City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session March 4, 2020 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, 4:30 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Linda T. Johnson, Mayor, presiding Leroy Bennett, Vice Mayor Michael D. Duman Roger W. Fawcett 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 Donald Z. Goldberg (excused) Mayor Johnson advised that Council Member Goldberg would be excused for tonight’s proceedings. TRANSPORTION AND TRANSIT FUNDING UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Kevin Page, Executive Director, Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission, gave a report on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Johnson called for an explanation of the difference between Hampton Roads Transit and the transit systems in Suffolk and Williamsburg. Mr. Page explained that the transit systems in Suffolk and Williamsburg address the needs of their specific localities, but the Hampton Roads Transit crosses the boundaries of multiple jurisdictions. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman asked for a copy of the PowerPoint presentation. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman queried about the enforcement and collection methodology for the proposed highway use assessment fee on electric vehicles. Mr. Page indicated it has not been determined yet, but different options are under consideration, Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the feasibility of Hampton Roads Transit offering transit services citywide with 15-minute routes, with no additional cost. Mr. Page reported that at this time, that service is not feasible, but with increased density, the City might be able to collaborate with Hampton Roads Transit. Mayor Johnson inquired about the status of the legislation regarding Route 58 and Route 460. Mr. Page said that once the current congestion mitigation projects are complete, staff of the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission would work with the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization to start diversifying congestion relief projects across the region, including Route 58 and Route 460. 1 City Council Work Session March 4, 2020 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward solicited information about any improvements for the area near Interstate 664 and Route 17. Mr. Page replied that the Bowers Hill Interchange Study might mitigate some of the traffic congestion in that area. TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Louis Hansen supplied a synopsis of the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett called for information about any homes near the Nansemond Parkway/Wilroy Road Overpass project. Public Works Director Hansen advised that he was not aware of the specific location of any homes adjacent to the project, but he thought that it was a significant distance. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the elimination of the entire pasture in the Bridlewood subdivision, as it relates to the Nansemond Parkway/Wilroy Road Overpass project. Public Works Director Hansen said that at this point the impact on the pasture has not been determined yet. Mayor Johnson inquired about the ownership of the barn and its property in the Bridlewood subdivision. Public Works Director Hansen explained that the barn is owned by the homeowners association and then subleased. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett queried about any impact on the historic Sessoms House, as it relates to the Nansemond Parkway/Wilroy Road Overpass project. Public Works Director Hansen replied that the project will not have any impact on the aforementioned historical home since that area was completely avoided. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson asked about the opportunity for public input on the Nansemond Parkway/Wilroy Road Overpass project. Public Works Director Hansen indicated that after the environmental impacts of the project have been studied, the City will receive public comment on the project late April or early May. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson opined about any adverse impact on those bidding on the Route 58 and Route 58/Manning Bridge Intersection project, as it relates to the maintaining two open lanes during the course of the construction. Public Works Director Hansen stated that he did not anticipate any issues as it relates to the ability to maintain two lanes of traffic during the construction of the project. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson called for clarification about the installation of sidewalks, as it relates to the Pitchkettle Road Realignment project. Public Works Director Hansen replied that the project is only in the concept design phase and the matter has yet to be determined. UTILITY ENTERPRISE PLAN OF FINANCE – 2020 WATER AND SEWER REVENUE BOND ISSUANCE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, David Rose, Senior Vice President, Davenport and Company, the City’s financial consultants, offered a summary of the above referenced item. 2 City Council Work Session March 4, 2020 Council Member Milteer requested information on any potential impact to the real estate tax rate, as it relates to the proposed bond issuance. Mr. Rose advised that he was unable to estimate any impact on the real estate tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year, but there might be an effect in the future. Vice Mayor Bennett opined about the potential impact on the City’s water and sewer rates, as it relates to the proposed bond issuance. Mr. Rose stated that at this point future rates are an unknown. 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 Agricultural Advisory Committee, Early Childhood Development Commission, Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk, Fine Arts Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Tidewater Youth Services Commission and Wetlands Board. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, 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, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Goldberg was excused.) 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 6:00 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 6:13 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: JUNE 17, 2020 3