City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council Regular Meeting April 7, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Leroy Bennett, Vice Mayor Shelley Butler Barlow Roger W. Fawcett Donald Z. Goldberg Timothy J. Johnson Lue R. Ward, Jr. LeOtis L. Williams Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., Interim City Attorney Albert S. Moor, Interim City Manager ABSENT None CALL TO ORDER/INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Duman called the meeting to order. Council Member Goldberg 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 Closed Meeting of April 7, 2021, 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 Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING OF APRIL 7, 2021, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting April 7, 2021 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Goldberg, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to approve the minutes of the October 26, 2020, Special Meeting and November 4, 2020, Work Session and Regular Meeting, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Special Presentation - COVID-19 Vaccination Update Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Dr. Lauren James, Interim Director, Western Tidewater Health District, submitted a report on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked whether people who received their first dose at a specific location will be able to return to the same location to get their second dose. Dr. James replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett solicited information about the feasibility of establishing walkup clinics at area pharmacies to receive the vaccine. Dr. James said plans are progressing toward establishing walkup clinics at area pharmacies to receive the vaccine. Vice Mayor Bennett requested information about coronavirus booster shots. Dr. James advised that the Health Department will provide information on that matter once it becomes available. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked about the difference for coronavirus vaccinations in 16-18 year olds. Dr. James reported that an emergency use authorization for the coronavirus vaccines are approved for those 16 and older. She further explained that those over 18 will not require a parent or guardian. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Deputy Fire Chief supplied additional information about the above referenced item. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced item to Interim Police Chief Alfred Chandler and staff from the Emergency Communications Center. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “National Animal Care and Control Week” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced item to Interim Police Chief Chandler and staff from the Suffolk Animal Care Center. 2 City Council Regular Meeting April 7, 2021 REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Mayor Duman advised that a motion was in order at this time to adopt the agenda, as presented. Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved to adopt the agenda, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 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 – A resolution to accept a donation of personal property for the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue Referring to Consent Agenda Item #7, Interim City Manager Moor submitted a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. 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 Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. ORDINANCES Ordinance – An ordinance to amend Chapter 82, Taxation, of the Code of the City of Suffolk to add Article XXII regarding Solar Revenue Share for Solar Energy Projects Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes provided a summation of the background information as printed in the official agenda. 3 City Council Regular Meeting April 7, 2021 Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, moved to approve the ordinance, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 82, TAXATION, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK TO ADD ARTICLE XXII REGARDING SOLAR REVENUE SHARE FOR SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS RESOLUTIONS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. STAFF REPORTS Staff Report – Public Participation Review for King’s Highway Bridge Public Works Director Leroy Hansen introduced John Stewart, Transportation Department Head/ Associate Principal, Clark Nexsen, the City’s project consultant, who gave a report utilizing a PowerPoint presentation on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked whether the project could qualify for Smart Scale funding. Public Works Director Hansen indicated the project does not have a sufficient score to qualify for Smart Scale funding. Vice Mayor Bennett inquired about alternative funding. Public Works Director Hansen advised that the State is looking to City Council for information on the scope of the project so that funding, if any, can be identified. Vice Mayor Bennett asked if the project would qualify for federal funding. Public Works Director Hansen said it is possible if City Council prioritizes its projects. Staff Report – Suffolk Police Department’s Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Re-Accreditation Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Police Chief Chandler gave a report about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward asked whether the Suffolk Police Department was training officers about the issue of dealing with mental health. Interim Police Chief Chandler advised that all personnel are being trained in crisis management and issues surrounding mental health. Council Member Ward solicited further information on the likelihood that mental health specialists will be available to assist in cases of de-escalation. Interim Police Chief Chandler reported that those on the Crisis Intervention Team are more thoroughly trained in these methods and constitute approximately 20% of the department. 