Hopewell public meetings in 2024

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is reviewing the November FY25 budget-to-actuals report, covering citywide, general fund, enterprise fund, and schools. Citywide revenues are trending 1.72% higher than FY24, while expenses are up 1.59%. The Treasurer's Office noted $2.9 million in unrecorded revenue. No decisions are being made; this is a discussion and information session.

• Citywide revenues up $6.9M (1.72%) vs FY24; expenses up $2.9M (1.59%)
• General fund revenues trending $944k higher; expenses $2.5M higher
• Enterprise fund revenues up $4M (3.57%); expenses down $4.2M (13.71%) due to fewer emergency repairs
• Schools revenues down $761k (0.68%); expenses up $3.7M (3.22%)
• $2.9M in unrecorded revenue reported by Treasurer's Office

The Hopewell City Council held a special meeting on December 17, 2024, and approved the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the NOVA South Swim Team for the 2025-2026 season, based on staff recommendation. The council also held a closed meeting for legal consultation and recognized outgoing councilors with awards. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved remote participation for Mayor Partin and Councilor Joyner (4-0)
• Adopted the meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved closed meeting for legal consultation on litigation (6-0)
• Reconvened open meeting (5-0)
• Certified closed meeting compliance (5-0)
• Approved MOA for NOVA South Swim Team 2025-2026 (5-0)

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting to consider endorsing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with NOVA South for the 2025-2026 swim season. The agreement would allow NOVA South to rent up to three lanes at the Hopewell Community Center at $15 per lane per hour. Staff recommends approval.

• Vote on SB-1: 2025-2026 MOA & Operational Summary for NOVA South
• NOVA South to rent 3 lanes at Hopewell Community Center, $15/lane/hour, Sept 2025–May 2026
• Previous season financials show net loss of $6,644.48 in 2022-2023 and $15,104.77 in 2023-2024

The Hopewell City Council held a special meeting on December 17, 2024, and approved a motion allowing Mayor Partin and Councilor Joyner to participate remotely. The council also received financial and treasurer's reports, with no other substantive decisions made.

• Approved remote participation for Mayor Partin and Councilor Joyner (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss two land-use items: a zoning ordinance amendment to add 'Municipal Facilities' as an allowable use in the C-1 Conservation District, intended to allow construction of a fire department burn building on a former landfill site; and a conditional use permit request to build a single-family home on a non-conforming parcel on Atlantic Street. The Planning Commission has recommended approval for both items. No final votes are expected at this meeting, as both are first readings.

• Zoning amendment to add 'Municipal Facilities' to C-1 Conservation District, enabling a fire department training burn building on Parcel #106-0965 off Delrose Drive
• Conditional use permit (CUP) request by SRB Investors LLC to build a single-family dwelling on non-conforming Parcel #013-1210 on Atlantic Street in R-2 zoning
• Planning Commission voted 3-0 to recommend approval of both items on November 14, 2024
• Staff analysis notes C-1 districts contain brownfields with limited redevelopment potential; closest residence to proposed burn building is over 1,000 feet away
• No public comments received on either proposal

The council voted to reduce the industrial stormwater credit from 90% to 20% and to move the monthly stormwater fee from utility bills to real estate taxes, effectively increasing revenue for stormwater projects. A motion to table the stormwater discussion until March failed. The council also approved a conditional use permit for a home on Bank Street, a rezoning at 2610 City Point Road, and adopted the HR Conflict of Interest Policy.

• Reduced industrial stormwater credit from 90% to 20% (6-1)
• Moved stormwater fee from utility billing to real estate taxes (7-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for single-family dwelling on Bank Street (6-1)
• Approved rezoning at 2610 City Point Road from R-2 to B-2 with proffers (6-1)
• Adopted revised HR Conflict of Interest Policy (5-2)
• Appointed Shantae Wheeler, Violet Taylor, Chris Lofstrom, Jennifer Lowery, and Zyannah Richardson to boards (6-0)
• Motion to table stormwater discussion until March failed (4-3)

Planning Commission/Wetlands Board

The Planning Commission and Wetlands Board will meet to review administrative matters and hold a public hearing. The primary focus is a request to amend zoning text to allow churches in the R-1A Residential Low Density District.

• Zoning text amendment request by Restored Hope Church of the Nazarene for R-1A Residential Low Density District

The Hopewell Planning Commission unanimously approved a zoning ordinance amendment to add 'Churches' as a by-right use in the R-1A residential district, allowing Restored Hope Church of the Nazarene to rebuild on its original site. The commission also adopted the agenda and approved the November 14, 2024 minutes. No Wetlands Board business was conducted.

