City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session June 2, 2021 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, June 2, 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, Jr., Interim City Attorney Albert S. Moor, City Manager ABSENT None PAYROLL SCHEDULE MODIFICATION City Manager Moor offered introductory comments. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Tealen Hansen gave a report about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett inquired about the timeline for the implementation for the new payroll schedule. Finance Director Hansen reported that the current and new software systems are still being comingled so the implementation date is to be determined. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett opined about any potential adverse impact with the new payroll schedule. Finance Director Hansen stated that no issues are anticipated with the implementation of the new payroll schedule, as extensive testing will be done in advance. Vice Mayor Bennett asked about any potential adverse impact on public safety employees with the implementation of the new payroll schedule. Finance Director Hansen replied that public safety employees will still receiving overtime. She added that there will be no changes in salary, only pay periods, with the implementation of the new payroll schedule. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett called for information about the process that will be used to advise employees about the new payroll schedule. Finance Director Hansen said that information about the new payroll schedule will be shared with employees in June and July. COMPENSATION PLAN BRIEFING Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Human Resources Director Robin Wynn submitted a synopsis about the above referenced item. 1 City Council Work Session June 2, 2021 Council Member Goldberg opined about the previous compensation plan study that was completed by Evergreen Consulting. Human Resources Director Wynn explained that the information complied by Evergreen Consulting was not a compensation plan study. She added that it was a survey of other localities, and it did not include a step plan. Council Member Johnson solicited information about the number of localities in the region that use a step plan. Human Resources Director Wynn said that she was only aware of one other locality in the region that uses a step plan. Council Member Johnson sought clarification about the feasibility of employees receiving a cost of living increase and a step plan increase. Human Resources Director Wynn indicated that it depends on the locality, but it is unusual to allocate both increases. 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, and Wetlands Board; and 2. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(5) and (7), the discussion of a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business’ or industry’s interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community; and consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel, specifically concerning an EDIP proposal regarding Project Music. Council Member Goldberg, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, 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 2 City Council Work Session June 2, 2021 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:49 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:21 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: DECEMBER 1, 2021 3