Hopewell public meetings in 2023

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting with a closed session for personnel matters, followed by a regular meeting. The main business is a finance status report from the Robert Bobb Group, covering accounting remediation, project management, and financial risks. The council will also consider vacancies on several boards and commissions.

• Closed meeting to discuss personnel matters and board/commission appointments
• Finance status report from Robert Bobb Group on accounting remediation and project management
• Board vacancies: Economic Development Authority (1), Planning Commission (1), Architectural Review Board (3), Downtown Design Review (2), Building Code Appeals (5), Keep Hopewell Beautiful (1)
• Discussion of leachate fund usage and potential liability to industry partners
• FY 2020 audit package finalization and MUNIS system implementation

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a closed meeting, work session, and regular meeting. Key items include a work session on a development modification for 3609 Oaklawn Blvd, a resolution for a mixed-use grant on Main St, and a presentation of the city's 2024 legislative agenda. The agenda also includes routine consent items, public hearings, and board vacancy announcements.

• Work session: Modification to development for 3609 Oaklawn Blvd
• Resolution for mixed use on Main St. Grant
• Presentation of 2024 Legislative Agenda
• Closed meeting for personnel matters and appointments
• Board vacancies: Economic Development Authority, Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board, etc.

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting that consists primarily of a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including board and commission appointments and the performance of specific appointees and employees. The agenda includes only procedural items such as roll call, the closed meeting motion, certification, and reports, with no public business items listed.

• Closed meeting under Va. Code § 2.2-3711 (A) (I) for personnel matters and appointments
• Certification of closed meeting per Va. Code § 2.2-3712 (D)
• Reports from City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk
• Councilors' requests

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a work session to discuss a request from Advance Auto to modify development standards to allow a second freestanding sign at 3609 Oaklawn Blvd., marking the Woodlawn Street entrance. The Planning Commission has recommended approval 4-0. The regular meeting includes consent agenda items, a finance report, and several action items, including a budget resolution, parking ordinance changes, and a collective bargaining resolution.

• Work session: modification to development standards for a second sign at 3609 Oaklawn Blvd. (Advance Auto)
• R1: PPTRA Budget Resolution Approval Request
• R2: Proposed changes to Parking Enforcement and Inoperable Vehicles Ordinance
• R3: High Visibility Back Plate Upgrades and Pedestrian Crossing Improvements (VHSIP)
• R4: Collective Bargaining Resolution

City Council

This is a special meeting of the Hopewell City Council. The only substantive item is a closed meeting to receive legal advice from the city attorney, as permitted by Virginia law. The council will reconvene in open session to certify that only exempt matters were discussed. No other business is listed.

• Closed meeting under Va. Code §2.2-3711(A)(8) for legal consultation
• Certification of closed meeting compliance per Va. Code §2.2-3712(D)

City Council

The City Council will hold a closed meeting to discuss personnel matters and appointments. The regular meeting includes discussions on updating the city's right-of-way vacation policy and an ordinance regarding employee bonus payments.

• Updates to the City’s Right-of-Way Vacation Policy
• Employee Bonus Payment Ordinance
• Revenue Sharing Program Application
• Grant approval for project SAF
• Downtown Hopewell updates

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting with a closed session for personnel matters and board appointments, followed by a work session to review the City Council Rules. The agenda is largely procedural, focusing on internal governance rules rather than specific policy decisions.

• Closed meeting to discuss personnel matters and board/commission appointments
• Work session on City Council Rules, including voting methods, meeting procedures, and use of council chamber
• Council chamber use rules include a $50 key/security deposit
• Flowers or donations for council members limited to $75 per occurrence

City Council

The City Council and Planning Commission are holding a joint worksession to introduce a diagnostic review of Hopewell's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, conducted by the Berkley Group. The meeting is intended to collect feedback on key issues and concerns to inform a Land Use Tools Report, which will guide future updates. Initial findings from the review will be shared and discussed.

• Diagnostic review of Comprehensive Plan and Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances by Berkley Group
• Discussion of Code of Virginia mandates, including Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act compliance
• Feedback sought on Comprehensive Plan strengths and weaknesses
• Feedback sought on Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances priorities and community design standards
• Emerging issues to address, such as Airbnbs and food trucks

City Council

The City Council is receiving a presentation from consultants UHY and RBG on remediating the city's financial reporting, which has not had a clean audit since FY 2014 and no financial reports since FY 2019. The plan includes completing overdue audits, fixing the MUNIS financial system, and addressing staffing and policy gaps. No formal votes or decisions are scheduled; this is an informational briefing.

