City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session June 19, 2019 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, June 19, 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 SUFFOLK HISTORIC OVERLAY DISTRICT GUIDELINES UPDATE Planning and Community Development Director David Hainley introduced Paige Pollard, Principal Partner, Commonwealth Preservation Group, the City’s historical overlay district consultant. Ms. Pollard introduced Katie Paulson, Preservation Project Manager, Commonwealth Preservation Group. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Pollard and Ms. Paulson gave an update about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman called for clarification about the process that would be used to approve signage in the historical overlay district. Ms. Pollard explained that if the signage complies with the proposed historical overlay district guidelines, then it could be approved administratively. She added that if the signage deviates from the proposed historical overlay district guidelines, then it would have to be considered by the Historic Landmarks Commission. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman opined about new construction materials that can preserve the historical character of the historical overlay district. Ms. Pollard stated that the proposed recommendations have made it easier for the Historic Landmarks Commission to evaluate the need for replacement of materials and the use of newer construction materials. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett opined about the timeline for Certificate of Appropriateness applications under the proposed historical overlay district guidelines. Ms. Pollard reported that under the proposed historical overlay district guidelines, the majority of the applications would be addressed administratively, which would improve the timeline for applications. She added that this will also reduce the number of items that would need to be considered by the Historic Landmarks Commission. 1 City Council Work Session June 19, 2019 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson asked about the proposed historical overlay district guidelines as compared to other localities. Ms. Pollard advised that each locality has different priorities. She added that those guidelines reflect their specific priorities of those localities and the time that those priorities were adopted. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson queried about the ability of staff to address more Certificate of Appropriateness applications under the proposed historical overlay district guidelines. Ms. Pollard replied that staff and the Historic Landmarks Commission have provided input on the proposed historical overlay district guidelines and offered their support for the recommendations. PRESENTATION PERTAINING TO PAPER STREETS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Deputy City Manager D. Scott Mills offered a report on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman opined about a developer’s ability to finance the infrastructural improvements for a paper street. City Manager Roberts replied in the affirmative. Deputy City Manager Mills added that all property owners receive the same guidelines regarding the requirements for infrastructural improvements for paper streets. Council Member Ward called for a community presentation of the information included in today’s work session. City Manager Roberts indicated that staff will determine the best methodology to disseminate the information to the public. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about a house in Pughsville built on a paper street. Mayor Johnson opined about the age of the maps of paper streets and the responsibility of buyers to research the status of a paper street prior to purchase. Council Member Fawcett inquired about the City’s process of addressing paper streets as compared to other localities. Deputy City Manager Mills said that he was not aware of the City’s process of addressing paper streets as compared to other localities. 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 Community Policy and Management Team, Early Childhood Development Commission, Fine Arts Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Library Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Planning Commission, Planning Council, Senior Services of Southeast Virginia, Sister Cities Commission, Suffolk Clean Community Commission, Suffolk Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board of Commissioners, 2 City Council Work Session June 19, 2019 Tidewater Emergency Medical Services, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, and Wetlands Board; and 2. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(8), 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 funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Economic Development Access Program. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, 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 6:00 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 6:25 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: AUGUST 21, 2019 3