City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session October 20, 2021 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, October 20, 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 4:17 p.m.) 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. Mayor Duman asked for a recap of the parameters Mr. Loftin received from City Council. Mr. Loftin summarized his understanding of the following items requested by City Council as it relates to redistricting: incumbents would like to be kept in the borough they currently represent; would like as many neighborhoods be kept together as possible; would like census blocks to remain together; and prefers option two, wherein the maps are submitted to the Virginia Attorney General for pre-clearance. Mayor Duman clarified that City Council would also like to have a public hearing for option two, as well. Council Member Goldberg called for information about the error made in the Suffolk Borough in a previous presentation. Mr. Loftin explained that he mistakenly put the Southside Precinct in the Suffolk Borough, not in the Whaleyville Borough. Council Member Williams queried about the definition of a subdivision, as it relates to the redistricting process. Mr. Loftin stated that he is using the data provided from the City’s Geographic Information System in determining the definition of a subdivision. Council Member Williams opined about the difference between a neighborhood and a census block. Mr. Loftin said that he would compare the data provided from the City’s Geographic Information System to the census blocks, and he would work with the priorities as outlined by City Council. 1 City Council Work Session October 20, 2021 Council Member Williams requested information about acceptible uses for borough boundaries, as it relates to the redistricting process. Mr. Loftin replied that in accordance with the law, railroad tracks, federal highways, recognized bodies of water and secondary roads are all acceptable boundary points. Council Member Williams opined about the impact of the Great Dismal Swamp on the redistricting process. Mr. Loftin indicated that most of the Great Dismal Swamp will be recognized. Council Member Fawcett inquired about the timeline for the presentation of the three redistricting maps for City Council’s consideration. Mr. Loftin advised that the three redistricting maps could probably be ready in two weeks, but he would need to review the neighborhood data and confer with City Attorney Hutchings. Council Member Ward asked about the purpose of a census block, as it relates to the redistricting process. Mr. Loftin said that it is a unit of measure for population. Council Member Ward called for clarification about the meaning of the term “elect a candidate of choice in a majority/minority community”, as it relates to the redistricting process. Mr. Loftin explained that the term addresses the ability to elect a minority candidate versus a white candidate. Council Member Ward asked whether the City could be subject to a lawsuit under options one or two. Mr. Loftin advised that submitting the maps for pre-clearance to the Virginia Attorney General would provide some level of protection. Council Member Ward queried about when Mr. Loftin will be returning to City Council. Mayor Duman stated that Mr. Loftin will be back next month. 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 the Community Policy and Management Team, Early Childhood Development Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, 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 the following tax map number; 26*1, 18*16, and 25*24B. 2 City Council Work Session October 20, 2021 Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Bennett, 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 4:38 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:20 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: APRIL 20, 2022 3