City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session February 6, 2019 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, 4:00 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 FISCAL YEAR 2020-2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM AND PLAN Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Public Works Director Louis Hansen gave an update about ongoing major transportation capital improvement projects. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg called for information about any potential improvements to Saratoga Street. City Manager Roberts stated that the improvements in that area would qualify as a maintenance issue, therefore, it is not a capital improvement project. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward queried about the timeline for the Harborview Traffic Signal Upgrades. Interim Public Works Director Hansen explained that the project will be starting at the end of the month. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Tealen Hansen and Public Utilities Director Albert Moor offered a review of the proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2029 Capital Improvements Program and Plan. Council Member Milteer opined about the ditches on Columbus Avenue. City Manager Roberts said that Columbus Avenue is the only street in the South Suffolk area that has not been included in ditch improvements. He added that staff discovered that there was an obstruction in the area preventing ditch improvements, but the project might be revisited in the near future. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg queried about the funding sources for the proposed program. City Manager Roberts reviewed the various revenue sources for the proposed program. 1 City Council Work Session February 6, 2019 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg sought information about the percentages of the funding sources for the proposed program. City Manager Roberts stated that state and federal sources comprise 34%, bond financing is 55% and the General Fund makes up 11%. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg solicited clarification about the City’s borrowing ability. Finance Director Hansen explained that over five years the City has the capacity to borrow up to $150,000,000, with a maximum amount of $30,000,000 per year, which is with the City’s financial policy guidelines. She added that City Administration is not recommending that the City pursue maximizing the borrowing capacity. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman asked for an update on the renovation of the former Mount Zion Elementary School into the new Suffolk Public School’s Operations Center. City Manager Roberts indicated he would provide a future update. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson asked about the timeframe for the lease on the Professional Building, as it relates to the Human Resources Building Renovation for the relocation of the Suffolk Public School’s Administration Offices. City Manager Roberts indicated that the City has a new five-year lease for the Professional Building. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward inquired about the methodology used to determine the estimated cost of the proposed inclusive playground. City Manager Roberts said that the estimated cost that has been submitted is a placeholder provided by the Parks and Recreation Department. He added that the Suffolk School Board has approved the project, as well, but the City has separated it out a City project for a site that has yet to be determined. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward opined about the proposed Northern Shores Elementary Addition. City Manager Roberts explained that the School Board initially adopted the project as a 12-classroom addition, which was incorporated in the City’s previous Capital Improvement Program and Plan. He concluded that the Suffolk School Board subsequently changed the project to 20 classrooms, which the City does not support. Council Member Ward questioned the staffing levels at the North Suffolk Public Safety Center. City Manager Roberts replied that the matter of staffing levels at the North Suffolk Public Safety Center would be addressed during the upcoming Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2019-2020. Vice Mayor Bennett queried about the funding source for the proposed Cedar Hill Cemetery Road Repairs, specifically as it relates to the Perpetual Care Fund. Finance Director Hansen stated that the funding source for the project is the General Fund, not the Perpetual Care Fund. Members of City Council opined about the proposed program and plan. SUFFOLK EXECUTIVE AIRPORT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Economic Development Director Kevin Hughes provided a review 2 City Council Work Session February 6, 2019 of the above referenced items. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman asked about the reason for the increase in fuel sales at the Suffolk Executive Airport. Economic Development Director Hughes stated that training for Special Forces personnel is the reason for the increase in fuel sales. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman queried if the contract for Special Forces training was ongoing. Economic Development Director Hughes explained that the training schedule depends on weather and general world conditions. 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, Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk, Senior Services of Southeast Virginia, Suffolk Clean Community Commission, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, Western Tidewater Community Services Board and Wetlands Board. 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 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:59 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 6:17 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: MARCH 6, 2019 3