City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session July 2, 2024 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Tuesday, July 2, 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 Kevin Hughes, Deputy City Manager ABSENT None DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Director of Libraries Clint Rudy submitted a summary of the above referenced item. Council Member Bennett asked about the City’s efforts to advise residents about the new program. Library Director Rudy said that the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides localities with marketing material. He added that the City is partnering with the Early Childhood Development Commission and Suffolk Public Schools, as well as using social media to advertise the program. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Robert Lewis, Public Utilities Director Paul Retel, Parks and Recreation Director Mark Furlo and Capital Programs and Buildings Director Gerry Jones offered a report on the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector asked how ravines factor into the aforementioned plan. Public Works Director Lewis advised that ravines are included in the plan. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired whether all exposed pump stations will be enclosed. Public Works Director Retel advised that some of the pump stations will be enclosed, depending on how much surrounding land is available to enclose them. Vice Mayor Ward requested a parking garage downtown. Deputy City Manager Hughes said that staff is investigating the matter. 1 City Council Work Session July 2, 2024 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett asked about the length of time that the Beamon’s Mill Bridge detour is expected to last. Public Works Director Lewis estimated that the detour will be in place nearly a year to demolish and replace the structure. He added that city and schools’ staffs have been working together closely regarding the detour. Council Member Williams requested quarterly reports on the progress of the projects. Public Works Director Lewis advised those can be provided. 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 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, Sister Cities Commission, Southeastern Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, Southside Network Authority, 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 numbers 34G17(a)*163, 34G17(a)*164, 34G17(a)*165 and 34G17(a)*1676. 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 5:17 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:28 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 2