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Home My WebLink AboutOCTOBER 13, 2026 SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION MINUTES GeN�n 8 MR so VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL Virginia Beach, Virginia October 13, 2026 Mayor Robert M. Dyer called to order the CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION in the City Council Conference Room, Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 2:30 PM Council Members Present: Stacy Cummings, Robert M. "Bobby" Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, David Hutcheson, Cal "Cash"Jackson-Green, Robert W. "Worth" Remick, Amelia N. Ross-Hammond, Jennifer Rouse,Joashua F. "Joash" Schulman Council Members Absent: Michael F. Berlucchi—Out of town Rosemary C. Wilson—Family health reasons 2 MAYOR'S CALL FOR SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION "HONORABLE MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL In accordance with the Virginia Beach City Code Section 2-21, and by the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach, I hereby call for a SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION of the VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 2:30 P.M. City Council Conference Room 2034 Building 1—2"d Floor 2401 Courthouse Drive The purpose of this SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION is to allow the City Council, following its regularly scheduled Formal Session as listed in the attached agenda, to convene into a Closed Session to consider the following matters: • Publicly Held Property—District 4(disposition) District 4(acquisition) • Personnel Matters—Council Appointments: Council Boards, Commissions, Committees,Authorities,Agencies,Taskforces and Appointees At the Conclusion of the Closed Session, the City Council will reconvene into Open Session for the purpose of certifying the Closed Session.The Special Formal Session will be broadcast on the Cable TV, virginiabeach.gov and Facebook Live. Sincerely, Robert M. Dyer Mayor Enclosure cc: City Manager City Attorney City Clerk Deputy City Managers FOIA Officer Communications Office October 13, 2026 ¢Gl13IA-B�QC, Cityof Virginia Beach �y z t°F OUR NA"10)) VirginiaBeach.gov MUNICIPAL CENTER,BUILDING 1 2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE Robert M. "Bobby" Dyer VIRGINIABEACH,VA23456-9000 MAYOR OFFICE:(757)385-4581 CELL:(757)749-4659 BDYERCCDVBGOV.COM October 8, 2026 HONORABLE MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL In accordance with the Virginia Beach City Code Section 2-21, and by the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach, I hereby call for a SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION of the VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 2:30 P.M. City Council Conference Room 2034 Building 1 —2"1 Floor 2401 Courthouse Drive The purpose of this SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION is to allow the City Council, following its regularly scheduled Formal Session as listed in the attached agenda, to convene into a Closed Session to consider the following matters: • Publicly Held Property— District 4 (disposition) District 4 (acquisition) • Personnel Matters—Council Appointments: Council Boards, Commissions, Committees, Authorities, Agencies, Taskforces and Appointees At the Conclusion of the Closed Session, the City Council will reconvene into Open Session for the purpose of certifying the Closed Session. The Special Formal Session will be broadcast on the Cable TV, virginiabeach.gov and Facebook Live. Sincerely, Robert M. Dyer Mayor Enclosure cc: City Manager Acting City Attorney City Clerk Deputy City Managers FOIA Officer Communications Office Gl IA'B�A 0 U City of Virginia _Beech 4 r �p OUR NAS1O1tx virginiabeach.gov MICHAEL F.BERLUCCHI CELL:(757)407-5105 COUNCIL MEMBER EMAIL:mbeduccavbaov.com DISTRICT 3 October 9,2026 HONORABLE MAYOR MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL Dear Colleagues, I will be out of town and unable to attend the City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Sincerely, VVl Michael F. Berlucchi Council Member Cc: City Clerk City Attorney City Manager FOIA Office 2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE,SUITE 2116,VIRGINIA BEACH,VIRGINIA 23456 ��1rIIA'BFgc 04 ;dip r s City of Virginia Beach a OF Rosemary Wilson VirginiaBeach.gov District 5 MUNICIPAL CENTER,BUILDING 1 2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE VIRGINIA BEACH,VA23456-9000 CELL:(757)713-3616 RCWILSONCcDVBGOV COM October 9, 2026 HONORABLE MAYOR MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL Dear Colleagues, I am unable to attend the City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, due to family health reasons. Sincerely, Rosemary Wilson Vice Mayor—District 5 Cc: City Clerk City Attorney City Manager FOIA Office 3 CITY COUNCIL'S BRIEFING 2027 DRAFT LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2:32 P.M. Mayor Dyer welcomed Brent McKenzie, Legislative Affairs Director. Mr. McKenzie expressed his appreciation to City Council for their continued support and distributed copies of the presentation, attached hereto and made a part of the record. Mayor Dyer expressed his appreciation to Mr. McKenzie for the presentation. October 13, 2026 • t �. �f The CityVirginiaof Beach Draft 2027 General Assembly Legislative Agenda October 131 2026 Today's Presentation 1. General Assembly Preview 2. Legislative Agenda timeline 3. Legislative Agenda Planning 4. Draft Legislative Agenda Policy Priorities • Code Amendments 5. Guidance/Questions Guidance At the conclusion of today's presentation, we are looking for: 1. Guidance on policy priorities for the 2027 General Assembly session 2. Any initial recommendations/concerns with items recommended by city staff 3. Any issues that you would like added or removed from consideration 3 2027 General Assembly Preview • 2027 will be a 46-day "short" session Virginia General Assembly • Will amend the FY27-28 budget that was just recently adopted 19 • Session begins on January 141" Senate 21 • Will set the stage for the 2027 elections • All 100 members of House and all 40 members of the Virginia Senate are up for election 36 • Anticipated issues include: House64 • Al and Data Center taxes and regulation • Collective bargaining for public sector employees 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 • Automated License Plate Readers (Flock cameras) Republican Democrat • $250 fine for public consumption of marijuana 4 Timeline Action July/August Solicit Department Directors and Council Members for agenda requests September Vet ideas and draft language for legislative agenda October 13 Present Draft Legislative Agenda October 20 Public Hearing for Legislative Agenda October 27 Council provides feedback based on public input as to what they would like to see in the final agenda November 10 Legislative Agenda is brought to Council for adoption November — December Legislative Agenda is communicated to Virginia Beach Delegation and bill patrons are requested November — December Legislative Reception OM ,., Legislative Agenda Planning In September of 2023, Council adopted a policy regarding the process and adoption requirements for the City's Legislative Agenda. • A legislative agenda item for the draft legislative agenda may be proposed in one of three ways: 1. Proposed by the Mayor 2. Proposed by at least three members of the City Council 3. Proposed by a City Department and approved by the City Manager • Legislative Agenda items require 2/3s majority for approval • Charter amendments to the legislative agenda requires 3/4s majority for approval 6 Policy Priorities Affordable Housing The City of Virginia Beach seeks to address the growing need for affordable housing with the goal to ensure that all residents have access to safe, high quality, and affordable housing and to promote inclusive and diverse communities. • Because every locality has its unique challenges, the City of Virginia Beach encourages the General Assembly to provide funding, incentives, and policy flexibility to allow localities to tailor solutions that will fit their communities while maintaining the ability to control land use decisions at the local level. • The City of Virginia Beach supports increased funding for the Virginia Housing Trust Fund to expand and preserve the supply of affordable homes. • The City of Virginia Beach supports efforts to establish, expand, and fund rental assistance programs and first-time homebuyer assistance programs. 8 Economic Development The City of Virginia Beach aims to implement a dynamic and forward-thinking economic development strategy designed to foster sustainable growth, enhance economic diversification, and promote innovation. • The City of Virginia Beach encourages the General Assembly to support local and regional efforts to attract and retain talent that will support the growing workforce needs of the Hampton Roads region. • The City of Virginia Beach encourages the General Assembly to support initiatives that provide funding, incentives, and policy flexibility that aligns with the City's economic growth strategy. • The City of Virginia Beach requests continued support from the General Assembly to increase access to affordable childcare. • The City of Virginia Beach appreciates the General Assembly's establishment of the Sports Tourism Grant program and encourages the General Assembly to increase its funding. 