Manassas council hears Utility Commission and EDA reports, honors inaugural Community Police Academy class and opens airport franchise bids

The Manassas City Council received several presentations Nov. 10 including the Utility Commission annual report, a year-end Economic Development Authority (EDA) briefing, and a Community Police Academy recognition. Council also opened two sealed bids for a long-term franchise at the Manassas Regional Airport and referred the bids to the Airport Commission for evaluation.

Utility Commission presenter Mr. Silberstein described commissioner skills and the commission’s role advising the city on water, wastewater and electric distribution. He warned about aging infrastructure — noting the water treatment plant dates to the 1960s — and highlighted capital planning and multi-year initiatives such as voltage regulator upgrades and an internal water audit to detect unplanned losses. “We’re responsible to you to advise on what is needed relative to the major infrastructures in the city, water, wastewater, and power,” he said during the presentation.

Carmela Patrick delivered the EDA year-end review. She reported that Rappaport Management continues to maintain the Mathis Avenue Shopping Center while the EDA has conducted community engagement through Roadside (two June meetings with more than 100 residents). Patrick said the EDA acquired three parcels adjacent to the Mathis Avenue center, creating roughly a 15-acre redevelopment site, and highlighted Mason SBDC results for July 2024–June 2025: 46 clients, 73 jobs retained, $9,213,420 in capital formation and $309,377 in sales growth. She also described a new facade and landscape grant program to incentivize local businesses.

Chief Keane and Sergeant Brown recognized graduates of the inaugural Community Police Academy, a six-week program that exposed participants to law-enforcement operations, emergency services, and scenario-based training; Chief Keane said the academy was a long-held vision and aimed to foster community engagement and trust. The class presented a plaque to the Manassas City Police Department and encouraged residents to register for the next session.

Later in the meeting the council opened two sealed bids for a franchise to lease one or two undeveloped parcels at 10501 Observation Road (Manassas Regional Airport) for terms up to 40 years; a bid from High Flying Hangers of Virginia LLC was announced on the public record. Airport Director Mr. Rivera recommended the council refer the bids to the Airport Commission for evaluation and hold a public hearing prior to ordinance readings; council voted to schedule a public hearing and first reading on Dec. 8, 2025.

City manager and staff announcements included Wellington Road rail crossing closures for repairs and shared-use path installation beginning Nov. 17, seasonal program schedules at Harris Pavilion, and holiday closures. The meeting also included proclamations (Native American Heritage Month) and a commendation honoring Emily Jane Harris Proctor.