• Timeline to finalize FY 2020 financial statements by Dec. 16, 2023, and FY 2021 by Feb. 28, 2024
• Plan to hire a permanent Chief Financial Officer and backfill other finance roles
• Reconciliation of wastewater treatment plant and Beacon Theater accounts
• Update and configure the MUNIS ERP system, including security and separation of duties
• Address timekeeping inconsistencies across departments (Police, Fire, Water Renewal)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a work session on right-of-way vacation policy, then a regular meeting with a public hearing on collective bargaining (second reading) and votes on amendments to sewer connection fees, transient occupancy tax, and FOIA policy. The agenda also includes routine consent items, a police report, and a discussion about a possible 2024 council retreat.

• Public hearing on collective bargaining ordinance (second reading)
• Amendment to Connection Sewer Fees Ordinance
• Amendments to Transient Occupancy Tax Ordinance
• Amended FOIA Policy language and fees
• Right-of-way vacation policy update (work session)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting with a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including board and commission appointments and employee performance. The work session will feature an update on financial remediation services from the Robert Bobb Group.

• Closed session under Va. Code §2.2-3711(A)(l) for personnel matters
• Work session: Financial Remediation Services Update – Robert Bobb Group

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is meeting to consider several ordinances, including collective bargaining, transient occupancy tax amendments, sewer connection fees, and FOIA policy changes, all with public hearings. The agenda also includes a closed meeting for personnel matters, a work session on council rules, and routine consent agenda items.

• Public hearing on collective bargaining ordinance (first reading)
• Public hearing on amendments to transient occupancy tax ordinance
• Public hearing on amendment to connection sewer fees ordinance
• Public hearing on amended FOIA policy language and fees
• Appropriate funds for SCBA grant and gravity thickener replacement

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting with a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including board and commission appointments. The meeting will reconvene in open session to certify that only exempt matters were discussed. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Closed meeting under Va. Code § 2.2-3711 (A)(I) for personnel and appointments
• Certification of closed meeting per Va. Code § 2.2-3712 (D)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a work session to discuss the 2023 general reassessment of property tax values, including the mass appraisal process, appeals, and future goals of the assessor's office. The regular meeting includes several ordinance amendments and a public hearing on rental inspections.

• Public hearing on Rental Inspections Program Ordinance Amendment
• Amendment to Transient Occupancy Tax Ordinance
• Amended FOIA Policy language and fees
• Amendment to Connection Sewer Fees Ordinance
• Formal Remaining ARPA Funds

The council voted to appoint Janice Petit to the Healthy Families Advisory Board, passing the motion 6‑0. Earlier, members approved Zoom participation for the Vice Mayor and several procedural motions, each with unanimous or near‑unanimous votes.

• Approved Zoom participation for Vice Mayor Gore (6-0)
• Approved closed session to discuss personnel matters (7-0)
• Approved reopening from closed session (6-0)
• Certified that closed‑session matters were exempt (6-0)
• Appointed Janice Petit to Healthy Families Advisory Board (6-0)
• Adopted regular meeting agenda (7-0)
• Adopted consent agenda (7-0)
• Extended meeting through R4 (7-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting with a closed session to discuss real property acquisition, followed by an open session to vote on three items: authorizing a grant application for the Shiloh Lodge, approving a support agreement for the purchase of the historic African American schoolhouse property, and approving a public safety radio equipment request. The council will also certify that the closed session complied with Virginia law.

• Authorize Economic Development to apply for African American Civil Rights grant for Shiloh Lodge, 601 Prince Henry, and spend $8,000 to prepare application
• Approve support agreement with EDA for acquisition of 1.95 acres at 15 Rev CW Harris Street for $191,100
• Property includes historic African American schoolhouse to be preserved as museum
• Public Safety Radio Equipment Request by Ben Ruppert

The City Council authorized the use of former ARPA funds for a new public safety radio power supply and the acquisition of a historic school house. Council also approved an application for a $750,000 grant to preserve Shiloh Lodge.

• Authorized Economic Development to apply for AACR grant for Shiloh Lodge and spend $8,000 for the application (5-0)
• Approved support agreement with EDA for property acquisition at 15 Rev CW Harris Street (4-1)
• Authorized $69,000 in former ARPA funds for a new public safety radio UPS system (5-0)
• Specified that funding for the 15 Rev CW Harris Street school house purchase come from former ARPA funds (4-1)
• Approved virtual participation for Councilor Harris (4-0)

City Council

The special meeting held on August 24, 2023, was adjourned because a quorum was not met. No substantive decisions were made, and all agenda items may carry over to the next scheduled meeting.

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a regular meeting that includes a closed session for personnel and real estate matters, a work session on collective bargaining, and a regular meeting with public hearings and business items. The most consequential item is a proposed ordinance to establish collective bargaining for city employees, which would allow employee organizations to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions, subject to City Council approval and appropriation. The council will also hold public hearings on CDBG funding allocations and conditional use permits for properties on Oaklawn Blvd and S 5th Ave, and discuss subdivision of 700 S. 15th Ave and remaining ARPA funds.

