City Council Meeting Packets

City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, May 20, 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. Patrick G. Roberts, Interim 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 May 20, 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 Fawcett, 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 MAY 20, 2015, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to approve the minutes from the May 6, 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 There were no items under this portion of the agenda. REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Mayor Johnson asked if any members of City Council wished to remove any Consent Agenda items for separate action. Hearing no requests for removal any of the items, Mayor Johnson advised that a motion was in order at this time to adopt the agenda as presented. Council Member Duman, 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 City Clerk Dawley presented the following Consent Agenda items: Consent Agenda Item #7 – An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for the 2015 Historical Data Cleanup for the Suffolk Department of Public Works Consent Agenda Item #8 – An ordinance to accept and appropriate excess General Fund Expenses and/or excess General Fund Revenues received during Fiscal Year 2014-15, not to exceed $252,375, for the purchase of new voting equipment 2 City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 Council Member Fawcett asked for a report on Consent Agenda Items #7 and #8 - an ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for the 2015 Historical Data Cleanup for the Suffolk Department of Public Works and an ordinance to accept and appropriate excess General Fund Expenses and/or excess General Fund Revenues received during Fiscal Year 2014-15, not to exceed $252,375, for the purchase of new voting equipment. Referring to Consent Agenda Items #7 and #8, Interim City Manager Roberts submitted a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Referring to Consent Agenda Item #8, Vice Mayor Bennett called for General Registrar Susan Saunders to provide information about the operation of the new voting equipment. Referring to Consent Agenda Item #8, General Registrar Saunders offered additional information utilizing a PowerPoint presentation and the distributed handout. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Johnson opined that the type of voting equipment referenced in the proposed ordinance is currently being used in certain precincts in the City. General Registrar Saunders replied in the affirmative. Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to approve the Consent 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 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing – An ordinance to rezone and amend the official zoning map of the City of Suffolk, to change the zoning from B-2, General Commercial zoning district, (Conditional), to MUD, Mixed Use Development Overlay zoning district, (Conditional) for property located at 1900 North Main Street, Zoning Map 25, Parcel 45; RZ09-14 (Conditional) Council Member Fawcett announced that he would abstain from any action or discussion on the proposed ordinance as he has a personal interest in the transaction at issue, Rezoning Request RZ09-14. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director D. Scott Mills submitted a summary of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Also utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Traffic Engineer Robert Lewis and Parks and Recreation Director Lakita Watson submitted supplemental information related to the background information as printed in the official agenda. Kevin Hughes, Director, Economic Development Department, 442 West Washington Street, representing the Economic Development Authority, property owners, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. John Wright, 4021 Seaboard Court, Portsmouth, Virginia, representing Waverton Associates, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. 3 City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 The following individuals spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance: Douglas Naismith, 4949 Exeter Drive, representing self. Jeff Johnson, 709 Jones Street, representing self. Cynthia Ferguson, 115 Pine Valley Drive, representing self. Monette Harrell, 407 West Riverview Drive, representing self. Vice Mayor Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to extend the public hearing granting an additional 30 minutes for the proponents and the opponents, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 7 NAYS: None 0 ABSTAIN: Council Member Fawcett 1 The following individuals spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance: James Hogge, 106 Longwood Avenue, representing self. Alan Clemons, 115 Katherine Street, representing self. Sarah Askew Massey, 108 Longwood Avenue, representing self. Larry Felton, 106 Northgate Lane, representing self. Kerry Holmes, 230 Clay Street, representing self. Denise Farris, 110 Northgate Lane, representing self. Terri Brown, 213 Highland Avenue, representing self. Stella Payne, 120 Northgate Lane, representing self. Geoff Payne, 120 Northgate Lane, representing self. Vice Mayor Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Milteer, moved to extend the public hearing granting an additional 5 minutes for the proponents and the opponents, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 7 NAYS: None 0 ABSTAIN: Council Member Fawcett 1 Mary Deberry, no address given, addressed public safety response times. Mayor Johnson advised the speaker her concerns could be addressed under Non Agenda Speakers, as the current public hearing is about Rezoning Request RZ09-14. 4 City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 Gary Brown, 213 Highland Avenue, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance. The following individuals spoke in support of the proposed ordinance: Marion Flood, 4802 John T. Mullen Road, representing self. John Wright, 4021 Seaboard Court, Portsmouth, Virginia, representing Waverton Associates. Kevin Hughes, 442 West Washington Street, Director, Economic Development Department, representing the Economic Development Authority, property owners. David France, no address given, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Incorporated, agent, representing Kevin Hughes, Director, Economic Development Department. