Bristol council adopts sidewalk ban downtown, updates backyard-chicken rules; approves staffing contract and proclamations

At its March 25 meeting the Bristol Virginia City Council approved several ordinances, a contract authorization and ceremonial proclamations. The package of actions included a downtown sidewalk prohibition for bicycles and similar devices, a revised rule set for backyard agricultural uses, authorization for a temporary staffing contract, and approval of two proclamations.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 25-1 (adoption): An ordinance prohibiting the use of certain vehicles and devices on specified sidewalks within the city (downtown area). Council adopted the ordinance by roll call; Farnam — yes; Holmes — yes; Osborne — yes; Pollard — yes; Nave — yes. The law narrows prohibited areas to sidewalks adjacent to State Street from Commonwealth Avenue to Martin Luther King Boulevard, portions of Piedmont, Lee and Moore streets, and Cumberland Street east of Piedmont Avenue. The ordinance becomes effective 30 days after adoption (April 26) and staff said state law requires signage; signs will be posted during the 30-day period.

- Ordinance 25-2 (adoption): Title update to Chapter 50, land use, Division 11, section 50-136 (agricultural uses on residential property). Council adopted the ordinance by roll call; Farnam — yes; Holmes — yes; Osborne — yes; Pollard — yes; Nave — yes. The revision reduces the property-boundary setback requirement, sets permit fees for backyard poultry ($50 initial, $25 annual renewal), limits poultry to six chickens (no roosters), clarifies inspection and permitting procedures, and restates that onsite sale or slaughter is not permitted.

- Contract authorization (RFP HR-25-001): Council authorized the city manager to enter a contract with Latrell Staffing for temporary employment administration after a competitive RFP process. The motion carried by roll call; Farnam — yes; Holmes — yes; Osborne — yes; Pollard — yes; Nave — yes. Staff reported Latrell Staffing was the incumbent and was found to be best value following evaluation and negotiation.

- Proclamations: The council approved a proclamation designating March 2025 as American Red Cross Month and a proclamation designating April 6–12, 2025 as National Library Week. Both proclamations passed by roll calls recorded in the meeting and presenters from each organization were invited forward.

- Consent agenda and other routine motions: Adoption of the meeting agenda, approval of the consent agenda and adjournment were carried by recorded votes.

Public comments and related notes

- Dom Richardson (resident) asked that council coordinate signage on State Street to notify the public about the sidewalk restrictions and to align policy across the state line; staff responded that state law requires signage and that signs will be posted before the ordinance’s effective date.

- Samantha Gray, executive director of Theatre Bristol, said Theatre Bristol purchased the Cameo Theatre and asked the council to consider financial support of $50,000 and $25,000 in property funds to support the theater’s operation and debt reduction.

- Donnie Branson asked the council to consider eliminating or reducing personal property tax for senior citizens.

- Frank Goodpaster III asked the city to evaluate installation of traffic sensors at the 381 intersection (Pittston Road/Church Street) to reduce unnecessary signal stops.

What comes next: Ordinance 25-1 goes into effect April 26, after a 30-day posting period for signage; ordinance 25-2 is in force following adoption. Staff will finalize the staffing contract documents and proceed with execution under city procurement rules.