Coraggio Consulting
Manassas City Council 6/9/2025

Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
Place: Manassas City Council, Virginia
Length: 2h 19m (video)
Official meeting video (Wistia / RegionalWebTV): https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/ryev5yyn0a

Machine transcript (speech-to-text) produced by Coraggio Consulting. Not an official county record. Names and numbers may be misspelled; check the video at the timestamp before quoting.
Speech-to-text: whisper.cpp, model large-v3-turbo. Produced 2026-10-17. Timestamps are [HH:MM:SS] into the meeting video.

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[00:16:57] Welcome to the City Council meeting for Monday, June 9th. Mr. Smith, please call the roll. Are you here? Oh, Eric's not here. Okay, we'll go ahead with the invocation, first of all. Dear God, we thank you for the opportunity to gather once again and provide governance for the residents of the City of Manassas.

[00:17:16] We thank you for the beautiful weather we are having, for many events that we are able to host in a safe and friendly environment. Thank you for protecting our council staff, and most especially our men and women in uniform. Please let us continue to be kind to one another, remembering to never look down on someone unless we are giving them a hand up.

[00:17:35] Help us to work together in uniting our community each and every day. We remain thankful for all things. Amen. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. 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.

[00:18:20] You may be seated. Thank you. Mr. Smith, please call the roll.

[00:18:41] Mayor Davis Younger. Present. Vice Mayor Wolf. Here. Council Member Ellis. Council Member Smith. Here. Council Member Alcina. Here. Council Member Vasquez Luna. Here. Council Member Hudson. Here.

[00:18:58] Former President. Thank you very much. We welcome you all to this special council meeting for tonight. It's always good to look out and see such a full crowd and we have such a a very special, special proclamation. We have all of our proclamations are special, but this night we are recognizing our women veterans for the first time here in the city celebrating women, Women Veterans Appreciation Day, which is on June the 12th.

[00:19:25] And so that's why we have a full crowd tonight. We have many veterans here, active and retired service. So we thank you all for being here. We are also grateful to see our senator, Dana Caron, here with us. Our delegate, Michelle Maldonado, is here.

[00:19:40] And we have a representative from Congressman Subramaniams. Did I do it right? Office. Monica Herrar is here. Herr is here as well. So if you all want to wave and say hello, so everybody can see you. They're right down front. Thank you so much for being here. We're also glad to see our Commissioner of the Revenue here, Tim Demeria, as well as our treasurer, Patricia Ritchie Folks, is also here.

[00:20:03] And I don't see any other school board or other dignitaries. So thank you so much for being here. We have a pretty straightforward agenda tonight with the special proclamations, as I said, as well as a closed session. And thank you for your patience as we get through the proclamation for the veterans.

[00:20:19] It is going to take a little longer than most because we have special presentation, but it deserves that, right? It deserves a special time and attention that we are giving to it, being the first time that we are doing this in the city. So after we do the Veterans Proclamation and Recognition, we will take a 10-minute recess, so then you all can leave if you wish to want, unless you want to stay and see the rest of the exciting meeting.

[00:20:41] So, great. So, again, we'll go ahead with council time, and I'll call on Vice Mayor Wolfe first. Thank you. We've got a rocking agenda, so I will pass on my time. Thank you, sir. Councilwoman Ellis is not here. Councilman Smith. With respect for everyone's time, I'll pass my one minute allotted time.

[00:20:59] Oh, boy. Mr. Osina. Thank you, Mayor. And since everyone's given up their time so far, thank you. I can be here about a while. I was hoping. I may not have seniority, but I do know how to work some of this.

[00:21:15] Mr. Smith, please set the timer for two and a half minutes. Hold on. Hold on. All right. Just real quickly, a reminder, because I do think this is important, to make sure both people present as well as folks who watch this live or see it later on here.

[00:21:37] You know, there are times where residents, and I can remember myself when I didn't sit on city council but was a resident and would want the city to do something and I would ask for it and ask for it and ask for it and things didn't happen. And it was very frustrating and you wonder what's going on behind the scenes, is it going to get done?

[00:21:57] And that was the case where residents along Main Street had concerns about the speed of vehicles that were going by both Baldwin Elementary and the high school and even further down there and ways to slow down the traffic there.

[00:22:16] And finally, a neighborhood meeting was held last December. The mayor attended, I attended. We had some staff people to come up with a kind of discussion of items. And I'm happy to report that within the last two weeks, a speed radar sign has been put up on Main Street headed south, just in front of the school entrance, the shared entrance there.

[00:22:44] There's also a protected pedestrian crossing with bollards right now. And then the plan is after July 4th to put another speed radar sign on the other end of Main Street as you come into Old Town. These are reminders that the speed limit is indeed 25 miles per hour there.

[00:23:03] I had occasion when I was doing a post about it to take pictures and cars would go by. And inevitably, many of the cars were not going 25, but a little bit faster than that. I'll leave it at that along the way. So I think this is well needed.

[00:23:19] But this was spearheaded by Zach Murphy, who lives along that street. And I think kudos should be given to him, his neighbors, for persistence in doing that. And also, I want to thank our traffic department and public works for getting that done.

[00:23:37] My understanding is there will also be another pedestrian crossing over at Bartow where they're doing the Ashbury subdivision there and development there. And that will be put in as well. And I think even some bike lanes will be coming along. This all costs about $60,000 to get this done.

[00:23:56] But again, the reason I brought it up was to remind you that we do listen in the city, first of all, even though it does seem at times where nothing's happening along the way. A lot was happening behind the scenes to get this done, and certain construction things had to take place before these could be put in place here.

[00:24:14] And secondly, please don't go faster than 25 miles per hour. Our kids are there. I know school is out now, but there are always events. Fourth of July will be going on. There will be people crossing there. So it really behooves us all to. These signs are only meant as reminders.

[00:24:31] We all know what the speed limits are, so I hope everybody will use caution along the way here. And, Mayor, thank you for the time. Thank you. Councilman Vasquez-Luna. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I want to thank everybody. It's so beautiful to see so many people here.

[00:24:48] And we have great proclamations. I just want to make sure that you hear from me that, you know, I thank you for what you do. The Women Veterans Day, Polinero Month, Puerto Rican Heritage Month, I do love use prevention, and also felicidades y gracias a Ruby Hernandez.

