City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session October 18, 2023 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, October 18, 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 HAMPTON ROADS PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION – HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Greg Grootendorst, Deputy Executive Director; Shernita Bethea, Housing and Human Services Department Administrator; and Nikki Johnson, Regional Economist, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, gave a report about the above referenced item. Mayor Duman asked about data for only Suffolk versus all of the Hampton Roads region, as it relates to single family home and multifamily homes. Ms. Johnson advised that the data trends are the same across localities, despite the population growth. She said she could provide Suffolk specific information. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Bethea continued the report about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams called for information about the first time homebuyer program. Ms. Bethea explained that the applicants have to meet the United States Housing and Urban Development income standards, complete the Virginia Housing Development Authority first time homebuyer’s course and be mortgage ready. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams requested clarification about the availability of the first time homebuyer course. Ms. Bethea advised that the course is offered by Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett asked if individuals can use Section 8 funds for a down payment for a home purchase. Ms. Bethea indicated that interested people should contact their housing authority to determine whether the locality participates in such a program. 1 City Council Work Session October 18, 2023 WAREHOUSE STANDARDS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director Kevin Wyne submitted information about the above referenced item. Council Member Butler Barlow opined about the differing definitions of warehouses, as it relates to the proposed ordinance. Planning and Community Development Director Wyne advised that the proposed ordinance would apply across the board of despite the different types of warehouses. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow called for clarification about the enforcement of compliance to the proposed ordinance. Planning and Community Development Director Wyne reported that enforcement will be addressed through site plan review and zoning enforcement. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow queried about the feasibility of requiring warehouses to provide amenities for tractor-trailer drivers. Planning and Community Development Director Wyne responded that there is the potential to amplify the supplemental use regulations, but the provisions would be difficult to apply. City Attorney Hutchings added that City Council may not be able to require those types of obligations. Mayor Duman opined about the applicability of the proposed ordinance on self-storage facilities. Planning and Community Development Director Wyne replied in the negative. 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, Fine Arts Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Library Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, and the Western Tidewater Regional Jail Authority. 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 2 City Council Work Session October 18, 2023 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:23 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:40 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: JANUARY 17, 2024 3