[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6491782,"mediaKeyId","5742748-5bfacbce1e1a5a7001d541b381a88f4d","parentId",5742748,"title","Public commenters urge transparency on proposed rules, question downtown funding and call for AI guidance in schools","audioSeconds",367,"startMs",3202000,"endMs",3569000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742748-5bfacbce1e1a5a7001d541b381a88f4d&start=3202&end=3569","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742748-5bfacbce1e1a5a7001d541b381a88f4d/thumbnail_3202000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6491782/Lynchburg/Campbell-County/Virginia/Public-commenters-urge-transparency-on-proposed-rules-question-downtown-funding-and-call-for-AI-guidance-in-schools","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491782-35f8877aeb7c2eeb9f3e4b688ec2a279/orig.mp4?Expires=1773646472&Signature=hgzbTXCcuJ1b3Ofb-XPKWDoj4oULtIBWPUDtjqJsZsHvxxG6Pvut7pbznHJ1nPbXpjxmXBtYSY6JgVaO4THyaQShvyXPNxE6UfFq8lmy1Uthwtlfwd4bpzYOIvOe7BmqimSD0~d75iMEZyHebVoVjsoW7jspl-1CHwCqHygYdlNe-JX3Xnbmwcjz~ctMCr8Ui7jmvOwkh65eYrlezv~ehm-cEbzGXxi8CruAFteUHM~oH8Ra6sgRbPriyx3tZ6GQyns3ZQKM-m1XaagoNtvTY2n9BAwVPq8rQpGbubo5zrTSvo-2Tvy8lozYG-4KKNIsswwZjmc-RooQ0EoCSMGCeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lynchburg","date","2025-09-09T22:51:55Z","article","Several members of the public used the meeting’s public‑comment period to press council on proposed rule changes, local funding for downtown businesses, and the role of artificial intelligence in schools.

Jeff Rosner of Lynchburg urged council to reject several proposed amendments to the rules of procedure, saying specific draft changes would make it easier to suspend rules or conduct business without public notice. “Paragraph 6 7 b 4 would make it easier to suspend the rules. That would be undemocratic and against transparency,” Rosner said, and asked staff to distribute his written comments to council.

Greg Berry, speaking for City Elders and identifying himself as a Ward 3 resident, criticized city funding decisions related to the Downtown Lynchburg Alliance. Berry asked whether tax dollars are supporting a business called Super Rad Arcade Bar and referenced programming he described as “Day Glo abortions,” asserting the use of public funds for that business would be inappropriate. His remarks were expressive and religious in tone; no city action or staff response was recorded during the public‑comment period.

F. J. Jalil addressed artificial intelligence in education, telling council that AI can tailor lessons, provide immediate feedback and expand access to resources, but also risks reducing problem‑solving and increasing screen time. He recommended that the city: monitor the technology used by Lynchburg City Schools; require AI vendors to provide transparent privacy reports; insist on parental opt‑in for student AI use; and offer public AI literacy workshops.

Why it matters: Public comments raised two governance questions—changes to council rules that could alter how members communicate and conduct work sessions, and oversight of publicly funded downtown programs—and one policy area with operational implications for schools and city IT (AI in education).

Next steps: Rosner said he would submit copies of his comments to staff for distribution; Jalil requested the manager provide a memo to council about Berry’s comments and how they relate to guidance from the governor. No formal council action on these public comments was recorded at the meeting.