[00:25:06] So we'll be hearing about that later, but I just want to make sure I, you know, highlight those. I attended this week several meetings, but the one that I want to highlight is the transportation.

[00:25:21] I hope that everybody is able to provide more feedback. If you couldn't make it to the museum last week for the transportation hub, my dream is that we bring it together and that you're able to ride a bus and ride a train. And that everything is on time, so hopefully that will happen soon.

[00:25:41] There will be some information online, so please keep an eye for the online information. Also, thanks to all the partners for the Saturday Railroad Festival.

[00:25:57] It's always a great highlight for Manassas. We also had the BRE and different sponsors. So please continue to support and let's continue to celebrate our heritage. And then to the end on Tuesday, we're going to have our second session.

[00:26:18] So please make sure if you were not able to attend the last session for the community conversations in regards to the Manassas Shopping Center development plan, I would like to ask you, you know, to either submit information online or go ahead and attend in person.

[00:26:35] This is how we make the difference for the future. If you want to have an impact in how Manassas looks like in the future, this is a great opportunity. A couple of words in Spanish. Muchas gracias. Pues bienvenidos a todos.

[00:26:53] Y creo que los eventos nacionalmente han hecho muy difícil para nuestra comunidad como inmigrantes. Espero que sigan viendo a Manassas como una ciudad que no está persiguiendo a nadie. Y que puedan ver a la ciudad, que ustedes puedan continuar reportando cualquier problema que haya.

[00:27:16] Me duele ver lo que está pasando y espero poder... Thank you, Madam Mayor.

[00:27:41] Thank you. Councilwoman Hudson. Hello. Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us today. Just two quick notes, echoing what Councilwoman Vasquez Luna said. Tomorrow is the second opportunity to join us at the Marcellar Community Center to have community conversations about the Mathis Avenue Shopping Center.

[00:27:59] So if you were unable to attend last week, please come by tomorrow evening and join us for the presentation and share your thoughts about what you'd like to see and what productive things we can add to the community there. My only other note is I wanna just give a big thank you to the Clean the Bay Foundation, the parks folks, the engineering folks, the stormwater management folks, Everyone involved for putting together the Clean the Bay event on Saturday.

[00:28:25] There were many of us who gathered at Stonewall Park and were able to pick up various litter, and even some of the volunteers raked out debris from a creek down in the park. So thank you to all the community volunteers who helped out with that and to everybody who organized it.

[00:28:42] And congratulations to everybody who's a part of our proclamations tonight. And Madam Mayor, that is all I have. Thank you. thank you um for my time just want to remind everyone school is out and to please draft safely we had a wonderful time to graduate to congratulate all of our graduates at george mason um that was a wonderful time we have juneteenth coming out and we do have three days of activities planned here in the city and they are all free so please make sure to look at our website and participate in those events as you wish. We have OTBA this week and I am going to be

[00:29:19] speaking virtually with the PW Chamber, with the Prince William Chamber for the Policymaker Series on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 and that's virtual so usually what happens there is I give an update on what's going on in the city just for an hour and people ask questions and things like that so that's always a good time and then I have my NVTA meeting on the 12th and lastly want to wish all the dad's father's happy father's day coming up on sunday um to all that in that role fill that role in one way or another i certainly am very thankful to still have my 91 year old dad here with me as

[00:29:55] most of you know he was recently diagnosed with leukemia and um so we're we're just thankful for each and every day that we have together but please keep him in your thoughts and prayers and We really appreciate everybody reaching out and checking on him and me because he's extra.

[00:30:11] So, but love my daddy and happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. And I'll turn it over to Mr. Burke for city manager time. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Mayor. We'd like to express our appreciation to HMI and all of our local businesses for the June 1st Friday.

[00:30:27] With the beginning of summer, we saw a larger crowd. And with the crowd came additional trash issues as well as street opening issues, and we look forward to continuing to work with HMI and our downtown businesses to continue to enhance the First Friday events for everyone's enjoyment.

[00:30:45] As Councilwoman Vasquez Luna mentioned, the Manassas Shopping Center Community Conversations is tomorrow. If you are unable to attend, please visit the city's website, manassasva.gov slash MSC.

[00:31:06] You can view the presentation and provide online comments. The city is also seeking input on a number of other areas, including the downtown transit mobility hub, Annenberg Historic Overlay District, and improvements at Walter Delisle, Nelson, and Oakenshaw Parks.

[00:31:24] Please visit our website for more information and to provide input on these items. The city is expanding our recreational programs offered at the Manassas Community Center over the summer to include Thursday night movies and indoor soccer. Please visit manassasva.gov forward slash Marsteller for more information about these programs.

[00:31:46] And then the Liberia Century for the Ages is the new exhibit now open at the Manassas Museum. This exhibit marks Liberia House's 250th birthday, and it's one of our special programs scheduled, including a Galleria talk on June 28th and the community birthday party on October 11th.

[00:32:08] And that's all I have. - Any questions for City Manager Burke? Oh, okay. We have some seats up front. We have some other seats if people who are standing want to come on down and fill in, feel free to do so. The next item on the agenda is presentations, And the first item is something very near and dear to my heart, and why we have a packed chamber this early tonight, for our women veterans' recognition.

