City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session March 6, 2024 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 6, 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 LeOtis L. Williams Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Albert S. Moor, City Manager ABSENT None (Council Member John T. Rector was excused.) Mayor Duman announced that Council Member Rector was excused from today’s Work Session. OVERVIEW OF THE CITY SUFFOLK COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE TRAINING PROGRAM Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Assistant Director-Operations Karl Marshall gave a report about the above referenced item. Council Member Johnson asked whether the program’s intent is to improve the City’s ability to hire new employees. Public Works Assistant Director-Operations Marshall replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson called for clarification about the avaialibity of the program. Public Works Assistant Director-Operations Marshall stated that program was initially available to Public Works Department employees, but it has been expanded to include other City departments. Council Member Williams sought information about the timeline for completion of the program. Public Works Assistant Director-Operations Marshall reported that would depend on the scheduling. He added that it is estimated that an employee could complete the program in two to three months. Vice Mayor Ward opined about an employee’s options after the completion of the program, as it relates to other employment opportunities. Public Works Assistant Director-Operations Marshall explained that the commercial drivers license will only permit intrastate driving, but an employee could leave for another municipality. Mayor Duman queried about the feasibility of including employees of Suffolk Public Schools in the program. Public Works Assistant Director-Operations Marshall said he was advised that they already provide a similar program to their employees for passenger transportation. 1 City Council Work Session March 6, 2024 DITCH MAINTENANCE PROGRAM (DMP) Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Robert Lewis offered a summation of the above referenced item. Council Member Butler Barlow asked about the City’s current ditch cleaning schedule. Public Works Director Lewis explained that, currently, the cleaning of ditches depends on ditch conditions, so there is no schedule per se. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow requested clarification about the timeline for the new program. Public Works Director Lewis reported that the program is projected to be 10 years in total. Council Member Butler Barlow asked about the process in the event that a ditch is cleaned, but still has standing water. Public Works Director Lewis stated in that instance, staff would address that matter on a case-by-case basis. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow queried whether citizens would still have ability to report ditch concerns. Public Works Director Lewis replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett asked if staff would be evaluating and prioritizing ditch cleaning in each zone. Public Works Director Lewis advised that they would address specific ditches if they needed attention. He added that but the program will allow ditches to be cleaned in an efficient and systematic matter. Council Member Bennett opined about drainage in Driver. Public Works Director Lewis reported that a drainage study has been prepared in Driver, and the City is working on determining funding sources. Council Member Bennett inquired about the responsibility for drainage issues in neighborhood stormwater ponds. Public Works Director Lewis indicated, generally, street drainage does not go into private stormwater ponds, but it occurs occasionally. He added that some private stormwater ponds are turned over to the City for maintenance, and the City will evaluate on a case-by-case basis. Vice Mayor Ward sought an update on the status of ditch cleaning in Pughsville. Public Works Director Lewis stated that the City has cleaned all of the ditches in Pughsville this year. Vice Mayor Ward opined about the sidewalks in Pughsville. Public Works Director Lewis explained installing new sidewalks would need to be identified and funded through the Capital Improvement Plan. Mayor Duman queried about the process for addressing the outfall drainage where water drains from the road onto private property. Public Works Director Lewis explained that those matters would be addressed on a case-by-case basis. 2 City Council Work Session March 6, 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. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, 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, and Williams 7 NAYS: None 0 (Council Member Rector was excused.) City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:53 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:01 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: MAY 1, 2024 3