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Vice Mayor Bennett moved to continue consideration of the proposed ordinance to the August 19, 2015, City Council meeting. The motion failed to receive a second. Referring to Agenda Item #17, Council Member Duman opined about the developer’s preference as it related to the taxable bond products available from the Virginia Housing Development Authority for the Meridian at Obici Place Multi-Family Apartment Project. Mr. Wright advised that he plans to select the Authority’s second product, which would require 20 percent of the apartments to be leased to families making no more than 80 percent of the area median income and the remaining 80 percent of the apartments to be leased with no maximum income limits for prospective residents. Council Member Duman asked about the potential impact of continuing consideration of the proposed ordinance on the Virginia Housing Development Authority’s financing. Mr. Wright explained that the documents for the financing must be returned to Virginia Housing Development Authority by June 15th. Council Member Duman moved to continue consideration of the proposed ordinance to the June 3, 2015, City Council meeting and asked staff to research the following: to provide more information on the Mixed Use Development zoning designation; the potential relocation of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Hampton Roads District Office; information on the Phase 2 Environmental Study on the parcel; a status report on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan; a comparison of traffic generation of the B-2, General Commercial zoning district, versus the MUD, Mixed Use Development Overlay zoning district; student generation; and more information on the proposed apartment units, specifically the product quality, monthly rent ranges, and assurances that the development will be built and leased as proposed. The motion failed to receive a second. Members of City Council opined about the matter of continuing the proposed ordinance. 5 City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, moved to continue consideration of the proposed ordinance to the June 3, 2015, City Council meeting and asked staff to research the following: to provide more information on the Mixed Use Development zoning designation; the potential relocation of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Hampton Roads District Office; information on the Phase 2 Environmental Study on the parcel; a status report on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan; a comparison of traffic generation of the B-2, General Commercial zoning district, versus the MUD, Mixed Use Development Overlay zoning district; student generation; and more information on the proposed apartment units, specifically the product quality, monthly rent ranges, and assurances that the development will be built and leased as proposed. Mayor Johnson indicated there were two motions on the floor for consideration. City Clerk Dawley indicated that the motion by Vice Mayor Bennett failed to receive a second. Council Member Goldberg advised that he provided a second to Vice Mayor Bennett’s motion to continue consideration of the proposed ordinance to the August 19, 2015, City Council meeting. With this clarification, Council Member Duman’s motion to continue consideration of the proposed ordinance to the June 3, 2015, City Council meeting with the various requests for additional information from staff as outlined above and seconded by Council Member Ward stood as the substitute motion Referring to the substitute motion, Mayor Johnson asked if the staff could provide the additional information as requested on the proposed ordinance by the June 3, 2015, City Council meeting. Planning and Community Development Director Mills replied in the affirmative. Referring to the substitute motion, Vice Mayor Bennett asked Dr. Naismith if he could provide additional information regarding potential alternative uses for the parcel under consideration to City Council by the June 3, 2015, City Council meeting. Dr. Naismith indicated that he would prefer to continue consideration on the proposed ordinance for at least six months, but he could accept a continuance to the August 19, 2105, City Council meeting. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Johnson asked for clarification of the item under consideration. City Attorney Holland reported that the proposed ordinance solely addresses the rezoning from B-2, General Commercial zoning district, (Conditional) to MUD, Mixed Use Development Overlay zoning district (Conditional). Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, moved to continue consideration of the proposed ordinance to the June 3, 2015, City Council meeting and asked staff to research the following: to provide more information on the Mixed Use Development zoning designation; the potential relocation of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Hampton Roads District Office; information on the Phase 2 Environmental Study on the parcel; a status report on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan; a comparison of traffic generation of the B-2, General Commercial zoning district, versus the MUD, Mixed Use Development Overlay zoning district; student generation; and more information on the proposed apartment units, specifically the product quality, monthly rent ranges, and assurances that the development will be built and leased as proposed, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, and Council Members Duman, Milteer and Ward 4 NAYS: Vice Mayor Bennett and Council Members Goldberg and T. Johnson 3 ABSTAIN: Council Member Fawcett 1 City Council recessed at 9:59 p.m. and reconvened at 10:10 p.m. 6 City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 Public Hearing – An ordinance to rezone and amend the official zoning map of the City of Suffolk, to change zoning from CBD, Central Business District (Conditional), to CBD, Central Business District Zoning District for property located at 220 North Main Street, Tax Map 34G18(A) Parcel 95A; RZ01-15 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director Mills gave a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Justin Sorensen, 3327 Mintonville Point Drive, applicant, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance as presented. Andrew Damiani, no address given, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance as presented. