City Council Meeting Packets

City Council Regular Meeting April 15, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Linda T. Johnson, Mayor, presiding Leroy Bennett, Vice Mayor Michael D. Duman Roger W. Fawcett Donald Z. Goldberg Timothy J. Johnson Curtis R. Milteer, Sr. Lue R. Ward, Jr. Selena Cuffee-Glenn, City Manager Helivi L. Holland, City Attorney Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk ABSENT None CALL TO ORDER/INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order. Council Member Milteer offered the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CERTIFICATION City Clerk Dawley presented a resolution certifying the Closed Meeting of April 15, 2015, pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Council Member Milteer, moved to approve the resolution, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING OF APRIL 15, 2015, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting April 15, 2015 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to approve the minutes from the April 1, 2015, Work Session and Regular Meeting, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Special Presentation – Week of the Young Child Mayor Johnson presented the above referenced item to Brenda O’Donnell, Early Childhood Development Coordinator, Social Services Department, Quiana Futrell, Co-President of the Southeastern Association for the Education of Young Children and members of the Suffolk Early Childhood Development Commission. Special Presentation - National Library Week Mayor Johnson presented the above referenced item to Library Director Clint Rudy. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Library Director Rudy provided a report regarding ongoing programs and services at Suffolk Public Libraries. Special Presentation - Suffolk Crime Victims’ Rights Week Mayor Johnson presented the above referenced item to Commonwealth’s Attorney C. Phillips Ferguson and Diane Bryant, Suffolk Victim/Witness Director. REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Mayor Johnson advised that as there are no items on the Consent Agenda, a motion was in order at this time to adopt the agenda as outlined. Council Member Milteer, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to adopt the agenda as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 AGENDA SPEAKERS There were no speakers under this portion of the agenda. CONSENT AGENDA There were no items under this portion of the agenda. 2 City Council Regular Meeting April 15, 2015 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing – An ordinance authorizing the execution of a lease agreement for Box Hangar #9 for a tenant at the Suffolk Executive Airport Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Economic Development Director Kevin Hughes submitted a summary of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Mike Manthey, no addresses given, representing Skydive Suffolk, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Council Member Milteer, moved to approve the ordinance, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR BOX HANGAR #9 FOR A TENANT AT THE SUFFOLK EXECUTIVE AIRPORT Public Hearing – An ordinance to grant a Conditional Use Permit to establish a daycare, child day center on property located at 2996 and 3000 Godwin Boulevard, Zoning Map 25, Parcels 30G and 30*H; C01-15 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director D. Scott Mills gave a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Hearing no speakers, the public hearing was closed. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman called for clarification about the need for the proposed crosswalk. Planning and Community Development Director Mills replied that the proposed crosswalk is required for student drop-off. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman asked if there was enough space to allow parents to come in, drop off a child and depart. Planning and Community Development Director Mills explained that there is not enough room for parents to go around after dropping off students. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman sought an explanation about the course of action when there is more than one parent dropping off a student at one time. Planning and Community Development Director Mills stated that in that scenario, parents will have to wait in line as only one car can drop off students at a time. 3 City Council Regular Meeting April 15, 2015 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman opined if staff was comfortable with the crosswalk regarding student drop-off. Planning and Community Development Director Mills indicated that staff was comfortable with this matter. Council Member Milteer, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved to approve the ordinance, with conditions, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 AN ORDINANCE TO GRANT A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ESTABLISH A DAYCARE, CHILD DAY CENTER ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2996 AND 3000 GODWIN BOULEVARD, ZONING MAP 25, PARCELS 30G AND 30*H, C01-15 Public Hearing – An ordinance to grant a Conditional Use Permit for a private school on property located at 6001 Harbor View Boulevard, Zoning Map 6, Parcel 3*20; C02-15 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director Mills offered a report on the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Goldberg announced that he would abstain from any action on the proposed ordinance due to his relationship with Nansemond Suffolk Academy. Melissa Vernable, no address given, Land Planning Solutions, agent, representing Keith Horton, Towne Bank, applicant and property owner, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Ward, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to approve the ordinance, with conditions, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 7 NAYS: None 0 ABSTAIN: Council Member Goldberg 1 AN ORDINANCE TO GRANT A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A PRIVATE SCHOOL ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6001 HARBOUR VIEW BOULEVARD, ZONING MAP 6, PARCEL 3*20, C02-15 Public Hearing – Proposed 2020 Consolidated Plan and FY 2015-2016 Annual Action Plan for the City of Suffolk Community Development Block Grant Program and the Western Tidewater Home Consortium Home Investment Partnership Grant Program Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director Mills provided an overview on the background information as printed in the official agenda. Hearing no speakers, the public hearing was closed. 