Lynchburg public meetings in 2023

Physical Development Committee

The committee will receive an information update regarding the College Lake Dam Removal. No other specific business items are listed for discussion.

• College Lake Dam Removal Update

City Council

The City Council will review the FY 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and discuss public safety recruitment. The agenda also includes a public hearing for the CDBG and HOME Program annual action plan.

• Presentation of the FY 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
• Public Hearing: CDBG and HOME Program Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Action Plan
• Conditional Use Permit for West Lynchburg Baptist Church Preschool at 3031 Memorial Avenue
• Relocation of Polling Place for Second Ward, Fourth Precinct
• Discussion of a future City Amphitheater contractor

City Council

The City Council will consider several budget amendments, including $3,000,000 for Riverfront Park improvements. The meeting also includes a public hearing regarding a childcare facility at 805 15th Street and a zoning change near Taylor Street.

• $3,000,000 appropriation for Riverfront Park (Amphitheater) improvements
• $102,500 for Emergency Services recruitment bonuses and incentives
• $70,000 for Fire Department Technical Rescue Team equipment
• $29,707 for security cameras and upgrades at the Registrar's Office
• Conditional Use Permit for a childcare facility at 805 15th Street

City Council

The City Council is holding a retreat to discuss the Comprehensive Plan and city budget. The agenda includes sessions on public engagement, opportunity investment, and branding.

• Comprehensive Plan discussion
• Budget and Public Engagement session
• Budget and Opportunity Investment session
• Branding discussion

Finance Committee

The committee will review several FY 24 grant items related to public safety, the Registrar's Office, and the Fire Department. Members will also receive quarterly reports for various city funds including transit, airport, water, and sewer operations.

• FY 24 Public Safety Answering Point Grant for Staff Recognition
• FY 24 Public Safety Answering Point Grant for Enterprise GIS Software
• 2023 State Homeland Security Program grant for the Fire Department Technical Rescue Team
• Quarterly reports for GLTC, Regional Airport Fund, and Water/Sewer/Stormwater funds
• FY 2024 General Fund Reserve for Contingencies update

City Council

The City Council will conduct a work session covering department updates and business briefings. Items include a rezoning request for Taylor Street and Park Avenue, a conditional use permit for Hope Diamond Childcare Center, and an update on the Riverfront Amphitheatre.

• Rezoning: 602 Taylor Street & 1212 Park Avenue from B-4 to B-5
• Conditional Use Permit: Hope Diamond Childcare Center at 805 15th Street
• Fire Department Update
• Historic Preservation Overview
• Riverfront Amphitheatre Update

City Council

The Council will consider budget amendments for law enforcement equipment and emergency services recruitment. The session also includes a public hearing on real estate sales and discussions regarding a city-wide youth curfew.

• Censure of Councilmember Martin Misjuns (Resolution #R-23-098)
• $102,500 for Emergency Services retention and recruiting
• Sale of City real estate to Giffin Pipe Products Co., LLC
• $70,000 for Fire Department Technical Rescue equipment
• Proposed City-wide Youth Curfew (Ordinance #O-23-103)

Physical Development Committee

The Lynchburg City Council’s Physical Development Committee meeting scheduled for November 14, 2023, has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for December 12, 2023, at City Hall.

City Council

The City Council will hold a special called meeting on November 14 at the University of Lynchburg. This event serves as a legislative dinner and replaces the regularly scheduled council meeting.

• Legislative Dinner at University of Lynchburg, 1501 Lakeside Drive
• $19.95 cost for dinner attendees

City Council

This meeting is a legislative dinner featuring presentations on Virginia's current financial situation and future outlook. State officials will also discuss the future of the General Assembly and 2024 legislative priorities.

• Presentation on Virginia’s current financial situation and future outlook
• Discussion on the future of Virginia’s General Assembly
• Review of 2024 legislative priorities

Physical Development Committee

The Physical Development Committee will receive an update regarding the construction of the Police Department Headquarters. No other specific business items are listed for this meeting.

• Update on Police Department Headquarters construction

City Council

The City Council will review the non-profit organization funding process and a hazardous materials disposal program. The meeting includes a bid opening for an Appalachian Power Company easement at 3525 John Capron Road and updates on 12th Street stabilization.

• Appalachian Power Company Easement - 3525 John Capron Road - Bid Opening/Acceptance
• 12th Street Stabilization Update and Funding
• Non-Profit Organizations Funding Process review
• Hazardous Materials Disposal Program review
• Ordinance establishing terms for Council appointees

City Council

The Council will consider several land use permits and zoning resolutions, including townhome construction and university-related uses. The agenda also includes a budget amendment for 12th Street and public comments regarding school closures.