9 Education The City of Virginia Beach continues to support the Virginia Beach School Board's efforts to enhance educational resources, teacher support, and student development to foster a robust educational environment and prepare students for future success. • The City of Virginia Beach encourages the General Assembly to implement reforms to increase the Commonwealth's share of education funding as was identified in the 2024 JLARC study regarding Virginia's K-12 Funding Formula. • The City of Virginia Beach encourages the General Assembly to continue efforts to raise teacher pay beyond the national average. 10 Energy With growing power demand and rising electric bills, the City of Virginia Beach encourages the Commonwealth to seek common sense solutions that enhance energy sustainability, reliability, and affordability. • The City of Virginia Beach appreciates efforts by the General Assembly to reduce the cost and administration of renewable energy interconnectivity at municipal facilities through the creation of the Solar Interconnection Grant Program and encourages the General Assembly to continue funding the grant program. • While the City of Virginia Beach supports the Commonwealth's goals to increase the use of clean energy, it is critical to recognize the potential impact utility scale energy and battery storage projects have on communities and localities. Because of these potential impacts, the City of Virginia Beach encourages the General Assembly to continue to support the authority of localities to regulate the siting and development of energy facilities. 11 Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Impacts The City of Virginia Beach seeks to address fiscal challenges and annual budgetary impacts in a responsible manner that effectively meets essential services and community needs. • When resources are not available at the federal or state level, it falls onto local governments to provide resources for residents most in need, especially as it comes to health care, housing, and food insecurity. The City of Virginia Beach encourages the General Assembly to prioritize filling these funding gaps where possible and to partner with local governments to support those impacted. • The City of Virginia Beach requests that the General Assembly refrain from capping, removing, or restricting local government revenue sources without replacing it with a sustainable revenue source of equal rate. • The City of Virginia Beach requests that the General Assembly refrain from creating additional unfunded mandates and provide financial support to fill the gaps created by these unfunded mandates. • The City of Virginia Beach supports the statewide authority for local governments to establish an excise tax on the sale of vaping products. • Maintain local option regarding collective bargaining for public sector employees. 12 Flooding and Stormwater The City of Virginia Beach aims to improve resilience to flooding, enhance stormwater infrastructure, and promote sustainable practices to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. • The City of Virginia Beach requests that the Commonwealth develop a state funding program to support the non-federal match requirements of localities for federal grants that support large-scale flood relief projects. • The City of Virginia Beach supports continued investment in the Storm Water Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) for improvements and installation of effective storm water management controls. • The City of Virginia Beach supports increased funding for the Community Flood Preparedness Fund. 13 Land Use The City of Virginia Beach aims to utilize a comprehensive land use and development strategy to guide sustainable growth, optimize land utilization, and enhance the quality of life for its residents. • The City of Virginia Beach requests that the General Assembly refrain from passing legislation that would reduce or eliminate the authority of the Commonwealth's localities from making their own land use decisions. • The City of Virginia Beach supports preserving local authority to regulate short term rentals and to enhance enforcement of those regulations, including greater authority to localities to enforce their zoning ordinances as they relate to short term rentals. 