City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council Regular Meeting August 20, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor 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 Kevin Hughes, Interim City Manager ABSENT Leroy Bennett (excused) CALL TO ORDER/INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Duman announced that Council Member Bennett was excused. Mayor Duman called the meeting to order. Council Member Butler Barlow offered the Invocation and Boy Scout Troop 16 led the Pledge of Allegiance. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CERTIFICATION City Clerk Dawley presented a resolution certifying the Closed Meeting of August 20, 2025, pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Council Member Johnson, 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 Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Bennett was excused.) A RESOLUTION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING OF AUGUST 20, 2025, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting August 20, 2025 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Ward, moved to approve the minutes from the April 16, 2025, Work Session and Regular Meeting, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Bennett was excused.) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Special Presentation - Presentation of a resolution to Albert S. Moor for his years of service to the City of Suffolk, Virginia City Clerk Dawley presented the above-mentioned item to City Council for consideration. Council Member Johnson, 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 Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Bennett was excused.) A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ALBERT S. MOOR II FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITY OF SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA Mayor Duman presented the above-mentioned item to Mr. Moor, who offered remarks. REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Council Member Rector, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to adopt the agenda, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Bennett was excused.) AGENDA SPEAKERS There were no speakers under this portion of the agenda. 2 City Council Regular Meeting August 20, 2025 CONSENT AGENDA City Clerk Dawley presented the following Consent Agenda items: Consent Agenda Item # 7 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant funds from the Federal Railroad Administration and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the Downtown Grade Crossing Study project Consent Agenda Item #8 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate additional funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation Urban Maintenance Program for public roadway maintenance Consent Agenda Item #9 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for the Suffolk Victim/Witness Assistance Program Consent Agenda Item #10 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Aviation for the Suffolk Executive Airport to repair the Automated Weather Observation System 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 - 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 #13 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia 9-1-1 Services Board for the Suffolk Police Department Referring to Consent Agenda Items #7 through #13, Interim City Manager Hughes submitted a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Wright, moved to adopt Consent Agenda Items #7 through #13 as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Bennett was excused.) PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing - An ordinance to add Section 82-204 to the Code of the City of Suffolk to provide for a reduced personal property taxation rate for eligible elderly and disabled residents (This item was continued from the July 16, 2025, City Council Meeting) Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Budget Director Tracey Dickens provided a summation of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Hearing no speakers, the public hearing was closed. 3 City Council Regular Meeting August 20, 2025 Council Member Rector moved to approve the ordinance. The motion failed to receive a second. Council Member Rector opined about the need to amend the proposed ordinance to address future rates of inflation. Interim Budget Director Dickens replied that in order to address future rates of inflation, the proposed ordinance would require amendments. Council Member Rector, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to approve the ordinance, as presented by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Bennett was excused.) AN ORDINANCE TO ADD SECTION 82-204 TO THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK TO PROVIDE FOR A REDUCED PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXATION RATE FOR ELIGIBLE ELDERLY AND DISABLED RESIDENTS Public Hearing - An ordinance to grant a Conditional Use Permit to establish a Telecommunication Tower (New Construction or Increase in Height) Use on property located at 3927 Bridge Road, Zoning Map 13, Parcel 17D*NT, Account Number 304224600; CUP2025-009 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director Kevin Wyne gave an overview of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Jonathan Yates, 105 Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina, Milestone Towers, applicant, representing Philip E. McNeil, property owner, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance, with conditions, as presented. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Wright, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Ward, moved for approval of the ordinance, with conditions, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Bennett was excused.) AN ORDINANCE TO GRANT A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ESTABLISH A TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER (NEW CONSTRUCTION OR INCREASE IN HEIGHT) USE ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3927 BRIDGE ROAD, ZONING MAP 13, PARCEL 17D*NT, ACCOUNT NUMBER 304224600; CUP2025-009 ORDINANCES There were no items under this portion of the agenda. 