City Council - Regular Meeting

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Praise the Lord. Good evening everyone. Let us stand for invocation by Dr. Wilder followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

Let us bow our heads. Heavenly Father, we thank you here today. We thank you for Lynburg City Council. We thank you for our citizens, our staff members, our our police, our firefighters, our our workers that continue to work for our city to make it better. Give us the guidance and the wisdom to this organization. Give us more love in our city, love in our community, our state, love in our nation, love in our world that we will have the love of you, the love of Christ like never before. Let's continue to show the love to one another. Let's show respect to one another. Let us make sure we unified not by by differences of of parties and other things that come to divide us, but we're together united by one to serve you and to serve our community. In your precious name we pray. Amen.

Amen. [snorts] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Amen. At the top of our meeting, we've got uh two very great recognitions. The first of which is years of service recognition for retire treasurer Robert Bailey. Mr. Bailey, I'd like to read this. You come forward.

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Bring the whole gang. It's a great honor and privilege to read this to you and your family. Tonight, we honor a man who has served our city with pride and dedication. Robert Bailey was born and raised in Lynchburg. He graduated from EC Glass High School. Later earned his degree from University of Lynchber in 2016. The people of Lynchberg elected Roba as treasure. They trusted him again in 2017 and 2021. For nine years, he served the city with honesty, hard work, and care. He helped manage city funds, collect taxes and fees, and made sure payments were handled properly. He did an important job. He did it well. Robert bought professionalism and respect to the treasur's office. He worked every day to serve the people of Lynchburg. His service made a real difference in our community. Robert, thank you for your dedication and given so much to the city. It is now my honor to present you with the key to the city. [applause]

[applause]

Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Go Bailey. [applause] speak for me.

Yes, sir. I want to thank Mayor Taylor council for this. Um, this is one of the highest points of my political career so far. I thank y'all and I want to thank the citizens of Lynchburg for their votes and for the continued support they gave me over the nine and a half years. um the staff here that I've worked with in Mitch Knuckles department, commissioner revenue and up in finance with Donna Whit, everybody's been great and I hope that continues with all the other my new treasur Mr. Triplet and my former deputy Mr. Whit. Everybody's doing a great job trying to do the best they can for the city and that's what it's all about. Citizens first, right? [clears throat] Right. So, thank y'all again very much. It's been great. Appreciate it.

[applause]

NEXT, MR. MAYOR, WE HAVE A RECOGNITION FOR economic development and travel and tourism week proclamation. Here to accept is Miss Arjett Upure, director of economic development and tourism, and Mr. Andrew Marks, assistant director of tourism, economic development week and travel and tourism week. Whereas a strong and resilient economy is essential to the quality of life in the city of Lynchburg, supported by strategic economic development efforts that drive investment, create jobs, and foster long-term community growth alongside a vibrant travel and tourism sector that generates revenue and supports local businesses. And whereas in FY2025, the city of Lynburg's office of economic development tourism facilitated more than 121 million in business investment, including Delta Star's second announcement in two years of 35 million in capital investment and the creation of 300 new jobs, reinforcing Lynchburg's position as a center for advanced manufacturing innovation. And whereas continued efforts to advance site readiness and future development, the economic development authority was awarded four million from the Virginia business ready sites program to facilitate the pad ready development of sites A and B and Ivy Creek Innovation Park. While small business and entrepreneurship initiatives such as co-starters have supported over 130 participants and helped launch over 30 new businesses in Lynchburg. And whereas the Lynchberg's tourism industry continues to be an essential economic engine, generating 409.9 million in visitor spending and supporting 3,838 local jobs while attracting global sporting events led by a premier professional disc golf association partnership secured through 2028 that drive measurable revenue, provide significant tax relief in city households, and ensure the long-term vitality and prestige of our community as a world-class destination of intent. And whereas strategic promotion of outreach efforts have expanded Lynchber's visibility and competitiveness driving increased visitation, business interest as demonstrated by over 254,000 website sessions directing users to local businesses and event listings on

lynburgver virginia.org and engagement with local assets, further supporting economic growth across both sectors. And whereas together, economic development and tourism efforts play a vital role in sustaining a diverse econ economy, supporting workforce opportunities, and ensuring a strong future for the city of Lynchburg. Now therefore, he, Larry Taylor, mayor of the city of Lynchburg, does hereby proclaim May 4th through 9th, 2026 as Economic Development Week and Travel and Tourism Week in Lynchburg and commended commend the Office of Economic Development Tourism for its continued commitment to strengthening the city's economic foundation, supporting business and workforce growth, and enhancing the overall prosperity of the community.

Amen. Boom. [applause] Uh Andrew and I are here to represent all of the businesses that are in the city of Lynchburg, all of the stakeholders in the in the tourism side of the house. Um this is a beloved city to represent. We are happy to serve every single day, but we want to thank each one of you for your support. I want to thank city leadership for your support. This doesn't just happen by accident. I want to thank all the citizens that support the funding that comes through our office. We try to give you a return on investment that is much greater than the funding that you gave to us. So, thank you so much. And as we say, LH loves you.

