported as follows: Purpose of the Annual Work Plan  Establishes the framework for audits to be conducted  Guides audit activities and workflow of the City Auditor’s Office  Outlines audit focus for a 12-month period *The plan must be flexible and is subject to change due to unanticipated higher risk issues, inquiries-investigations, other priorities. Sources Used to Develop the Plan Audit Leads  Prior Audits  City Financial Audit  Citizens Internal leads  City Auditor Staff  Previous Audit Plan (non-audited areas) Hotline Leads  Inquiries/Investigations  Complaints -1-  External Leads  Other Locality Audits  State and Federal Audits City Council  Council Priorities  Specific Requests Management Concerns  City Administration  City Departments  City Agencies Audit Phases Planning  Entrance Conference  Walk-throughs  Interviews  Establish Test Objectives Fieldwork (Detail Testing)  Gathering Evidence  Evaluating Evidence  Developing Findings Reporting  Draft Report  Exit Conference  Issue Final Report FY 2026 Proposed Audit Areas  Traffic Safety Program – Report Phase  Towing Operations – Planning Phase  Police Overtime – Planning Phase  Street Sweeping – Planning Phase  Citywide Vehicle Fuel Card  Grants Compliance  Fire-Rescue Medication Process  Retiree Payment Process  Follow-up Reviews of Audit Recommendations Other Projects For FY 2026  Inquiries-Investigations (Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline)  Review Citywide Expenditures  Missing, Lost, Stolen Property Database  Review Credit Card Transactions  Administration or City Council Special Requests  Cash Counts  Other City Agencies Requests -2-  2025 Hurricane Season Briefing Presenter: Mr. Daniel Hudson, Director, Office of Emergency Management Mr. Hudson reported as follows: 2025 NOAA Outlook (Atlantic/Gulf) Season Probability: 60% chance of an “above-normal” season (70% confidence in forecast) Named Storms 13 – 19 Hurricanes 6 – 10 Major Hurricanes 3 – 5 Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale Category 1:  Winds 74-95 mph  Some damage and power cuts Category 2:  Winds 96-110 mph  Extensive damage Category 3:  Winds 111-129 mph  Well-built homes suffer major damage Category 4:  Winds 130-156 mph  Severe damage to well-built homes, trees blown over Category 5:  Winds 157+ mph  Many buildings destroyed; major roads cut off What does the outlook mean for Norfolk?  This is a good reminder for our citizens and businesses to prepare for the upcoming season.  For departments, we proactively prepare year-round to manage impacts from any storm, hazard, or threat.  Focus on building resiliency against impacts to our critical services and functions.  Emphasize:  Remnants of a storm, or a “close call”, cause major impacts on communities.  Heavy rain, tornadoes, high winds, or flooding can occur before, during, or after a tropical storm. Preparedness Efforts  In addition to the annual citywide exercises, EM has completed the following to prepare for this year’s hurricane season:  Hurricane Evacuation Guides  Civic League and Business Community Preparedness Presentations  Hurricane Preparedness Night  Starlink -3-   Weather Stations  Pocketalk  Department’s Emergency Coordinators Team Norfolk Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Operations Handbook  New Handbook Finalized: Defines EOC structure, processes, and roles for coordinated response  Aligns with Incident Command System (ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS): Scalable framework for emergencies and large planned events  Department Director Roles Clarified: Policy input, resource coordination, situational reporting  Checklists & Procedures Included: Activation triggers, meeting templates, documentation protocols  Supports Continuity & Cost Recovery: Streamlines FEMA documentation and citywide coordination  Living Document: Reviewed annually and updated after real-world incidents and exercises June 24 Full-Scale Shelter & Evacuation Exercise Location: Norview High School Purpose: Test Norfolk’s emergency sheltering operations and evacuation procedures in advance of hurricane season Evacuation Component: Volunteer evacuees from two downtown-area communities will be transported to Norview High School to simulate pre-disaster evacuation and shelter intake Exercise Objectives  Test shelter registration, Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigation Team (MERIT), medical triage (20-bed setup), pet sheltering, EOC comms, multilingual access  Validate real-time coordination across city departments  Identify gaps and improve operational readiness Partnering with Local Churches to Strengthen Neighborhood Resilience Pilot Launch:  First United