• Approved zoning amendment adding 'Churches' to R-1A district (4-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved November 14, 2024 minutes (3-0)

City Council

This is a special meeting with a single agenda item: a closed session under Virginia Code to discuss personnel matters, board and commission appointments, and performance of specific appointees and employees. The public portion is limited to roll call, a motion to close the meeting, and a certification vote upon reconvening.

• Closed meeting pursuant to Va. Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) for personnel and appointment discussions

Finance Committee

The Hopewell City Council will hold a closed meeting to discuss personnel and contract matters, then reconvene for an open session. The open meeting includes public hearings on a conditional use permit for a single-family dwelling on Suffolk St. and a charter change ordinance, plus regular business items such as storm water fee study readings, an aquatic facility update, and HR policy updates.

• Conditional Use Permit for single-family dwelling on a non-conforming lot on Suffolk St.
• Storm Water Fee Study: second reading on consent agenda, first reading under regular business
• Ordinance Charter Change (public hearing)
• Aquatic Facility Update from Recreation and Parks Director
• HR Conflict of Interest Policy Update

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a regular meeting including a closed session for personnel and contract discussions, then reconvene for public hearings and regular business. Key decisions include a second reading of a storm water fee study, a conditional use permit for a single-family dwelling on a non-conforming lot on Suffolk St., and discussion of an ordinance charter change.

• Conditional Use Permit for single-family dwelling on non-conforming lot on Suffolk St. (PH-1)
• Storm Water Fee Study: second reading on consent agenda (C-7) and first reading as regular business (R-1)
• Ordinance Charter Change public hearing (PH-2)
• Aquatic Facility Update (R-2)
• HR Conflict of Interest Policy Update (R-3)

City Council

The City Council is convening a special meeting to enter a closed session. The body will discuss personnel matters, including board and commission appointments and employee performance.

• Closed meeting to discuss personnel matters and board/commission appointments

Planning Commission/Wetlands Board

This is a largely procedural meeting of the Hopewell Planning Commission/Wetlands Board. The primary actions are the review and approval of the September 5, 2024 meeting minutes and the nomination and election of officers for the commission. No other substantive items, such as rezonings or development proposals, are on the agenda.

• Review and approval of September 5, 2024 meeting minutes
• Nomination and election of Planning Commission officers

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a closed session for personnel and contract matters, followed by a work session on the aquatic facility update. In the regular meeting, the council will consider investing the Fiscal Year 2024 surplus and review a consent agenda of routine items. A public hearing on a charter change is announced for November 19, 2024, and multiple board vacancies are listed for appointment.

• R-1: Fiscal Year 2024 Surplus Investments – City Manager report for potential action
• Work Session: Aquatic Facility Update by Recreation and Parks Director Tabitha Martinez
• Public hearing announcement: Charter change set for November 19, 2024
• Consent agenda includes minutes, personnel report, and routine grant approvals
• Board vacancies: 20+ seats open on boards including Building Code Appeals, Keep Hopewell Beautiful, Planning Commission

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting that will go into closed session to discuss personnel matters, including board and commission appointments, and to consult with legal counsel. Following the closed session, the council will reconvene to certify the closed meeting and list current vacancies on various boards and commissions. No public action items or votes are scheduled.

• Closed session under VA Code §2.2-3711(A)(1) and (A)(7) for personnel and legal consultation
• Board/commission vacancies listed: Building Code and Fire Prevention Code Appeals, Keep Hopewell Beautiful, Recreation and Parks, Library Board, Social Services, District 19, Zoning Appeals, Economic Development Authority, Dock Commission, John Tyler Community College Local Board
• Certification of closed meeting per VA Code §2.2-3712(D)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is reviewing budget-to-actual reports for the first quarter of FY25. The body is discussing revenue and expenditure trends across the General Fund, Enterprise Fund, and Schools.

• Citywide FY25 1st quarter revenues trending 0.59% lower and expenses 0.74% lower than FY24
• General Fund 1st quarter revenues trending 1.61% ($400K) lower than FY24
• Enterprise Fund 1st quarter revenues trending 1.97% ($2.4M) higher than FY24
• Schools 1st quarter revenues trending 2.74% ($1.3M) lower than FY24
• Review of FY25 departmental budget trends, noting 'False' trends for City Manager, Healthy Families, IT, Marina, and Planning

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit for 3000 Davison Ave. and proposed changes to development planning application fees. They will also discuss an economic development strategic plan, consider approval of an updated emergency operations plan, and decide on allocation of new opioid dollars. The meeting includes a closed session for personnel matters and contract discussions.