[00:32:37] As I said before, the official day, Women's Veterans' Recognition Day, is June 12th this week. And I'm, again, going to ask for your indulgence and patience as we do this, but it's certainly deserving of that. It'll take us a little bit to get through it, but we have some very special guests here with us tonight and we want to make sure that we honor them and recognize them for their service. So basically I have a general statement that I want to read and then I will have people being recognized come forward. I'll read the proclamation. We also have a plaque that we're going to unveil which will be hung in City Hall at a later time and we'll invite everyone back

[00:33:11] for that and Mr. Smith will join me down front as well because he's been the person I've tapped to help help me with the veterans as he has most of the time available during the day when all of us are doing other things so um many of you are aware that when i became mayor i created something called the mayor's youth council and so when i and and that has been going very well and now i'm covering the opposite end of the spectrum and i've created a mayor's veterans advisory board and in doing so this allows us to keep our fingers on the pulse of what is happening with our veterans often overlooked the needs are not being met it bothered me and I

[00:33:50] want to recognize mr. Jerry Martin if you would stand for a moment sir if you don't yes yes you stand when I when I first became mayor and I went to Jerry and I said I want to do this and it has taken me this long to get it together but he never let up he kept saying there I'm ready whenever you are I'm ready whenever you are and so things would come along it would get pushed to the back burner but i knew it was always in the back of my mind that i wanted to do the only army i've been in is the salvation army

[00:34:28] but i have many family members that that did serve and i could not be sitting here without the service of our our veterans and so i am i am just i've always had a heart for veterans and i'm just so grateful for all of the the service and dedication that you all have given for our freedom and and I'm just so ever so grateful so five years ago and here we are Jerry we made it happen and I just thank you so much for your patience and waiting for me to finally get it done but um this is only the beginning because this is the first night and we announcing all of this the mayor's

[00:35:04] veterans advisory board but we're planning on having a veterans resource fair where we're gonna have a big dr. Newman's already promised me a school so I just have to pick but we're gonna have a resource fair where we're just bringing people that have information and help for our veterans.

[00:35:20] They can have a one stop shop where they can get all of most of the information that they need to help them with whatever they need. So that's going to be one of the first things we're doing. And then we're going to do a fireside chat. These guys have some awesome stories, y'all. It is amazing if you just sit and talk.

[00:35:37] And I said, I want to have a panel where we just have five or six of them up and we'll and we'll change them out. We'll do it like every quarter. I got all these ideas. Right. So, Jerry, you got a lot of work to do. But we'll change them out and just have these men and women just talk about their experiences because you can learn so much if you just spend the time and listen and talk to them.

[00:35:58] They really do have amazing, amazing stories. And so it's beneficial for all of us because what you don't learn from you will repeat. And so we need to know when you know better, you do better. And we need to do better by our veterans. And so that's what drove this for me is that need that I keep hearing about homeless veterans.

[00:36:17] And it bothers me there shouldn't be that when they need help with, you know, financial help and all of that sort of thing. So we can do better, and we will here in the city of Manassas. And I'm just so thrilled that we're able to get this off and running. And I have to take just another minute.

[00:36:35] We have a 100-year-old young man with us tonight, Mr. Carol Braxton. I don't know if he can hear me or not. Wave your hand. Thank you so much.

[00:36:52] Thank you. He is a Montfort Point Marine, and Mr. McGee tells his story so much better than I can, but thank you so much for being here. So I'll go down front now, and then we'll present the proclamations and unveil the plaque.

[00:37:08] So, Mr. Smith, come on. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[00:37:24] Y'all can hear me. Okay. So my intro statement is not too long. It's still me talking, but it's okay. Like I said, y'all indulge me because this is pretty important. It is my honor and privilege to stand before you today on behalf of the City of Manassas as we recognize for the first time in the city a very important occasion, Women Veterans Recognition Day.

[00:37:50] Today we pause to honor the courage, the resilience, and sacrifice of the women who have proudly served in the United States Armed Forces. For generations, women have stepped forward to defend our nation on the battlefield, in the skies across the seas and here at home.

[00:38:08] They have worn the uniform with honor, met every challenge with determination, and contributed to our national defense with the highest level of distinction. June 12th marks the anniversary of the signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, a historic moment that gave women the right to serve as permanent members of the military.

[00:38:31] long before this act and ever since women have been serving faithfully often quietly and often overlooked but always with purpose and pride today we in the silence we speak the names we honor the stories we recognize the service as a city we are taking meaningful steps to ensure that our women veterans are seen heard and celebrated not just today but every day in recognition of their extraordinary service i am so proud to present the official proclamation which declares june 12th

[00:39:07] as women veterans recognition day in the city of manassas to further commemorate this day we're unveiling a permanent plaque that will be placed in our city hall lobby at a later date this plaque will serve as a lasting reminder of the women who have worn the uniform stood the watch and given their all in peace and in war in times of crisis and in times of calm let this plaque remind every person who walks into our city hall that freedom is preserved not only by the strength of our arms but by the unwavering hearts of those who serve including the brave women we honor today

[00:39:47] at this time i'd like to introduce the the mayor's veterans advisory board core members there are five of them one could not be here tonight but they are the leaders who stand at the forefront of advocacy and support for our veterans community if you gentlemen want to come up mr moore mr wayne moore if you want to come up mr william moore is the commander of vfw post 7589 thank you so much mr stan moore could not be here tonight he's the commander of the american

[00:40:22] legion post 10. mr larry law senior commander of american legion post 114. mr ed ortiz commander DAV chapter 15 and Mr. Carlos Colate did I get that right? Colate? Close enough you love me Commander American Legion post 1799 we have asked for the women of these organizations to please come forward as well so

[00:41:02] I can give you your proclamations at this time if you would come down. I had a list but you know who you are if you belong to one of these organizations come on down and you can line up across the front so we can give you your proclamations and my two volunteers beautiful ladies can come on down to help do that okay thank you so much thank you so all the ladies all the ladies with the various organizations please fill in down there yep keep going all the way down and these two ladies are going to make sure that you have your proclamations thank

[00:41:39] you so much for being here and once we do the proclamation and unveil the plaque and i read the wording. I want every single woman veteran in the house to come down and be in a photo. This is just a momentous occasion, and we want to make sure that we capture everyone

[00:41:55] in a photo. Thank you. Get them all. Okay, everybody got their proclamation? Okay, I'll go

[00:42:40] ahead and read the proclamation at this time. Whereas, throughout the history of our great nation, women have courageously answered the call to serve in the United States Armed Forces, selflessly defending our freedom and upholding the values upon which our country was founded.

[00:43:04] And whereas from the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to the front lines of modern conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, women have served with honor, skill, and unwavering dedication, often facing discrimination, hardship, and sacrifice. And whereas Women Veterans Recognition Day commemorates June 12, 1948, the date President Harry S. Truman signed the Women Armed Services Integration Act into law, granting women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the armed forces.

