City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session July 7, 2021 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, July 7, 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., City Attorney Albert S. Moor, City Manager ABSENT None AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING City Manager Moor offered introductory comments. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Tealen Hansen and Interim Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes gave a report about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg inquired about the use of the funding for internet access expansion. Interim Deputy City Manager Hughes reported that $5,000,000 of the funds will be used for the City’s contribution to the first phase of the Regional Connectivity Ring which is being spearheaded by the Southside Network Authority. He added that an additional $3,000,000 will be used to partner with local service providers for the expansion of internet access in rural areas of the City. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson called for a copy of the ordinances that would appropriate the proposed funding. Interim Deputy City Manager Hughes confirmed they would be provided for the next meeting. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked for a copy of the current presentation. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman opined about the $1,500,000 of funding for non-profit support, as it relates to the City’s allocations to non-profits in the Operating Budget. City Manager Moor said that the proposed $1,500,000 would be in addition to the funding for non-profits in the Operating Budget. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman solicited information about the timeline to use all of the funding. City Manager Moor reported that the funding must be used by the end of 2026. 1 City Council Work Session July 7, 2021 DOWNTOWN DRAINAGE AND BMP PROJECT Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Public Works Director Robert Lewis submitted a synopsis about the above referenced item. 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, 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)(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 Suffolk Executive Airport Ground Leases; and 3. 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 potential use of City rights of way and public places for broadband/telecommunications services. 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, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 2 City Council Work Session July 7, 2021 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:58 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:36 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: JANUARY 5, 2022 3