14 Public Safety The City of Virginia Beach seeks to ensure a safe and healthy community for residents and visitors through proactive measures, enhanced technology, and increased resources. • The City of Virginia Beach requests that the General Assembly prioritize increased dedicated funding to police, fire, and emergency medical services. • The City of Virginia Beach requests that, as the General Assembly considers changes to the Aid to Localities funding formula, it ensures that no locality experiences a reduction in funding as a result of any changes to the formula and supports increased funding levels to strengthen state assistance to localities. • The City of Virginia Beach requests that the General Assembly preserve existing local authority to implement public safety technology including expanding local authority to install speed enforcement cameras beyond school and construction zones and enable the use of noise abatement devices to better enhance the quality of life in our neighborH6ods. Transportation The City of Virginia Beach seeks to enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and improve sustainability of transportation infrastructure through modernizing road networks, supporting public transit and multi-modal options, and ensuring safety and accessibility for all users. • The City of Virginia Beach supports efforts to continue to improve highway and secondary roadway infrastructure throughout Hampton Roads. • The City of Virginia Beach supports efforts by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) to protect and enhance transit programs and funding including appropriate essential, consistent funding to meet HRT's capital and operating needs, including innovative transit options such as micro-transit. • The City of Virginia Beach supports General Assembly efforts to continue investing in trail projects with a request that the Virginia Beach Trail be considered for any future funding opportunities. • The City of Virginia Beach supports efforts by the General Assembly to protect vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. • The City of Virginia Beach supports efforts to improve safety and user education related to e-bikes including options to ban the use of cell phones while cycling, clarifying the definition of an e-bike and other motoriz 1d two- wheeled vehicles, and by supporting the recommendations of the city and state e-bike workgroups. Budget Amendments Expand Sales Tax Referendum Authority for Resiliency Projects In 2026, the General Assembly expanded Virginia law to allow localities to seek voter approval through a referendum for a local sales tax of up to one-percent to generate dedicated revenue for school construction and renovation projects. This proposal would build upon that 2026 authority by expanding the allowable use of the one-percent sales tax to include flood protection and coastal storm risk management infrastructure. 18 Virginia Code Amendments Deferred Retirement Option Plan for Public Safety Employees This proposal would allow eligible employees who remain on the job after becoming eligible for the Hazardous Duty Supplement to have the value of that benefit credited annually to an individual investment account administered by the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) . 20 Tourism Development Financing Program The Tourism Development Financing Program (TDFP) is a state authorized program that uses sales taxes, both the state and local portions, along with a developer imposed "access fee" to support the development of tourism projects that enhance the local economy. This proposal creates a redevelopment financing tier that would support the redevelopment of a tourism facility by allowing the continued use of state and local sales tax revenues, while also authorizing the use of up to 20% of state income tax revenues generated by jobs created by the new tourism facility. Community Safety Zones The City of Virginia Beach requests that the General Assembly provide the authority for a locality to create community safety zones when large-scale unpermitted events present a potential risk to public health, safety, or welfare. 22 Possession of Firearms While Intoxicated Amend Virginia law to prohibit any person from carrying or possessing a firearm in a public place while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Currently, this prohibition only applies to people with a concealed carry permit. 