City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council Regular Meeting June 5, 2019 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Linda T. Johnson, Mayor, presiding Leroy Bennett, Vice Mayor Michael D. Duman Roger W. Fawcett Donald Z. Goldberg Timothy J. Johnson Curtis R. Milteer, Sr. Lue R. Ward, Jr. Patrick G. Roberts, City Manager Helivi L. Holland, City Attorney Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk ABSENT None CALL TO ORDER/INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order. She then acknowledged the twelve victims, who lost their lives at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center: Laquita C. Brown, Tara Welch Gallagher, Mary Louise Gayle, Alexander Mikhail Gusev, Katherine A. Nixon, Richard H. Nettleton, Christopher Kelly Rapp, Ryan Keith Cox, Joshua O. Hardy, Michelle 'Missy' Langer, Robert 'Bobby' Williams and Herbert 'Bert' Snelling. She then led the Pledge of Allegiance. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION CERTIFICATION There was no Closed Meeting, therefore, the Freedom of Information Act certification was not required. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved to approve the minutes from the April 17, 2019, Work Session, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. 1 City Council Regular Meeting June 5, 2019 REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Mayor Johnson advised that a motion was in order at this time to adopt the agenda. Council Member Milteer, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, to adopt the agenda as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 AGENDA SPEAKERS There were no speakers under this portion of the agenda. CONSENT AGENDA City Clerk Dawley presented the following Consent Agenda items: Consent Agenda Item #7 – An ordinance to rename the Whaleyville Community Center to the Whaleyville Recreation Center Referring to Consent Agenda Item #7, City Manager Roberts submitted a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing – An ordinance granting a non-exclusive license agreement for the right and privilege to install, maintain and operate wireless facilities and communications infrastructure within the public streets and rights-of-way of the City of Suffolk, Virginia Mayor Johnson explained that this agenda item concerns an invitation for bids for a non-exclusive license agreement for the right and privilege to install, maintain and operate wireless facilities and communications infrastructure within the public streets and rights-of-way of the City of Suffolk as the same now exist, or may hereafter be laid out. She further explained that as the license will be in excess of five years, state law requires the City to advertise and invite bids for the use of this public property. In accordance with Virginia Code § 15.2-2101, the City has advertised and invited bids for this license. 2 City Council Regular Meeting June 5, 2019 Mayor Johnson read the following summary of bid that has been received: Bidder: Cellco Partnership doing business as Verizon Wireless. who has received state and federal approval to construct, maintain, and operate an interstate natural gas transmission pipeline. Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC, has submitted a bid in the amount of $50,000 for a license agreement for the nonexclusive right and privilege to occupy and use the streets, alleys and other public places of the City. Mayor Johnson asked if there were any additional bids for consideration. Hearing none, the bidding was declared closed, and Mayor Johnson asked for staff recommendation regarding the bid received. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Deputy City Manager D. Scott Mills offered a report on the background information as printed in the official agenda. Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing to receive comment on the award of the license agreement to successful bidder, Cellco Partnership. Steve Romaine, 222 Central Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia, representing Cellco Partnership, spoke in suppose of the proposed ordinance. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mayor Johnson announced that if it was the pleasure of City Council, a motion would be in order at this time to award the license agreement to Cellco Partnership and to adopt an ordinance naming Cellco Partnership as the grantee. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved to award the license agreement to Cellco Partnership, and to adopt an ordinance naming Cellco Partnership as the grantee, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR THE RIGHT AND PRIVILEGE TO INSTALL, MAINTAIN AND OPERATE WIRELESS FACILITIES AND COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN THE PUBLIC STREETS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA ORDINANCES Ordinance – An ordinance providing an initial authorization for the issuance and sale of water and sewer revenue bonds by the City of Suffolk, Virginia Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Hansen gave a synopsis on the background information as printed in the official agenda. David Rose, Senior Vice President, Davenport and Company, the City’s financial advisors, provided supplemental information. 3 City Council Regular Meeting June 5, 2019 Council Member Goldberg, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to approved the ordinance, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 RESOLUTIONS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. STAFF REPORTS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. MOTIONS Motion – A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session for Wednesday, June 19, 2019 Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session for Wednesday, June 19, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 Motion – A motion to cancel City Council’s July 3, 2019 Meeting Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to cancel City Council’s July 3, 2019, Meeting, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 Motion – A motion to schedule a special City Council Work Session for July 11, 2019, for a tour of area libraries, unless cancelled Council Member Ward, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to schedule a special City Council Work Session for July 11, 2019, for a tour of area libraries, unless cancelled, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 4 City Council Regular Meeting June 5, 2019 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS Edward Harrigan, 1781 Millwood Way, representing self, opined about unsafe driving behavior at Wilroy Road and Nansemond Parkway. Bessie Williams, 129 South 4th Street, representing self, opined about homeless related issues. Santora McKinney, 3406 Dumpling