City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session March 16, 2022 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 16, 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 AUTOMATED ENFORCEMENT Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Robert Lewis gave an update about the above referenced item. Council Member Goldberg inquired about the amount of the fine, should an individual be caught on an automated traffic enforcement camera violating a traffic regulation. Police Chief Alfred Chandler explained that the amount of the fines are to be determined. Council Member Goldberg queried about the reporting of a traffic violation captured an automated traffic enforcement camera to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Police Chief Chandler explained that any traffic violations captured on the automated traffic enforcement cameras would not be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles. He added that the owner of the vehicle would be notified by letter. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett solicited information about the number of automated traffic enforcement cameras can be placed in school zones. Public Works Director Lewis said staff has not determined whether there are any limits on the number of automated traffic enforcement cameras that can be placed in school zones or roadway work zones. Council Member Fawcett opined about cameras on school buses and automated traffic enforcement cameras in school zones. Public Works Director Lewis advised that the cameras on school buses monitor violations of bus stoppage laws, and the automated traffic enforcement cameras in school zones will monitor speeding and other driving violations. 1 City Council Work Session March 16, 2022 Council Member Williams called for clarification about the process, should an individual refuse to pay for a traffic violation captured on an automated traffic enforcement camera. Police Chief Chandler said that the Police Department would proceed in the same manner as they would with a parking ticket and proceed to court. Council Member Williams asked about the responsible party for a traffic violation captured by an automated traffic enforcement camera. Police Chief Chandler replied that the owner of the vehicle is legally responsible for a traffic violation captured by an automated traffic enforcement camera, regardless of who is actually driving the vehicle. Council Member Williams inquired about the process in the event that the owner of the vehicle refused to pay the fine if found guilty in court for a traffic violation captured by an automated traffic enforcement camera. Police Chief Chandler indicated that matter would be addressed through the court system and no longer under the purview of the City. Council Member Johnson opined about the potential legality of utilizing automated traffic enforcement cameras in rural areas to catch illegal truck traffic. Public Works Director Lewis stated that the City can investigate the legality of monitoring truck traffic with automated traffic enforcement cameras, but at this point is it not feasible. 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, Fine Arts Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, and Sister Cities Commission; and specifically the performance and salaries of the City Manager, the City Attorney, the City Clerk and the Real Estate Assessor. Vice Mayor Bennett, 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 2 City Council Work Session March 16, 2022 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:36 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:15 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 3