Council reactivates Katrina committee for relief efforts after Ernesto flooding

Councilwoman Angela Leary reported that, after flooding from Ernesto and a meeting called by Congressman Scott, the city reactivated its Katrina Committee to coordinate relief efforts for affected residents.

Leary said the city is working with faith‑based groups, the department of social services and the state to provide furniture replacement for Ernesto victims and that the effort is a joint effort with Newport News. She said the city has a memo and flyer prepared by Beverly Stewart (department of social services) and asked the city manager to review it and circulate details to employees and partners.

Leary framed the effort as standing up a targeted recovery‑assistance effort, and council members supported staff coordination and information sharing with employees and partner agencies.