City Council - Regular Meeting

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Praise the Lord, everyone. Welcome to our June 23rd, 2026 City Council meeting. Please stand for invocation by our Muslim missions, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.

Let's pray. Dear Heavenly Father, I just want to thank you for this evening. Thank you for the time to be here and to serve you first and our citizens second, Lord. I just ask that you guide us with your discernment and your wisdom this evening and that you continue to bless our city and protect our city. I ask all these things in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty

Mr. Mayor, first on our agenda tonight, we have a recognition. It's Responsible Father's Month. City Council has passed a resolution at our last meeting recognizing the month of June as Responsible Father's Month. And I'll read that right now for the record. Whereas everyone deserves a chance to reach one's full potential, and we have a moral and economic duty to support our children and to promote positive outcomes for youth through early intervention, quality education, safe and nurturing homes, and family support programs, And whereas responsible fathers, whether biological, a father figure, foster or adoptive, deserve our honor and gratitude. And whereas the celebration of Father's Day is a time to honor fathers and thank them for their love and support and the vital potential role they play in helping their children grow and set goals for their future. And whereas good fathering and co-parenting during infancy, childhood, and adolescence contributes to emotional security and has overwhelming positive psychological and economic benefits for children, families, communities, and other sectors. And whereas children are less likely to face poverty, infant mortality, and abuse and or neglect when there is an involved father in their lives. And whereas all fathers must invest in providing emotional and financial support for their children at every juncture of their lives, supporting involved, nurturing and responsible fatherhood. And whereas strong families are the foundation of thriving communities, which are essential as we address social challenges like addiction, teen pregnancy, crime and school dropout. And whereas throughout our state, we aim to promote positive fathering and co-parenting, to showcase providers of fatherhood resources and services, and to increase public awareness of the crucial role of fathers. And now, therefore, he, Larry Taylor, Mayor of the City of Lynchburg, does hereby recognize June 2026 as Responsible Fatherhood Month.

Thank you. I've been reading through the Book of Malachi where it says the children's hearts will be turned back to the fathers and the father's heart will be turned to the children. And we as fathers, and some of us are grandfathers and some of us are great grandfathers, we have to be examples for our children. Our children depend on us. if nobody else, for truth. We gotta be able to guide them in the path of righteousness. We guide our children and we need to be there for our children. Us men, let's not fall short. Society has made it easy for us to walk away from our children, but we need to show strength. We need to stay there for our children, no matter what. And I will... I would like all visiting fathers to come down and let's take a picture together with this proclamation.

All right, I'm gonna get you guys all to move in a little bit more.

Before we begin with tonight's agenda, I did receive word that Vice Mayor Deamer would like to poll his item, agenda item number 11, titled Series 2026, Bond Disclosure Resolution. All right, so tonight's city council agenda is divided into four sections, consent agenda, public hearing, public comment, and general business. The first section is consent agenda, includes routine items that can be approved with one vote.

So moved. Second.

for the good friday april 3rd meeting so i don't know if we want to split those i watched it the minutes reflect it i'm happy to vote or not vote at the pleasure of council okay

The motion passes 7-0. The next section is public hearings. These are required by law, directed by council. Procedure. Staff will give a presentation. The public can give comments. Individuals have three minutes to speak. If you're speaking for a group, you have five. Group speakers must say which group they represent. Each group gets one spokesperson. Each speaker must say their name and their locality of residence. After public comments, the public hearing will close and the matter will rest with council. Agenda item number five. Consideration of adopting an ordinance to vacate and discontinue a public sanitary sewer easement held by the city and located at 1280 enterprise drive. Mr. Tim Mitchell, director of water resources will provide a summary of the request.

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of council. This request came to us from the developer of the property. This is a sanitary sewer easement that was originally included in the 1999 subdivision plat of the parcel with anticipation that the parcel would be further divided in the future and need public sewer. the current development of the property all the sewer lines on the property will be private and with the sewer easement is no longer is no not used and will not be used in the future so we're presenting this for council consideration upon conclusion of the public hearing thank you sir anyone want to speak in favor of this anyone will speak opposition

Are there any voicemails?

There are none.

Total hearing is now closed. May I have a motion, please? So moved.

All right, you second?

I'll second.

Bill?

You want to speak to your motion?

I think it's a great idea.

Can I speak to your second? Nothing to say. Anyone else? Let's vote, please.

Initiate vote now. Motion passes 7-0. Agenda item number 6, consideration of adopting a resolution approving a lease agreement between the city and SELCO partnership DBA Verizon Wireless at the Abert Water Filtration Plant in Bedford County, Virginia. Again, Mr. Tim Mitchell, Director of Water Resources, will provide a summary of the request.

So this is a partnership with Verizon Wireless to install a monopole and associated pertinences for a cell tower on the Averitt Water Treatment Plant site. It's approximately 5,625 square feet of property that they would be leasing. annual revenues to the water fund is eleven thousand four hundred dollars based upon current lease agreement this would also provide additional communication reliability for the abrid water treatment plant as well as the raw water pump station so there would be additional benefits to water resources to have this lease agreement with verizon be glad to answer any questions upon conclusion of the public hearing

Thank you, sir. Is there anyone here who would like to speak in favor of this project? Anyone want to speak in opposition? Ms. Alicia, are there any votes?

There are none.

Public hearing is now closed. May I have a motion for approval?

I'll second.

I'll speak to the motion. Let's vote, please.

