City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council Regular Meeting July 1, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at 6:00 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. Council Member Milteer offered the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. City Clerk Dawley called the roll and all member of City Council were in attendance. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CERTIFICATION City Clerk Dawley presented a resolution certifying the Closed Meeting of July 1, 2020, pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to approve the resolution, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING OF JULY 1, 2020, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting July 1, 2020 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Vice Mayor Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to approve the minutes from the March 31, 2020, Special Meeting, as presented, by the following roll call 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. 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, as presented. Council Member Goldberg, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, to adopt the agenda, as presented, by the following roll call 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 accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for the Suffolk Victim/Witness Assistance Program Consent Agenda Item #8 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for the Fifth Judicial District Community Corrections Program Consent Agenda Item #9 - A resolution to direct the City Manager to extend the schedule for the suspension of utility delinquent account service disconnections Referring to Consent Agenda Items #7 through #9, City Manager Roberts submitted a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. 2 City Council Regular Meeting July 1, 2020 Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, by the following roll call 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 There were no items under this portion of the agenda. ORDINANCES There were no items under this portion of the agenda. RESOLUTIONS Resolution – A resolution to endorse Suffolk Transit project applications under the Smart Scale Funding Program Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Louis Hansen supplied a summation of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Goldberg queried about the feasibility of using any of the funding for bus shelters. Public Works Director Hansen said that this funding is not eligible for that purpose. He added that there is other state and federal funding is available for those improvements. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to approve the resolution, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION TO ENDORSE SUFFOLK TRANSIT PROJECT APPLICATIONS UNDER THE SMART SCALE FUNDING PROGRAM Resolution – A resolution to endorse project applications under the Smart Scale Funding Program Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Hansen offered a summary of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Duman sought information about the timeline for the funding. Public Works Director Hansen explained that at this point, the timeline is still being determined. Council Member Duman inquired about the formula for the funding. Public Works Director Hansen advised that, as the application is being prepared, the formula is in flux. He added that one of the factors in determining the formula is each project’s amount of congestion mitigation. 3 City Council Regular Meeting July 1, 2020 Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, moved to approve the resolution, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION TO ENDORSE PROJECT APPLICATIONS UNDER THE SMART SCALE FUNDING PROGRAM STAFF REPORTS Staff Report – Central Library Project Design Update Capital Programs and Buildings Director Gerry Jones introduced Chuck Wray, Principal in Charge, Quinn Evans, the City’s architectural firm for the Central Library. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Wray provided a report of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Coronavirus Update – The City Manager or designee will provide an update related to COVID-19 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Dr. Todd Wagner, Director, Western Tidewater Health District, gave an update on the above referenced item. Council Member Goldberg asked about any reports of COVID-19 cases with a mutated virus. Dr. Wagner advised that no such cases have been reported in this area. Council Member Goldberg opined about future viruses from China. Dr. Wagner indicated that there are no specific threats at this point, however, staff is watching information as it relates to future issues. Vice Mayor Bennett queried about contact tracing of COVID-19. Dr. Wagner explained that as a result of the community testing events, staff will start using contact tracing for COVID-19. Vice Mayor Bennett reported that the Balm Church has requested a community testing event. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett called for a copy of the data regarding case trends. Dr. Wagner replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Johnson sought information about the State’s phase three plan for reopening, specifically as it relates to the operation of bars. Dr. Wagner stated that under the State’s phase three plan for reopening, bars are permitted to operate under the State’s safety requirements. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Tealen Hansen submitted on the status of the City’s CARES Act Funding. Council Member Fawcett inquired about the timeline to spend the funds. Finance Director Hansen said that all funds must be spent by December 30, 2020. 4 City Council Regular Meeting July 1, 2020 Council Member Duman opined about the use of funds for small business relief. Finance Director Hansen advised that the Economic Development Authority has earmarked $200,000 for small business that have been adversely impacted as a result of COVID-19 and the Economic Development Authority is in the process of creating qualifying criteria. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, City Manager Roberts offered supplementary information regarding the phases of City reopening activities. MOTIONS Motion – A motion to schedule all Land Use matters on the July 7, 2020, Planning Commission Meeting to the August 5, 2020, City Council Meeting agenda Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to schedule all Land Use matters on the July 7, 2020, Planning Commission Meeting to the August 5, 2020, City Council Meeting agenda, by the following roll call 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 City Council Work Session for Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled Vice Mayor Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session for Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS Dexter Mitchell, 3605 Preakness Circle, representing self, spoke in opposition to road improvements on Pitchkettle Road. Kelly Hengler, 9345 Eclipse Drive, representing the Crittenden-Eclipse-Hobson Heritage Civic League, opined about COVID-19 and road projects. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Johnson reported increased traffic congestion on Wilroy Road, Nansemond Parkway and Shoulders Hill Road as it relates to increase trains. City Manager Roberts stated that he addressed this matter with Interim Police Chief Alfred Chandler. He added that the Suffolk Police Department will be contacting the railroad companies about their activities as it relates to the increased traffic congestion and increase enforcement as much as possible. 5 City Council Regular Meeting July 1, 2020 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Media and Community Relations Director Timothy Kelley provided a report on the following: the appointment of new Human Resources Director Robin Wynn; the road closure for the removal of overhead utility lines on the eastbound right lane of Holland Road between Manning Road and the Suffolk Bypass; the road closure of Wilroy Road in both directions; the launch of the Suffolk Farmers’ Market Walk-Through Market; the opening of Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s Limited Summer Camps; the opening and seasonal schedule for Cypress Park Pool; the Virtual Stars and Stripes Spectacular; the Independence Day Scavenger Hunt and the City’s observance of the Independence Day holiday. Mayor Johnson acknowledged the new Human Resources Director Robin Wynn in the audience. Council Member Johnson acknowledged City Administration for their efforts to improve Route 58. Council Member Ward thanked City Attorney Holland for attending a recent meeting. Council Member Ward opined about traffic conditions near Bernhowe Manor. Council Member Duman acknowledged City Manager Roberts for the Crittenden Road Passing Zone review. Council Member Duman congratulated new Human Resources Director Robin Wynn on her appointment. Council Member Milteer announced he attend the retirement celebration for former Deputy City Manager D. Scott Mills. Council Member Milteer congratulated new Human Resources Director Robin Wynn on her appointment. Council Member Milteer opined about the ongoing 2020 Census. Council Member Fawcett congratulated new Human Resources Director Robin Wynn on her appointment. Council Member Fawcett announced he attend the retirement celebration for former Deputy City Manager D. Scott Mills. Council Member Fawcett thanked his staff for their assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Council Member Goldberg opined about the increased traffic congestion as it relates to trains. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the increased traffic congestion as it relates to trains. Vice Mayor Bennett congratulated new Human Resources Director Robin Wynn on her appointment. Vice Mayor Bennett congratulated Mayor Johnson on her reappointment as the Chair to Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission. 6 City Council Regular Meeting July 1, 2020 Vice Mayor Bennett thanked Dr. Wagner for his presentation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Johnson congratulated new Human Resources Director Robin Wynn on her appointment. Mayor Johnson congratulated former Deputy City Manager D. Scott Mills. 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 There being no further business to come before City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Teste: ________________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: ____________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: OCTOBER 7, 2020 7