Benjamin Titter

The board reviewed and approved the list of Officers of Elections, with a focus on the necessity of recruiting Republican election officers to ensure legal parity. Discussions included training initiatives for officers and upcoming practice sessions. An executive session was held to address personnel matters. Additionally, the board discussed the proposed special election regarding the redistricting referendum, noting the pending guidance from the State Board of Elections and the proposed timeline for early voting.

The board conducted meetings to complete the canvas and process provisional ballots for the special election. Key discussions included reviewing challenges encountered with the city-wide ballot-on-demand program, documenting lessons learned to prevent future issues, and verifying election results by checking tapes and statements. The board processed provisional ballots, including both non-same day registrations and same day registrations, finalized and signed the election abstracts for submission to the state, and reviewed and signed the 2026 Locality Election Security Remediation Plan Acknowledgement.

The City Council meeting included a special recognition for the City Clerk's ten years of service. Agenda items included approval of a budget transfer to the Police Department's Animal Services program, appropriation of grant funds for the Sheriff's Office School Resource Deputy Program, and authorization for the City Attorney to execute an agreement terminating a tri-party agreement regarding proffers. Additionally, numerous appointments were made to various city boards and commissions, including the Economic Development Authority, South Norfolk Revitalization Commission, and the Local Emergency Planning Committee. The Council also amended a prior action regarding the 2045 Comprehensive Plan to correct a clerical error and scheduled a future closed meeting to interview board candidates.

The City Council conducted a work session to discuss Rules of Order and Procedure before proceeding to a regular meeting. Key actions included the adoption of the Greenbrier Area Plan and Design Guidelines, the approval of a proffer modification for a hotel project at Debaun Plaza, and a zoning reclassification for the Hubbard Farm property. The Council also granted conditional use permits for two in-home childcare operations and approved a text amendment regarding urban overlay density. Additionally, an appeal regarding a Certificate of Appropriateness for a historic property was remanded back to the Historic and Architectural Review Board. New business included updates on the maintenance of specific school buildings and recognition of the local American Legion baseball team. Finally, the Council convened a closed meeting to discuss ongoing opioid litigation, a specific lawsuit, and a utility proposal in the Southern Chesapeake Planning Area.

The council held a work session focused on a Comprehensive Plan update, followed by a regular meeting. Key actions included approving cable franchise agreements with Cox Communications and Verizon South, Inc., and an ordinance amendment regarding telecommunications infrastructure. The council approved the Consent Agenda, which included various refunds and resignations for city commissions and committees. Additionally, they authorized substantial funding transfers and bond usage for the Cuffee Community Center Pool project. Appointments were made to several boards and commissions, and nominations for the Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Planning Commission were discussed for future consideration.