• Ordinance to establish collective bargaining for city employees (Chapter 2, Article III)
• Public hearing on FY23-FY24 CDBG sub-recipients and funding allocation
• Conditional use permit for 3400 Oaklawn Blvd
• Conditional use permit for 102 S 5th Ave
• Subdivision of 700 S. 15th Ave

City Council approved $236,121 in Community Block Grant sub-recipient funding and appointed six members to city boards. The council also held a work session regarding a proposed collective bargaining ordinance for the police department.

• Approved FY2024 CDBG sub-recipient funding and HUD action plan of $236,121 (7-0)
• Appointed Thomas Wagstaff, Tony Anton, and Susan Benton to Economic Development Authority (7-0)
• Appointed Beverly Balint, Vickie Riley, and Misty Pippen to Healthy Families Advisory board (7-0)
• Adopted Regular Meeting Agenda (6-0)
• Adopted Consent Agenda (6-0)

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a proposal from The Robert Bobb Group (RBG), with partners UHY and Accenture, to provide Project Management Office and Accounting Remediation Services. This follows the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts identifying the city as potentially fiscally distressed due to issues with audited financial statements. The work would address outstanding audits, internal controls, and financial processes for fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

• Proposal for Project Management Office and Accounting Remediation Services, Invitation #07-24
• Addresses fiscal distress identified by Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts
• Includes remediation of financial statements for fiscal years 2019-2023
• Partners: RBG, UHY LLP, and Accenture
• References prior RBG work in Petersburg, VA, involving an $18.8 million deficit

The City Council approved funding for the Robert Bobb Group to provide PMO and Accounting Remediation Services. The funds will be drawn from ARPA funds, and the City Manager is directed to execute the contract.

• Approved $988,680 for PMO and Accounting Remediation services from the Robert Bobb Group (7-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting solely to discuss and review its City Council Rules. No other business is on the agenda.

• Discussion and review of City Council Rules

The City Council held a special meeting to review proposed updates and changes to council rules. The City Attorney's office will present these updates for council review. No formal votes to adopt the rule changes were recorded.

• Approved motion to enter closed session for personnel matters (6-0)
• Approved motion to reconvene open meeting (5-0)
• Approved certification that only lawful public business was discussed in closed session (5-0)
• Denied motion to amend agenda to allow 'Communications from Citizens' before R-1 (4-3)
• Denied motion to amend agenda to add 'Communications from Citizens' after R-1 (6-1)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting with a closed session to discuss personnel matters and a public contract, followed by an open meeting. In open session, the council will consider approving $70,000 in opioid settlement funds for the City of Refuge and appointing a city manager.

• Approval of $70,000 opioid settlement donation to City of Refuge
• Appointment of City Manager
• Closed session for personnel and contract negotiations

The City Council appointed Dr. Concetta Manker as the full-time City Manager and approved her amended employment contract. Council also approved a $70,000 donation from opioid settlement funds to the City of Refuge in Hopewell.

• Approved $70,000 opioid settlement donation to City of Refuge (7-0)
• Appointed Dr. Concetta Manker as full-time City Manager and approved amended contract (4-3)
• Denied motion to approve Commonwealth of Virginia's offer for financial support and interim management (3-4)
• Denied motion to add 'Community from Citizens' forum to the agenda (3-4)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a work session and regular meeting, including a closed session for personnel and real estate matters. The main public item is a conditional use permit request for a single-family dwelling at 3400 Oaklawn Blvd., which staff recommends approving with conditions. The council will also hear a public hearing on CDBG funding allocations and consider appointing a city manager.

• Conditional use permit for single-family dwelling at 3400 Oaklawn Blvd. (parcel #089-1395)
• Public hearing on FY23-FY24 CDBG subrecipients and funding allocations
• Councilor request to appoint a city manager
• Approval of opioid settlement funds to City of Refuge
• Closed meeting for personnel and real property acquisition

City Council appointed Ruth Johnson and Linda Hyslop to the School Board. The meeting also included financial, police, and communications reports, as well as work session discussions on conditional use permits.

• Appointed Ruth Johnson and Linda Hyslop to the School board (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session for personnel and real property matters (6-0)
• Approved motion to reconvene open meeting (7-0)
• Adopted Regular Meeting Agenda (7-0)
• Adopted Consent Agenda (7-0)
• Denied motion to extend meeting and waive the rules (3-4)

City Council

This is a special meeting of the Hopewell City Council, with the sole agenda item being a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including board and commission appointments and the performance of specific appointees and employees. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM with a call to order and roll call, followed by the closed session. After the closed session, the council will certify that only lawful public business matters were discussed.

• Closed meeting under Va. Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) for personnel matters
• Discussion of board and commission appointments
• Discussion of assignment and performance of appointees and employees
• Certification of closed meeting compliance

The City Council convened for a special closed meeting to discuss personnel matters and board and commission appointments. No substantive public decisions were recorded in these minutes.