• Public hearing on conditional use permit for 3000 Davison Ave.
• Proposed changes to developmental planning application fees
• Discussion of Economic Development Strategic Plan
• Approval of updated emergency operations plan
• Allocation of new opioid dollars and City of Refuge report

Planning Commission/Wetlands Board

The Planning Commission and Wetlands Board will hold a work session and regular meeting to review land use requests. The body will consider a request for a single-family home on a non-conforming lot and a commercial rezoning request.

• Conditional Use Permit request for a single-family dwelling on Bank Street (Parcel #027-0240)
• Rezoning request for 2610 City Point Rd. (Parcel #014-0015) from R-2 Residential to B-2 Limited Commercial
• Presentation from ODU RAFT Team
• Officer elections

City Council

City Council will hold a public hearing on a zoning amendment to add group homes as an allowable use in the B1 district. During the work session, they will discuss a conditional use permit for a single-family dwelling on a non-conforming lot on Suffolk Street (parcel #014-1585). Regular business includes adoption of finance policies and a school division supplemental appropriation.

• Work session: Conditional use permit to construct single-family dwelling on non-conforming lot on Suffolk Street (parcel #014-1585)
• Public hearing: Zoning amendment to add group homes as allowable use in B1 district
• Presentation on storm water utility fees study
• Adoption of finance policies (R-1)
• School Division Supplemental Appropriation (R-2)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will receive an update on billed, collected, and unpaid taxes for personal property, machinery and tools, real estate, and meal taxes/business licenses from 2022-2024. Staff will recommend moving forward with booting vehicles for unpaid personal property taxes and visiting the top 10 delinquent businesses for meal taxes. The committee will also discuss a situation involving 707 City Point Road and collections vendor Jason Dunn.

• Update on personal property taxes billed/collected 2022-2023 and unpaid 2019-2022; recommendation to move forward with vehicle booting
• Machinery and tools taxes billed, collected, and unpaid 2022-2024
• Real estate taxes billed, collected, and unpaid 2022-2024
• Meal taxes and business license billed, collected, and unpaid 2022-2024; top 10 delinquent businesses to receive in-person 72-hour notice by end of October
• Discussion of situation involving 707 City Point Road and Jason Dunn's role as real estate agent

The Hopewell City Council held a special meeting to receive the August Finance Committee report and the Treasurer's report. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, with discussions on revenue trends, delinquent taxes, and upcoming enforcement actions like vehicle booting. The only vote was to allow Councilor Joyner to participate remotely, which passed 5-0.

• Approved remote participation for Councilor Joyner (5-0)
• Heard Finance Committee report on budget actuals for July and August
• Heard Treasurer's report on delinquent taxes and collection efforts
• Discussed upcoming vehicle booting for 2023 delinquent personal property taxes
• Discussed bond rating and potential debt refinancing

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss a conditional use permit application from JRM Contractor LLC to build a single-family dwelling on a non-conforming lot at 3000 Davison Ave. They will also consider a request to change developmental fees. During the regular meeting, they will act on consent agenda items, unfinished business including a contract, a staffing request, and Commonwealth Attorney position requests, and discuss the 2025 Legislative Agenda. The meeting includes a closed session for personnel matters.

• Conditional use permit for single-family dwelling on non-conforming lot at 3000 Davison Ave (Parcel #092-665)
• Request to change developmental fees
• Discussion of 2025 Legislative Agenda
• Unfinished business: CLG Contract, Parks and Recreation staffing request, Commonwealth Attorney position requests
• Board and commission vacancies: multiple openings listed

The Hopewell City Council approved several items, including a full-time Parks and Recreation position, funding for a cold case attorney, the 2025 legislative agenda, and a legal firm search. They also made appointments to various boards and commissions. The meeting included a closed session for personnel matters.

• Approved remote participation for Councilor Holloway (4-0)
• Approved appointments to BZA, EDA, DSS board, and Bright Point Community College board (6-0)
• Approved CLG contract (6-0)
• Approved consolidation of part-time Parks and Recreation positions into a full-time position (6-0)
• Approved funding for cold case attorney position for FY25 and budgeted for FY26 (6-0)
• Adopted draft legislative agenda for 2025 (6-0)
• Approved City Manager to solicit outside firm for legal recruitment (6-0)

Planning Commission/Wetlands Board

The Planning Commission and Wetlands Board will meet to consider a conditional use permit for a single-family home on Suffolk Street. The commission will also discuss planning application fees and a technical review of the Comprehensive Plan.

• Conditional Use Permit request for a single-family dwelling at Parcel #014-1585 on Suffolk Street
• CUP application for a single-family dwelling at 3409 Oaklawn Blvd. (Parcel #089-1090)
• Proposed Planning Application fees
• Comprehensive Plan 5 Year Technical Review update
• Legislative Agenda Request Recommendations

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting. The agenda consists of a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including board and commission appointments and employee performance.