Speakers: Jeff Rosner (Lynchburg); Greg Berry (City Elders, Ward 3); F. J. Jalil (City of Lynchburg).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lynchburg City Council Meeting 9-9-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Speakers during public comment urged the council to reject proposed changes to meeting rules that could weaken transparency, questioned tax‑dollar support for downtown businesses and recommended city action on AI and education policy.","taxTitle","Lynchburg, Campbell County, Virginia","taxId",3745,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6491788,"Lynchburg approves participation in opioid‑related settlements with manufacturers and Sackler family",0,4343000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742748-5bfacbce1e1a5a7001d541b381a88f4d&start=4343&end=4343","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742748-5bfacbce1e1a5a7001d541b381a88f4d/thumbnail_4343000.jpg","/articles/6491788/Lynchburg/Campbell-County/Virginia/Lynchburg-approves-participation-in-opioidrelated-settlements-with-manufacturers-and-Sackler-family","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491788-3200024f8ff279e69e948641fac413da/orig.mp4?Expires=1773646472&Signature=BOhW6VuBA4MvSiRh8cWtfGll6XIr5~OikWU4dTrUGkDfnoL3~sPxV-KxBgkEy2AR3IDERSCZBJmLdNryLAG3dVWtI2pBHuwRSvX1uaxx94AoronIGOGcw6YRMdxOpyXrVj1divj2LXuXmp1NaN31KHZOJwqsxbEv1HK7wrWVxHEjAy6xDZD5XCGwgE0kG1p6rgSa7jPpCPmeDp~XrdM6nv9SDVAUuHE2eWT20eEGFph~LXikMIMCdqUY5crq1om7KtItfguY-Z-CYwcDdfkeWayoD~tj-1L3KnduFOSZORorBelFT~YoRzNLDIJuhdddT-QaOIM7DtSgiLvxpcv4Fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lynchburg City Council unanimously approved two resolutions authorizing the city to participate in proposed national settlements of opioid‑related claims, including settlements tied to the Sackler family and several manufacturers.

City staff summarized that the resolutions would allow Lynchburg to join a memorandum of understanding with other Virginia localities and participate in distributions through the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority and related mechanisms. The resolutions cover proposed settlements with entities identified in the packet and the Sackler family; staff recommended approval to enable the city to share in settlement proceeds and related abatement programs.

Finance staff reported amounts the city has already received in opioid‑related funds. The transcript records a figure of $752,640.78 from the national Opioid Abatement Authority and additional grant receipts cited as $1,946,372 to Horizon Behavioral Health and $193,421.31 to Roads to Recovery, for a combined total stated as $2,139,793.31. Staff said adopting the resolutions would allow Lynchburg to take necessary steps to participate in the additional settlements.

Councilmember questions about the number of localities participating were noted; staff said they would provide updates as participation status changes. After a short presentation and with a motion and second on the table, council voted 7–0 to adopt the resolutions and direct the city attorney to execute necessary documents.

Why it matters: Participation in national opioid settlements affects how abatement funds flow to local treatment and prevention programs. Joining statewide participation arrangements can affect allocation formulas and program eligibility.

Next steps: The city attorney and finance staff will complete required documentation to effect the city’s participation and will report back to council as additional information about statewide participation becomes available.

Vote: Resolutions approving participation in settlements and authorizing execution of settlement documents — approved 7–0.","Council authorized the city’s participation in proposed national settlements involving the Sackler family and multiple opioid manufacturers and directed the city attorney to execute documents to carry out participation; vote was unanimous.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6491793,"Council approves four VDOT revenue‑sharing applications; some project cost details clarified",652,3668000,4320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742748-5bfacbce1e1a5a7001d541b381a88f4d&start=3668&end=4320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742748-5bfacbce1e1a5a7001d541b381a88f4d/thumbnail_3668000.jpg","/articles/6491793/Lynchburg/Campbell-County/Virginia/Council-approves-four-VDOT-revenuesharing-applications-some-project-cost-details-clarified","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491793-458f226f485e3c54b1ef5708e5a1c197/orig.mp4?Expires=1773646472&Signature=B9m5qeR1e7C2bQSdyU5bWAbkMVqZKB9jD3Lt5Bi0wwUiTLUquKxYO1ZGZ0KiABd7O4LzqT5R6WvejbL0eAX7PLry7ny6Wp4GF5gUOwch-LsRcY1J2-Kwgq96Eo3Wvsc3HpBx4TPYmschoZU0Kl57UzWnGj5P1~uxhYI1ozKQ7QpeKLIOPdBYoyIQ0zAUGHCTTwhoINYWjri-dkU~FBmCXDERDuIurgg~KNwDaiJamw9rgPO7razkoH~mHtfXBIWHTYHyQmcPQ0Z3WYx5gClM-BoGS6Lrd11UpZJeurRP0ruuvOVjAimF~AzP2-WzgXYVxwb26aJJoNMMQJb9ScN5Ew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lynchburg City Council voted to endorse four Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) revenue‑sharing applications and authorized staff to submit the applications for fiscal year 2027.

City staff said the four applications under consideration total $2,737,085 in requested VDOT revenue‑sharing funding. Staff described the projects as: the Langhorne Road/Vassar roundabout; a Hollins Mill Road bridge replacement; a Breezewood Drive reconstruction; and the Link Road/Rivermont intersection improvement.