4 City Council Regular Meeting April 15, 2015 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Milteer solicited information about the areas included in the Community Development Block Grant Program. Planning and Community Development Director Mills stated that eligible census tracks are located in the downtown central core area. Public Hearing – A public hearing to receive public comment on the Proposed Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 and related Ordinances and Resolution Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Lenora Reid gave a summation of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Roger Leonard, 550 North Liberty Springs Road, representing self, spoke in support of funding for Suffolk Public Schools and public safety and opined about funding priorities. The following individuals spoke in support for Suffolk Public Schools: Tara Williams Moore, 818 North Liberty Springs Road, representing self. Patricia Holloman, 6226 Cambridge Drive, representing self. Sue Ellen Miller, 2429 Drum Creek Road, Chesapeake, Virginia, representing self. Wendell Foster, 313 Page Place, representing the Education Association of Suffolk. Jennifer Presson, 3925 Old Mill Road, representing self. Thelma Hinton, 2210 East Washington Street, representing self. Costellar Ledbetter, 2629 Riddick Drive, President, Nansemond Suffolk Branch of the NAACP. Scott Brower, Post Office Box 3279, representing the Suffolk Professional Firefighters Association, spoke in support of the following: the reinstatement of holiday pay for firefighters, the implementation of the City’s compensation study and the unfreezing of vacancies in the Fire Department. Vice Mayor Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to extend the public hearing until all speakers are heard, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 The following individuals spoke in support of funding for Suffolk Public Schools: Amy Carr, 4621 Adams Swamp Road, representing self. Michelle Floyd, 206 Staley Drive, representing self. Debra Topping, 219 King Charles Court, representing self. D.J. McGuire, 219 Nansemond Parkway, representing self. 5 City Council Regular Meeting April 15, 2015 Doug Wagner, 214 Kenyon Road, representing self. David Mitnick, 916C Vineyard Place, Member, Suffolk School Board. Thomas Turner, no address given, Vice President, Suffolk Republican Party, spoke in opposition to the proposed real estate tax increase. The following individuals spoke in support of funding for Suffolk Public Schools: Richard Wash, 4108 Bluebill Drive, representing self. Susan Margum, 1036 Oak Bark Lane, Chesapeake, Virginia, representing self. Shae Wilde, no address given, representing self. William Tomlin, 834 Haskins Drive, representing self. Christine Defreitas, 3208 Stone Harbour Court, representing self. Chris Dove, 852 Colonel Meade Drive, representing self. Elke Boone, 2007 Smalleys Dam Circle, representing self. Matthew Fike, 22 Holland Drive, Windsor, Virginia, representing self. Deborah Perry, no address given, representing self. Carlessa Joyner, no address given, representing self. Michael Debranski, 1015 Maryland Avenue, Chair, Suffolk School Board. Dwayne Sherrick, 105 Popular Grove Crescent, representing self. Lauren McGhee, 1017 Maryland Avenue, representing self. Billy Wyatt, 609 Azalea Court, representing Suffolk Festivals, spoke in support for funding for Peanut Fest and Suffolk Public Schools. Jim Bryant, no address given, Chair, Suffolk Peanut Fest, spoke in support for funding for Peanut Fest and Suffolk Public Schools. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Members of City Council opined about the matter of funding Suffolk Public Schools and the proposed real estate rate increase. Council Member Duman provided information about the funding methodology at the Western Tidewater Regional Jail. 6 City Council Regular Meeting April 15, 2015 Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to direct City Manager Cuffee-Glenn to perform the following: to contact Commissioner of the Revenue Susan Draper and City Treasure Ronald Williams to review income projections for personal property tax, business license tax and the additional revenue that conservatively would be generated by the proposed increases in cigarette and transient occupancy taxes in the event the proposed ordinances are approved and if is not sufficient revenues from those areas, to investigate the feasibility in changes to the Risk Management Fund and Information Technology Fund and to consider temporarily freezing some unfilled positions in order to fully fund the request from Suffolk Public Schools, with the four cents increase in the real estate tax rate. Referring to the motion, Council Member Milteer called for clarification. Council Member Duman explained that the purpose of the motion is to direct City Manager Cuffee-Glenn to perform the following: to contact Commissioner of the Revenue Susan Draper and City Treasurer Ronald Williams to review income projections for personal property tax, business license tax and the additional revenue that conservatively would be generated by the proposed increases in cigarette and transient occupancy taxes in the event the proposed ordinances are approved and if is not sufficient revenues from those areas, to investigate the feasibility in changes to the Risk Management Fund and Information Technology Fund and to consider temporarily freezing some unfilled positions in order to fully fund the request from Suffolk Public Schools, with the four cents increase in the real estate tax rate. Members of City Council opined about the proposed motion. Council Member Fawcett inquired about any surplus funds from Fiscal Year 2014-2015. City Manager Cuffee-Glenn stated that information would not be available until December 2015. Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to direct City Manager Cuffee-Glenn to perform the following: to contact Commissioner of the Revenue Susan Draper and City Treasurer Ronald Williams to review income projections for personal property tax, business license tax and the additional revenue that conservatively would be generated by the proposed increases in cigarette and transient occupancy taxes in the event the proposed ordinances are approved and if is not sufficient revenues from those areas, to investigate the feasibility in changes to the Risk Management Fund and Information Technology Fund and to consider temporarily freezing some unfilled positions in order to fully fund the request from Suffolk Public Schools, with the four cents increase in the real estate tax rate, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 ORDINANCES There were no items under this portion of the agenda. RESOLUTIONS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. 7 City Council Regular Meeting April 15, 2015 STAFF REPORTS Vice Mayor Bennett called for a report on the Nansemond Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Fire Chief Cedric Scott submitted information about the relationship between the City’s ambulance staffing configuration and that of the Nansemond Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad and the various options offered to the rescue squad to address their concerns. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett sought information about the number of advance life support providers on Engine #1 and Engine #2 at any given time. Fire Chief Scott indicated that all advance life support providers ride on ambulances, but he would need to research that specific question further as it relates to the aforementioned engines. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked if the Suffolk Fire Department responds with an engine company and a medic company when there is an advance life support call. Fire Chief Scott replied in the affirmative. Members of City Council opined about the City’s relationship with the Nansemond Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad. MOTIONS Motion – A motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on May 6, 2015, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Downtown Business Overlay District (DBOD) real estate tax increase due to reassessment of 1.36% City Assessor Jean Jackson provided an overview of the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked if the proposed public hearing was related to the real estate tax rate. City Assessor Jackson replied that the proposed public hearing is not related to the real estate tax rate. Vice Mayor Bennett, on motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to schedule a public hearing to be held on May 6, 2015, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Downtown Business Overlay District (DBOD) real estate tax increase due to reassessment of 1.36%, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 Motion – A motion to schedule a Work Session for May 6, 2015, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled Council Member Fawcett, on motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to schedule a Work Session for May 6, 2015, at 4:00 p.m., by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 8 City Council Regular Meeting April 15, 2015 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS There were no speakers under this portion of the agenda. NEW BUSINESS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing PowerPoint presentation, Media and Community Relations Manager Timothy Kelley reported on the following: the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Valor Award winner Lieutenant Steven Henkle, Suffolk Fire Department; ribbon cutting for White Oak Equipment; upcoming events hosted by the Suffolk Tourism Division; the upcoming Great American Clean Up; the upcoming Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival; the upcoming Suffolk Humane Society adopt-a-thon; the upcoming Senior Citizens Academy; the upcoming Suffolk Farmers’ Market Season Opening Celebration; and the upcoming Kids Fest. Council Member Johnson thanked those citizens who spoke during the public hearing regarding the proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. Council Member Milteer reported that speeding on Route 13 has increased and requested enforcement action. Council Member Fawcett advised he attended the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s Volunteer Coaches Awards Ceremony. Council Member Fawcett congratulated Lieutenant Steven Henkle, Suffolk Fire Department, on being recognized by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. Council Member Fawcett reported he attended the recent Public Safety Standing Committee Meeting. Council Member Fawcett thanked those citizens who spoke during the public hearing regarding the proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. Council Member Goldberg thanked those citizens who spoke during the public hearing regarding the proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. Council Member Ward called for more information on the Nansemond Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad as it relates to Suffolk Fire Department. Council Member Ward congratulated City Manager Cuffee-Glenn on her new position with the City of Richmond. Council Member Duman advised he attended an open house hosted by Tidewater Physical Therapy. Council Member Duman announced the upcoming Suffolk Humane Society adopt-a-thon. 9 City Council Regular Meeting April 15, 2015 Council Member Duman reported he attended the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Banquet and congratulated scholarship recipient Rachel Gist of Kings Fork High School. Council Member Duman congratulated City Manager Cuffee-Glenn on her new position with the City of Richmond. Vice Mayor Bennett thanked those citizens who spoke during the public hearing regarding the proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. Vice Mayor Bennett thanked Police Chief Thomas Bennett for the work session presentation about body cameras. Vice Mayor Bennett advised he toured John F. Kennedy Middle School and Hillpoint Elementary School. Vice Mayor Bennett thanked Fire Chief Scott for the staff report on the Nansemond Suffolk Rescue Squad. Mayor Johnson congratulated City Manager Cuffee-Glenn on her new position with the City of Richmond. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to adjourn, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 There being no further business to come before City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned at 11:35 p.m. Teste: ________________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: ____________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: MAY 6, 2015 10