City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council Regular Meeting February 1, 2012 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Linda T. Johnson, Mayor, presiding Charles F. Brown, Vice Mayor Robert C. Barclay IV Leroy Bennett Michael D. Duman Jeffrey L. Gardy Curtis R. Milteer, Sr. Charles D. Parr, Sr. Selena Cuffee-Glenn, City Manager William E. Hutchings, Jr., Deputy City Attorney Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk ABSENT None CALL TO ORDER/INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order, and Council Member Milteer provided the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CERTIFICATION City Clerk Dawley presented a resolution certifying the Closed Meeting of February 1, 2012, pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Council Member Gardy, on a motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved that the resolution be adopted, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Barclay, Bennett, Duman, Gardy, Milteer, Parr, Brown, and Johnson 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING OF FEBRUARY 1, 2012, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting February 1, 2012 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Milteer, on a motion seconded by Council Member Brown, moved to approve the minutes from the January 4, 2012, Work Session and Regular Meeting, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Barclay, Bennett, Duman, Gardy, Milteer, Parr, Brown, and Johnson 8 NAYS: None 0 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Mayor Johnson asked if any members of City Council wished to remove any items from the Consent Agenda for separate action. Hearing no requests for removal of any items, Mayor Johnson advised that a motion was in order at this time to adopt the remaining agenda in its entirety. Council Member Gardy, on a motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved to adopt the remaining agenda, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Barclay, Bennett, Duman, Gardy, Milteer, Parr, Brown, and Johnson 8 NAYS: None 0 AGENDA SPEAKERS There were no individuals registered to speak under this portion of the agenda. CONSENT AGENDA Consent Agenda Item #7 - AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE A GRANT FROM THE VIRGINIA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES RESCUE SQUAD ASSISTANCE FUND FOR THE SUFFOLK DEPARTMENT OF FIRE & RESCUE Consent Agenda Item #8 - AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE PROCEEDS RESULTING FROM THE SALE OF CERTAIN LANDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUFFOLK FORECLOSURE MITIGATION AND NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM Council Member Bennett asked for an outline of Consent Agenda Item #8 - an ordinance to accept and appropriate proceeds resulting from the sale of certain lands associated with the Suffolk Foreclosure Mitigation and Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 City Council Regular Meeting February 1, 2012 Referring to Consent Agenda Item #8, City Manager Cuffee-Glenn offered a summary of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Gardy, on a motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved to approve Consent Agenda, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Barclay, Bennett, Duman, Gardy, Milteer, Parr, Brown, and Johnson 8 NAYS: None 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing - A resolution to adopt the Capital Improvements Plan as amended for Fiscal Years 2012-2013 through 2021-2022 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Budget Officer Anne Seward offered a synopsis of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Kerry Holmes, 230 Clay Street, representing self, spoke in support of the proposed resolution and recommended that the funding for the new central library be moved from Fiscal Year 2018-2022 to Fiscal Year 2012-2013. Karyn Cook, 4595 Quaker Drive, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed resolution. George Mears, 4304 Ainslie Court, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed resolution. Paul Gillis, 2536 Woodland Trail, representing self, spoke in opposition to the establishment of a Local Transportation Construction Reserve, the refuse/recycling fee, and salary increases for City employees. Paul Bross, 909 Craig Drive, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed resolution. Janet Gurwell, 105 Brewer Avenue, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed resolution. Phyllis Bynum, 1596 Great Fork Road, representing self, spoke in support of the proposed resolution. James Baker, 608 Bank Street, representing self, requested funding for a park. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Milteer, on a motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved to approve the resolution as presented. Referring to the plan, Mayor Johnson called for an explanation of the Nansemond Parkway Public Safety and Training Center. Budget Officer Seward indicated that the project would provide two facilities on the same site, a fire station and a police station, in addition to a shared training facility. She further indicated that the project’s funding source will not be general obligation bonds or tax revenue but funding from private partner contributors. 