City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session March 2, 2022 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 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 BROADBAND INITIATIVES UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Senior Administrative Analyst Randah Gaitan gave an update about the above referenced item. Interim Information Technology Director Regina Chandler offered additional information. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman asked about the timeline for the ability to use the Southside Network Authority Regional Connectivity Ring. City Manager Moor explained that the Authority and its construction contractor would negotiate the operability of the ring, which will occur in phases. HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes supplied a review of the above referenced item. Council Member Fawcett queried about the potential adverse impact of the proposed guidelines on the timeliness for applicants to present items to the Historic Landmarks Commission. Deputy City Manager Hughes replied that the proposed guidelines should improve the administrative process as it relates to the timeliness for an applicant to present an item to the Historic Landmarks Commission, should the applicant have sufficient information. Members of City Council opined about the historic district and the proposed design guidelines. Vice Mayor Bennett called for information about public input, as it relates to the proposed guidelines. Deputy City Manager Hughes said that during the process of preparing the proposed guidelines, City Administration did receive input from the public. 1 City Council Work Session March 2, 2022 Council Member Williams sought clarification about the boundaries of the City’s historic district. Deputy City Manager Hughes stated that he would provide a map outlining the boundaries of the City’s historic district. Council Member Williams inquired about the process of determinng a historic district and the decision to exclude the Hall Place community from the City’s historic district. Deputy City Manager Hughes explained that the boundaries of the City’s historic district were previously determined by City Council, and Hall Place was not included. Council Member Fawcett asked about the feasibility of City Assessor Holt Butt including information on real estate assessments advising a property owner if a parcel was located in the City’s historic district. 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, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, and Sister Cities Commission. 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 4:57 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:06 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 2