Petersburg, VA

City Council

City Council

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

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

City Council

La sesión de trabajo conjunta revisará la solicitud de financiamiento para proyectos de mejora de capital del año fiscal 2025, proporcionará una actualización sobre el proyecto de construcción de la escuela Walnut Hill Elementary School y escuchará un informe sobre el presupuesto estatal para el año fiscal 2027. Los funcionarios también discutirán un estudio de compensación y clasificación para el sistema escolar y una propuesta para aumentar el impuesto municipal sobre las ventas en un 1%.

• Descripción general de la solicitud de financiamiento para proyectos de mejora de capital del saldo de fondos FY25
• Actualización del proyecto de construcción de Walnut Hill Elementary School
• Actualización del presupuesto estatal FY27
• Estudio de compensación y clasificación de Petersburg City Public Schools
• Propuesta para un aumento del 1% en el impuesto sobre las ventas

City Council

El Concejo Municipal se reúne en una sesión cerrada para discutir la adquisición o disposición de bienes raíces y para recibir asesoría legal del abogado de la ciudad. No hay votos ni decisiones públicas programadas; la reunión se limita a asuntos procesales bajo la ley de Virginia.

• Sesión cerrada bajo §2.2-3711(A)(3) para adquisición/disposición de bienes raíces
• Sesión cerrada bajo §2.2-3711(A)(7)-(8) para asesoría legal sobre litigios y secciones específicas del código

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

El Concejo Municipal de Petersburg llevará a cabo una sesión de trabajo para discutir y votar sobre los puntos de la agenda de consentimiento, incluyendo las primeras lecturas y la programación de audiencias públicas para dos enmiendas a la ordenanza de zonificación. Una enmienda aclara los estándares de diseño de estacionamiento residencial fuera de la calle; la otra aclara los criterios para los certificados de idoneidad y las pautas de los distritos históricos. El concejo también recibirá actualizaciones sobre proyectos de capital, incluyendo el reemplazo del culvert de W. Bank Street y Poor Creek.

• Primera lectura y audiencia pública programadas para la ordenanza que enmienda los estándares de diseño de estacionamiento residencial fuera de la calle
• Primera lectura y audiencia pública programadas para la ordenanza sobre certificados de idoneidad y pautas de diseño de distritos históricos
• Primera lectura y audiencia pública programadas para la enmienda al FY27 Grants Fund
• Actualización de Proyectos de Capital: W. Bank Street - Brickhouse Run Culvert Replacement Project
• Actualización de Poor Creek presentada por 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

El Concejo Municipal de Petersburg llevará a cabo audiencias públicas sobre varias solicitudes de rezonificación, incluyendo una rezonificación de uso mixto en 300 Poplar Drive y 27 Seyler Drive, y considerará una ordenanza que modifica el alivio de impuestos sobre bienes raíces para personas mayores y discapacitadas. El concejo también votará sobre una resolución que autoriza acuerdos de desarrollo para cuatro propiedades (436 Byrne, 724 Harding, 10 N. Foley, 340 Mistletoe) y aprobará nombramientos para varias juntas.

• Audiencia pública para rezonificar 300 Poplar Drive y 27 Seyler Drive al Distrito de Uso Mixto MXD-3
• Audiencia pública para rezonificar 608 Hinton Street de M-1 a R-3 Residencia Bifamiliar
• Audiencia pública para rezonificar 507 South Adams Street de R-3 a B-2 Comercial General
• Ordenanza que modifica el alivio de impuestos sobre bienes raíces para personas mayores y permanentemente discapacitadas
• Resolución que autoriza acuerdos de desarrollo para cuatro propiedades (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

El Concejo Municipal se reunirá únicamente en sesión cerrada, sin temas de reunión abierta. La sesión cerrada abarca la adquisición/disposición de bienes raíces, asesoría legal y litigios, y asuntos de personal. No se espera que se tomen decisiones públicamente.

• Sin temas públicos; todos los asuntos se llevarán a cabo en sesión cerrada bajo el Código de Virginia §§2.2-3711(A)(1), (3), (7) y (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

El Concejo Municipal llevará a cabo una sesión de trabajo para considerar varios elementos de primera lectura, incluyendo solicitudes de rezonificación en múltiples propiedades y una apelación de una decisión de la Junta de Revisión Arquitectónica. Estos elementos serán programados para audiencias públicas en una reunión futura. El concejo también recibirá presentaciones sobre la Metropolitan Business League y recomendaciones de CDBG.

