Petersburg, VA

City Council

Petersburg City Council holds a work session on October 6, 2026 at the Petersburg Library. The agenda's main substantive items are on the consent agenda: first reads that would schedule public hearings on the FY27 Capital Budget, an amendment to the FY27 Grants Fund, an ordinance to return funding to the EPA, and several land-use requests. The rest of the agenda is largely procedural and recurring reports, including proclamations, public comments, and departmental updates.

• First read and public hearing scheduled on the FY27 Capital Budget
• First read and public hearing scheduled on an amendment to the FY27 Grants Fund
• First read and public hearing scheduled on an ordinance to return funding to the EPA
• Rezoning requests: 1801 Squirrel Level Road and 2101 Defense Road from R-1 to M-1 Light Industrial with proffers, and a future land use map change from Community Mixed-Use to General Industrial
• Other land-use requests: short-term rental at 634 South Sycamore Street; 2655 North Stedman Drive from MXD-3 to RTH town house; 15 and 19 Graham Road from R-3 to RB with proffers; and sale of city-owned properties at 341 and 343 Rolfe Street and 517 Washington Street W.

City Council

City Council

The Petersburg City Council is holding public hearings on several property transactions, including the sale of city-owned property at 135 Franklin Street and purchases at 18 S. Little Church Street and 314 W. South Blvd. They will also consider an appeal of a denied certificate of appropriateness for solar panels, an amendment to the FY27 budget, and bonuses for social services employees. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval, proclamations, and reports.

• Public hearing on appeal of Architectural Review Board denial for solar panels at 103 South Jones Street
• Ordinance to sell city-owned property at 135 Franklin Street
• Ordinance to purchase property at 18 S. Little Church Street
• Ordinance to purchase portion of 314 West South Boulevard
• Amendment to FY27 General Fund and Grants Fund

City Council

The Petersburg City Council is meeting in a closed session to receive legal advice from the City Attorney regarding actual or probable litigation, including a conflict waiver request from former outside counsel and matters related to Virginia property law. The council will also discuss the acquisition and disposition of real property for public purposes, where open discussion could harm negotiating strategy. No public action is scheduled; the meeting is limited to roll call, closed session, and adjournment.

• Closed session under §2.2-3711(A)(7) and (8) for legal advice on litigation and conflict waiver request
• Closed session under §2.2-3711(A)(3) for real property acquisition and disposition
• Discussion of Title 55.1 Subtitle III Chapter 12 of the Code of Virginia
• Meeting at Petersburg Library, 201 W. Washington Street, 5:00 PM

City Council

The City Council is convening a closed session to discuss the acquisition and disposition of real property. The session also includes receiving legal advice regarding litigation and specific zoning determinations. Additionally, the council will discuss the performance and appointment of specific public employees.

• Discussion of real property acquisition and disposition
• Legal consultation regarding actual or probable litigation
• Review of M-1 and M-2 zoning district uses
• Discussion of a December 12, 2023 zoning determination
• Discussion of specific public employee performance and appointments

The Petersburg City Council held a closed session on September 1, 2026, to discuss real property acquisition, legal advice, and personnel matters. Upon returning to open session, the council approved a resolution certifying the closed session discussions (Resolution 2026-RES-036) with Councilmember Cuthbert voting no and alleging improper topics were discussed. The council subsequently approved a motion to launch an investigation into Councilmember Cuthbert regarding the alleged leaking of closed session information.

• Approved Resolution 2026-RES-036 certifying closed session discussions (6-1, Cuthbert voting no)
• Approved a motion to launch an investigation into Councilmember Cuthbert for allegedly leaking closed session information (3-1, Cuthbert voting no, with absences noted on the roll call)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to review several proposed ordinances. These items include authorizations for purchasing and selling city-owned property and amendments to the FY27 General and Grants funds.