• Closed meeting to discuss personnel matters and board/commission appointments

The Hopewell City Council met on September 3, 2024, and approved remote participation for Councilor Pelham. The council then voted to enter a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including board and commission appointments. After reconvening, they certified the closed session was lawful and directed Councilor Denton to schedule a work session on council rules, code of conduct, and a recent ordinance. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved remote participation for Councilor Pelham (5-0)
• Approved closed session for personnel matters (6-0)
• Approved reconvening after closed session (5-0)
• Certified closed session complied with Va. Code § 2.2-3712(D) (5-0)
• Directed Councilor Denton to schedule work session on council rules and code of conduct

City Council

The council will hold a work session on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment to allow group homes and assisted living facilities as by-right uses in the B-1 Downtown Central Business District, though staff and the planning commission recommend denial. Public hearings are scheduled on a cigarette tax ordinance and two conditional use permits for single-family dwellings. Regular business items include allocating funds for Winston Churchill Road repairs, consolidating aquatic part-time positions, and adopting finance policies.

• Zoning amendment request by Kevin Randesi of 300 Real Estate Holdings to add 'Group Home and Assisted Living Facility' as by-right use in B-1 district (staff recommends denial)
• Public hearing on proposed cigarette tax ordinance
• Public hearing on conditional use permit for single-family dwelling at 3421 Oaklawn Blvd
• Authorization to allocate funds for Winston Churchill Road repairs (no dollar amount specified)
• Consolidation of aquatic part-time positions into full-time positions

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is reviewing FY24 preliminary financials, including a $7M surplus in the General Fund and a $13M loss in the Enterprise Fund. They are discussing potential uses for the surplus, such as funding 5 new full-time positions, economic development projects at Maplewood and the Marina, a Fire Department generator, and Winston Churchill Road repairs. The committee is also considering draft financial policies on reserves and capital improvements for potential adoption at the August 27 Council meeting.

• FY24 General Fund preliminary surplus of $7M; Enterprise Fund shows a $13M loss.
• Proposed use of surplus: 5 new FTE positions (City Attorney, Commonwealth Attorney, IT, Economic Development) totaling $542K fully funded or $271K half-year.
• $604K for Economic Development: $104,200 for 1101 Maplewood Dr. property purchase and $500,000 for Marina repair costs.
• $280K for Fire Department generator (grant match).
• $1.2M for Public Works Winston Churchill Road repairs.

The Hopewell City Council held a special meeting to review the FY24 preliminary budget, delinquent tax collections, and cash flow. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only action was approving Councilor Holloway's virtual attendance (6-0). The council discussed a $7 million general fund surplus (with $2 million earmarked for the water department), delinquent tax collections totaling $3,842,655.82, and revenue estimates for various taxes.

• Approved Councilor Holloway's virtual attendance (6-0)
• Discussed FY24 preliminary general fund surplus of $7,000,000 (with $2,000,000 earmarked for water department)
• Reviewed delinquent tax collections totaling $3,842,655.82, with TACS collecting $1,086,874.58
• Noted business license delinquencies from 2019-2023 at $504,368.56
• Noted real estate delinquency for 2022-23 at $918,273.70
• Discussed revenue estimates: machinery and tools increased from $8M to $10M; food and beverage decreased from $2,787,406 to $2,100,000; transient occupancy decreased from $1,030,844 to $600,000; business licenses increased from $1,856,731 to $1,880,000

Planning Commission/Wetlands Board

The Planning Commission will hold a work session with a presentation from the Director of Economic Development & Tourism. During the regular meeting, a public hearing is scheduled for a conditional use permit from JRM Contractor, LLC to construct a single-family dwelling at 3000 Davison Ave. on a non-conforming lot. The commission will also receive updates on a previous CUP application at 3409 Oaklawn Blvd. and the Comprehensive Plan 5-Year Technical Review.

• Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit for single-family dwelling at 3000 Davison Ave. (parcel 092-0665)
• Update on CUP application for single-family dwelling at 3409 Oaklawn Blvd. (parcel 089-1090)
• Update to Comprehensive Plan 5 Year Technical Review
• Work session presentation from Charles Bennett, Director of Economic Development & Tourism
• Approval of July 11, 2024 meeting minutes

City Council

This is a special meeting of the Hopewell City Council. The council will hold a closed session under Virginia law to discuss the award of a public contract. Following the closed session, the council will certify compliance and then note several unfilled board and commission vacancies.