23 Increase the Representation of Law Enforcement on the Forensic Science Board This proposal seeks to expand the law enforcement representation on the Forensic Science Board from one representative to three representatives, with those appointments based on population. 24 Extend the Court-Ordered Timeframe for Temporary Adult Protective Services This proposal would extend the duration of emergency temporary guardianship and conservatorship orders used by Adult Protective Services (APS) from the current 15-day period, with one possible five-day extension, to a single 90-day period . The current timeframe is often insufficient to protect vulnerable adults and address their immediate needs. 25 Guidance and Questions 1. Guidance on policy priorities for the 2027 General Assembly session 2. Any initial recommendations/concerns with items recommended by city staff 3. Any issues that you would like added or removed from consideration 4 CITY MANAGER'S BRIEFING AGRICULTURAL RESERVE PROGRAM (ARP) &AGRICULTURE PORTFOLIO UPDATE 2:58 P.M. Mayor Dyer welcomed David Trimmer, Director —Agriculture. Mr. Trimmer expressed his appreciation to City Council for their continued support and distributed copies of the presentation, attached hereto and made a part of the record. Mayor Dyer expressed his appreciation to Mr. Trimmer for the presentation. October 13, 2026 City of Virginia Beach Department of Agriculture City Council Briefing David Trimmer, Director of Agriculture Jenny McPherson, Rural Community Coordinator October 13, 2026 VIM, r" Department To promote the growth and sustainability of agricultural industry T � y �s R. «,u ,._�• ."r� -+rt*rvar...+- wrYkT« r =..zw.�- . Did you know Agriculture is Virginia Beach ' s third largest industry ? VB Economy r ,�s �� - ,' Agriculture in Virginia Beach • Department of Agriculture collaborates with: 10 Olt o Virginia Cooperative Extension :, " o Virginia Dare Soil & Water Conservation District , t , • Agricultural Advisory Commission • City-owned Farmers Market `'" � �- �'" •► • Land Use Value Assessment • Green Line (Service Boundary) • Agricultural Reserve Program (ARP) 0 F , • Agritourism Oz- r o ' Why Should the City Protect Farmland? • Preserve the agricultural industry and rural character of the city for future generations • Economic impact of agriculture in 2025 = $ 177.2 million o Crops, livestock and horses 0 26,419 acres • Average five-year economic impact of agriculture _ $ 171.4 million INN M MIR Agricultural Reserve Program (ARP) is a Cost-Saving Measure • Preservation of open space and green infrastructure • offset infrastructure costs of City services o Roads, Water and Sewer, Schools, Emergency Medical Services, Libraries, Parks and Recreation, and Solid Waste • Helps control recurrent flooding • Provides wildlife habitat IA F a 2 r v f s ti f� _0 Q� 4-+ 4- 0 CL L a1 _0 U �.- cn cu t a ago 4 o _ 4- c� Q .0 4� a) aU 00 aA •� ~ -E-� > N O E N : N U- CSC 0 Benefits to the Landowner • Attractive 25-year payment plan called an Installment Purchase Agreement (IPA) • Tax-free interest payments for 25 years • Payments can be used as the landowner wishes • Payments are processed on June 1 and December 1 • IPA may be transferred to family members • Farm transition or estate transfers • Compensate non-farming family member t : . • IPA can be sold to another party for cash w. x nw AAWN '"'.' y. a T v Agricultural Reserve Program r f, Ai;A On 'r The City enacted the Agricultural Lands f, Preservation Ordinance, which protects s agricultural land south of the "Green Line." Jowl Council established the ARP on May 9, 1995 • Total acres enrolled to date - 11,358 • Total Development Rights acquired - 992 r, b f .,arii Farmers Market Opened in 1976 ! a celebrating • �� FARM HERSyears in 2026 ! ea r -roun . ` �. .�� + it �,�,� 4 �'��.• A � .�. venue k n �1 •y,�� rr �r Farmers Market 16 leasable spaces KIPPERFARMS Restaurant, produce, k y �3 dairy, butcher, baker, 0 r seafood andspecialty y� Aw, shops t - Three full-time staff members .t Farmers Market .0 WWI �¢ ' 843A5 r , x. A A R K E T,- 4 Y } . a � - v _ � ... .=.� s_,.,,aw�.2a'; w3►.. a.�e�.ra�li+xr.�s��,. .�. 'Are.i�+Yteaa: Y.,z+riaJ� �t... • Eight special events per year: March-June and September-December • Friday Night Hoedowns held April-October • Sponsors — 45 entities sponsor the whole year, seven sponsor-specific events • Special events for organizations or individuals Farmers Market • Daily vendors spots for crafters and agricultural producers • Pop-up events — 15t Sunday Art Market and Plant Swap, plus three seasonal events • Pumpkins, produce and Christmas trees • Carnival Al x.. W u e e.