City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session April 5, 2023 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, April 5, 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 PERSONAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENT RATIO Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Commissioner of the Revenue Susan Draper gave a report about the above referenced item. FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Tealen Hansen submitted information about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett asked whether funding was being provided by the State to cover Suffolk Public Schools’ estimated $2 million deficit. Finance Director Hansen advised that the State budget has not been finalized, but staff is monitoring this matter. Council Member Bennett inquired about the State’s timeline to finalize the budget. Finance Director Hansen said State has not given any indication about when the budget will be passed. Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved that City Manager Moor review the fee schedule to minimize the proposed sewer and water rate increases, and that City Manager Moor prepare an ordinance that provides for real estate tax relief in the form of a credit equal to two cents per $100 of assessed valuation Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow asked about the methods of communication to taxpayers about the availability of tax relief programs. Deputy City Manager Azeez Felder explained that the Social Services Department has the applicable information. 1 City Council Work Session April 5, 2023 Council Member Johnson, on a motion seconded by Council Member Fawcett, moved that City Manager Moor review the fee schedule to minimize the proposed sewer and water rate increases, and that City Manager Moor prepare an ordinance that provides for real estate tax relief in the form of a credit equal to two cents per $100 of assessed valuation, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Butler Barlow, Bennett, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 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 Clean Community Commission Keep Suffolk Beautiful Executive Board, Early Childhood Development Commission, Economic Development Authority, Historic Landmarks Commission, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, the Tidewater Youth Services Commission and the Virginia Municipal League Policy Committees. 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. 3. 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 25A*J17. Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Rector, 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 Butler Barlow, Bennett, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:51 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:42 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 2