Staff and council clarified several budget points for the Vassar roundabout: the total project cost is roughly $10.7 million, with $9.9 million from SmartScale; the city asked to cover approximately $880,000 of additional cost changes, and staff said the city’s remaining share would be about $440,000. Councilmember Timmer noted the city has already spent funds on the project—approximately $325,000—and cautioned that canceling the project would leave the city responsible for that amount.

For the Hollins Mill Road bridge replacement, staff presented a requested revenue‑sharing contribution of $3.6 million and identified a city share figure of $1.8 million in the packet. Figures for Breezewood Drive and some per‑project shares were unclear in the meeting transcript; staff said all funds for projects had been appropriated and clarified that no project was expected to exceed previously anticipated city costs.

After discussion the council approved the resolution endorsing the four revenue‑sharing applications; the motion passed 6–1. Council did not provide a full roll‑call of individual votes in the transcript portion.","Council approved a resolution endorsing four VDOT revenue‑sharing applications and authorized staff to submit them. Council discussion clarified prior spending on the Vassar roundabout and the city's remaining share; vote was 6–1.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6491797,"Council approves deed restriction to dedicate Perrymont Park land for stormwater management",272,2878000,3150000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742748-5bfacbce1e1a5a7001d541b381a88f4d&start=2878&end=3150","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742748-5bfacbce1e1a5a7001d541b381a88f4d/thumbnail_2878000.jpg","/articles/6491797/Lynchburg/Campbell-County/Virginia/Council-approves-deed-restriction-to-dedicate-Perrymont-Park-land-for-stormwater-management","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491797-a12d6b942028a665258b3882e4c31dfc/orig.mp4?Expires=1773646472&Signature=nf0vN32WDrbeI~ZDBNryDIAzzIdAEyJaciyOk2Q0VihN~4ZBuez7Q6AoskdoV1Z3hASIhR8fdf5a8KE0XdFzcmqKTj3S1~6LgLbrdv48YDGu6kLk1pfjp3DVwYJTZyzmdH6cT-ODU4mrmXGvtZ4AEj9KHyCxtb4yiJkLzYVoF48iTqh3QVLNKoBxZsbPU2TVfh~T5hNa~4on6DlrRE3ofuo--cPhWhEF3~Rv0yPjzjmAFC11U7vjUfwlDqnVr20BPo1TZ77tKM6MXjq-SrUF0MfCcZofWVx8P7F3N0VY~3bk5ZKwAoYEQabbW17bjBnt6hZOpSwr3cZ2jGUj20GT7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lynchburg City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing deed restrictions to dedicate roughly 1.5 acres at Perrymont Park for conserved open space and stormwater management.

Wyatt Woody, director of Parks and Recreation, told council the Perrymont Park improvements—funded in part by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation—include a paved quarter‑mile trail, picnic areas, nature paths, an outdoor classroom, an off‑leash dog area and drainage work. Woody said the dedication would use deed restrictions to allow low volumes of runoff to infiltrate as a state‑approved stormwater mitigation practice.

“Conserved open space is a practice of setting aside land via deed restrictions to allow low volumes of runoff to disperse and to infiltrate and is a state approved measure to mitigate stormwater,” Woody said. He told council an additional exhibit in the packet provided more detail on mitigation practices and noted the designation piggybacks on land previously recorded by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation and a stream restoration completed in 2016–2017.

City staff also said the instrument is now proposed as a deed restriction rather than an administrative designation to remain consistent with prior actions on similar parcels. Following the public hearing—during which no members of the public spoke for or against the action—Councilmember Timmer moved to adopt the resolution; the motion passed 7–0.

Why it matters: The dedicated open‑space area will be subject to deed restrictions intended to manage runoff generated by park improvements and preserve connectivity with previously recorded conservation areas. Staff said the approach is consistent with state and city practice and with funding requirements tied to the grants.

Next steps: The city attorney and staff will finalize the deed restriction documents and record them as required by the resolution.