• $2,634,000 appropriation for 12th Street Stabilization
• Construction of 44 townhomes at 532 and 536 Leesville Road
• Easement for electric bus charging stations at 3525 John Capron Road
• Conditional use permits for University of Lynchburg offices and laundry facilities
• Denial of apartments at 3146 and 3150 Wards Ferry Road

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will receive updates on monthly revenue collections and the FY 2024 General Fund Reserve for Contingencies. The committee will also approve meeting notes from August 8, 2023.

• Approval of August 8, 2023, meeting notes
• FY 2024 General Fund Reserve for Contingencies update
• Monthly revenue collections update

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss taxicab regulation, flood event reviews, and 12th Street stabilization. The agenda also includes briefings on various conditional use permits and a public hearing regarding the city's tax policy.

• Public Hearing on City's Tax Policy
• Conditional Use Permit for Towns at Misty Mountain townhomes at 532 and 536 Leesville Road
• Conditional Use Permit for University of Lynchburg office space at 333, 335, & 337 College Street
• Conditional Use Permit and FLUM Amendment for Wards Ferry Road Apartments at 3146 and 3150 Wards Ferry Road
• Appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission decision regarding 713 Pearl Street

City Council

The City Council will consider rezoning 759 Leesville Road and approving $57,200 for medical equipment. The meeting also includes budget adjustments and the designation of a new parkway. Public comments regarding school closures are also scheduled.

• Rezoning 759 Leesville Road from R-1 Low Density Residential to B-5C General Business District
• $57,200 appropriation for a Lifepak 15 monitor/defibrillator and Lucas 2 chest compression system
• Designating Odd Fellows Road as the Senator Steve Newman Parkway
• Vacating a public easement at 1504 Elm Street, 1500 Main Street, and 1520 Main Street
• Approving FY 2023 Fourth Quarter and FY 2024 First Quarter budget adjustments

Physical Development Committee

The Physical Development Committee will review a request to vacate a public easement located between Elm Street and Main Street. The meeting also includes information regarding Virginia Department of Transportation grant funding applications.

• Vacation of public easement between 1504 Elm Street, 1500 Main Street, and 1520 Main Street
• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Grant Funding Applications

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to review fiscal year budget adjustments and various business items. The agenda includes discussions on an Appalachian Power Company easement and a corridor overlay for Steve Newman Parkway. The council will also consider closed sessions regarding board appointments and staff performance reviews.

• FY 2023 fourth quarter and FY 2024 first quarter budget adjustments
• Appalachian Power Company easement at 3525 John Capron Road
• Rezoning for a Centra Rehabilitation Facility/Behavioral Health Hospital entrance
• Corridor Overlay for Steve Newman Parkway

City Council

The City Council will consider several resolutions regarding school funding and budget amendments. The meeting includes a public hearing for a telecommunications tower and multiple citizen comments on schools and staffing.

• Conditional Use Permit for a 150 foot telecommunications tower at 119 Leroy Bowen Drive
• Resolution #R-23-069 amending Lynchburg City Schools Major Classification Funding for FY 2024
• Comprehensive Agreement with Southern Air, Inc. for heating system upgrades at Dunbar Middle School
• Appropriation of $57,200 for a Lifepak 15 monitor/defibrillator and a Lucas 2 chest compression system
• Resolution #R-23-070 to appropriate up to $100,000 and transfer a full-time position to the Office of the General Registrar

The Lynchburg City Council received briefings on an Appalachian Power easement at 3525 John Capron Road, the FY 2023 CAPER report for HUD, FY 2023‑24 budget adjustments, a rezoning petition for 759 Leesville Road, a corridor overlay naming Odd Fellows Road as Senator Steve Newman Parkway, school‑bus funding questions, merit‑based employment policies, and the Mayor’s Cup blood drive. No motions were voted on, and all items are scheduled for consideration at the September 26, 2023 meetings. The council discussed the need to monitor school capital‑improvement funding and the importance of sidewalk construction for the rezoning site.

City Council

The City Council will hear from Registrar Dan Pense. The council also intends to enter a closed session to receive legal advice on employment matters and discuss the investment of public funds for business expansion.

• Report from Lynchburg Registrar Dan Pense
• Closed session regarding city department employment matters
• Closed session regarding public fund investment for prospective business expansion

City Council approved Resolution #R-23-070 to address staffing and emergency needs in the Registrar's Office. The Council also held a closed session to discuss employment matters and the investment of public funds for a prospective business expansion.