Initiating the vote for approval now. Motion passes 7-0. Agenda item number seven, consideration of introducing an ordinance to amend and appropriate $36,383,600 to the Water Capital Projects Fund and 1.3 million to the Stormwater Capital Projects Fund to address capital needs. Again, and finally, Mr. Tim Mitchell, Director of Water Resources, provide a summary of the request.

Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, members of council. This is in response to council approving the rate increases for the water fund and stormwater fund. The current adopted FY27 CIP was reduced based upon the initial vote to not increase the rates. This restores the current adopted budget for the water fund. The appropriation is $12,985,400. And the amended CIP would be $49,369,000, which is an increase of $36,383,600. Sorry, $36,383,600. Try it one more time. $36,383,600. This actually includes one additional modification. As you recall, we received the Virginia Department of Health award for $15 million. $7.5 million of that is in principal forgiveness. The original water CIP appropriation included a $10 million appropriation for the lead service line program. all of which we had planned on borrowing the $10 million. This award from VDH, we'd only be borrowing $7.5 million, but we need the $15 million to fully accept the award. The Stonewater CIP, the adopted CIP was $100,000. The amended CIP is $1.4 million, which is an adjustment of $1.3 million. This restores all these stormwater projects back to the current CIP instead of deferring them for a year, and also restores these water projects back to the current CIP instead of deferring or removing them from the FY27 CIP. I'd be glad to answer any questions upon the conclusion of the public hearing.

Thank you, Mr. Bishop. Thank you. Is there anyone here who would like to speak in favor? Anyone want to speak in opposition to this? Are there any voicemails?

There are none.

Public hearing is now closed. May I have a motion, please?

So moved.

Second. Want to speak to your motion? Yes, sir.

This fund is basically covering the cost of the fund of the water services. We're so thankful for the great water service we have here in our community. It's an old system, some systems over 100 years old, water pipes and that nature. So this helps keep our system going properly. You see all the renovations all over the city because of the water system. So we're thankful for all the things that they do to make sure our system is clean. Thank you.

Is there anyone else? Mr. Dean.

Let's just keep that water running.

And sewage, please. And the sewer. Even more.

All right, initiating the vote for approval now. Motion passes 7-0. Thank you, Ms. Mitchell. All right, the next section is public comment. Speakers have three minutes to speak. If you're speaking for a group, you have five. City Council listens to your comments and may ask the city manager to follow up. Citizens often express differing opinions to make sure everyone feels comfortable speaking. There is no applause, cheers, or jeers. Do not intimidate, insult, or disrupt others, and do not use profanity, promote businesses, or campaign for office. Agenda item number eight, hear from a group representative regarding cameras. Melanie Traber with Trading Post by Traber Ranch. All right, I don't see her in the audience. So moving along to general business. This section's general business includes new items for discussion. Agenda item number nine. Consideration of introducing an ordinance to amend the FY2027 general fund budget and appropriate $310,800 to fund a detailed staffing assessment, a full-time civilian human resources leadership position, and a full-time sworn position to coordinate department-wide training in the fire department. This did go to finance committee earlier today. However, I would be remiss if it did not mention that that staff report came by Ms. Donna Witt, CFO. After 27 years or nearly 27 years of dedicated service, this is her last meeting with us tonight.

I just, I want to share this real quick, if that's okay, since you mentioned that, do y'all mind? When I first got on council, I think we were at our first budget retreat and Ms. Witt shared with me that she prayed over all of our seats. And I'll never forget that. that she prayed over all of our seats in here with some of her prayer warrior friends and there's a lot of things about our staff members a lot of y'all don't know and they're very special people because they have roles here in the city but they're also people and citizens with their own private lives and we get to know them um you know separately from their positions and you're a very special person and we appreciate you doing that for us. So thank you.

Thank you. Can I make a recommendation? Yes.

I would love to see some comments too. Let's get through this and then I would love to have a few moments for us to address Ms. Witt properly.

Ms. Witt, you want to give a summary of this?

Why not?

One more chance.

One more time.

This did come to Finance Committee today. This is a result of the Fire Department assessment. These are the first three. This addresses three recommendations. Sorry, y'all, I hit the fluke. This addresses three recommendations that came out of that assessment. The first one was to conduct a detailed staffing assessment of the department. The second being create a full-time civilian human resources leadership position in the fire department. And the third was a full time sworn position to coordinate department wide training for the fire department. In that discussion and the finance committee, it was recommended that the ordinance change slightly to be to to amend the 2027 general fund budget. and appropriate up to $310,800 with resources from the 2027 general fund reserved for contingency to fund the Lynchburg fire department for those three purposes. And the reason the recommendation was changed a little bit to up to $310,000, it was, councilman for all these thought that it may take a while to fill these two positions and that maybe we would not need the full three hundred and ten thousand dollars thank you may i have a motion please oh yes miss reed

Well, so thank you. So this did come to finance and the motion actually was the reason why it was up to 310,000 based on our conversation was let's say it takes six months to fill some of these positions. It may be that we don't need the full amount requested for each position, depending on where it lies in the fiscal year. So it may not take the full amount, you know, depending on where we are in the year when we hire. So that was the reason why we did the up to 310. So that's all. So I did make the motion, but you go ahead.

Anyone else?

whenever she just made the motion. So I think she gets to speak to it first.

Yeah, so we had a good discussion about it.