• Proposed sale of city-owned property at 135 Franklin Street
• Proposed purchase of real property at 18 S. Little Church Street
• Proposed purchase of property at 314 West South Boulevard
• Amendment to the FY27 General Fund and FY27 Grants Fund
• Proposed bonuses for Petersburg Department of Social Services employees

The City Council directed the City Manager to conduct a comprehensive study on transitioning the Petersburg Fire Department from a 24/48 to a 24/72 work schedule. The Council also approved the consent agenda, which included several first reads for ordinances related to property purchases and budget amendments.

• Directed City Manager to conduct 90-day study on fire department shift transition
• Approved consent agenda via roll call vote
• First read: Ordinance for solar panel appeal at 103 South Jones Street
• First read: Ordinance authorizing sale of property at 135 Franklin Street
• First read: Ordinance authorizing purchase of property at 18 S. Little Church Street
• First read: Ordinance authorizing purchase of portion of 314 West South Boulevard
• First read: Amendment to FY27 General Fund and Grants Fund
• First read: Ordinance for DSS employee bonuses

City Council

The Petersburg City Council will hold public hearings on two zoning ordinance amendments—one clarifying residential off‑street parking design standards and another updating historic district design guidelines. A third hearing will consider an amendment to the FY27 Grants Fund. The council will also vote on resolutions to authorize offers to purchase specific properties and to adopt a supplemental appropriation ordinance for additional funding to the city public schools for FY27.

• Public hearing on ordinance amending zoning to clarify design standards for residential off‑street parking areas
• Public hearing on ordinance amending zoning to clarify criteria for historic district design guidelines and architectural review appeals
• Public hearing on amendment to the FY27 Grants Fund
• Resolution authorizing the City Manager to issue a bona fide offer to purchase 139 Monroe Street for the Courthouse Project
• Resolution confirming intent to adopt a supplemental appropriation ordinance for additional funding to Petersburg City Public Schools for FY27

The Petersburg City Council approved the consent agenda, two zoning text amendments regarding residential parking and historic district guidelines, and a $50,000 police grant. Council also authorized purchase offers for properties needed for public projects and adopted a resolution stating intent to fund higher teacher salaries for Petersburg City Public Schools.

• Approved consent agenda including previous meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved zoning ordinance text amendment clarifying residential off-street parking design standards (6-1)
• Approved zoning ordinance text amendment clarifying historic district design guidelines and ARB appeal processes (7-0)
• Approved FY27 Grants Fund amendment for a $50,000 police GIS grant (7-0)
• Authorized City Manager to issue a bona fide purchase offer for 139 Monroe Street for the Courthouse Project (7-0)
• Authorized City Manager to issue a bona fide purchase offer for a portion of 100 Bollingbrook Street for a roadway project (7-0)
• Authorized City Manager to issue a bona fide purchase offer for a portion of 411 Second Street (7-0)
• Approved resolution confirming intent to adopt a supplemental appropriation for Petersburg City Public Schools teacher salaries (7-0)

City Council

The Petersburg City Council will meet in closed session at 3:00 PM on July 21, 2026 at the Petersburg Library. The meeting is called to discuss acquisition or disposition of real property for a public purpose. Council members will receive legal advice on several Virginia code sections and the Project Based Voucher Program. The council will also consider the performance, assignment, and appointment of specific public officers.

• Discussion of acquisition or disposition of real property for a public purpose
• Legal advice on Code of Virginia §§ 58.1-605.1, 18.2-371, 15.2-926, 15.2-1102 and 24 CFR Part 983 (Project Based Voucher Program)
• Discussion of performance, assignment, and appointment of specific public employees/officers

The Petersburg City Council convened a closed session on July 21, 2026, to discuss real property acquisition/disposition, legal advice on specific code sections and litigation, and personnel matters. The council voted unanimously to enter and later certify the closed session, with no substantive decisions made in open session. The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

• Approved motion to enter closed session (6-0, Jones absent)
• Approved motion to return to open session and certify closed session (7-0)
• Adopted resolution 2026-RES-035 certifying closed session compliance (7-0)

City Council

The joint work session will review the FY25 capital‑improvement funding request, provide an update on the Walnut Hill Elementary School construction project, and hear a FY27 state‑budget briefing. Officials will also discuss a compensation and classification study for the school system and a proposal to raise the city sales tax by 1 %.