-.. a .. ,... a. ..Z.a. S- , a Farmers Market µ . • Children's Education ram:ro ;� • , II � p g PreK-fifth grade, 3,275 students Agriculture in the Classroom summer workshop for area s teachers YA I II1 1 � � y�F �. reR urSF, >nd Lj ilk Wim dlft, � . . ,/� .. � � � _ �,-•'..ter ",- �` ' Farmers Market • Partnership with Virginia Beach Master Gardeners ` o Educational Gardens o Rain Barrel workshops .. . • • Partnership with 4-H o Country Cured Ham Project ' s yr. 4'`:.:7 Directional Sign Volunteer Program Program The Agriculture Cit 's y g iculture Department ranks sixth Supports local farm stands with in Virginia Beach for volunteer numbers, with: uniform signage. • 914 volunteers, the equivalent of 23 full-time employees. CULLIPHER FARM • 0 • 47,471 hours served, a value ; _ of $1,651,524. = BROOKOALE FARM" �►.`,r HERITAGE PLANTS 0 ' BRIGHT FARM r► ., �' ' ` , FLANAGAN FARMS UAUGHAHIS PRODUCE 0 yz. a.. r 4 ,. e,.. � .a„�a': v. .,"`"",`f:.a .i.o....r7 .✓i...3i.E�6"a«sh,.aZe�.e Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Programs Virginia Beach Master Gardener Program has over 230 members Anything to do with ornamentals, lawns, gardens and urban agriculture Pesticide Recertification Program for commercial businesses n y +A e Y f"� sagpy 4-H Current Pro ram Overview Virginia g Cooperative Extension W09 Virginia Tech Virginia State University Experiential hands-on learning, making the best better! • 11 Clubs • Four of which are military . Camping program 4 'OPINE y Y a y�r � t , A riculture Extension A ent � Virginia g g Cooperative Extension Virginia Tech Vhginia 5 • Work primarily with commercial A producers ; A w: • We facilitate crop specific production- focused meeting annually, • Coordinate on-farm research with Universities • On call 24/7/365 to assist with troubleshooting, research dissemination, etc Virginia Educating youth whenever Cooperative Extension t h e opportunity o rt u n i t arises V'rgmea Tech Virginia . x i r►r�r�w� �raerrs` ve + , y Agricultural Researc h And Extension Centers ARECs Virginia 9 � � Cooperative AFd extension Vtrgtma Tech. ShVraandoah VAXVAREC AFson tt Smith Jr,AREC KddfturgAREC Eastem WQina AREC Eastem Sllon AREC i IVI42fi4N1MENTSIATION I. /WginaSeafoodAREC EXPEgt}MENT STATIONVIRGINI ,•• s• SouthwestViirguvaAREC hyno Ids Hommm- d Forest Solfhern PiednontAREC Tide\erARSC Harptm RoadsAREC hsouN:es hs&aroh CentelP t Virginia Cooperative Extension Virg '..ate University Pest monitoring helps growers implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM ) strategies. k ;A';�+ t 9 � yy a 2 e Timeline of Agriculture in VB 1643 Captain Adam Thoroughgood received a land patent for property that later became Bayville Farms. 1651 Isaac Murray and his three sons had a prosperous flax growing and processing business. 1700 John Akiss settled and farmed in the area that later became Birdneck Point. 1852 The first Agricultural Society Fair was held at Kempsville. 1899 More than 1,500 acres of strawberries were raised in PA County. 1900 Lynnhaven oysters reached their peak population. 1919 Cotton acreage in the county increased to 2,188 acres between 1919 and 1929. 1919 C.J. Burroughs founded Bayville Farms. 1921 Two of Virginia Beach's oldest restaurants, Tandom's Pine Tree Inn and Hurd's began as oyster houses. 1922 PA County ranked third in the state in the production of sweet potatoes with 266,000 bushels. No cotton now 1937 Yoder Dairy opened on Princess Anne Road in Kempsville. 1937 The Princess Anne County Cooperative Farm Bureau was established. 1964 Farming was ranked with tourism as a top industry in Virginia Beach according to the Director of the Virginia Truck Station. 1968 James Hoggard had probably the largest grain farm in Virginia Beach. 1969 W.R. "Billy" Malbon Jr.,the largest feeder of hogs on the East Coast, was name "Agriculture Man of the Year". 1970 62,000 acres were being farmed in the City, which ranked first among Virginia's subdivisions in the yield of corn,soybeans, and wheat. 1973 The agricultural industry in Virginia Beach contributed and estimated $101 million to the economy. 1976 The Virginia Beach Farmers Market opened. 1984 The first Pungo Strawberry Festival was held. 1986 24,000 acres today Oystering was banned in the Lynnhaven River. 1997 Steers, hogs and Iambs raised by VB-4-H members brought in a record$100,000 at the Virginia Beach 4-H Livestock Show&Sale Auction. 2000 Strange Crop Circles appeared in Robert W. White Jr.'s wheat field. 