Minutes 08/25/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 25, 2026 “RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED AND RESTATED FY 2026/FY 2027 COMMUNITY SERVICES PERFORMANCE CONTRACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES. WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services annually or biennially issues a performance contract to each local community services board specifying the terms and requirements governing the receipt of federal and state funding; and WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth must approve the Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services’ Amended and Restated FY 2026/FY 2027 Community Services Performance Contract in order to receive funding from the Commonwealth; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia that it hereby approves the Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services’ Amended and Restated FY 2026/FY 2027 Community Services Performance Contract in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, together with the contractual exhibits on file with the City Clerk’s Office.” 26-195m: Adoption of a resolution to rename Eighth and Jefferson Park as Charles B. Whitehurst Sr. Park. Background:  The City has received a request from the Whitehurst family to rename Eighth and Jefferson Park in honor of Charles B. Whitehurst Sr. located in the Southside area of the city at the corner of Eighth Street and Jefferson Street. CHARLES B. WHITEHURST SR. - HISTORY OF PUBLIC SERVICE -Charles B. Whitehurst Sr. was a Portsmouth native, a 1956 graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, and a retired United States Marine Corps major. He was elected Treasurer of the City of Portsmouth in November 1985, was named Treasurer of the Year by the Treasurers' Association of Virginia in 1992 and served as City Treasurer until December 31, 1993. He was elected to Portsmouth City Council in 1998, reelected in 2002, and continued serving on Council until 2012, including service as Vice Mayor. His military, civic, and elected service reflected a longstanding commitment to Portsmouth and its residents. These accomplishments were recognized by the Virginia General Assembly in House Joint Resolution 647 (2017), copy attached. The City previously used an administrative park and facility naming policy developed in the early 2000s. Under that process, requests were reviewed by City staff and referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission for an advisory recommendation before consideration by City Council. That policy is no longer in use. Mrs. Whitehurst previously submitted a request through the former naming process. The Parks and Recreation Commission did not recommend that request for approval. She has continued to request recognition of Charles Whitehurst at various City locations. City staff subsequently worked with the City Attorney's Office to establish a Parks and Recreation Wall of Fame process as another means of honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to recreation, athletics, or the community. Staff also identified the City's honorary street naming process as a potential alternative. Neither alternative prevents City Council from considering the proposed park renaming.