Court, representing self, expressed his concerns about short term rentals. Calvin Freeman, 6231 Skeet Road, representing self, reported incidents of property vandalism. NEW BUSINESS Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, moved to direct City Manager Roberts to prepare a report explaining the possible fiscal impact of enacting an ordinance that adheres to the Code of Virginia Section 58.1-3219.14 referencing exemptions from taxes on property of surviving spouses of certain persons killed in the line of duty at the July 17, 2019, City Council meeting. Members of City Council opined about the proposed motion and the potential fiscal impact of the real estate tax exemption. Vice Mayor Bennett called on City Manager Roberts to provide information on the Line of Duty Act real estate tax exemption. Referring to the distributed letter dated April 4, 2019, City Manager Roberts provided an overview of the act, the potential impact per qualified household and the list of the positions that would be eligible for the real estate tax exemption. Council Member Fawcett asked if the real estate tax exemption would be granted on a one-time basis. City Manager Roberts replied in the negative. City Attorney Holland added that should City Council approve the real estate tax exemption by ordinance, an additional ordinance would be required if City Council wished to rescind the real estate tax exemption in the future. Council Member Goldberg opined about the process used to determine if an employee’s death is meets the requirements for the Line of Duty Act real estate tax exemption City Attorney Holland advised that the Virginia Retirement System reviews all applications for the real estate tax exemption and determines if the application meets the requirements for the real estate tax exemption. Members of City Council opined about the proposed motion and the potential fiscal impact of enacting the real estate tax exemption. Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, moved to direct City Manager Roberts to prepare a report explaining the possible fiscal impact of enacting an ordinance that adheres to the Code of Virginia Section 58.1-3219.14 referencing exemptions from taxes on property of surviving spouses of certain persons killed in the line of duty at the July 17, 2019, City Council meeting, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, and Ward 7 NAYS: Council Member Milteer 1 5 City Council Regular Meeting June 5, 2019 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Media and Community Relations Assistant Director Timothy Kelley reported on the following: the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts’ acknowledgement of the recent mass shooting in Virginia Beach; ribbon cuttings at Chartway Federal Credit Union and Dunkin’ Donuts; the groundbreaking ceremony for Lakeview Medical Center at Harbour View; the upcoming ribbon cutting for the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s Inclusive Playground at Lake Meade Park; the TGIF Summer Concert Series; and the State’s Hurricane Evacuation Zone website. Council Member Johnson extended his condolences to the twelve victims, who lost their lives at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. Council Member Johnson acknowledged Mr. McKinney and Mr. Harrigan, who were in attendance. Council Member Johnson congratulated the graduates from the Lakeland High School Biomedical Sciences Program. Council Member Ward announced he attended the ribbon cutting for Bayport Credit Union and the Hampton Ministries Conference. Council Member Ward acknowledged Mr. Harrigan, Mr. Freeman, and Mr. McKinney, who were attendance. Council Member Ward opined about the upcoming staff report on paper streets. Council Member Duman reported he attended the ribbon cuttings for Dunkin Donuts, Chartway Federal Credit Union and Bayport Credit Union. Council Member Duman opined about the Suffolk State of the City. Council Member Duman congratulated Commissioner of the Revenue Susan Draper on her receipt of the Boy Scouts of America Colonial Virginia Council Hometown Hero Award. Council Member Duman acknowledged Council Member Fawcett’s appointment at the Chair of the Virginia Municipal League’s Legislative Committee. Council Member Duman acknowledged the 75th anniversary of the World War Two Invasion of Normandy. Council Member Milteer opined about the solid financial health of the City. Council Member Milteer opined about strong employee morale. Council Member Fawcett extended his condolences to the twelve victims, who lost their lives at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. Council Member Fawcett opined about the upcoming hurricane season. 6 City Council Regular Meeting June 5, 2019 Council Member Fawcett announced he attended the ribbon cuttings for Dunkin Donuts, Chartway Federal Credit Union and Bayport Credit Union. Council Member Fawcett acknowledged the recipients of the Tidewater Builders Association Scholarship Foundation Awards and the Joe Bagley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2582 Public Servant Awards. Council Member Fawcett reported he attended the Suffolk State of the City and the Boy Scouts of America Colonial Virginia Council Hometown Hero Award Breakfast honoring Commissioner of the Revenue Susan Draper. Council Member Goldberg acknowledged Mr. Harrigan and Mr. McKinney, who were in attendance. Council Member Goldberg announced he attended the Suffolk State of the City. Council Member Goldberg extended his condolences to the twelve victims, who lost their lives at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. Vice Mayor Bennett reported he attended the Suffolk State of the City. Vice Mayor Bennett acknowledged Mr. McKinney, who was in attendance. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the Parks and Recreation Department’s summer youth programs. Vice Mayor Bennett extended his condolences to the twelve victims, who lost their lives at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. Mayor Johnson acknowledged Mr. McKinney, who was in attendance. Mayor Johnson opined about the Suffolk State of City. Mayor Johnson congratulated the recipients of the Joe Bagley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2582 Public Servant Awards. Mayor Johnson extended her condolences to the twelve victims, who lost their lives at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to adjourn, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 7 City Council Regular Meeting June 5, 2019 There being no further business to come before City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:49 p.m. Teste: ________________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: ____________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: JULY 17, 2019 8