4 City Council Regular Meeting August 20, 2025 RESOLUTIONS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. STAFF REPORT Staff Report - Supplemental Assessments Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, City Assessor Holt Butt submitted a synopsis about the above- mentioned matter. Council Member Butler Barlow inquired about the notification of the supplementary assessments. City Assessor Butt explained that the supplementary assessments were sent out when the property owner received their real assessment. Council Member Butler Barlow opined about the feedback from citizens about the supplementary assessments. City Assessor Butt reported that his office sent out about 1,000 supplementary assessments and received about 100 telephone calls Staff Report - Wilroy Road and Nansemond Parkway Roadway Update Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Utilities Director and Interim Public Works Director Paul Retel offered summation of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector asked about the impact of the Wilroy Road/Nansemond Parkway Project on the City of Portsmouth water line leak. Public Utilities Director and Interim Public Works Director Retel advised that the project does not have any impact on the water leak. Council Member Rector called for information for expanding the left turn from Portsmouth Boulevard to East Washington Street. Public Utilities Director and Interim Public Works Director Retel said that he could research this matter and follow up accordingly. Council Member Rector opined about the elimination of the left turn on Bennetts Pasture Road and Nansemond Parkway improvements, specifically the direction of traffic heading north onto Nansemond Parkway. Public Utilities Director and Interim Public Works Director Retel said that he could research this matter and provide information on that matter. Staff Report - Significant Land Use Application Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director Wyne provided a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. 5 City Council Regular Meeting August 20, 2025 MOTIONS Motion - A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., unless canceled by the Mayor and the City Manager Council Member Butler Barlow, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., unless canceled by the Mayor and the City Manager, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Bennett was excused.) NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS William Webb, 810 Dumville Avenue, representing self, opined about City’s water and sewer rates. Tyler Wancowicz, 402 Collier Crescent, was not present when called. NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the following nominations for appointment to the respective bodies: Fine Arts Commission – Agricultural Advisory Committee – Julia Hillegass (City Manager’s designee); Downtown Advisory Committee – Telesa Bleakley (City Manager’s designee); Early Childhood Development Commission – Dr. Joanne Wunderlich (Hospital Representative #2) and Human Services Advisory Board – Dallas Ellis, Jr. Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Rector, moved to nominate and appoint the aforementioned individuals to the respective bodies, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Bennett was excused.) ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation and a video presentation, Communications Director Jennifer Moore provided a report on the following: the mural at Downtown Festival Park; the City’s observance of Labor Day; the appointment of Public Works Director Gregg Benton; the appointment of Deputy Police Chief Robert Fahrman; the Suffolk Police Department’s Senior Citizen Academy Graduation; the Hampton Roads Fire Academy Graduation Class 70 and 71 event; the Minus 9 to 5 Family Day Home Pilot Program Launch; the announcement of the City’s AAA bond rating status; Open House for the Chesapeake/Suffolk Boundary Line in the Pughsville Community; the Suffolk Public Library Chuckatuck Branch’s implementation of the Open + Access System; the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s Public Input Survey; the Commissioner’s of the Revenue Office’s tax reduction for high- milage vehicles events and National Night Out. 6 City Council Regular Meeting August 20, 2025 Council Member Wright opined about the start of the year of Suffolk Public Schools. Council Member Rector announced he attended the Suffolk Fire Station Number 11 Ribbon Cutting. Council Member Rector reported that he attended the Zoe Life Ministries STEAM event. Council Member Rector opined about the reopening of Lake Meade Park. Council Member Rector announced he attended the following: the Hampton Roads Fire Academy Graduation Class 70 and 71 event; the Nansemond Indian Tribal Nation Pow Wow and the Suffolk Public Schools New Teacher Orientation. Council Member Rector acknowledged the Suffolk Sister Cities Young Artists and Authors Showcase winners, Allison Spires and Margaret Lainie Cross. Council Member Rector opined about the announced of the City’s AAA bond rating status. Council Willams extended his condolences to the following: the family of the late Bishop Madison G. Copeland, the family of the late Ella Lousie Holland and the family of the late Gloria Rutledge. Council Member Williams called for information about accidents on Route 13. Council Member Butler Barlow acknowledged Boy Scout Troop #16 who offered the Pledge of Allegiance. Council Member Butler Barlow announced that she attended the Applewood Farms Homeowners Association meeting. Council Member Butler Barlow reported that she attended the Nansemond Indian Tribal Nation Pow Wow. Council Member Butler Barlow encouraged residents to participate in the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s Public Input Survey. Council Member Butler Barlow acknowledged the retirement of former City Manager Albert Moor. Council Member Johnson opined about National Night Out. Vice Mayor Ward opined about the infrastructure in the Nansemond Borough. Interim City Manager Hughes advised that some preliminary findings for design and working with federal representatives for additional funding. Vice Mayor Ward opined about the Suffolk Fire Station Number #11. Vice Mayor Ward opined about traffic safety on Route 13. Vice Mayor Ward announced that he attended the events at New Mount Joy Ministries. Vice Mayor Ward opined about National Night Out. 7 City Council Regular Meeting August 20, 2025 Mayor Duman announced he attended the following: the Suffolk Fire Department Station Number #11; the City Employee Service Awards Luncheon; the retirement celebration for former City Manager Albert Moor and the Minus 9 to 5 Family Day Home Pilot Program Launch. Mayor Duman opined about National Night Out. Mayor Duman reported he attended the following: the Burnett’s Way Medical Center ribbon cutting; the Suffolk Public Schools’ New Teachers Orientation; Suffolk Police Department’s Senior Citizen Academy Graduation; the Hampton Roads Fire Academy Graduation Class 70 and 71 event; the 106th birthday celebration for Deacon Tommie Lawrence; the Nansemond Indian Tribal Nation Pow Wow and the Suffolk Christian Academy Lower School Opening and the Suffolk Sister Cities Young Artists and Authority Showcase. Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to adjourn, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Bennett was excused.) There being no further business to come before City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: AUGUST 20, 2025 8