• Adopted Resolution #R-23-070 regarding Registrar's Office staffing (5-2)
• Denied substitute motion to amend Resolution #R-23-070 (2-5)
• Approved closed meeting for legal advice on employment and business investment (7-0)
• Certified that the closed meeting complied with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (7-0)

City Council

Council adopted Resolution #R-23-069 to amend the FY 2024 Schools Operating Budget. The action transfers $261,000 from Contingency Reserves to Administration, Attendance and Health. This move does not change the total operating revenues appropriated.

• Approved Resolution #R-23-069 to transfer $261,000 for legal fees regarding desegregation ($250,000) and professional development training ($11,000) (7-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn (5-2)

City Council

The City Council and School Board held a joint special meeting to receive a presentation from MGT Consulting regarding the Facilities Master Plan. Members broke into four groups to discuss the pros and cons of four different facility scenarios. No formal decisions or votes were made during the meeting.

City Council

City Council appropriated National Opioid Settlement Funds to expand the Lynchburg Adult Drug Court. The Council also authorized the sale of city-owned real estate on Early Street and appointed members to several boards and commissions.

• Appropriated $964,424 from National Opioid Settlement Funds for Lynchburg Adult Drug Court (7-0)
• Approved sale of City-owned real estate to ANCH LLC at Early Street (7-0)
• Appointed members to MLK Jr./Lynchburg Community Council, Economic Development Authority, Historic Preservation Commission, CVCC Board, and Museum Advisory Board (7-0)
• Approved March 21, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved March 28, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)

City Council

Council accepted a single bid from John Fees of ANCH LLC for a franchise ordinance. The body also received updates on airport air service, youth summer programs, and the installation of a statue for former Mayor M.W. “Teedy” Thornhill, Jr.

• Accepted bid from John Fees of ANCH LLC for Franchise Ordinance (7-0)

City Council

City Council held a special meeting to conduct 30-minute interviews with candidates for School Board Districts 2 and 3. No formal appointments or votes were recorded during this session.

• Interviewed Joan Pense, Dr. Kim Sinha, and Beth White (District 2)
• Interviewed Tecora Davis, Cheryl Giggetts, Andrew Glover, and Farid Jalil (District 3)
• Recorded withdrawal of candidacy by Dr. David Ream (District 3)

City Council

City Council held a public hearing to record the candidacy of Christian DePaul for the School Board District 1. Council also conducted interviews with nine candidates for District 1 and District 2. No appointments were decided during this meeting.

• Held public hearing for Christian DePaul's School Board candidacy
• Interviewed Dr. Robert Brennan (District 1)
• Interviewed Michael Brosmer (District 1)
• Interviewed Jack Schewel (District 1)
• Interviewed Deborah Trefzger (District 1)
• Interviewed Rebekah Turner (District 1)
• Interviewed Michael Barron (District 2)
• Interviewed Greg Berry (District 2)

City Council

The Council received informational presentations on the proposed five-year Capital Improvement Program, school renovations, and city property sales. No formal votes were taken on these items; several matters were deferred to the June 27 meeting for action.

• Added procedure for School Board candidate appointments to the work session agenda
• Tabled action on Dunbar Middle School heating renovations proposal to June 27
• Tabled action on 2023 Bond Anticipation Note to June 27
• Tabled action on Lynchburg Adult Drug Court opioid abatement funding to June 27
• Deferred review of School Board appointment procedural proposal to next meeting

City Council

The Council discussed a proposed youth curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for individuals under 18. Members reached a consensus on a May 26 start date, a December 1 sunset clause, and the use of 'may' in the ordinance to allow law enforcement discretion.

• Consensus reached to move youth curfew ordinance to regular meeting agenda with a May 26 start date
• Consensus reached to include a December 1 sunset clause for the curfew
• Consensus reached to use 'may' instead of 'shall' regarding officer discretion in the ordinance
• Consensus reached to set curfew violations as a Class 4 misdemeanor

City Council

City Council adopted a zoning ordinance amendment to lower frontage and land area requirements for child and adult day care centers. The Council also approved budget adjustments and a lease agreement for the Downtown Lynchburg Association.

