City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session September 5, 2018 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, September 5, 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 SUFFOLK REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY City Manager Roberts introduced Tracey Snipes, Executive Director, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Snipes offered a report on the above referenced item. Lysandra Shaw, Community Development Operations Director, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, provided supplementary information. Vice Mayor Bennett called for information about the number of homes rehabilitated this year. Ms. Shaw said that 14 homes have been rehabilitated through the Neighborhood Stabilization program this fiscal year, but there were other homes rehabilitated during that time frame, as well. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett queried about the number of people that participated in the Homebuyer Education program. Ms. Shaw stated that 195 clients participated in the program. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward inquired about the frequency of the Homebuyer Education program. Ms. Shaw explained that the program is offered once a month, but clients visit daily to receive information on this topic. COMMUNITY BUSINESS LAUNCH COMPETITION Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Economic Development Director Kevin Hughes supplied an overview of above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg asked if Ed Beardsley was made aware of the proposed competition. Economic Development Director Hughes reported that staff has been sharing information about the proposed competition with all downtown business owners, including Mr. Beardsley. 1 City Council Work Session September 5, 2018 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward sought clarification about the businesses that are eligible for the proposed competition. Economic Development Director Hughes indicated that current and existing businesses are eligible to participate in the proposed competition. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward requested information about the advertisement of the proposed competition. Economic Development Director Hughes advised that the proposed competition will be advertised in local newspapers, social media and banners at Taste of Suffolk. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward opined about the area that is eligible for participation in the proposed competition. Economic Development Director Hughes explained that based on the State’s requirements, only businesses located in the downtown area are eligible to participate in the proposed competition. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked about the requirement for the number of jobs that must be created in order to compete in the proposed competition. Economic Development Director Hughes said that all businesses must create five jobs in total. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman inquired if financial need was a factor in determining which businesses are eligible to receive the grant. Economic Development Director Hughes stated that financial need is not a factor in determining which businesses are eligible to receive the grant. 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, Senior Services of Southeast Virginia, Southeastern Virginia Alcohol Safety Program, The Planning Council, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, and Virginia Municipal League Annual Conference Business Meeting and Urban Section Meeting Voting Delegate and Alternate; and 2. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(29)and (A)(8), the discussion of the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds, including interviews of bidders or offerors, and discussion of the terms or scope of such contract, where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body; and consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel, specifically concerning a proposal by the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, 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 2 City Council Work Session September 5, 2018 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:39 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 6:45 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 3