City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session February 2, 2022 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, 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 FISCAL YEAR 2023-2032 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM AND PLAN Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Tealen Hansen gave an update about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg called for clarification about the consistency in the amount of the General Obligation Bonds issued. Finance Director Hansen stated that the amount of the General Obligation Bonds is attributable to the City’s compliance with its financial policies and bond rating standards. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg queried about the feasibility of increasing the amount of the General Obligation Bonds, in the event that the City experiences growth. Finance Director Hansen explained that would be feasible to increase the amount of bonds issued but urged caution so that the debt service on the bonds does not adversely impact the operating budget. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked about the modification of the timeline for the Water Access to the Nansemond River Project. Finance Director Hansen said that the project’s timeline had to be modified in order to finance various school projects. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman inquired about the status of the Oakland Water and Sewer Project. Finance Director Hansen replied that the City requires a minimum number of residents to submit a petition in support of a water and sewer project. She said not enough citizens expressed support of the project. 1 City Council Work Session February 2, 2022 FLOCK SAFETY CAMERA SYSTEM Police Chief Alfred Chandler introduced Mike Venable, Director of Sales, Flock Safety. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Venable submitted a summation of the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett called for an explanation about the location of the stored images. Mr. Venable said that the images would be stored on the Amazon Government Cloud on a searchable database. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett opined about the security of the Amazon Government Cloud. Mr. Venable reported that the cloud has never been violated. Council Member Fawcett queried about the longevity of the solar panels that power the cameras. Mr. Venable explained that the solar panels usually last anywhere from three to five years and the replacements are a part of the contract. Council Member Fawcett questioned the cost of replacing a damaged camera. Mr. Venable stated that it costs $500.00 to replace a damaged camera. Council Member Fawcett inquired about the cost of an individual camera. Mr. Venable replied that the cameras are not sold to clients, but they are leased. Vice Mayor Bennett sought clarification about the inclusion of the gun shot detector with the camera system. Mr. Venable advised that the gunshot detectors and cameras are two separate systems that work together. Police Chief Chandler added that the City is looking at having both cameras and gunshot detectors. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward asked about the estimated initial number of cameras. Police Chief Chandler said that the Suffolk Police Department is originally requesting 27 cameras, and the plan is to get 50 cameras, some with gunshot technology. Mayor Duman solicited information about the cost of gunshot detectors. Mr. Venable advised that each camera is priced by land area, and it costs $2,500.00 annually. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman opined about the cost to move a camera, should it be determined that it would be more effective in another location. Mr. Venable explained that it would cost $250.00 to relocate a camera under those circumstances. Mayor Duman called for clarity about the term of the lease for the cameras. Mr. Venable stated that the leases are typically two years. Mayor Duman queried about any potential cost increase at the end of each lease period. Mr. Venable reported that no price increases are anticipated, but technology often changes, which could result in an increase in cost. Mayor Duman requested information about the feasibility of a reduced cost for the cameras, should the City purchase cameras in bulk. Mr. Venable replied in the affirmative. 2 City Council Work Session February 2, 2022 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 Clean Community Commission, Early Childhood Development Commission, Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk, Fine Arts Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Sister Cities Commission, The Planning Council, Tidewater Youth Services and Western Tidewater Community Service Board. 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 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:11 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:21 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: AUGUST 3, 2022 3