Andrew, got any blessing? ALL [applause]

RIGHT, MR. MAYOR. 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. It includes routine items that can be approved with one vote. Uh I did have a request from a council member um just shortly ago to remove February 12th and February 24th minutes from this consent agenda. I have a motion to remove them and move them to the next meeting. I would think for

I rarely ask for this because you do a very fine job. I would ask February 10th be removed as well. There was just one line missing and with 70 plus papers of minutes, it it's hard. So, and I'll get with her to make it right. So that I if I have my tally correct, that'd be February 10th, 12th, and 24th. So looking for a motion to approve January 13th, January 29th, and February 23rd. Second. Second. All right.

Okay. All right. Initiating the vote now. Motion passes 60. Yes. Okay. Thank [laughter] you.

Motion passes unanimously. [cough] [clears throat] All right. The next section is public hearing. 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 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, the locality of residents. After public comments, the public hearing will close and the matter will rest with council. Agenda item number nine, consideration of adopting an ordinance changing the zoning of a certain area located at 1516 Florida Avenue. Miss Rachel Fresh Eisen, city planner, will provide a summary of the request.

I, Sterling Wilder, member of Lynburg City Council and the full-time paid executive director of the Jubilee Family Development Center Incorporated, and hereby disqualify myself from participating in the following transaction, which will appear before Lisbreak City Council for action on April the 28th, 2026, pursuant to the attendance of the Virginia State and Local Government Conflict Interest Act. I hereby declare I am I will in no way participate in the said transaction nor in any related discussions, negotiations, etc. And I provide this document to the clerk of city council for the city of Lynchburg. So my disqualification is a matter of public record. Thank you,

Miss Rachel.

Thank you, mayor, vice mayor, members of council. Purpose of this petition is to reszone 1516 Florida Avenue from B5C General Business Conditional and R4 Highdensity Residential to amend existing profers and allow for the expansion of the existing Jubilee Family Development Center. Planning Commission recommended approval of this item at their public hearing on March 25th and this item was also presented as a business business item briefing at your last work session uh earlier this month. Our future land use map recommends neighborhood commercial use for the area. These are intended to consist primarily of office, retail, personal service, and restaurant uses that are scaled to be compatible with and serve their immediate neighborhoods. The property is splitz zoned. The front portion along Florida Avenue is zoned B5C general business district conditional with R4 highdensity residential in the back. If the property is uh excuse me, if the petition is approved, the petitioner proposes to construct a one-story addition to an existing structure. The addition would be approximately 2500 square f feet and would serve as additional classroom space for the Jubilee Center. As mentioned previously, the property is split zoned. The front portion being B5C. The profers on this portion limit the development of the site to a particular layout which this uh proposal does not align with. Um the petition proposes to replace these profers with the one in the report. The rest of the property is zoned R4. The topography at the rear of the property is very steep, making development unlikely. However, there is a flat area shown in the dash line on the map here, which the petitioner proposes to include in the B5C portion. No improvements are currently proposed in this area, but changing it to the B5C zoning would allow for more flexibility in the future development of the site. Thank you.

Thank you. Would a petitioner like to make presentation? Thank you, Russell Orerson with Perkins and Orson. A very short presentation. Miss Chris Shisen did a great job. Um I assume you've had a chance to read the narrative that was submitted. Um it's pretty straightforward and we can answer any questions you might have. Thank you, sir. Is there any questions? Okay. Thank you. We'll call you back if we have to. Thank you. Is there anyone like to speak in favor?

Dr. Beth Whiteward 3. I've been asked to read this uh letter. It says, "I would like to thank Lynchburg City Council and community present for consideration of resoning for the Jubilee Family Development STEM Center. I've been very fortunate to have had a loving family and community support me to follow my dreams. My parents dees and grace Melvin exposed me to so many experiential activities that led me to using a non ocean certified chemistry set to create an explosion in my mother's living room that fueled my curiosity but also landed a couple of paddles on my backside. Side note, I'm so glad he did not talk to my husband. This intervention led to many STEM activities that created an interest to major in the sciences engineering and eventually be the first person from the city of Lynchburg to fly in space. I want all kids from all zip codes to have the same opportunities that I have had so they can all rise and find and follow their dreams. Dr. Wilder Jubilee staff and the community believe that all kids and families deserve a chance to rise. With the resoning of the Jubilee STEM Center, I believe we can inspire, motivate, and grow the next generation of STEM explorers that will help Lynchberg, our state, and the world do incredible things. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, astronaut Leland Melvin.

Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to speak in favor? I'm old school. Um, and I'm not going to blow anything up. I'm sorry I have to follow Leland's speech. Um, I'm Tance Lowhorn. I live in Lynchburg and uh, thank you for the opportunity to speak in favor of the resoning efforts on Florida Avenue. I've been affiliated with the Jubilee Family Development Center in one capacity or another for over 20 years. I've watched it and sometimes helped it grow from a neighborhood center to a neighborhood network to a critical community resource in the heart of our city. Jubilee offers a myriad of programs for local youth including after school and weekend programs and a full-day summer camp. It also offers a wide range of classes and programs for unemployed and undermployed adults or for anyone really looking to make a change. Our newest program housed in the Leland Melbourne STEM Center offers programs for youth and adults that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math. Skill sets highly sought after by Lynchber's major employers. Demands for these programs have become so great that we have outgrown the building that only opened 5 years ago. Approval of the reasonzoning request will allow us to add five new classrooms, a patio, a learning lab, and a ramp that will allow access to all who want to participate in the programs. Jubilee staff and directors firmly believe that in order to affect change and lift individuals and families out of poverty and earn a living wage, we must evolve and expand our programs instead of revolving in the same orbit and resting on our laurels. A yes vote for the resoning will allow us to do just that. I mean, I've been speaking about the buildings and the programs. Eva,

Jubilee is just so much more than that. You know, some years ago, we founded this organ or I didn't, but I feel like I might have. Um, it's a homegrown local organization without a national headquarters. The local citizens banded together to fill a need and provide resources and other citizens arrived to avail themselves of those resources and they became like a family. Members of the family that participated in these programs have become engineers, attorneys, nurses, members of the armed forces. There are high school and college grads, PhDs, CNAs, mechanics, young entrepreneurs, teachers, you name it. But the point is, they're all wonderful members of our community and willingly and freely give back to our city and its inhabitants. Jubilee has spent 27 years making a difference in Lynchburg with its innovative, instructive, and supportive programs. Your yes vote will allow it to continue changing lives. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else want to speak in favor? I've read something, but am I allowed to say something on my own?

Yes. Dr. Beth White, Ward Three. Uh, this is coming from me, not something that I was asked to read. Um, I took a tour of the STEM center probably about two years ago, and I was very impressed by what I saw over there. Uh, subjects that I personally could never stand in school. Science, math, technology, whatever. uh just the joy on these kids' faces when they're going through the STEM center. Maybe I would have learned to have liked science and math a lot more. Uh and you know, who knows what my career path would have taken.

But the the kiddos that live next door to me, they absolutely love, much to my chagrin, they love science and math. I'm working with them on the history part. But one thing that I've noticed in the years that I've been at Liberty, the school of engineering has just exploded. We've got so many different types of engineers. And it's all because of the STEM, you know, not necessarily Dr. Wilder STEM center, but just so many STEM centers in general. And just anything that we can do to foster education in our children and get them so that they can love it, we should be all for. So, thank you.

Thank you. [snorts] [clears throat]

Good evening. Speaking for myself, Kimberly Darsley, resident here in Lynchburg. The name says it all. Jubilee Family Development Center. Man, woman, and child can grow in this. Our two sons, two of our sons have uh benefited uh immensely from Dr. Wilder's building young men program. That's what's needed. Hopefully those programs can be um expanded into this new building. It makes sense and it's going to make dollars for those who come through. So, thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to speak in favor of this project? Anyone wants to speak in opposition? Okay. Miss Alicia, is there any voicemails?

There are none. Okay. Public hearing is now closed. They have a motion. M. Re. Yes. I would love to make a motion um to support this. Thank you. Okay. Chris can either way. What you got? So, may I speak to my motion? Yes, ma'am.

So, uh I loved hearing from everybody and how special to hear from, uh Leland Melman's letter. What a special night to hear, um about the work of Dr. Wilder and how far it's come and how far it's going to go. And you know, many of you know that I work for another organization that does similar things. And one thing I think it's important that Lynchberg understand is that when we talk about being community partners, nonprofit in the nonprofit world or partnering with the schools, we had this conversation with our joint school uh board meeting the other day. It really is about being partners. There's no competition because when we're serving the children, we should all work together for the same goal. And so whether it's Jubilee, Boys and Girls Club, other organizations in the city, doesn't matter. We should all be cheering each other on because everybody should be doing their best to do exactly this and see growth because we want to see the best for the children in our city. And this is a wonderful thing. I'm so happy for you. I'm so happy to be able to support um your hard work, the donors behind you that have are making this possible because this means that the future of many more children in our city are going to be great. And so this really excites me and I hope that my peers will support this too because um we're all about the children right now. We're all talking about what we want to do to make their futures better and how we can all come together as a community and do that collectively. So this is one way to do that. So I'm very very happy to be able to make a motion to support this.

Miss Timothy, you want to speak to your second? Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh this one is happily a no-brainer for me. Uh very happy to support STEM, very happy to support the expansion of STEM, and very happy to support uh the work you're doing in our community and that that outreach um especially with young men as uh Mr. Kimberly mentioned. And uh I'll just leave it at that. Thank you, Dr. Wilder. Happy to support it. What's the mission?

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This is an easy one to support and you know, it's um well, I think you just need to hurry up and get it done because I think the demand's already there. So the faster we get through this vote, the faster you could move forward, the faster you can start serving these kids with this expanded facility and and and do great things. Fate, [cough] [clears throat]

I don't say it enough or at [snorts] all and so and for that I am I'm sorry. Um, but I am I am thankful for you and I have learned a lot from you. Even though we have different views on so many things, I have learned a lot from you and I've learned a lot from the Jubilee Center from afar and I've seen it grow into in my short time in Lynchburg be a community cornerstone and I look forward to seeing what the future holds uh for the continued work that you do there.

