City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session October 19, 2022 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, October 19, 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 PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Interim Planning and Community Development Director Kevin Wyne offered information regarding the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg opined about the department’s process when staff members are out of the office. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Wyne explained that in the past, the department was understaffed. He added that that with the addition of new employees, staff members share work assignments with their supervisors in order to provide service in their absence. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg called for information about the cost of inspections. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Wyne reported that individuals are required to pay a fee for each inspection. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett inquired about the impact of teleworking on the department’s efficiency. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Wyne said that efficiency has increased with the implementation of the teleworking. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett queried about the process when an individual’s builds a structure without a permit. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Wyne stated that in those instances, the individual is issued a violation and the department does work with property owners to achieve compliance. 1 City Council Work Session October 19, 2022 Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett asked about the timeline for an individual to address violations of a dilapidated structure. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Wyne explained that generally, those violations are issued on a 14-day cycle, but the department does attempt to work with property owners to find a means to work towards compliance. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg queried about the authority within the department to approve applications. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Wyne replied that the department head and other designees have the authority to approve applications. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson opined about the permitting process as it relates to flooding and stormwater management. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Wyne stated that the City considers all of those types of issues when considering the permits. He added that the flood plan is in the City’s Unified Development Ordinance and the City complies with all State stormwater regulations. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams inquired about the timeline for single-family new construction permits. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Wyne reported that while he could not address that matter specifically, the timeline for issuing permits of that type is usually within 30 days for issuance and two days for inspections. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams sought information about any efficiency improvements since the implementation of new software. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Wyne said that staff is better equipped to address the timeline for single-family new construction permits. Council Member Williams asked for a report on the Byrd Road Act. Vice Mayor Bennett requested clarification about the City’s actions as it relates to flooding in existing communities adjacent to new home construction. Interim Planning and Community Development Director Wyne explained that matter would need to be addressed by the Public Works Department’s Traffic Engineering Division. SUFFOLK FIRE AND RESCUE ACCREDITATION OVERVIEW Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Fire Chief Michael Barakey, Battalion Chief Nicholas Savage and Master Firefighter Katie Russell offered a synopsis of the above referenced item. CLOSED MEETING As there was no Closed Meeting, the Work Session adjourned at 5:34 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: MAY 3, 2023 2