Presbyterian Church was identified as the inaugural partner in this outreach effort. Why It Matters:  Smaller churches are trusted community anchors and can serve as emergency management hubs, especially in underserved neighborhoods. Program Components:  Distribution of emergency preparedness brochures  On-site participation at church events to engage residents  Assistance with identifying evacuation zones and readiness planning  Ongoing coordination to enhance localized preparedness Scalable Model:  Additional churches will be invited to join the program throughout the next years, creating a citywide network of neighborhood-level preparedness partners. -4-  What Happens When a Storm is Approaching? Our Promise:  We’ll communicate early, often, and clearly, using the City’s website, social media, Norfolk Alert, WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts), and the Emergency Management Blog. Emergency Management is your trusted source for accurate, timely information. 7 – 10 days out Storm Develops EM staff member assigned to watch the storm’s development Depending on forecast:  Begin issuing Norfolk Weather Briefings  Provide leadership briefings and preparedness updates 5 days out Confidence increases Begin monitoring excessive rainfall, outlook, and modeling possible impacts. As forecast confidence reaches over 50% confidence:  Conduct initial in planning meetings.  Implement preparedness activities following Hurricane Planning  Public messaging 3 – 5 days out Pre-arrival Critical decisions:  Evacuation Orders  Declaration of Emergency  Shelter/Evac Centers  Operating condition  Mutual Aid and outside resources  Emergency contract activations 1 – 3 days after Post-Storm  Assess status of the Community Lifelines  Initial damage assessments  Begin following recovery planning cycle Know Your Zone: Know where you are, so you know when to go. During an evacuation, zones are called in priority order. All of Norfolk falls under Evacuation Zone A, B, or C. KnowYourZoneVA.Org Wireless Emergency Alerts:  Life-Saving Messages  Weather Warnings  Tests Conducted Monthly Sign-Up at: https://www.Norfolk.Gov/Alert Team Norfolk Emergency Operations: -5-  All of Norfolk’s emergency plans are available for the public’s view, download, and share at https://www.Norfolk.gov/emergency. Councilman Smigiel asked to alert citizens faster to pull their garbage cans in, even with minor storm events that might cause flooding in some neighborhoods. Mr. Hudson stated they will continue to coordinate with Communications and Norfolk Cares to convey appropriate messaging. City Planning Update Presenter: Mr. Bobby Tajan, Director of Planning Mr. Tajan reported as follows: Rip Rap Brewing Company Conditional Use Permit Location  114 E. 25th Street Existing Conditions  Commercial Request  Allow an existing brewery, under new ownership, to operate with live entertainment. (Floor plan presented.) Hours of Operation (brewery) Existing: 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week Proposed: same Hours for Entertainment and for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages (On-and-off-premises) Existing: 5:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m., Monday through Friday; 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m., Saturday; 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m., Sunday Proposed: 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. seven days per week Occupancy Existing: 48 seats indoors, 15 seats outdoors, 114 total capacity Proposed: 48 seats indoors, 0 seats outdoors, 114 total capacity Entertainment Existing: Live band, Comedian, Karaoke, Poetry Reading, Game/trivia nights Proposed: Same City Planning Commission, by a vote of 6-0, recommends approval.  Same as previously approved use with reduced hours of operation  Letter of Support from the Park Place Civic League  Two-year expiration with the new owner -6-  Dennis Woodbury and BLW Plus, LLC Conditional Rezoning and Conditional Use Permit Location  1485 Johnstons Road Existing Conditions  Child Day Care Center Request  Allow for the construction of 7 townhouse style multi-family units and to continue operations of the child day care (photographs, site plan, and location map presented) Plan Consistency:  plaNorfolk2030’s Future Land Use map designates this site as ‘Institutional;’ however, multifamily use would be congruent with the adjacent ‘Multifamily’ designations. Request:  Conditional Rezoning  From IN (Institutional)  To Conditional MF-NS (Multi-Family Neighborhood Scale)  Conditional Use Permit  Day Care Center, Child City Planning Commission, by a vote of 6-0, recommends approval of Conditional Rezoning and the Conditional Use Permit.  