City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council Regular Meeting June 16, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, June 16, 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, 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. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CERTIFICATION City Clerk Dawley presented a resolution certifying the Closed Meeting of June 16, 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 JUNE 16, 2021, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to approve the December 16, 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 1 City Council Regular Meeting June 16, 2021 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 Duman advised that a motion was in order at this time to adopt the agenda, as presented. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, 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 There were no items under this portion of the agenda. PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing - An ordinance amending section 26-4, polling places in precincts, of the Code of the City of Suffolk, to provide a new polling place for the Holland Precinct Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Chief of Staff Azeez Felder submitted a synopsis of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Hearing no speakers, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to approve the ordinance, 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 AMENDING SECTION 26-4, POLLING PLACES IN PRECINCTS, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK, TO PROVIDE A NEW POLLING PLACE FOR THE HOLLAND PRECINCT Public Hearing – An ordinance to grant a Conditional Use Permit to expand an existing funeral home, on property located at 405 Johnson Avenue, Zoning Map 34G24(6)5, Parcels 1*2, 3 and 4, Account Numbers 350658000, 350659000 and 350660000; CUP2020-028 2 City Council Regular Meeting June 16, 2021 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Planning and Community Development Director Robert Goumas gave a summation of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Hearing no speakers, the public hearing was closed. Vice Mayor Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to approve the ordinance, with conditions, 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 GRANT A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO EXPAND AN EXISTING FUNERAL HOME, ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 405 JOHNSON AVENUE, ZONING MAP 34G24(6)5, PARCELS 1*2, 3 AND 4, ACCOUNT NUMBERS 350658000, 350659000 AND 350660000; CUP2020-028 Public Hearing – An ordinance to grant a conditional use permit to establish parking, commercial (not owned or operated by a public agency), on property located at the intersection of Northgate Commerce Parkway and Industrial Drive, Zoning Map 20, Parcel 22H; Account Number 306003592; CUP2021-010 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Planning and Community Development Director Goumas provided an overview of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Hearing no speakers, the public hearing was closed. Vice Mayor Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to approve the ordinance, with conditions, 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 GRANT A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ESTABLISH PARKING, COMMERCIAL (NOT OWNED OR OPERATED BY A PUBLIC AGENCY), ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF NORTHGATE COMMERCE PARKWAY AND INDUSTRIAL DRIVE, ZONING MAP 20, PARCEL 22H; ACCOUNT NUMBER 306003592; CUP2021-010 Public Hearing – An ordinance to grant a conditional use permit to establish a solar energy facility, on property located on the southeast quadrant of the intersection of Great Fork Road and Lucy Cross Road, Zoning Map 64, Parcel 58B; Account Number 100595000; CUP2021-003 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Planning and Community Development Director Goumas furnished a report of the background information as printed in the official agenda. 3 City Council Regular Meeting June 16, 2021 The following individuals spoke in support of the proposed ordinance, with conditions, as presented: Martin Speroni, 705 West Washington Street, Saunders and Ojeda, representing Piero Mellits, PE, Century Engineering, Incorporated, agent, representing Michael Doniger, Vice President, Chaberton Solar Whitney, LLC, applicant, on behalf of Adam Rountree and Brandon Simpson, property owners. Michael Doniger, 1523 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, Virginia, Vice President, Chaberton Solar Whitney, LLC, applicant, representing Adam Rountree and Brandon Simpson, property owners. Skyler Wood, 225 Great Fork Road, representing self. The following individuals spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance, with conditions, as presented: Ruth Lizon, 245 Great Fork Road, representing self. Tim Daniel, 3805 Adams Swamp Road, representing Great Fork Baptist Church. Jessica Yenny, 255 Great Fork Road, representing self. Dennis Baggett, 205 Routree Crescent, representing self. Kelly Hengler, 9345 Eclipse Drive, representing self. Michael Doniger, 1523 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, Virginia, Vice President, Chaberton Solar Whitney, LLC, applicant, representing Adam Rountree and Brandon Simpson, property owners, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance, as presented. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. City Council opined regarding the proposed ordinance. Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to deny the proposed ordinance, with conditions, as presented: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 ORDINANCES Ordinance – An ordinance to amend Chapter 86, Section 86-291 of the Code of the City of Suffolk restricting through truck traffic on Little Fork Road, Collins Road and Drum Hill Road Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Public Works Assistant Director Darryll Lewis supplied a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. 4 City Council Regular Meeting June 16, 2021 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 Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 86, SECTION 86-291 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK RESTRICTING THROUGH TRUCK TRAFFIC ON LITTLE FORK ROAD, COLLINS ROAD AND DRUM HILL ROAD 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 Public Hearing for July 7, 2021, to receive public comment on an ordinance to authorize a quitclaim deed between the City of Suffolk and Birdco Energy Incorporated, for the vacation of a public utility easement located on Tax Map & Parcel 34G29(A)*1*2+ Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved to schedule a Public Hearing for July 7, 2021, to receive public comment on an ordinance to authorize a quitclaim deed between the City of Suffolk and Birdco Energy Incorporated, for the vacation of a public utility easement located on Tax Map & Parcel 34G29(A)*1*2+, 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, July 7, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, July 7 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 Carolyn White, 4216 Coltrane Avenue, representing the Pughsville Civic League, opined about stormwater rates. 