Council approves $5,000 event sponsorship and votes to enter closed session; motions pass unanimously

The Newport News City Council took several formal actions during its Jan. 28 work session.

Excel Summit sponsorship Council approved funding support of $5,000 for the 2025 Excel Summit, "Remind You Wellness," hosted by Dr. Norwood and scheduled for March 7–9, 2025. A motion to support the request was moved and seconded on the floor; a roll-call vote recorded six affirmative votes and the chair stated "motion carries 6-0."

Vote record (roll call as read in meeting): Councilman Coleman — Aye; Councilman Ealy — Aye; Councilman Harris — Aye; Mayor Jones — Aye; Councilman Long — Aye; Vice Mayor Bethany — Aye. The transcript does not list the names of the motion’s mover or seconder.

Closed session and certification Councilman Long moved that the council enter a closed meeting under what the motion quoted as Section 2.2-3711 (a) of the Code of Virginia for multiple purposes: consultation with legal counsel regarding probable litigation and threatened tort claims; discussion of disposition (sale or other disposition) of publicly held property in the southern section of the city; and discussion of acquisition of real property in the central section of the…