City Council

This is a special meeting with a single agenda item: a closed session under Virginia law to discuss personnel matters, including board and commission appointments and the performance of specific appointees and employees. The council will vote on a motion to enter the closed meeting and later certify that only lawful exempt matters were discussed. No other business is scheduled.

• Closed meeting under Va. Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) for personnel matters
• Discussion of board and commission appointments
• Discussion of assignment and performance of appointees and employees
• Certification vote under Va. Code § 2.2-3712(D)

The City Council convened for a special closed meeting to discuss personnel matters and board and commission appointments. No substantive public decisions were recorded in these minutes.

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a regular meeting with a closed session first, followed by public hearings on amending the FY2022-23 school operating budget and filling school board vacancies. The main regular business is adopting the Fiscal Year 24 Operating and Capital Budget Resolution and extending the Board of Equalization's time. The agenda also includes routine consent items, reports, and a list of board/commission vacancies.

• Public hearing on amendment of Fiscal Year 2022-23 Hopewell Public Schools Operating Budget
• Public hearing on School Board Vacancies
• R-1: Fiscal Year 24 Operating and Capital Budget Resolution
• R-2: Extension of time for Board of Equalization
• Closed meeting for personnel matters and real property acquisition/disposition

City Council approved the FY24 Operating and Capital Budget and a supplemental appropriation for Hopewell Public Schools. The council also extended the deadline for the Board of Equalization to hear pending appeals.

• Adopted FY24 Operating and Capital Budget of approximately $200,265,567.00 (6-0)
• Approved FY23 Hopewell Public Schools supplemental budget appropriation of $6,447,432.00 (7-0)
• Approved extension to August 30, 2023, for Board of Equalization to hear pending appeals (6-0)
• Adopted consent agenda (7-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting with a public hearing to adopt tax rates for tax year 2023, which would keep rates unchanged from the current year. Following the hearing, the council will hold a budget work session to review the proposed FY 2024 operating and capital budget.

• Public hearing on Tax Rate Resolution R2023-523 to set 2023 tax rates
• Proposed rates: Personal Property $3.50 per $100, Machinery & Tools $3.10 per $100, Meals 6%, Lodging 8%
• Real Estate rate proposed at $1.13 per $100 of assessed value
• Budget work session to review FY 2024 operating and capital budget

City Council approved a Tax Rate Resolution for personal property, business property, and machinery and tools taxes. The Council also voted to set a travel budget and approved the procurement of accounting remediation and PMO services.

• Approved Tax Rate Resolution for Personal Property, Business Property, and Machine and Tools Tax (6-1)
• Approved motion to waive rules to allow a vote during work session (5-2)
• Set travel budget to $10,500.00 (4-3)
• Approved procurement of accounting remediation service and PMO (4-3)
• Approved motion to extend meeting by 15 minutes (7-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the School Board's proposed FY24 budget. The schools are requesting a $14,995,448 appropriation from the city, an increase of $1,415,373 over FY23, citing reduced state funding, declining enrollment, and increased costs. The council will hear the presentation but no vote is scheduled.

• School Board requests $14,995,448 city appropriation for FY24, up $1,415,373 from FY23
• Total school budget request is $73,350,858 across all funds
• State funding projected to drop by $330,362 under 'skinny' budget
• Schools report 74 teacher resignations/retirements this year, up from 48 last year
• Estimated enrollment loss of 345 students since 2020

City Council approved the commitment of ARPA funds for Healthy Families, Social Services, Police, Recreation, Fire, and Public Works. The council excluded the PMO and specific councilor requests from this vote and declared all remaining money as lost revenue. A work session was held regarding the FY 23-24 school budget request for an additional $1.4 million.

• Approved ARPA fund allocations for Healthy Families, Social Services, Police, Recreation, Fire, and Public Works (7-0)
• Declared all remaining ARPA money as lost revenue (7-0)
• Excluded PMO and councilor requests from ARPA fund approval (7-0)
• Approved agenda amendment to include ARPA funds resolution discussion (7-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting that begins with a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including board and commission appointments and the performance of specific appointees and employees. After the closed meeting, the council will reconvene in open session to discuss a previously presented financial assessment by Nancy Zielke. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items listed.

• Closed meeting under Va. Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) for personnel matters and appointments
• Discussion of financial assessment presented by Nancy Zielke

The City Council appointed Kathy Heimbuch to the Board of Equalization. The council also received a financial assessment from Alvarez & Marsal, P.C. regarding the city's audit status and internal financial controls.

• Appointed Kathy Heimbuch to the Board of Equalization (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session for personnel matters (6-0)
• Approved motion to reconvene open meeting (6-1)
• Certified that only lawfully exempted public business was discussed in closed session (7-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting that begins with a closed session to discuss prospective business or industry expansion, real property acquisition or disposition, and personnel matters. Following the closed session, the council will hold a work session on expenditures and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), then certify that only lawful matters were discussed in the closed meeting.

