City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session November 7, 2018 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, 4:30 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Linda T. Johnson, Mayor, presiding, (arrived at 4:48 p.m.) 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 2019 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Rob Catron, Managing Partner, Alcalde and Fay, Virginia, LLC, the City’s legislative consultant, provided a review of the above referenced item. Council Member Fawcett opined about the impact of the State’s broadband efforts, specifically regarding construction expansion. Mr. Catron stated that localities are able to unify to apply for funding to benefit their communities. Referring to the distributed handout, Council Member Duman called for clarification about the estimated cost to replace the Kings Highway Bridge. Mr. Catron said he would make the correction accordingly. Referring to the distributed handout, Council Member Duman opined about the increase in the number of inmates at the Western Tidewater Regional Jail and the need to receive increased funding from the State. Mr. Catron advised he would discuss the matter with Superintendent at the Western Tidewater Regional Jail. Referring to the distributed handout, Council Member Johnson opined about the need for more funding for Route 58. SUFFOLK EXECUTIVE AIRPORT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Economic Development Director Kevin Hughes gave a report of the above referenced item. 1 City Council Work Session November 7, 2018 DOWNTOWN PLAN IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE Deputy City Manager D. Scott Mills introduced Bill Schwegler, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director Municipal/K-12 Programs, and Maureen McElfresh, Project Manager, Waller, Todd and Sadler Architects. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Schwegler and Ms. McElfresh provided a summation of the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman asked about the process and the costs of the creation of an arts and creative district. Economic Development Director Hughes explained that there are different methods to approach this matter. City Manager Roberts added that staff will develop recommendations for consideration of this matter during the presentation of the proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2019-2020. Vice Mayor Bennett queried about the feasibility of the inclusion of a statue of George Washington Carver in Carver Circle. Deputy City Manager Mills indicated that at this point, no final determination had been made, but it might be feasible. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about blight on East Washington Street. Deputy City Manager Mills reported that staff is continuing to address those matters. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson inquired about the funding and timeline for property acquisition for the Phoenix Bank block. Deputy City Manager Mills stated that the recommended funding amount of $500,000 is adequate as staff is still addressing property issues in the area. City Manager Roberts added that currently, the City is not aggressively acting on this matter, but it is the intent to move forward by the end of the year. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg solicited information about the inclusion of public murals in the area of the new library. Economic Development Director Hughes replied that it is the intent to include a visual component as a part of the plan’s implementation, and staff is going to review the Historic Landmarks Commission guidelines to insure that will be feasible. Council Member Ward called for the information on the previous plans for Carver Circle as it relates to Phoenix Bank. City Manager Roberts advised the information can be provided. Council Member Ward opined about the need to visit other libraries. City Manager Roberts responded in the affirmative. Mayor Johnson opined about short term improvements that can be addressed as it relates to the Downtown Master Plan. 2 City Council Work Session November 7, 2018 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 Early Childhood Development Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Senior Services of Southeast Virginia, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, Western Tidewater Community Services Board, and Wetlands Board; and 2. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(5), discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business’ or industry’s interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community, specifically concerning Project Pickle, Project Omega, Project Devil and Project Thimble. 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 6:06 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 6:29 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: DECEMBER 5, 2018 3