City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session March 21, 2018 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, 5:00 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 ANNUAL REASSESSMENT REPORT Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, City Assessor Jean Jackson offered information on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman opined about the increased assessed value. City Assessor Jackson explained that the proposed values are as of January 1, 2018. She added that the land book values are effective July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman asked when the assessed value for the pending new construction projects will be available. City Assessor Jackson advised that the information would be provided as they become available for the upcoming Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman sought clarification about home values and assessments as they relate to tax deferral and tax relief values. City Assessor Jackson said that the figures are determined by the median assessment ratio, with the exception of the tax relief for disabled veterans. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman opined about the tax relief for disabled veterans. City Assessor Jackson reported that the tax relief for disabled veterans is all exempt. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman asked about any increase in the number of parcels for the tax relief for disabled veterans. City Assessor Jackson stated that are 373 more exempt parcels under the disabled veterans classification. 1 City Council Work Session March 21, 2018 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson queried about the total amount of new values added to the City revenues. City Assessor Jackson replied that she was not aware of the totals in supplement A, but the estimated amount in supplement B is approximately $250,000. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson asked about the change in the tax relief for disabled veterans. City Assessor Jackson said that there was an increase in amount of tax relief for disabled veterans from $81,126,500 to $103,423,300. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg asked why the increase in assessments in 2018 was lower than 2017. City Assessor Jackson advised fewer parcels went into rehabilitation credit last year than this year. She added that the current figures are only up to January 1st, and the remaining new construction to be assessed before the end of the fiscal year could have an impact on the final assessed values. UTILITY FUND OVERVIEW Referring to the presentation, Public Utilities Director Albert Moor supplied a summary of the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman called for information about the meter change out program. Public Utilities Director Moor explained that older meters are being replaced with new meters that contain improved technology. Council Member Duman opined about the inclusion tips about water conservation and information regarding adjusting water bills in the event leaks. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman opined about the Utility Fund reserves. Public Utilities Director Moor explained that in order to the remain compliant with the City’s financial policies, receive better borrowing rates, and keep the City’s positive bond rating, the Utility Fund reserves must remain at the current levels. Vice Mayor Bennett questioned the status of the replacement of the water tank on County Street. Public Utilities Director Moor replied that staff is examining the project conjunction with another similar, planned improvement. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett called for an explanation for the non-departmental expenditures in the Utility Fund. Public Utilities Director Moor reported that the line item is used to account for risk management claims, environmental incentive reimbursements, and the City’s contribution to the Western Tidewater Water Authority. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett queried about the proposed increase in the utility bills. City Manager Roberts advised that staff is trying to maintain an average 6% increase or less and will include this information during the proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2018. Council Member Goldberg solicited information about the reasons for fluctuations in water quality. Public Utilities Director Moor indicated that algae blooms occur during rain events and warmer weather, but they do not harm the water quality. 2 City Council Work Session March 21, 2018 City Clerk Dawley presented the Closed Meeting motion for City Council’s consideration: 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 Community Policy and Management Team, Historic Landmarks Commission, Library Advisory Board, Senior Services of Southeast Virginia, Suffolk Clean Community Commission Keep Suffolk Beautiful Executive Board, The Planning Council and the Virginia Municipal League Policy Committees. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Milteer, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above referenced purpose, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor L. Johnson, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Duman, Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:56 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 6:15 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: APRIL 18, 2018 3