• Closed session under VA Code § 2.2-3711(A)(29) for discussion of a public contract award
• Multiple board vacancies listed: Board of Building Code and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (4), Keep Hopewell Beautiful (1), Recreation and Parks (4), Library Board (1), Department of Social Services (7), District 19 (2), Board of Zoning Appeals (2), Economic Development Authority (1), Dock Commission (2), John Tyler Community College Local Board (3)

The Hopewell City Council met in special session and voted unanimously to enter a closed meeting to discuss personnel matters and a public contract award, citing Virginia Code exemptions. After reconvening, the council certified that only exempt matters were discussed. No substantive decisions were made in open session.

• Approved virtual attendance for Councilor Holloway (6-0)
• Approved closed session for personnel and contract discussions (7-0)
• Approved reconvening open meeting (6-0)
• Certified closed session compliance with Virginia Code (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting with a closed session to discuss a public contract award, then reconvene to discuss R-1 (Munis Financial System School Board) and R-2 (Project Management Office and Accounting Remediation Services by Robert Bobb Group). The agenda also lists vacancies on various boards and commissions.

• Closed session to discuss award of a public contract (VA Code § 2.2-3711(A)(29))
• R-1 – Munis Financial System School Board Discussion
• R-2 – Project Management Office and Accounting Remediation Services – Robert Bobb Group
• List of board/commission vacancies including Architectural Review Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, etc.

City Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss conditional use permits for residential construction and review funding for the FY24/FY25 CDBG program. The body will also consider modifications to development standards and an ordinance regarding erosion and stormwater control.

• Conditional Use Permit for a single-family home at 3104 St. Charles
• Conditional Use Permit for 3421 Oaklawn
• Public hearing for modifications to development standards at 5105 Oaklawn Blvd
• Public hearing for FY24/FY25 CDBG Funding
• Proposed revised language for Chapter 14 Erosion and settlement control and storm water Ordinance

The Hopewell City Council approved the FY24/FY25 CDBG budget of $242,214, a conditional use permit for a non-conforming lot at 3104 St. Charles, and a modification for a second sign at 5105 Oaklawn Blvd. It also approved converting a part-time real estate clerk to full-time and made several board appointments. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $242,214 CDBG budget for FY24/FY25 (7-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for single-family dwelling at 3104 St. Charles (7-0)
• Approved modification to development standards for second sign at 5105 Oaklawn Blvd (7-0)
• Approved converting real estate clerk from part-time to full-time (7-0)
• Appointed Kelly Pratt to architecture review board, Robert Sergeant to Building Code and Fire Prevention Code Appeal Board, and Matthew Melon to Dock Commission (7-0)
• Adopted regular meeting agenda and consent agenda (7-0)

Finance Committee

The Hopewell Finance Committee at a special meeting receives monthly financial reports for June, including an unaudited citywide net income projected at -$5.6M. The committee also discusses draft financial policies and lists numerous board and commission vacancies. No decisions are made; the meeting is informational.

• General fund net revenue expected positive but fiscal year not yet closed; Winston Churchill Drive project requires FY24 end-of-year balances
• Enterprise funds show $6.2M net income loss, with low sewer rates and poor collections eroding fund balances
• Draft financial policies presented with objectives to insulate city from fiscal crisis and link long-term planning with operations
• Board vacancies listed: Architectural Review Board (3), Downtown Design Review (2), Board of Building Code and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (5), Recreation and Parks (4), DSS (7), District 19 (2), Board of Zoning Appeals (2), and others
• Schools added $6.5M in revenue and expenses in spring FY24, mostly carried over to FY25

Planning Commission/Wetlands Board

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings for several conditional use permit requests regarding single-family dwellings. The meeting also includes a presentation on potential transportation improvements and a review of planning application fees.

• Zoning amendment for group homes and assisted living in the Downtown Central Business District
• Conditional Use Permit for 3421 Oaklawn Blvd.
• Conditional Use Permit for 3409 Oaklawn Blvd.
• Presentation on potential transportation improvements
• Review of planning application fees and staff costs

City Council

The City Council will consider a request from Prince George County to increase wastewater allocation to 7 million gallons per day. The meeting includes public hearings for a conditional use permit at 512 Honewen St and school board vacancies. Other items include cigarette tax ordinance discussions and budget adjustments.

• Prince George County wastewater allocation request (up to 7 million gallons per day)
• Conditional Use Permit for 512 Honewen St
• Modification to Development Standards for 5105 Oaklawn Blvd
• Cigarette Tax Ordinance
• Children Service Act Budget Adjustment

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a special meeting to consider personnel matters and employee performance in a closed session. The council will also address several vacancies across various city boards and commissions.

