City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session May 15, 2019 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, 5:30 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Linda T. Johnson, Mayor, presiding (arrived at 5:39 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 DOWNTOWN PLAN UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Deputy City Manager D. Scott Mills offered a review of the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg queried about the future adaptive re-use of the former Golden Peanut site. Deputy City Manager Mills explained that the City has been contacted by a private development company about the possible adaptive re-use of the former Golden Peanut site only, not the end piece of the parcel. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg opined about the possibility of reducing the speed limit from Commerce Street to East Washington Street. Deputy City Manager Mills reported that staff will consider that as a part of the overall design effort when the street improvements move forward. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman sought information about the project costs, specifically branding and wayfinding. Deputy City Manager Mills stated that with the current funding, staff will be able to start the branding and marketing plan for downtown. He added that not all of the costs have been determined for the entire project. Planning and Community Development Director David Hainley concluded that signage is at the end of the project. Council Member Duman asked if the City would be using the Public Works Department to make the signage for the new wayfinding/parking plan. Deputy City Manager Mills replied that decision has not yet been determined. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman asked if the Business Development Manager in the Economic Development Department would spearhead the business attraction to downtown. City Manager Roberts replied in the affirmative. 1 City Council Work Session May 15, 2019 Vice Mayor Bennett inquired about the feasibility of building a parking garage in the location of the former City Assessor’s Building. Deputy City Manager Mills said staff has not recommended the construction of a parking garage, as it is a very expensive undertaking and there is little room at the site for such a structure. Mayor Johnson announced there was no motion for a Closed Meeting, therefore, the Work Session adjourned at 5:47 p.m. City Council would reconvene for its Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: JULY 17, 2019 2