Josiah Austin

This document outlines the Capital Improvements Program and Plan (CIP) for the City of Suffolk, Virginia, spanning fiscal years 2027-2036. Its primary objective is to strategically plan for the renovation and construction of significant public improvements and the acquisition of major new and replacement equipment. The plan aims to enhance financial planning by aligning needs with resources, considering operating impacts, and prioritizing projects that deliver positive outcomes for citizens. Key strategic areas include Public Safety, Financial Stability, Growth Management and Comprehensive Planning, Civic Engagement and Responsive City Services, Expanded Economic Development, Public Education, Leisure, Health and Wellness, and Transportation.

The Work Session agenda included an Economic Forecast presentation by the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and an overview of proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance concerning commercial horse stables and battery energy storage uses. The subsequent Regular Session agenda covered special presentations on the Great Suffolk Cleanup 2026 and the State of Agriculture 2026 update, along with proclamations recognizing National Agriculture Month. Consent Agenda items involved accepting and appropriating funds from various sources for projects including the Suffolk Executive Airport and the Longacre Park initial design phase, amending the Education standing Committee membership, and authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding for the Western Tidewater Recovery Court Program. A staff report reviewing the Suffolk Police Department's 2025 Year in Review was also listed.

The meeting agenda included several key items: Call to Order, Approval of Agenda, Review and approval of minutes, First Public Comment Period, Appointment of Officers of Election pursuant to §24.2-115(A), Second Public Comment Period, and Adjournment.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting lists several public hearings scheduled for review: BZA27-2025 regarding a Tier 1 Construction variance request for setback reduction at 111 S Capital St; BZA37-2025 concerning a variance request by Fred Walker, Jr. for setback and parking reduction at 103 Day St; and BZA01-2026 involving Robert Parris at 7011 Neal Ct. The minutes from the previous January 13, 2025, Regular Meeting are included, detailing numerous public hearings where variances were considered, including approvals, deferrals, and after-the-fact variance requests related to construction setbacks and parking compliance.

The meeting agenda included a call to order, approval of the agenda, and a closed session. The discussion in the closed session focused on the Voting System Security Plan (VSSP), followed by an action item to approve the VSSP for submission to the Virginia Department of Elections, pursuant to Va. Code § 24.2-625.1(D).