• Rezonificar 300 Poplar Drive y 27 Seyler Drive de R-1/R-4 a Distrito de Uso Mixto MXD-3
• Apelación de la denegación de la ARB para la remoción de una chimenea y el reemplazo del techo en 224 South South Street
• Rezonificar 608 Hinton Street de M-1 Industrial Ligero a R-3 Residencia Bifamiliar
• Rezonificar 507 South Adams Street de R-3 a B-2 Comercial General con ofertas (Club 17)
• Primera lectura de fondos CDBG para el Año del Programa 2026-2027 y 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

Esta es una reunión procedimental sin votaciones en sesión abierta ni audiencias públicas. El Consejo convoca una sesión cerrada bajo la ley de Virginia para discutir la adquisición o disposición de bienes inmuebles, asesoramiento legal y litigios pendientes, así como el desempeño y la asignación de empleados municipales específicos.

• Sesión cerrada bajo el §2.2-3711(A)(3) para adquisición o disposición de bienes inmuebles
• Sesión cerrada bajo el §2.2-3711(A)(7)&(8) para asesoramiento legal y litigio probable
• Sesión cerrada bajo el §2.2-3711(A)(1) para discutir el desempeño y la designación del personal

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

El Concejo Municipal llevará a cabo una reunión especial para considerar dos ordenanzas: la adopción del presupuesto operativo de la Ciudad de Petersburg para el año fiscal 2027 y el presupuesto de las Escuelas Públicas de la Ciudad de Petersburg para el año fiscal 2027. No hay otros puntos en la agenda.

• Consideración de una ordenanza para adoptar el Presupuesto Operativo de la Ciudad de Petersburg para el año fiscal 2027
• Consideración de una ordenanza para adoptar el Presupuesto de las Escuelas Públicas de la Ciudad de Petersburg para el año fiscal 2027

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

El Concejo Municipal de Petersburg llevará a cabo audiencias públicas sobre cuatro ordenanzas: un ajuste voluntario de la línea fronteriza con el condado de Prince George, una enmienda al presupuesto de las Escuelas Públicas de la Ciudad de Petersburg para el año fiscal 2026, y la adopción del presupuesto operativo de la ciudad para el año fiscal 2027 y el presupuesto escolar para el año fiscal 2027. La reunión también incluye una presentación de legisladores estatales sobre la sesión de la Asamblea General y la aprobación de actas anteriores.

• Audiencia pública sobre el ajuste voluntario de la línea fronteriza con Prince George County
• Audiencia pública sobre la ordenanza que adopta el presupuesto operativo de la Ciudad de Petersburg para el año fiscal 2027
• Audiencia pública sobre la ordenanza que adopta el presupuesto de las Escuelas Públicas de la Ciudad de Petersburg para el año fiscal 2027
• Audiencia pública sobre la ordenanza que enmienda el presupuesto de las Escuelas Públicas de la Ciudad de Petersburg para el año fiscal 2026
• Presentación de la Senadora Lashrecse Aird y la Delegada Kimberly Pope-Adams sobre la actualización posterior a la sesión de la Asamblea General

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

Esta reunión consiste únicamente en una sesión cerrada. El concejo discutirá la adquisición o disposición de bienes inmuebles, recibirá asesoría legal sobre litigios pendientes y asuntos del código de edificación, y revisará el desempeño y los nombramientos de empleados municipales específicos.

• Sesión cerrada bajo §2.2-3711(A)(3) para la adquisición o disposición de bienes inmuebles
• Sesión cerrada bajo §2.2-3711(A)(7) y (8) para asesoría legal sobre litigios y requisitos del código de edificación
• Sesión cerrada bajo §2.2-3711(A)(1) para la discusión del desempeño y nombramiento de empleados públicos específicos

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

El Concejo Municipal llevará a cabo una sesión de trabajo para discutir y programar audiencias públicas para los presupuestos de la ciudad y de las escuelas para el año fiscal 2027, así como un ajuste voluntario de la línea fronteriza con Prince George County. Los informes especiales incluirán una actualización sobre la prevención de sobredosis (Rapid REVIVE) y una presentación de Live! Casino Virginia. El concejo también recibirá actualizaciones sobre el impuesto sobre la propiedad personal, el estudio de aguas pluviales y los servicios públicos.

