City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session March 1, 2023 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Shelly 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, II, City Manager ABSENT None CITY ASSESSOR’S ANNUAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, City Assessor Holt Butt gave a report about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow asked whether every parcel was reassessed yearly. City Assessor Butt advised every parcel is reassessed through the mass reassessment process. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow solicited information about the decrease in assessed value of agricultural parcels. City Assessor Butt advised that staff is working to determine the reason behind such a decrease. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired about the meaning of the term “absorbed unit.” City Assessor Butt explained that an absorbed unit is a dwelling that has been built and occupied. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman asked whether all information was available on the City’s website. City Assessor Butt replied that staff would provide requested information, if the data is not protected or available on the City’s website. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman wondered about the inclusion of zoning information on the City’s website. City Assessor Butt advised that zoning information about parcels will be included on the department’s new assessment website. 1 City Council Work Session March 1, 2023 NANSEMOND INDIAN NATION UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Tribal Chief Keith Anderson, Vice Chair Nikki Bass and tribel counsel Greg Werkheiser, Cultural Heritage Partners, LLC, submitted information about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow inquired about the relation of wetlands the tribe received from Ducks Unlimited to federal funding. Mr. Werkheiser advised that the land is designated for conservation, and is not related to the consideration of federal monies. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams asked about the meaning of “MOU.” Mr. Werkheiser said a MOU is a Memorandum of Understanding. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward requested information on the availability of federal funding. Mr. Werkheiser advised that the time to receive federal funding expired at the end of last year, and the final deadline is drawing near. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired about the tribe’s adherence to the original contract. Mr. Werkheiser advised that the village has not been constructed, but the nation has performed other community service activities. Ms. Bass clarified that the tribe received the property with numerous deficiencies and have made improvements that benefit the larger community. 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 Early Childhood Development Commission, Economic Development Authority, Historic Landmarks Commission, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, and the Wetlands Board. 2. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(3), the discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, specifically, Tax Map and Parcel 10*46. Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, 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 Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 2 City Council Work Session March 1, 2023 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:21 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:54 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 6, 2023 3