[00:43:40] And whereas more than two million women have served in the US military, and countless others continue to serve with distinction in every branch of the armed forces, making invaluable contributions to national defense peacekeeping missions and disaster relief efforts around the world and whereas many women veterans continue to serve our nation and communities after military service contributing in fields such as education health care public service and business while also mentoring the next generation of leaders and whereas we pause on this day to honor the bravery

[00:44:18] patriotism and sacrifice of women veterans and to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in defense of our nation and whereas the city of Manassas joins in honoring the legacy of women who have worn the uniform recognizing their services remembering their sacrifices and pledging continued support for all veterans now therefore I'm Michelle Davis Younger mayor of the city of Manassas Virginia and on behalf of the Manassas City Council do hereby proclaim June 12th, 2025 as Women Veterans Recognition Day in the city of Manassas and

[00:44:52] call upon all residents to join me in expressing heartfelt appreciation for the women who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces. Stay put.

[00:45:28] Okay. My statement. Alrighty. I want to also recognize the members of the Mayor's Veterans Advisory Board, our business advisors and our community citizen members. We have a few of them here tonight.

[00:45:44] If you are part of the board, please raise your hands. Mr. Sutton and Mr. Naylor, don't even try it. Yeah, there you go. Raise your hands. Mr. Martin, Jerry, yes. Thank you all so much for being here and representing. Really appreciate it. Thank you. The proclamation that was read is also presented to the general public, to our city council, and especially to the women veterans in attendance today.

[00:46:10] Thank you. You are our mothers, our sisters, our neighbors, and our heroes. We see you, we honor you, we thank you. To all of our veteran organizations through the region, your service and continued support are deeply appreciated. Your presence here today reflects a shared commitment to honor unity and purpose.

[00:46:29] May this day and the plaque that we unveil be a symbol of remembrance, respect, and the unbreakable bond between this city and its veterans, past, present, and future. And I'm going to go ahead and unveil this beautiful, wonderful plaque.

[00:46:45] Here we go. There we go. It's beautiful. And it simply says, in honor of women veterans, city of Manassas, Virginia, with deep gratitude and profound reverence, we pay tribute to the women who have donned the uniform of our nation.

[00:47:12] During periods of both conflict and tranquility, they responded to our nation's call and uplifted their fellow warriors with courage and compassion we recognize the immeasurable value of women in uniform as leaders healers defenders and trailblazers whose service embodies the highest ideals of honor unity and selfless sacrifice their legacy is etched into the heart of our nation and into the proud history of this city unveiled June 9th 2025 presented by the city of Manassas and in

[00:47:50] quotes in the bottom it says she served with honor she continues to inspire there you have it so we would like to do one photo with just the women from in the organizations here and then I want all the women veterans to come down after that one photo so you guys come back up and everybody yeah you got that was all up here so face that way just a little bit of space between yeah because

[00:48:28] of the podium yeah yeah some to the right some to the left try to get it in thank you

[00:48:35] mr sutton has an item that he snuck in on me so if you bear with us just a few more minutes

[00:51:04] And something that's going to help us figure out what this is.

[00:51:18] For being here for this auspicious occasion, wonderful time, and just having you all here today makes it all worthwhile because we can see all the ones that are thankful to the Lord, their God, that they were brought through and people in our past who served in the military in any sort of way.

[00:51:55] And especially right now, it continues with this lady, Madam Mayor, on this distinguished occasion, which signifies Manassas' Women Veterans Proclamation Day and anticipates our nation's Women Veterans Appreciation Day.

[00:52:21] And I said this, I know that I'm repeating some of the things that the mayor has already said, but I think it's worth repeating. Because a lot of times we just hear things, but we don't hear things.

[00:52:37] So I have here that we're going to also have Women's Veterans Appreciation Day on June 12th. It is with great honor that I present to you this limited edition replica of the Vietnam Women's Memorial.

[00:53:00] The memorial, and you are so worthy, Madam Mayor, you're so worthy, because you've worked along with many others to get this done.

[00:53:17] If you could read the history, and this will be made available to many, the history of how this replica came into fruition. A lot of work, a lot of broken hearts and tears, and just on and on, people tried to make this happen, providing the military, providing the women of the military especially to be recognized just a little bit for what they did.

[00:53:55] It was a long time coming, but this lady made it happen. The statue serves as a profound tribute to the courage, the sacrifice, enduring legacy of women who have served our nation and served with honor.

[00:54:17] I can't say that I was in the battle, but I took care of a lot of the men that came out of the battle. That was my small contribution, and I thank God for it.

[00:54:33] This replica, Mayor, ultimately will be donated to the Military Museum, where it will function as a lasting reminder of the service, sacrifice, and the significance.

[00:55:01] Okay. All right. Y'all got it. I know all of y'all are smart. So it's a lasting reminder of the service, the sacrifice, and the significance of remembrance.

[00:55:19] We need to remember what has been done for us and to be truly thankful. We're truly thankful to you, Madam, and we're thankful for all of you who also made it happen.

[00:55:35] thank you she says she's done okay we'll go ahead and um take a 10-minute recess so we can go out and yep yes sir what oh no something else okay i thought that was thought that was it okay

[00:56:03] microphone i don't think people yes okay we'll do the microphone between you two hold that

[00:56:33] good mayor this is okay i will thank you you want people to hear me okay fine most people don't But anyway, first of all, no seriousness, you know, Mayor, this is a contribution to you, to the committee, La Alcaldesa, La Cosa de Jada, the people here in the room that make this place happen.

[00:57:09] And when I took a look around and I see the first responders over there, I feel safe. That's good. I'm glad you're there here, too. But the name of the game here is the veterans, particularly the gals, the women and everything else, we put this together, and it's not just us and this uniform and this number.

[00:57:28] It's from the post. And the people that you can see that are in this, to include DAV, you haven't spotted a person here yet. But this is for you to hang and do it accordingly. But it's about the women.

[00:57:45] And when you take a look at them, you know, you realize how many jobs they've had, you know, and all the expanding roles they've gotten into. And, you know, you just can't forget that. For somebody that got banged up pretty bad way back in the 60s, You think it was the doctors that got us well?

[00:58:06] Let me tell you, got us well. Seeing those nurses and those gals every day come in and talk to you. That's what it's about. You don't think they're there for you? They are. So with that in mind, nothing more.

