City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session November 1, 2023 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, November 1, 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 John T. Rector LeOtis L. Williams Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Albert S. Moor, II, City Manager ABSENT Timothy J. Johnson (excused) Mayor Duman announced that Council Member Johnson was excused. SOUTHSIDE NETWORK AUTHORITY UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Steven DeBerry, Executive Director, Southside Network Authority, submitted information about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman queried about the feasibility of other localities participating in the Authority, aside from the current five municipalities. Mr. DeBerry advised that if other localities wished to join the Authority in the future, they would be required to make the necessary financial commitment. He added that the Authority’s governing structure would also need to be changed. Mayor Duman opined that the request is a vision for future expansion. Mr. DeBerry replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired about the plan of action should localities on the Peninsula forgo joining the Authority, as it relates to the connectivity to Richmond. Mr. DeBerry advised that solutions for that scenario will be examined should it arise. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward asked whether localities in Western Tidewater were included in the Southside Network Authority. Mr. DeBerry advised that eventually they could connect. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett solicited information about the regional connectivity ring’s operability, even if it does not connect to Richmond as envisioned. Mr. DeBerry affirmed that the regional connectivity ring would be operable in the area on time. 1 City Council Work Session November 1, 2023 Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman inquired about the availability of a contingency fund. Mr. DeBerry explained that each member locality has earmarked $500,000 in their 2024 budgets, but it has not been needed yet. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow asked about resolving conflicting information from the local surveys and Federal Communication Commission Maps. Mr. DeBerry advised that the contractor is working with the various cities to address last mile connections. 2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE – NORTHERN GROWTH AREA AND FUTURE LAND USE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director Kevin Wyne gave a report about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman asked about the density proposal on Knotts Neck Farm Road. Planning and Community Development Director Wyne said the density would be reduced from inner ring suburban to traditional neighborhood. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman solicited clarification about the Richard Bennett Trust sites being residential. Planning and Community Development Director Wyne explained that the parcels are currently in the Suburban District and this matter will be addressed during the 2045 Comprehensive Plan Update. Mayor Duman sought additional information about the potential rezoning process for the Richard Bennett Trust sites. City Manager Moor said the issue can be researched. City Attorney Hutchings added that the process for rezoning any of the Richard Bennett Trust sites would be treated like any other rezoning, as outlined in the Unified Development Ordinance. Mayor Duman asked about the process as it relates to a property owner having an objection to a City driven rezoning of their land. City Attorney Hutchings reported that under that scenario, property owners or adjacent property owner has appeal rights. Vice Mayor Ward requested information on the impact of the 2045 Comprehensive Plan on electoral boroughs. Planning and Community Development Director Wyne advised there would be no impact. 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, Sister Cities Commission, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, and the 2 City Council Work Session November 1, 2023 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 purpose, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Fawcett, Rector and Williams 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Johnson was excused.) City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:57 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:14 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: JANUARY 17, 2024 3