City Council Meeting Packets

City Council Regular Meeting February 3, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, 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, 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 led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CERTIFICATION City Clerk Dawley presented a resolution certifying the Closed Meeting of February 3, 2016, pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, 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 FEBRUARY 3, 2016, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting February 3, 2016 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Milteer, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved to approve the minutes from the December 16, 2015, Regular Meeting and January 6, 2106, 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 Goldberg, 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 a Byrne One Time Training/Equipment Grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services in support of the Suffolk Police Department Consent Agenda Item #8 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs Fund for the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue Consent Agenda Item #9 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate Transportation Alternatives Program funds from the Commonwealth Transportation Board in support of the Seaboard Coastline Trail Project and to provide a local cash match through a transfer from the Parks and Recreation Capital Maintenance Account 2 City Council Regular Meeting February 3, 2016 Council Member Milteer called for a review of Consent Agenda Item #9 - an ordinance to accept and appropriate Transportation Alternatives Program funds from the Commonwealth Transportation Board in support of the Seaboard Coastline Trail Project and to provide a local cash match through a transfer from the Parks and Recreation Capital Maintenance Account. Referring to Consent Agenda Item #9, City Manager Roberts supplied a summary of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Goldberg, 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 amending Section 26-4, polling places in precincts, of the Code of the City of Suffolk, to provide a new polling place for the Bennetts Creek Precinct, Hillpoint Precinct, Holland Precinct, Lakeside Precinct, Nansemond River Precinct, and Whaleyville Precinct (This item was continued from the January 20, 2016, City Council meeting.) Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, General Registrar Susan Saunders offered a report of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Claudia Lee, 3260 Indian Trail, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett queried about the availability of information about the proposed voting precinct changes during the March 1st primary elections. General Registrar Saunders stated that voters would receive information about the proposed changes at their current precincts during the March 1st primary elections. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman asked whether the affected churches are voluntarily allowing their spaces to be used for elections. General Registrar Saunders replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman opined about the location of voting machines in the churches. General Registrar Saunders explained that voting machines will not be located in the sanctuaries. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson inquired about any alternatives for individuals who have a conflict with voting in any church. General Registrar Saunders stated that curbside voting is available. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Johnson solicited information about the previous relocation of voting precincts from churches to public facilities. City Manager Roberts indicated that the previous relocations were a result of the City’s redistricting to reflect the new borough boundaries. 3 City Council Regular Meeting February 3, 2016 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 AMENDING SECTION 26-4, POLLING PLACES IN PRECINCTS, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK, TO PROVIDE A NEW POLLING PLACE FOR THE BENNETTS CREEK PRECINCT, HILLPOINT PRECINCT, HOLLAND PRECINCT, LAKESIDE PRECINCT, NANSEMOND RIVER PRECINCT, AND WHALEYVILLE PRECINCT ORDINANCES There were no items under this portion of the agenda. RESOLUTIONS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. STAFF REPORTS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. MOTIONS Motion – A motion to schedule a public hearing on February 17, 2016, to consider granting a non-exclusive natural gas franchise easement to use the public rights of way of the City for the purpose of the construction, maintenance, and operation of a natural gas distribution system within and through the corporate limits of the City of Suffolk, Virginia Council Member Fawcett, on motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved to schedule a public hearing, 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 public hearing to be held on February 17, 2016, to receive public comment on an ordinance to enter into a new lease for Box Hangar # 7 at the Suffolk Executive Airport Council Member Johnson, on motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to schedule a public hearing, 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 4 City Council Regular Meeting February 3, 2016 Motion - A motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on February 17, 2016, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2017-2026 Capital Improvements Plan Council Member Fawcett, on motion seconded by Council Member Ward, moved to schedule a public hearing, 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 February 17, 2016, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled Council Member Fawcett, on motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved to schedule a Work Session for February 17, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. unless cancelled, 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 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS Archie Timmons, 2107 Arizona Avenue, representing self, was not present when called. Edward Harrigan, 1781 Millwood Way, representing self, opined about traffic concerns at the intersection of Nansemond Parkway and Wilroy Road. NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the following boards and commissions nominations for City Council’s consideration: Economic Development Authority of City of Suffolk (Holy Neck) – Stacy Lewis; Suffolk Clean Community Commission – Susan Davis, W. Michael Lane and Oulaniece Saunders; and Western Tidewater Community Service Board – Vicki Wiggins Pittman. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, moved to nominate and appoint the above referenced individual to the aforementioned body, 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 5 City Council Regular Meeting February 3, 2016 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing PowerPoint and video presentations, Media and Community Relations Manager Tim Kelley reported on the following: a visit from Governor Terry McAuliffe to Kerma Medical Products; ribbon cutting for Care At Its Best; the recent Suffolk Fire and Rescue Promotion and Oath of Office Ceremony; 1st anniversary of the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department’s Fire Safety Blitz Program; service awards for various City employees; Suffolk Police Department’s safety tips; African American History Month Craft Fair; Love Local, Buy Suffolk’s Valentine’s Day promotion; upcoming Suffolk Humane Society adopt-a-thons; the City Assessor’s Office Assessment presentations; free federal and state tax returns at the Suffolk Work Force Development Center; the City’s webpage to report roadway concerns; and the City’s observance of the President’s Day holiday. Council Member Goldberg called for a report on the City’s false alarm fee program. Council Member Goldberg, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to request a Staff Report on the City’s false alarm fee program, 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 Council Member Ward announced he attended the Virginia Municipal League Day at the Capitol. Council Member Ward thanked General Registrar Saunders for a recent demonstration of the new voting machines. Council Member Ward opined about rail crossings in the city. Council Member Ward reported on a recent visit to an elementary school. Council Member Duman congratulated the individuals recognized at the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Promotion and Oath of Office Ceremony. Council Member Duman advised he attended the Friends of Suffolk meeting regarding the future of downtown. Council Member Duman opined about the City’s quarterly budget projections. Council Member Duman announced the upcoming Suffolk Humane Society’s Paws for the Arts Fundraiser. Council Member Fawcett reported he attended the Virginia Municipal League Day at the Capitol. Council Member Fawcett thanked General Registrar Susan Saunders for a recent demonstration of the new voting machines. Council Member Fawcett congratulated the individuals recognized at the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Promotion and Oath of Office Ceremony. 6 City Council Regular Meeting February 3, 2016 Council Member Fawcett thanked the Nansemond River Reservation Alliance for their participation in the Sleepy Hole Park bluff restoration. Council Member Fawcett thanked Public Utilities Director Albert Moor for his assistance with a constituent concern. Council Member Fawcett acknowledged those City employees who recently received service awards. Council Member Fawcett expressed his appreciation to City Assessor Jean Jackson. Council Member Milteer reported he attended the Annual Citywide Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. Council Member Johnson acknowledged the students in attendance. Council Member Johnson expressed his appreciation to City Assessor Jackson. Council Member Johnson congratulated the individuals recognized at the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Promotion and Oath of Office Ceremony. Vice Mayor Bennett acknowledged Mr. Harrigan and the students in attendance. Vice Mayor Bennett thanked Public Works Director Eric Nielsen for the new quiet zone in Suffolk Meadows. Vice Mayor Bennett congratulated the individuals recognized at the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Promotion and Oath of Office Ceremony and the City employees who recently received service awards. Vice Mayor Bennett thanked General Registrar Saunders for her presentation. Mayor Johnson congratulated the individuals recognized at the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Promotion and Oath of Office Ceremony and Kerma Medical Products. Mayor Johnson thanked the Nansemond River Reservation Alliance for their participation in the Sleepy Hole Park bluff restoration. Mayor Johnson reported she attended the Virginia Municipal League Day at the Capitol, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization’s meeting with the Hampton Roads Caucus of the General Assembly. Mayor Johnson called for a presentation of the information offered during the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization’s meeting with the Hampton Roads Caucus of the General Assembly. Mayor Johnson opined about the joint work session with the Suffolk School Board. 7 City Council Regular Meeting February 3, 2016 Council Member Milteer, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, 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 8:01 p.m. Teste: ________________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: ____________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: MARCH 2, 2016 8