City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council Regular Meeting October 6, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Leroy Bennett, Vice Mayor Bennett 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., 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. City Clerk Dawley called the roll, and all members of City Council were present. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CERTIFICATION City Clerk Dawley presented a resolution certifying the Closed Meeting of October 6, 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 OCTOBER 6, 2021, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting October 6, 2021 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to approve the minutes from the April 7, 2021, Work Session and Regular Meeting and the April 14, 2021, Special 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 – A proclamation in recognition of Fire Prevention Week Mayor Duman presented the above referenced item to Fire Chief Michael Barakey. 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 Vice Mayor Bennett, to amend the agenda to add the Parks and Recreation Master Plan under the Staff Report portion of the agenda and adopt the remainder of 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 – An ordinance to accept and appropriate a scholarship award from Virginia Department of Health for the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue 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 – An ordinance to reappropriate unspent Fiscal Year 2020-2021 local support of schools funds to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Capital Projects Fund Schools Major Repairs/Systems Replacement Capital Project 2 City Council Regular Meeting October 6, 2021 Consent Agenda Item #10 – An ordinance to accept and appropriate Airport Coronavirus Response funds from the United States Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration for the Suffolk Executive Airport Referring to Consent Agenda Items #7 through #10, City Manager Moor provided a summation of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, 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 Public Hearing – An ordinance to grant a Conditional Use Permit to establish a medical, physical and mental rehabilitation (resident) facility, on property located at 5268 Godwin Boulevard, Zoning Map 9, Parcel 58, Account Number 251036000; CUP2021-019 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Planning and Community Development Director Robert Goumas offered a presentation of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Joshua Pretlow, no address provided, agent, representing the Western Tidewater Community Services Board, applicant, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow called for information about alternative facilities similar to the proposed facility. Mr. Pretlow explained that similar facilities of this type have been closed across the entire state. Sharon Creekmore, 401 Pembroke Lane, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance. Joshua Pretlow, no address provided, agent, representing the Western Tidewater Community Services Board, applicant, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett called for information about the number of days that an individual would stay at the proposed facility. Mr. Pretlow reported that individuals could stay a maximum of 15 days at the proposed facility. Council Member Fawcett inquired about the methodology to assign an individual to the proposed facility. Brandon Rodgers, Director of Business Development, Western Tidewater Community Services Board, explained that an individual would be required to be assessed by a mental health professional in order to be assigned to the proposed facility. He added, screening could take place at an individual’s home, an emergency room or any place in the community, depending on the situation. 3 City Council Regular Meeting October 6, 2021 Council Member Fawcett opined about the potential involvement of law enforcement during an individual’s assessment for assignment to the proposed facility. Mr. Rodgers said that law enforcement would not be involved in an individual’s assessment process, should the individual seek treatment voluntarily. Council Member Fawcett queried about an individual’s ability to leave and return while residing at the proposed facility. Mr. Rodgers advised that if an individual were residing at the proposed facility voluntarily, they would be able to arrive and depart, as they desire. Council Member Johnson asked about the consideration of any alternative sites for the proposed facility. Mr. Rodgers explained that the Western Tidewater Community Services Board already owned the site, and there is no funding to acquire a different property. Council Member Johnson opined about the State’s involvement with the proposed facility. Mr. Rodgers stated that the State is prepared to assist with the proposed facility. Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, 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 A MEDICAL, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REHABILITATION (RESIDENT) FACILITY, ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5268 GODWIN BOULEVARD, ZONING MAP 9, PARCEL 58, ACCOUNT NUMBER 251036000; CUP2021-019 ORDINANCES There were no items under this portion of the agenda. RESOLUTIONS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. STAFF REPORTS Staff Report – Kings Highway Bridge Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Robert Lewis gave an overview of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Goldberg asked for an explanation about vehicle movement leaving and entering Chuckatuck. Public Works Director Lewis advised that at this point, it is difficult to do an origin and destination study of traffic in that area, as the Kings Highway Bridge is not in service. 