• FY25 Fund Balance Capital Improvement Projects Funding Request Overview
• Walnut Hill Elementary School construction project update
• FY27 State Budget update
• Petersburg City Public Schools compensation and classification study
• Proposal for a 1% sales tax increase

The City Council and School Board met jointly to discuss school funding and construction. Council committed to providing $843,000 to the School Division to help fund a 4% salary increase and the compensation and classification study, with a special meeting planned to appropriate the funds. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational, with Council indicating support for the funding and discussing a potential 1% sales tax referendum for school capital projects, which was opposed by Vice Mayor Hill.

• Committed $843,000 to School Division for comp/class study (no formal vote)
• Discussed 1% sales tax referendum for school capital projects (no action)
• Agreed to hold special meeting to appropriate school funding
• Agreed to identify City-owned sites for new elementary school

City Council

The City Council is convening a closed session to discuss the acquisition or disposition of real property and to receive legal advice from the city attorney. No public votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is limited to procedural matters under Virginia law.

• Closed session under §2.2-3711(A)(3) for real property acquisition/disposition
• Closed session under §2.2-3711(A)(7)-(8) for legal advice on litigation and specific code sections

The Petersburg City Council convened a closed session on July 7, 2026, to discuss real property acquisition/disposition and receive legal advice on litigation and specific code sections. The council voted unanimously to enter and later exit the closed session, certifying that only lawful exempt matters were discussed. The meeting adjourned at 5:28 p.m. No substantive decisions were made in open session.

• Approved motion to enter closed session for real property and legal consultation (roll call: 4 yes, 0 no, 3 absent).
• Approved motion to return to open session and certify closed session purposes (roll call: 7 yes, 0 no).
• Adopted resolution 2026-RES-030 certifying compliance with Virginia open meeting law.

City Council

The Petersburg City Council will hold a work session to discuss and vote on consent agenda items, including first readings and public hearing scheduling for two zoning ordinance amendments. One amendment clarifies residential off-street parking design standards; the other clarifies criteria for certificates of appropriateness and historic district guidelines. The council will also receive updates on capital projects including the W. Bank Street culvert replacement and Poor Creek.

• First read and public hearing scheduled for ordinance amending residential off-street parking design standards
• First read and public hearing scheduled for ordinance on certificates of appropriateness and historic district design guidelines
• First read and public hearing scheduled for amendment to FY27 Grants Fund
• Capital Projects Update: W. Bank Street - Brickhouse Run Culvert Replacement Project
• Poor Creek Update presented by Benjamin Anderson, JMT

The Petersburg City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings, first readings of two zoning ordinance amendments (clarifying residential off-street parking design standards and certificate of appropriateness criteria), and an amendment to the FY27 Grants Fund. The meeting also featured updates on capital projects, including the W. Bank Street culvert replacement and multiple Poor Creek water and sewer projects, with no formal votes taken on those items.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes and first readings (7-0)
• Scheduled public hearings for zoning ordinance amendments on parking standards and historic district criteria
• Scheduled public hearing for FY27 Grants Fund amendment

City Council

The City Council is convening a closed session only, with no open meeting items. The closed session covers real property acquisition/disposition, legal advice and litigation, and personnel matters. No decisions are expected to be made publicly.

• No public items; all business conducted in closed session under Virginia Code §§2.2-3711(A)(1), (3), (7), and (8)

The Petersburg City Council held a closed session on June 16, 2026, to discuss real estate acquisition/disposition, legal advice, and personnel matters. After the closed session, the council unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-RES-029 certifying that only lawful exempt matters were discussed. No substantive open-session decisions were made.

• Approved motion to enter closed session under Va. Code §§2.2-3711(A)(1), (3), (7), (8) (5-0, two absent)
• Approved Resolution 2026-RES-029 certifying compliance with open meeting law (6-0, one absent)

City Council

The Petersburg City Council will hold public hearings on several rezoning requests, including a mixed-use rezoning at 300 Poplar Drive and 27 Seyler Drive, and consider an ordinance amending real estate tax relief for the elderly and disabled. The council will also vote on a resolution authorizing development agreements for four properties (436 Byrne, 724 Harding, 10 N. Foley, 340 Mistletoe) and approve appointments to various boards.

