City Council Meeting Packets

SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 2, 2025 WORK SESSION Begins at 4:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION Begins at 6:00 P.M.  SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 2, 2025 4:00 p.m. City Council Chamber 1. Roadway Construction and Capital Projects Update 2. Appointments to Boards and Commissions 3. *Appointments * Proposed Items for Closed Session AGENDA: July 2, 2025, Work Session ITEM: Roadway and Capital Improvement Projects Update Staff will provide updates on various roadway and Capital Projects throughout the City. AGENDA: July 2, 2025, Work Session ITEM: Appointments to Boards and Commissions At its June 4, 2025 meeting, City Council approved a motion to conduct a discussion of the process for selecting members of City Boards, Committees, and Commissions. The motion further stated the discussion was to be placed on the agenda for the Work Session on July 2, 2025. On June 18, 2025, information was provided to City Council to assist with the discussion.  SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA July 2, 2025 6:00 p.m. City Council Chamber 1. Call to Order 2. Nonsectarian Invocation 3. Approval of the Minutes 4. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “Park and Recreation Month” 5. Removal of Items from the Consent Agenda and Adoption of the Agenda 6. Agenda Speakers 7. Consent Agenda - 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 8. Consent Agenda - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Byrne/Justice Assistance Equipment Grant in support of the Suffolk Sheriff’s Department 9. Consent Agenda - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Operation Ceasefire Grant Program in support of the Suffolk Police Department 10. Consent Agenda - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia 9-1-1 Services Board Public Safety Answering Point Grant Program for the Suffolk Police Department 11. Consent Agenda - An ordinance to repeal Article II Erosion and Sedimentation Control of Chapter 34 Environment and replace it with Article II Stormwater System Discharges to align with changes to Chapter 35 of the City Code 12. Consent Agenda - An ordinance to repeal Chapter 35 Stormwater Management and replace it with Chapter 35 Erosion and Stormwater Management to align with requirements of the Code of Virginia 13. Public Hearing - An ordinance to amend and re-ordain the adopted Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Fee Schedule for the City of Suffolk, Virginia, to amend the Western Tidewater Water Authority Fees for the wholesale water rate and the fixed capacity charge 14. Public Hearing - An ordinance authorizing the acquisition of real property in fee simple and/or permanent and/or temporary easements, either by agreement or condemnation, for the Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail, Segment 1 15. Public Hearing - An ordinance authorizing the acquisition of real property in fee simple and/or permanent and/or temporary easements, either by agreement or condemnation, for the Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail, Segment 3A 16. Public Hearing - An ordinance authorizing the acquisition of real property in fee simple and/or permanent and/or temporary easements, either by agreement or condemnation, for the Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail, Segment 3B 17. Ordinances 18. Resolutions 19. Staff Reports 20. Motion - A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., unless canceled by the Mayor and the City Manager 21. Non-Agenda Speakers 22. New Business 23. Announcements and Comments 24. Adjournment 2 City Council Work Session April 2, 2025 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Shelley Butler Barlow Timothy J. Johnson John T. Rector LeOtis L. Williams Ebony N. Wright Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Albert S. Moor, City Manager ABSENT None FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Charles Meek gave a report about the above- mentioned topic. PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 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, Community Development Grant Coordinator Deidre Garrett supplied a summary about the above-referenced topic. Council Member Bennett asked about the potential adverse impacts of funding reductions from the United States Department Housing and Urban Development. Ms. Garrett reported that she hopes to have that information by May 14, 2025. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired about the application process for local first-time homeownership programs. Ms. Garrett explained that residents can apply for the program through their local redevelopment and housing authorities. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector opined about the proposed allocations to the local public service organizations. City Manager Moor stated the proposed allocations to the local public service organizations included in the presentation are in addition to the allocations included in the proposed Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. 1 City Council Work Session April 2, 2025 CLOSED MEETING City Clerk Dawley presented the Closed Meeting motion for City Council’s consideration: 1. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(1), 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 Early Childhood Development Commission, Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk, Historic Landmarks Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Sister Cities Commission, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, Western Tidewater Community Services Board and the Wetlands Board. Council Member Rector, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above-mentioned purpose, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:59 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:06 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor 2 City Council Regular Meeting April 2, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Shelley Butler Barlow John T. Rector LeOtis L. Williams Ebony N. Wright Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Albert S. Moor, City Manager ABSENT Timothy J. Johnson (excused) CALL TO ORDER/INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Duman called the meeting to order and announced Council Member Johnson was excused. 