• Discussion of personnel matters and appointments
• Architectural Review Board vacancies
• Board of Zoning Appeals vacancies
• Library Board vacancy
• Recreation and Parks vacancies

City Council

The council will review several large-scale transportation projects for funding through the VDOT SmartScale program. These include improvements to the Winston Churchill Drive corridor, E. Randolph Road, and Courthouse Road. A public hearing is also scheduled regarding proposed slip fees at the Hopewell Marina.

• $9,874,615 estimate for VA-36 (Winston Churchill Drive) Phase 1 improvements
• $17,554,873 estimate for VA-36 (Winston Churchill Drive) Phase 2 improvements
• $20,713,198 estimate for E. Randolph Road safety improvements
• $6,897,928 estimate for Courthouse Road pedestrian and drainage improvements
• Public hearing on proposed slip fees for the Hopewell Marina

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a regular meeting with a closed session, work session, and public hearing. The main items are a second reading of the proposed FY25 budget, which includes tax and fee increases, and a work session on proposed marina slip fees. The council will also consider conditional use permits for a fence and a single-family dwelling.

• Public hearing on proposed FY25 budget (2nd reading) with tax increases including real estate, stormwater, and lodging
• Work session on Hopewell Marina proposed slip fees
• Conditional use permit for a fence at 512 Hopewell St (1st reading)
• Conditional use permit for single-family dwelling at Cedar Ln and E. Broadway (1st reading)
• Consent agenda includes minutes, personnel report, and routine approvals

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 reconvening, the council will certify that the closed session complied with Virginia law and will consider filling numerous vacancies on various boards and commissions.

• Closed meeting under Va. Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) for personnel matters
• Architectural Review Board – 3 vacancies
• Downtown Design Review – 2 vacancies
• Board of Building Code and Fire Prevention Code Appeals – 5 vacancies
• DSS – 7 vacancies

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a regular meeting with a closed session, work session, and public hearings. Key items include three conditional use permits (Maryland Ave, Crescent Ave, Boston St) and the first reading of the proposed FY25 budget. The council will also consider a resolution for a 250 Committee, solid waste rate approval, and appointments to boards and commissions.

• Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit for Maryland Ave
• Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit for Crescent Ave
• Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit for Boston St
• Public hearing: Proposed FY25 Budget (1st reading)
• Resolution for 250 Committee

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting to consider the FY25 proposed budget for Hopewell Water Renewal (HWR), including a $30.99 million operating and capital budget, and to discuss capital budget adjustments and school funding. The council will also review a request from Hopewell City Public Schools for $275,893 to support the WELL program, with a staff recommendation to fund $150,000 and reallocate unspent funds.

• HWR FY25 proposed budget: $30,997,449 total, a $13,658,717 increase from FY24
• HWR capital projects totaling $9,636,000, including $3,000,000 for switchgear replacement and $1,700,000 for oxygen plant turnaround
• Capital budget adjustments include $1,612,000 for W. Randolph Shared Use Path and $1,000,000 for pavement preservation
• School funding request: $275,893 for the WELL program; staff recommends $150,000
• Board vacancies: Architectural Review Board (3), Downtown Design Review (2), and others

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 award of a public contract. After reconvening, the council will certify that only exempt matters were discussed and will address vacancies on various boards and commissions.

• Closed meeting under Va. Code § 2.2-3711 (A)(1) and (29) for personnel and contract discussions
• Architectural Review Board – 3 vacancies
• Downtown Design Review – 2 vacancies
• Board of Building Code and Fire Prevention Code Appeals – 5 vacancies
• Recreation and Parks – 4 vacancies

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special work session with the Hopewell City Public Schools to discuss the school system's funding history and outlook. The agenda includes a review of city appropriations to schools from FY2020-2024, key points about state funding reductions and the city's inability to provide an additional $1.4 million, and a list of significant capital improvement needs totaling $39.6 million. The council will also consider vacancies on various boards and commissions.

• Joint budget work session with Hopewell City Public Schools
• City appropriation to schools: $13.5 million for FY2024, with $1.4 million additional not provided
• Capital improvement needs totaling $39,611,000, including $25,000,000 for Woodlawn replacement
• Board vacancies: Architectural Review Board (3), Downtown Design Review (2), Board of Building Code and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (5), Keep Hopewell Beautiful (1), Recreation and Parks (4), Library Board (1), DSS (7), Healthy Families (3), District 19 (2)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a regular meeting with a closed session, work session, and public hearings. The council will consider three conditional use permits, a school appropriation, and a trails program grant, along with routine consent agenda items. A presentation on the Freedman Point development is also scheduled.