Vote: Resolution to dedicate land for stormwater management at Perrymont Park — approved 7–0.","City council approved a resolution dedicating about 1.5 acres at Perrymont Park for conserved open space and stormwater management; staff said the deed form was chosen to match previous park dedications. Vote was unanimous.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6491802,"Lynchburg council splits over whether to approve recent minutes; kinship navigator program approved",2401,537000,2938000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742748-5bfacbce1e1a5a7001d541b381a88f4d&start=537&end=2938","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742748-5bfacbce1e1a5a7001d541b381a88f4d/thumbnail_537000.jpg","/articles/6491802/Lynchburg/Campbell-County/Virginia/Lynchburg-council-splits-over-whether-to-approve-recent-minutes-kinship-navigator-program-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491802-dad0340046f69ab1b1ee9f8164145198/orig.mp4?Expires=1773646472&Signature=G-QYXDbfc~hCNoBOiEuCJ2j3nZASYKsSeRrYwCkVif-CVn13V2IvsL7VbK9e-S~liSKxDlruzP5yyr-b0kCYKN5F8hndsQBa~EALaP6Ic0rl1LWtZ0aQ2vINDZh5yzsYm6Wr1608MreSxIKTn4MxlvdkPc6R3GFeBbIQELI5lRUOS3woIZ3vr6GtKjMNXOeT17SBqfFQdqNSCIo7RLI9I6X3-Ib06TJcRhUAf2xGKcdCtS5mvFurE6ltS50tD5sdJDWjRN6DlnwmINr3cd~zldjWOYPayq8iQQKDWxUn8BpJVzB24uknIPcO6LUorcZ~78aVcFCsMBDi9FiNtSAYdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lynchburg City Council members on Sept. (meeting date not specified) clashed over the accuracy and handling of minutes from five recent meetings, delaying consideration of several consent-agenda items while approving a kinship navigator program.

The dispute centered on whether draft minutes for June 10, June 23, June 24, June 30 and July 8 should be removed from the consent agenda so council members and the city clerk could reconcile the text with video transcripts. Councilwoman Robin Reid moved to pull items 2 through 6 for later discussion; the motion prompted prolonged debate about the council’s rules and the clerk’s workload.

Clerk Alicia Finney told council she had received requests from members and said she could review suggested revisions if given additional time. “If I had another 2 weeks, I’d go back and for sure fine comb and look at the suggestions,” Finney said, noting the volume of video and timestamped feedback she had received.

Council members who pressed for delay said the minutes omitted material discussion and, in at least one case, a motion and vote. “There have been things that have been identified,” Councilmember Mishoons said, arguing the record must comply with the Freedom of Information Act’s requirement that minutes summarize matters considered and actions taken. He urged giving the clerk more time to incorporate time‑stamped edits submitted by multiple members.

Opponents of delay said the clerk had already corrected numeric errors and missing votes and that postponing routine adoption would needlessly slow other business. “We need to get this kinship navigator program going. Let’s get it approved,” Councilmember Brody said in support of approving the consent agenda item that was ready to move forward.

After substitute motions and points of order, council adopted a substitute motion to advance only the item described as the kinship navigator program and to move items 2 through 6 to the next meeting’s consent agenda. The governing body recorded a final vote that adopted item 1 (the kinship navigator program) and moved the remaining minutes to the next meeting; the motion passed 5–2. Councilmembers Ferraldi (listed in the record as opposing) and Reid voted against the final motion, the clerk announced.

What happened: • Clerk requested time to incorporate timestamped edits; several council members supported additional review to ensure minutes match video transcripts. • Some council members said staff had already corrected substantive numeric errors and missing votes and preferred to approve the ready item now.

Why it matters: Minutes are the official record of council deliberations and votes; council members who flagged discrepancies argued that incomplete or inaccurate minutes could misstate the basis for decisions and the public record.

Next steps: The kinship navigator program item was approved on the consent agenda. The five sets of minutes identified for further review were moved to the next meeting’s consent agenda for formal adoption after the clerk’s additional revisions.

Votes at a glance: Motion to adopt item 1 (kinship navigator program) and move items 2–6 to the next meeting — outcome: approved, 5–2 (opposed: Ferraldi; Reid).","Lynchburg City Council spent more than an hour debating whether to pull five sets of minutes from the consent agenda, with divided views on accuracy and process. Council ultimately adopted the kinship navigator program on the consent agenda and agreed to move remaining minutes for later consideration.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenters urge transparency on proposed rules, question downtown funding and call for AI guidance in schools

Lynchburg approves participation in opioid‑related settlements with manufacturers and Sackler family

Council approves four VDOT revenue‑sharing applications; some project cost details clarified

Council approves deed restriction to dedicate Perrymont Park land for stormwater management

Lynchburg council splits over whether to approve recent minutes; kinship navigator program approved