City Council Meeting Packets

SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 3, 2024 WORK SESSION Begins at 4:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION Begins at 6:00 P.M.  SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 3, 2024 4:00 p.m. City Council Chamber 1. The Hampton Roads Computer Aided Dispatch Interoperability Project (HRCIP) Memorandum of Understanding and the Marcus Alert System AGENDA: January 3, 2024, Work Session ITEM: The Hampton Roads Computer Aided Dispatch Interoperability Project (HRCIP) Memorandum of Understanding and the Marcus Alert System The Hampton Roads Computer Aided Dispatch Interoperability Project (HRCIP) Memorandum of Understanding allows the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach the technology to provide automatic aid of fire and EMS resources. In addition, the Marcus Alert System, named after Marcus-David Peters, a young teacher killed by the police in 2018 amid a mental health crisis, has a goal to change, on a state level, how local jurisdictions handle mental health crises. Fire Chief Mike Barakey and Interim Police Chief James Buie will brief City Council on the two systems.  SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA January 3, 2024 6:00 p.m. City Council Chamber 1. Call to Order 2. Nonsectarian Invocation 3. Approval of the Minutes 4. Special Presentations 5. Removal of Items from the Consent Agenda and Adoption of the Agenda 6. Agenda Speakers 7. Consent Agenda – A resolution confirming the appointment of Stephanie J. Pough as Deputy City Attorney 8. Consent Agenda – An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from Sentara Cares for the Department of Parks and Recreation Lake Meade Park Improvements Project 9. Consent Agenda – An ordinance adopting the Hampton Roads Computer Aided Dispatch Interoperability Project Memorandum of Understanding 10. Public Hearings 11. Ordinances 12. Resolution – A resolution recognizing 2024 as the City of Suffolk’s 50th Golden Anniversary 13. Staff Report – Chuckatuck Library Initiative 14. Motion – A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session for Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled 15. Non-Agenda Speakers 16. New Business 17. Announcements and Comments 18. Adjournment City Council Work Session October 4, 2023 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Shelly Butler Barlow Roger W. Fawcett Timothy J. Johnson (arrived at 4:17 p.m.) John T. Rector LeOtis L. Williams Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Albert S. Moor, II, City Manager ABSENT None 2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE: – LAND USE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Principal Planner William Keith Cannady gave a report about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector asked whether the Unified Development Ordinance would need to be extensively rewritten if the proposed changes are approved. Principal Planner Cannady advised that he does not foresee major changes in the Unified Development Ordinance as a result of the proposed updates. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired about any relation of Rural Conservation to Rural Estate designations. Principal Planner Cannady said the designations will be compatible. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward requested examples of a Suburban Use District and queried about the need for such a designation. Principal Planner Cannady advised that those types of neighborhoods already exist, and the proposal would put a formal title on the area. He concluded that the designation would help direct potential development. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward asked about the appropriate area to locate an arena or stadium. Principal Planner Cannady said the issue has not been examined, but staff can explore that option. SOLAR FACILITIES UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Assistant Planning and Community Development Director Margaret Pittenger submitted information about the above referenced item. 1 City Council Work Session October 4, 2023 Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward asked about the City’s ability to direct the location of solar facilities. Assistant Planning and Community Development Director Pittenger answered that solar facilities are only allowed in agricultural, M1 and M2 zoned districts with a Conditional Use Permit at this time. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward inquired about City Council’s ability to rezone property for solar facilities. Assistant Planning and Community Development Director Pittenger advised the updated Comprehensive Plan will attempt to address the zoning of solar facilities. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward questioned whether villages would be excluded from the placement of solar facilities. Assistant Planning and Community Development Director Pittenger responded that solar facilities are required to be sited on parcels of at least five acres. She suggested there may not be parcels large enough in the villages to accommodate a solar facility. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson requested information about the timeline for City Council to consider the changes. Assistant Planning and Community Development Director Pittenger said a work session is anticipated for the Planning Commission this month and the matter could come forward to City Council in the near future. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson solicited details about the enforcement of requirements on solar facilities. Assistant Planning and Community Development Director Pittenger replied that decommissioning bonds will be activated for sites that no longer produce, and the Commonwealth will monitor productivity of the site. She added that the City has authority to order decommissioning. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett called for clarification about the maximum size for a solar farm. Assistant Planning and Community Development Director Pittenger advised there is no limit on the maximum size of solar farms. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett opined about limiting the total amount of land area in the City available for solar facilities. Assistant Planning and Community Development Director Pittenger advised that issue is the purview of City Council. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired about the frequency of testing for runoff. Assistant Planning and Community Development Director Pittenger theorized that testing would be conducted on a set time frame, perhaps every three or five years. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector requested data on the amount of land that is already dedicated to solar facilities. Assistant Planning and Community Development Director Pittenger said 470 acres in the City have solar facilities. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams solicited information about setbacks. Assistant Planning and Community Development Director Pittenger reported that the current setback requirement is 50 feet. She said staff’s suggestion is changing the setback requirements to 150 feet for streets and 100 feet for residential areas 2 City Council Work Session October 4, 2023 CLOSED MEETING City Clerk Dawley presented the Closed Meeting motion for City Council’s consideration: 1. Pursuant to Virginia Code Sections 2.2-3711(A)(8) and (A)(1), the consultation with legal counsel employed by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the legal advice of such counsel, and the discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for appointment and the assignment, appointment, and performance of specific public officers or appointees of the City, specifically the appointments as shown on the attached list for vacancies or term expirations for the Community Policy and Management Team, Early Childhood Development Commission, Fine Arts Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Library Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, and the Virginia Municipal League Annual Conference Business Meeting and Urban Section Meeting Voting Delegate and Alternate. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above referenced purposes, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:57 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:05 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor 3 City Council Regular Meeting October 4, 2023 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Shelley Butler Barlow Roger W. Fawcett Timothy J. Johnson John T. Rector LeOtis L. Williams 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 October 4, 2023, pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Council Member Fawcett, 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 Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING OF OCTOBER 4, 2023, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting October 4, 2023 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved to approve the minutes from the April 19, 2023, and May 3, 2023, Work Sessions and Regular Meetings, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Special Presentation – A proclamation in recognition of “Cybersecurity Awareness Month” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Information and Technology Director Charles Kiriakou. Utilizing a video presentation, Information and Technology Director Kiriakou offered a summation of the above referenced item. Special Presentation – A proclamation in recognition of “Fire Prevention Week” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Fire and Rescue Chief Michael Barakey and Battalion Chief Christopher Cornwell. REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, moved to adopt the agenda, as presented, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 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 Community Flood Preparedness funds from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and transfer funding from the Stormwater Fund for the Finney Outfall to the Nansemond River Drainage Area Study Consent Agenda Item #8 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate a Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education School Construction Assistance Program Grant to the Schools Operating Fund and to transfer the funding to the Capital Projects Fund in support of the John F. Kennedy Middle School Replacement project 2 City Council Regular Meeting October 4, 2023 Consent Agenda Item #9 – An ordinance to transfer funds from the Human Resources Building Renovation – Schools Administration Building project to the John F. Kennedy Middle School Replacement project Consent Agenda Item #10 – An ordinance to authorize the transfer of unspent funds from the Obici Healthcare Foundation COVID Response Grant to the Suffolk Department of Social Services Consent Agenda Item #11 – An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Suffolk Parks and Trails Alliance for the Suffolk Department of Parks and Recreation to enhance the Festival of Lights event Consent Agenda Item #12 – An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority in support of the City of Suffolk’s Opioid Prevention and Treatment Program Consent Agenda Item #13 – A resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a change order to an agreement with Motorola Solutions, Incorporated for the upgrade of radio transmitter sites Referring to Consent Agenda Items #7 through #13, City Manager Moor submitted a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing - A resolution adopting the 2024 Legislative Agenda for the City of Suffolk Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mindy Carlin and Emily Reynolds, Access Point Public Affairs, the City’s legislative liaisons, supplied a summary of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Thomas Rein, 119 Suffolk Meadows Boulevard, representing Suffolk Humane Society, spoke in support of mental health funding for public safety officers. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to approve the resolution, as presented. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired about the strategy relating to the Legislative Agenda and the results of the upcoming election. Ms. Carlin advised that the Legislative Agenda is sufficiently broad to deal with any electoral outcome. 