• Public hearing to rezone 300 Poplar Drive and 27 Seyler Drive to MXD-3 Mixed-Use District
• Public hearing to rezone 608 Hinton Street from M-1 to R-3 Two-Family Residence
• Public hearing to rezone 507 South Adams Street from R-3 to B-2 General Commercial
• Ordinance amending real estate tax relief for elderly and permanently disabled persons
• Resolution authorizing development agreements for four properties (Acuna Properties, Anthony Jackson, Stepping Stones Properties)

The council upheld the Architectural Review Board's decision requiring a homeowner at 224 South Street to replace an asphalt shingle roof and rebuild two chimneys in the Folly Castle Historic District. Council also directed staff to explore adding historic district status to property titles. Two rezoning requests were approved: rezoning 300 Poplar Drive and 27 Seyler Drive to MXD-3 Mixed-Use District, and rezoning 608 Hinton Street from M-1 Light Industrial to R-3 Two-Family Residence to allow renovation of an existing duplex.

• Upheld ARB denial of roof and chimney work at 224 South Street (6-0)
• Directed city manager to explore adding historic district notice to property chain of title (6-0)
• Approved rezoning of 300 Poplar Dr and 27 Seyler Dr to MXD-3 Mixed-Use District (6-0)
• Approved rezoning of 608 Hinton St from M-1 to R-3 Two-Family Residence (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including June 2, 2026 minutes (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to consider several first-read items, including rezoning requests at multiple properties and an appeal of an Architectural Review Board decision. These items will be scheduled for public hearings at a future meeting. The council will also receive presentations on the Metropolitan Business League and CDBG recommendations.

• Rezone 300 Poplar Drive and 27 Seyler Drive from R-1/R-4 to MXD-3 Mixed-Use District
• Appeal of ARB denial for chimney removal and roof replacement at 224 South South Street
• Rezone 608 Hinton Street from M-1 Light Industrial to R-3 Two-Family Residence
• Rezone 507 South Adams Street from R-3 to B-2 General Commercial with proffers (Club 17)
• First read of CDBG funds for Program Year 2026-2027 and FY2027

The June 2, 2026 regular meeting of Petersburg City Council consisted of roll call, prayer, pledge, and public comments. No substantive decisions were made; the consent agenda was listed but not acted upon in the provided minutes.

City Council

This is a procedural meeting with no open-session votes or public hearings. The Council convenes a closed session under Virginia law to discuss real property acquisition/disposition, legal advice and pending litigation, and the performance/assignment of specific city employees.

• Closed session under §2.2-3711(A)(3) for real property acquisition or disposition
• Closed session under §2.2-3711(A)(7)&(8) for legal advice and probable litigation
• Closed session under §2.2-3711(A)(1) for discussion of personnel performance and appointment

Council met in closed session to discuss real estate, legal matters, and personnel, then returned to open session. They unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager and City Attorney to execute the first addendum to the Sports Complex memorandum of agreement. They also unanimously approved a resolution directing the City Manager to re-direct IRF Grant Funds from the Sycamore Grove Project to other specified City projects. All votes were unanimous among members present.

• Authorized City Manager and City Attorney to execute first addendum to Sports Complex MOA (unanimous)
• Directed City Manager to re-direct IRF Grant Funds from Sycamore Grove Project to other specified projects (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to consider two ordinances: adopting the City of Petersburg FY27 operating budget and the Petersburg City Public Schools FY27 budget. No other items are on the agenda.

• Consideration of an ordinance adopting the City of Petersburg FY27 Operating Budget
• Consideration of an ordinance adopting the Petersburg City Public Schools FY27 Budget

The City Council unanimously adopted the City of Petersburg FY27 Operating Budget and the Petersburg City Public Schools FY27 Budget. Both ordinances passed on a 4-0 roll-call vote with three councilors absent. No discussion preceded either vote.

