City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session April 21, 2021 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, April 21, 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 LeOtis L. Williams Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Interim City Attorney Albert S. Moor, Interim City Manager ABSENT None SPECIAL EVENTS ORDINANCE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Parks and Recreation Director Mark Furlo gave an update about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman solicited information about the application process for a business having a sale. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo and Interim Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes advised that the permit under question would be processed through the Planning and Community Development Department. Mayor Duman asked for clarification about whether the permits would be processed through the Planning and Community Development Department or Parks and Recreation Department. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo and Interim Deputy City Manager Hughes advised that the use would dictate where permits are processed. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo further explained that when Nansemond Brewing Station recently had its grand opening, the permit went through the Parks and Recreation Department since there was live music. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman pointed out that the proposed ordinance allows the City Manager to impose additional restrictions, and he asked for an explanation. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo said restrictions would apply to specific concerns of the Suffolk Police Department and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department or to state restrictions, like the current COVID-19 limits. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow asked about the difference between events that require a permit and those that do not require a permit. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo said the deciding factors are the setting, number of people attending and other criteria. 1 City Council Work Session April 21, 2021 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow inquired about the fee for the proposed permit. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo answered the fee would be $50. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett inquired about the time for processing the application for permit. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo clarified that for demostrations or expressive events, the timeframe is about seven days. He concluded other events can be up to 30 days to turnaround. SUFFOLK EXECUTIVE AIRPORT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Economic Development Director Gregory Byrd supplied a summation about the above referenced item. Council Member Fawcett inquired about the impact of Massimo Zanetti on JM Smucker operations. Interim Economic Development Director Byrd advised he did not anticipate any impact. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Business Development Manager Deanna Holt offered an update on the Downtown Suffolk branding initiative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson asked when downtown branding signs will be visible. Ms. Holt explained that the consultant’s process has just begun, but she estimated it could be six months. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson inquired about plans for a future festival site. Interim City Manager Moor explained that more information will be shared at a future time. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg solicited additional information about cash mob events. Ms. Holt compared cash mob events to former networking events that took place before COVID-19 restrictions. She elaborated that cash mob events are a method to encourage patronage of downtown businesses without overcrowding establishments. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams asked whether postcards would be going to every household in Suffolk. Ms. Holt said that postcards would be sent to people within a certain radius of downtown, but future mailings may have further reach. Council Member Ward wanted more information about the Phoenix Bank Building. Interim City Manager Moor reported the City is investigating easement issues behind the building. He concluded that the City has received unsolicited interest but would have to clear up title questions surrounding the property first. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked whether postcard stickers can be picked up for use. Ms. Holt replied they can be picked up at businesses. 2 City Council Work Session April 21, 2021 The meeting was adjourned at 4:44 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: OCTOBER 20, 2021 3