Council to form task force on violence response and recesses into closed session under Virginia code

Mayor Bobby Dyer opened a council-wide discussion of recent violent incidents and public safety responses, framing it as a complex problem that requires regional coordination and both short- and long-term strategies. He said he will reconvene mayors and form a task force made up of community stakeholders and legal partners to develop immediate and structural responses, including outreach to the governor and requests for expedited state assistance.

Council members offered a range of suggestions: increased law-enforcement presence and interdiction programs, community-based violence-interruption programs, coordination with the Commonwealth's Attorney for prosecution strategies, and attention to prevention in schools and youth programming. Council members repeatedly affirmed support for public safety personnel and said the response should pair enforcement with community intervention.

At the close of the public discussion, the council considered a motion to recess into a closed session "pursuant to the exemptions from open meetings allowed by section 2.2-3711(a) Code of Virginia" for legal matters (including oceanfront public safety), publicly held property negotiations and personnel matters (appointments and potential discipline). A motion was made and seconded and a roll call produced unanimous 'Aye' votes from those recorded; the council recessed into closed session and adjourned the public meeting.

The closed-session topics were stated on the record; council indicated it would reconvene and certify the closed session upon return. No detailed policy decisions were made public at this meeting.