City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session October 2, 2024 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, October 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 Albert S. Moor II, City Manager ABSENT None SUFFOLK REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY’S STATUS UPDATE AND FY25 SPARC GRANT AWARD DISCUSSION Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Patricia Tyus, Executive Director, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, gave a report on the above referenced item. Council Member Bennett inquired about the feasibility of using funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to demolish Hoffler Apartments. Ms. Tyus advised that the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Directors will consider the feasibility of that matter. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Williams asked about the interior work at Collander Bishop Apartments. Ms. Tyus explained that they will do the exterior work first and, generally, when a resident leaves an apartment, the interior work is performed. Council Member Williams queried about the number of units at Hoffler Apartments. Ms. Tyus stated that Hoffler Apartments is comprised of 80 units. Council Member Williams sought information about the number of units at Hoffler Apartments that beyond repair. Ms. Tyus said that 14 units at Hoffler Apartments are beyond repair. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Fawcett opined about and requirements from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development as it relates to the use of federal funding. Ms. Tyus replied that the federal government generally phases in their requirements, and the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority works with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development on a continuing basis to use the federal funding. 1 City Council Work Session October 2, 2024 Council Member Rector solicited information about any type of ongoing facilities assessment in order to manage future funding needs. Ms. Tyus advised that annual inspections of all facilities are required by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Council Member Butler Barlow asked about the availability of funding to assist first time homebuyers. Mr. Tyus replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson queried about the timeline to use the Virginia Housing’s Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities Program funding. Ms. Tyus said that that funding does not have a timeline for use. Council Member Williams queried about a future needs assessment of all properties managed by Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Ms. Tyus stated that all properties will be assessed as needed. Council Member Bennett opined about the administration of the first time homebuyers classes. Ms. Tyus explained that the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is in the process of reinstating the first time homebuyers classes. Council Member Rector called for an inventory of the number of units managed by the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Ms. Tyus advised that she could provide that information. 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, Historic Landmarks Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Paul D. Camp Community College Board, Sister Cities Commission, Southeastern Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, Southside Network Authority, Suffolk Clean Community Commission, Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, and the Western Tidewater Regional Jail. 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 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 October 2, 2024 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:49 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:00 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: FEBRUARY 5, 2025 3