City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session July 6, 2022 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, July 6, 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 Tracey L. Sanford, Deputy City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Albert S. Moor, City Manager ABSENT None 2022 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mindy Carlin, President, Access Point Public Relations, the City’s legislative consultant, gave a report about the above referenced item. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, City Attorney William Hutchings, Assistant City Attorney Sean Dolan, Assistant City Attorney Rebecca Powers and Assistant City Attorney Stephanie Pough supplied a review of the above referenced item. Mayor Duman asked that copies of the presentations be shared with City Council. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward requested details about Virginia’s African American Cemeteries funding application. Ms. Carlin advised that information can be provided. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked about the feedback received regarding financing for the Kings Highway Bridge. Ms. Carlin replied that they are analyzing the request and working with staff for future sessions. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams inquired about the meaning of BPOL tax. Ms. Carlin said it is the Business, Professional and Occupational License tax. 1 City Council Work Session July 6, 2022 Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked about special local license plates. Assistant City Attorney Dolan explained that localities are authorized to pay the initial costs for the development and issuance of special license plates displaying the seal, symbol, emblem, or logotype of the locality in lieu of collecting 350 paid applications for such license plates. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman asked whether any of the actions taken by the General Assembly would require changes to the City Code. City Attorney Hutchings responded that the City Code would need to be amended to increase military leave from 14 to 28 days. BOUNDARIES OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN BOROUGHS AND POLLING PLACES City Attorney Hutchings offered introductory remarks and reported that the Virginia Attorney General’s office did not register objections to the City’s boundaries and precincts. Utilizing a PowerPoint, Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes gave a report about the above referenced topic. City Attorney Hutchings concluded by explaining that since Hollywood and John F. Kennedy Middle School precincts are split precincts as they relate to Virginia Delegate races, the City will have to apply for a waiver from the Virginia Department of Elections. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked whether voters were notified. Deputy City Manager Hughes said voters were not notified yet since approval from the State was just received. He added that voters will be notified as required by law. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett inquired about the voting location at Nansemond River High School. Deputy City Manager Hughes advised that those discussions would take place in the future. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Ward requested a contrast of the changes in the Nansemond Borough. City Attorney Hutchings said there is a new polling place in Pughsville at New Hope Baptist Church. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams asked whether voters would be notified of changes. Deputy City Manager Hughes said voters would be notified by the Office of the Registrar as required by law. 2 City Council Work Session July 6, 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, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Sister Cities Commission, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, and Western Tidewater Water Authority; and 2. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(8) consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel regarding legal issues related to minor subdivision approvals. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, 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 5:00 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:20 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Tracey L. Sanford, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: JANUARY 18, 2023 3