City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session March 6, 2019 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 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 POLICE DEPARTMENT STAFFING STUDY Police Chief Thomas Bennett introduced Mr. Peter Belmio, the City’s Police Department staffing consultant. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Belmio gave an update about the above referenced item. Police Chief Bennett offered supplemental information. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward asked if the proposed six additional officers in Precinct Two would work weekends. Police Chief Bennett explained that it was his goal to address this matter this year as it is a staffing issue. Council Member Ward queried about the use of community policing. Police Chief Bennett replied in the affirmative. Council Member Ward requested a hard copy of the PowerPoint presentation. Police Chief Bennett replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman called for clarification about the number of non- emergency calls. Mr. Belmio advised that the number was based on all calls received by the Police Communications personnel. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman solicited information about the use of an automated attendant for non-emergency calls. Police Chief Bennet stated that an automated attendant has been implemented to correctly route non-emergency calls. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman inquired about the City’s 16% vacancy rate in the Police Department compared to the state and national averages. Mr. Belmio stated that the percentage is specific to Suffolk. 1 City Council Work Session March 6, 2019 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman queried about the City’s 16% vacancy rate in the Police Department compared to the state and national averages. Mr. Belmio stated that the national average ranges from seven to 15 %. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman opined about the calculation of the reduction in overtime costs with the creation of new positions in the Police Department. Mr. Belmio indicated that he did not factor in the reduction in overtime cost with the creation of new positions in the Police Department. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson called for information about the proposed new positions in the Police Department, as it relates to future needs. Police Chief Bennett explained that the staffing study was prepared based on 2017 data. He added that projections indicate that calls for service will increase; therefore, additional staffing might be necessary in the future. UTILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Utilities Director Albert Moor offered a review of the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman asked for clarification about the funding source for the new six inch and eight inch water mains, as it relates to the Chuckatuck/Oakland Water Systems Upgrades. Public Utilities Director Moor indicated that the developer is paying for those improvements. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman opined about future improvements, as it relates to the Chuckatuck/Oakland Water Systems Upgrades. Public Utilities Director Moor explained that as the project progresses, there will be opportunities for future service extensions. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman queried about the process used to inform residents about future service extensions and the petition process used to obtain new service. Public Utilities Director Moor said that should residents wish to obtain new service, they would contact the Public Utilities Department and staff will explain the petition process. Council Member Duman asked to be advised when those new services would be available in order to assist residents with the petition process. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the possible adverse impact of pesticides to local water sources. Public Utilities Director Moor stated that no local water sources have been adversely impacted by the use of pesticides. Council Member Ward called for an explanation about the petition process for new services. Public Utilities Director Moor reported that 51% of the impacted residents would need to return the petition and two-thirds of those submitted petitions would need to be in favor of the expansion of new services. Mayor Johnson asked for the average cost for the expansion of new sewer service. Public Utilities Director Moor replied that the average cost is approximately $6,050. 2 City Council Work Session March 6, 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 to the Historic Landmarks Commission and those 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, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, Western Tidewater Community Services Board, and Wetlands Board; 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, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, specifically concerning property associated with the Pitchkettle Road Improvements Project. Council Member Goldberg, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, 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 5:26 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 6:05 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: APRIL 17, 2019 3