[00:58:26] Just a simple way of saying for everybody. For you. Okay.

[00:58:48] The recess. Anything else y'all want to give me, I'll take it. Ten minute recess, please.

[00:59:04] Thank you. Thank you, everybody.

[01:10:39] Everybody, watch Tom run. Close down. I love it. We have a little bit of a change in the agenda. We're going to move item 1.5 to right now, the recognition for Ruby Hernandez.

[01:10:56] And Chief Keene is going to help us with that. So welcome, sir. Thank you, Mayor. I'm going to ask Ruby and Officer Moeller and Sergeant Mello to come up at first, Sergeant Stumpf and Officer Anna Brown.

[01:11:15] I'm going to have a few remarks, then I'm going to turn it over to Sergeant Stumpf for him to read the events. Mayor, your event knocked it out of the park. Hard to compete with, but I think we got a triple anyway once you hear this story. You know, role models come in many shapes and forms, and tonight we're going to show you that it also comes in ages and lessons we can learn from different people. Mom and Dad, I think you should be extremely proud of Ruby. She's an example

[01:11:50] of what we should all be striving to achieve, what we see on the news are adults who are more worried about selfies or throwing rocks at each other or squirting each other with a water hose, just not being good neighbors, and Ruby's actions, as you hear them tonight, will prove she is a true role model, and mom and dad, when she turns 18, we're going to come looking for her to join our team.

[01:12:18] Tonight, we're going to give her a chief's commendation for an outstanding community member for displaying heroism, empathy, and unselfishness. I'm going to ask Sergeant Stumpf to come up and read her actions. We have a certificate for her, a little swag bag of police department stuff, and Ruby, more important than anything, a $50 gift certificate to Chick-fil-A.

[01:12:43] That's the most important thing. Are these your brothers? They got excited over that as well. Good evening, everybody. I'm Sergeant Brett Sump with the Manassas City Police Department.

[01:13:07] I kind of want to set the stage for what this event was that I'm going to talk about. It's the Regional Girls on the Run 5K, and it's located in Loudoun County at 1 Loudoun. There's over 2,000 kids there and parents, and they're all wearing essentially the same shirt to kind of give you how scary this could be for this little girl that Robey helps, okay?

[01:13:30] So this is addressed, Chief Keen is speaking specifically to Mom. I would like to formally commend and recognize Jade Ruby Rodriguez for her actions at the Girls on the Run 5K on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

[01:13:48] During the Girls on the Run 5K, 11-year-old Ruby Rodriguez was partnered with Sergeant Kerry Mello. Towards the end of the run, after running over two miles and getting close to the finish line, Ruby stopped and identified a little girl who looked distressed.

[01:14:06] When Sergeant Mello asked what was wrong, Ruby pointed out that the young girl, to the young girl, and said, I think she is lost. Ruby, who is a faster runner, put her own goals aside and focused on the needs of the little girl. Ruby acted immediately, ran over to the girl, and asked her if she needed any help.

[01:14:27] The little girl advised that she was separated from both of her parents and was looking for her dad. Again, the environment of the 5K can quickly become stressful and overwhelming as there are over 2,000 runners who are all dressed in the same matching t-shirts. After getting a description, Sergeant Mallow, Ruby, and the little girl were able to locate Dad and reunite the family who were very relieved to have found their daughter.

[01:14:51] Due to Ruby's situational awareness, empathy, quick action, she was able to make a little girl feel safe, reunite her with a grateful family. Ruby was able to employ skills learned from the Manassas City Police Department, Girls on the Run, displaying heroism and unselfishness.

[01:15:20] And I will now let Master Police Officer Anna Brown read the same in Spanish. Buenas noches. Yo voy a leer lo que el sargento le dijo a Ruby en español.

[01:15:42] okay. Quisiera reconocer a y felicitar de manera formal a Jade Ruby Rodriguez por sus acciones durante la carrera de Girls on the Run. Realizada el sábado 17 de mayo del 2025. Durante el evento Ruby de 11 años, fue acompañada durante la carrera por la sargento Carrie Mello. Cerca de la final de la carrera, después de correr más de dos millas, y estando cerca de la meta, Ruby detuvo al notar una niña pequeña parecida angustiada.

[01:16:14] Cuando la Sargento Mello le preguntó a Rubí qué sucedía, Rubí señaló a la niña y dijo, creo que ella está perdida. A pesar de que ella es una corredora rápida, Rubí decidió dejar a su lado su propio objetivo y ayudar a la niña.

[01:16:31] Rubí corrió hacia la niña inmediatamente y le preguntó si necesitaba ayuda. La niña explicó que había separado de sus padres y que estaba buscando a su papá. El ambiente del evento puede ser muy abrumador y hay más de 2,000 personas y corredores vestidos igual.

[01:16:53] Luego de escuchar la descripción del padre, la Sargento Mello, Ruby y la niña lograron encontrar y reunir a la familia, que se mostró tan aliviada y agradecida con ellas. Gracias a la atención, empatía y rápida acción de Ruby, la niña perdida se sintió segura, pudo regresar con su familia, Includimos valores y habilidades que aprendió del programa Girls on the Run y el Departamento de Policía de la Ciudad de Manazas, actuando con valentía y generosidad.

[01:18:39] Ruby's birthday is tomorrow, right? How old? How old will you be tomorrow? You'll be 12 years old tomorrow. Happy birthday! Thank you so much. We gotta go to Chick-fil-A, girl. At $50. Thank you so much, Chief.

[01:19:03] Next on the agenda, we have the Proclamation for Pollinator Month. Ms. Ellis had a medical emergency in the family, so she is not able to be here to do this. So everyone that's associated with the proclamation, if you want to come forward at this time, I'm going to read that. For Pollinators Month, okay.

[01:19:22] The Olsons and whoever else, thank you. Good evening, thank you all for being here. A bunch of y'all. All right.

[01:19:43] The proclamation reads, whereas pollinator species such as bees and butterflies play a vital role in sustaining the production of fruits, nuts, and vegetables in our diets, and robust native pollinator and bee populations are essential to the success of agricultural industries and the national economy, contributing an estimated $18 to $27 billion, with a bee, annually through crop pollination in the United States.