I think the reason why I supported it was obviously we, based on the assessment and the concerns that were shared,

I think we all would agree that the concerns about the needs for our EMTs and how to address the stress and the strain on the overtime is something we definitely need to look at. And then the reason that was given for the human resources position being a civilian position versus someone that was internal, I think, had to do with the feedback that we got about there being fair discipline measures and consistent discipline measures, and that would probably be easier to do with someone that was civilian. And then the sworn position for someone for the training was explained that we just need someone additional to do that so it's not pulling from the current training position that is mainly made for the ones that are in the academy. I think it sounded like that was, again, based on what was the feedback given in the assessment. So it's just, again, really appropriating that out of our, out of the, funds this year but we have to be able to put it into next year's budget obviously for operating so the reserve for contingency fund this year for um funding it and then next year would have to come out of operating so for those reasons i think we could support it and again it may take some time to find the qualified people for these positions but i think it is a need that's all i got second it does not require a second committee motion mr mayor so we're all good okay

What was the, what was the language that we were meeting that with? It was just the up to, is that what it was?

Okay.

All right. I have, um, thank you. Thank you for that, Ms. Witt. And thank you, uh, Ms. Reid, I've got one small amendment to the language of the ordinance that I think I'm going to propose. I think this is great. I think it's a wonderful thing. And it's critically important that we get these positions. These are positions that they've needed probably for, I know for longer than I've been on council and probably for the better part of a decade. So it's very important. And I think that the assessment is also important. But one thing I want to make sure that we're looking at here is there's actually national standards out there that tell us what our deployment model should be, how many people we should have. And I think that if we don't include the the body, which is the National Fire Protection Association and that standard in the language here to say that we make sure when we get this assessment, we're also seeing how we match up to what that standard is. So we get a whole picture. I think that's important because when you're looking at deployment of these resources. It's about safety. It's about safety for the people on the scene. It's also about safety for our citizens when we're responding. So the small amendment that I'm going to request is that, so this is a motion to amend, that after detailed staffing assessment, just a simple phrase to add in there, that includes an assessment of the department's compliance with NFPA 1750, And then in parentheses beside that would be standard for the organization deployment of fire suppression operations, emergency medical services, special operations, and fire prevention activities. Cause that's a big standard that they came out with last year that combines everything that a fire department can do into one standard to address staffing and deployment models. And I think, it would be great to get what the consultant recommends and then also see how do we measure up with that national standard i think that's an important piece of information for us to have so that's it i'll make that as a motion to amend information uh it's just to attempt to

Compare. It's not a requirement that we meet that. Not a requirement.

Just show us where we are.

To look at it and see if we're doing something close.

That way, whenever that comes back, whether it's this council or the next council, you get the whole picture of where we are with the national standard for staffing and deployment.

I'll second that.

Ms. Timmer.

uh i had a point of clarification but mr missions i think just said it because so with the nfpa standard it has to do with staffing it's not a extra thing it's actually a standard for staffing okay mayor and it is this is probably my own ignorance on this subject

I was gonna suggest that maybe instead of the motion to amend tonight, that council approve it with the amendment that's there and then allow staff maybe to speak with LFD to see if there's any issue with adding that language. So you all get two bites at the apple with this, because it's coming back in July for the actual adoption.

So I appreciate the suggestion, Mr. City Attorney, but the reality is the point is to give council the whole apple. It's not about what LFD wants, it's about getting the information to council, because if the standard says we need more people than we've currently amended the budget with, we have that information and there's no filter through a consultant that ignores the standard. And I'm not saying they will, but I just want to make sure when there's a national standard that's this important, the way that they study this stuff with NIST and some other organizations that determine what are effective response times, how many people do you need on scene immediately. It makes a difference between life or death. I think it's important that council gets the whole picture. I don't think it's an issue. I think it actually will provide us with more information, will provide the department with more information. And it's just that simple. So I stick by my motion to amend. I appreciate your comments, but it's just very simple that the detailed staffing assessment also includes a comparison of where we are at with what does the national standard say we should be at?

Is that simple? The only reason I mention it, and again, I'm trying to be helpful, is just making sure staff knows what it means. So it's the first time that we have heard of this, at least me i'll say that at least that i have heard of it and i figured we'd want to talk about internally just to make sure what it means for the city administration i can assure you that everybody inside the lynchburg fire department other than probably people that have been there for just a year or two know exactly what that means

not a staffing study, it was a shift study. That is what the amendment funds. If we were to move into where we were doing a staffing study, that is a much broader scope. I don't think we have a good grasp on what that might cost. So I would caution council that we are moving well beyond what was recommended in the assessment.

Mr. Farag? MR. My recommendation would be twofold. Number one, I don't think it's inherently a bad idea to consider the proposal. I think that we can adopt it as is tonight, have the official language drafted as a point A document for two weeks from now, so that way we all are aware of what this organization is. I know nothing about them. I mean, they could be some hard left, hard right I don't know anything about them. And I want to be able to review any organization that we're tying standards to. But my recommendation would be pass it as is tonight, have the additional language in a document on the agenda two weeks from now for us to consider including so that way we can be informed on we're voting or pass it as is tonight. I think council's made its legislative intent quite clear on what we're looking for in so far as shifts and so forth by nature of the conversation and would be enough to direct staff on where they need to go with this. So I see it as two paths forward. I'm comfortable with both. I would like to be able to review a little bit more about what this organization is before saying I want to tie our standards to it when I know nothing about them. Not saying no, I say pass it as is tonight, add it to the agenda. Two weeks from now, we can say yes or no to it, or we've made the legislative intent quite clear. That would be my recommendation.