• Adopted City of Petersburg FY27 Operating Budget (4-0, 3 absent)
• Adopted Petersburg City Public Schools FY27 Budget (4-0, 3 absent)

City Council

This meeting consists solely of a closed session. The council will discuss acquiring or disposing of real property, receive legal advice on pending litigation and building code matters, and review performance and appointments of specific city employees.

• Closed session under §2.2-3711(A)(3) for acquisition or disposition of real property
• Closed session under §2.2-3711(A)(7) and (8) for legal advice on litigation and building code requirements
• Closed session under §2.2-3711(A)(1) for discussion of performance and appointment of specific public employees

The council voted to enter a closed session at 3:10 p.m. and later voted to return to the open session at 5:13 p.m., certifying that only exempt public‑business matters were discussed. Both motions passed unanimously among members present.

• Motion to enter closed session approved (Yes: Jones, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Parham)
• Motion to return to open session and certify closed‑session purposes approved (Yes: Cuthbert, Jones, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Parham)

City Council

The Petersburg City Council will hold public hearings on four ordinances: a voluntary boundary line adjustment with Prince George County, an amendment to the FY26 Petersburg City Public Schools budget, and adoption of the FY27 operating budget for the city and the FY27 school budget. The meeting also includes a presentation from state legislators on the General Assembly session and approval of previous minutes.

• Public hearing on voluntary boundary line adjustment with Prince George County
• Public hearing on ordinance adopting FY27 City of Petersburg operating budget
• Public hearing on ordinance adopting FY27 Petersburg City Public Schools budget
• Public hearing on ordinance amending FY26 Petersburg City Public Schools budget
• Presentation by Senator Lashrecse Aird and Delegate Kimberly Pope-Adams on General Assembly post-session update

Council approved a $176.4 million FY27 operating budget that increases public safety and infrastructure funding and creates a Casino Incentive Fund. It also approved a $2.3 million carryover amendment for Petersburg City Public Schools. A proposed voluntary boundary line adjustment with Prince George County was deferred at the applicant's request.

• Approved FY27 operating budget $176,367,632 (6-0)
• Approved Petersburg City Public Schools FY26 budget amendment $2,284,935.16 (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes from April 28, May 5 meetings (6-0)
• Deferred voluntary boundary line adjustment with Prince George County at applicant's request

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting with one public hearing: an appeal of the Architectural Review Board's denial of in-field deviations from approved plans for a dwelling at 217 South South Street in the Folly Castle Historic District. No other business is scheduled.

• Public hearing on appeal of ARB denial for dwelling at 217 South South Street in the Folly Castle Historic District

The City Council voted 4-2 to overturn the Architectural Review Board's denial of in-field deviations for a house at 217 South South Street, allowing the dwelling to remain as constructed despite not matching approved plans. The appeal was filed after the ARB refused to modify the Certificate of Appropriateness, citing the front porch, driveway, and windows as non-conforming. Council members debated the timeliness of the appeal and the impact on the historic district. The motion passed with Myers, Westbrook, Smith-Lee, and Hill voting yes, Cuthbert and Parham voting no, and Jones absent.

• Overturned the Architectural Review Board's denial of modifications for the dwelling at 217 South South Street, allowing it to remain as built (4-2)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss and schedule public hearings for the FY27 city and school budgets, as well as a voluntary boundary line adjustment with Prince George County. Special reports will include an overdose prevention update (Rapid REVIVE) and a presentation from Live! Casino Virginia. The council will also receive updates on personal property tax, stormwater study, and utilities.

