City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session February 20, 2019 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 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 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Deputy City Manager D. Scott Mills gave an update on the downtown master plan. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Library Services Director Clint Rudy offered a report on the proposed downtown library and Capital Programs and Buildings Director Gerry Jones provided information on the first year of funding for the proposed downtown library. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Parks and Recreation Director Mark Furlo submitted information about the proposed Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center, Lone Star Lakes Park and Northern Suffolk Inclusive Playground Project. Council Member Fawcett opined about staff visits of other libraries in the area. City Manager Roberts said that staff has visited other libraries in the area. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett queried about the timeline about the proposed Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones reported that the United States Army should be out of the facility in June and the City would then start construction. Council Member Ward opined about the feasibility of having online classes at the proposed downtown library. 1 City Council Work Session February 20, 2019 Council Member Ward inquired about the availability of transportation for residents of Pughsville and Huntersville to the proposed Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center and the availability of day care at the proposed Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center. City Manager Roberts explained that the free standing recreational facilities offer all day recreational programing during the summer months. He added it is anticipated that the proposed Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center would possibility have something similar. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo stated that the proposed Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center could possibly offer all day recreational programing during the summer months, similar to programing at the adjacent Creekside Elementary School and based on demand. He added that there is transportation from Northern Suffolk to the East Suffolk Recreation Center for the Teen Camp, and staff has had some discussion about doing something similar once the proposed Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center is open. He stated there is a trail that would connect Pughsville to the proposed Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center, and residents of Huntersville would be closer to the Northern Shores Recreation Center. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward asked about the availability of meeting room space at the proposed Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo said that the proposed center will have multipurpose space. Council Member Ward opined about the Great Dismal Swamp as an ecotourism site. City Manager Roberts and Deputy City Manager Mills replied that the City is working with a property owner on White Marsh Road to improve access into the Great Dismal Swamp, and the Tourism Division will be including information in the upcoming Operating Budget to expand its tours in the Great Dismal Swamp and Lone Stars Lakes. Members of City Council opined about the proposed program and plan. Council Member Johnson asked about the feasibility of new deep water access for fishing. City Manager Roberts stated that staff is trying to establish the best option for fishing on the Nansemond River. Deputy City Manager Mills added that staff is studying various options and hope to provide feedback within the next 90 to 180 days. Vice Mayor Bennett sought information about future capital improvements at Sleepy Hole Park. Finance Director Tealen Hansen advised that the proposed Capital Improvement Plan includes funding for these improvements in years one, three and five. Vice Mayor Bennett queried about the feasibility of permitting camping at Sleepy Hole Park. City Manager Roberts explained that while there was a campground at Sleepy Hole Park when the City of Suffolk acquired it from the City of Portsmouth, it would require significant investment to re-establish the campground. He added that there was been periodic events of that nature at the park with groups such as the Boy Scouts of America. Members of City Council opined about the proposed program and plan. 2 City Council Work Session February 20, 2019 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, 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)(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 Milteer, 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 6:23 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 7:00 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: MARCH 6, 2019 3