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Council defers action on "Something in the Water" festival amid ongoing contract concerns
Summary
The City Council moved to defer indefinitely further action on the city's notice of breach regarding the Something in the Water festival. Council liaisons will monitor preparations and report weekly; the council said it may call a special session if needed.
Virginia Beach City Council voted to defer indefinitely a resolution directing the city manager to provide Something in the Water LLC with a notice of breach and an opportunity to cure alleged sponsorship contract issues. The council’s action came after public comment from area residents and festival supporters and a presentation by council liaisons.
Dr. Ross Hammond, one of the council liaisons on the festival matter, moved to defer the pending agenda item indefinitely and requested that the city manager monitor festival preparations and report to council weekly starting at the Jan. 14 workshop. "It is imperative that the city have programming for this weekend," Hammond said, and he asked the mayor to be ready to call a special meeting if further action becomes necessary.
Public commenters included residents who said Something in the Water brings economic and community benefits; Anthony Martin, a Webex speaker, described the festival as a personal and communal source of hope after health struggles. Other speakers urged the city to hold the festival in a manner that ensures public safety and timely planning for city workforce, public safety and hospitality sectors.
Council discussion stressed both the festival’s economic value and the need for certainty for city employees, contractors and hoteliers. Council members said they expect improved communications between festival representatives and city staff. Council also made clear that any cure or compliance timeline would need definitive dates; some councilors emphasized that funds have not been disbursed to the festival organizer because contract terms were not met.
The motion to defer passed at the meeting; council directed staff to report weekly on preparations and to be prepared to call a special meeting should the situation require immediate action.