• Conditional Use Permit for Maryland Ave
• Conditional Use Permit for Crescent Ave
• Conditional Use Permit for Boston St
• School's Appropriation
• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Trails Program Grant

City Council

The City Council is holding a public hearing to consider proposed tax rates for tax year 2025, which include increases to real estate, personal property, business personal property, machinery and tools, food and beverage, and lodging taxes. The council will also discuss filling vacancies on several boards and commissions. The proposed real estate tax rate would rise from $1.13 to $1.20 per $100 of assessed value, and the personal property rate from $3.50 to $4.00 per $100.

• Proposed real estate tax rate increase from $1.13 to $1.20 per $100 assessed value
• Proposed personal property tax rate increase from $3.50 to $4.00 per $100 assessed value
• Proposed machinery and tools tax rate increase from $3.10 to $3.60 per $100 assessed value
• Proposed food and beverage tax increase from 6% to 6.5%
• Proposed lodging tax increase from 8% to 9%

City Council

The City Council is holding a work session to balance the FY25 budget, reviewing financials through March and discussing options to fund capital needs. The city faces a funding gap for capital projects and is considering tax increases, storm water fee hikes, and potential operating expense reductions. The council is also reviewing vacancies on several boards and commissions.

• General Fund capital needs identified up to $6.9M for FY25, with only $618,000 funded by forecast revenues
• Proposed real estate tax increase from $1.13 to $1.20 per $100 assessed value would generate $1.4M
• Proposed personal property tax increase from $3.50 to $4.00 per $100 would generate $970,000
• Proposed machinery and tools tax increase from 3.1% to 3.6% would generate $1.3M
• Cigarette tax of $0.40 per pack would yield approximately $500,000 per year

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a regular meeting with a closed session, work session, and public hearing. Key items include a public hearing on a CDBG substantial amendment, a report on the FY25 proposed budget, and discussion of an ad-hoc subcommittee for the city resource manual. The consent agenda includes routine items like minutes, reports, and an ordinance on employee political activities.

• Public hearing on CDBG Substantial Amendment
• FY 25 Proposed Budget report from City Manager
• Establish Ad-Hoc City Council Subcommittee for Resource Manual
• Ordinance on Protection of Legitimate Political Activities of Employees (second reading)
• Expansion of City Council Finance Committee (mayor's request)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special work session focused on the department budget, led by Interim Finance Director Russell Branson. The agenda also lists numerous vacancies on city boards and commissions, including the Architectural Review Board, Downtown Design Review, and others. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion and information session.

• Department Budget Work Session led by Interim Finance Director Russell Branson
• Architectural Review Board: 3 vacancies
• Downtown Design Review: 2 vacancies
• Board of Building Code and Fire Prevention Code Appeals: 5 vacancies
• Recreation and Parks: 4 vacancies

City Council

The Hopewell City Council approved the use of school zone speed enforcement cameras and authorized the city manager to sign the agreement. It also approved the city's health insurance renewal, absorbing the full $329,880 cost increase to keep employee premiums flat. The council approved a conditional use permit for an accessory apartment at 804 Kenwood Ave and a right-of-way vacation at 514 Monroe St. A towing ordinance was tabled, and a first reading on an ordinance for city employment of city officials failed in a tie vote.

• Approved school zone speed limit enforcement cameras with agreement authorization
• Approved health insurance renewal with city absorbing $329,880 increase (Option B)
• Approved conditional use permit for accessory apartment at 804 Kenwood Ave
• Approved right-of-way vacation at 514 Monroe St with easement requirement
• Tabled towing ordinance until next regular meeting

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a work session to discuss the proposed FY25 budget and capital improvement plan. The interim finance director is presenting expense forecasts, revenue projections, and options to fund capital projects, including potential tax rate increases. The council is also reviewing board and commission vacancies.

• Proposed FY25 budget totals $133.7M excluding non-City schools expense
• Options to fund capital include real estate tax increase from $1.13 to $1.20 per $100 assessed value (raising $1.4M)
• Machinery & Tools tax increase from $3.10 to $3.60 per $100 AV (raising $1.3M)
• Personal Property tax increase from $3.50 to $4.00 per $100 AV (raising $971,000)
• Refuse rates must increase due to solid waste franchisee cost increase

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting to review the FY2025 proposed budget revenue work session. The agenda covers revenue forecasts, tax rates, and fund allocations, with discussions on potential increases to real estate, machinery and tools, and personal property taxes. No final decisions are being made at this meeting; it is a work session for discussion.