• Primera lectura y programación de audiencia pública para el presupuesto de la Ciudad de Petersburg del año fiscal 2027
• Primera lectura y programación de audiencia pública para el presupuesto de las Escuelas Públicas de Petersburg del año fiscal 2027
• Primera lectura y programación de audiencia pública para el ajuste voluntario de la línea fronteriza con Prince George County
• Reconocimiento de la Iniciativa Partners in Peace y proclamación del Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre el Asma y las Alergias
• Informes especiales sobre la prevención de sobredosis Rapid REVIVE y el proyecto Live! Casino Virginia

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

El Concejo Municipal llevará a cabo una reunión especial con una audiencia pública: una apelación de la denegación de la Junta de Revisión Arquitectónica (ARB) sobre desviaciones en el campo de los planes aprobados para una vivienda en 217 South South Street en el Distrito Histórico de Folly Castle. No hay otros asuntos programados.

• Audiencia pública sobre la apelación de la denegación de la ARB para la vivienda en 217 South South Street en el Distrito Histórico de Folly Castle

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

Esta es una reunión procedimental de sesión cerrada del Concejo Municipal de Petersburg. No hay asuntos públicos ni votaciones programadas. El concejo se reunirá a puerta cerrada para discutir la adquisición y disposición de bienes inmuebles, asesoría legal y litigios, y la evaluación de funcionarios públicos específicos.

• Discusión sobre la adquisición/disposición de bienes inmuebles para fines públicos
• Asesoría legal sobre litigios y requisitos de códigos (Virginia Code §15.2-906, City Code 22-50, código de edificación)
• Evaluación y desempeño de funcionarios públicos específicos

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

El Concejo Municipal llevará a cabo audiencias públicas sobre un permiso de uso especial para viviendas multifamiliares en 3060 y 3090 Pinetree Drive, sobre servidumbres y la anulación de derechos de vía para el nuevo juzgado, y sobre una enmienda al presupuesto del año fiscal 2026 (FY26). El concejo también considerará múltiples acuerdos de desarrollo para propiedades que incluyen 101 W. Washington Street, 110 Spruce Street, 126 Kentucky Avenue, 704 y 706 Wesley Street, y 321 Witten Street. Adicionalmente, dos apelaciones de decisiones de la Junta de Revisión Arquitectónica para propiedades en distritos históricos se encuentran en la agenda de consentimiento.

• Audiencia pública para el permiso de uso especial para viviendas multifamiliares en 3060 y 3090 Pinetree Drive
• Audiencias públicas para la anulación de derechos de vía y servidumbres de Dominion Power (aéreas y subterráneas) para la construcción del nuevo juzgado
• Audiencia pública para la enmienda al Fondo General, Fondo de Subvenciones y Fondo de Golf del FY26
• Acuerdos de desarrollo para 101 W. Washington Street, 110 Spruce Street, 126 Kentucky Avenue, 704 & 706 Wesley Street, y 321 Witten Street
• Apelaciones de denegaciones de la Junta de Revisión Arquitectónica para 217 South South Street y 116 Liberty Street en distritos históricos

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

Esta es una reunión procesal donde el Concejo Municipal se reunirá en sesión cerrada para discutir la adquisición o disposición de bienes inmuebles y recibir asesoría legal sobre zonificación, un caso de la corte de circuito y otros asuntos legales. No hay votos ni decisiones públicas programadas en la agenda.

• Sesión cerrada autorizada bajo Va. Code §2.2-3711(A)(3) para adquisición/disposición de bienes inmuebles
• Sesión cerrada autorizada bajo Va. Code §2.2-3711(A)(7) y (8) para asesoría legal y consulta sobre litigios
• La discusión incluye la Ordenanza de Zonificación de Petersburg §33-38 y el caso de la Corte de Circuito 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 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 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 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)

City Council

The City Council is meeting in a closed session to receive legal advice and discuss specific personnel and property matters. The session is conducted pursuant to the Code of Virginia to protect legal strategy and employee privacy.

• Legal consultation regarding Code of Virginia §§ 15.2-953, 22.1-89, 94, 115, and §2.2-3704
• Discussion of the acquisition and disposition of real property
• Discussion of performance, assignment, and appointment of specific public employees

The council voted to enter a closed session at 3:09 p.m. and later voted to return to the open session and certify the closed session at 5:10 p.m. Both motions passed unanimously among those present.

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

City Council

The City Council will consider a $5.6 million bond issuance for water and sewer revenue and a budget amendment for public schools. The body will also hold public hearings on several zoning requests and a property purchase agreement for 3501 Halifax Road.

