City Council Meeting Packets

SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 5, 2025 WORK SESSION Begins at 4:00 p.m. REGULAR SESSION Begins at 6:00 p.m.  SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 5, 2025 4:00 p.m. City Council Chamber 1. Fiscal Year 2026-2035 Capital Improvements Program & Plan 2.* Appointments * Proposed Items for Closed Session AGENDA: February 5, 2025, Work Session ITEM: Fiscal Year 2026-2035 Capital Improvements Program & Plan The Director of Finance will present the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2035 Capital Improvements Program & Plan (CIP) as recommended by the Planning Commission to City Council. Attached for Council’s review is the Planning Commission Recommended Fiscal Year 2026-2035 CIP. It is recommended that a public hearing on the proposed CIP be scheduled for February 19, 2025, to facilitate inclusion of the first year in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating and Capital Budget. A motion to schedule a public hearing has been placed on Council’s regular session agenda. ATTACHMENT: Planning Commission Recommended FY 2026-2035 Capital Improvements Program & Plan (Provided Under Separate Cover)  SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA February 5, 2025 6:00 p.m. City Council Chamber 1. Call to Order 2. Nonsectarian Invocation 3. Approval of the Minutes 4. Special Presentation - A resolution recognizing Roger W. Fawcett for his years of service to the City of Suffolk, Virginia 5. Removal of Items from the Consent Agenda and Adoption of the Agenda 6. Agenda Speakers 7. Consent Agenda - An ordinance to Amend Article III, Boards, Committees, Commissions, Division 14, Standing Committees, of the Code of the City of Suffolk, to add the City-Nation Committee 8. Consent Agenda - An ordinance to name the Downtown Suffolk Library 9. Consent Agenda - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Operation Ceasefire Grant Program for the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office 10. Consent Agenda - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services Rescue Squad Assistance Fund for the Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue 11. Public Hearings 12. Ordinances 13. Resolutions 14. Staff Report - Western Tidewater Community Services Board Mental Health Services 15. Motion - A motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on February 19, 2025, to receive public comment on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2035 Capital Improvements Program & Plan 16. Motion - A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session for February 19, 2025, at 4:00pm, unless canceled by the Mayor and City Manager 17. Non-Agenda Speakers 18. New Business 19. Announcements and Comments 20. Adjournment 2 City Council Work Session October 2, 2024 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 4:00 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 II, City Manager ABSENT None SUFFOLK REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY’S STATUS UPDATE AND FY25 SPARC GRANT AWARD DISCUSSION Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Patricia Tyus, Executive Director, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, gave a report on the above referenced item. Council Member Bennett inquired about the feasibility of using funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to demolish Hoffler Apartments. Ms. Tyus advised that the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Directors will consider the feasibility of that matter. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams asked about the interior work at Collander Bishop Apartments. Ms. Tyus explained that they will do the exterior work first and, generally, when a resident leaves an apartment, the interior work is performed. Council Member Williams queried about the number of units at Hoffler Apartments. Ms. Tyus stated that Hoffler Apartments is comprised of 80 units. Council Member Williams sought information about the number of units at Hoffler Apartments that beyond repair. Ms. Tyus said that 14 units at Hoffler Apartments are beyond repair. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett opined about and requirements from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development as it relates to the use of federal funding. Ms. Tyus replied that the federal government generally phases in their requirements, and the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority works with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development on a continuing basis to use the federal funding. 1 City Council Work Session October 2, 2024 Council Member Rector solicited information about any type of ongoing facilities assessment in order to manage future funding needs. Ms. Tyus advised that annual inspections of all facilities are required by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Council Member Butler Barlow asked about the availability of funding to assist first time homebuyers. Mr. Tyus replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson queried about the timeline to use the Virginia Housing’s Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities Program funding. Ms. Tyus said that that funding does not have a timeline for use. Council Member Williams queried about a future needs assessment of all properties managed by Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Ms. Tyus stated that all properties will be assessed as needed. Council Member Bennett opined about the administration of the first time homebuyers classes. Ms. Tyus explained that the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is in the process of reinstating the first time homebuyers classes. Council Member Rector called for an inventory of the number of units managed by the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Ms. Tyus advised that she could provide that information. 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, Downtown Advisory Committee, Early Childhood Development Commission, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Paul D. Camp Community College Board, Sister Cities Commission, Southeastern Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, Southside Network Authority, Suffolk Clean Community Commission, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, and the Western Tidewater Regional Jail. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above referenced purpose, 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 2 City Council Work Session October 2, 2024 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:49 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:00 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor 3 City Council Regular Meeting October 2, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 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 II, 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 Girl Scout Troop 772 led the Pledge of Allegiance. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CERTIFICATION City Clerk Dawley presented a resolution certifying the Closed Meeting of October 2, 2024, 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 2, 2024, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1 City Council Regular Meeting October 2, 2024 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Rector, moved to approve the minutes from the July 17, 2024, Work Session and Regular Meeting, 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 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “Fire Prevention Week” Mayor Duman presented the proclamation to Fire Chief Michael Barakey and Deputy Fire Marshall David Joseph. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “Cybersecurity Awareness Month” Mayor Duman presented the proclamation to Information Technology Director Charles Kiriakou. 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 - A Resolution Consenting to Assignment of Franchise Consent Agenda Item #8 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate a TRIAD Crime Prevention Grant for Seniors from the Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the Attorney General in support of the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney Consent Agenda Item #9 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Septic Local Partnership Program 2 City Council Regular Meeting October 2, 2024 Consent Agenda Item #10 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds proffered by Port 460 Owner, LLC in support of the Murphy’s Mill Road Drainage Improvement project Consent Agenda Item #11 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds proffered by Port 460 Owners LLC in support of the Route 460 Improvements project Consent Agenda Item #12 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Share Program for the Pughsville Area Drainage Improvement project, Phase II and the transfer of funds from the Olde Town Drainage Improvement project to the Pughsville Area Drainage Improvement project Referring to Consent Agenda Items #7 through #12, 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 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 2025 Legislative Agenda for the City of Suffolk Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mindy Carlin, Access Point Public Affairs, the City’s legislative consultant, submitted a summary of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Hearing no speakers, the public hearing was closed. 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 2025 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. 3 City Council Regular Meeting October 2, 2024 STAFF REPORTS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. MOTIONS Motion - A motion to cancel the November 6, 2024, City Council Meeting Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to cancel the November 6, 2024, City Council Meeting. Referring to the proposed motion, Council Member Bennett opined about the purpose for cancellation. Mayor Duman advised that he received requests from several members of City Council to cancel the meeting. Council Member Rector asked about any impact of the consideration of the 2045 Comprehensive Plan. City Manager Moor replied that the consideration of the 2045 Comprehensive Plan was continued to the November 20, 2024, City Council meeting. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to cancel the November 6, 2024, City Council Meeting, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 7 NAYS: Council Member Bennett 1 Motion – A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session for Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled by the Mayor and City Manager Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session for Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled by the Mayor and City Manager, 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 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS There were no speakers under this portion of the agenda. NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the following nominations for appointment to the respective bodies – Community Policy and Management Team – Sheridan Merriweather (private provider representative) and Southeastern Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Board – Louvenia Milteer. 4 City Council Regular Meeting October 2, 2024 Council Member Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, 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 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 observance of the Columbus Day holiday; the Crust and Cork Ribbon Cutting; the Parks and Recreation Department’s receipt of awards from Virginia Recreation and Park Society; the Suffolk Public Library’s receipt of awards from the Virginia Library Association; the Virginia Department of Transportation’s long-term, single-lane closure on Route 58 for Southeastern Public Service Authority Interchange Improvement Project; the Nansemond River Cleanup; the Social Services Department’s job fair; the Suffolk Public Library’s Pet Picnic; the 46th Annual Suffolk Peanut Festival; the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s Putt-Putt Party and the City’s Public Safety Portal. Council Member Butler Barlow opined about the 46th Annual Suffolk Peanut Festival. Council Member Butler Barlow opined about Hurricane Helene. Council Member Bennett opined about today’s Work Session presentation from the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Council Member