City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session November 18, 2020 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Mayor Linda T. Johnson, 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. Albert S. Moor, Interim City Manager Helivi L. Holland, City Attorney Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk ABSENT None CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Capital Programs and Buildings Director Gerry Jones gave an overview of the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett inquired about the exterior of the Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones stated that the outside will be repainted and the windows will be replaced. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked about the replacement of the fence at the Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett queried about the expansion of the parking lot at the Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones advised that the parking lot will be expanded at the Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett solicited information about the number of bays at Fire Station Number 11 Harbour View. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones said that the plan for the design would allow for expansion. He added that the current funding might only allow for three bays, but expansion can occur in the future. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg opined about the relationship between the budget and the timeline for completion of these capital projects. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones clarified that these capital projects were delayed to prioritize the City’s commitment to completing various school capital projects. He further explained that the original budgets proposed for the proposed projects are no longer accurate, and the new estimates are larger. 1 City Council Work Session November 18, 2020 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman called for clarification about the items included in the cost of the Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones advised that the $4,900,000 budget includes all costs associated with the project including but not limited to construction, design, permits, and equipment. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman inquired about the use of the remaining acreage at the Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones reported at the remaining property will be used for a parking lot and open play fields with trails that will tie into the Creekside Elementary School. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman queried about the baseball fields at the Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones said that there are softball fields at Creekside Elementary School, which will be accessible from the Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center via connecting trails. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett requested information about the inclusion of a recreational component in the Central Library. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones replied that matter would need to be addressed by City Council during its consideration of the Capital Improvement Plan. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Johnson solicited clarification about the inclusion of a recreational component in the design for the Central Library. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones stated that a recreational component is not currently included in the design for the Central Library. He added that as the study of the Downtown Master Plan continues; that matter will be considered as it relates to the area’s overall programing needs. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman opined about the design of the Central Library, specifically as it relates to the possible residential, commercial and educational components of the Downtown Master Plan. Capital Programs and Buildings Director Jones advised that the Downtown Master Plan has a larger publically driven scope, which might require stormwater improvements funded through the Public Works Department, in order to avoid impacting the budget for the Central Library. DOWNTOWN BRANDING INITIATIVE Utilizing video and PowerPoint presentations, Economic Development Manager Deanna Holt supplied information about the above referenced item. Referring to presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked for information about the City’s efforts to promote business downtown. Interim City Manager Moor explained that branding is the first step to wayfinding, which is a larger part of creating downtown as a destination. Economic Development Manager Holt added that branding is one component in the overall Downtown Master Plan. Referring to presentation, Council Member Milteer called for information about the timeline for the installation of the newlight pole signs. Economic Development Manager Holt stated that the new light pole signs should be up within the next two weeks. 2 City Council Work Session November 18, 2020 Council Member Ward sought information about the prohibition of outdoor dining at Boogie’s Soul Food. Interim City Manager Moor said that the restaurant has a turn lane that makes difficult for a right of way access. He added that the Alcohol Beverage Control Laws related to an offsite location and safety issues are also a matter of concern. Referring to presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett inquired about the location for the new light pole signs, as it relates to West Washington Street. Economic Development Management Holt explained that that the new light pole signs will be installed along West Washington Street, beyond Suffolk Sheet Metal, past the Fairgrounds area and up to the Seaboard Train Station Museum. Council Member Johnson opined about the branding initiative as it relates to the possible implementation citywide. Economic Development Manager Holt advised that the current branding initiative is specifically designed for the downtown area. There was no Closed Meeting, therefore, the Work Session was adjourned at 5:23 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk APPROVED: APRIL 21, 2021 3