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<br /> <br />January 27, 2026 <br /> <br />At a Called Meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, there were <br />present: <br /> <br />Mayor Shannon E. Glover, Vice Mayor William E. Moody, Jr., Mark A. Hugel, Vernon L. <br />Tillage, Jr., Kathryn W. Bryant, Dr. William S. Dodson, Jr., *Yolanda E. Thomas, City <br />Manager Steven Carter, Interim City Attorney Derek G. Challenger. <br /> <br />26 - 21 - Mayor Glover called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance. <br /> <br />th <br /> "Please attend a called meeting of the City Council to be held in the 6 Floor <br />Conference Room, 801 Crawford Street, 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 27, 2026, for the <br />purpose of a Public Work Session. <br /> <br /> In addition, you may consider a motion to go into a Closed Meeting. <br /> <br />By order of the Mayor." <br /> <br />26 - 22 - The following items were discussed in Public Work Session: <br /> <br />1. Portsmouth Police Department Quarterly Crime Statistical Update - Chief Stephen <br /> Jenkins, Police Chief <br /> Councilman Hugel asked for the talking points on making Portsmouth a Certified <br />˗ <br />Crime Prevention City. <br /> Councilman Dodson asked for a breakdown of data for the categories of assault, <br />˗ <br />burglary, vandalism, and larceny. <br /> Councilwoman Thomas asked for a break down on the demographics of the crime <br />˗ <br />report. <br />• <br /> Chief Jenkins will provide information on all inquiries. <br /> <br />2. Portsmouth United Update - Chantal Matthews, Crisis Stabilization, Police Department <br /> Councilman Hugel asked what the funding needs were to expand program to other <br />˗ <br />neighborhoods. <br /> Vice Mayor Moody suggested a comparison of the crime report with neighboring <br />˗ <br />cities. He also asked that the community violence interrupter (CVI) role be better <br />communicated. <br /> <br /> Chief Jenkins suggested a training session for City Council and citizens <br />explaining the role of the CVI. <br /> <br />3. School Board/City Council Retreat Discussion - Steven Carter, City Manager <br /> <br /> City Manager Carter asked what topics City Council wanted to discuss at retreat: <br /> Councilman Hugel suggested a discussion on short-term, mid-term, and long- <br />˗ <br />term goals as it pertains to education. <br /> Councilwoman Bryant suggested a discussion on the partnership with the <br />˗ <br />schools and housing and its impact. She also suggested a discussion on <br />workforce development. <br /> Councilwoman Thomas suggested both boards provide a presentation on <br />˗ <br />community outreach and workforce development to see where there may be <br />gaps in resources. <br /> Vice Mayor Moody suggested a discussion on the collaboration in youth <br />˗ <br />summer programs. He also suggested a discussion on collaborations in <br />potential areas of purchasing and benefits. <br /> <br /> Manager Carter suggested a discussion on local option self-tax. <br /> Mayor Glover asked that information be provided to City Council regarding this <br />˗ <br />topic. <br /> Councilman Dodson suggested a discussion on how to improve relations <br />˗ <br />between the boards. <br /> <br />4. City Manager Agenda Review - Steven Carter, City Manager <br /> <br />5. City Council Liaison Reports <br /> Councilman Hugel informed City Council of their need to appoint Attorney Burle <br />˗ <br />Stromberg to the Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) Board. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />