City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session July 19, 2023 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, July 19, 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 2023 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION REPORT Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mindy Carlin, and Emily Reynolds, Access Point Public Affairs, LLC, the City’s legislative consultants, submitted a summary of the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams asked if City Council could receive a hard copy of the presentation. Ms. Carlin replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector queried about the impact of the State’s miscalculations on the City’s funding for Suffolk Public Schools. Ms. Carlin explained that the City’s funding levels were not impacted by the State’s miscalculations. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward sought information about the methodology for the City to receive funding for historic African-American cemeteries, as referenced in HB2244 and SB1062. Ms. Carlin said that the funding is in place, and staff can assist with the application process. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman called for clarification about the authorization process as it relates to the Transportation Partnership Opportunity Fund. Ms. Reynolds replied that the Commonwealth Transportation Board and the Secretary of Transportation are responsible for authorizing allocations from that fund. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman inquired about alternative transportation qualification authorized by magistrates for inmates who require transportation to mental health facilities. Ms. Carlin stated that she could research that matter and provide additional information. 1 City Council Work Session July 19, 2023 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 Community Policy and Management Team, Early Childhood Development Commission, Economic Development Authority, Fine Arts Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Library Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Planning Commission, Sister Cities Commission, Suffolk Clean Community Commission, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and the Tidewater Youth Services Commission; and 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 number 10*46; and 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 number 64A*T104 and 25*15. Council Member Fawcett, 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 Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:37 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:56 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: NOVEMBER 15, 2023 2