City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council Regular Meeting May 7, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Shelley Butler Barlow Timothy J. Johnson John T. Rector LeOtis L. Williams Ebony N. Wright 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 7, 2025, pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Council Member Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Rector, moved to approve the resolution, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING OF MAY 7, 2025, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting May 7, 2025 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to approve the minutes from the January 2, 2025, Special Meeting and January 15, 2025, Work Session and Regular Meeting, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 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 from the Public Works Department. Public Works Director Lewis offered remarks. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “National Police Officer Memorial Week” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Police Chief James Buie, who offered remarks. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “Drinking Water Week” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Public Utilities Director Paul Retel and Robin Whitley, Quality Control Technician, Public Utilities Department, who offered remarks. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “Foster Care Month” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Social Services Director Harry Cromer and Social Services Assistant Director Toya Taylor, who offered remarks. REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA City Manager Moor announced that Consent Agenda #7 needed to be removed for a separate vote and considered under the Ordinances portion of the agenda, due to an amended proposed version for City Council’s consideration. Council Member Wright, on a motion seconded by Council Member Rector, moved to remove Consent Agenda #7 for a separate vote under the Ordinances portion of the agenda and adopt the remainder of the agenda, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 2 City Council Regular Meeting May 7, 2025 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 #8 - A resolution to cancel a project under the Revenue Sharing Funding Program for fiscal years 2025 to 2028 Consent Agenda Item #9 - A resolution to endorse project applications under the Revenue Sharing Funding Program for fiscal years 2029 and 2030 Consent Agenda Item #10 - A resolution to endorse project applications under the Transportation Alternative Funding Program for Fiscal Year 2027 Consent Agenda Item #11 - A resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a change order to an agreement with Dominion Energy Virginia for the Nansemond Parkway/Bennetts Pasture Road Intersection project Consent Agenda Item #12 - A resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a change order to an agreement with Dominion Energy Virginia for the Shoulders Hill Road/Route 17 Intersection project Referring to Consent Agenda Items #8 through #12, City Manager Moor submitted a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Butler Barlow, on a motion seconded by Council Member Bennett, moved to adopt Consent Agenda Items #8 through #12, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing - A public hearing to receive public comment on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Citywide effective real estate tax increase due to reassessment of 4.71% Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Charles Meek provided a summary of the background information as printed in the official agenda. The following individuals opined about increased real estate assessments: Keon Lindsey, 307 Black Pine Court, representing self. Travis McKinney, Lake Cahoon Point, representing self. Kelly Hengler, 9345 Eclipse Drive, representing self. 3 City Council Regular Meeting May 7, 2025 William Webb, 810 Dumville Avenue, representing self. Hearing no speakers, the public hearing was closed. No action was required on this item by City Council at this time. ORDINANCES Ordinance - Adoption of the proposed Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and related ordinances Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Meek gave a summation of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Rector, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, moved to approve the ordinances, as amended, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: Council Member Johnson 1 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE CITY BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR EXPENDITURES CONTEMPLATED DURING THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026, AND REGULATING THE PAYMENT OF MONEY OUT OF THE CITY TREASURY AN ORDINANCE LEVYING REAL PROPERTY TAXES FOR THE TAX YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026, FOLLOWING THE APRIL 16, 2025, AND MAY 7, 2025, PUBLIC HEARINGS ADOPTING A 4.71% INCREASE IN THE CITYWIDE ASSESSMENT AN ORDINANCE TO LEVY TAXES ON ALL TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY NOT EITHER EXEMPT FROM TAXATION OR OTHERWISE TAXED FOR THE 2025 AND 2026 TAX YEARS AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE CITY OF SUFFOLK AN ORDINANCE APPROVING NEW POSITIONS, PAY GRADES, PAY GRADE CHANGES AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS REGARDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET AND THE CITY’S COMPENSATION AND CLASSIFICATION PLAN, AS AMENDED AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR A COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT OF 3% TO ALL FULL-TIME AND REGULAR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES, GRANT EMPLOYEES, THE REGISTRAR AND THEIR EMPLOYEES, CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES AND CITY COUNCIL APPOINTEES 4 City Council Regular Meeting May 7, 2025 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FROM THE CEMETERY FUND RESTRICTED FUND BALANCE FOR THE HOLLY LAWN CEMETERY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2-588 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK CONCERNING MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 82-34 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK Ordinance - An ordinance to amend Chapter 38 Fire Prevention and Protection of the Code of the City of Suffolk to coincide with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code Act Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, move to approve the ordinance, as amended. Council Member Wright opined about any potential risk to residents and property as a result of the proposed amended ordinance. Fire Chief Michael Barakey explained that the proposed amended ordinance will not result in any risk to residents and property. Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, move to approve the ordinance, as amended, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, and Williams 7 NAYS: Council Member Wright 1 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 38 FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK TO COINCIDE WITH THE VIRGINIA STATEWIDE FIRE PREVENTION CODE ACT, AS AMENDED RESOLUTIONS Resolution - A resolution to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan and Fiscal Year 2025-2030 Consolidated 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) Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Deidre Garrett, Community Development Grants Administrator, offered a summation of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Bennett asked about the potential impact of federal funding reductions on the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Ms. Garrett replied that information should be available on May 14th. 5 City Council Regular Meeting May 7, 2025 Council Member Rector, 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, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND FISCAL YEAR 2025-2030 CONSOLIDATED 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) STAFF REPORT Staff Report - Personal Property Tax Relief Program for Elderly/Disabled Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Meek outlined the background information as printed in the official agenda. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector asked if the proposed estimates allow for more than one automobile per household. Finance Director Meek explained that the personal property tax relief program for the elderly and disabled allows for relief for one automobile per household. Council Member Rector opined about the feasibility of the complete elimination of the personal property tax for the elderly and disabled. City Attorney Hutchins replied that the State Code requires an alternative rate be set and a bill be sent for personal property tax. Vice Mayor Ward, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, to have the City Manager to make an amendment to adopt the personal property tax relief program for the elderly and disabled according to staff recommendation, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 MOTIONS Motion - A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., unless canceled by the Mayor and the City Manager Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Wright, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled by the Mayor and the City Manager, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 6 City Council Regular Meeting May 7, 2025 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS There were no speakers under this portion of the agenda. NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the following nominations for appointment to the respective boards and commissions – Downtown Advisory Committee - Amy Birdsong, Ross Boone, Lula Holland, Brian McCormally and Anthony VanDyke; Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk Holy Neck Borough Representative - Justin Nelson; and the Virginia Municipal League Policy Committees - Community and Economic Development Committee - Vice Mayor Lue Ward; Finance Committee - Council Member John Rector; General Laws - Council Member Ebony Wright; Human Development and Education Committee - Council Member Leroy Bennett and Infrastructure Committee - Council Member Shelley Butler Barlow and Council Member LeOtis Williams. Council Member Bennett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Ward, moved to nominate and appoint the aforementioned individuals to the respective bodies, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 Council Member Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to request the Planning Commission to provide recommended amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance to allow the production of food items that are permitted by Section 3.2-5130(C) of the Viriginia Code to be prepared in a private home without a state inspection as a home occupation, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 Council Member Butler Barlow, on a motion seconded by Council Member Wright, moved to request the Planning Commission to review and recommend any amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding the requirements for the Mixed-Use Development Zoning District and amending a Mixed-Use Development Zoning District, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Communications Director Jennfier Moore provided a report on the following: the Sparrow’s Nest One Year Anniversary; Parks and Recreation Department’s Arbor Day observance; the Virginia Farmers Market Association designated the Suffolk Farmers Market as a Virginia Certified Farmers Market - Gold Certified; the Route 58 Paving Update; the Suffolk Earth and Arts Festival; the Suffolk Public Library’s Family Guidance Deployment Tool Kit; the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s International Fest; the Suffolk Public Library’s IconiCon and the availability of the Public Safety Portal. 7 City Council Regular Meeting May 7, 2025 Council Member Wright opined about the Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Council Member Rector opined about the Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Council Member Rector announced that he attended the following: the Sparrow’s Nest One Year Anniversary; the retirement party for Shirley Snead; the Suffolk Leadership Prayer Breakfast and the Bon Secours Medical Center Harbour View Grand Opening. Council Member Williams extended his condolences to Reverend Wallace Johnson on the passing of his sister. Council Member Williams reported that he attended the following: the 49th Annual Suffolk Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance Revival; the Suffolk Leadership Prayer Breakfast and the Portsmouth State of the City. Council Member Butler Barlow announced that she attended the Sparrow’s Nest One Year Anniversary. Council Member Butler Barlow opined about the Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026. Council Member Bennett opined about the Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Council Member Bennett reported that he attended the Bon Secours Medical Center Harbour View Grand Opening. Council Member Johnson announced that he attended the Suffolk Leadership Prayer Breakfast. Vice Mayor Ward reported that he attended the following: the Grit and Grace Counseling Grand Opening; the 49th Annual Suffolk Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance Revival; the retirement luncheon for Shirley Snead and the Bon Secours Medical Center Harbour View Grand Opening. Council Member Johnson reported that he attended the Suffolk Earth and Arts Festival and opined about the Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Mayor Duman announced he attended the following: a tour of Massimo Zannetti; the 49th Annual Suffolk Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance Revival; the Suffolk Earth and Arts Festival; the Suffolk Leadership Prayer Breakfast; the Bon Secours Medical Center Harbour View Grand Opening and the National Nurse’s Week proclamation presentation at Sentara Obici Hospital. Council Member Wright, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to adjourn, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 8 City Council Regular Meeting May 7, 2025 There being no further business to come before City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 9