Chesapeake council approves leases, easements, code changes and a slate of appointments in unanimous votes

The Chesapeake City Council approved a package of resolutions, ordinances, budget appropriations and appointments on May 27, adopting each item by a recorded 9-0 vote.

Council members voted to authorize an array of property and program actions, from a long-term lease of city farmland to right-of-way acquisitions for a bridge project and several budget appropriations the city said will fund road, fleet and public-safety needs.

Why it matters: The votes advance a series of public-works projects, clarify city code for a new behavioral health department and its advisory board, and place staffing and property decisions on the city manager’s implementation track. Several items carry budget impacts or position the city to seek outside funds.

Key votes "at a glance" (all adopted 9-0 unless noted): - Lease: Resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a lease with J. Chris Lawbag covering 111.773 acres (including 72.2 farmable acres) at Mount Pleasant Road and Bedford Street, requested by Public Works. Motion adopted by voice vote; public comment from Vic Nichols suggested a round number rental; Council approved as presented. - Freeman Avenue Overpass: Resolution authorizing acquisition of fee simple interests, leasehold interests, right of way, and temporary and permanent easements for the Freeman Avenue railroad overpass bridge project (Public Works). Adopted. - VDOT access break: Resolution asking the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board and VDOT to approve breaks in limited access on U.S. 17 about 1,000 feet northwest of Eaglet Parkway. Adopted (version dated 05/27/2025 was used). - Revocable license to healthcare: Memorandum of agreement authorizing a revocable license to Chesapeake Regional Healthcare to install snipe signs on city property (Development and Permit Services). Adopted. - Fireworks code: Ordinance amending Chesapeake City Code (Sec. 34-5) and consolidating fireworks provisions; the change clarifies enforcement and expectations for property owners and occupants (Fire Department). Adopted (see separate article on the fireworks ordinance for discussion detail). - Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (CIBH): Two ordinances designating Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare as a city department and amending the code to designate its board as a policy-advisory community services board. Adopted. - Consent agenda appropriations and transfers: Multiple budget actions were approved, including: authority to apply for VDOT revenue sharing for right-of-way funding for the Freeman Avenue project; appropriation of $130,100 from the sale of surplus property to the advanced right-of-way acquisition capital project; $55,000 from Columbia Gas to road/bridge repair project; and $115,600 in federal funds to the federal asset forfeiture project for acquisition of vehicles and specialty equipment (requested by the sheriff). The council also approved an intra-budget transfer of $668,000 within Central Fleet Management (FY2025) to cover increased repair costs. - Boards and commissions: The council filled multiple seats across local boards and commissions (South Norfolk Revitalization Commission, Chesapeake Commission on Health and Well-being, Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Board, Citizen Advisory Committee, Hampton Roads appointments, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Natural Event Mitigation Advisory Committee, Tidewater Community College board, and others). Individual appointment results were recorded during the meeting; nominees appointed by either roll-call votes or unanimous consent as noted from the dais. - Closed meeting certifications: Council certified closed meetings consistent with the Code of Virginia; certification voted 9-0 at the meeting’s opening and again after adjournment of the closed session.

Council members and staff who spoke during the votes included Mayor West; Vice Mayor Dietrich; City Manager Christopher Price; Fire Chief Sam Gullisano; City Attorney Lindley (identified in the record as Miss Lindley); and councilmembers Ritter, Smith, Ward, Whitaker, Vaughn, King and others.

What’s next: For projects requiring right-of-way or VDOT approvals, staff said subsequent acquisition and permitting steps will follow. The city manager’s office will execute agreements approved by council and report back where required by ordinance or policy.

Ending note: Most items passed with no recorded opposition; councilmembers asked for follow-up reporting on some budget items and on the implementation specifics of the newly designated behavioral health department.