Wayne Watson

The council meeting agenda includes public hearings for a zoning amendment at 6303 Granby Street, adding a kennel use to the Riverview zoning district, and the vacation of a portion of Water Street. The consent agenda covers multiple items such as conditional use permits for Cogans Pizza, utility easements, encroachment modifications for license plate readers, and new authorizations for utility box artwork. The regular agenda focuses on short-term rental permits, an LED billboard conversion, appropriations for crisis funding and pet sterilization programs, and the adoption of the fiscal year 2027 Capital Improvement Plan budget.

The council passed a resolution for a closed session and held public hearings regarding license and lease agreements with Tidewater Community College, Verizon Virginia LLC, and local businesses. The consent agenda included approvals for various conditional use permits for restaurants and property expansions. The regular agenda covered significant financial and administrative actions, including the approval of 2027 health insurance plans, budget revisions for opioid abatement grants and the Law Library, and capital improvement plan updates. The council also authorized the annual city budget and appropriations for school board funding and retirement system supplements.

The City Council meeting covered several critical topics, including a proposal for a new polling location at Norfolk State University and a detailed update on state legislative priorities and the state budget, specifically concerning non-federal matching funds for coastal storm risk management and tenant protections. The council addressed various budget amendments, including appropriations for Military Circle Mall, public art initiatives, transportation intersection improvements, and regional mobile health services. Additionally, the council approved ordinances regarding lease amendments for Amtrak, land use for community events, various conditional use permits, stormwater management design standards, and the confirmation of an Assistant City Attorney.

The City Council meeting addressed multiple regulatory and budgetary matters. Key items included regulations for UAS take-offs and landings, various property-related license and lease agreements involving Tidewater Community College, Verizon Virginia LLC, and local businesses, and conditional use permits for commercial establishments. Financial items encompassed the 2027 health insurance plans for employees, updates to the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority grant, the law library budget, and significant amendments and approvals regarding the 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Plan budget and the city's annual operating budget. Additionally, the council addressed special revenue funds for the School Board and a one-time retirement supplement for certain retirees.

The City Council meeting included a closed session and various public hearings regarding land use, including a lease amendment for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation and authorization for the use of city property for the 2026 F.U.S.E. Fest. The council addressed a consent agenda involving a solar energy facility permit, right-of-way encroachment, and restaurant permits. Regular agenda items featured the approval of a design-build contract for a flood mitigation program, updates to stormwater design manuals and construction permit fees, and several appropriation ordinances for economic development, public art, infrastructure improvements, and regional mobile health services. Additionally, the council approved grant agreements and amendments to operating agreements with the Virginia Zoological Society.