Ms. Kilmer.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I was just looking this up really quick. I'm gonna go back to my original comments, then I'll speak to the amendment. I am supportive of the general business item. I think that it is necessary in light of the findings by the consulting firm, and I'm very grateful for their diligence in that. And I would encourage everyone to go and look at that work session. It was very informative and incredibly resourceful. So I think it's going to chart a path for some shifts moving forward. That said, I am comfortable with the amendment in light of to fund a detailed staffing assessment. I understand the distinctions between shifts, but meeting a national standard, I think is significant and valuable. I have no issue supporting that amendment tonight. And I think that there's the ability to explore this ongoing when it comes to the progression of the budget, since this is going to be an ongoing budget discussion. So I'll be supporting the amendment. I'll be supporting the general business item.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I agree with Councilman Temer. I'm very much in support of the general business bill. I think I am familiar with the NFPA. It's neither a left or right organization. It's a professional organization of standards. And they are abundant in the federal government and state government. And when we can kind of steer people toward them i think the end product comes out a lot better the great thing is uh there is no shall there is no have to do it there's no thing to say it's as is a staff uh study it's uh it's it's a shift study we all understand that uh there's information in there about shifts uh that will be very helpful uh as they go forward i think that's basically councilman mission's goal is to give them a little compass if they choose to use it and they can choose to not use it but i have no problem supporting the amendment tonight because i'm familiar with the organization it's not a partisan one it's a standards organization and since there's no mandate to follow their standards at all uh it seems pretty benign and harmless to me to pass this

I know when it came to finance, the other part wasn't discussed, but again, when it came to finance, I was all in favor of this because again, we looked at the fire department and we've seen some of the challenges that they've had. So these motions are going to address a lot of those challenges with personnel, with training, and some other things. So I'm so thankful that's going to address the challenges. And I know we do have a new fire chief start like July 1st or whatever case may be. So that would give us time to really get a better assessment. I know these three items are just beginning a certain thing we want to do for the fire department is just to begin like a tip of what some of the things they were suggesting. And from my understanding, those are the main three issues they want to tackle first. So I'm just in favor of the original motion that we can once the fire starts July 1st, we can look at other additional amendments that are needed. Thank you.

That's great. Thank you.

I tend to agree. I think I right now think since we get two shots of this, I feel more comfortable leaving it alone since we do have time to get it back to staff. I think going back to the LPD, if this is a known organization, obviously, then they'll have no problem with it either way. But I think I would like to leave it alone with the original version and then let conversations be had with, again, like the new chief. And then if we want to bring it back the second time with the amended language, if that's what is decided or staff has conversation, then we can do that. But I would like to leave it alone for tonight. I think it's fine the way it is. That's what was discussed. That was recommended out of the assessment. And I think we just leave it pure as it is based on what was decided out of the assessment and go from there. So I will not be supportive of the amended motion.

Okay, Ms. Timmer.

Mr. Mayor, I just want to add on to my previous statement. I appreciate the floor. One of the biggest concerns that came up in the context of the assessment was inconsistency in how rules are applied. Inconsistency when it comes to reprimands, just promotions across the board, inconsistency in leadership. This is an external organization that has standards that can be measured and create that transparency and accountability in the context of the process that's being proposed by the outside firm. And so being able to bring in that standard actually informs what has been recommended that we do and I believe that if we do it on the front end, it decreases the cost overall so that we're not having to do it again to meet the national standard that's recommended. Independent research incorporated by governments, federal, state, municipal governments recognize the value of these standards, so on and so forth. This is not partisan, it's clearly talking about fire and safety as you go through this. I think incorporating the value of an external standard as we're having these conversations will be very resourceful in light of the study that was brought forward by the experts that we hired. So I'm becoming more supportive of the amendment as I'm going through this and assessing it. And again, I will be supporting the general business item.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Right now, in the Lynchburg Fire Department, there are many NFPA standards that are met and required to be met. It includes things like the type of turnout gear they use, the protection provided by the SCBA, the breathing apparatus that they use when they go into structures where there's an environment that either is smoke-filled or with fire, and tools equipment apparatus like all kinds of standards are currently met there are some places where the standards aren't met but i do believe that it is important like councilmember timber just mentioned that we have something to measure up against right so whether we just get whatever, whoever, I don't know who the consulting firm is that's going to do this, as it says in the resolution, detailed staffing assessment. but that we also consider their recommendations against what does the standard say? What does the standard recognize as what is best practice? Because what if the consultant doesn't recommend enough? Or what if the consultant recommends beyond that? If we don't have something to measure up against, council isn't gonna know where we're at when this information comes before then. So I just think that it's helpful to include that in this. And I know for a fact that there are resources that staff can tap into where they can get a staffing assessment on NFPA 1750 compliance. probably free of charge. If you talk to some of the leadership in the fire department, they can probably point you in the right direction because it's been done before. So I think it's important. I think if we're going to commit to making the changes that we need to make for the brave people that put their lives on the line for our city every day to protect lives and property, that we look at the standard, we have something to measure against, and that council says, you know what? Yes, we want the full picture, not just the picture that the consultant recommends, but the full picture, including what the standard is. That's all I got. Thank you.

