City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session November 16, 2022 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, November 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 Lue R. Ward, Jr. LeOtis L. Williams Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Kevin Hughes, Deputy City Manager ABSENT Council Member Timothy J. Johnson (excused) 2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE: ECONOMIC ANALYSIS/REPORT Interim Planning and Community Development Director Kevin Wyne introduced Kevin Hively, Founder, Ninigret Partners, the City’s Comprehensive Plan Economic Development consultant. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Hively submitted an update about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg asked if the City needs more housing. Mr. Hively replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Goldberg called for information about the City’s housing inventory as compared to other localities in the region. Mr. Hively stated that in other localities do not necessarily employ the people that reside in their communities, which results in traffic congestion issues. He added that housing growth will more than likely occur mostly in the western part of the region. Council Member Fawcett queried about the availability of sufficient housing stock in order to permit individuals to live and work in the City. Mr. Hively advised that data will provided in a subsequent report. Council Member Ward queried about the ideal percentage of individuals that should, both, live and work in the same City. Mr. Hively indicated that he could not speak to the ideal percentage of individuals that should live and work in the City. Council Member Ward opined about methods the City could use to attract younger residents. Mr. Hively said that in order for the City to be more attractive to younger residents, there would have to be shift in focus on more amenities and other lifestyle choices. 1 City Council Work Session November 16, 2022 Council Member Butler Barlow asked about the possible receipt of data regarding the decision-making process individuals use when determining where they wish to resident. Mr. Hively reported that data would not be included in the 2045 Comprehensive Plan Update. He added that information could be included in a larger economic development plan. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Bennett called for clarification of the existing number of housing units. Mr. Hively said that the City currently has 37,000 existing housing units. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman requested that hard copies of the information be provided to each member of City Council. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman queried about the inclusion of this data in the 2045 Comprehensive Plan Update. Mr. Hively advised there will in a chapter in the 2045 Comprehensive Plan Update. 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 Agricultural Advisory Committee, Clean Community Commission, Early Childhood Development Commission, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, and the Western Tidewater Water Authority; and 2. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(5) and (7), the discussion of a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business’ or industry’s interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community; and consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel, specifically concerning an EDIP proposal regarding Project Dynamo. 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, Ward and Williams 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Johnson was excused.) 0 2 City Council Work Session November 16, 2022 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:44 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:05 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: MAY 17, 2023 3