City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council Regular Meeting March 1, 2023 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Shelly Butler Barlow Roger W. Fawcett Timothy J. Johnson John T. Rector LeOtis L. Williams Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Albert S. Moor, II, City Manager ABSENT None CALL TO ORDER/INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Duman called the meeting to order. Council Member Butler Barlow 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 March 1, 2023, pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, moved to approve the resolution, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING OF MARCH 1, 2023, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to approve the minutes from the August 17, 2022, Work Session, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 1 City Council Regular Meeting March 1, 2023 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 said that a motion was in order at this time to adopt the agenda, as presented. Council Member Rector, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to adopt the agenda as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector 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 adding a member to the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Consent Agenda Item #8 - An ordinance to amend Chapter 2, Article III, Division 14, Section 2-461 of the Code of the City of Suffolk, Virginia; and to add Section 2-464 to the Code of the City of Suffolk, Virginia in order to create a Public Safety committee Consent Agenda Item #9 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds proffered by McDonald Development Company in support of the Holland Road Improvements project Consent Agenda Item #10 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Library of Virginia for the Suffolk Public Library Consent Agenda Item #11 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Obici Healthcare Foundation for the Suffolk Department of Parks and Recreation Referring to Consent Agenda Item #7 through Item #11, City Manager Moor submitted a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Fawcett, 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 Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 2 City Council Regular Meeting March 1, 2023 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing - A resolution to adopt the Capital Improvements Program and Plan for Fiscal Years 2023-2024 through 2032-2033 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Tealen Hansen gave a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Hearing no speakers, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Ward, moved to approve the resolution, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM AND PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2023-2024 THROUGH 2032-2033 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 – Automated Traffic Enforcement Update Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Work Director Robert Lewis provided a report on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett suggested that the intersection of Nansemond Parkway and Portsmouth Boulevard be considered for enforcement cameras. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector asked about the functioning of the cameras. Public Works Director Lewis advised that the cameras will read license plates. Council Member Rector inquired about the availability of the information to the Suffolk Police Department if they are looking for a certain vehicle. Police Chief Alfred Chandler replied that cameras are already at many locations, but surveillance would not be an appropriate use of the speed enforcement cameras. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector solicited information about the enforced speed limit hours. Police Chief Chandler said that penalties will be enhanced for infractions in a work zone, but the speed limit itself is constant. 3 City Council Regular Meeting March 1, 2023 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett requested next steps. Public Works Director Lewis surmised that an ordinance to authorize the program would be presented at the March 15, 2023, City Council meeting. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward asked how locations for the enforcement cameras will be determined. Public Works Director Lewis advised that locations were determined by public safety, staff and residents. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward asked whether the speed limit in all work zones was the same. Public Works Director Lewis said the speed limit is dependent upon location. MOTIONS Motion – A motion to schedule a Public Hearing for March 15, 2023, to receive public comment on an ordinance to authorize a quitclaim deed between the City of Suffolk and Curtis Mehalko, for the conveyance of real property located on Tax Map and Parcel 40A*76 Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to schedule a Public Hearing for March 15, 2023, to receive public comment on an ordinance to authorize a quitclaim deed between the City of Suffolk and Curtis Mehalko, for the conveyance of real property located on Tax Map and Parcel 40A*76, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Bennett, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 Motion – A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session for Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Bennett, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session for Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Bennett, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS Travis McKinney, 2804 Lake Cohoon Point, representing self, registered complaints about Suffolk Public Schools spending. Vic Nicholls, 1124 Mill Lake Quarter, Chesapeake, Virginia representing self, was not present when called. Denise Murden, 4041 Kingston Parkway, representing self, opined about downtown neighbors. 4 City Council Regular Meeting March 1, 2023 NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the nomination of Darius Davenport for appointment to the Wetlands Board. Council Member Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to nominate and appoint Darius Davenport to the Wetlands Board, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Media and Community Relations Director Jennifer Moore provided a report on the following: the award of International Accredited Status to the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue Department by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International; the designation of the Assessment Administration Specialist from the International Association of Assessing Officers to City Assessor Holt Butt; the Public Utilities Department’s Water Conversion; ribbon cutting of Vortex Express Carwash; the schedule for the Conversations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney; the Great American Cleanup; the Parks and Recreation Department’s adult basketball league formation; 6th Annual Mother Son Dance; and Teen Night Out at the Movies. Council Member Rector asked for recalibration of traffic lights on Main Street and Finney Avenue. Council Member Rector acknowledged the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Director. Council Member Rector extended birthday wishes to his brother, David Rector. Council Member Rector said he attended Public Safety Forum. Council Member Rector reported he went to the Sister Cities Young Artists and Authors event. Council Member Williams said he attended the 2045 Comprehensive Plan meeting at Curtis R. Milteer, Sr. Recreation Center. Council Member Williams extended his condolences to the family of the late Iyasha Edwards. Council Member Williams asked for an update on requested street lights in the downtown area. Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes advised the lights are on order, and staff is working with Dominion Energy to have them installed by late spring. Council Member Williams requested public art on the Phoenix Bank Building. Council Member Fawcett congratulated Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department and City Assessor Butt on their respective accreditations. 5 City Council Regular Meeting March 1, 2023 Council Member Fawcett said he attended a 2045 Comprehensive Plan meeting. Council Member Fawcett opined about traffic on Route 17 and surrounding areas. Council Member Fawcett acknowledged the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Director. Council Member Butler Barlow opined about the Work Session presentation made by Nansemond Indian Tribal Nation. Council Member Butler Barlow acknowledged the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Director. Council Member Butler Barlow reported she attended the 2045 Comprehensive Plan community meetings. Council Member Butler Barlow congratulated athletic teams at Kings Fork High School for their accomplishments. Council Member Bennett acknowledged the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Director. Council Member Bennett thanked City Assessor Butt for the work session presentation. Council Member Bennett reported that Karl Marshall was installed as Senior Pastor at New Hope Baptist Church. Council Member Bennett encouraged the public to attend the 2045 Comprehensive Plan community meeting at Mack Benn Elementary School. Council Member Johnson opined about the 2045 Comprehensive Plan community meetings. Council Member Johnson congratulated the 100th anniversary of Boy Scout Troop 1. Council Member Johnson reported he went to the Suffolk Art League Antique show. Council Member Johnson congratulated Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department and City Assessor Butt on their respective accreditations. Vice Mayor Ward announced that he attended to 2045 Comprehensive Plan community meetings. Vice Mayor Ward acknowledged the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Director. Mayor Duman congratulated Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department on its accreditation. Mayor Duman acknowledged the appointment of Jennifer Moore as the Media and Community Relations Director. 6 City Council Regular Meeting March 1, 2023 Mayor Duman reported he attended the Suffolk Humane Society’s Paws for the Arts event. Mayor Duman reported he attended the Law Enforcement Forum. Mayor Duman advised he attended the Vortex Car Wash Ribbon Cutting. Mayor Duman announced he visited the new Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12217. Mayor Duman reported he attended the celebration for Dr. Marcia Conston, the new President of Tidewater Community College. Mayor Duman said he went to the Sister Cities Young Artists and Authors event. Mayor Duman congratulated City Assessor Butt on his accreditation and thanked him for the Work Session presentation. Mayor Duman opined about the Public Safety Committee. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to adjourn, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Bennett, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 There being no further business to come before City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 6, 2023 7