[01:20:15] And whereas pollinators like native bees and monarch butterflies are facing significant population declines due to habitat loss, limited access to nutritious forage, pesticide use, parasites, diseases, and other environmental stressors, threatening the long term viability of our food systems and calling for immediate conservation efforts.

[01:20:41] And whereas the City of Manassas has committed to pollinator conservation by joining the National Wildlife Federation's Mayor's Monarch Pledge, actively enhancing habitats on city-owned properties such as schools and parks through the planting of native species like milkweed and goldenrod, and engaging the community through educational outreach initiatives to support monarch butterfly recovery and whereas on may 10 2021 with the support of the prince william county master gardeners local garden clubs naturalist prince william regional beekeepers

[01:21:16] association and local urban beekeepers the city of manassas became a proud affiliate of bee city usa committing to the creation expansion and maintenance of pollinator friendly habitats and sustainable practices on both public and private lands and whereas as part of its bee city usa designation the city of manassas hosts the annual manassas bee festival at the historic liberia house and grounds scheduled this year for saturday june 21 2025 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m a family-friendly event that promotes the importance of planting native species and

[01:21:55] protecting pollinators through engaging educational activities and public art and whereas the festival was established by members of the friends of the manassas bee festival a non-profit organization that partners with community members local groups and stakeholders to support pollinator awareness and conservation efforts throughout the city and whereas the liberia house and grounds features an apiary surrounded by native plants bee houses and hives along with a historic marker What highlights the legacy of beekeeping, the vital role of pollinators, the importance of planting native species,

[01:22:32] and the City of Manassas' proud designation as a Bee City USA affiliate. Now, therefore, I, Michelle Davis, younger mayor of the City of Manassas, Virginia, and on behalf of the Manassas City Council, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2025 as Pollinators Month in the City of Manassas and urge all residents to celebrate bees, butterflies, and other native pollinators by supporting native plantings, creating pollinator-friendly habitats, reducing pesticide use, and promoting environmental stewardship throughout our community.

[01:23:04] Congratulations. Thank you all for being here.

[01:23:16] Unfortunately, George and Teresa aren't here right now, but I know George and Teresa would say, please bring your families out June 21st between 10 and 2. A whole bunch of local businesses will be out there. it's a great time and we're also open in the api area so if you're interested in looking at the bees if you've never been there we will have suits that you can go in there we will watch you will be monitored but there's also an observation hive so you can see the bees in action behind plexiglass but it's a great time there's gonna be DJs over a hundred vendors I think out there they'll take care of how to get there and all that stuff but it's a great time it's

[01:23:55] It's at the Liberia house, and again, you'll get to see the apiary and all the bees in action. So bring your family, bring your friends, tell everybody, and then come support local businesses while you're out there and enjoy the bees because they're out there providing food for all of us.

[01:24:11] Did I miss anything? Thank you so much. I want to get a photo. Don't run away. Open up your, show your proclamation. I'm going to get a photo real quick. Thank you all so much.

[01:24:36] Thank you for being here. Alright, next on the agenda, we have the proclamation for the Puerto Rico Festival. Ms. Vasquez Luna is going to help us with that. Getting through it, y'all. Let's write the English one.

[01:25:01] I'll do the proclamation in English. I'm not even going to attempt. And Ms. Vasquez Luna will do the proclamation in Spanish. Thank you both so much for being here year after year and for what you do in the city. We really appreciate you. The proclamation reads, "Whereas on September 23rd, 1868, frustrated with the lack of political and economic freedom and the continued repression on the island, Puerto Rico's pro-independence movement staged the Grito de lares rebellion subsequently becoming a possession of the United

[01:25:36] States of America as a result of the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Ricans became citizens of the United States of America in 1917 and demonstrated unwavering patriotism and loyalty by participating in the defense of the United States in numerous conflicts, including World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, Lebanon, Granada, Panama, Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and whereas Puerto Rico has a rich and storied history deeply intertwined

[01:26:08] with the cultures of indigenous people, Spanish colonizers, African slaves, and various other immigrant groups, and whereas the city of Manassas cherishes its diverse population, recognizing the contributions of various cultural backgrounds to our city's fabric, and whereas the Puerto Rican community has been an essential and vibrant component of the tapestry of the city of Manassas, infusing our neighborhoods with their colorful customs, vibrant traditions, and notable achievements, enhancing the social, cultural, and economical landscape of our city.

[01:26:48] And whereas the city of Manassas pays homage to the fortitude, resilience, and unyielding spirit exhibited by the Puerto Rican people, especially in the face of adversities such as natural disasters and economic challenges, drawing inspiration from their perseverance and determination, and whereas the Puerto Rico Cafe's 2025 Puerto Rican Festival in Manassas, marking its third annual celebration of Puerto Rican culture, showcases the community's vibrant heritage through music, dance, food, and vendors on June 14th, this coming Saturday from 11 to 9 p.m.,

[01:27:26] fostering unity and appreciation among residents now therefore i'm michelle davis younger mayor of the city of manassas virginia and on behalf of the manassas city council do hereby proclaim the month of june 2025 as puerto rican heritage month in the city of manassas and call upon the residents of the city to observe this occasion by engaging in educational opportunities cultural events and community gatherings that honor and celebrate the diverse and dynamic heritage of Puerto Rico. Thank you Madam Mayor and before I read it I just want to say you

[01:28:06] know thank you for what you're doing. I know it takes so much hard work and also our city police department is always you know ready to support so I just want to thank them as well. Last Puerto Rican festival they had people from 20 over 20 26 states and Puerto Rico and six countries so it is bringing diversity so it's for us to celebrate here but also bring up people from all over the place to enjoy and to

[01:28:36] to celebrate the culture so thank you all right we are so grateful to host this festival in

[01:32:45] Manassas we've been here well I've been here for 21 years it's just it's a long story but thank you for having us I wouldn't want it anywhere else we get so much love and support from the city police department public works everybody everybody who's on that chain um come on out celebrate with us it's not only puerto rican culture it's community it's we cater to everybody so please come have a fun time uh it's very family friendly it's live music all day

[01:33:20] a bunch of food and uh yeah thank you yes there we go all right 1.4 the proclamation for adult

[01:34:14] abuse prevention we have social services folks here with us for that if you want to come on down mr cole miss latania i see you there thank you for being here we'll read the proclamation as there are 4 492 residents age 65 or older who reside in the city of manassas totaling 10 of the city's population of 43 616 and whereas during fiscal year 2025 virginia adult protective

[01:34:51] Services investigated 194 report reports of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation and assisted with 79 adult services cases for those 60 years of age and older. And whereas these senior residents and residents with disabilities who became targets for abuse were reported in the city of Manassas, but many times these types of abuse are underreported.