3 City Council Regular Meeting October 4, 2023 Council Member Fawcett, 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 Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2024 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR THE CITY OF SUFFOLK 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 City Council Work Session for Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Rector, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS Valiya Rose, address declined, representing self, was not present when called. Daniel Blue, 168 Preserve Way, representing self, opined about the high grass in his area. NEW BUSINESS City Clerk presented the following item for City Council’s consideration: a motion to nominate and appoint the following individuals to the respective positions - Virginia Municipal League 2023 Conference Annual Business Meeting Delegate - Council Member John Rector; and Virginia Municipal League 2023 Urban Section Meeting Delegate – Vice Mayor Lue Ward (voting delegate) and Council Member LeOtis Williams (alternate). 4 City Council Regular Meeting October 4, 2023 Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, moved to nominate and appoint the aforementioned individuals to the respective bodies, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Media and Community Relations Director Jennifer Moore provided a report on the following: the City’s operational hours in observance of Columbus Day and Yorktown Victory Day; the City’s receipt of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association; 45th Annual Peanut Festival events; Suffolk Police Department’s Chat with the Chief event; Publix hiring event; Suffolk Parks and Recreation’s Carpool Cinema; the Halloween Cleanup meet up at the Nansemond Brewing Station; Downtown Fall Festival; and Parks and Recreation’s Fright Night. Council Member Rector acknowledged the Suffolk Police Department for attending a civic league meeting. Council Member Rector reported the attended the following events: the Sheriff’s Senior Expo; Paul D. Camp Community College’s Workforce Luncheon; First Citizen Award event; the Suffolk Opioid Abatement Authority Town Hall; RVA757 Convergence Conference; Peanut Fest Parade; Suffolk Lions Club 100th Anniversary, and State of the Region Address. Council Member Rector announced he will be attending a Skydive Suffolk event. Council Member Rector extended condolences to the family of the late Jack W. Nurney, Jr. Council Member Williams extended condolences to the families of the late Ricky Barnes and the late Anthony Jerome Parker. Council Member Williams reported that he attended the Saratoga/Philadelphia Civic League meeting. Council Member Williams reported various maintenance issues in the Walnut Hill and South Hill neighborhoods. Council Member Fawcett opined about Fire Prevention Week. Council Member Fawcett opined about the City’s bond rating. Council Member Fawcett announced that he attended the Sheriff’s Senior Expo. Council Member Fawcett extended condolences to the family of the late Anthony Jerome Parker. Council Member Butler Barlow opined about the solar facilities update at the today’s Work Session. 5 City Council Regular Meeting October 4, 2023 Council Member Butler Barlow reported that she attended the Sheriff’s Senior Expo and the Peanut Fest Queen’s Banquet. Council Member Bennett acknowledged the retirement of Lance Callis from the Suffolk Police Department. Council Member Bennett announced that he attended the Sheriff’s Senior Expo. Council Member Johnson opined about Fire Prevention Week. Council Member Johnson extended condolences to the family of the late Jack W. Nurney, Jr. Council Member Johnson announced that he attended the following events: the Suffolk First Citizen reception; the Peanut Fest Queen’s Banquet; the retirement celebration for Lance Callis from the Suffolk Police Department, and a community meeting about the proposed homeless shelter. Vice Mayor Ward opined about the City’s bond rating. Vice Mayor Ward thanked the staff from the Public Works Department for attending the Pughsville Civic League meeting. Vice Mayor Ward extended condolences to the family of the late Anthony Jerome Parker. Vice Mayor Ward acknowledged the appointment of Denise Smith as the Human Resources Department Assistant Director. Vice Mayor Ward expressed appreciation to Virginia Sling for the use of a vehicle for the Peanut Fest Parade. Mayor Duman extended condolences to the family of the late Jack W. Nurney, Jr. Mayor Duman reported that he attended the following events: the retirement celebration of Lance Callis from the Suffolk Police Department; the Suffolk First Citizen; Suffolk Public Safety Committee meeting; Peanut Fest Queen’s Banquet; Peanut Fest Parade; the Suffolk Lion’s Club 100th Anniversary, and State of the Region address. Mayor Duman opined about funding for Suffolk Public Schools. Mayor Duman announced that he attended the Suffolk Police Department’s Peace Officer Memorial Day observance and the retirement party for Dr. Elizabeth Taraski, President, Nansemond River Preservation Alliance. Mayor Duman extended his condolences to the family of the late Anthony Jerome Parker. 6 City Council Regular Meeting October 4, 2023 Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, moved to adjourn, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 There being no further business to come before City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned at 7:36 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor 7 Special Presentations Removal of Items from the Consent Agenda and Adoption of the Agenda Agenda Speakers Public Hearings Ordinances AGENDA: January 3, 2024, Regular Session ITEM: Staff Report – Chuckatuck Library Initiative The Suffolk Public Library plans to implement an initiative to provide expanded access to the Chuckatuck Library. Staff will provide information on the initiative and its benefits to the community.  Motion to schedule a City Council Work Session for Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled Non-Agenda Speakers New Business Announcements and Comments