4 City Council Regular Meeting October 6, 2021 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow inquired about the inclusion of the Kings Highway Bridge in a larger Chuckatuck Village plan. Mayor Duman called for clarification about the needed action in order to address the Kings Highway Bridge. City Attorney Hutchings stated that City Council could consider a resolution at the October 20, 2021, City Council meeting to include the Kings Highway Bridge in the 2022 Legislative Package and the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. He added the other alternative is to let City Manager Moor and his staff address this matter administratively. Staff Report – Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Parks and Recreation Director Mark Furlo submitted a synopsis of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett inquired about plans for the Driver Transmitter site. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo replied that matter would be addressed during the Capital Improvement Plan process. Council Member Goldberg opined about a recreation center in the downtown area. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo advised that the Downtown Master Plan encompasses that matter. Council Member Fawcett asked about the status of the Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo reported an update on that matter will be provided during the Capital Improvement Plan. Council Member Johnson requested information about any potential use for the former Southwestern Elementary School site. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo said the future of the site is currently being evaluated. Council Member Ward queried about any recreation centers in the Nansemond Borough. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo stated that there no recreation centers in the Nansemond Borough, and the closest facility is the Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center. Council Member Ward opined about transportation options to travel to the Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center from the Nansemond Borough. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo explained that the Suffolk Seaboard Trail connects the areas, and bus lines are available. Council Member Williams opined about any recreation centers in the Whaleyville Borough. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo replied that the annex is that area is under evaluation. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the expansion of the trails from Nansemond Parkway. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo advised that the City is seeking grants to fund such an expansion. Council Member Ward opined about the expansion of baseball fields in the Burbage Grant and Huntersville areas. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo indicated that the Northern Shores Elementary School Joint Use Facility has baseball fields and serves those areas. He added that the expansion of recreational activities at Magnolia Park might be feasible. 5 City Council Regular Meeting October 6, 2021 Council Member Ward called for information about the availability of scholarships for the Parks and Recreation Department’s summer programs. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo stated that there are scholarships for the Parks and Recreation Department’s summer programs. MOTIONS Motion – A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled Council Member Goldberg, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, October 20, 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 Irving Goldstein, 741 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, Virginia, representing Goldstein, Edgar and Reagan, representing Hinton Asset Recovery, remarked about the release process of property sold for real estate tax. Mayor Duman asked about the date of the tax sale. Mr. Goldstein said the report of sale was November 6th and the deed was made November 30, 2018. He explained his client is seeking the proceeds that were issued by the Circuit Court to the Treasurer in January 2021. Mayor Duman asked City Attorney Hutchings for proper remedy. City Attorney Hutchings advised that City Council can ask for a report from staff for action at a future City Council meeting. Tushar Mukerjee, 6301 Whaleyville Boulevard, opined about the traffic safety on Whaleyville Boulevard. Michele Bolton, 5311 Sports Club Run, representing self, opined about her concerns about the developer responsible for Harbor Links. Glenn McKinney, 2804 Lake Cohoon Point, representing self, opined about traffic on Route 58. Starlina Smith, 110 Ryan Arch, representing self, reported that her rental property was damaged by a sewer issue. Garet Watters, 105 Babbtown Road, representing self, opined about the Binax coronavirus vaccine. 