3 City Council Regular Meeting February 1, 2012 Referring to the plan, Mayor Johnson opined about the need to include various projects in the Capital Improvement Plan in order for the City to accept funds from various partners. Budget Office Seward responded in the affirmative. Referring to the plan, Mayor Johnson asked about the flexibility in the Capital Improvement Plan. Budget Officer Seward advised that the plan could be changed as needed, and that it is updated every year based on the City’s changing needs. Referring to the plan, Council Member Duman sought information about the use of the former Robertson Elementary School for the proposed Whaleyville Community Center. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Gerry Jones said that the project would reuse the building for a community center that would include a gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, and a walking trail. Referring to the plan, Council Member Duman asked about the location of the closest emergency shelter to the Whaleyville Borough. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones stated that Kings Fork High School is currently the closest emergency shelter to the Whaleyville Borough. Referring to the plan, Council Member Barclay solicited a report on the plan to expand middle school capacity in the northern part of the City. Budget Office Seward replied that the City works very closely with the administration of Suffolk Public Schools to plan for future school capacity, and the target date for the new middle school is consistent with growth rates in that area. Referring to the plan, Council Member Barclay inquired about the target date for the new middle school in the northern part of the City. Budget Officer Seward reported that the target date is in the third year of the plan, Fiscal Year 2015. Referring to the plan, Mayor Johnson called for a summary of the transfer of the remaining funds from the Hollywood Emergency Access Project to the Municipal Center Property Acquisition Project. City Manager Cuffee-Glenn indicated that at the last City Council meeting, action was taken to transfer the remaining funds from the Hollywood Emergency Access project to the Municipal Center Property Acquisition project. She further indicated that this action was not related to the Capital Improvement Plan. Council Member Milteer, on a motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved to approve the resolution as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council Members Barclay, Duman, Gardy, Milteer, Parr, Brown, and Johnson 7 NAYS: Council Member Bennett 1 A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AS AMENDED FOR FISCAL YEARS 2012-2013 THROUGH 2021-2022 ORDINANCES Ordinance - An ordinance to establish a Local Transportation Construction Reserve for the City of Suffolk 4 City Council Regular Meeting February 1, 2012 Budget Officer Seward supplied a summary of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Barclay, on a motion seconded by Council Member Gardy, moved to approve the ordinance as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council Members Barclay, Bennett, Duman, Gardy, Milteer, Parr, Brown, and Johnson 8 NAYS: None 0 AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A LOCAL TRANSPORTATION CONSTRUCTION RESERVE FOR THE CITY OF SUFFOLK RESOLUTIONS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. STAFF REPORTS Staff Report - Legislative Update Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Special Projects Manager Sherry Hunt offered a summary on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman opined about House Bill 1248 and Senate Bill 248, which include language to require grants awarded by the Virginia Department of Transportation be spent within one year rather than the current deadline of two years. Council Member Duman asked how this legislation would impact the City’s establishment of a Local Transportation Construction Reserve. Special Projects Manager Hunt replied that the establishment of a Local Transportation Construction Reserve is a positive step in light of these two bills. MOTIONS Motion - A motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on February 15, 2012, to receive public comment on an ordinance to enter into new and renewing contracts for lease at the Suffolk Executive Airport on all "T" Hangars that become available from February 15, 2012 - February 15, 2013 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Economic Development Director Kevin Hughes submitted a review of the above referenced item. Council Member Parr, on motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to schedule a public hearing to be held on February 15, 2012, to receive public comment on an ordinance to enter into new and renewing contracts for lease at the Suffolk Executive Airport on all "T" Hangars that become available from February 15, 2012 - February 15, 2013, by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Barclay, Bennett, Duman, Gardy, Milteer, Parr, Brown, and Johnson 8 NAYS: None 0 5 City Council Regular Meeting February 1, 2012 Motion - A motion to schedule a Work Session for February 15, 2012, at 4:00 p.m., unless canceled or called earlier by the Mayor Council Member Parr, on motion seconded by Council Member Milteer, moved to schedule a Work Session on February 15, 2012, at 4:00 p.m., unless canceled or called earlier by the Mayor, by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Barclay, Bennett, Duman, Gardy, Milteer, Parr, Brown, and Johnson 8 NAYS: None 0 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS Arthur Elliott, 809 West Washington Street, was not present when called. Paul Gillis, 2536 Woodland Trail, representing self, spoke in opposition to General Assembly bill proposing a requirement that voters present State issued identification in order to vote. Barbara Artis, 2122 Georgia Avenue, Vice President, Hollywood Jericho Civic League, requested restoration of funding for the Hollywood Emergency Access Project, or if the project was deemed not feasible, for those funds to be allocated for another project in the area. Gerri Outterbridge, 325 Goodman Avenue, Secretary, Hollywood Jericho Civic League, requested restoration of funding for the Hollywood Emergency Access Project, or if the project was deemed not feasible, for those funds to be allocated for another project in the area. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Johnson asked City Clerk Dawley if there were any New Business items for consideration. City Clerk Dawley presented the following nominations for City Council’s consideration: Sister Cities Commission – Derek K. Ross and Western Tidewater Water Authority – Council Member Jeffrey Gardy. Council Member Parr, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to appoint the above referenced individuals to the aforementioned bodies, by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Barclay, Bennett, Duman, Gardy, Milteer, Parr, Brown, and Johnson 8 NAYS: None 0 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Media and Community Relations Director Diana Klink on the following activities: ribbon cutting at the new Goodwill Store in northern Suffolk; free tax preparation assistance at the Suffolk Workforce Development Center; the start of the Suffolk Youth Public Safety Academy; the completion of the Suffolk Visitors Center Pavilion; the upcoming Groundhog’s Day event; a presentation by the Romance Writers of America at the North Suffolk Library; and Pre-School Gym Time at the East Suffolk Recreation Center; 6 City Council Regular Meeting February 1, 2012 Council Member Duman asked City Manager Cuffee-Glenn for an update on the sign ordinance and the traffic study at Kings Fork Road. City Manager Cuffee-Glenn replied that the traffic study has been completed, and copies have been provided to City Council and School Administration. She added that she would confer with Planning and Community Development Director D. Scott Mills about the status of sign ordinance review by the Planning Commission. Council Member Duman announced he attended the Town Hall Meeting in Chuckatuck, the Chuckatuck/Oakland Civic League meeting, and the Cedar Point Home Owners Association meeting. Council Member Duman reported on an article in The Virginian-Pilot about regional growth. Council Member Barclay thanked staff in the Public Utilities Department for their assistance in removing graffiti on a pump station in the Burbage Grant area. Council Member Bennett reported on a recent Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority meeting. Council Member Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution honoring the late Sylvester Jones, Planning Commissioner. Referring to the motion, Mayor Johnson advised that she has spoken with Planning Commission Chairman Howard Benton about the timeframe for recognizing Mr. Jones. She explained that Chairman Benton has requested that the Planning Commission be permitted to recognize Mr. Jones and then City Council make its presentation. Council Member Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution honoring the late Sylvester Jones, Planning Commissioner, by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Barclay, Bennett, Duman, Gardy, Milteer, Parr, Brown, and Johnson 8 NAYS: None 0 Council Member Bennett reported on drainage issue in the 1900 block of Nansemond Parkway. Council Member Parr advised that he attend the opening session of the Virginia Mosquito Control Association’s 65th Annual Meeting and commended Mosquito Control Superintendent Charles Abadam for his efforts in securing Suffolk as the host city. Council Member Parr announced the opening of a new hair salon, Serendipity, in the Professional Building. Council Member Parr opined about the timeframe for a work session with the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Council Member Parr called for an explanation of the City’s neighborhood assessment tool. City Manager Cuffee-Glenn and Planning and Community Development Director Mills explained that the tool utilizes statistical information about communities in order to prioritize neighborhood projects. 7 City Council Regular Meeting February 1, 2012 Council Member Milteer opined about a future town hall meeting in Whaleyville with School Board Member Phyllis Bynum. Council Member Milteer announced that the Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly and Disabled Persons program is currently accepting applications. Vice Mayor Brown commended City Administration for the newly completed Suffolk Visitors Center Pavilion. Mayor Johnson complimented Ronnie Rountree for the renovations of the Obici House and Sleepy Hole Golf Course. Mayor Johnson announced the ribbon cutting for the new Goodwill Store in northern Suffolk. ADJOURNMENT Council Member Gardy, on a motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved to adjourn, by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Barclay, Bennett, Duman, Gardy, Milteer, Parr, Brown, and Johnson 8 NAYS: None 0 There being no further business to come before City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Teste: ________________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk Approved: ____________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: MARCH 7, 2012 8