• Resolution for General Obligation and Refunding Bonds up to $5,600,000 for water and sewer revenue
• Special Use Permit request for multiple-family dwellings at 1325 West Washington Street
• Special Use Permit request for a vehicle repair shop at 3857 South Crater Road
• Special Use Permit request for a nightclub at 2793 South Crater Road
• Rezoning request for 2088 Defense Road, 1918 Townes Road, and 1926 Bogese Drive to M-1 Light Industrial

The City Council voted to approve an amendment to the FY26 Petersburg City Public Schools budget in the amount of $2,977,123.61. Vice Mayor Hill made the motion, Council Member Jones seconded, and the motion passed on a roll‑call vote with all members voting yes. The Council also approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings, by unanimous roll‑call vote.

• Approved $2,977,123.61 amendment to FY26 public schools budget (unanimous roll call)
• Approved consent agenda, including minutes of prior meetings (unanimous roll call)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to review several first-read ordinances and resolutions. The body is discussing bond issuance for water and sewer refunding and the adoption of the FY27 real property tax rate.

• Resolution for General Obligation and Refunding Bonds up to $5,600,000 for water and sewer revenue
• Ordinance to adopt the FY27 Real Property Tax Rate
• Special Use Permit request for multiple-family dwellings at 1325 West Washington Street
• Special Use Permit requests for a vehicle repair shop at 3857 South Crater Road and a nightclub at 2793 South Crater Road
• Rezoning request for properties at 2088 Defense Road, 1918 Townes Road, and 1926 Bogese Drive to M-1 Light Industrial

The council approved the consent agenda on a roll‑call vote (yes: Jones, Hill, Parham, Cuthbert, Myers, Smith‑Lee, Westbrook). The agenda includes minutes of prior meetings and first reads to schedule public hearings for a $5.6 M bond issuance, special‑use permits, rezoning proposals, a purchase agreement, and the FY27 real‑property tax rate. No other substantive actions were taken and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved Consent Agenda (7-0 roll call vote)

City Council

The City Council and Planning Commission will hear a presentation on a proposed zoning and subdivision ordinance from the Berkley Group. The council will consider the ordinance as part of its agenda, though no vote is scheduled in this meeting. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as roll call and quorum determination.

• Presentation on proposed zoning and subdivision ordinance – Berkley Group

The City Council approved three motions directing the Planning Commission to research and recommend actions. One motion asks the Commission to examine potential rezoning around the casino area to enable commercial development. A second motion requests a study of extending Wagner Road west toward Flank Road. A third motion sets a deadline for the Commission to deliver a rezoning recommendation for the casino area by the March council meeting.

• Approved motion to direct Planning Commission to research and recommend potential rezoning around the casino area (yes: Hill, Parham, Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Westbrook; absent: Myers, Jones)
• Approved motion to direct Planning Commission to research and recommend expansion of Wagner Road west toward Flank Road (yes: Jones, Hill, Parham, Cuthbert, Myers, Smith-Lee, Westbrook)
• Approved motion to direct Planning Commission to provide a rezoning recommendation for the casino area by the March council meeting (yes: Jones, Hill, Parham, Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Westbrook; no: Myers)

City Council

The Petersburg City Council is convening in a closed session to receive legal advice from the city attorney regarding actual or probable litigation, including specific legal matters under Virginia Code sections. The council will also discuss the acquisition and disposition of real property for public purposes. No open-session votes or public actions are scheduled.

• Closed session for legal advice on litigation (Code §2.2-3711(A)(7) and (8))
• Closed session for discussion of real property acquisition/disposition (Code §2.2-3711(A)(3))

The Petersburg City Council entered a closed session, then returned to open session and certified the closed session. The council added a resolution to the agenda to ratify a local emergency declaration and subsequently adopted that resolution. All votes were unanimous among members present, with Councilor Jones absent.

• Entered closed session (approved; Yes: Cuthbert, Westbrook, Smith-Lee, Hill, Parham; absent: Myers, Jones)
• Returned to open session and certified closed session (approved; Yes: Cuthbert, Myers, Westbrook, Smith-Lee, Hill, Parham; absent: Jones)
• Added to agenda a Resolution Ratifying the Declaration of a Local Emergency (approved; all present voted Yes; absent: Jones)
• Adopted the Resolution Ratifying the Declaration of a Local Emergency (approved; Yes: Cuthbert, Myers, Westbrook, Smith-Lee, Hill, Parham; absent: Jones)