City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session December 16, 2020 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members – Linda T. Johnson, Mayor (arrived at 4:20 p.m.) 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 PRESENTATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2020 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT Finance Director Tealen Hansen introduced Rob Churchman, Audit Partner, Cherry Bekaert, LLP, the City’s auditors. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Churchman offered information on the above referenced item. Council Member Duman called for additional information about the process for the audit of Suffolk Public Schools. Mr. Churchman said that the activity funds and financial statements of Suffolk Public Schools are included in the audit. Council Member Duman opined about the Government Accounting Standards Board as it relates to the consideration of the Virginia Retirement System and Other Postemployment Benefits. Mr. Churchman advised that the board does not define the Virginia Retirement System or Other Postemployment Benefits as immediate cash liabilities. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman sought clarification about the Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Pay-Go monies. Finance Director Hansen stated the $1,000,000 is used for non-recurring purposes, which complies with the City’s policy to fund five percent of the Capital Improvement Plan with cash. Council Member Duman queried about the source of the Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Pay-Go monies. Finance Director Hansen replied that the monies come from anticipated surplus. 1 City Council Work Session December 16, 2020 CARES ACT FUNDING – UTILITY RELIEF PROGRAM Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Public Utilities Director Paul Retel gave a summary of the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett sought clarification about eligibility as it relates to residents who did not qualify for the first phase of the program. Interim Public Utilities Director Retel explained that if a resident applied for the first phase of the program and did not qualify, they could be considered under this new grant funding. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked for an explanation as it relates to eligibility due to a loss of income versus a loss of employment resulting from coronavirus pandemic. Interim Public Utilities Director Retel indicated the screening qualifications are broad, however, the eligibility requirements are primarily geared towards individuals who have experienced a loss of income as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett queried about the State’s requirements should the City not use all of the new monies for the second phase of the program. Interim Public Utilities Director Retel stated that the City would be required to return all unused funding to the State. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman requested information about the remaining funds from the first phase of the program. Interim City Manager Moor said that those funds would go back in the City’s CARES Act Fund and repurposed, as required. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Duman inquired about the advertisement methods used for the first phase of the program. Interim Public Utilities Director Retel replied the first phase of the program was advertised via social media and mailers. Council Member Duman asked about the timeline for the mailing of utility bills. Interim Public Utilities Director Retel explained that the utility bills are mailed on different cycles. Mayor Johnson sought clarification about the feasibility of using the program’s funding for any accounts that were delinquent prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Interim Public Utilities Director Retel replied using these specific funds for delinquent accounts unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic is not allowed. Council Member Fawcett queried about the feasibility of targeting the advertising of the second phase of the program to delinquent customers and City’s ability to field telephone inquiries about the program. Interim City Manager Moor restated that the City effectively advertised the first phase of the program, however, the application process was the cause for the low participation. He added that the second phase of the program is more streamlined. Additionally, he stated that Public Utilities Department, Social Services Department and the Hampton Roads Sanitation District are prepared to address all telephone inquires. Council Member Fawcett opined about the difference between a residential and non-residential account. Interim City Manager Moor said that a residential account is for a home, and a non-residential account belongs to a business. 2 City Council Work Session December 16, 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 Early Childhood Development Commission, Fine Arts Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Western Tidewater Community Services Board and Wetlands Board. 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, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, specifically concerning property identified as Tax Map Parcels 25*24B, 26*1, 34G18(A)*361, 34G18(A)*362, 34G18(A)*365, 34G18(A)*368, 34G18(A)*369A, 34G17(A)*168*169. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, 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 5:02 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:25 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk APPROVED: JUNE 16, 2021 3