Mayor, I'll jog your memory. If you might recall, I think the number one recommendation that the consultants put forward to us was for council to stay the heck out of the fire department and to let the professionals do their job and work through the manager about what is needed in that fire department. I don't, I don't believe this whole concept was shared with staff or anybody else until right now. And I do see it as last minute legislating. Now, instead of going after it full force and attacking it, I'm saying I'm willing to consider it so I can review the organization, I can talk to the professionals, I can understand the context fully, and potentially adopt it two weeks from now. I don't know why we can't get consensus on that and move forward collectively, productively, all seven of us. I don't understand what's wrong with that. So if we're gonna be put in a position to vote straight yes or no on this, I'm gonna vote no, and I'm gonna vote no on the whole thing, and I don't want to. but if we're gonna force it for the hell of it.

Mr. Dean.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I definitely think this is for some reason i can speculate but i won't do that to some personal thing and i hate when that happens i don't want to do that i don't think it's good policy and i don't think it's good for our fire department i uh trust and respect this standard organization because i know about it several have mentioned they aren't familiar and they want more time Honestly, I can respect that. I get that. Raftalis wasn't their number one recommendation that city council stay the blank out of it. It was number five, and it was rejected by most of us because it tried to keep us from talking to our firemen. And I talk to my firemen a lot, and I'm going to ignore that one for sure. And I respect also former fireman Marty Missions when he gives me his professional opinion about what's best for the fire department. I think he has more experience than any one of us in this room in that particular area. So I absolutely have no problem listening to him. And if you're going to reject it now and then, regardless of whether it's good or not, I'm not sure you're making a decision based on whether it's good or not. I think you're making some other kind of decision and maybe a personal decision. And that's not why this should be decided. This should be decided on its merits, based on standards, based on a national organization that provides great standards. And then we don't even have to do anything. It just says, look at it. So simple, so small. I absolutely will be supporting this amendment. I think the firemen will appreciate our efforts to do so. So I'll be voting for it, Mr. Mayor.

Ms. Reid. Last comment. I think in the efforts of us trying to work together, what the problem that people are witnessing, which is we've had for a long time now, is it's like an all or nothing thing. Well, the compromise that a few of us are trying to offer here is it's like all of a sudden something new that some of us are not familiar with is being forced in this substitute or this amended motion. What we've offered is let's take the original motion, put it forward, give us time to do our research, let staff have some time. We can come back, we have to have two votes. and if on the second vote we want to amend it and use your suggestion when everybody's comfortable and more knowledgeable then you'll have four votes and if it's as great as you say it is and we get feedback from lfd and others then it'll pass it doesn't have to be pushed through tonight um and it become a big thing i don't feel that way right now I'm comfortable the way that it was presented in finance based on the knowledge that we have right now. I'm not saying I couldn't be a yes later because of course I support the fire department. Of course we know what's essential. Of course we want to support their needs. But right now, I'm not as knowledgeable on this. Because we know that there's a second opportunity to vote, there's no reason to rush it through right now. That's all I'm saying. And I think we should give the staff a chance, give our fire chief a chance, get some information, come back, and then we can do a second vote. There's no political anything behind this. There's no emotional reason behind this. It's just gathering some more additional information for those of us who don't have the same knowledge that some of you seem to have tonight about this. That's my only feeling on it. I just think you can leave it alone and then change it for the second time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just got a text from my husband, I'm gonna call him out. He said, this is a ridiculous thing to bicker over. And so then here's the deal though, all the context behind the bickering. and there are a lot of layers to this conversation that seems very simple and very trite and very confusing but there are all these layers that go back with broken trust and confusion and claiming to be for something and then killing it in the back room and ultimately it's just a question of are we going to hold ourselves to standards that can be measured or not And that's the question that's on the table. I have seen on both sides of the stage, Marty, it drives me nuts when you bring stuff up last minute that I don't know about. It truly does. I did not know about this. It drives me nuts when he does it because you get strong armed into voting for something that you're for in a position that is not the favorable position in the context of the larger conversation. It's a pain in the butt. That said, I agree with measuring ourselves to an external standard. And when we kick things down the road continually while claiming to be for something, but killing it in the back room, then you never get measured to the external standards and you never know where you're at. And it's our job as council to actually hold our government and hold ourselves, Lord willing, if we would, to a standard that can be measured. And so I will be supporting it. That is why I'm supporting it. And again, I think that we need to move forward with these improvements in the fire department. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

It's time to vote. Go ahead.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. It's pretty simple, right? If we're going to do an assessment, we need to be evaluating against things that are specific, measurable, all of those things. We need to look at not just out of thin air, this is what the recommendation is, but this is what the recommendation is, and this is what the standard says. It's that simple. That's all I've got.

Let's vote on the amendment.

So this is the amendment to the motion. Initiating now. The motion fails 3-4. Okay.

Now let's vote on the main motion.

Mr. Perotti. Staff, I would request that Councilman Richardson's proposal be brought forward to be supplemented to this proposal in two weeks.

Yes. Main motion.

All right, initiating the motion to approve. Motion passes 7-0. Thank you. Would you like to say kind words to Ms. Donowit now? I know there was appetite for it.

Yes, Ms. Whit, could you come forward, please? So we can shower some love on you.

Ms. Deema?

I just want to say I appreciate your years of service because that's no small thing. I know what it entails, and I know the commitment and sacrifice you made individually, but also your family, what it takes. A lot of people don't understand that when you work in a staff position, whether you're up here on the dais, there is a commitment, and you made it a long time. So congratulations on that. I still think at some point in my LU career, I probably did work for you or with you or somehow.

This is my sister.