Zoning to Conditional MF-NS is similar in density to the adjacent Planned Use Development  CUP allows for the continuation of the existing child day care center Councilwoman Johnson asked for more information regarding whether the seven units will be sold as condominiums or become rental units. Mr. Tajan stated he will obtain that information and report back to Council. Abel Cortez Conditional Use Permit Location  1001 & 1003 35th Street Existing Conditions  Residential Request  Allow the operation of the 3-bedroom single-family home as Short-Term Rental Units (Photograph and location map presented.) City Planning Commission, by a vote of 5-1, recommends approval.  Two-year expiration  Applicant met with the Park Place Civic League and they voted to remain “neutral” on all STR requests -7-  E-mail of opposition from an adjacent resident with a speaker in opposition at the public hearing Councilman Paige stated our current policy on boarding houses allows up to four occupants. He asked that the new Mayor’s Housing Commission look at increasing the occupancy which could help with our current housing crisis. CLOSED SESSION Motion for a closed session was approved at 4:17 p.m. for purposes which are set out in Clauses 3, 3 and 8 of subsection (A) of Section 2.2-3711 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, as amended: (3) Discussion of the acquisition of real property in Ward 5, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the public body. (3) Discussion of the acquisition of real property in Ward 3, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the public body. (8) Consultation with legal counsel regarding a docket matter which requires legal advice. Yes: Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, Paige, McGee, Smigiel, Thomas and Alexander. No: None. -8-  June 10, 2025 NORFOLK, VIRGINIA ACTION OF THE COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025 – 6:00 P.M. A CITIZEN WHO WISHES TO ADDRESS COUNCIL CONCERNING A CONSENT, REGULAR OR PUBLIC HEARING MATTER ON THE AGENDA, OR NEW BUSINESS (HELD ON THE FIRST MEETING OF THE MONTH) SHOULD 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 Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the Minutes of the Previous City Council Meeting. ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr. 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., Thomas Jr. 1  June 10, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING PH‐1 Public Hearing scheduled this day, pursuant to State Law, on the application of the CITY PLANNING COMMISSION to Rezone Properties two tracts of land west of Tidewater Drive and south of Brambleton Avenue from MF-NS (Multi-Family- Neighborhood Scale) and IN (Institutional) District to OSP (Open Space and Preservation) District. An Ordinance to Rezone Properties two tracts of land west of Tidewater Drive and south of Brambleton Avenue from MF-NS (Multi-Family-Neighborhood Scale) and IN (Institutional) District to OSP (Open Space and Preservation) District. - (Ordinance No. 49993) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr. 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. ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr. C‐1 An Ordinance directing the City Treasurer to issue a refund to TWC NORFOLK LLC upon the overpayment of its Business License Tax for Tax Year 2025. - (Ordinance No. 49994) C‐2 An Ordinance Accepting the Conveyance of a Utility Easement From the Visitors of Old Dominion University Over the Property Located at 1446 43rd Street and Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Easement on Behalf of the City. - (Ordinance No. 49995) 2  June 10, 2025 C‐3 An Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Temporary Construction Easements from Property Owners of Land Adjoining the Public Rights-of-Way For the Westminster Avenue Area Enhancement Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Deeds of Easement on Behalf of City. - (Ordinance No. 49996) C‐4 An Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Authorize a Large-Scale Drive- through Facility on Property located at 1632 East Little Creek Road for a Restaurant Named “McDonald’s.” - (Ordinance No. 49997) The attorney for the applicant, Neil Wisbard, Esq., 620 8th Avenue, New York, New York, was present to answer any questions relative to this matter. C‐5 An Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Authorize a Large-Scale Drive- through Facility on Property located at 8402 Tidewater Drive for a Restaurant Named “McDonald’s.” - (Ordinance No. 49998) The attorney for the applicant, Neil Wisbard, Esq., 620 8th Avenue, New York, New York, was present to