City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session May 5, 2021 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, May 5, 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 Lue R. Ward, Jr. LeOtis L. Williams Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., Interim City Attorney Albert S. Moor, Interim City Manager ABSENT Council Member Timothy J. Johnson (excused) NANSEMOND INDIAN NATION UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Chief Earl Bass, Nansemond Indian Nation, gave a report about the above referenced item. SPRING/SUMMER EVENTS AND PARKS AND RECREATION UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Libraries Director Clint Rudy, Tourism Development Specialist Kathleen Kelley and Parks and Recreation Director Mark Furlo gave updates on the above referenced topics from their respective departments. Council Member Williams asked whether residents would be offered seasonal passes for Suffolk Transit. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo said that Suffolk Transit offers a monthly pass. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett inquired about any ribbon cutting for phase 2 of the Seaboard Coastline Trail. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo answered that it will be planned after the contractor completes construction of the trail. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett solicited information about future sections of the Seaboard Coastline Trail. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo reported that future sections, 3A and 3B, will connect the trail to the City of Chesapeake line. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked about methodology used to advertise events sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo reported that events are posted on various social media platforms, City staff contacts former event participates to ascertain their interest and events are also advertised in the Suffolk News Herald. 1 City Council Work Session May 5, 2021 Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett requested a summary of the presentation. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo advised the information is available in the seasonal program guide. Council Member Ward asked about the City’s facility naming policy. Interim City Manager Moor said he would provide City Council with a summary of the policy. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward inquired about events in the Great Dismal Swamp beyond May. Tourism Development Specialist Kelley summarized that nature walks in the swamp usually occur in May and June but take a hiatus in July and August due to the unpredictable weather. 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, Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, The Planning Council, Virginia Municipal League Policy Committees, and Wetlands Board. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Goldberg, 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 Butler Barlow Fawcett, Goldberg, Ward and Williams 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Timothy J. Johnson was excused.) 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:52 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:04 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: NOVEMBER 3, 2021 2