6 City Council Regular Meeting October 6, 2021 NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the following board and commission nominations to the respective bodies: Agricultural Advisory Committee (agricultural industry representative) – Carson Daughtrey; Suffolk Clean Community Commission – Leslie Jacobs; Suffolk Clean Community Commission – Keep Suffolk Beautiful Executive Board – Marc Davis; Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk (Sleepy Hole representative) – Mary Snyder; Historic Landmarks Commission – George D. Bailey, Jr. and Susan M. Coley; Human Services Advisory Board – Trisha James; Library Board – Jeanette Akujuobi and Jeffrey Benton; Local Board of Building Code Appeals – Jesse Canada, III; Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission – Wayne Q. White; and Wetlands Board (alternates) – Steven Barnum and David Thacker Joyner. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, 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 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Media and Community Relations Assistant Director Timothy Kelley provided a report on the following: the ribbon cutting for the Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail Segment II; the ongoing Downtown Drainage Improvement Project; the upcoming Law Enforcement Memorial Service; the Suffolk Police Department’s breast cancer awareness campaign; the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department’s observance of National Fire Prevention Safety Week; the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s Drive-in Movie in the Park; the City’s observance of Columbus Day and Yorktown Victory Day; and the Commonwealth’s coronavirus vaccine webpage and call center information. Council Member Williams announced he attended the 2021 Virginia Municipal League Conference. Council Member Williams opined about gun violence in the Whaleyville Borough. Council Member Williams asked about a bus shelter on County Street. Council Member Williams queried about a contact with the Environmental Control Agency in order to address air quality in the South Suffolk area. Council Member Goldberg acknowledged Ms. Smith and Ms. Bolton’s remarks. Council Member Goldberg opined about traffic concerns on Route 58. Council Member Goldberg reported he attended the ribbon cutting for the Suffolk Seaboard Coastal Trail Segment II. Council Member Goldberg congratulated Cheryl Balzer on her retirement from the Suffolk Police Department. 7 City Council Regular Meeting October 6, 2021 Council Member Goldberg congratulated Dr. L.D. Britt on his receipt of the American College of Surgeons Lifetime Achievement Award. Council Member Ward announced he attended the 2021 Virginia Municipal League Conference. Council Member Ward acknowledged Ms. Bolton’s remarks. Council Member Ward reported he attended the ForKids Field Day Fundraiser. Council Member Ward opined about the redistricting presentation during today’s Work Session. Council Member Butler Barlow opined about traffic concerns on Whaleyville Boulevard. Council Member Butler Barlow opined about farm vehicle traffic. Council Member Butler Barlow encouraged residents to attend Peanut Fest. Council Member Johnson acknowledged Ms. Smith and Ms. Bolton’s remarks. Council Member Johnson opined about traffic concerns on Whaleyville Boulevard. Council Member Johnson acknowledged the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department for their assistance with a fire in the Holland area. Council Member Johnson announced he attended a recent Western Tidewater Water Authority Board meeting. Council Member Fawcett opined about traffic concerns on Whaleyville Boulevard. Council Member Fawcett encouraged residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Council Member Fawcett encouraged residents to attend Peanut Fest and Shrimp Feast. Council Member Fawcett congratulated Dr. L.D. Britt on his receipt of the American College of Surgeons Lifetime Achievement Award. Vice Mayor Bennett reported he attended the attended the ribbon cutting for the Suffolk Seaboard Coastal Trail Segment II. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the availability of smoke detectors for the hearing impaired. Vice Mayor Bennett congratulated Cheryl Balzer on her retirement from the Suffolk Police Department. Vice Mayor Bennett extended his condolences to the family of the late James R. Bembry, Jr. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about an event at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about traffic concerns on Route 58 and reported that over the past 30 days, there have been 201 traffic infractions in that area. 8 City Council Regular Meeting October 6, 2021 Vice Mayor Bennett reported he attended a check presentation to the Genieve Shelter. Mayor Duman extended his condolences to the family of the late Teresa Sperry, a student at Hillpoint Elementary School. Mayor Duman congratulated Dr. L.D. Britt on his receipt of the American College of Surgeons Lifetime Achievement Award. Mayor Duman announced he attend the Oath of Office Ceremony for Deputy City Manager Azeez Felder and Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes. Mayor Duman reported he attended the following events: the ribbon cutting for the Suffolk Seaboard Coastal Trail Segment II; the ForKids Field Day Fundraiser; a check presentation to the Genieve Shelter and the Huntersville Civic League meeting. Mayor Duman opined about a meeting with the management team from Amazon. Mayor Duman encouraged residents to attend Shrimp Feast and Peanut Fest. Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, 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 8:40 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: APRIL 6, 2022 9