City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session August 5, 2020 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Linda T. Johnson, Mayor, presiding Leroy Bennett, Vice Mayor Michael D. Duman Donald Z. Goldberg 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 None COVID-19 UPDATE City Manager Roberts introduced Colleen Santa Ana, President, Sentara Obici Hospital, and Dr. Michael Genco, Vice President Medical Affairs, Sentara Obici Hospital. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Santa Ana and Dr. Genco provided information about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett called for information about the rate of hospitalizations. Dr. Genco reported that the rate of hospitalizations has increased. Council Member Fawcett asked about the capacity of the Intensive Care Unit at Sentara Obici Hospital. Dr. Genco explained that there has been an increase in hospitalizations and visits from patients with COVID-19 and without COVID-19. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett opined about impact of patients seeking COVID-19 testing on the overall health care system. Dr. Genco said that initially there were some challenges in balancing the needs of patients seeking COVID-19 testing and the overall health care system but currently the process has improved. Council Member Duman queried about the reinstatement of volunteer services at Sentara Obici Hospital. Ms. Santa Ana stated that the feasibility of reinstating volunteer services is currently under consideration and once its determined it can be done safely; the volunteer services will be reinstated. Council Member Goldberg asked about the availability of supplies. Ms. Santa Ana replied that currently the supply level is better than it was earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic. 1 City Council Work Session August 5, 2020 Council Member inquired about methods to encourage increase uses of face masks. Ms. Santa Ana indicated that Sentara Obici Hospital is currently working with the Western Tidewater Health Department on a social media campaign to encourage increase face mask usage. Mayor Johnson queried about the availability of the reagent to perform COVID-19 testing. Ms. Santa Ana advised that there are still some challenges with procurement of the reagent to perform COVID-19 and it has been difficult to continue to test asymptomatic patients as a result. Council Member Ward solicited information about the timeline for the provision of overnight care at Sentara BelleHarbour. Ms. Santa Ana reported that the State is considering the request to make that change and once those approvals are received, it would become an overnight facility. Vice Mayor Bennett asked about the availability of rapid COVID-19 testing. Dr. Genco said that rapid COVID-19 testing is not available and that all COVID-19 tests are sent to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, which takes 48 to 72 hours. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Tealen Hansen supplied information about the CARES Act funding. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward inquired about the criteria for the small business assistance program. Economic Development Director Kevin Hughes explained that in order to qualify for the program, small businesses must be brick and mortal establishments with less than 50 employees. He added that the Economic Development Authority hopes to offer additional funding for this program and expand the guidelines to possibly include home based businesses. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman sought additional information about the proposed utility assistance program. City Manager Roberts reported that the proposed program would be managed by the Social Services Department. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman asked if citizens that apply for the proposed utility assistance program would be required to document the impact of COVID-19 on their income. Interim Deputy City Manager Albert Moor stated that loss of employment or loss of income would need to be verifiable in order to qualify for the utility assistance program. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman queried about the City’s investment in information technology improvements in order to implement teleworking. Finance Director Hansen said that the bulk of the purchases are for hardware which will continue to benefit the City beyond the duration of COVID-19. City Manager Roberts added that in the short term, the investments in hardware are replacing older units and the larger investments are going to provide enhancements for the electronic submissions of various applications. Council Member Duman opined about any potential collaboration between the City and Suffolk Public Schools as it relates to improving the availability internet hot spots. Finance Director Hansen replied that the City has made investments in order for City employees to telework securely. She further explained that she was not aware of information technology upgrades that Suffolk Public Schools will be funding with their allocation of the CARES Act funding. 2 City Council Work Session August 5, 2020 Mayor Johnson queried about the feasibility of any type of potential collaboration between the City and Suffolk Public Schools as it relates to the use of CARES Act Funding. City Manager Roberts advised that he would contact School Superintendent James Gordon about that matter and advise City Council accordingly. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward asked about the proposed utility assistance program. Finance Director Hansen stated that the proposed program will be administered by the Social Services Department and individuals would have to provide information to verify that they are in need of assistance as a result of COVID-19. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward opined about informing the public about the proposed utility assistance program. Finance Director Hansen replied that the Media and Community Relations Department will promote the program to the public. 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, Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk, Fine Arts Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Southeastern Public Service Authority 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 Bob White Lane; and 3. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(8) and (A)(3), consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel and 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 Tax Map and Parcel 44*62. 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, Goldberg, Fawcett, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 3 City Council Work Session August 5, 2020 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:55 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:25 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: NOVEMBER 18, 2020 4