[01:35:19] And whereas the City of Manassas Department of Social Services and Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services Adult Protective Services Division work collaboratively with state and local partners to help seniors and residents with disabilities live free of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

[01:35:39] And whereas there are many government supported programs that provide vital services to seniors and residents with disabilities within the city of manassas including a 24-hour hotline crisis intervention emergency shelter home base and community services public education and legal advocacy now therefore i'm michelle davis younger mayor of the city manassas virginia and on behalf of the manassas city council do hereby proclaim the month of june 2025 as adult abuse prevention month in the city of manassas and encourage all citizens community organizations faith-based institutions health care providers and local

[01:36:17] businesses to observe this month by promoting awareness supporting prevention initiatives and advocating for the safety dignity and well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities in our community thank you very much and miss curving director social services I always like to say a few words thank you madam mayor thank you city council thank you city manager I just want to make certain that folks understand the importance, especially when it comes to our elders, our seniors that's here in the community.

[01:36:49] We do a lot, and that takes a lot of work. And when we talk about a lot, it's just kind of moving it one step away, because guess what? We're all going to get to that point. So we have to look at how we treat everyone within the community, giving them that resource and that ability in being able to know that they are a part of our community.

[01:37:09] But that's my two seconds. I'm going to hand that over to LaTanya. June marks Elder Care Awareness Month, a time to recognize the vital roles that our seniors play in our community and to collectively reflect on how we can better support them.

[01:37:26] For us in Manassas City, this month serves as a powerful reminder that caring for our elders is not just a family matter, but a shared community responsibility that touches all of our lives. Our seniors are a rich source of wisdom, history, and experience, having contributed to the very fabric of Manassas City.

[01:37:47] As our elder population continues to grow, so too does the need for accessibility, compassionate, and comprehensive elder care. This month, we are called to increase awareness, promote connection, and utilize local resources.

[01:38:04] And with that, I would be remiss not to mention one of our adult protective services, Ms. Shaquanda Weaver. We want to thank you for your service and your help. When we invest in the well-being of our elders, we strengthen the entire community. It creates a more empathetic, connected, and resilient manassas for all the generations.

[01:38:25] Let's use Elder Care Awareness Month to commit ourselves to fostering a city where our elders are respected, safe, and thrive. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

[01:38:54] Okay, next on the agenda is the consent agenda.

[01:39:18] Ms. Vice Mayor Wolfe, I'll call on you for that motion. Yes, ma'am. I move the consent agenda to be approved and the reading of the ordinances dispensed with. Second. We have a motion by Vice Mayor Willis, seconded by Councilwoman Vasquez-Lona, approving our consent agenda. Any discussion? Hearing and seeing none. Mr. Smith, please call the roll.

[01:39:38] Vice Mayor Willis. Yes. Councilor Mayor Vasquez-Lona. Yes. Council Member Smith. Council Member Osina. Yes. Council Member Hudson. Yes. The motion carries. Okay. Thank you for that. That moves us forward to item three on the agenda.

[01:39:56] ordinances and resolutions. We have item 3.1. I'll call on Vice Mayor Wolf. He has a statement to make before we go through these items. Two things. Number one, I will make the motion to adopt, but secondarily, this is my annual statement on this from our attorney. As you know, this budget appropriates funding for approximately 25 non-profit and community organizations to the city, one of which the Manassas Ballet Theater, where my wife is employed, and I also provide services to that organization, though without compensation. I have consulted with the city attorney regarding any

[01:40:34] potential conflict of interest. He has advised me that I am allowed to vote on the budget appropriation as long as I disclose my family's interest in the ballet, which I am doing so now. I have done so also in a written statement filed with the clerk of court, clerk of council. I would ask the clerk to reflect this oral disclosure in the meetings of this minute, and again, I move adoption of Resolution R-2025-863.

[01:40:58] Second. We have the motion by Vice Mayor Wolf, seconded by Councilman Tom Ossina to approve Resolution R-2025-863. Any discussion? Hearing and seeing none, Mr. Smith, please call the roll. Mayor Wolf, yes. Council Member Ossina? Yes.

[01:41:15] Council Member Vasquez-Lona? Yes. Council Member Hudson? Yes. The motion carries. Okay, thank you. Item 3.2 on the agenda, Resolution R-2025-864. approving the City of Manassas Fiscal Year 2026 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program.

[01:41:34] Motion. I move that resolution, please. Second. We have a motion by Councilman Lucina, seconded by Councilwoman Vasquez-Luna to approve Resolution Number R-2025-864. Any discussion? Hearing and seeing none, Mr. Smith, please call the roll.

[01:41:52] Council Member Lucina? Yes. Council Member Vasquez-Luna? Yes. Vice Mayor Wolfe? Yes. Council Member Hudson? Yes. The motion carries. Thank you. Item 3.3, resolution number R-2025-865, authorizing the funding of the city's share of Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission related expenditures from the city's gas tax funds. There are a motion. Second.

[01:42:18] Can I have a motion? Madam Mayor, I move to approve the resolution R-2025-865. Second. Thank you. We have a motion by Council Member Vasquez Luna, seconded by Council Member Hudson to approve Resolution R-2025-865. Any discussion?

[01:42:36] Hearing and seeing none, Mr. Smith, please call the roll. Council Member Vasquez Luna? Yes. Council Member Hudson? Yes. Vice Mayor Wolfe? Yes. Council Member Ocina? Yes. Motion carried. Thank you so much. Item 3.4, consideration of Resolution R-2025-866, amending the FY25 budget by budgeting and appropriating $219,203 of state grant funding for the FY2025 Fire Programs Fund.