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 April 2, 2025, pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Council Member Rector, on a motion seconded by Council Member Bennett, moved to approve the resolution, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 0 A RESOLUTION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING OF APRIL 2, 2025, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1 City Council Regular Meeting April 2, 2025 Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, moved to approve the minutes from the December 4, 2024, Work Session and Regular Meeting, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams 6 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 0 ABSTAIN: Council Member Wright 1 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “National Animal Care and Control Week” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Police Chief James Buie, who offered remarks. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Police Chief Buie, who offered remarks. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “Child Abuse Prevention Month” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Assistant Director Toya Taylor and Family Services Program Manager Brandy Miller from Social Services Department, who offered remarks. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “National Library Week” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Library Director Clint Rudy and Library Advisory Board Chair Sean Bilby, who offered remarks. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “Week of the Young Child” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Parks and Recreation Director Mark Furlo, who offered remarks. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of “Crime Victims’ Rights Week” Mayor Duman presented the above referenced proclamation to Victim/Witness Services Director Katherine Gardner and Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney staff, who offered remarks. 2 City Council Regular Meeting April 2, 2025 REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Council Member Bennett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, moved to adopt the agenda, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 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 Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Aviation for the Suffolk Executive Airport Consent Agenda Item #8 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from Robert Gillete for a granite monument at the Cedar Hill Cemetery Scatter Garden Consent Agenda Item #9 - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Suffolk Parks and Trails Alliance to construct a splash pad at the Kid Zone Playground at Lake Meade Park Referring to Consent Agenda Items #7 through #9, City Manager Moor submitted a review of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Wright, moved to adopt Consent Agenda Items #7 through #9, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing - An ordinance to amend the Streets Identification System for streets and properties located at various locations throughout the City of Suffolk Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director Kevin Wyne provided a summary of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Hearing no speakers, the public hearing was closed. 3 City Council Regular Meeting April 2, 2025 Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Ward, moved to approve the ordinance, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 0 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE STREETS IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR STREETS AND PROPERTIES LOCATED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF SUFFOLK Public Hearing - A public hearing to receive public comment on the Suffolk Transit Facility Title VI Analysis that was previously reviewed at the City Council meeting on March 19, 2025 Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Robert Lewis gave an overview of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Hearing no speakers, the public hearing was closed. There was no action required by City Council at this time. ORDINANCES There were no items under this portion of the agenda. RESOLUTIONS There were no items under this portion of the agenda. STAFF REPORT Staff Report - Solid Waste Ordinance and Recycling Program Updates Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Lewis outlined the background information as printed in the official agenda. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector queried about any special containers for rubbish collection. Public Works Lewis explained that no special containers for rubbish collection will be needed. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector opined about the need to use bags for one refuse collection container. Public Works Director Lewis said that at this point, the details are to be determined if the City moves to single container refuse collection. Staff Report - Significant Land Use Application Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Wyne offered a synopsis of the background information as printed in the official agenda regarding the proposed Holland Glen project. 4 City Council Regular Meeting April 2, 2025 MOTIONS Motion - A motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on April 16, 2025, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2030 Annual Action Plan for the City of Suffolk’s Community Development Block Grant Program and the Western Tidewater Home Consortium HOME Investment Partnership Grant Program Council Member Rector, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved to schedule a public hearing to be held on April 16, 2025, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2030 Annual Action Plan for the City of Suffolk’s Community Development Block Grant Program and the Western Tidewater Home Consortium HOME Investment Partnership Grant Program, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 0 Motion - A motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on April 16, 2025, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating and Capital Budget Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Ward, moved to schedule a public hearing to be held on April 