• Closed meeting under Va. Code 2.2-3711(A)(1), (3), (4) for business expansion, real property, personnel
• Work session on expenditures and CIP
• Certification vote on closed meeting compliance

The City Council conducted a work session to review the proposed FY24 budget, including expenditures, new position requests, and the Capital Improvement Program. No formal votes were taken on budget approvals, as a second reading is scheduled for June 5.

• Approved motion to enter closed session for personnel matters (4-0)
• Approved motion to reconvene open meeting (5-0)
• Certified that only lawfully exempted business was discussed in closed session (5-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn (6-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a closed meeting for personnel and business matters, followed by a work session on the rental inspection program and a regular meeting. The regular agenda includes public hearings on dog boarding and tax rates, plus presentations on school arts in parks and a Safe Streets grant. Most items are routine consent agenda matters.

• Work session: Rental Inspection Program with proposed $100 initial inspection fee and $500-$2,500 for unresolved major violations
• Public hearing: Dog boarding (PH-1)
• Public hearing: Tax rate resolution for personal property, business property, and machine and tools (PH-2)
• Presentation: Hopewell Public School Arts in City Parks (R1)
• Presentation: Safe Streets Grant (R2)

The City Council approved a conditional use permit for overnight dog boarding and appropriated funds for a federal safety grant. The council also appointed two members to city boards and postponed a resolution regarding personal property tax rates.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Downtown Pups, LLC to add overnight dog boarding (7-0)
• Appropriated $49,200 in salary savings as a match for the $196,800 Safe Streets for All federal grant (7-0)
• Appointed Shameka Lewis to District 19 Board and Misty Pippin to the Board of Equalization (5-0)
• Approved display of Hopewell Public Schools banners in city parks for annual kids in the park day (7-0)
• Postponed tax rate resolution for personal property, business property, and machine and tools tax until May 25, 2023 (7-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a budget work session to review the proposed FY2024 revenue budget, including tax rates and revenue projections. The agenda includes a detailed breakdown of estimated revenues by fund, with a total proposed revenue of $196,776,060. The council is discussing, not voting on, these figures.

• Proposed real estate tax rate of $1.13 per $100 assessed value
• Proposed personal property tax rate of $3.50 per $100 assessed value
• Proposed meals tax rate of 6.0% and lodging tax rate of 8.0%
• General Fund revenue projected at $61,431,781, up 7% from FY23
• School Operating Fund revenue projected at $67,403,806

The City Council held a work session to review the FY 2024 revenue budget and actuals. The Interim City Manager and City Attorney presented revenue data for real estate, personal property, and other taxes. No formal votes were taken on the budget figures during this session.

• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a state-commissioned assessment by Alvarez & Marsal that confirms Hopewell's fiscal distress, including no clean audit since FY 2014 and missing financial reports since FY 2018. The report outlines 27 strategic recommendations and a stabilization plan to address audit backlogs, internal control weaknesses, and financial management issues. The Council is expected to direct the City Manager to implement priority initiatives.

• No clean audit since FY 2014; no ACFRs or single audits since FY 2018
• 84% of audit findings from FY 2014-2018 remain unaddressed
• Four outstanding audits need completion within 12 months
• Wastewater rebates owed to manufacturers are delayed; liability not reserved
• COVID relief fund (SLFRF) expenditures lack supporting detail

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a state-commissioned assessment by Alvarez & Marsal that confirms the city's fiscal distress, including no clean audit since FY2014 and missing financial reports since FY2018. The report outlines 27 strategic recommendations and a stabilization plan to address audit backlogs, internal control weaknesses, and other financial issues. The council is expected to direct the city manager to implement priority initiatives.

• No clean audit since FY2014; four outstanding audits to complete within 12 months
• 84% of audit findings from FY2014-2018 remain unaddressed
• Wastewater rebates owed to manufacturers delayed; liability not reserved on balance sheet
• COVID relief funds (SLFRF) lack detail to support expenditures
• City provided only 59% of requested documents to assessors

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a closed meeting for personnel and business matters, followed by a work session and regular meeting. The main item is a conditional use permit request from Downtown Pups, LLC to add overnight dog boarding at 246-252 E. Broadway. The council will also review crime statistics, financial reports, and a grant for a City Hall generator.

• Conditional use permit for dog boarding at 246-252 E. Broadway (Downtown Pups, LLC)
• City Grant Approval for City Hall Generator
• Crime Statistics Review by Interim Chief of Police
• Financial Report by Finance Director
• Defense Friendly Community presentation

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a regular meeting with public hearings on the FY24 city budget, a nuisance property ordinance, and a C-Pace ordinance. The council will also hear presentations from the Hopewell Downtown Partnership and the Economic Development and Tourism office, and consider a grant for Shiloh Lodge. A closed meeting is scheduled first to discuss personnel, real estate, and business matters.