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Goldberg, 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, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE AND AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK, TO CHANGE ZONING FROM CDB, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CONDITIONAL), TO CBD, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ZONING DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 220 NORTH MAIN STREET, TAX MAP 34G18(A) PARCEL 95A; RZ 01-15 Public Hearing – An ordinance to grant a Conditional Use Permit to establish an animal shelter on property located at 412 Kings Fork Road, Zoning Map 25, Parcel 18D*1; C18-14 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 Duman announced that he would abstain from any action or discussion on the proposed ordinance as he has a personal interest in the transaction at issue, Conditional Use Permit C18-14. Denis Confer, President, Suffolk Humane Society, no address given, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, moved to approve the ordinance, with conditions, as presented. 7 City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett opined about condition number two, specifically the option to include dogs among the five household pets that could be boarded on the property. Mr. Confer advised that if this is an issue, the language regarding the dogs could be removed. He added that the language was added in the unusual event that a dog was brought to the property and required boarding in an emergency. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Johnson called for clarification about issue of permitting dogs among the five household pets that could be boarded on the property. Planning and Community Development Director Mills explained that under the Unified Development Ordinance, a residence is permitted up to five household pets, which includes dogs; therefore, it was the recommendation of staff to remain consistent. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, moved to approve the ordinance, with conditions, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 7 NAYS: None 0 ABSTAIN: Council Member Duman 1 AN ORDINANCE TO GRANT A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ESTABLISH AN ANIMAL SHELTER ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 412 KINGS FORK ROAD, ZONING MAP 25, PARCEL 18D*1; C18-14 Public Hearing – An ordinance to grant a Conditional Use Permit to establish a day care (family day home, six to twelve children) on property located at 4724 Camellia Drive, Zoning Map 13C, Parcel 313; C03-15 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director Mills provided an overview on the background information as printed in the official agenda. The following individuals spoke in support of the proposed ordinance: Henry Dixon, no address given, property owner, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. Laura Brown, 913 Teton Circle, representing self. Rachel Adams, 256 Holbrook Arch, representing self. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Ward moved for approval of the ordinance, with conditions, as presented. The motion failed to receive a second. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett opined about condition number three regarding the operation of the day care from 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. and the anticipated frequency that children will be at the day care until 12:00 a.m. Mr. Dixon indicated it is not anticipated children would be there that late very frequently; however, this condition is required by their insurance company since they cater to a number of military families. 8 City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 Council Member Fawcett asked if the operators currently had any disabled children in their care. Mr. Dixon replied that they do not currently have any disabled children in their care. Council Member Fawcett queried about whether the operators are equipped to care for disabled children. Mr. Dixon explained that they are not equipped to care for disabled children. Council Member Ward, on a motion seconded by Council Member Milteer, 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 DAY CARE (FAMILY DAY HOME, SIX TO TWELVE CHILDREN) ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4724 CAMELLIA DRIVE, ZONING MAP 13C, PARCEL 313; C03-15 Public Hearing – An ordinance to repeal Section 31-416.1, Floodplain Overlay District (F) of the Code of the City of Suffolk Unified Development Ordinance and to adopt Section 31-416.2 Floodplain Overlay District (F) – OA3-15 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director Mills summarized the background information as printed in the official agenda. Hearing no speakers, the public hearing was closed. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg asked whether any residents challenged the inclusion of their property in the Floodplain Overlay District and if so, how these challenges were addressed. Planning and Community Development Director Mills reported that the City sent notices to impacted property owners to attend an open house on the matter. He added that for a year City staff has also addressed concerns of all impacted property owners and explained that any appeals could be heard by the Federal Emergency Management Administration. Council Member Duman, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, 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 TO REPEAL SECTION 31-416.1, FLOODPLAIN OVERLAY DISTRICT (F) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE AND TO ADOPT SECTION 31-416.2 FLOODPLAIN OVERLAY DISTRICT (F) – 0A3-15 9 City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 ORDINANCES Ordinance – An ordinance amending Chapter 2, Section 2-460 of the Code of the City of Suffolk concerning the compensation for the Economic Development Authority Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Economic Development Director Hughes gave a report on the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Ward, 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 AMENDING CHAPTER 2, SECTION 2-460 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK CONCERNING THE COMPENSATION FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Ordinance – An ordinance to amend Section 86-604 of the Code of the City of Suffolk concerning designated public streets approved for golf cart use within the Holiday Point Estates community Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Eric Nielsen supplied a synopsis of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, 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 TO AMEND SECTION 86-604 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK CONCERNING DESIGNATED PUBLIC STREETS APPROVED FOR GOLF CART USE WITHIN THE HOLIDAY POINT ESTATES COMMUNITY Ordinance – An ordinance to amend Section 86-291 of the Code of the City of Suffolk restricting through truck traffic on Manning Bridge Road, Manning Road (from Copeland Road to Holland Road), and within the Kingsboro neighborhood, on Katherine Street, Kingsboro Street, Lakeside Street, Nansemond Avenue, Highland Avenue, and Elizabeth Street, between East Constance Road and East Pinner Street Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Nielsen furnished a summation of the background information as printed on the official agenda. Council Member Johnson moved to approve the ordinance as presented. The motion failed to receive a second. 