The Williamsburg City Council meets Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Stryker Center to weigh a library construction deal, tourism funding requests and board appointments.
The details:
- Library construction: Council will consider a comprehensive agreement with Hourigan Construction Corp. to build the new Williamsburg Library, presented by City Manager Michele Mixner DeWitt. The city approved an interim agreement with Hourigan Construction Corp. in April 2025, and Hourigan has since gathered public input and completed a 35% design, which council reviewed in August.
- Poet laureate policy: Tourism Division Manager Joanna Skrabala brings proposed revisions to the Williamsburg Poet Laureate Program policy. The changes would allow the poet laureate’s term to be extended by one year for a maximum term of three years. They would also raise the two-year stipend from $3,000 to $4,000, or $2,000 per year.
- Public art: Skrabala presents a proposed temporary public art installation for Bicentennial Park.
- Performance venue study: A tourism promotion contingency fund request would pay for an updated fiscal impact study on a live performance venue.
- Food festival funding: Culturefix is requesting tourism promotion contingency funds for the Scrumptious Food Festival.
- Board appointments: Council will consider appointments to city boards and commissions.
- Behavioral health contract: City Attorney Chris Shelton presents Amendment 4 to the city’s FY26-27 Community Services Performance Contract with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
Also on tap: the monthly financial statement, an update from Williamsburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority Executive Director Tyrone Franklin, a city manager report and a city attorney report. Council will first approve minutes from the Aug. 10 work session and Aug. 13 business meeting, then open the floor for public comment during open forum before moving into unfinished and new business. The meeting wraps with a closed session.
The meeting will be televised live and on demand on WMSBG Cable Channel 48, the city’s Facebook page and the city’s YouTube channel.