• Proposed real estate tax rate increase from $1.13 to $1.20 per $100 assessed value, generating an additional $1.4M
• Proposed machinery and tools tax increase from 3.1% to 3.6%, generating an additional $1.3M
• Proposed personal property tax increase from $3.50 to $4.00 per $100 assessment, generating an additional $970,000
• General Fund revenues projected at $66.5M for FY2025, with no use of surplus
• Multiple board and commission vacancies listed, including Architectural Review Board (3), Downtown Design Review (2), and Recreation and Parks (4)

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a regular meeting with a closed session first, followed by public hearings on a right-of-way vacation at 514 Monroe St and a conditional use permit for an accessory apartment at 804 Kenwood Ave. The council will also discuss a police department proposal for speed cameras, a towing ordinance, health insurance renewal, a zoning ordinance amendment for the B-1 district, and an ordinance regarding city employment of council members. The meeting includes a consent agenda and a finance report.

• Public hearing on right-of-way vacation at 514 Monroe St
• Public hearing on conditional use permit for 804 Kenwood Ave
• Discussion of speed camera ordinance
• Discussion of towing ordinance
• Health insurance renewal discussion

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is meeting to consider several public hearings, including a rezoning request for the Butor Tract to allow a 229-unit townhome community and a 48-unit apartment building, a zoning ordinance amendment to B-3, a conditional use permit for 2707 Oaklawn, and the purchase and sale of specific properties. The council will also discuss a farmers market presentation, approve a treasurer's MOU, budget calendar, and wastewater plant studies and appropriations. The agenda includes a closed meeting for personnel and contract discussions.

• Public hearing on rezoning Butor Tract (parcels 106-0200, 106-0105, 106-0285, 106-0490, 106-0735) from R-3 to R-4 with PUD overlay for Hopecrest Development
• Public hearing on zoning ordinance amendment to B-3
• Public hearing on conditional use permit for 2707 Oaklawn
• Public hearing on purchase of Lots 77 & 78 Rosedale Subdivision
• Public hearing on sale of 256 Cawson Street

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a special meeting to review the city's existing and draft strategic plan, scrub 2019 priorities, review pre-survey results, and develop new strategic priorities for FY2025. The agenda also includes a finance update and introduction to potential revenue sources, followed by a closed meeting for personnel matters.

• Review of existing and draft City of Hopewell Strategic Plan
• 2019 Strategic Plan Priorities Scrub by Robert Bobb Group
• Pre-Survey Results presentation
• Finance update and introduction to potential revenue sources
• Closed meeting for personnel matters, including board and commission appointments

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a work session and regular meeting with public hearings on a conditional use permit for 804 Kenwood Ave, a right-of-way vacation for 514 Monroe St, and a proposed rezoning for the Butor Tract for the Hopecrest development. The regular agenda includes several routine items and grant approvals, plus a closed meeting for personnel matters.

• Public hearing: Proposed rezoning for Butor Tract for Hopecrest Development
• Public hearing: Conditional use permit for 804 Kenwood Ave (accessory apartment)
• Public hearing: Formal Department of Social Services Building
• Public hearing: Lot 77 & 78 Rosedale
• R-2: School Resource Officer Grant and Patrol Officer Overtime Grant

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a work session to discuss a zoning amendment that would allow single-family dwellings with a conditional use permit in the B-3 Highway Commercial District, and a related conditional use permit for a home at 2707 Oaklawn Blvd. The council will also discuss a proposed redevelopment for Victoria Landing. The meeting includes a closed session for personnel matters.

• Zoning amendment to add 'Single-Family Dwelling with Conditional Use Permit' to B-3 district
• Conditional use permit for single-family dwelling at 2707 Oaklawn Blvd (parcel #043-0360)
• Proposed redevelopment for Victoria Landing
• Closed meeting for personnel matters and board/commission appointments

City Council

The Hopewell City Council is holding a joint work session to review findings from the Berkley Group's diagnostic evaluation of the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. The meeting is for discussion and feedback only; no formal votes are scheduled. The diagnostic assesses compliance with the Code of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and recommends updates.

• Review of Comprehensive Plan diagnostic findings
• Review of Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances diagnostic findings
• Discussion of Code of Virginia and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act compliance
• Feedback on recommended changes to the report and diagnostic matrices

City Council

The Hopewell City Council will hold a closed meeting, work session, and regular meeting. The work session will discuss developmental fees and a rezoning application for the proposed Hopecrest Townes development, which includes 229 townhomes and 48 apartments. The regular meeting includes consent agenda items, a public hearing, and several resolutions, including one on emergency weather operations.

• Work session: Developmental fees and rezoning for Hopecrest Townes (229 townhomes, 48 apartments) at Oaklawn Blvd and I-295
• Rezoning requests for properties on Monroe, Oaklawn Blvd, and City Point Rd (R-3 to R-4/PUD, B-3 to B-3/PUD)
• Resolution adopting Emergency and Inclement Weather Operations and Safety Policy
• Re-appropriate façade improvement grant funds
• Board and commission vacancies (e.g., Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board)