City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session March 3, 2021 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Leroy Bennett, Vice Mayor Shelley Butler Barlow Roger W. Fawcett Donald Z. Goldberg Timothy J. Johnson Lue R. Ward, Jr. (arrived at 4:32) LeOtis L. Williams Albert S. Moor, Interim City Manager Helivi H. Holland, City Attorney Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk ABSENT None 2021 REDISTRICTING UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, George K. Martin and Robert W. Loftin, McGuire Woods, the City’s consultants on redistricting, gave an update about the above referenced item. Vice Mayor Bennett called for clarification about the methodology used to collect census information for the inmates at the Western Tidewater Regional Jail. Mr. Loftin explained that the Division of Legislative Services will receive data from each jail, and it will be shared with the United States Census Bureau. He added that each inmate’s residency would be based on where they resided prior to incarceration. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett queried about the number of redistricting maps that will be presented to City Council. Mr. Loftin advised that will depend on the data and will be based on the legal requirements of the redistricting process. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman inquired about the feasibility of implementing the new redistricting boundaries prior to the November 2021 elections, as the United States Census Bureau will not be providing updated data until late September. Mr. Loftin replied that the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the delay of the completion of the census, the new redistricting boundaries will not be implemented prior to the November 2021 elections. Mayor Duman opined about future Closed Meetings regarding redistricting. Mr. Loftin stated there will be future Closed Meetings regarding redistricting, as long as it is permitted by Virginia State Code. 1 City Council Work Session March 3, 2021 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked about the feasibility of implementing the new redistricting boundaries prior to the November 2021 elections, as the United States Census Bureau will not be providing updated data until late September. Mr. Loftin advised that he was happy to stay behind to provide more information in Closed Session. Council Member Fawcett declined. PROPOSED SOLAR FARM REQUIREMENTS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director David Hainley supplied a summation about the above referenced item. Interim Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes offered supplementary information about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson opined about the feasibility of the City joining the Rural Solar Development Coalition. Interim Deputy City Manager Hughes advised that staff is taking it under consideration. He added, Suffolk has some different concerns than the other localities in the coalition, and it might be beneficial to partner with some other municipalities. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson called for clarification about the proposed solar farm requirements, as it relates to their impact on any solar farms currently in operation. Planning and Community Development Director Hainley stated that the one solar farm that is currently operating in the City would be grandfathered under the City’s current requirements, should new guidelines be adopted. Council Member Johnson asked about the life span of a conditional use permit. Planning and Community Development Director Hainley said that a conditional use permit is valid for two years after approval. Council Member Fawcett sought information about the timeline to fulfill the vegetation conditions included in a conditional use permit for a solar farm. Planning and Community Development Director Hainley advised that the all conditions would need to be met within the two years of the issuance of the conditional use permit. Council Member Goldberg requested information about the penalties for noncompliance with the conditions included in a conditional use permit for a solar farm. Planning and Community Development Hainley reported that if that was to occur, the solar farm could be closed, and the City could revoke the conditional use permit. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow queried about the location of the City’s current solar farm regulations. Planning and Community Development Director Hainley replied that the City’s current solar farm regulations are located in the City’s Unified Development Ordinance. 2 City Council Work Session March 3, 2021 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 Agriculture Advisory Committee, Early Childhood Development Commission, Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, The Planning Council, Tidewater Emergency Medical Services Council, and the Wetlands Board; the Chuckatuck Borough vacancy on the City Council; and, the appointment of an Interim City Attorney; and 2. Pursuant of Virginia Code Sections 2.2-3711(A)(7), consultation with legal counsel and briefing by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body, specifically the matter of Chuckatuck Fire Department versus the City of Suffolk. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above referenced purposes, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Bennett, and Council Members Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, T. Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:58 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:55 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 3