• Approved FY 2023 Third Quarter Adjustments (Resolution #R-23-036) (7-0)
• Approved $362,047 for Lynchburg Police Department equipment and technology (Resolution #R-23-037) (7-0)
• Approved Zoning Ordinance Amendment #O-23-038 for Child and Adult Day Care Centers (7-0)
• Approved lease agreement with Downtown Lynchburg Association for Monument Terrace building (Resolution #R-23-039) (6-1)
• Held over public hearing for School Board District I, II, and III appointments until May 23

City Council

Council members discussed budget baseline assumptions, BPOL tax exemptions, and potential reductions to council salaries. A proposed funding schema for Lynchburg City Schools was presented, though no formal votes were taken on these items. Staff indicated they have sufficient direction to prepare ordinances for the upcoming regular meeting.

• Discussed four options for council salaries, with a lean toward voluntary individual donations
• Discussed BPOL tax proposal to maximize filing exemptions over rate reductions
• Proposed categorical funding schema for LCS to be presented to the School Board
• Reached consensus to support the establishment of the Horizon Behavioral Health center

City Council

Council reviewed a proposed real estate tax rate reduction to $0.89/$100 and discussed FY 2024 budget reconciliations, including potential cuts to school funding. No final votes were recorded on the tax rate or budget items. The Council also reviewed a proposed schedule for the 2023 School Board appointment process.

• Discussed proposed real estate tax rate reduction from $1.11/$100 to $0.89/$100
• Reviewed proposed 2023 School Board appointment schedule
• Discussed FY 2024 budget reconciliation and potential school budget reductions
• Reviewed proposed zoning ordinance amendments for child and adult day care centers
• Discussed Lynchburg City Schools Facilities Plan community engagement sessions

General

Council discussed the FY 2024 Proposed Budget Reconciliation, focusing on categorical funding for Lynchburg City Schools and potential expansions to the Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled Program. No final votes were taken on these proposals during the session.

• Discussed implementing categorical funding for Lynchburg City Schools
• Reviewed proposal to increase income limit to $60K and net worth limit to $200K for elderly and disabled tax relief
• Discussed adjusting LCS budget allocation from $2.1M to between $3M and $6M

City Council

Council granted conditional use permits for a mixed-use building on Bedford Avenue, a battery energy storage system on Harbor Street, and townhomes on Leesville Road. The body also affirmed its Rules of Procedure and approved the February 14 meeting minutes.

• Approved mixed-use building with 10 apartments at 2307 Bedford Avenue (7-0)
• Approved battery energy storage system at 3920 Harbor Street and 109 Old Trents Ferry Road (6-1)
• Approved construction of 87 townhomes at 710 and 714 Leesville Road (5-2)
• Affirmed the Rules of Procedure (7-0)
• Approved February 14, 2023 meeting minutes as amended (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved moving scheduled closed sessions to after the 7:30 p.m. meeting (6-1)

City Council

Following a public hearing, City Council approved a real estate tax rate of $0.89 per $100 of assessed value. The decision followed a dispute over whether the motion was out of order due to the lack of a formal ordinance. Public hearings were also held for water resources and the FY24 operating budget, though no final decisions on those items were recorded.

• Set real estate tax rate at $0.89 (4-2)
• Denied motion to table tax discussion until next meeting (4-2)

City Council

The Council approved a budget amendment to allocate $6.6M in ARPA grant funding for the Richland Hills Sewer Project. They also reorganized the Towing Advisory Board and updated the City's Self-Insurance Program settlement authority. A proposed 'No Mow April' resolution was sent back to be redrafted as a proclamation.

• Approved $6.6M ARPA grant for Richland Hills Sewer Project (7-0)
• Approved reorganization of Towing Advisory Board and new procurement process (7-0)
• Approved increasing City Attorney settlement authority to $55,000 (6-0)
• Voted to return 'No Mow April' resolution as a proclamation (6-1)
• Approved January 24, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)

City Council

Council approved the acceptance of a $6.6M ARPA grant for the Richland Hills Sewer Extension Project and authorized a change order for bank stabilization at Blackwater Creek. Members also held a roundtable discussion regarding the FY 2024 proposed budget and real estate tax rates.

• Approved Resolution #R-23-029 to appropriate $6.6M ARPA grant for Richland Hills Sewer Project (7-0)
• Approved Resolution #R-23-028 for a $124,214.45 change order for Black Water Creek Bank Stabilization Phase II (7-0)

City Council

Council approved a rezoning request for a 107-room hotel and the renovation of townhomes into duplexes. Several budget resolutions for fire department equipment and school security were adopted. The council also appointed members to the Lynchburg Parking Authority and Youth Services Citizens Board.

