City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session February 1, 2023 A Joint Work Session of the Suffolk City Council and the Suffolk School Board was held in the City Council Chamber on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, 3:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Shelley Butler Barlow Roger W. Fawcett Timothy J. Johnson John T. Rector LeOtis L. Williams Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Albert S. Moor, City Manager ABSENT None The following members of the Suffolk School Board were present: Tyron D. Riddick, Chairman Heather S. Howell, Vice Chairman Dawn Marie Brittingham, Ed.D. Dr. Judith Brooks-Buck Karen L. Jenkins Kimberly A. Slingluff Also present from School Administration: Dr. John B. Gordon III, School Superintendent Wendell Waller, School Board Attorney Tarshia L. Gardner, Clerk of the School Board JOINT WORK SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE SCHOOL BOARD Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Suffolk Public Schools Facilities and Planning Director Terry Napier gave a report about the above referenced item. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Tealen Hansen gave a report about the above referenced item. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, City Manager Moor summarized the estimate for the new John F. Kennedy Middle School. 1 City Council Work Session February 1, 2023 Mayor Duman announced that the School Board and City Council Members would have five minutes to provide comments or make inquiries, and then staff would address any questions. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow requested information on the cost effectiveness of separating the new John F. Kennedy Middle School, Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs and the Data Center. Referring to the presentation Rector requested information about increasing capacity at the new John F. Kennedy Middle School, while enrollment is declining. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams inquired about the notification deadline for the State Literary Fund and which entity would present the application. Referring to the presentation, Dr. Brittingham asked whether all sources of funding were sought in order to make up the projected budgetary shortfall. Referring to the presentation, Dr. Brooks-Buck requested information regarding the type and volume of housing surrounding the new John F. Kennedy Middle School. In response to Council Member Butler Barlow’s question, Dr. Gordon advised that Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs was separated from the new John F. Kennedy Middle School so that the entire school is not disrupted by Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs operations. He further explained that the separation of the Data Center is a customer service issue. In response to Council Member Williams’ question, Finance Director Hansen advised that the notification deadline for the State Literary Fund is unknown. She concluded that the application is a joint venture between Suffolk Public Schools and the City. Kyle Laux, Senior Vice President, Davenport and Company, the City’s financial advisors, said that although the rate offered by the State Literary Fund is better, any loan would count against the City’s borrowing capacity. Referring to the presentation, Chair Riddick solicited information about the feasibility of building more joint facilities. Mr. Laux advised that policy is not in his purview. Members of City Council and School Board offered comments and opinions about growth and affordability. City Council adjourned at 5:37 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: AUGUST 2, 2023 2