23 THEN NOW In the late 1970s, Virginia Beach had more hogs than people Equine is the most numerous animal species When we were kids, most truck crop farms grew acres of Fruit and vegetable farms grow fairly small amounts of a a few fruits and/or vegetables, serving small grocery lot of different crops and sell them at retail stores, wholesalers and others. The only animal production direct-to-consumer was We offer direct-to-consumer poultry, pork, and beef. Sheep the Princess Anne turkey and goats are also available for sale as whole animals to be processed off-farm. Agritourism — the word did not exist back then, even though Agritourism is a component of most all fruit and vegetable we had a thriving you-pick market (which is agritourism) farms in Virginia Beach Restaurants have always been good partners with local farms, but it has grown a lot in recent years 29 , 24--" ' Still today, 100% of our farms are family farms. . w tke 4 tv i gg a ruin pton Roads SJr OYEars e r Y ar 'a 25-'-"- Acres by faction • Grain crops (including double crop acres) - 23,159 acres • Fruit and vegetables - 280 acres • Ornamentals and greenhouses - 249 acres • Pasture and hay - 2,769 acres 31 . . Agriculture in Virginia Beach The Green Industry and pasture-based protein operations show the most recent growth according to USDA 2022 Agriculture Census in Virginia Beach. • 245 producer • 129 farms • 179 acres — average farm size We have five farms recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia as Century Farms • Farmed more than 100 consecutive years by the same family This is just a really cool picture! ! 04 111 P i �e s - �.l - :�. 71�i ,s ',A►'�' 'PM1 Am, k i•�O .a, x F + X §' 3:, t5' '..Y i�'�rt'` ��ti1F�+•�. ',� 5'' ,��,. 4 4".. rJ yyy 11 :� � At� ��Sr}.r� .♦��.`((r ~ i '�•! ' ram.. � AX1 ' Iw a 5 CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION/ INITIATIVES/COMMENTS 3:41 P.M. Council Member Schulman congratulated the Hampton Roads Agriculture and Research Extension Program and the Master Gardeners on the Fall Garden Festival held in District 9. Council Member Schulman advised there were plant sales, demonstrations, and partnerships with numerous local horticultural and environmental organizations with over 1,500 attendees, including Staff from multiple City departments and members from the Clean Community Commission. Council Member Schulman reference the proposed use of school reversion funds for a cross- country trail and other improvements identified in the ITA Parks Plan, including tree planting. Council Member Schulman advised he is aware of concerns expressed by constituents and members of the educational community and believes that due to some media coverage and public discussion there is a misunderstanding of the proposal. Council Member Schulman suggested that school representatives identify and agree on alternative priorities for the funds for City Council to consider alongside the original proposal,adding he has a neutral position on the issue and would like to understand the competing priorities. Council Member Ross-Hammond advised she attended Norfolk State University's homecoming last Saturday, expressing it was a great event and she enjoyed participating in the parade. Council Member Ross-Hammond added that it was especially meaningful as she previously taught there and was a department chair. Council Member Ross-Hammond advised afterwards, she attended the NAACP Virginia Beach Branch 851h Annual Freedom Fund Gala, which featured civil rights leader Ben Chavis as the keynote speaker. Council Member Ross- Hammond further advised she attended the Virginia Municipal League (VML) Conference where they discussed legislative priorities, cannabis, and collective bargaining. Council Member Henley requested clarification on the Pungo Ferry Road project to ensure accurate information was provided to the Farm Bureau following its annual meeting. City Manager Duhaney confirmed that the City had met the September 301h federal obligation deadline and explained that the federal government is still determining whether sufficient funding is available to process the grant. City Manager Duhaney advised the City is proceeding with the expectation that the grant will be funded. Council Member Henley advised that funding for the project had been reduced from $11- Million to $5-Million, to fund the Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza, and The Lakes mega bundle projects. Council Member Henley emphasized the importance of completing the Pungo October 13, 2026 6 CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION/ INITIATIVES/COMMENTS (Continued) Ferry Road project as it is one of three critical evacuation routes in the southern part of the City, explaining that when the road is closed due