City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session July 18, 2018 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, July 18, 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 MAJOR TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT UPDATE City Manager Roberts explained that the presentation would include information about transportation projects in the City’s Capital Improvement Program that are in the preliminary design phase and based on some anticipated escalations in construction costs and potentially rising costs for right-of-way acquisition. He added that the overall estimated price tags of the projects are higher than anticipated. He concluded that staff would be moving aggressively through the projects and work toward getting refined bids instead of preliminary estimates. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Eric Nielsen offered a report on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Johnson sought clarification of the location of the curve in the proposed Nansemond Parkway/Bennett’s Pasture Road Intersection Improvements project. Public Works Director explained that the curve would be located about one-third of a mile from the intersection of Bennett’s Pasture Road and Nansemond Parkway. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the potential impact of the Nansemond Parkway/Bennett’s Pasture Road Intersection Improvements project, specifically on the churches in the area near Sportsman Boulevard. Public Works Director Nielsen stated that staff would work with all impacted property owners to minimize any adverse impact. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the possibility of community meetings about the Nansemond Parkway/Bennett’s Pasture Road Intersection Improvements project. 1 City Council Work Session July 18, 2018 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman opined about the proposed costs for right-of-way acquisition. Public Works Director Nielsen advised that staff is working on the estimates, but also advised the cost of land is higher in the proposed areas of improvement. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman asked if a right turn lane would be included in the Godwin Boulevard/Kings Highway Intersection Improvements project. Public Works Director Nielsen stated that there would not be a right turn lane included in the project, as it would increase the project cost due to land acquisition, and the adjacent property owners would not support a right turn lane. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward inquired about the potential impact of the Nansemond Parkway/Bennett’s Pasture Road Intersection Improvements project on Tabernacle Christian Church. Public Works Director Nielsen explained that the church’s building would not be impacted, but a vacant lot near the church might be, depending on the alignment. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward queried about the location of wetlands behind Tabernacle Christian Church. Public Works Director Nielsen replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson asked about the Maple Street Improvement project. Public Works Director Nielsen advised that the project is anticipated to start in three months. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson sought information about the inclusion of a holding pond in the area of the Maple Street Improvements project. Public Works Director Nielsen said that there would be some stormwater improvements but a holding pond is not anticipated. SUFFOLK EXECUTIVE AIRPORT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Economic Development Director Kevin Hughes gave a report on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Milteer requested information about a potential aviation school at the Suffolk Executive Airport. Economic Development Director Hughes indicated that staff is in the process of negotiating a lease with an aviation school for rental of one of the hangars. Council Member Duman called for the number of acres of land in Harborview that are currently zoned commercial. Economic Development Director Hughes indicated that there are approximately 700 acres of land in Harbourview that are currently zoned commercial, but there would be additional information presented at tonight’s City Council meeting that would address the issue more specifically. Council Member Johnson opined that there are 1,400 new residential units and 1,600 future residential units pending for the Harbourview area. Economic Development Director Hughes replied in the affirmative. 2 City Council Work Session July 18, 2018 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 Community Policy and Management Team, Historic Landmarks Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Library Advisory Board, Paul D. Camp Community College, Senior Services of Southeast Virginia, Southeastern Virginia Alcohol Safety Program, Suffolk Clean Community Commission Keep Suffolk Beautiful Executive Board, The Planning Council, and Tidewater Youth Services Commission; and 2. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(3), the discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, specifically concerning property located in the City of Suffolk, Virginia and identified as Tax Map 34A*25. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above referenced purposes, 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 5:44 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 6:10 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: AUGUST 1, 2018 3