Might have been. But I remember a face, and you've always been a familiar face to me. So thank you for your service. I'm sorry you got drawn into a little bit of last-minute controversy this year, but you weathered it well, like you weathered all the other storms that you've seen over the years. So congratulations on that. That shows a lot of integrity, and you're going out in style, and I respect that.

Thank you for your service. I mean, I've worked with you over the past 10 years. It's been amazing. I've worked with your husband at the opportunity house for several years with my sister, worked with the mother. So we appreciate your dedication to our community, dedication to the service here. It just gave us a comfort level knowing you were at the helm of our financial system over these past 30 years or whatever. over the past years we appreciate that the integrity that you had i mean so many times i've seen work with all kind of council members i have prayed for you continuously because you you never um You never broke down. You never talked back. You always, you just took it with grace. And that takes an anointing to take it with grace. So I appreciate that. To deal with what you've had to deal with. I appreciate that. And always been a woman of integrity more than anything else. And I appreciate that. And thank you for your years of service. I would do more, but I would start crying. So I hate to see you. I hate to see you leave, but thank you for your service. We appreciate you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Donna. I don't know you as well as some of the other members, but when I was first elected, I did have the privilege of speaking with a number of people in the community, and you are very loved, and that says a lot. So thank you for your years of service. I appreciate you, and enjoy. Thank you. Yeah. Mr. Mayor.

I said what I said earlier, but I'm going to say back to you what you've said to me many times on hard days. Straighten that crown and go do what God has you to do now. And thank you again for everything.

Thank you.

I thought through it. And when did you start with the city?

September of 1999.

You helped this city get through 2008. You helped this city financially get through a global pandemic. Is this four city managers? And that would be 29 budgets, give or take?

I think my first budget was 2002 budget.

Okay. Point is still proven. I have learned so much from you, probably more than you realize. And when it comes to my ability, if I have any, to understand the budget and how it works and where the dollars move to and fro, it's because you taught me. I didn't get it until maybe two and a half years in. And I'll always remember, and you'll know the moment I'm about to talk about, I'll always remember when you called me out privately and I looked myself in the mirror. I was like, she was right. And since then, I believe that I've looked to you as someone who can deliver something in a way that needs to be said, but that it's also heard. And I have nothing but respect for you. I'm excited for this next chapter. I'm so thankful to call you a friend and extremely grateful for this incredible career of service to the citizens of Lynchburg.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Ms. Donnell, all I can say is I hate goodbyes. But you encouraged me, you know, when I didn't have a thought, you gave me something to think about. And just to see you in the hallways, and little subtle conversations, you lift me up and I thank you. And like I said, I hate goodbyes.

Thank you.

And as my sister in Christ, I love you and thank you. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you. Yes, ma'am.

Moving along, agenda item number 10. This is consideration of appointing school board members for terms beginning July 1, 2026 in school board districts one, two and three. Just to refresh everyone's memories, you all held interviews on June 11th and 12th. They were televised and livestreamed. And now it's time to make your appointments. I think it might be best if we do this district by district. So starting with District one, And I'm happy to rename everybody that you all interviewed, if that would be beneficial.

Is that is that necessary?

No, no, no. Well, I like my name, Brittany Smith, for District one.

Hearing no second second. OK.

Yes, Speaker. Again, she's a local business owner. She has children in our school system. She has volunteered in our school system as dedicated to the calling. So I think she would be an excellent parent, excellent school member, board member for the current time that we need right now. Thank you. Mr.

I agree. I think she is great. She has a passion for the kids and very knowledgeable. understands the issues in our schools, has the time, and I think she would be a huge asset. Very, very smart, I think. It's just, like I said, a community asset. very valuable to the school board and understood the commitment, which was my number one question and concern about being able to show up and be available and understood what a school board member really needs to be able to offer. And then the piece of being available to the family. So I think she was great.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I really like Brittany, but I'm going to make a substitute motion for Mr. Jack Shule.

Second. Motion.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Brittany Smith, William Lewis, and Jack Shule. Well, I hope Mr. Shule's appointed tonight, but Mr. Lewis and Ms. Smith, I hope they apply again. Excellent, excellent candidates. Really appreciate them both. The reason that I'm putting forward Mr. Shule tonight is really the specific policy proposals that he put forward, as well as the ones that we discussed when he reached out to me in advance on the phone. And we had a conversation about what specifically he would want to do in the schools, what he'd want to see in the schools. And he had an understanding of that. And it seems to be in line with our current school board and the superintendent with that real focus on academics and clear discipline. So a high focus on literacy and making sure that kids are reading before they advance and really emphasizing that. And I think that's where we need to go. I know Ms. Reed has talked about that a great deal. And again, I really like Ms. Smith. But for those reasons, I'll be putting forward Mr. Schull.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Schull sent me a letter a few days ago, and I was supporting him before that, but it really made a lot of sense to me. He pointed out that our superintendent, Christy Somerville-Midget, had shared that 65 to 70% of LCS students are identified as economically disadvantaged. And the division is facing high rates of chronic absenteeism, especially in its pre-K. I just, having students go to class is so critical. And he is focused on it. And I think ultimately, if they're not in class, everything else kind of doesn't matter in my mind. So he seems highly focused on, it's not the only thing he's focused on, but it's certainly a critical one. You know, I don't think anything happens if the student isn't got his butt in the seat, her butt, either way. Somebody needs to be in the seat if there's going to be any learning. I don't know how to argue with that, and he is focused like a laser on that. So I have strong hope for him, his ability to work both sides of the aisle, as they may be, or no aisle at all, and just do what's right for the kids to learn. So that's why I'm supporting Mr. Shule. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. MR.

