City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session September 6, 2023 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Shelly Butler Barlow Timothy J. Johnson LeOtis L. Williams Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Albert S. Moor, II, City Manager ABSENT Roger W. Fawcett (excused) John T. Rector (excused) Mayor Duman announced that Council Member Fawcett and Council Member Rector were excused from the meeting. MENTAL HEALTH BRIEFING – WESTERN TIDEWATER COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Brandon Rodgers, Director of Operations, Western Tidewater Community Services Board, submitted information about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson asked about the timeline for completion of the proposed crisis receiving center expansion. Mr. Rodgers estimated the construction would take about 14 months. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow solicited information about peer support training. Mr. Rodgers said there are 72 hours of specialized training and 500 hours of shadowing before a prospective peer support provider can take the test to become a certified peer counselor. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward requested information about how residents can receive services. Mr. Rodgers answered that residents who come to the Western Tidewater Community Services Board are seen by an intake person and evaluated for the best approach to receiving services. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward inquired about the organization’s interaction with the Western Tidewater Regional Jail. Mr. Rodgers advised that the Western Tidewater Community Services Board is in communication with the Western Tidewater Regional Jail, but a private provider is contracted to deliver services to the jail. 1 City Council Work Session September 6, 2023 Vice Mayor Ward asked about the meetings and membership of the Western Tidewater Community Services Board of Directors. Mr. Rodgers said the Board of Directors meet bi-monthly, and membership is composed of appointees from member localities. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams queried about the average number of people who receive same day services at Western Tidewater Community Services Board. Mr. Rodgers estimated about 100 people each month. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman asked whether schools or parents refer students for treatment by Western Tidewater Community Services Board. Mr. Rodgers said they receive referrals from, both, parents and schools. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman requested clarification regarding the Western Tidewater Community Services Board’s interaction with law enforcement. Mr. Rodgers advised sometimes service in lieu of custody is provided in applicable situations. He concluded that these cases are voluntary, but the Western Tidewater Community Services Board would be able to accept involuntary cases when the crisis stabilization unit is ready for occupancy. Mayor Duman solicited information on the progress of the proposed crisis receiving center expansion. Mr. Rodgers said they are waiting on final design approval and a septic permit. Mayor Duman inquired about Western Tidewater Community Services Board’s funding for the proposed crisis receiving center expansion. Mr. Rodgers advised that funding appears satisfactory for now. 2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director Kevin Wyne and Economic Development Director Nicolas Langford presented a summary of the above referenced topic. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson asked about the regulation of solar facilities in relation to the 2045 Comprehensive Plan. Planning and Community Development Director Wyne advised the 2045 Comprehensive Plan should be able to address that issue. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett inquired about properties zoned M-2 abutting residential properties. Planning and Community Development Director Wyne advised the issue will be examined in a future presentation to City Council. 2 City Council Work Session September 6, 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 of the City of Suffolk, Fine Arts Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Sister Cities Commission, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and the Tidewater Youth Services Commission. 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*40 Council Member Williams, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above referenced purpose, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, and Williams 6 NAYS: None (Council Members Fawcett and Rector were excused.) 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:08 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:46 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: DECEMBER 6, 2023 3