• Public hearing on FY24 City Budget
• Public hearing on Nuisance Property Ordinance
• Public hearing on C-Pace Ordinance
• Cameron Foundation Grant Approval for Shiloh Lodge
• Consent agenda includes public hearing announcements for school budget and tax rates

City Council

At this special meeting, the City Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting the proposed real property tax rate of $1.13 per $100 of assessed value for tax year 2023. The rate is unchanged from 2022, but because assessments rose 31%, the effective tax increase is 24% over the lowered rate of $0.86. The council will also vote on the accompanying ordinance and resolution.

• Public hearing on proposed real property tax rate of $1.13 per $100 for 2023
• Assessment increase of 31% triggers effective tax rate increase of 24%
• Proposed total budget increase of 6% for FY 2024
• Ordinance No. 23-418 establishing tax classifications and rates for 2023
• Tax rate resolution for real estate and mobile homes

City Council conducted a budget work session where various department heads presented requests for funding increases. No formal actions were taken on the budget requests during this meeting.

• Approved motion to allow Councilor Pelham to join the meeting remotely (7-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting to conduct interviews for the City Clerk position. The council will enter a closed meeting, citing Virginia law exemptions for candidate interviews and personal privacy, then certify that only exempt matters were discussed before adjourning.

• Closed meeting to interview prospective City Clerk candidates
• Closed meeting under Va. Code Sections 2.2-3711 (A)(1) and (A)(4)
• Certification vote required by Virginia Code § 2.2-3712 (D)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a work session to discuss two proposed ordinances: a Nuisance Property Ordinance to abate criminal blight and a C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing program ordinance. The regular meeting includes public hearings, reports, and a proposed FY24 budget presentation. The agenda also includes a closed meeting for personnel matters.

• Work session: Proposed Nuisance Property Ordinance (criminal blight abatement)
• Work session: Proposed C-PACE Ordinance (clean energy financing)
• Public hearing: CDBG Substantial Amendment
• Reports: Finance Report, Crime Report, FY24 Budget proposal
• Board/commission vacancies: multiple openings listed

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting with a closed session to interview prospective candidates for the City Clerk position. The closed session is authorized under Virginia law for discussing candidate interviews and personal matters. The meeting includes roll call, a motion to enter closed session, and a certification that only lawful exempt matters were discussed.

• Closed meeting to interview City Clerk candidates
• Motion citing Va. Code Sections 2.2-3711 (A)(1) and (A)(4)
• Certification pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3712 (D)

The City Council convened for a special meeting and entered a closed session to discuss interviews for prospective City Clerk candidates. No other substantive actions were taken during the meeting.

• Approved telephonic participation for Councilor Pelham (4-0)
• Approved entering closed session to discuss City Clerk candidate interviews (5-0)
• Approved certification that only lawful exempt business was discussed in closed session (6-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a closed meeting, work session, and regular meeting. The work session focuses on a CDBG substantial amendment to reallocate funds from two infrastructure projects to new playground equipment at 3-1/2 Street Park to avoid a HUD timeliness violation. The regular meeting includes public hearings, consent agenda items, and several regular business items.

• CDBG substantial amendment: reallocate funds from Maple St and New York Ave infrastructure to playground equipment at 3-1/2 Street Park
• Sewer Use Ordinance discussion (R-1)
• La Iglesia Renacer tax exempt application (R-2)
• Bridge and Emergency Vehicle Rating Inspections (R-3)
• Opioid settlements with Teva, Allergan, Walmart, and CVS for approval

City Council approved funding for critical infrastructure inspections and authorized participation in an opioid settlement. The council also denied a grant application for the Hopewell Marina design but approved funds for an environmental analysis of the site.

• Appointed Stacy English to Petersburg area regional tourism board and William Wise and William Hyatt to the Dock Commission (6-0)
• Approved updates to the sewer ordinance (6-0)
• Approved tax exemption for La Iglesia Renacer (6-0)
• Approved $92,670 from salary savings for bridge and emergency vehicle rating inspections (6-0)
• Approved installation of Sturgeon artwork in city park for up to 1 year (7-0)
• Denied funding and application for Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for Hopewell Marina design (6-1)
• Approved $20,000 from parks and recreation salary savings for a Marina environmental analysis (7-0)
• Approved participation in opioid settlements with Tavia, Alergin, Walgreens, and CVS (7-0)

City Council

This is a special meeting of the Hopewell City Council focused on presentations for the FY24 budget from city departments and schools, followed by requests from outside agencies for funding. The council is hearing these presentations and requests, not voting on them.