Mr. Dema,

I don't [clears throat] want to be left out. Thank you. For years, I served as a assistant chief and chief of the Jubilee precinct during the voting. So, I got to see firsthand the work that's being done with the kids over there. And uh they were often in session the same time we were doing the election. So, uh we got to look out the kitchen door and to the gym and see the good work that they were doing. I love seeing the students from my alma mater, Liberty University, working hand in hand to serve the kids of Lynchber and uh it really made me feel good. So, I have no qualms about supporting this expansion and I wish you much luck.

Well, all I can say is praise the Lord, brother. Thank you. All right. Congratulations. Don't you vote, Sterling? Oh, there is an estain button.

I didn't even realize there's an abain button on this thing. Congratulations. The motion passes. Six is an abstension. Thank you. I think we CAN CLAP. [applause]

ALL RIGHT. Agenda item number 10, consideration of adopting a resolution approving the allocation of FY2027 CDBG and home program entitlement and reprogrammed funds. Miss Melville Walker, grants manager, provide a summary of the request. Good evening, Mayor Taylor, M Vice Mayor Demer, and members of city council. Tonight, city council is conducting a public hearing on the fiscal year 2027 community development block grant, CDBG, and home program funding recommendations of the community development advisory committee, Sedak. Cedak conducted a public meeting on March 23rd and reviewed the submitted CDWBG and home program applications and formulated recommendations for consideration by city council. These recommendations and project summaries have been provided to you. The community development block grant had a total of $778,316 and the home program had a total amount of $320,517. and 96 cents. The projects that were recommended for funding include improve city administration, the Diamond Hill neighborhood plan, phase 2 improvements in the upper campus, Miam's House for the Central Virginia continuum of care, coordinated homeless intake and access, and Miriam's house extreme weather center. The home program provided CI city administration, Rush Homes for the Carolyn's Place rental housing development, uh, Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity with Home Construction, and Lynchburg Community Action Group for firsttime home buyer home ownership assistance. [clears throat]

Council members Dr. Wilder and Miss Timmer are council appointed members of the SEDAC and participated in the recommendations. At the conclusion of the public hearing, council member Dr. Wilder as chairman of the SEDAC will present these recommendations to you for approval. A public notice was provided in the newspaper uh and through social media. City staff has not received any written public comments prior to the meeting. Thank you. Is there anyone would like to speak in favor? No. Is there anyone like to speak in opposition?

Are there any voicemails? There are none. Public hearing is now closing. May I have a motion? Move for approval. Second. Speak to your first.

Yes. I'm so honored to speak for this motion. Um the CBG funding is amazing for our community. It really helps persons get out of poverty with so many great organizations from Rush Homes, Hapture for Humanity, Lyn Cake, Firsttime Home Buyer Program, the homeless program with Miriam's House and so many other areas that agency that they support in our community. It shows how much stronger we are together. We pull resource together. And I want to commend all the nonprofit area agencies for working together in all these projects and making sure our citizens are looked after. Um, I want to thank Miss Melville Walker for her her and her team for the amazing work they do in orchestrating and and administering this project over the past several years. So, we're thankful that we have these programs to help our persons get out of poverty, help to be firsttime homeowners, which is what I really love and I'm so thankful that we have a part of this in our city. I wish we had more funds to give out for for the funds that we do have that we can use them to the betterment of our citizens. Thank you. Miss Timmer.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. It's a it's a Dr. Wilder night. Um, so it's fun that we get to celebrate in that way with both of these. It's it's an honor to serve on CADC and really appreciate your work, Miss Walker. Um, it's a joy with the second year and I really enjoy the committee. It's a joy serving with you, Dr. Wilder. I really enjoy that time. Uh, and you you said it all. Um, essentially this is our ability to utilize these federal funds to go into key services when it comes to homelessness, housing, um, home purchasing opportunities that fall within those federal guidelines. and they fill a number of key gaps within our city. whether it's with the uh the cold weather shelter that's a low threshold shelter uh during the winter months and being able to fund that and utilize that for our citizens or whether it's first-time home ownership or partnering with uh Habitat for Humanity in their home buyer building program that's really intricate in a way that it not only helps the home buyer but it helps sustain the communities that they're moving into with the way they select lots and um and the threshold of the product that they're putting out. So, it's a real honor to serve on the committee and I'm very grateful uh to hopefully approve this tonight.

Anyone else? No.

