City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session February 21, 2024 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Shelley 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, City Manager ABSENT None CITY ASSESSOR’S ANNUAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, City Assessor Holt Butt a report about the above referenced item. Council Member Bennett requested a copy of the assessment information by specific areas. City Assessor Butt advised that staff is working on the information now to be provided in the near future. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett called for clarification about the percentage of real estate tax relief available through the Veterans Real Estate Tax Relief Program. City Assessor Holt advised that veterans who are determined to be 100% by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for tax relief through the aforementioned program. 2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Jamie Green, Founder/Principal and Sarah Kelly, Project Manager, PlanningNEXT, the City’s comprehensive plan consultant, submitted information about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow asked about the methodology available to residents to submit their comments regarding the 2045 Comprehensive Plan update, should they not have access online. Ms. Kelly explained that residents that attend the in-person open houses will have the opportunity to provide their comments. 1 City Council Work Session February 21, 2024 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, Sister Cities Commission, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, Western Tidewater Community Services Board, and the Wetlands Board; 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. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Johnson, 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 5:07 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:36 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: APRIL 17, 2024 2