I've just got to make my disclosure, and I'll email that to you, because my wife is a teacher in Lynchburg City Schools, and that I can go ahead and participate in this transaction because I'm a member of a group of three or more persons, which is called spouses of teachers of Lynchburg City Schools for all the district appointments, because it affects way more than just me and my family. And, you know, I think this is an important decision. One of the things that I appreciate so much that Council Member Timmer said is those specific three applicants, I've actually got their names written down here, just knocked it out of the park. William Lewis, Brittany Smith, Jack Scholl. It's hard to vote against any of them. And my hope is that any of them that don't make the cut this year, that you're back next year and you're applying again. Because I think that those three candidates were just very impressive.

Dr. Weld?

I just think it's so important for persons coming to the school board to volunteer that service to be active participants in the school board. I don't think you need to come and be active when it's time for a school board appointment. I think you need to be active continuously as a member of our community and have that vested interest in our students, not just to be appointed. But before that, if you're showing your interest, you would be active to me prior in volunteering and giving your service to our schools. Thank you.

Mr. Ferrari.

How you doing, Mr. Mayor?

I'm doing fine, sir.

I am listening.

I'm listening. We had over 23 candidates for school boards, 23. And I listened to all of them. And each and every one of you, very, very good. But Jack Shore brought something to the table that I really, really like. He did his research through Mississippi and found how they elevated their schools from failing in the nation and brought them up, I guess, to somewhere in the neighborhood of number four. So I'm supporting Jack Shore.

Thank you. Substitute motion?

Let's vote on substitute motion.

Substitute motion to appoint Jack Shule. Initiating that vote now. Motion passes 6-1. It is now the main motion. Ready to initiate that vote?

Yes.

OK. Initiating the vote to appoint Jack Shule to District 1. Councilman. Motion passes 6-1. All right, moving on to District 2, looking for a motion.

Mayor.

What's the motion? I'll make a motion that we reappoint Letitia Lowry.

I'll speak to the motion.

I just, I think I saw her in the room somewhere. I really appreciate what you've done in your last three years on the board and your experience in elementary education and the voice that you bring to that, to the table, I think is valuable. In addition to that, I think it's so powerful that you're still out there tutoring kids You're still out there in your retirement teaching kids and being involved. And I appreciate that so much. And I look forward to hopefully seeing you serve three more years.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This one was a little tough, but ultimately I have no problem with the person I'm supporting because she has not only been a good advocate for all the students in LCS, she has a special love and heart for special needs, special ed students, advocates very well for it. It's one thing to be for it and say a lot of words. It's another thing to bring others along with you and you gain the support on the board. to get things done and to pass things because ultimately you are legislators. You're not, you're no longer volunteers in the city school system. You are setting the direction for the school and you do that and you bring others with you. And for that type of leadership, I'm quite confident that you will continue to do a great job on the school board. Ms. Timmer.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Really enjoyed getting to know you a bit in our joint meetings, which don't happen enough, but it's been really nice getting to know you a bit. I was actually incredibly impressed with your interview, though, and the specifics that you brought and what has worked, what you want to build on, what you think needs to be adjusted, and your thought process behind the decisions that you've made in your leadership. uh our schools we all know they're in incredible transition right now it is not a fun time to lead in the schools but it is a necessary time and your willingness to continue in the context of what's necessary and to bring yourself to the table and that i think is is very powerful and so i really appreciate you reapplying and i'm very happy to be able to support you tonight

Appreciate your service. I was supporting Mr. Toby. I just enjoyed his interview. I think we had some amazing candidates. I appreciate the work you've done. We had some amazing candidates to apply for the school board. But I like the ideas of Toby Johnson. I thought, because of his work in the school system as well, I just liked the ideas that he had. But that's why I know I don't have enough for a second. So I'm not going to worry about it. Thank you.

I'm probably gonna have to abstain from my vote for, yeah, a vote for Ms. Lowery just because she's my friend and I feel like I can't fairly vote. But I wanna say this to her, to you. We had some emails that had concerns for you and you and I can talk about that privately. because I think if you get the votes tonight, you need to be aware because there were some concerns from parents I think you should know about. And if you get reappointed, then I think those are some things you probably want to work on or communication or whatever, because I want you to be able to, you know, know about that stuff, but I'm just going to abstain from voting to be fair.

Okay. Toby Johnson. You want to speak to it? No, sir. I'm supporting Ms. Lowry. Thanks for all the service that you have given us thus far and look forward to many more. Thank you.

There's a substitute motion on the floor.

Let's vote on substitute motion.

This is to appoint Toby Johnson.

Substitute motion voting no would be to vote for Leticia. We'd have to vote no on the substitute. I'm aware of that. Just making sure I understand. I got to talk to myself sometimes.

Okay. Initiating the substitute motion for Toby, Dr. Toby Johnson now. The motion fails 2-5. The main motion to appoint Latisha Lowry is back on the floor. Mr. Mayor.

Mr. Ferrati.

Thank you, Mayor.

I said for the last number of years I will not support anyone who was an advocate for supporting the closure of Sandusky Elementary School, and that maintains its truth today. Thank you.

Thank you.

vote she's she's setting it up all right initiating the vote for uh leticia lowry now the motion passes four two and one abstention all right moving on to district three you're looking for a motion motion miss timber thank you mr mayor uh i'll make a motion for ryan thomas

I'll speak too.