Bennett announced the selection of his granddaughter, Amara Kennedy Oparaji, for the Peanut Fest Queen’s Court. Council Member Johnson opined about the 46th Annual Suffolk Peanut Festival and welcomed Girl Scout Troop 772. Council Member Johnson acknowledged the Parks and Recreation Department’s receipt of awards from Virginia Recreation and Park Society and the Suffolk Public Library’s receipt of awards from the Virginia Library Association. Council Member Rector acknowledged the Parks and Recreation Department’s receipt of awards from Virginia Recreation and Park Society and the Suffolk Public Library’s receipt of awards from the Virginia Library Association. Council Member Rector opined about the ongoing water main repair in the Azalea Acres area. Council Member Rector announced he attended the Virginia Retail Alliance Retail Matters luncheon. Council Member Rector opined about Hurricane Helene. Council Member William reported he attended the following events: the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge 50th Anniversary Celebration; the 2024 Downtown Suffolk Rotary Club First Citizen’s event and the Crust and Cork Ribbon Cutting. 5 City Council Regular Meeting October 2, 2024 Council Member Williams reported speeding and road maintenance concerns in the Whaleyville Borough. Council Member Fawcett acknowledged Girl Scout Troop 772, which provided the Pledge of Allegiance. Council Member Fawcett opined about Fire Prevention Week. Council Member Fawcett acknowledged the Parks and Recreation Department’s receipt of awards from Virginia Recreation and Park Society and the Suffolk Public Library’s receipt of awards from the Virginia Library Association. Council Member Fawcett opined about Hurricane Helene. Council Member Butler Barlow acknowledged Girl Scout Troop 772, which provided the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice Mayor Ward acknowledged Girl Scout Troop 772, which provided the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice Mayor Ward opined about the Pughsville Drainage Project. Vice Mayor Ward announced that he attended the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge 50th Anniversary Celebration. Vice Mayor Ward opined about the feasibility of the Parks and Recreation Department assisting a youth football team in the Burbage Grant area. Vice Mayor Ward reported that he attended the 2024 Downtown Suffolk Rotary Club First Citizen’s event Vice Mayor Ward acknowledged the Parks and Recreation Department’s receipt of awards from Virginia Recreation and Park Society and the Suffolk Public Library’s receipt of awards from the Virginia Library Association. Mayor Duman announced that he attended the following: the Downtown Master Plan presentation; the Western Tidewater Community Services Board’s “Shatter the Silence” Suicide Prevention event; the joint Work Session with the Suffolk School Board and the Public Safety Committee Meeting. Mayor Duman opined about today’s Work Session presentation from the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Mayor Duman reported that he attended the National Guard Armory 1st Annual Community Day. Mayor Duman called on City Manager Moor to provide an update on the City’s efforts to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in southwestern Virginia and western North Carolina. City Manager Moor and Police Chief James Buie submitted information about the City’s efforts to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in southwestern Virginia and western North Carolina. Mayor Duman acknowledged Girl Scout Troop 772, which provided the Pledge of Allegiance. 6 City Council Regular Meeting October 2, 2024 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 7:15 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor 7 AGENDA: February 5, 2025, Regular Session ITEM: Special Presentation - A resolution recognizing Roger W. Fawcett for his years of service to the City of Suffolk, Virginia A resolution will be presented to Roger W. Fawcett in recognition of his years of service to the City of Suffolk. Removal of Items from the Consent Agenda and Adoption of the Agenda Agenda Speakers AGENDA: February 5, 2025, Regular s·ession ITEM: Consent Agenda - An ordinance to name the Downtown Suffolk Library Attached for Council's consideration and approval is an ordinance which names the property at 325 West Washington Street, further identified as tax map number 34Gl7(A)*177 RECOMMENDATION: Approve the attached ordinance ATTACHMENT: Ordinance Chapter 14, Article III, Section 39-42 of Code of the City of Suffolk ORDINANCE NUMBER AN ORDINANCE TO NAME THE DOWNTOWN SUFFOLK LIBRARY WHEREAS, Section 14-39 through section 14-42 of the City of Suffolk Code requires city facilities to be named by City Council. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Suffolk, Virginia, that the property located at 325 West Washington Street in the Suffolk borough of the City of Suffolk be named Downtown Suffolk Library. This ordinance shall be effective upon its passage and shall not be published. READ AND PASSED: ------- TESTE: ------------ Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk Approved as to Form: William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Public Hearings Ordinances Resolutions AGENDA: February 5, 2025, Regular Session ITEM: Staff Report - Western Tidewater Community Services Board Mental Health Services Executive Director of the Western Tidewater Community Services Board, Brandon Rogers, will speak on the Mental Health Services available to the City of Suffolk AGENDA: February 5, 2025, Regular Session ITEM: Motion - A motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on February 19, 2025, to receive public comment on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2035 Capital Improvements Program & Plan A public hearing is required to receive public comment on the Proposed FY 2026-2035 Capital Improvements Program & Plan (CIP). RECOMMENDATION: Schedule a public hearing for February 19, 2025, to obtain public comment on the proposed FY 2026-2035 CIP. Motion to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 4:00p.m., unless canceled by the Mayor and the City Manager Non-Agenda Speakers New Business Announcements and Comments Adjournment