10 City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked if there will be a weight limit for the truck traffic on the above referenced roads. Public Works Director Nielsen explained that the Department of Motor Vehicles has established the guidelines for weight limits in No Truck areas and generally refers to heavy commercial trucks. Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, 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 TO AMEND SECTION 86-291 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK RESTRICTING THROUGH TRUCK TRAFFIC ON MANNING BRIDGE ROAD, MANNING ROAD (FROM COPELAND ROAD TO HOLLAND ROAD), AND WITHIN THE KINGSBORO NEIGHBORHOOD, ON KATHERINE STREET, KINGSBORO STREET, LAKESIDE STREET, NANSEMOND AVENUE, HIGHLAND AVENUE, AND ELIZABETH STREET, BETWEEN EAST CONSTANCE ROAD AND EAST PINNER STREET RESOLUTIONS Resolution – A resolution supporting the Virginia Housing Development Authorities financing of the Meridian at Obici Place Multi-Family Apartment Project Council Member Fawcett announced that he would abstain from any action or discussion on the proposed resolution as he has a personal interest in the transaction at issue in the proposed resolution. Council Member Goldberg, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to continue consideration of the resolution to the June 3, 2015, City Council meeting, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 7 NAYS: None 0 ABSTAIN: Council Member Fawcett 1 STAFF REPORTS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. MOTIONS Motion – A motion to schedule a Work Session for June 3, 2015, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled Council Member Duman, on motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to schedule a Work Session for June 3, 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 11 City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS Kay Hurley, 212 South Broad Street, representing the Suffolk Humane Society, spoke in support of rescinding the increase in pet adoption fees. NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the following boards and commissions for City Council’s consideration: Hampton Roads Planning District Commission – Interim City Manager Roberts and Western Tidewater Water Authority – Interim City Manager Roberts. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to appoint the above referenced individual to the aforementioned bodies, 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 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing PowerPoint presentation, Media and Community Relations Director Diana Klink reported on the following: the State of the City; the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life; the ribbon cutting for the Residences at October; the Great Dismal Swamp Safari; the observance of Memorial Day; an upcoming Suffolk Police Department Badge Pinning Ceremony; the upcoming Suffolk Culinary Crawl; and the City’s webpage to report roadway problems. Council Member Ward reported he attended the following: a public meeting regarding the Route 460 project; the ribbon cutting for the Residences at October; and a meeting of the Harbourview Home Owners Association. Council Member Duman advised he attended the following: the National Day of Prayer Breakfast; the ribbon cutting for the Residences at October; the National Police Officer Memorial Week ceremony; and the State of the City. Council Member Duman announced there was a new publisher at the Suffolk News Herald, John Carr. Council Member Duman opined about an email from a resident complimenting the City’s employees on their service. Council Member Johnson thanked the Parks and Recreation Department, the Suffolk Fire Department and the Suffolk Police Department for their assistance with the Holland Ruritans Founders Day. Council Member Milteer advised he attended the State of the City. Council Member Milteer reported that there was high grass on Airport Road, Skeetertown Road and Jackson Road. Council Member Duman called for a report on the fiscal impact of rescinding the increase of the pet adoption fee. 12 City Council Regular Meeting May 20, 2015 Council Member Fawcett reported he attended the following: the City Employee Service Awards Luncheon; the Youth Public Safety Academy Graduation; the National Day of Prayer Breakfast; the ribbon cutting for the Residence at October; and the State of the City. Vice Mayor Bennett advised he attended the following: the National Day of Prayer Breakfast; National Police Officer Memorial Week ceremony; the Paul D. Camp Community College Graduation; the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Leadership Luncheon featuring Admiral Philip Davidson; the State of the City; and the City Employee Service Awards Luncheon. Vice Mayor Bennett asked staff to post train schedule information on the City’s webpage and the Municipal Channel. Vice Mayor Bennett advised that there were high bushes on the corner of Riddick Drive and Sixth Street, in the East Suffolk Gardens area. Vice Mayor Bennett reported high grass at 201 Locust Street. Mayor Johnson said she attended the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Mayor Johnson announced the upcoming events: American Heart Association’s HeartChase; the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization Retreat; and the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission meeting. Mayor Johnson advised she attended the Bettie S. Davis Apartments Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Mayor Johnson thanked the Media and Community Relations Department for their efforts in preparing the State of the City. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, 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 11:24 p.m. Teste: ________________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: ____________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: JUNE 17, 2015 13