Council recognizes residents for hospitality, education

Oct. 10, 2024 - The City Council recognized two Hampton women before Wednesday's legislative session for their work in the community.

Before the evening session, local historian Margaret Wilson was recognized by City Council for the recent Hospitality Hero Award she earned from the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association. She spoke briefly about the historical significance of the Aberdeen Gardens neighborhood. Retired educator Gwyndolyn Lomax, along with other teachers and four Hampton University students, were recognized for promoting the upcoming Lights Out After School Day on Oct. 16, which is part of a national designation celebrating after-school programs for students of all ages. Parents and students can come to the main branch of the Hampton Public Library at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, to support after-school programs and sign up for them.

The centerpiece of the evening legislative session was a presentation by Patrick Hartig, with the Norfolk district office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, raising awareness about the danger of fentanyl overdoses and poisoning. Hartig talked about the importance of only taking medication prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacy. He urged residents to go online to dea.gov/onepill to learn more about the DEA's "One Pill Can Kill" education campaign.

The council unanimously approved a rezoning application by Cornerstone Custom Homes LLC to build two residential homes on a plot of land at 67 W. Little Back River Road.

At the afternoon work session, Senior Deputy City Attorney Brandi Law provided a presentation regarding a proposed ordinance that would allow the city to impound all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or dirt bikes that are being operated illegally on city streets. In 2022-23, the city saw a 140 percent increase in reports of reckless and dangerous use of ATVs and dirt bikes, prompting Hampton to join Norfolk in asking the General Assembly to address the issue. The GA passed legislation allowing localities to enact ordinances calling for the seizure of ATVs and dirt bikes being operated illegally.

The city will now consider a proposed ordinance that would provide for the seizure and impoundment of the illegally operated vehicle, followed by forfeiture proceedings, with the forfeited property being sold at public auction or retained for use by the Hampton Police Division. The forfeiture process would involve a petition being served to the owner, who would have 30 days to respond. The response could lead to a hearing in Circuit Court, with the city having to meet the burden of proof that the vehicle was operated illegally.

The council will vote on that proposed ordinance at its next legislative meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

The council also heard a briefing on three options for how the city should approach requests for funding from outside agencies providing services that directly support city departments. The three options are designed to include more grassroots and community-based organizations.

At both sessions, City Manager Mary Bunting introduced the new assistant city manager, Kwasi Obeng, who fills the vacancy left when Steven Bond left the office to be seated as a general district court judge. Oberg will oversee operations involving public safety and youth, education and family services.

Click here to watch a full video of both meetings.

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