City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session October 6, 2021 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, October 6, 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 MCGUIRE WOODS 2022 REDISTRICTING UPDATE City Attorney Hutchings introduced Robert Loftin, McGuire Woods, LLP, the City’s redistricting consultants. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Loftin gave an update about the above referenced item. Council Member Fawcett called for information about the deadline for completion of the new redistricting maps. Mr. Loftin explained that the new redistricting maps should be completed by the end of the calendar year. Council Member Ward queried about any findings of retrogression in the Nansemond, Cypress and Suffolk Boroughs. Mr. Loftin stated the matter has not been examined. Council Member Ward called for clarification about the criteria for breaking up a census block, as it relates to the previous redistricting process. Mr. Loftin explained that he was not aware of the methodology used during the last redistricting process since his firm was not involved in it. Council Member Ward inquired about the need to redraw voting boroughs during this redistricting process. Mr. Loftin replied in the affirmative. Council Member Ward sought information about the acceptable percentage of deviation when dividing districts for population during a redistricting process. Mr. Loftin reported that the standard deviation percentage is anything under five percent, in either direction. 1 City Council Work Session October 6, 2021 Council Member Ward asked about the feasibility of receiving alternative redistricting maps, should City Council be dissatisfied with the initial redistricting maps. Mr. Loftin stated that it would be feasible to provide additional maps should City Council desire. He added that any additional maps would be required to comply within all legal, apportioned population and deviation requirements. Council Member Williams called for the definition of a census block. Mr. Loftin advised that a census block is a group of individuals in a common geographic area as defined by the United States Census Bureau for its accounting purposes. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams opined about the potential methodology to increase the number of voters in the Whaleyville Borough, as it relates to the number of voters in the Suffolk Borough. Mr. Loftin reported he could not specifically address this matter, at this point. Council Member Williams inquired about the feasibility of receiving alternative redistricting maps, should City Council be dissatisfied with the initial redistricting maps. City Attorney Hutchings explained that McGuire Woods is not presenting redistricting maps tonight. He added the consultants are seeking guidance from City Council about the number of redistricting maps, the timeline and scope of work. He concluded that those matters would be need to be addressed by City Council via a motion. Council Member Williams called for information about the deadline for completion of the new redistricting maps. Mr. Loftin explained that the new redistricting maps should be completed by the end of the calendar year. Council Member Ward asked about the use of the census lines in the creation of the new borough boundaries. Mr. Loftin replied in the affirmative. Council Member Ward sought clarification about the needed action from City Council as it relates to the redistricting process. City Attorney Hutchings indicated that City Council would need to provide guidance to McGuire Woods by motion regarding the number of redistricting maps, the timeline and scope of work. He offered that the motion could occur today or at a future meeting. Mayor Duman queried about the requirement for three majority and three minority boroughs. Mr. Loftin replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman called for clarification about the ability to conduct a public hearing, should City Council decide to select Option #2. Mr. Loftin said that City Council could still conduct a public hearing under that scenario. Mayor Duman inquired about the methodology that would enable members of City Council to communicate their recommendations regarding the redistricting process. City Attorney Hutchings replied that City Council could conduct a Special City Council Meeting or address the matter at the next Work Session. Council Member Goldberg asked about the timelines, as it relates to the completion of the redistricting process. Mr. Loftin explained that the 45-day timeline starts after his firm submits redistricting maps to City Council. 2 City Council Work Session October 6, 2021 Mayor Duman asked about the feasibility of providing input at the October 20, 2022, Work Session in lieu of conducting a Special City Council Meeting. City Attorney Hutchings said it would be feasible, depending on which redistricting process option is selected by City Council. Council Member Johnson opined about redistricting being the sole item at the October 20, 2022, Work Session. City Attorney Hutchings stated that would be a matter at the discretion of City Council. Council Member Butler Barlow called for information about the deadline for completion of the new redistricting maps. Mr. Loftin explained that the new redistricting maps should be completed by the end of the calendar year. Council Member Williams called for clarification about the feasibility of meeting the deadline for the submission of the redistricting map, should City Council provide direction at the November 3, 2022, City Council meeting. Mr. Loftin replied that under that scenario, City Council would be able to meet the deadline. Mayor Duman asked City Attorney Hutchings about the need for a motion to move the Parks and Recreation Master Plan presentation from the Work Session to the Staff Reports portion of the agenda of the Regular Meeting. City Attorney Hutchings said that a motion would be needed to amend the agenda to add the aforementioned item under Staff Reports. DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN Mayor Duman announced that Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update would be moved to the Staff Report portion of the Regular Meeting agenda. 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 Agricultural Advisory Committee, 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, Sister Cities Commission, The Planning Council, and Wetlands Board. 3 City Council Work Session October 6, 2021 Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, 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, Johnson, Ward and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:27 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:33 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: APRIL 6, 2022 4