City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session January 3, 2024 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, 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 THE HAMPTON ROADS COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH INTEROPERABILITY PROJECT (HRCIP) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND THE MARCUS ALERT SYSTEM Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Fire and Rescue Chief Michael Barakey and Interim Police Chief James Buie gave a report about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked about the handling of calls between 9-1-1 and 9-8-8. Interim Police Chief Buie replied that his understanding is that handoff of any calls would happen in real time. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett inquired whether responses to calls would also include a police presence. Interim Police Chief Buie explained that it would depend on the type of reported threat. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett queried about the timeline for activation of the project. Interim Police Chief Buie said the program is mandated to begin by July 1, 2024. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow requested information about other agencies involved, besides Suffolk Police, Suffolk Fire and Rescue and the Western Tidewater Community Services Board. Interim Police Chief Buie replied that the three mentioned organizations will be part of call responses. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett solicited information about determining the type of response to calls. Interim Police Chief Buie said there are specific criteria used to determine incident response. 1 City Council Work Session January 3, 2024 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector asked whether the 9-8-8 unit will be independent of 9-1-1. Interim Police Chief Buie replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired about the location of the facility and staff. Interim Police Chief Buie surmised that the regional center will be in Newport News. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector questioned whether humans would be making the decision in determining the type of incident response. Interim Police Chief Buie confirmed that humans will solicit the required information. Referring to the presentation Vice Mayor Ward sought information about notifying the community of the system’s availability. Interim Police Chief Buie said there will be advertisement, commercials, marketing and flyers. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked about the method for determining response. Interim Police Chief Buie advised that there are standards for the types of response. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired about the necessity for police officers accompanying those suffering a mental health crisis and are waiting to be transported to a mental health facility. Interim Police Chief Buie said there are other provisions to address that issue. He concluded that the new system should reduce the current need for police officers to response to every mental health occurrence. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman queried about the interaction of the chain of command when responders are from different communities. Fire and Rescue Chief Barakey replied that it is all integrated, based on rank. 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, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Sister Cities Commission, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, Western Tidewater Community Services Board, and the Wetlands Board. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Bennett, 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, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 2 City Council Work Session January 3, 2024 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:36 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 4:55 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: MARCH 6, 2024 3