City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council Regular Meeting October 21, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, October 21, 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. Albert S. Moor, Interim 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 members of City Council were in attendance. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CERTIFICATION City Clerk Dawley presented a resolution certifying the First Closed Meeting of October 21, 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 Goldberg, moved to approve the resolution, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Goldberg, Fawcett, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE FIRST CLOSED MEETING OF OCTOBER 21, 2020, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting October 21, 2020 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Milteer, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to approve the minutes from the July 15, 2020, Work Session, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Goldberg, Fawcett, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Special Presentation – COVID-19 Update Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Dr. Todd Wagner, Director, Western Tidewater Health District, provided a summary of the above referenced item. Council Member Fawcett called for information about the relationship between pneumonia and the coronavirus. Dr. Wagner explained that an individual could be vaccinated for pneumonia but that vaccine does not mitigate coronavirus. Council Member Fawcett inquired about the number of shots required for a pneumonia vaccine. Dr. Wagner reported that the vaccine in administered in one dose, it is recommended for persons 65 years old and older and is effective for five years. Members of City Council opined about the coronavirus. Council Member Goldberg sought clarification when an individual should be tested for coronavirus. Dr. Wagner said that an individual should be tested in the event that they are symptomatic or have come into close contact with a person that has tested positive. Mayor Johnson queried about the quarantine protocol in the event that an individual came in contact with another individual that tested positive for coronavirus. Dr. Wagner advised that in the event that you are exposed to a person that has tested positive for coronavirus, you should quarantine for the appropriate amount of time or have two negative tests within 24 hours of coming into contact with a person that tested positive. Council Member Ward solicited an explanation about the difference between the influenza vaccines provided to those that are 65 years old and older. Dr. Wagner replied that the vaccines that are administered to those 65 years old and older are high dose vaccines. Special Presentation - EDA COVID-19 Small Business Grant Update Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Economic Development Director Kevin Hughes supplied information about the above referenced item. 2 City Council Regular Meeting October 21, 2020 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 Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, to adopt the agenda, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Goldberg, Fawcett, 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 a Justice Assistance Grant from the United States Department of Justice in support of the Suffolk Police Department and Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney Consent Agenda Item #8 - A resolution of the City Council of the City of Suffolk, Virginia approving the issuance of revenue refunding bonds by the Western Tidewater Regional Jail Authority Referring to Consent Agenda Items #7 and #8, Interim City Manager Moor submitted a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Goldberg, 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, Goldberg, Fawcett, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing – An ordinance to grant a Conditional Use Permit to establish a day care (family day home), 5-12 children, on property located at 6012 Steeplechase Lane, Zoning Map 12H, Parcel 1C*126, Account Number 304668400; CUP2020-014 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director David Hainley gave a summation of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Delphine Rice, no address provided, representing Dana Smith Washington, applicant, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance, as presented. 3 City Council Regular Meeting October 21, 2020 Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to approve the ordinance, with conditions, 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 AN ORDINANCE TO GRANT A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ESTABLISH A DAY CARE (FAMILY DAY HOME), 5-12 CHILDREN, ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6012 STEEPLECHASE LANE, ZONING MAP 12H, PARCEL 1C*126, ACCOUNT NUMBER 304668400; CUP2020-014 ORDINANCES Ordinance – An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to provide hazardous pay bonuses to City employees for work performed during the COVID-19 Pandemic Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Human Resources Director Robin Wynn and Finance Director Tealen Hansen submitted a synopsis of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Fawcett called for clarification about the timeline for the dissemination of the proposed hazardous pay bonuses. Interim City Manager Moor stated that the proposed hazardous pay bonuses will be included in the October 31, 2020, paychecks. Council Member Fawcett asked whether department heads have been advised which employees receive the appropriate amount of the proposed hazardous pay bonuses. Human Resource Director Wynn replied in the affirmative. Council Member Fawcett moved to approve the ordinance, as presented. The motion failed to receive a second. Council Member Goldberg queried about the balance of the City’s allocation from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Finance Director Hansen said that the City has spent or allocated $9,200,000, and there is about $6,800,000 remaining. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved to approve the ordinance, as presented. Council Member Duman sought information about the amount of funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act is being used to provide for the proposed hazardous pay bonuses. Finance Director Hansen stated that approximately $2,400,000 is being used for the proposed hazardous pay bonuses. 4 City Council Regular Meeting October 21, 2020 Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved to approve the ordinance, 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 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAZARDOUS PAY BONUSES TO CITY EMPLOYEES FOR WORK PERFORMED DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESOLUTIONS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. STAFF REPORTS Staff Report – Suffolk Executive Airport and Economic Development Update Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Economic Development Director Hughes offered an overview of the background information as printed in the official agenda. MOTIONS Motion – A motion to schedule a public hearing on November 4, 2020, to consider the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of right of way and easements for the Route 17 and Crittenden Road Intersection Improvements Project (UPC 111089) Council Member Duman called for a presentation about Section 106 Review Process as it relates to the National Historic Preservation Act and the Route 17 and Crittenden Road Intersection Improvements Project at the November 4, 2020, City Council meeting. Public Works Director Louis Hansen reported that the City has consulted with the Federal Highway Administration and the Virginia Department of Transportation about the Section 106 Review Process as it relates to the National Historic Preservation Act and the Route 17 and Crittenden Road Intersection Improvements Project. He added that the Section 106 Review Process was closed before the Crittenden Eclipse Hobson Heritage Civic League entered into the process, and the process will not be reopened. Additionally, he stated that the Federal Highway Administration and the Virginia Department of Transportation have authorized the City to move forward with the acquisition of right of way and easements for the project, and the purpose of the public hearing is to receive input on that matter. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved to schedule a public hearing on November 4, 2020, to consider the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of right of way and easements for the Route 17 and Crittenden Road Intersection Improvements Project (UPC 111089), 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 5 City Council Regular Meeting October 21, 2020 Motion – A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, November 4, 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 Kelly Hengler, 9345 Eclipse Drive, representing the Crittenden-Eclipse-Hobson Heritage Civic League, spoke in opposition to the Route 17 and Crittenden Road Intersection Improvements Project. NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the following board and commission nomination to the respective body: Southside Network Authority - Interim City Manager Albert Moor. Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to nominate and appoint the above referenced individual to the aforementioned body, 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 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Media and Community Relations Assistant Director Timothy Kelley provided a report on the following: Small Business Administration’s disaster assistance program for businesses and residents affected by Tropical Storm Isaias and resulting tornadoes; Suffolk Economic Development Authority’s COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant Program; public meetings for the Kings Highway Bridge; Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s receipt of awards from the Virginia Recreation and Park Society; the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s Carpool Cinema event; information about Halloween in the context of the State’s stay at home order; the cancellation of the City’s holiday parade and the City’s observance of the Election Day holiday. Council Member Johnson opined about the increase of fire ants. Council Member Johnson extended his best wishes to Ruby Walden on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Council Member Johnson acknowledged the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s receipt of awards from the Virginia Recreation and Park Society. Council Member Johnson opined about the upcoming election. 6 City Council Regular Meeting October 21, 2020 Council Member Ward opined about reports of a black bear in Pughsville area. Council Member Ward opined about residents who have participated in early voting. Council Member Ward commended Temple Beth El for its recent food pantry program. Council Member Duman opined about the hazardous pay bonuses. Council Member Duman opined about the recent Suffolk Police Department Badge Pinning Ceremony. Council Member Duman opined about residents who have participated in early voting. Council Member Milteer opined about the upcoming election. Council Member Fawcett acknowledged the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s receipt of awards from the Virginia Recreation and Park Society. Council Member Fawcett opined about the recent Suffolk Police Department Badge Pinning Ceremony. Council Member Fawcett opined about the hazardous pay bonuses. Council Member Fawcett opined about the upcoming the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s Carpool Cinema event. Council Member Goldberg acknowledged the efforts of Interim City Manager Moor relating to the hazardous pay bonuses. Council Member Goldberg encouraged residents to vote on Election Day. Vice Mayor Bennett asked about the feasibility of installing 25 mile per hour and children at play signs on Woodlake Drive. Vice Mayor Bennett inquired about the submission of a letter of resignation from Council Member Duman from his position as the Chuckatuck Borough representative due to his status as a mayoral candidate. City Attorney Holland replied that letter would be sent to members of City Council, and as she does not receive that type of correspondence, she was not aware of the status of that matter. Vice Mayor Bennett called on Council Member Duman to submit his letter of resignation as the Chuckatuck Borough representative as he is a mayoral candidate. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the recent Suffolk Police Department Badge Pinning Ceremony. Vice Mayor Bennett commended Interim Police Chief Alfred Chandler for his ongoing community outreach efforts. Mayor Johnson acknowledged the efforts of Interim City Manager Moor as it relates to the hazardous pay bonuses. Mayor Johnson opined about the recent Suffolk Police Department Badge Pinning Ceremony. 7 City Council Regular Meeting October 21, 2020 Mayor Johnson announced she would be attending the upcoming Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Groundbreaking Ceremony. Mayor Johnson extended his best wishes to Ruby Walden on the occasion of her 100th birthday. CLOSED MEETING City Clerk Dawley presented the Closed Meeting motion for City Council’s consideration: 1. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A) (1) and (8) discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body; and consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel, specifically the City Assessor. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above referenced purpose, 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 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 7:35 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 8:32 p.m. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CERTIFICATION City Clerk Dawley presented a resolution certifying the Second Closed Meeting of October 21, 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, Goldberg, Fawcett, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE SECOND CLOSED MEETING OF OCTOBER 21, 2020, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED City Clerk Dawley presented the following motion for City Council’s consideration – a motion to schedule a Special City Council meeting for Monday, October 26, 2020, 11:00 a.m. for the purpose of the discussion of the appointment of the Interim City Assessor. 8 City Council Regular Meeting October 21, 2020 Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to schedule a Special City Council meeting for Monday, October 26, 2020, 11:00 a.m., for the purpose of the discussion of the appointment of the Interim City Assessor, by the following roll call: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Goldberg, Fawcett, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, 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 8:34 p.m. Teste: ________________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk APPROVED: MARCH 17, 2021 9