5 City Council Regular Meeting June 16, 2021 Imhotep Mohammad, 110 South 5th Street, representing Virginia Organizing, opined about criminal justice, police reform, the appointment of a new Police Chief and the need for the establishment of civilian review board. Tion Ashby, 709 Saint James Avenue, representing self, Virginia Organizing, opined about criminal justice, police reform, the importance of filling the Police Chief vacancy and the need for the establishment of civilian review board. Pam Brandy, 5061 Pearl Street, Chesapeake, Virginia, representing the Pughsville Civic League, spoke about infrastructural needs in Pughsville. Wayne White, 4216 Coltrane Avenue, representing the Pughsville Civic League, spoke about infrastructure needs in Pughsville. Roosevelt Jones, 5809 Hawk Lane, representing the Greater Oakland-Chuckatuck-Sandy Bottom Civic League, spoke about infrastructure needs in his area and the importance of filling the Police Chief vacancy. Kelvin Johnson, 4984 Wise Street, representing Hosanna Christian Fellowship Park, opined about access to Pughsville Park. Kelly Hengler, 9345 Eclipse Drive, representing the Crittenden-Eclipse-Hobson Civic League, opined about a recent town hall meeting in Chuckatuck. NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the following board and commission nomination to the respective bodies: Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk (Chuckatuck Borough) – Margie Wiley; Fine Arts Commission – Catherine Wass; Human Services Advisory Board – Betty Montgomery; Planning Commission – Kittrell Ebberwine, Johnnie Edwards, Gerald Goodman and Arthur Singleton; Suffolk Clean Community Commission – Audrey Dennis and Amanda Shuler; Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners – Quinton Franklin. Council Member Butler Barlow, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, 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 Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, moved to approve the resolution appointing William E. Hutchings as City Attorney, 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 APPOINTING WILLIAM E. HUTCHINGS AS CITY ATTORNEY 6 City Council Regular Meeting June 16, 2021 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Media and Community Relations Director Diana Klink provided a report on the following: Route 58-Holland Road groundbreaking; Route 58-Holland Road Project Center Land Closure; the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards honorees from the Suffolk Police Department; the Social Services Department’s new appointment system; the Planning and Community Development Department’s Open House for Public Input on the Proposed Updated Sign Ordinance; the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department’s Hearing Impaired Smoke Alarm Program; Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department’s Summer Fire and Life Safety Camp; the opening of Cypress Park Pool; the Parks and Recreation Department’s TGIF Summer Concert Series; the City’s observance of Juneteenth; the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s Stars and Stripes Spectacular; the Commonwealth’s coronavirus vaccination finder website and customer service number. Council Member Butler Barlow acknowledged the residents in attendance. Council Member Butler Barlow announced an upcoming town meeting hosted by the Chuckatuck- Greater Oakland Civic League. Council Member Butler Barlow opined about the observance of Agriculture Week. Council Member Butler Barlow announced upcoming community gardens. Council Member Johnson extended his congratulations to all 2021 graduates. Council Member Johnson opined about Governor Ralph Northam’s visit to Paul D. Camp Community College-Franklin Campus to announce high-speed internet legislation. Council Member Johnson summarized a constituent concern about litter control. Council Member Fawcett announced he toured the Amazon Fulfillment Center. Council Member Fawcett acknowledged the residents in attendance. Council Member Fawcett extended his regrets to Pughsville Civic League for being unable to attend their upcoming meeting. Council Member Fawcett acknowledged City Attorney Hutchings on his appointment. Council Member Fawcett reported increased truck traffic on Shoulders Hill Road. Council Member Fawcett opined about the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards honorees from the Suffolk Police Department. Council Member Fawcett opined about the availability of smoke detectors for the hearing impaired. Council Member Williams extended his congratulations to all 2021 graduates. Council member Williams opined about Governor Ralph Northam’s visit to Paul D. Camp Community College-Franklin Campus to announce high-speed internet legislation. 7 City Council Regular Meeting June 16, 2021 Council Member Williams announced he toured the Amazon Fulfillment Center. Council Member Williams reported street light outages on Brook Avenue and Kilby Avenue. Council Member Goldberg announced he toured the Amazon Fulfillment Center. Council Member Goldberg acknowledged City Attorney Hutchings on his appointment. Council Member Goldberg opined about the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards honorees from the Suffolk Police Department. Council Member Ward announced he toured the Amazon Fulfillment Center. Council Member Ward reported he attended the funeral of late Sergeant Jose R. Rivera, Suffolk Police Department. Council Member Ward announced he attended the Wright Path Outreach Cookout in Huntersville. Council Member Ward extended his congratulations to all 2021 graduates. Council Member Ward acknowledged the residents from Pughsville in attendance. Vice Mayor Bennett extended his congratulations to all 2021 graduates. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards honorees from the Suffolk Police Department. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the opening of Cypress Park Pool. Vice Mayor Bennett announced he toured the Amazon Fulfillment Center. Vice Mayor Bennett talked about the upcoming Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Virginia-Suffolk Unit Oyster Roast Fundraiser. Vice Mayor Bennett offered remarks regarding the funeral of late Sergeant Jose R. Rivera, Suffolk Police Department. Vice Mayor Bennett acknowledged the residents from Pughsville in attendance. Mayor Duman announced he attended the following: the Route 58 ribbon cutting; the ForKids fundraiser; the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Valor Award; the Governor Ralph Northam’s visit to Paul D. Camp Community College-Franklin Campus to announce high-speed internet legislation; the funeral of the later Sergeant Jose R. Rivera, Suffolk Police Department; the Amazon Fulfillment Center tour; the National Night Out Community Kickoff and the Western Tidewater Community Services Board Memory Care Unit groundbreaking. Mayor Duman acknowledged City Attorney Hutchings on his appointment. Mayor Duman commended City Administration for their assistance with a constituent concern. 8 City Council Regular Meeting June 16, 2021 Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, 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 8:31 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: DECEMBER 15, 2021 9