Cash your votes. motion passes 70. 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 different opinions to make sure everyone feels comfortable speaking. There are no applause, cheers, or jeers. Do not intimidate, insult, or disrupt others. Do not use fraternity, promote businesses, or campaign for office. Agenda item number 11. Hear from a group representative regarding council member conduct, Fable Forest, Central Virginia Young Democrats. Please restate your name, group represented, and locality of residents. Hi, uh, Fable Forest, a Lynchburg resident, and I'm speaking as a member of the Central Virginia Young Dems. Um, I'm here to speak on the behavior of two council members during the March 10th city council meeting. Uh, forgive me for having not made it to the last one. My health did not cooperate. Um, I will not be addressing uh, Councilman Faldi's behavior as he himself acknowledged it as inappropriate. uh apologized to me personally outside in the hall and to others online publicly and he was angry on behalf of citizens. Understandable. I will be speaking on the dismissive and insulting behavior of Marty Mistrins and Kurt Demer after citizens had become rightfully upset with Kurt. Several of them took to took the time to bravely attend that meeting and to speak up through trauma and through tears. when what they got in return was Kurt doubling down, apologizing to one

individual and deciding to instead pick fights with fellow council members with the assistance of another, as well as the attempted shaming of them for not approaching him in a Christlike enough manner, suggesting that it was inappropriate for someone to call his behavior out in public, saying Jesus would want them to talk to him in private. There's a whole lot of directions we can go about just how incorrect that is. And I hope you have a pastor in your life who can guide you away from using the Bible for your own vindication and the detriment of others and their rights. Marty Mistrron's your behavior. He said, and I quote, "This is wasting time on something ridiculous. This doesn't do anything other than waste time. It's petty, personal, vindictive stuff." As if that was not bad enough, he included a blatant, insulting lie, telling Councilwoman Reed, "You get your friends to slander the vice mayor." As an aside here, "Miss Reed, I've never met you. Um, I don't consider you a friend, but I do respect you in this room." And as if the two hadn't embarrassed themselves enough with their shows of unprofessionalism and disregard of the citizens, the two of them went on to sit together like middle school girls, laughing it up as another council member got upset. Marty making a show of saying he's so jealous. I find this behavior disgusting. I find myself upset that they were not corrected in this behavior and that they were allowed to lie up there about the women who came up to speak. I also find it in a way hilarious. Let me share some direct quotes from Marty and Kurt to uh illustrate this. Kurt said, "I respond to the people. I work for the people." Up next, some personal favorites considering his misuse of Matthew 18. Public accountability matters. Again, quote, "Accountability is not chaos. It is the job voters

demand." And one more, "Accountability is not chaos, and transparency, even when uncomfortable, is the foundation of good government." Marty, we are accountable to the voters, no one else. So here I am, a voter and a citizen of Lynchburg. I will publicly call into account this behavior. You choose to work for the people. You don't get to cherrypick the responsibilities that you hold. You do not get to pretend that everyone else must be held to different standards that some can be called out publicly while you yourself can only be called out in private. you. Your claim that people did not approach you in a Christ-like enough manner is false and in direct opposition to your position. Do you want to be the vice mayor or not? Marty, you want to run again for council. Will you reconcile your past disregard, disrespect, and lies with your potential next stent up there? You wanted to wave around a sign at that meeting complaining about look who is silencing who. What does that say to the people who come up here to speak? That you laugh and that you lie about the people who came up here to speak. And then you turn around and lie about a council member as well, saying that she had encouraged that. Would anyone consider this behavior working for the people? I would come up here and complain that the grass isn't growing green enough outside for me. And as a citizen, that's my right. And as a council member, it is your job to listen and to respect. Now, I hope that the council will do better in regards to respecting citizens in the future and that council members Marty and Kurt will correct their behavior and their lives. Thank you.

Thank you. The next section is general business. It includes new items for discussion. Agenda item number 12, consideration of adopting a resolution approving the city's participation in the settlement of op opioid related claims against the six remnant defendants. The items discussed during finance committee meeting earlier today. I defer to the chair of that committee, Miss Reed. Yes, thank you. Um, so we did discuss this in finance. If um, Miss Wood, do you want to address it or Mr. Patrick?

[snorts]

Um yes, this was addressed in finance committee today. Um the city currently receives um funds from the opioid settlement. Um currently we've received $827,155 um from that litigation. We've also received $193,421 that went to the roads to recovery for purposes um that fit within these guidelines. And then the city has also participated with Campbell County to receive $1,946,372 for Horizon Behavioral Health Crisis Receiving Center. So, um, what we're bringing forward today is there are six regional distributors that are now included in this lawsuit and it takes council action for the city to join this lawsuit. Um, it is 97,625,000 of which the city is expected to receive $20,286 and some change. So, it's not a lot of money, but this is money that falls under this opioid um funding, and it's just more money that can go to help some of our partners in the city. Um that we need their help.

Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Miss Reed.

Thank you. I'll go ahead and make the motion. It it doesn't require a second. It did pass unanimously in um finance, but if anybody wants to address Miss Whit with questions, go ahead. you have some just like thank you Miss W for the information again these funds are so important to continue fight all the drug abuse and the opioid crisis in our community and is so prevalent so again all the resources coming back into our community are crucial so I'm so glad we as a city can find additional resources and how we can partner with so many agencies to make it better for all of our citizens. Thank you.

Anyone else? Miss Timmer. [clears throat] Oh, no. Sorry, not a question. I'm I was just going to thank you for the explanation and uh thank you, Matt, as well. And I will be voting in favor. Thank you. Thank you. No more discussion. Let's vote.

Motion passes. 70. Agenda item number 13, consideration of adopting a resolution approving the issuance of up to 365 million in economic development authority revenue bonds for Central Health, Inc. for improvements to Lynburg General Hospital. This item was discussed during finance committee meeting earlier today.

