City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session August 19, 2020 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, August 19, 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 HRUBS UTILITY BILL PANDEMIC RELIEF PROGRAM UPDATE Utilizing a Power Point presentation, Interim Deputy City Manager Albert Moor provided information about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman sought clarification about eligibility to qualify for the program, specifically as it relates to a change in employment status during the pandemic. Interim City Manager Moor explained that upon receipt of each application, the Social Services Department will consider the impact of a change in employment status during the pandemic. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked about the availability of paper applications for the program. Acting Deputy City Manager Moor stated that individuals can contact the Public Utilities Department to receive a paper application. HISTORIC DISTRICT STANDARDS REPORT AND UPDATE Planning and Community Development Director David Hainley introduced Paige Pollard, the City’s historical preservation consultant, Commonwealth Preservation. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Pollard offered a summary about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson called for information about a recent appeal to the Historical Landmark Commission, as it relates to the proposed information. Ms. Pollard advised that at this point, she could not advise if the proposed information would have impacted the recent appeal. Council Member Johnson opined about the replacement of windows in the historic district. Ms. Pollard reported that window replacement must meet the requirements as outlined by the Department of the Interior. 1 City Council Work Session August 19, 2020 Council Member Johnson queried about the feasibility of changing the boundaries of the historic district. Ms. Pollard explained that at this point it would be difficult to apply any logic to change the boundaries of the historic district. Mayor Johnson opined about the replacement of windows in the historic district. Ms. Pollard indicated that once a policy decision to set a standard has been made about this matter, it will require consistent enforcement. Council Member Goldberg inquired about the process that staff would play in determining window replacement. Ms. Pollard stated that there are several options regarding this process. She added that City staff can train the members of the Historic Landmarks Commission to assess any applications for window replacement. Council Member Goldberg called for a hard copy of the proposed new standards. Members of City Council opined about the future of the historic district standards. Council Member Duman asked if the City has the certified local government designation which would make it eligible to receive grants. Ms. Pollard said the City does have the certified local government designation which makes it eligible to receive grants. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION KICKOFF FOR KING’S HIGHWAY BRIDGE Public Works Director Louis Hansen introduced John Stewart, the City’s bridge consultant, Clark Nexsen. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Stewart gave a report on the above referenced item. Council Member Duman opined about the feasibility of the City receiving funding from the State for the King’s Highway Bridge. Public Works Director Hansen advised the King’s Highway Bridge was identified in last year’s Legislative Agenda. He added that City staff met with representatives from the General Assembly and the Virginia Department of Transportation. He concluded that the State has asked the City to its identify transportation priorities. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg queried about the potential impact of the King’s Highway Bridge on funding already allocated for Godwin Bridge. Public Works Director Hansen advised that the projects were unrelated. 2 City Council Work Session August 19, 2020 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; Virginia Municipal League Annual Conference Business Meeting and Urban Section Meeting Voting Delegate; and Wetlands Board. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, 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, Goldberg, Fawcett, T. Johnson, Milteer and Ward 8 NAYS: None 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:30 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:36 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk APPROVED: JANUARY 20, 2021 3