City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council Regular Meeting May 3, 2023 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Shelley Butler Barlow Roger W. Fawcett Timothy J. Johnson John T. Rector LeOtis L. Williams (departed at 6:40 p.m.) 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 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 May 3, 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 Williams, 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 MAY 3, 2023, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting May 3, 2023 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to approve the minutes from the October 5, 2022, and October 19, 2022, Work Sessions and Regular Meetings, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Special Presentation – A proclamation in recognition of “National Police Week” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Police Chief Alfred Chandler. Special Presentation – A proclamation in recognition of “National Public Works Week” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Public Works Director Robert Lewis and employees of the Public Works Department. REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Ward, 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 speakers under this portion of the agenda. CONSENT AGENDA City Clerk Dawley presented the following Consent Agenda items: Consent Agenda Item #7 - A resolution electing to provide VRS Enhanced Hazardous Duty Retirement Benefits for full time Emergency Medical Technicians/Paramedics Consent Agenda Item #8 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate a Walmart Community Grant for the City of Suffolk Sheriff’s Department Consent Agenda Item #9 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Risk Sharing Association for the City of Suffolk Risk Management Program 2 City Council Regular Meeting May 3, 2023 Consent Agenda Item #10 – An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from Campbell Oil Company for the Suffolk Executive Airport Consent Agenda Item #11 – An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Aviation for the Suffolk Executive Airport Consent Agenda Item #12 – A resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into agreements with the localities of Region 5 for purposes of obtaining grant funding from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority Referring to Consent Agenda Items #7 through #12, 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 Bennett, moved to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing – A public hearing to receive public comment on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 Citywide effective real estate tax increase due to reassessment of 12.51% Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Tealen Hansen provided a summary of the background information in the official agenda. Julia Young, 5000 Summer Harvest Lane, representing self, asked about the topic of the public hearing. Mayor Duman advised the public hearing issue is the effective real estate tax increase due to reassessment as required by law. Ms. Young opined about real estate tax increases. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. ORDINANCES Ordinances – Adoption of the proposed Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and related ordinances as amended Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Hansen offered a synopsis of the background information in the official agenda. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector solicited information about the potential impact of any real estate assessment appeals on the proposed Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Finance Director Hansen said she does not anticipate any budget impact from possible assessment adjustments. City Assessor Holt Butt advised that there is no significant difference this year from previous years in the number of appeal applications. 3 City Council Regular Meeting May 3, 2023 Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to approve the Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and related ordinances as amended, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE CITY BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR EXPENDITURES CONTEMPLATED DURING THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024, AND REGULATING THE PAYMENT OF MONEY OF THE CITY TREASURY, AS AMENDED AN ORDINANCE LEVYING REAL PROPERTY TAXES FOR THE TAX YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024, FOLLOWING THE APRIL 19, 2023, AND MAY 3, 2023, PUBLIC HEARINGS ADOPTING 12.51% INCREASE IN THE CITYWIDE ASSESSMENT AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE TAXPAYERS WITH REAL ESTATE TAX RELIEF IN THE FORM OF A CREDIT IN THE AMOUNT OF TWO CENTS ($.02) PER ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100) OF ASSESSED VALUE TO BE APPLIED TO EACH SEMI-ANNUAL REAL ESTATE TAX BILL ISSUES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 AS AUTHORIZED BY VIRGINIA CODE SECTIONS 15.2-950 AND 15.2-940 AN ORDINANCE TO LEVY TAXES ON ALL TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY NOT EITHER EXEMPT FROM TAXATION OR OTHERWISE TAXED FOR THE 2023 AND 2024 TAX YEARS AN ORDINANCE TO APPLY AN ASSESSMENT RATIO TO THE VALUE OF CERTAIN CARS AND TRUCKS AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 58.1-3503(B) OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA FOR THE CALENDAR TAX YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2023 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE CITY OF SUFFOLK, AS AMENDED AN ORDINANCE APPROVING NEW POSITIONS, PAY GRADES, PAY GRADE CHANGES AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS REGARDING THE FY 2023-2024 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET AND THE CITY’S COMPENSATION AND CLASSIFICATION PLAN AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR A COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT OF 5% TO ALL FULL-TIME AND REGULAR PART-TIME CITY EMPLOYEES, GRANT EMPLOYEES, THE REGISTRAR AND THEIR EMPLOYEES, CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES AND CITY COUNCIL APPOINTEES AN ORDINANCE TO TRANSFER FUNDS FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE SUFFOLK TAXING DISTRICT 4 City Council Regular Meeting May 3, 2023 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FROM THE CEMETERY FUND RESTRICTED FUND BALANCE FOR THE HOLLY LAWN CEMETERY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT RESOLUTIONS Resolution – A resolution to adopt the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan for the City of Suffolk’s Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and the Western Tidewater Home Consortium Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director Kevin Wyne submitted a summation of the background information in the official agenda. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson motion, moved to approve the resolution, as presented, by the following roll call 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 FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF SUFFOLK’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (CDBG) AND THE WESTERN TIDEWATER HOME CONSORTIUM HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME) STAFF REPORTS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. MOTIONS Motion – A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled Council Member Rector, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS Joseph L. Bass, 1553 Moore’s Point Road, representing self, opined about youth violence and character development. Gloria Samarah, 8313 Hudgins Circle, representing self, reported about standing water in nearby ditches. 5 City Council Regular Meeting May 3, 2023 NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the following item for consideration: a motion to nominate and appoint Dr. Keith Emerson to the Historic Landmarks Commission. Council Member Rector, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to nominate and appoint the aforementioned individual to the respective committee, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, and Rector 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Williams was excused.) 0 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Media and Community Relations Director Jennifer Moore provided a report on the following: Suffolk Tax Relief Seminar hosted by City Treasurer Ronald Williams; Police Department’s Chat with the Chief; Police Department’s Senior Citizen Academy; Early Childhood Development Coordinator Shawna LoMonaco awarded a scholarship; Public Works Director Robert Lewis received the John F. Exnicios Government Employee Outstanding Service Award; Parks and Recreation Department’s open interview events; City Employee Lunchtime Bike Ride; the season opening of Suffolk Farmers’ Market; and the Born Learning Trail ribbon cutting at Lake Meade Park. Council Member Rector opined about WTKR Everyday Hero, Sandra Merrill, Sugar Mama’s Bake Shoppe. Council Member Rector reported he attended the installation ceremony of the new president at Paul D. Camp Community College, Dr. Corey L. McCray. Council Member Rector announced he attended St. Paul Church’s 6th Pastoral Anniversary for Elder Derrick Grant and Lady Shemica Grant. Council Member Fawcett opined about WTKR Hero Sandra Merrill. Council Member Fawcett congratulated Public Works Director Lewis on receiving the John F. Exnicios Government Employee Outstanding Service Award. Council Member Fawcett reported he attended the Portsmouth State of the City address. Council Member Fawcett reported he attended the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year event and congratulated Suffolk nominee Embroidery and Print House. Council Member Fawcett opined about Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Mayor Duman announced Council Member Williams had to depart the meeting at 6:40 p.m. and was excused for the remainder of the meeting. Council Member Butler Barlow extended her appreciation for their expressions of sympathy on the passing of her father-in-law and former Council Member Joseph L. Barlow. 6 City Council Regular Meeting May 3, 2023 Council Member Bennett opined about public safety. Council Member Bennett extended his appreciation to staff for their assistance with various constituent issues. Council Member Bennett inquired about the possibility of a passenger train stop in Suffolk. City Manager Moor advised the request is in the City’s legislative package. Council Member Bennett announced that he attended the Suffolk Police Department Awards ceremony. Council Member Bennett congratulated Reverend Anthony Copeland on his 40th Pastoral Anniversary. Council Member Bennett said he attended the Parks and Recreation Department’s Seaboard Coastline Trail update. Vice Mayor Ward reported he went to the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year event. Vice Mayor Ward solicited information regarding Gloria Samarah’s comments. City Manager Moor advised staff will research and report on the matter. Mayor Duman opined about City Council’s retreat. Mayor Duman announced he attended the following: ribbon cutting for Tractor Supply; the Western Tidewater Free Clinic’s Dental Clinic Expansion; the City’s diversity, equity and inclusion training; Norfolk and Portsmouth State of the City addresses; the Virginia Pilot Club Convention; the Earth and Arts Festival; the Albert G. Horton Cemetery Groundbreaking; the Suffolk Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance Citywide Revival; a meeting with ForKids Chief Executive Officer Thaler McCormick; Lake Prince Woods Philanthropy Luncheon; the State of the Port Luncheon; the Suffolk Education Foundation Gala; and the Riddick’s Folly Annual Event. Mayor Duman opined about today’s Work Session. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Ward, moved to adjourn, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, and Rector 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Williams was excused.) 7 City Council Regular Meeting May 3, 2023 There being no further business to come before City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: OCTOBER 4, 2023 8