City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session June 5, 2024 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, June 5, 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 2024 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Mindy Carlin, Chief Executive Officer, Access Point Public Affairs, LLC, the City’s legislative consultant, submitted a summary of the above referenced item. Council Member Fawcett asked about the feasibility of including items that were not approved during the previous General Assembly Session in this year’s Legislative Agenda. City Manager Moor said that matter would be addressed at a future time. Council Member Butler Barlow queried about the ability for residents to receive toll relief based on their income. Ms. Carlin said there is an existing program where they can receive assistance, but Suffolk residents cannot access additional toll relief provided in the State budget due to requirements of the supplementary funding program. Council Member Fawcett opined about the possibility of the General Assembly approving House Bill 38 and Senate Bill 328, regarding the Virginia Retirement System and enhanced retirement benefits for E-911 officers. Ms. Carlin stated that many legislators supported these bills, but the Virginia State Police did not include it in their budget request. Therefore, there was concern about the disparate treatment of State and local E-911 personnel. She concluded that the matter was continued to 2025 for consideration. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, City Attorney Hutchings, Deputy City Attorney Stephanie Pough, Assistant City Attorneys Rebecca Powers, Sean Dolan, and Patrick Mancaluso submitted a summary of the above referenced item. 1 City Council Work Session June 5, 2024 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector called for clarification about City Council’s process to determine which items to include in the 2024 Legislative Agenda. City Attorney Hutchings explained that there are several methods to have an item included in the 2024 Legislative Agenda: City Manager Moor can place an item on the City Council meeting agenda, City Council can act under the New Business portion of the City Council meeting agenda, or four members of City Council can place it on the City Council meeting agenda. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett sought additional information about Senate Bill 336 regarding photo speed monitoring devices in high-risk intersections segments. City Attorney Hutchings advised that if a locality places photo speed monitoring devices in high-risk intersections segments, the fines received from those areas would go to the Commonwealth. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector queried about any potential negative impact on historical buildings, as a result of House Bill 1486 and Senate Bill 48, regarding the registration of vacant buildings. City Attorney Hutchings reported that there would not be any negative impact on historical buildings because of those bills. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Butler Barlow solicited an explanation for the purpose of House Bill 1486 and Senate Bill 48 regarding the registration of vacant buildings. City Attorney Hutchings said that the bills might make it easier to find property owners when building maintenance issues occur. 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, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Paul D. Camp Commission College Board, Sister Cities Commission, Southeastern Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, Southside Network Authority, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and Tidewater Youth Services Commission. Council Member Butler Barlow, 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, Johnson, Rector and Williams 8 NAYS: None 0 2 City Council Work Session June 5, 2024 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:16 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:26 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 3