City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session December 15, 2021 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, December 15, 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 4:08 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 BROADBAND INITIATIVES UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Information Technology Director Regina Chandler, Eric Collins, Government Relations Director, Charter Communication, and Senior Administrative Analyst Randah Gaitan gave an update about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked if there would be a location on the City’s website about the progress of the project. Ms. Gaitan replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson inquired about the point of contact for residents’ concerns. Mr. Collins advised that Spectrum Project Manager Mike French could be contacted with concerns. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson asked about future service for those home not currently included in this phase of broadband expansion. Mr. Collins advised it would depend on the source of funding for broadband expansion to each area. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward solicited information about the communities getting broadband. Ms. Gaitan explained that parts of Whaleyville, Holy Neck and the Godwin area are slated for expansion under Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward called for clarification about the accessibility of the areas that will be included in this phase of broadband expansion. Ms. Gaitan stated that information is available on the City’s webpage. 1 City Council Work Session December 15, 2021 PRESENTATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2021 ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT Finance Director Tealen Hansen introduced Rob Churchman, Audit Partner, Cherry Bekaert, LLP, the City’s auditors. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Churchman offered information on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked whether the audit for Suffolk Public Schools and the City are the same. Mr. Churchman replied in the affirmative and referenced the results in the audit’s exhibits. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldman inquired about any surplus. Finance Director Hansen said the surplus is $11,800,000. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman inquired about the public’s access to audit information for Suffolk Public Schools. Finance Director Hansen reported that Suffolk Public Schools does not write an audit book like the City. She added that the statements for Suffolk Public Schools’ are contained in the City’s audit. She concluded that if the public wants more information about Suffolk Public Schools than the information contained in the audit report, any individual could submit their inquiries to Suffolk Public Schools. Mr. Churchman added the state does an annual school report, as well. COMPENSATION PLAN UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, City Manager Moor explained that additional work on the plan needs to be completed so that an accurate picture of the City’s compensation can be ascertained. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked whether recommendations would be retroactive. City Manager Moor advised that the issue is being examined. Council Member Fawcett asked whether the study would be completed by February 2022. City Manager Moor replied that it is the goal to have it done as soon as possible. Referring to the presenation, Council Member Goldberg asked about the reason for the delay in completion of the study. City Manager Moor reported that other localities were slow in sharing their data, because they were finishing their own studies. 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 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, Local 2 City Council Work Session December 15, 2021 Board of Building Code Appeals, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Sister Cities Commission, Southeastern Public Service Authority, The Planning Council, Tidewater Youth Services and Western Tidewater Community Services Board. 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 5:09 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:15 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: JUNE 15, 2022 3