[01:43:05] Is there a motion? I move the adoption of Resolution R-2025-866. Second. We have the motion by Councilman Lucena, seconded by Councilwoman Vasquez-Luna, approving Resolution R-2025-866. Any discussion?

[01:43:22] Hearing and seeing none. Mr. Smith, please call the roll. Council Member? Yes. Council Member Vasquez-Loner? Yes. Vice Mayor Wolfe? Yes. Council Member Hudson? Yes. The motion carries. Item 3.5, consideration of Resolution R-2025-867, amending the FY25 budget by budgeting and appropriating $86,304.15 of state grant funding for airport capital projects.

[01:43:49] Madam Mayor, I move to approve the Resolution R-2025-867. Second. We get a motion by Councilwoman Luna and seconded by Councilman Ocina to approve Resolution R-2025-867.

[01:44:04] Any discussion? Hearing and seeing none, Mr. Smith, please call the roll. Council Member Vasquez Luna? Yes. Council Member Ocina? Yes. Vice Mayor Wolf? Yes. Council Member Hudson? Yes. Thank you. Item 3.6, consideration of Resolution R-2025-868, amending the fiscal year 2025 budget by budgeting and appropriating $781,119 of additional revenue for the schools.

[01:44:32] Is there a motion? Madam Mayor, move to approve the resolution R-2025-868. Second. We have a motion by Councilwoman Vasquez-Luna, seconded by Councilwoman Hudson, to approve resolution R-2025-868. Any discussion? Hearing and seeing the moment, Mr. Smith, please call the roll.

[01:44:51] Yes. Thank you so much for that. That moves us forward to public comment time. At this time, we welcome residents and community members who wish to speak about services, policies and affairs of the city of Manassas government. Residents who have not requested additional time four days prior to this meeting from city manager. We have a timer here and your comments will be limited to three minutes.

[01:45:18] we appreciate the time you have taken to be here we treat public comment time as a public hearing we do not engage in conversation with speakers the lack of an immediate response to your comments should not be taken as a lack of interest or concern as we have staff present taking notes and will respond to your concern in a timely manner so please when approaching the podium give us your name and address so that we may follow up with you we ask that you please be respectful when presenting your comments to not only council members but to those residents and community members who are present.

[01:45:49] With that, I have no one signed up to speak, but we don't want to miss anyone. So if you're present and wish to address council at this time, please come forward. Okay, going once, going twice, and we have nobody. So, all right, Mr. Brown, we'll move forward to agenda item number five to authorize our closed meeting.

[01:46:15] Good evening, Madam Mayor, members of council. tonight, you do have a closed session scheduled for the purpose of discussing the qualification of applicants for appointment to city boards and commissions. Second, for the discussion of the terms and the conditions for acquiring real property in the city. And third, a discussion of a proposed amendment to be negotiated in an agreement between the city and the Economic Development Authority.

[01:46:47] Those grounds are set forth in Resolution No. R-2025-845, Resolution authorizing a closed meeting of City Council, which I would recommend for your adoption. So moved. Second.

[01:47:03] I have a motion by Councilman Alcina, seconded by Vice Mayor Wolfe, to approve Resolution R-2025-845, authorizing a closed meeting. Any discussion? Hearing and seeing none, Mr. Smith, please call the roll. Council Member Alcina? Yes.

[01:47:18] Vice Mayor Wolfe? Yes. Council Member Vasquez-Luna? Yes. Council Member Hudson? Yes. The motion carries. Right. Thank you. We'll proceed into closed meeting. Roll. Oops, I'm sorry.

[02:07:35] Okay.

[02:16:11] Mr. Brown. Thank you, Madam Mayor, members of council. Immediately following a closed session, state law requires you to certify that the only matters that were discussed in the closed session were those that were identified in the motion which convened the closed session and which are lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Freedom of Information Act.

[02:16:33] That certification is included in Resolution No. R-2025-847, Resolution Certifying a Closed Meeting of City Council, which I would recommend for your adoption. So moved.

[02:16:49] Second. We have the motion by Councilman Ocina, seconded by Councilwoman Vasquez-Luna, to approve Resolution No. R-2025-847, certifying a closed meeting. Any discussion. Hearing and seeing none, Mr. Smith, please call the roll. Council Member Ocina.

[02:17:05] Yes. Council Member Vasquez-Lona? Yes. Vice Mayor Wolfe? Yes. Council Member Hudson? Yes. The motion carries. All right. Thank you for that. And I'll call on Mr. Ossina for the motion for appointments. Mayor, thank you. I'd like to move Resolution R-2025-846, which makes appointments to the following Boards, Committees, and Commissions, that we appoint William Sebesky to the Manassas Regional Airport Commission as a regular member for a full term beginning July 1, 2025.

[02:17:37] ending June 30th, 2029. Reappoint Anthony McGee to the Manassas Regional Airport Commission as a regular member for a full term beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30th, 2029. Reappoint Kenneth Jones to the Architectural Review Board as a regular member for a full term beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30th, 2029.

[02:18:02] Reappoint Enya Richardson to the Solid Waste Committee as a regular member for a full term beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2029. Reappoint Anthony Smith to the Utility Commission as a regular member for a full term beginning July 1, 2025 and term ending June 30, 2029.

[02:18:26] Reappoint Larry Naylor to the Economic Development Authority as a regular member for a full term beginning July 1, 2025, and term ending June 30, 2029. And reappoint Larry Cain to the Board of Equalization as a regular member for a full term beginning July 1, 2025, and term ending June 30, 2020.

[02:18:48] I need a second, and then I'll explain to you. Thank you. And the reason Mr. Cain on the Board of Equalization has a three-year term is that's what they are. The courts only do three-year terms, but for our boards, committees, and commissions, they're four-year terms.

[02:19:08] That's why the rest of them have a four-year appointment. Okay, thank you. We have the motion by Councilman Alcina, seconded by Councilman Vasquez Luna, approving the appointments as read, Resolution 2025-846. Any discussion? Hearing and seeing them, Mr. Smith, please call the roll.

[02:19:28] Yes. Council Member Vasquez Luna? Yes. Vice Mayor Wolfe? Yes. Council Member Hudson? Yes. Motion carries. All right, thank you. Anything else to come before the council for the good of the residents? If not, we are adjourned. Thank you.

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