• First read and schedule public hearing for FY27 City of Petersburg budget
• First read and schedule public hearing for FY27 Petersburg Public Schools budget
• First read and schedule public hearing for voluntary boundary line adjustment with Prince George County
• Recognition of Partners in Peace Initiative and proclamation for National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
• Special reports on Rapid REVIVE overdose prevention and Live! Casino Virginia project

City Council approved a consent agenda that includes scheduling public hearings for the FY27 City and Public Schools budgets. The council also discussed the reactivation of DMV stops to collect over $4.5 million in delinquent personal property taxes.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes from March 24, April 7, and April 28 meetings (7-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for voluntary boundary line adjustment with Prince George County
• Scheduled public hearing for Petersburg City Public Schools FY26 Budget Amendment
• Scheduled public hearing for Petersburg FY27 Budget
• Scheduled public hearing for Petersburg Public Schools FY27 Budget

City Council

This is a procedural closed-session meeting of the Petersburg City Council. No public business or votes are scheduled. The council will convene behind closed doors to discuss real property acquisition and disposition, legal advice and litigation, and evaluation of specific public officers.

• Discussion of acquisition/disposition of real property for public purpose
• Legal advice on litigation and code requirements (Virginia Code §15.2-906, City Code 22-50, building code)
• Evaluation and performance of specific public officers

The Petersburg City Council held a closed session to discuss the acquisition and disposition of real property, legal advice, and the evaluation of public officers. The session was certified to have complied with Virginia open meeting laws.

• Added discussion of legal requirements of 18.2-460 and 36-96.3 to agenda (unanimous)
• Entered closed session for property acquisition, legal advice, and officer evaluation (5-0)
• Certified closed session compliance with Virginia open meeting laws (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on a special use permit for multi-family dwellings at 3060 and 3090 Pinetree Drive, on easements and right-of-way vacation for the new courthouse, and on an amendment to the FY26 budget. The council will also consider multiple development agreements for properties including 101 W. Washington Street, 110 Spruce Street, 126 Kentucky Avenue, 704 and 706 Wesley Street, and 321 Witten Street. Additionally, two appeals of Architectural Review Board decisions for properties in historic districts are on the consent agenda.

• Public hearing for special use permit for multiple-family dwellings at 3060 and 3090 Pinetree Drive
• Public hearings for right-of-way vacation and Dominion Power easements (overhead and underground) for new courthouse construction
• Public hearing for amendment to FY26 General Fund, Grants Fund, and Golf Fund
• Development agreements for 101 W. Washington Street, 110 Spruce Street, 126 Kentucky Avenue, 704 & 706 Wesley Street, and 321 Witten Street
• Appeals of Architectural Review Board denials for 217 South South Street and 116 Liberty Street in historic districts

Council approved a special use permit for a 57-unit market-rate apartment building at 3060 and 3090 Pinetree Drive by a 4-3 vote, with a condition that units be market-rate only. A substitute motion to deny the permit died for lack of a second. Council also unanimously approved vacating part of East Tabb Street and an alley to allow construction of a new courthouse, and introduced an easement request for Dominion Power (no vote recorded in the minutes provided).

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, first read for two appeals) after removing item 7C (unanimous)
• Approved special use permit for 57 market-rate multifamily units at 3060-3090 Pinetree Drive (4-3) — condition: market-rate rents only
• Approved ordinance vacating portion of East Tabb Street and alley for new courthouse construction (unanimous)
• Introduced ordinance to grant Dominion Power an easement for overhead power (vote not recorded in minutes)

City Council

This is a procedural meeting where the City Council will convene in closed session to discuss the acquisition or disposition of real property and to receive legal advice regarding zoning, a circuit court case, and other legal matters. No public votes or decisions are scheduled on the agenda.

• Closed session authorized under Va. Code §2.2-3711(A)(3) for real property acquisition/disposition
• Closed session authorized under Va. Code §2.2-3711(A)(7) and (8) for legal advice and consultation on litigation
• Discussion includes Petersburg Zoning Ordinance §33-38 and Circuit Court case CL26-278

The council convened a closed session on April 28, 2026, to discuss real property acquisition/disposition and legal advice. No substantive decisions were made in open session; all actions were procedural motions to enter, add an agenda item, and certify the closed session. A resolution certifying compliance with Virginia's open meeting law was adopted unanimously.

• Added discussion of Code of Virginia 18.2-460 and 36-96.3 to closed session agenda (unanimous)
• Entered closed session under §2.2-3711(A)(3), (7), (8) (5-0, two absent)
• Certified closed session compliance via 2026-RES-017 (7-0)
• Adjourned at 5:46 p.m.

