City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session March 15, 2023 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 15, 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 SUFFOLK CENTER FOR CULTURAL ARTS UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Lorelei Costa, Executive Director, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, gave a report about the above referenced item. Council Member Rector opined about the feasibility of the City advertising the restaurant at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. Ms. Costa advised that Ed Beardsley will be opening a new restaurant at the center, and staff will assist with marketing that once it is open. BROADBAND INITIATIVES UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Eric Collins, Director of Government Affairs, Charter Communications/Spectrum and Randah Gaitan, Senior Administrative Analyst, submitted information about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett asked about the dissemination process for information about the new broadband services. Ms. Gaitan stated that residents would receive door hangers or mailed post cards. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett called for information about any potential price increases due to the expansion of broadband services. Mr. Collins said that often new customers, can receive service for 12 months at a reduced price as a promotion. Council Member Johnson sought clarification about the timeline for the completion of the expansion of broadband services. Ms. Gaitan indicated that 36 months is the timeline for the completion of the expansion of broadband services. 1 City Council Work Session March 15, 2023 Council Member Johnson queried about the number of months that the expansion of broadband services has been ongoing. Ms. Gaitan reported that the expansion has been ongoing for 10 months. Mayor Duman called for information about the process of advertising the financial assistance programs for broadband services. Ms. Gaitan advised that the information in on the City’s webpage, and there is a link to the Charter Communications/Spectrum webpage. ROUTE 17 AND SHOULDERS HILL ROAD PROJECT OVERVIEW Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Robert Lewis provided a report on the above referenced information. CLOSED MEETING The Work Session was adjourned at 4:58 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 6, 2023 2