Good evening, Mayor Taylor, Vice Mayor Demer, and members of council. This item is a request from Central Health for the issuance of up to 365 million in revenue bonds through the economic development authority of the city of Lynchburg. This is conduit financing and the city bears no responsibility or liability. Neither does the EDA for repayment. These bonds will support a major expansion and modernization of Lynchberg General Hospital, including the new patient tower, expanded emergency services, and infrastructure improvements. Sentra, as many of you know, is one of the region's largest employers with more than 7,000 employees, and they generate $61 million annually in local purchasing. The authority has completed the required public hearing and recommends approval. And as um Alicia said, this um this item has gone um to the finance committee today for approval. Also want to let you know that in the audience is TWW Bruno who is the bond council for Centra, the chief u legal officer, Hank Casy is here. Um as well as Pavina Darham who is the EDA's attorney. Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Reed. Thank you. This also unanimously passed at finance. I'll go ahead and make the motion. I think it's a good idea. No cost to us. good expansion project for the city. I think it'll be beneficial to us all and so far all the center projects have been wonderful. We're excited about it. So, I think it's a win-win for all of us. Thank you. [clears throat] Any more discussion? Oh, Dr. Wall,

I'm just thankful for the healthcare institution we have in our community that we don't have to go outside of our region for for good health care and it continue to expand and continue to grow. we can get services right here in our community to better those services to better the the waiting time in the emergency room. So, we're so thankful for all the expansion and we're looking forward to that. Mr. Ferrari, thanks for coming.

Mr. Mission,

thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, you know, it's interesting I love what Central is doing. I love the the development in the area and the the construction um what they're doing to modernize the facility. But Central Health is probably one of the things that we get I get tons of feedback about that we have city council really don't have anything to do with. And you know, I'm just, you know, I'm curious. I don't even I don't even know. I don't even know what the question I'm trying to ask is, but do we have any leverage, I guess, is the first question [clears throat] in approving this. Is there anything that we could ask of Sentra or that we could Is that I'm just asking that question or is it just a straight up we've got to approve it or deny it?

I don't really know the answer to that.

I mean, I think I think that's a question that we need to know the answer to. It's $365 million of of refinancing. And it's it really it it's the the question that I the question that I'd be happy to have anybody speak. I'm just trying to have a conversation. It's not anything against Sentra. It's not anything for Sentra. It's just that we get t I get tons and tons and tons of feedback about Sentra and the lack of competition in the city. And I think my question is about that if that makes sense.

And I can only speak from the economic development lens. I'm just so incredibly grateful to have Centra.

Um and I am too here. Absolutely. And I'm sure you are. and um you know cost I know in many many municipalities there is normally a a central healthc care provider there that they are incredibly grateful um to have there. So I think the the other side of it is there are plenty of doctors and practices around here that can can also provide service not to the level hospital does but um you know people have a choice. They can you know they can go to Charlottesville, they can go to Raleigh, they can go somewhere else. But I for one I'm just incredibly grateful to have Centrio. They're an economic engine for the city uh with that many employees and so the economic development

I don't disagree with that. I'm just asking a question. If the answer is no, then it's easy. If the answer is yes, I'm just curious to know what what the options are. But I think city council can ask any kind of question. the the the economic development authority is the is what the mechanism is for these bonds to go through and but it does have to come to city council for a resolution

but I understand that that that didn't I asked the question of is there does city council have leverage that question has not been answered if there's anybody in this room that has the answer to that question I'm happy to entertain it if there's not I'm happy to support it but I would love to just know that question the answer to that question just because I mentioned it in a koi manner. Uh my wife kind of sort of works for Sandra, not quite but it's such a large organization. I believe I can speak freely and independently on this process. Just want to get that on the record. Um regards to the question, what qu what what's the what's what leverage? What what what what is what is it meant by leverage? I I don't understand what the question is.

I mean, I I think the the the biggest and like I don't even know. I'm just throwing it out there because again, represent the citizens. Citizens bring stuff all the time. And [snorts] mayor, you know, the the question is very simple. to the city. Are we lobbying against anybody else trying to get a certificate of need in in in the city trying to put in a second hospital or we not? I mean, I think that's really what it comes down to because I I think competition always makes things better. That's all. Thank you, Mayor.

I still don't quite understand. Um, this isn't a transaction. It's not what's in it for me. This is are we going to issue the bonds? Are we going to issue or or not? And they're the one or two industry in our city and the region. I don't even understand what the point of the question is other than to just find a reason to vote no. If you want to vote no against one of the largest employers in the city, be my guest. I'm not. I'm just asking. Mayor, I I didn't This isn't a question. This isn't a debate. No, you actually made you made an assertion about me, Mr. mayor and you allowed him to do it. The the motion on the floor is to approve

and and I'm asking a question because we have a right to a point of information to find out information from staff. I've asked the question multiple times. I would like an answer to the question. Mr. Attorney, could you answer that question? Sure.