• FY24 budget presentations from Hopewell City Schools, CSA, Recreation & Parks, Social Services, Water Renewal, and City Council
• Outside agency funding requests from 17 groups, including Appomattox Regional Library System, Brightpoint Community College, Hopewell Food Pantry, and Virginia's Gateway Region

City Council conducted a work session featuring budget presentations from school officials, Parks and Recreation, Social Services, and other agencies. No substantive budget approvals were made; the session focused on preliminary figures and funding requests.

• Approved motion to allow Councilor Pelham to participate virtually (5-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a meeting that includes a call to order, roll call, and a presentation of the FY24 departmental budget. The agenda is largely procedural, with the budget presentation being the only substantive item.

• FY24 Departmental Budget Presentation

City Council conducted a budget work session where department directors presented requested funding increases for the upcoming fiscal year. All presentations were for discussion purposes and required no action at the time of the meeting.

• No budget increases were decided or approved during this session

City Council

City Council authorized the Hopewell Police Department to apply for a DCJS ARPA grant. The council also received reports on city finances, crime statistics, and engineering projects.

• Approved application for DCJS ARPA grant of $633,000 with no matching funds (7-0)
• Adopted regular meeting agenda (6-0)
• Adopted consent agenda (5-1)
• Approved motion to enter closed session (4-0)
• Approved motion to exit closed session (7-0)
• Certified closed session compliance (7-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will convene for a closed meeting to discuss personnel and appointments, then reconvene for a regular meeting that includes a public hearing on a zoning amendment request by Chris Ward. The agenda also includes grant approvals, a ring camera program discussion, and a list of board and commission vacancies.

• Public hearing on B1 zoning amendment request by Chris Ward
• Grant approval for Fire Chief Benjamin Ruppert
• SRO continuation grant approval
• Ring Cameras for Citizens discussion
• Board and commission vacancies (e.g., Architectural Review Board, School Board)

City Council approved a zoning amendment to allow pet shops with incidental boarding kennels via conditional use permits. The council also appointed members to multiple city boards and commissions and approved two grants for fire and police services.

• Approved zoning amendment to add 'Pet Shop,' with incidental Boarding Kennel, with Conditional Use Permit (6-0)
• Appointed members to various boards, commissions, and committees (6-0)
• Appropriated $115,329 State Homeland Security Grant to Hopewell Fire and EMS (6-0)
• Approved application for $78,620 School Resource Officer Grant with $19,926 match from salary savings (5-1)
• Changed Closed Session start time from 6:30 PM to 6:00 PM (6-0)
• Adopted consent agenda (6-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a work session and regular meeting, including a closed session for personnel and contract matters. The main public item is a zoning amendment request from Downtown Pups, LLC to allow boarding kennels as an incidental use to pet shops in the B-1 Downtown Central Business District, which would require a conditional use permit. The council will also discuss stormwater fees, a community crime update, and a finance report.

• Zoning amendment to add 'Boarding Kennel' as incidental use to 'Pet Shop' in B-1 district (Downtown Pups, LLC, 246 E. Broadway)
• Work session: Stormwater Resilience Plan overview and discussion on including stormwater fees with real estate taxes
• Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit for Cedar Ln. and Spot Blight Properties
• Community Crime Update by Police Chief AJ Starke
• Finance Report by Finance Director Michael Terry

City Council denied a Conditional Use Permit for a house on Cedar Lane and declared three properties blighted for demolition. The council also approved using salary savings to purchase additional police uniforms.

• Denied Conditional Use Permit for Cedar Lane (7-0)
• Declared 905 Arlington Rd, 3104 St. Charles St, and 1800 Trenton Ave. as blighted and approved demolition (7-0)
• Approved allocation of salary savings for additional police uniforms (6-1)
• Adopted agenda (6-0)
• Adopted consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter Closed Session (7-0)
• Approved motion to reconvene Open Meeting (6-0)

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting with a closed session for contracts and personnel, followed by a regular meeting. The main agenda item is a presentation by Jennifer Murphy-James on the OneHopewell community health initiative, which includes a proposed $107,000 budget for 2023-2024. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Closed meeting for business contracts and personnel matters
• Presentation on OneHopewell health initiative by Jennifer Murphy-James
• Proposed $107,000 budget for OneHopewell 2023-2024
• Includes $55,000 for staffing and $20,000 for resilience funds

City Council approved the appropriation of $107,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for OneHopewell, a community health and enhancement initiative. Council also authorized the Finance Director to repurpose funds to address audit deficits. A closed session was held to discuss business contracts and personnel matters.

• Approved $107,000 in ARPA funds for OneHopewell (5-1)
• Authorized Finance Director to repurpose $181,000 and $303,000 to address audit deficits (5-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session for business contracts and personnel matters (6-0)
• Certified that only lawfully exempted matters were discussed in closed session (5-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special closed meeting to discuss business contracts and personnel matters, as permitted by Virginia law. The meeting includes a roll call, a motion to enter closed session, and a certification upon reconvening that only exempt matters were discussed. No public action or decision is scheduled on the agenda.