City Council

The Petersburg City Council will convene in a closed session to discuss the acquisition and disposition of real property and receive legal advice regarding litigation and the Hotel Petersburg Development Agreement.

• Closed session to discuss real property acquisition and disposition
• Legal consultation regarding litigation and the Hotel Petersburg Development Agreement
• Discussion of the Virginia Constitution Article X Section 6 and Code of Virginia statutes

The City Council convened a closed session to discuss legal advice, potential litigation, and the acquisition or disposition of real property. Following the discussion, the Council voted to certify that only legally exempted business was addressed during the session.

• Added legal requirements of 15.2-953 to the agenda (unanimous)
• Entered closed session for legal and real property discussions (approved via roll call)
• Certified that only exempt public business was discussed in closed session (approved via roll call)

City Council

At this work session, the City Council will consider several items on first reading and schedule public hearings, including a special use permit for multiple-family dwellings at 3060 and 3090 Pinetree Drive, a vacation of right-of-way and easements for Dominion Power to support a new courthouse, and an amendment to the FY26 budget. The council will also issue proclamations for National Black Bookstore Day, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Petersburg High School basketball championship. The meeting includes reports on finances, capital projects, and utilities.

• First read and public hearing for special use permit for multiple-family dwellings at 3060 and 3090 Pinetree Drive
• First read and public hearing for ordinance vacating right-of-way for new courthouse construction
• First read and public hearing for two ordinances granting Dominion Power easements (overhead and underground) for the new courthouse
• First read and public hearing for amendment to FY26 General Fund, Grants Fund, and Golf Fund

The City Council approved the consent agenda, which included several ordinances for first reads. Much of the session focused on a report regarding over $25 million in outstanding receivables, specifically highlighting $10 million owed in utility payments.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved ordinance for special use permit at 3060 and 3090 Pinetree Drive (7-0)
• Approved ordinance to vacate right-of-way for new courthouse construction (7-0)
• Approved ordinance for Dominion Power overhead easement for new courthouse (7-0)
• Approved ordinance for Dominion Power underground easement for new courthouse (7-0)
• Approved amendment to FY26 General, Grants, and Golf Funds (7-0)

City Council

The council will hear a presentation of the proposed FY2026‑2027 budget for the Petersburg City Public Schools. It will also consider an unfinished business item, a resolution to implement categorical funding for the schools. No other decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation of FY2026‑2027 Proposed Petersburg City Public Schools Budget
• Resolution of Intent to Implement Categorical Funding of Petersburg City Public Schools

The Petersburg City Council and PCPS Board met to review the proposed FY27 school budget. The presentation included details on teacher salary increases, enrollment trends, and capital improvement plans.

• Presented FY 2026-2027 proposed PCPS budget
• Proposed $60,000 starting teacher salary
• Proposed total request of $15,949,351 from the City

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to hear public input on an ordinance to adopt the fiscal year 2027 real property tax rate. Standard procedural items such as roll call, prayer, and the pledge of allegiance will be observed. The council will consider whether to increase property tax levies.

• Public hearing on ordinance adopting FY27 real property tax rate

The City Council held a public hearing to consider reducing the real property tax rate from $1.27 to $1.22 per $100 of assessed value. Staff recommended the $0.05 reduction to account for rising costs in health insurance, debt service, and employee cost-of-living adjustments. Council members discussed various reduction levels and the impact on city capital projects.

• Held public hearing on FY27 real property tax rate ordinance

City Council

The City Council will hold a closed‑session meeting to discuss the acquisition and disposition of real property for public purposes. The discussion is deemed confidential under Virginia Code §2.2‑3711(A)(3) because open discussion could affect bargaining positions. No specific parcels or contracts are listed in the agenda.

• Discussion of acquisition and disposition of publicly held real property

The Petersburg City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution directing the City Manager to retract Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Helping Hands program and replace them with money from the city’s General Fund. The council first convened in closed session for legal consultation and real property discussions before returning to open session to approve the funding change.

