City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session May 19, 2021 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, May 19, 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 (arrived at 4:02 p.m.) 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 None SIGN ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT UPDATE Interim Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes introduced Interim Planning and Community Development Director Robert Goumas. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Planning and Community Development Goumas gave an update about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg opined about the enforcement of the proposed sign ordinance text amendments. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Goumas explained that violations of the proposed sign ordinance text amendments would be addressed in a similar manner as other zoning violations. He added that violations can be addressed with voluntary compliance, while other violations may need to be resolved in court. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg queried about the fines as it relates to the proposed sign ordinance text amendments. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Goumas advised that any fines imposed are determined in court. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward called for clarification about the permissible timeline for the display of temporary signs, such as yard signs. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Goumas stated that the regulations are the same regardless of the content of the type of temporary sign. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward inquired about the permissibility of displaying political signs in the public right of way. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Goumas reported that the display of political signs in the public right of way is not permitted. 1 City Council Work Session May 19, 2021 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward opined about the feasibility of returning political signs once they are removed from the public right of way. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Goumas replied that an individual could pick their signs up from the Planning and Community Development Department. Council Member Johnson opined about the impact on the proposed sign ordinance text amendments as it relates to banners. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Goumas said that there is a separate set of regulations for special events banners. He clarified that the promotional banners are treated the same as a temporary sign. He added that in the past permits were required, but that is not what is being proposed in the proposed sign ordinance text amendments. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett called for information about the proposed sign ordinance text amendments as it relates to the enforcement of temporary sign violations. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Goumas reported that the proposed sign ordinance text amendments do not address the enforcement of temporary sign violations. He clarified enforcement of temporary sign violations is a matter of providing the resources. Vice Mayor Bennett requested information about the classification and timeline for display of banners. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Goumas advised that banners are considered temporary signs and can be displayed for 90 days. Council Member Fawcett sought clarification about the classification and timeline for display of real estate signs. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Goumas indicated that real estate signs are classified as temporary signs and can be displayed until the property is sold. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams asked for the definition of a footcandle. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Goumas explained that a footcandle is a measurement of light. 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 Clean Community Commission, Clean Community Commission Keep Suffolk Beautiful Executive Board, Community Policy and Management Team, Early Childhood Development Commission, Economic Development Authority the City of Suffolk, Fine Arts Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Library Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Paul D. Camp Community College Board, Planning Commission, Sister Cities Commission, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, The Planning Council, Virginia Municipal League Policy Committees, Wetlands Board, and the appointment of the City Manager; and 2 City Council Work Session May 19, 2021 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, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body specifically regarding the following tax map numbers: 26*1; 34G18(A)*361; 34G18(A)*368; 34G18(A)*369A; 34G17(A)*168*169; 34G18(A)*362*365; and 25*24B. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, 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, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:00 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:55 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: NOVEMBER 17, 2021 3