• Closed meeting under Va. Code § 2.2-3711(A) for business contracts and personnel
• Certification vote under Va. Code § 2.2-3712(D) after closed session

The City Council convened for a special meeting and entered a closed session to discuss business contracts and personnel matters. No substantive public decisions were made during the open portion of the meeting.

• Approved Mayor Partin's participation via telephone (4-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session for business contracts and personnel matters (4-0)
• Certified that only lawfully exempted matters were discussed in closed session (6-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a closed meeting, a work session, and a regular meeting. In the work session, they will discuss updates to the rental inspection program and a proposed loitering ordinance. The regular meeting includes a public hearing on a conditional use permit for 101 S. Main St., and several subdivision requests. The agenda also includes routine consent items and a request for a plan to address gun violence.

• Work session: update to rental inspection program ordinance (WS-1)
• Work session: proposed loitering ordinance (WS-2)
• Public hearing: conditional use permit for 101 S. Main St. (PH-1)
• Subdivision of 1700 Dinwiddie Ave and 3602 Jackson Farm Rd
• Councilor request: written plan to address gun violence with 30/90/180 day plan (CR-1)

City Council approved a new loitering ordinance and a contract with the Virginia American Water Corporation. The council also approved two property subdivisions and a temporary waiver for personal property tax penalties. A proposed rental inspection program was deferred pending a special meeting to review budget impacts.

• Approved contract with Virginia American Water Corporation (5-1)
• Approved new loitering ordinance (5-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for 101 S. Main St with added digital technologies (5-0)
• Approved subdivision of 1700 Dinwiddie Ave (5-0)
• Approved subdivision of 3603 Jackson Farm Rd (5-0)
• Approved waiver of personal property tax penalties, fees, and interest until March 15 (5-0)
• Appointed Councilor Joyner and Councilor Harris to the Finance Committee (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda (5-1)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is meeting electronically. The council will first hold a closed meeting to discuss potential business contracts for Risk Assessment and Compliance Audit Services, then reconvene in open session. The regular session includes a report from the Group Violent Invention (GVI) Meeting/Ceasefire initiative.

• Closed meeting to discuss potential business contracts for Risk Assessment and Compliance Audit Services
• Certification vote on closed meeting compliance with Virginia Code
• Group Violent Invention (GVI) Meeting/Ceasefire report out

The City Council met in a special session and entered a closed session to consider business contracts for Risk Assessment and Compliance Audit Services. City Manager Dr. Concetta Manker also provided a report on the Group Violent Intervention (GVI) and Operation Ceasefire partnership.

• Approved motion to enter closed session to discuss Risk Assessment and Compliance Audit Services contracts (6-0)
• Approved motion to reconvene open meeting (6-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a work session to discuss a conditional use permit for 101 S. Main St., proposing to convert a vacant building into 19 apartments, three live-work units, and one commercial space. The regular meeting includes a closed session for personnel and contracts, a crime update, a finance report, and several councilor requests. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Conditional use permit for 101 S. Main St.: 19 apartments, 3 live-work units, 1 commercial space
• Closed meeting for business contracts and personnel matters
• Community Crime Update by Police Chief AJ Starke
• Finance Report by Finance Director Michael Terry
• Councilor request to consider posting for City Finance Director position

The City Council appointed Councilor Gore as Vice Mayor and established the regular meeting schedule for 2023. The council also adopted a resolution regarding adverse weather and emergency conditions. A conditional use permit for a mixed-use project at 101 S. Main Street was discussed but not decided.

• Appointed Councilor Gore as Vice Mayor (6-1)
• Approved 2023 regular meeting dates (7-0)
• Adopted resolution regarding adverse weather or other emergency conditions (6-0)
• Approved appointment of Phillip Hughes to Downtown Design Review Committee and four councilors to Community Development and Block Grant Committee (7-0)
• Approved amended consent agenda (7-0)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting to appoint a mayor and vice mayor, set the 2023 meeting schedule, and adopt a resolution on emergency weather procedures. The agenda also includes a possible closed session for personnel matters. Most items are procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Appointment of Mayor and Vice Mayor per City Charter
• Adoption of 2023 regular meeting schedule (2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., 300 N. Main St.)
• Resolution 2021-01 on emergency and inclement weather operations and safety policy
• Possible closed meeting for personnel matters (Va. Code § 2.2-3711)

The City Council held a special meeting to fill leadership vacancies. Councilor Johnny Partin was appointed Mayor, while the appointment of a Vice Mayor was postponed to the next scheduled meeting.

• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Appointed Councilor Johnny Partin as Mayor (6-1)
• Denied nomination of Councilor Jasmine Gore for Vice Mayor (3-4)
• Denied nomination of Councilor Dominic Holloway for Vice Mayor (3-4)
• Approved motion to postpone Vice Mayor vote to the next scheduled meeting (4-3)