City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council Regular Meeting May 4, 2022 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, 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., 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 May 4, 2022, 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 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 MAY 4, 2022, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting May 4, 2022 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to approve the minutes from the November 3, 2021, Work Session and Regular Meeting, as presented, 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 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “National Public Works Week” Mayor Duman presented the proclamation to Public Works Assistant Director Karl Marshall. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “National Police Officer Memorial Week” Mayor Duman presented the proclamation to Police Chief Alfred Chandler. Police Chief Chandler offered remarks. Special Presentation - A proclamation in Recognition of “Bike Month” Mayor Duman presented the proclamation to Parks and Recreation Director Mark Furlo. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo offered remarks. REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Mayor Duman said 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, moved to adopt the agenda, as presented, 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 AGENDA SPEAKERS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. CONSENT AGENDA City Clerk Dawley presented the following Consent Agenda items: Consent Agenda Item #7 - A resolution confirming the appointment of Thomas E. Mueller as Deputy City Attorney 2 City Council Regular Meeting May 4, 2022 Consent Agenda Item #8 - A resolution to adopt the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan for the City of Suffolk’s Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and the Western Tidewater Home Consortium Home Investment Partnership Grant Program (HOME) Referring to Consent Agenda Items #7 through #8, City Manager Moor submitted a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, 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 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing – A public hearing to receive public comment on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Citywide effective real estate tax increase due to reassessment of 10.81% Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Tealen Hansen offered a summation of the background information as printed in the official agenda. The following individuals spoke in support of a reduction in the City’s real estate tax rate: Dennis Heuer, 1744 Millwood Way, representing self. Julia Young, 5000 Summer Harvest Lane, representing self. Pamela Brandy, 5016 Pearl Street, Chesapeake, Virginia, representing the Pughsville Civic League. Carolyn White, 4216 Coltrane Avenue, representing the Pughsville Civic League, opined about paper streets and drainage issues in Pughsville. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. There was no action required at this time. ORDINANCES Ordinance – Adoption of the proposed Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 and related ordinances Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Hansen gave a report on the background information as printed in the official agenda. 3 City Council Regular Meeting May 4, 2022 Council Member Butler Barlow, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to adopt the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget as presented with the following amendments: increase the General Fund, Local, and Regional Organization funding – by $45,500 for the Suffolk General District Court Behavioral Health Docket and by $28,850 for the Western Tidewater Free Clinic and decrease the General Fund, Non-Departmental Leave Compensation line item by $69,066 and the Leave Compensation – FICA item by $5,284. Referring to the proposed motion, City Attorney Hutchings stated that the motion would need to be approved with the amendments with the related ordinances. Council Member Butler Barlow, on an amended motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to adopt the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget with the related ordinances and with the following amendments: increase the General Fund, Local, and Regional Organization funding – by $45,500 for the Suffolk General District Court Behavioral Health Docket and by $28,850 for the Western Tidewater Free Clinic and decrease the General Fund, Non-Departmental Leave Compensation line item by $69,066 and the Leave Compensation – FICA item by $5,284, and related ordinances, 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 RESOLUTIONS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. STAFF REPORTS Staff Report - Suffolk’s Public Transit Update Public Works Assistant Director Darryll Lewis introduced Transit Manager Maria Ptakowski. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Transit Manager Ptakowski provided a summation of the aforementioned matter. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman asked about the use for the Smartscale Funding. Transit Manager Ptakowski replied that the funds will be used to purchase two new buses for the new commuter bus route. Mayor Duman followed up with a question about the number of buses to be purchased. Transit Manager Ptakowski said two buses will be bought. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams opined about the timeline for the implementation of the results of the public transit rider survey. Transit Manager Ptakowski advised the results of the survey would be a major service change. She concluded that the process will require planning, funding, advertising and public hearings and specified any changes would be implemented approximately in Fiscal Year 2024. 4 City Council Regular Meeting May 4, 2022 Staff Report – Tax Abatement Program Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Social Services Director Harry Cromer supplied a synopsis of the aforementioned matter. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams opined about the methodology in establishing the basic requirement to qualify for the tax relief program for the elderly as it relates to the requirements regarding combined financial worth, dwelling worth and acreage amount. Social Services Director Cromer said the program requirements are set in State law. City Attorney Hutchings added that the program is guided by the City’s ordinance, which is formed as outlined by the State Code. He added that he could research the matter further. MOTIONS Motion - A motion to schedule a public hearing on May 18, 2022, to consider the adoption of an ordinance authorizing lease of certain real property located at Lone Star Lakes, identified as Tract 3091 for a period not to exceed five years Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to a motion to schedule a public hearing on May 18, 2022, to consider the adoption of an ordinance authorizing lease of certain real property located at Lone Star Lakes, identified as Tract 3091 for a period not to exceed five years, 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 Motion - A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 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, May 18, 2022, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled, 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 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS Dennis Heuer, 1744 Millwood Way, representing self, spoke in support of a reduction in the City’s real estate rate. Travis McKinney, 2804 Lake Cahoon Point, representing self, opined about Suffolk Public Schools. Kelly Hengler, 9345 Eclipse Drive, representing the Crittenden Eclipse Hobson Heritage Civic League, opined about the needs of senior citizens and the Planning and Community Development Department. 5 City Council Regular Meeting May 4, 2022 Philip Burns, 2210 East Washington Street, representing self, called for increased patrols by the Suffolk Police Department from the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. at Hoffler Apartments. Pamela Brandy, 5016 Pearl Street, Chesapeake, Virginia, representing the Pughsville Civic League, opined about the concerns of the Pughsville community. Wayne White, 4216 Coltrane Avenue, representing the Pughsville Civic League, opined about paper streets. Carolyn White, 4216 Coltrane Avenue, representing the Pughsville Civic League, opined about paper streets. NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the following nominations to the respective board and commissions: Human Services Advisory Board – Claudine Campbell and Southeastern Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Board – Louvenia Milteer. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, moved to nominate and appoint the above referenced individuals to the aforementioned bodies, 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 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Media and Community Relations Director Timothy Kelley provided a report on the following: the Parks and Recreation Department’s Bike-In Movie event; the Suffolk Farmers Market’s Opening Day; the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Department Assistant Director; the Mosquito Control Division’s Do Not Spray List; the rider survey for Suffolk Transit; the Summer Burn Ban; the Suffolk Public Library’s “SPL Delivers” Home Delivery Service for the Holland Area; the partnership of the Suffolk Workforce Development Center, the Virginia Employment Commission and the American Association of Retired Persons for Veteran Employment Services; and the Commonwealth’s coronavirus vaccination finder website and customer service number. Council Member Butler Barlow announced she attended the following events: Suffolk Clean Community Commission Volunteer Appreciation Banquet; the Healthy Suffolk Gardens to Go event; the Oath of Office Ceremony for Police Chief Alfred Chandler and the Chuckatuck Ruritan Club Meeting. Council Member Johnson opined about the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Department Assistant Director. Council Member Johnson opined about traffic safety on Indian Trail. Council Member Fawcett opined about the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Department Assistant Director. 6 City Council Regular Meeting May 4, 2022 Council Member Fawcett talked about the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. Council Member Fawcett mentioned the Suffolk Police Department and Suffolk Fire Department. Council Member Williams opined about the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Department Assistant Director. Council Member Williams recounted he attended the Oath of Office Ceremony for Police Chief Alfred Chandler. Council Member Williams reported the following constituent concerns: speeding the 300 and 400 block of Brook Avenue; the need of “Children at Play” on Myrick Avenue; removal of overgrown vegetation in the South Suffolk/Pleasant Hill areas; potholes on Culloden Street and Fourth Street and removal of overgrown vegetation on Spruce Street. Council Member Goldberg opined about the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. Council Member Goldberg opined about the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Department Assistant Director. Council Member Goldberg reported he attended a community meeting about a property on Wilson Street. Council Member Ward opined about the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Department Assistant Director. Council Member Ward reported he attended the Oath of Office Ceremony for Police Chief Alfred Chandler. Council Member Ward spoke about paper streets. Council Member Ward asked about the inclusion of sidewalks in the funding that the City has allocated for infrastructural improvements in Pughsville. City Manager Moor explained funding in the current project is for drainage. Vice Mayor Bennett recounted his attendance at the Suffolk Clean Community Commission Volunteer Appreciation Banquet and the Dr. L.D. Britt Statute Dedication Ceremony. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Department Assistant Director. Vice Mayor Bennett said he attended the Oath of Office Ceremony for Police Chief Alfred Chandler. Vice Mayor Bennett remarked about the efforts of the Suffolk Police Department at Hoffler Apartments. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the rehabilitation of Parker Riddick and Cypress Manor. Mayor Duman announced he attended the following: Suffolk Clean Community Commission Volunteer Appreciation Banquet; Ameado’s First Anniversary event and the Oath of Office Ceremony for Police Chief Alfred Chandler. 7 City Council Regular Meeting May 4, 2022 Mayor Duman commented about the pending formation of a Public Safety Committee and an upcoming meeting of the Hampton Roads Mayors and Chief Administrative Officers Public Safety Work Session. Mayor Duman reported he attended the Suffolk Interdenominational Ministries Alliance event and the John Yates Middle School Spring event. Mayor Duman opined about the possibility of funding the Office of the Public Defender. Mayor Duman encouraged residents to attend the upcoming National Day of Prayer Breakfast. Mayor Duman offered a summary of the “If I Was the Mayor” essay contest. Council Member Johnson, 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 8:54 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: NOVEMBER 2, 2022 8