So I I don't I don't think Miss Upure is is avoiding the question. I think the issue is is staff hasn't had to deal with this this question yet. So we first we need to understand what what is meant by leverage. So uh if we're talking about something like leverage, the place for that probably to have happened would probably have been at the level of the EDA. So my understanding is is council's role in this as the highest uh uh authority in the city. That's why we're here approving this bond. So if council as a body wants me to work with Mr. Cesy, Mr. Bruno Mysterum to see if there's conditions we can put on the approval or something like that, we can look into that. The answer may be that that we cannot

especially if it has not been part of the EDA, but if if if that is a hold up for the majority as a whole, certainly we can look into that. And I you know, Mr. Bruno, Mr. Cesy, do you do you happen to know those? Sure.

I would love to hear I would love to hear from Um, I'm Hank Kasy. I'm uh the chief legal officer and senior vice president of Central Health. Um, I was here in 2023 when this council adopted a reszoning that applied to about 18 parcels that Central owns. and we were all here um thinking about the project that you're about to uh enable through these bonds which is the um expansion of Lynchburg General Hospital in a very substantial way. And if you go to uh look at the campus now you'll see concrete coming out of the ground already. I can't answer your question about leverage because it's um really I think in my view inappropriate to the discussion that we're having. But I can answer the question I think underlies um that about competition. I want city council to appreciate that um as part of modernization we're building two new hospitals in partnership with another healthc care provider lifepoint health. So in terms of your comment about uh competition in a way centra is doing that itself today by partnering with others. So I can tell you that um it is important to the centra board and to management of centra that we have absolutely the best health care that this community can um can afford can provide and that centra be a big part of that but it doesn't mean that centra has to be the only part of that. So, um, when I first got to Sentra, I can I know that u there's a project for, um, uh, collaborative health partners. They asked for a cop on

a CT. They asked for that. Center did not object to that. That's competition in Lynchburg. Um, you know, we have competition in um in primary care and other services, and you'll likely see more of this as as time goes on. But I take that I mean what was underlying your point about receiving questions in the community very seriously and we um at Centra take that um very seriously because we want to provide the best health care that we can. What's before you this evening is is this resolution that u needs to be adopted in order that Centric can complete a 266,000 square foot tower addition to Lynchburg General Hospital that will provide a new emergency department. That's a critically needed asset for the community. Um, and one interesting thing about that, uh, you probably seen an announcement that we, um, have plans to construct a freestanding emergency department, which is very unusual. Nor in other communities, these these are used to, um, often are situated in a way to kind of fend off competition. In our case, we know that that's one of the challenges that the hospital has had is good care and our ED. So, not only are we wanting to construct and in the process of constructing a new emergency department as part of this tower, but we're also going to um to build out on Timberlake Road a freestanding ED uh which does require that we get a cop. Um but we feel confident about that. So, I just I want to emphasize the urgency and importance of of u you know the resolution that we've asked for. In addition to the emergency department, there will be an entirely new uh operating room operating suite on the

second floor. There will be 12 new operating rooms that will provide for modern health care for the next generations uh in this community. Each one will be large enough um so that a a robot could be used in the in the room which is what you know young uh physicians expect, young surgeons expect in and um to do their care. Um and new mother baby as you know. Um o a new OB floor, a new uh mother baby floor on floors three and four, additional um additional beds on the fifth floor and some administrative space on the sixth floor. So I think you'll find that this is going to be a fantastic addition to Lynchberg General Hospital and urgently needed for the community.

Mr. mayor, that that answered my question and I and I appreciate it and it I know it may have seemed or felt uncomfortable, but sure, I'm really glad that we had an opportunity to hear from you and hear that because that kind of information, we don't always get to get that out about Centra and I think that the public needed to hear that and and I I thank you for that. Yep. Happy to answer that. Thank you, Miss Grace. Thank you, Mr. Timmer.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh thank you Mr. Cesy for your comments. That was uh very clarifying and we do get a lot of questions just on the health care side, but that's not something that we're as involved in as council. So I'd love to I'll follow up with you, Kent, and add that to my roll call items as far as conversations and questions, but that was very helpful. Um I will be sad to say goodbye to Mother and Baby at Virginia Baptist. Had a great experience there and um hopefully more kids in the future, but that's down the road. So anyway, looking forward to the new suites, but we'll miss Virginia Baptist and I'll be voting in favor tonight. Anyone else? Let's vote, please.

Initiating a vote now for approval. There you go. There it is.

Thank you very much. Passes 70. [clears throat]

Agenda item number 14, consideration of adopting a resolution approving the issuance of up to 25 million in economic development authority revenue bonds for Virginia Episcopal School.