16, 2025, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating and Capital Budget, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 0 Motion - A motion to schedule a public hearing to be held on May 7, 2025, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Citywide effective real estate tax increase due to reassessment Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Bennett, moved to schedule a public hearing to be held on May 7, 2025, to receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Citywide effective real estate tax increase due to reassessment, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 0 Motion - A motion to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled by the Mayor and the City Manager Council Member Butler Barlow, on a motion seconded by Council Member Rector, moved to schedule a City Council Work Session, for Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., unless cancelled by the Mayor and the City Manager, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 0 5 City Council Regular Meeting April 2, 2025 NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS Rosa Hinton-Biggs, 102 Nansemond Pointe Drive, representing self, spoke in support of the exemption of personal property taxes for spouses of disabled veterans. John Wandinshun, 202 Station Drive, representing self, opined about his child custody agreement and interaction with the Suffolk Police Department. Vonnie Barnes, 1221 Blythewood Lanes, representing self, expressed concerns about the services of Suffolk Transit. NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dawley presented the following nomination for appointment to the Wetlands Board – Dallas Ellis, Jr. (alternate) Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Ward, moved to nominate and appoint the aforementioned individual to the respective body, as presented, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 0 Council Member Wright, on a motion seconded by Council Member Bennett, moved to direct City Manager Moor to explore the possibility of implementing a “No Burn” ban in the City’s urban and suburban areas to include a review of the restrictions for open burning in neighboring localities, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 0 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Communications Assistant Director Andy Franklin provided a report on the following: Dollar Tree ribbon cutting; North Constant’s Park groundbreaking; the Suffolk Police Department receipt of the CALEA accreditation; Fire Station 11 Update; the City’s Environmental Crimes Task Force; Great Suffolk Cleanup video; the Nansemond Parkway/Bennetts Pasture Road Intermittent Lane Closure; the Nansemond Parkway Bridge Replacement Road Closure; the Public Works Department’s Open House; the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt; the Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department’s Saturday Cinema series; and the availability of the Public Safety Portal. Council Member Wright acknowledged the recipients of tonight’s proclamations. Council Member Wright opined about construction on Route 17. Council Member Wright opined about the Great Suffolk Cleanup. 6 City Council Regular Meeting April 2, 2025 Council Member Rector opined about the Suffolk Police Department receipt of the CALEA accreditation. Council Member Rector reported that he attended the following: the ForKids Art Auction; the Holland Athletic Association Season Opening; the North Constant’s Park groundbreaking; the Great Suffolk Cleanup and the Navy League Congressional Roundtable. Council Member Rector opined about the Downtown Suffolk Advisory Committee. Council Member Rector acknowledged the recipients of tonight’s proclamations. Council Member Williams opined about the recent Whaleyville Town Hall meeting. Council Member Williams reported constituent concerns from the Saratoga Civic League. Council Member Williams announced that he toured Fire Station 11. Council Member Williams stated he participated in the Great Suffolk Clean Up. Council Member Butler Barlow opined about the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating and Capital Budget. Council Member Butler Barlow opined about the North Constant’s Park groundbreaking and the Great Suffolk Cleanup. Council Member Bennett acknowledged the recipients of tonight’s proclamations. Council Member Bennett announced that he attended the unveiling of the Belleville Community Historical Marker. Council Member Bennett opined about the City’s water and sewer rates. Vice Mayor Ward extended his condolences to a family in Pughsville on the loss of a loved one. Vice Mayor Ward announced that he attended the unveiling of the Belleville Community Historical Marker. Vice Mayor Ward reported that he toured Fire Station 11. Mayor Duman announced he attended the following: the Great Suffolk Cleanup; the Dollar Tree ribbon cutting; the North Constant’s Park groundbreaking; Fire Station 11 tour and the unveiling of the Belleville Community Historical Marker. Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Wright, moved to adjourn, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 0 7 City Council Regular Meeting April 2, 2025 There being no further business to come before City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor 8 AGENDA: July 2, 2025, Regular Session ITEM: Special Presentation – A proclamation in recognition of “Park and Recreation Month” The Suffolk Department of Parks and Recreation has requested a proclamation in recognition of July being “Park and Recreation Month”. The 2025 theme is “Build Together, Play Together: 40 Years of Park and Recreation Month.” Parks and Recreation agencies across the country are recognizing the month with summer programs, events, contests, commemorations and celebrations. We will be celebrating Park and Recreation Month at many or our programs and special events in July. We will also be encouraging citizens to visit their parks or recreation areas during the month of July.  Removal of Items from the Consent Agenda and Adoption of the Agenda Agenda Speakers Ordinances Resolutions Staff Reports  Motion to schedule a City Council Work Session for July 16, 2025, at 4:00pm, unless canceled by the Mayor and the City Manager Non-Agenda Speakers New Business Announcements and Comments