4 City Council Regular Meeting April 7, 2021 Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman requested information about the number of police departments in the State that have received the CALEA accreditation. Interim Police Chief Chandler replied that he was not aware of the specific number of police departments in Virginia that have received the accreditation. MOTIONS Motion - A motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on May 5, 2021, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan for the City of Suffolk’s Community Development Block Grant Program and the Western Tidewater Home Consortium HOME Investment Partnership Grant Program Council Member Goldberg, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, moved to schedule a public hearing on May 5, 2021, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan for the City of Suffolk’s Community Development Block Grant Program and the Western Tidewater Home Consortium HOME Investment Partnership Grant Program, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 Motion – A motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on May 5, 2021, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating and Capital Budget Council Member Ward, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to schedule a public hearing on May 5, 2021, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating and Capital Budget, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 Motion – A motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on May 19, 2021, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Citywide effective real estate tax increase due to reassessment of 4.20% Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to schedule a public hearing on May 19, 2021, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Citywide effective real estate tax increase due to reassessment of 4.20%, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 5 City Council Regular Meeting April 7, 2021 Motion – A motion to schedule a City Council Special Meeting, for Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., to consider candidates for the City Manager position Council Member Goldberg, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to schedule a Special Meeting, for Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., to consider candidates for the City Manager position, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 Motion – A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS David Bupp, 324 South Main Street, representing self, opined about possible uses for the Southeastern Public Service Authority landfill. Miller Cary, 1024 Centerbrooke Lane, representing self, spoke about the budget for Suffolk Public Schools. NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the following board and commission nominations to the respective bodies: Agricultural Advisory Committee (Nansemond Farm Bureau Representative) – Michael W. Griffin and Western Tidewater Water Authority (alternate) – Interim City Attorney William Hutchings. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved to nominate and appoint the above referenced individuals to the aforementioned bodies, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 6 City Council Regular Meeting April 7, 2021 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Media and Community Relations Assistant Director Timothy Kelley provided a report on the following: the ribbon cutting at Bennett’s Creek Park’s Inclusive Playground; CALEA accreditation of the Suffolk Police Department; announcement of Suffolk Police Department’s Explorer Post 124 program; the observance of Distracted Driving Awareness Month; the observance of National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week; the observance of National Telecommunicators Appreciation Week; Week of the Young Child reading challenge; expansion of operational hours at the Suffolk Public Library; and the State’s vaccination website. Council Member Williams congratulated the Suffolk Police Department’s on its CALEA accreditation. Council Member Williams thanked City Administration for resolving an issue on Duke Street. Council Member Goldberg congratulated the Suffolk Police Department’s on its CALEA accreditation. Council Member Goldberg congratulated Public Works Director Hansen on his new position with the City of Virginia Beach. Council Member Ward mentioned the coronavirus vaccination clinics at Temple Beth-El and HUB757. Council Member Ward congratulated Public Works Director Hansen on his new position with the City of Virginia Beach. Council Member Ward congratulated the Suffolk Police Department’s on its CALEA accreditation. Council Member Ward asked about operations at the Suffolk branch of the Social Security Administration Office. Council Member Butler Barlow gave a summary of the Agricultural Advisory Committee. Council Member Butler Barlow talked about the Virginia Department of Historic Resources project on African American oystermen. Council Member Butler Barlow reported that former Council Member Joseph Barlow had suffered an illness but was now recovering. Council Member Johnson wished Public Works Director Hansen well in his new position. Council Member Johnson opined about the Agricultural Advisory Committee and proposed budget. Council Member Fawcett congratulated Public Works Director Hansen on his new position with the City of Virginia Beach. Council Member Fawcett opined about the proposed budget. Vice Mayor Bennett mentioned a meeting with Congressman McEachin’s office about the Great Dismal Swamp. 7 City Council Regular Meeting April 7, 2021 Vice Mayor Bennett talked about the Suffolk Police Department’s Explorer program. Vice Mayor Bennett congratulated Public Works Director Hansen on his new position with the City of Virginia Beach. Vice Mayor Bennett talked about constituent concerns regarding the development of 4841 Townpoint Road. Mayor Duman congratulated Public Works Director Hansen on his new position with the City of Virginia Beach. Mayor Duman reported on his tour of the City with Senator Timothy Kaine. Mayor Duman offered comments about the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Hilton Garden Inn. Mayor Duman opined about the proposed budget and resolution from Suffolk Public Schools regarding funding. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to adjourn, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 There being no further business to come before City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: OCTOBER 6, 2021 8