Good evening again. This item is a request from Virginia Episcopal School for the issuance of up to 25 million in revenue bonds through the economic development authority of the city of Lynchburg. This is also conduit financing and the city is not responsible nor is the EDA for repayment. These bonds will support renovations to student housing, athletic facilities, and other campus improvements. DEES employs approximately 80 individuals and generates over 20 million annually in purchases from Virginia based companies. The authority, the Economic Development Authority, has completed the required public hearing and recommends approval. And this item was presented this afternoon to the finance committee. And I would also like to say that BES's uh bond attorney Tracy Shaw, the current headmaster Gley, and the incoming headmaster Henry Clark are in the audience, as well as Terry Lanham, the CFO. if you have any other questions. [snorts]

Thank you. Uh defer to the chairman of their committee, Miss Reed. Thank you, Miss Upure. Yes, this did come to finance today. We're very happy to support it. Um, I I'm gonna uh defer to some of the comments that Councilman Faldi made, which was just that we we don't celebrate all the great things that VES does for our community and we need to do a better job of doing that because you do great things. So, um, I'm sure he'll speak to that, so I don't want to take all of his words for him, but he brought up some really great points and we're happy to support this for you and, uh, so yeah, happy to do it. I'll leave it there. Oh, I'm making I'm making the motion to support it. [laughter]

Let's submissions. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This is an easy one to support, but I would love to hear from somebody from VS to tell us what we're doing because that would be great to hear about what exciting changes are coming up on the campus. [snorts] [clears throat]

Thank you. Um, and so I'm G. Anley, the current headmaster. Uh, I'm stepping down in into June and Henry Clark is going to going to take my place. Um, you know, talk about competition. uh we feel like we face an awful lot of competition in the especially we're primarily a boarding school and in the boarding school space and I guess a lot of peers that have bigger better uh nicer campuses and we are blessed with a beautiful historic campus but that means it's old and always needs renovations and and work and um what we do I think is pretty amazing. I mean, we literally bring families from all over the world to Lynchburg, Virginia. And so, I think we we our our parents love sending their kids to Lynchburg. They know that they can uh if their child says, "I'm I'm in downtown Lynburg on a Saturday," they know their child, they don't need to worry about uh Sorry, did not mean to hit that. [laughter] um that you know they know that their child is safe, well provided for and there's great uh cultural opportunities and great restaurants and and so much going on. So we we've really introduced the city of Lynburg to to just generations of of students and families and we are this this spring I mean uh in May 23rd we will be graduating our 110th class

um which is which is quite an achievement. Um, so these funds are going to go to uh what restoring a historic dorm that is one of the original buildings on campus that is in dire need of of some refurbishing and and and to give it more appeal to to to families. Uh we're also going to make some significant investments in our athletic fields. Excellent. um and put turf fields and lights in and we hope that uh those will also be opportunity to for us to have more more groups from from Lynchburg on campus using some of those facilities.

Um Henry, what thanks so much for the opportunity and thanks for your nice words at finance. Um I I don't have much to add other than uh the bulk of the money, 15 million uh will go to the restoration of 110year-old boy's dorm. You can imagine 110 years of 50 boys in a dorm has had the [snorts] wear and tear that these bonds will help us fix. So we really appreciate your consideration and support. Easy. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Timmer. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

This is just for curiosity sake. Uh will you be or do you have opportunity to layer historic bonds with um the the EDA bonds when it comes to the dorm renovation? We are going we are seeking historic tax credits. Okay. This project. So that'll be a good source of funding for us but also ensure that we're restoring this building in a very thoughtful and respectable way. That's great. I I love that. I was just curious with the age of the building and uh y'all were our soccer rivals in high school. So now you're in my backyard, but um excited to hear about the athletic fields and go Griffins. So, [laughter] but I'll be supporting you all tonight. Thank you so much. Mr. De,

thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yeah, [clears throat] y'all were our soccer rivals, too, at LCA. Uh uh but uh we were always friendly and uh it was a great competition, great thing that happened. Um I also can vouch for your bond attorney. He's one of the best attorneys around. So,

yes. Yes, Dr. Wilder. Yes, they great partner in our community. Also, I worked with um Mr. Mr. Shaw of the school board. Oh my gosh, probably about 20 years ago or so. Really long time ago. So, I work with VES for several years. Two of my nieces graduated from VES. We've had several kids of Jubilee to attend VES and one young lady be starting in the fall at VES as well. So, we would appreciate that partnership. They had a a former VES alumni, Mr. Mr. Formwal was a math t at Jubilee for years. He saw us at the Oprah Winfrey show. He was about 80 plus years about 89 years old. He says, "I'm old. I'm deaf, but can you use me?" And he volunteered at Ji for several years. He's passed on. But we appreciate the partnership with VES and what you're doing in our community. Also bringing the students out to into the city and volunteering and working to make our community even better. So I'm excited for you and exploration the additional expansions that you're doing here in our community. Thank you.

Thank you. How old is your total school over there? How old [clears throat] is it? So this be our 110th year. This is our 100th. Have you all registered with the uh National Historical Society? Yes. Okay. Um we have several buildings that are part of a historic landmark which also makes it us eligible to get the tax credits. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else Chris? I can't be left out. So I'll just say I'm a part of a 30 30 plus men's league for baseball fast pitch and uh we had a little bit of a scheduling conflict but we've got games over there. So, thank you for hosting already and I'm looking forward to playing at night. Thank you, sir. Sers, thank you all.

Uh, let's vote, please. Initiating the vote for approval.

The motion passes 70. Thank you all. This is that meeting, huh? Our next meeting is at 4:00, second room, May 12th, second floor.