Council adopts budget, library site and other measures; appoints Xavier D. Clark city clerk

The Newport News City Council approved several administrative and budgetary items April 28 during regular session.

City staff recommended and council adopted an ordinance to readopt the fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget (item G1) by a recorded vote of 6–0. The council also approved a five‑year license agreement allowing CenturyLink Communications to use the city's right‑of‑way for telecommunications purposes from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031 (item G2).

Council accepted conveyance of a 5.7‑acre parcel at 13771 Warwick Boulevard from the Economic Development Authority for the future Grissom Library site (item G3) and adopted a resolution reallocating $2,000,000 from earlier bond authorization in the parks and recreation category to support several parks infrastructure projects (item G4). All items passed on unanimous votes.

In new business, Councilman Coleman moved to adopt an ordinance authorizing an employment agreement between the city and Xavier D. Clark for the position of city clerk. The motion carried 6–0. Dr. Clark addressed the council, thanked staff and pledged to strengthen transparency and records access in the clerk's office.

Council also handled the consent agenda (minutes and continued budget minutes) and heard a number of citizen comments on topics including school bullying complaints, youth mentoring, utilities leaks and requests for campground waivers.