Council Reviews Youth Program Success and Congressman Whitman's Grant Proposal for Water Security

The Williamsburg City Council convened on August 11, 2025, for a work session that included discussions on community programs and a closed session addressing personnel and property matters.

The meeting began with council communications, where a council member shared insights from attending the Youth Summer Achievement Program, organized by the city's Health and Human Services Department. This program, which has been running for 31 years, provides children aged 11 to 15 with engaging activities and emphasizes the principles of role modeling, responsibility, and respect. The council member expressed satisfaction with the program's impact on local youth.

Additionally, the council member reported on a recent visit from Congressman Whitman to the city's water treatment plant. During the tour, the congressman discussed a grant application he submitted to the House Appropriations Committee, seeking $249,000 for security upgrades at the facility.

Following these updates, the council moved to an open forum, inviting public comments. However, no members of the public chose to address the council during this time.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a closed session, as permitted under Virginia law. The council planned to discuss two personnel matters related to evaluations of the city manager and city attorney, as well as appointments to boards and commissions. Additionally, the council would address two property matters concerning the disposition of surplus property and the acquisition of economic development property, both of which required confidentiality to protect negotiation strategies.

The session was unanimously approved by the council members present, indicating a collaborative approach to the matters at hand. The meeting highlighted the council's commitment to community engagement and responsible governance.