Yeah, thank you. First, I want to call out Delisa Rogers, Teresha Royal. I thought their interviews were excellent as well, and I really appreciate them, and I hope they reapply. The reason that I am supporting Ryan is he approaches things from a big picture perspective and he has an outside perspective. And I think we need a balance of the insider view and the outsider view and creating that tension in the context of the conversation. He keeps a very level head and I can't say that. So, well, I'm going to say it anyway. I kind of wish he was sitting at the dais, but we'll move on from that. I think he'd be a great candidate on school board. He keeps a really level head and he's great in the context of balancing various ideas and perspectives. I think he'd be a great asset on school board.

Ms. Reid.

We had such great candidates and applicants for all of this. It made it a little tough on us, but it's a great position to be in because we had some really great choices because of the quality of people who applied and the quantity of people who applied. So when it came to Mr. Thomas, I've known him for At least 10 years and I've watched him on a lot of situations and level headed is a understatement. He can handle the most stressful situations, and he's someone I would follow into any foxhole anywhere. So I think people appreciate that in their leaders. His philosophical take on education, I appreciate. I served with Senator Steve Newman on the State Education Committee in the Senate and in the House, and I saw a lot of trendy things come through our public education. And they were always changing the yardstick by which we measure everything. And I realized pretty quickly the game was afoot, that there was never any ongoing standard. And you could always measure by the new yardstick, and everybody looked great compared to that, because last year's yardstick was gone. But that's a philosophical debate, and that was one that Mr. Thomas would understand. And I think ultimately at its foundation, public education needs good philosophy. And good philosophy will end up with great students. That's what I'm hopeful for. And I think Mr. Thomas's tenure on the school board will move us toward great students.

I make a motion for Ms. Wilson.

Is there a second?

Hearing no second, that motion fails.

I had a substitute motion for Ms. Teosha Royal. Yes. Speaking to the motion, Mayor, we've heard a lot about the context of the conversation tonight. I think it's important to recognize that while The people we've already appointed tonight will no doubt bring some value, of course, to the school board. I don't believe any of them have students, their own children in the system. And I think that's something that is critically missing from the school board that this council, whether it realizes it or not, is neglecting. that parents need to have more of a voice on the school board, at least parents with students in LCS. I'll reserve my comments on Mr. Thomas, but insofar as someone who's active in the school system, I believe she was president of her PTO, knows the teachers, knows the issues, knows the context of the last number of years with the public relations problems associated with LCS. and yet is putting herself forward, I think, as the voice of a parent. And I think that's something that is missing when you look at the full breadth of the current school board in Lynchburg. And so that's why I believe she would be an asset that we should consider. Thank you, Mayor.

I second the motion. I just believe, again, reiterate what he said. You need to be active in our current school system. Not that you don't have children, but I think it's an important element to have children in our school system so you can be on a consistent daily basis, so you can have a relationship with our teachers and understand what the issues and the challenges are. I served on the school board for nine years. I was the vice chair for the last two or three years. I understand the roles of a school board member, and you really need that passion, that tenacity to be able to fight for our children and fight for our school system. That's why she was a PTA president, and that is so a crucial role for you to take on that job That means you really love the school. So I thank you for that.

That's great. I agree. You know, I really tried to and I've tried to listen to the feedback from the community more so this year than others, because we've really had a lot of feedback over the years about the school board and representation and concerns about, again, dedication and commitment. And one of the consistent themes has been about people who are not only volunteering, like you said, but who are active parents in the schools. And again, not a slam to it, people that don't have children, but I think we don't have a mom on the school board, a mother of LCS children. We have some dads, but we don't have a mom. And I heard that this time, we need a mama. And I think this would be good. I think she'd be great. And so I'm gonna support her for this role because I think that is a missing voice that would be great. So, and she's shown her dedication. PTA president is a hard, hard role. You have a lot of people you're dealing with there. So I'll support her for this. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

This is tough. The reason it's tough is because coming in here tonight, I had two names written down after reviewing the interviews. And those two names were Tricia Royal and Ryan Thomas. I can support either one of them on our school board. But I think I'm gonna vote against the substitute motion mainly because of one key element that I've heard from Ryan Thomas for the last three months now that I think is critical. And it's two words, no drama. And that's so important. And I think that bringing that approach to the school board would certainly be something that would be helpful. So again, I'll be voting against the substitute motion. Substitute motion is approved. I will be voting for Tiersha Royal. It's that simple, but I will be voting against substitute motion. Mr. Mayor.

yeah those those are my top two names too and as well as delisa rogers uh i appreciate the the need for moms i'm going back to my previous thoughts though as far as the value of tensions when it comes to different perspectives on issues and we do have a lot of dads there are active dads on the school board and there are those who volunteer in the schools there are those who volunteer in other facets of the community and so again being able to open up that conversation i think is is necessary and valuable. I am going to aim for Ryan tonight and I am happy to vote for Tersha if the substitute motion passes.

I will be supporting Ms. Royal and thank you for everybody. As I've said before, This is not the end. I ran for city council three times before I got elected. So come back. Thank you. Let's vote.

All right. This is for the substitute motion appointing Tiersha Royal, initiating that now. The motion passes 4-3. It is now the main motion. Are you ready to initiate that, Mr. Mayor?

Yes.

All right, initiating the main motion now to appoint Tisha Royal. Motion passes 7-0. The last item on the agenda has been pulled, so now we are at the end of our meeting.

Thank you.