City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session February 3, 2021 A Joint Work Session of the Suffolk City Council and the Suffolk School Board was held in the City Council Chamber on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Leroy Bennett, Vice Mayor Roger W. Fawcett Donald Z. Goldberg Timothy J. Johnson Lue R. Ward, Jr. LeOtis L. Williams Albert S. Moor, Interim City Manager Helivi L. Holland, City Attorney Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk ABSENT None The following members of the Suffolk School Board were present: Dr. Judith Brooks-Buck, Chairman Phyllis Byrum, Vice Chairman Karen L. Jenkins Lorita W. Mayo Tyron Riddick Sherri D. Story Also present from School Administration: Wendell Waller, School Board Attorney Tarshia Gardner, Clerk of the School Board ABSENT none JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE SCHOOL BOARD Mayor Duman and Dr. Brooks-Buck offered introductory remarks. Dr. Gordon and Interim City Manager Moor supplied additional introductory remarks. Utilizing the distributed handout, Duane Harver, President/CEO, Director of K12 Design, RRMM, the facilities master plan consultant, gave information about the facilities master plan. David Sturtz, Partner, Cooperative Strategies, submitted supplementary comments about the demographics of the student population of Suffolk Public Schools. Members of City Council and the School Board opined about the proposed facilities master plan. Referring to the presentation, Ms. Story called for clarification about the proposed options for the replacement of elementary schools. Mr. Sturtz explained that all three proposed options are rebuilds, and the total cost, including demolition, would be approximately $86,000,000. 1 City Council Work Session February 3, 2021 Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett sought information about the number of schools that could be rebuilt on the same site. Mr. Sturtz advised that most of the options for new schools can be rebuilt on their current sites, except for the recommendation to consolidate Forest Glen Middle School and John F. Kennedy Middle School on the current site or a new location. Members of City Council and the School Board opined about the proposed facilities master plan. 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, Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk, Fine Arts Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Suffolk Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board of Commissioners, The Planning Council, Tidewater Emergency Medical Services Council, and Wetlands Board; and the Chuckatuck Borough vacancy on the City Council. 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 Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Ward and Williams 7 NAYS: None 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:19 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:46 p.m. Teste: _____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: AUGUST 18, 2021 2