• Adopted resolution directing City Manager to retract CDBG funds from the Helping Hands program and replace them with General Fund money (unanimous)
• Certified that closed session discussions complied with Virginia open meeting law (unanimous)

City Council

The Petersburg City Council will hold several public hearings, including one on a special‑use permit for a vehicle repair shop at 601 East Wythe Street and others on FY26 budget amendments. The council will also vote on a resolution to authorize a bona‑fide offer to purchase 230 Medical Park Blvd for a police substation. Additional items include a planning commission report on proactive rezoning and routine consent‑agenda approvals.

• Public hearing on a special‑use permit for a stand‑alone vehicle repair shop at 601 East Wythe Street, Parcel ID 012270012, in the B‑2 General Commercial Zoning District
• Public hearing on an amendment to the FY26 Grants Fund Budget
• Public hearing on an amendment to the FY26 Utilities Fund Budget and FY26 Streets Fund Budget
• Resolution to authorize a bona‑fide offer to purchase 230 Medical Park Blvd for a police substation
• Report from the Planning Commission on potential proactive rezoning

The Council approved several budget amendments for grants, utilities, and streets. They also denied a special use permit request for a vehicle repair shop at 601 East Wythe Street.

• Approved consent agenda (7-0)
• Denied special use permit for vehicle repair shop at 601 East Wythe Street (6-1)
• Approved amendment to the FY26 Grants Fund budget (7-0)
• Approved amendment to the FY26 Utilities and Streets Fund budgets (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will approve a consent agenda that includes first reads and scheduling of public hearings for several items. These items include a special use permit request for a stand‑alone vehicle repair shop at 601 East Wythe Street, amendments to the FY26 Grants Fund Budget, the FY26 Utilities and Streets Fund Budgets, and changes to tax exemption amounts for elderly and disabled residents. The meeting also features a tax‑relief presentation for elderly and disabled citizens and routine departmental reports.

• Special Use Permit request for a vehicle repair shop at 601 East Wythe Street (Parcel ID 012270012) in the B‑2 Commercial District
• Amendment to the FY26 Grants Fund Budget
• Amendment to the FY26 Utilities Fund Budget and FY26 Streets Fund Budget
• Amendment to Code of Ordinance sections 106‑109 and 106‑112 to change elderly and disabled tax exemption amounts
• Tax Relief presentation for elderly and disabled residents

The council approved the consent agenda by roll‑call vote with all members voting yes. The agenda includes first‑reading and scheduling of public hearings for a special‑use permit for a vehicle repair shop at 601 East Wythe Street, amendments to the FY26 Grants Fund, Utilities Fund and Streets Fund budgets, and changes to real‑estate tax code sections for elderly and disabled relief. No other actions were taken.

• Approved consent agenda (roll‑call vote: Cuthbert, Jones, Myers, Westbrook, Smith‑Lee, Hill, Parham)
• Scheduled public hearing for special‑use permit for 601 East Wythe St vehicle repair shop
• Scheduled public hearing for FY26 Grants Fund budget amendment
• Scheduled public hearing for FY26 Utilities Fund and Streets Fund budget amendment
• Scheduled public hearing for amendment to Code of Ordinance §§106‑109 and 106‑112 (elderly/disabled tax relief)

City Council

The Petersburg City Council will convene in a closed session to discuss the acquisition and disposition of real property and the performance, assignment, and appointment of specific public employees. No open business is scheduled for this meeting.

• Closed session for real property acquisition and disposition
• Closed session for public employee performance and appointment
• Meeting at Petersburg Library, 201 W. Washington Street

The City Council voted to enter a closed session to discuss matters exempt from open‑meeting requirements. The motion passed with all five members present voting yes and two members absent. Later the Council voted to end the closed session and certify that only exempt matters were discussed. That motion also passed with every member voting yes.

• Motion to enter closed session approved (Yes: Cuthbert, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Parham; Absent: Jones, Westbrook)
• Motion to return to open session and certify closed session approved (Yes: Cuthbert, Jones, Myers, Westbrook, Smith-Lee, Hill, Parham)