• Approved rezoning for a 107-room hotel at 434 Rivermont Avenue (6-1)
• Approved CUP to renovate three townhomes into duplexes at 1312-1316.5 Church Street (7-0)
• Approved $913,700 for Fire Department SCBA equipment (7-0)
• Approved $54,163 for Fire Department monitor/defibrillator and chest compression system (7-0)
• Approved $260,000 for school security vestibule installations (7-0)
• Approved $839,856 for RS Payne and other school structural repairs (4-3)
• Upheld HPC denial of vinyl windows at 210/212 Harrison Street (4-2)
• Appointed Jason Cudd to Parking Authority and James Polk to Youth Services Citizens Board (7-0)

Finance Committee

The committee approved three requests to amend the FY 2023 City/Federal/State Aid Fund budget to fund record preservation and fire department equipment. These items were approved to move forward for final consideration by City Council. The committee also reviewed quarterly financial reports for various city funds and agencies.

• Approved January 24, 2023 meeting notes (3-0)
• Approved $34,950 appropriation for deed book and marriage license preservation (3-0)
• Approved $913,700 appropriation for Fire Department breathing apparatus and equipment (3-0)
• Approved $54,163 appropriation for Fire Department monitor/defibrillator and chest compression system (3-0)

City Council

Council voted to terminate a 1993 agreement regarding the School Operating Fund Balance. The body approved $260,000 for school security vestibules but denied a larger request for building repairs. Other actions included approving a 90% personal property tax ratio and several fire department equipment grants.

• Terminated 1993 Letter of Agreement regarding School Operating Fund Balance (5-2)
• Approved $260,000 for school security vestibules (7-0)
• Denied remaining school repair requests for building envelope and structural analysis (4-3)
• Approved 90% personal property tax ratio for 2023 (6-1)
• Approved Resolution #R-23-012 for Wesley Apartments bond issuance (7-0)
• Approved Resolution #R-23-013 for airport parking lease amendment (7-0)
• Approved Resolution #R-23-014 to extend LMEFCU lease (7-0)
• Approved $913,700 for fire department SCBA equipment and $54,163 for cardiac monitors (7-0)

City Council

The Council voted to postpone all general business decisions and votes to the next meeting to allow an absent member to participate. Most agenda items, including a personal property tax ratio adjustment and airport lease amendments, were discussed but not decided. A motion to reallocate comprehensive plan funds to R.S. Payne Elementary School was tabled.

• Tabled all General Business items until February 28 (4-2)
• Approved the Consent Agenda (6-0)
• Adopted agenda as-is, denying a request to add a tax relief proposal (4-2)
• Tabled discussion on comprehensive plan funding reallocation (6-0)
• Approved closed session to discuss Board appointments and water resources (4-2)
• Denied certification of the closed meeting (4-2)

General

Council received briefings on General Fund balances, regional spending comparisons, and FY 2024 real estate assessments. A financial advisor presented on the 2023 G.O. Bond sale and debt service costs. No substantive decisions were made as the budget agenda item was pulled.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee approved several items to move forward for full City Council consideration, including police equipment funding and financial policy revisions. The committee also reviewed quarterly financial reports for city enterprises and funds. No final actions were taken as items were referred to the full Council.

• Recommended directing staff to provide options for real estate rate increases (3-0)
• Recommended removing the local portion of the Concealed Handgun permit fee (2-1)
• Approved Finance Committee operational guidelines (3-0)
• Recommended revisions to Financial Management Policies and Investment Policy (3-0)
• Recommended appropriating $85,000 for a Police Drone Mobile Command Response Vehicle (3-0)
• Recommended appropriating $387,250 for Police equipment and technology (3-0)

City Council

The Council approved a resolution to oppose legislation hindering the right to bear arms. They also denied a rezoning request for 119 townhomes on Leesville Road and approved several grant-funded budget amendments.

• Approved Resolution #R-23-001 to become a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary (5-2)
• Denied rezoning of 615, 619, 623, and 651 Leesville Road for 119 townhomes (7-0)
• Denied FLUM amendment for Leesville Road property (5-2)
• Approved $25M ARPA grant for sewer overflow projects (6-1)
• Approved $76,000 SHSP grant for Fire Department rescue equipment (6-1)
• Approved FY 2024 CDBG and HOME Program goals (7-0)
• Denied motion to immediately lower tax rate (3-4)
• Tabled Parks and Recreation Master Plan resolution to January 24

City Council

The City Council held elections for the positions of Mayor and Vice Mayor for terms beginning January 4, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2024. Councilmembers also selected the seating arrangements for the dais.

• Elected Councilmember Stephanie Reed as Mayor (4-3)
• Elected Councilmember Chris Faraldi as Vice Mayor (4-3)
• Selected dais seating arrangements