answer any questions relative to this matter. C‐6 An Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Authorize a Large-Scale Drive- through Facility on Property located at 8300 Hampton Boulevard and 114 Forrest Avenue for a Restaurant Named “McDonald’s.” - (Ordinance No. 49999) The attorney for the applicant, Neil Wisbard, Esq., 620 8th Avenue, New York, New York, was present to answer any questions relative to this matter. C‐7 An Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Authorize a Large-Scale Drive- through Facility on Property located at 4125 Granby Street for a Restaurant Named “McDonald’s.” - (Ordinance No. 50000) The attorney for the applicant, Neil Wisbard, Esq., 620 8th Avenue, New York, New York, was present to answer any questions relative to this matter. C‐8 An Ordinance Granting Conditional Use Permits Authorizing the Operation of a Restaurant with Extended Hours and a Large-Scale Drive-Through Facility on Property Located at 4108 Hampton Boulevard for a Restaurant Named “McDonald’s.” - (Ordinance No. 50001) The attorney for the applicant, Neil Wisbard, Esq., 620 8th Avenue, New York, New York, was present to answer any questions relative to this matter. 3  June 10, 2025 C‐9 An Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Authorize a Large-Scale Drive- through Facility on Property located at 1046 Campostella Road for a Restaurant Named “McDonald’s.” - (Ordinance No. 50002) The attorney for the applicant, Neil Wisbard, Esq., 620 8th Avenue, New York, New York, was present to answer any questions relative to this matter. REGULAR AGENDA R‐1 An Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition from the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority of Certain Property Located Within the St. Paul's Project Area For the Blue-Greenway Project. - (Ordinance No. 50003) Monet Johnson, 208 W. 25th Street, spoke in opposition to this matter. Tiara Lassiter, 3055 Sewell Point Road, spoke in opposition to this matter. ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr. R‐2 An Ordinance Approving a Sixth Amendment to Lease Agreement Between the City of Norfolk and Trolley House Refreshments, Inc. For Space Located Within the Bank of America Center Garage at 482 Main Street. - (Ordinance No. 50004) Bendica Lolito, 482 Main Street, was present to answer any questions relative to this matter. ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr. 4  June 10, 2025 R‐3 An Ordinance to Dissolve the Broad Creek Renaissance District Tax Increment Financing Fund and to Terminate the Existence of the Broad Creek Renaissance District Development Project Area. - (Ordinance No. 50005) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr. R‐4 An Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Authorize Short-Term Rental Units (Vacation Rental) on Property Located at 810 West Ocean View Avenue, Units A and B. ACTION: Continued [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr. R‐5 An Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Authorize a Short-Term Rental Unit (Vacation Rental) on Property Located at 1619 Lafayette Boulevard. ACTION: Continued [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr. R‐6 An Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Authorize Smoking Products at a Retail Store Named “Mister Bazaar LLC” on Property Located at 1533 East Bayview Boulevard. - (Ordinance No. 50006) David Hledick, 1533 E. Bayview Boulevard, was present to answer any questions relative to this matter. ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr. 5  June 10, 2025 R‐7 An Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Authorize the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages for On-Premises Consumption at a Restaurant Named “Plate Me Please Seafood & Bistro” on Property Located at 7105 Sewell’s Point Road. - (Ordinance No. 50007) ACTION: Adopted [Unanimous] AYES: Alexander, Clanton, Doyle, Johnson, McGee, Paige, Smigiel Jr., Thomas Jr. NEW BUSINESS Tiara Lassiter, 3055 Sewell Point Road, spoke regarding affordable housing. Raytron White, 3149 Kimball Terrace, spoke regarding Susan Matousek, 8214 Andrew Lane, spoke regarding squatting, vandalism, and improved student education in civics. Matthew Lynch, 116 W. 36th Street, spoke regarding new initiatives. Keenan Baskerville, 8236 Nathan Avenue, spoke regarding a police issue. Lacamya Gainer, 3370 Kimball Terrace, spoke regarding in-home childcare. Javon Bennett, 1342 Reservoir Avenue, spoke regarding environmental justice. Dorarena Boyd, P.O. Box 8321, spoke regarding historic land acquisition disputes. Sasha Simmons, 912 Tunstall Avenue, spoke regarding St. Paul’s Area development. ADJOURNMENT 6