to flooding, as occurred three or four times in the previous year, motorists face a twenty (20) mile detour. City Manager Duhaney advised that a budget adjustment would likely be necessary because the project's funding gap exceeded the amount currently available,adding that Staff is working on options to fully fund and award the project. Council Member Schulman referenced an October 9th memo in City Council's Packages regarding background information on youth outreach, crisis prevention and intervention, and group homes for youth involved with or at risk of entering the court system. Council Member Schulman explained that there are ongoing discussions with Chief Judge Quick of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and wanted to make the Body aware and is hopeful there will be further City Council discussion. October 13, 2026 7 INFORMAL SESSION Mayor Robert M. Dyer entertained a motion to permit City Council to conduct its CLOSED SESSION, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A), Code of Virginia, as amended, for the following purpose: PUBLICLY HELD PROPERTY: Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(3). • Acquisition District 4 • Disposition District 4 PERSONNEL MATTERS: Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1). • Council Appointments: Council, Boards, Commissions, Committees, Authorities, Agencies and Appointees October 13, 2026 8 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION Upon motion by Council Member Jackson-Green, seconded by Council Member Ross- Hammond, City Council recessed into CLOSED SESSION at 3:51 P.M. Voting: 8—0 Council Members Voting Aye: Stacy Cummings, Robert M. "Bobby" Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, Cal "Cash" Jackson-Green, Robert W. "Worth" Remick, Amelia N. Ross-Hammond, Jennifer Rouse,Joashua F. "Joash" Schulman Council Members Absent: Michael F. Berlucchi, David Hutcheson, Rosemary C. Wilson Break 3:51 P.M. — 4:00 P.M. Closed Session 4:00 P.M. — 4:22 P.M. *Council Member Hutcheson stepped out prior to the vote October 13, 2026 9 RECONVENE Mayor Dyer RECONVENED the Formal Session in the City Council Conference Room at 4:22 P.M. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED SESSION Upon motion by Council Member Ross-Hammond, seconded by Council Member Schulman, City Council CERTIFIED THE CLOSED SESSION TO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MOTION TO RECESS Only public business matters lawfully exempt from Open Meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in Closed Session to which this certification resolution applies. AND, Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the Closed Session were heard, discussed or considered by Virginia Beach City Council. Voting: 8—0 Council Members Voting Aye: Stacy Cummings, Robert M. "Bobby" Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, David Hutcheson, Cal "Cash"Jackson-Green, Amelia N. Ross-Hammond,Jennifer Rouse,Joashua F. "Joash" Schulman Council Members Absent: Michael F. Berlucchi, Robert W. "Worth" Remick, Rosemary C. Wilson *Council Member Remick stepped out at 4:14 P.M. during the discussion of Publicly-Held Property- Disposition District 4 due to a conflict of interest and left the meeting. October 13, 2026 10 RESOLUTION CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED SESSION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL WHEREAS:The Virginia Beach City Council convened into CLOSED SESSION, pursuant to the affirmative vote recorded in on Page 7 and in accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and, WHEREAS: Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the governing body that such Closed Session was conducted in conformity with Virginia law. NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:That the Virginia Beach City Council hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (a) only public business matters lawfully exempted from Open Meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in Closed Session to which this certification resolution applies; and, (b) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening this Closed Session were heard, discussed or considered by Virginia Beach City Council. ot Amanda Barnes, MMC City Clerk October 13, 2026 11 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Robert M. Dyer DECLARED the City Council SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION ADJOURNED at 4:23 P.M. Terri H. Chelius Chief Deputy City Clerk L140, Amanda Barnes, MMC Robert M. Dyer City Clerk Mayor City of Virginia Beach Virginia October 13, 2026