City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session August 21, 2024 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett (arrived at 4:35 p.m.) 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 II, City Manager ABSENT Shelley Butler Barlow (excused) Mayor Duman announced that the TC Energy Pipeline, Virginia Reliability Project Overview will be heard first. TC ENERGY PIPELINE, VIRGINIA RELIABILITY PROJECT OVERVIEW Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Emily Reynolds, TC Energy Pipeline State Government and Community Relations Advisor, provided information on the above referenced topic. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson asked about the length of time trucks are expected at the Mockingbird Lane and Matoaka Road intersection area. Ms. Reynolds advised that there would be an increase throughout the current week, with a targeted completion of November 1 for the remainder of 2024. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired about the timetable in relation to drilling under the Nansemond River and insertion of the pipe. Ms. Reynolds advised she could obtain the information. BOND RATING UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Kyle Laux, Senior Vice President, Davenport and Company, Incorporated, the city’s economic advisors, provided a report about the above referenced item. Council Member Bennett arrived at 4:35 p.m. 1 City Council Work Session August 21, 2024 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett inquired about the hypothetical effects of slowing economic and residential growth. Mr. Laux advised that bond rating agencies consider development as a factor in bond ratings. David Rose, Senior Vice President and Manager of Public Finance, Davenport and Company, said that when examining a municipality’s bond rating, companies must determine whether or not localities have the means to meet their financial obligations. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector asked whether the city’s bond rating is better or worse than previous years. Mr. Laux said that bond ratings continue to improve. SUFFOLK REDEVELOPMENT & HOUSING AUTHORITY'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INTRODUCTION, BRIEF STATUS UPDATE, AND FY25 SPARC GRANT AWARD DISCUSSION This item was not heard. 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, Downtown Advisory Committee, Early Childhood Development Commission, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Paul D. Camp Community College Board, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, Sister Cities Commission, Southeastern Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, Southside Network Authority, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, and the Western Tidewater Regional Jail Board. 2. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(5), the discussion of a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business’ or industry’s interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community, specifically concerning an EDIP proposal regarding Project Thor. Council Member Fawcett, on a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Ward, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above referenced purpose, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Fawcett, Johnson, Rector and Williams 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Butler Barlow was excused.) 0 2 City Council Work Session August 21, 2024 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:53 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:25 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: NOVEMBER 20, 2024 3