City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session May 15, 2024 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, May 15, 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 YOUTH SUMMER PROGRAMS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Parks and Recreation Director Mark Furlo gave a report about the above referenced item. Vice Mayor Ward queried about the availability of transportation to the various summer programs. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo said that routes have been offered in the Magnolia and Pughsville areas, but no one has signed up. Vice Mayor Ward opined about the dissemination of information regarding the availability of transportation to the various summer programs. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo stated that staff has provided the information to various civic leagues and offered to attend other community meetings. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward inquired about the availability of summer programs for persons with disabilities. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo advised that the City does offer Camp Limitless, which is available for those with disabilities. Referring to the presentation, Vice Mayor Ward asked about the availability of line dance classes at all recreation centers. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo replied that currently line dance classes are not available at all recreation centers, but they can be expanded in the future. Council Member Bennett opined about the dissemination of the City’s Program Guide to area churches. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo reported that the program guides are available in a number of locations in the City. 1 City Council Work Session May 15, 2024 Vice Mayor Ward requested the minimum age for lifeguards at Cypress Park Pool. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo said that 16 years old is the minimum age required for lifeguards at Cypress Park Pool. Vice Mayor Ward queried about notifying high school swimming teams that the City is hiring lifeguards. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo replied in the affirmative. Council Member Bennett asked about the feasibility of a pop-up farmers market on East Washington Street. Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes reported that information can be provided. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman opined about the Summer Cinema program. Parks and Recreation Director Furlo stated the program will be rotating to various locations in the City. TRANSIT UPDATE Public Works Director Robert Lewis introduced Transit Manager Maria Ptakowski. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Transit Manager Ptakowski provided information about the above referenced item. Council Member Williams called for an update on the expansion of transit service to Holland and Whaleyville. Transit Manager Ptakowski stated that the planned expansion of transit service to that area occurs in Fiscal Year 2028, but staff will implement it earlier if it is feasible. Mayor Duman questioned the current state of transit ridership. Transit Manager Ptakowski said that transit ridership has been on the increase after decreasing during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Duman inquired about the notification of larger employers about the availability of transit service. Transit Manager Ptakowski replied in the affirmative. Mayor Duman queried about the City’s plan to purchase electric buses. Transit Manager Ptakowski explained that the City currently seeking the best option to purchase two electric buses. Mayor Duman sought clarification about the funding sources for the two electric buses. Transit Manager Ptakowski said that the two electric buses will be purchased with federal and state funds. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams asked about the number next to each transit stop. Transit Manager Ptakowski reported that those numbers are for internal tracking purposes. 2 City Council Work Session May 15, 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 Agricultural Advisory Committee, Clean Community Commission, Community Policy and Management Team, Early Childhood Development Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Sister Cities Commission, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and the Tidewater Youth Services Commission; 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 Williams, 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 4:43 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:15 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: AUGUST 7, 2024 3