City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session March 5, 2025 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Timothy J. Johnson John T. Rector LeOtis L. Williams Ebony N. Wright Tracey L. Sanford, Deputy City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Albert S. Moor, City Manager ABSENT Council Member Shelley Butler Barlow (excused) Mayor Duman advised that Council Member Butler Barlow was excused. FY2025-2026 REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT REPORT Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, City Assessor Holt Butt gave a report about the above referenced item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector asked about the difference between a “delivered unit” and an “absorbed unit.” City Assessor Butt advised that a “delivered unit” is built, as in the case of an apartment building. He further explained that an “absorbed unit” would be the rental of an apartment in that building. SPSA SUPPORT AGREEMENT AND UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Southeastern Public Service Authority Executive Director Dennis Bagley introduced Director of Operations Norm Strickland and provided comments about the fire at the regional landfill on March 2nd and the above referenced topic. Council Member Bennett asked how the agreement would impact Suffolk’s tip fee. Mr. Bagley explained that Suffolk receives a host fee corresponding to the amount of waste received in the landfill. City Manager Moor added that the Support and Use Agreement differs from the Host Agreement, and the former would not impact the latter. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett inquired about the location of the new cell in relation to Route 58. Mr. Bagley said there is an environmental easement between the cell and Route 58 that would be a buffer. 1 City Council Work Session March 5, 2025 Referring to the presentation, Council Member Bennett asked when the recycling agreement with Commonwealth Sortation would be effective. Mr. Bagley advised that the effective date would depend on how quickly the Support and Use Agreements with the localities were updated. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector questioned whether the capacity to handle recyclables exists, should SPSA improve its ability to separate them out from other waste. Mr. Bagley replied in the affirmative. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector asked about the impact of a locality discontinuing its recycling program on the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Mandatory Recycling Rate of 25%. Mr. Bagley advised there are a myriad of factors that are taken into account when calculating the region’s recycling rate. Vice Mayor Ward asked whether SPSA picks up the blue recycling cans. Mr. Bagley replied in the negative. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman opined about assurances that Commonwealth Sortation will adhere to any agreement and offered comments about the Host Agreement. City Attorney Hutchings advised that the Host Agreement expires when the landfill is closed. CLOSED MEETING Deputy City Clerk Sanford presented the Closed Meeting motion for City Council’s consideration: 1. Pursuant to Virginia Code Sections 2.2-3711(A)(1), 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 Criminal Justice Board (Fifth Judicial District), Early Childhood Development Commission, Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk, 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, Southside Network Authority, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, Western Tidewater Community Services Board, and the Wetlands Board. Council Member Bennett, 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 vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 7 NAYS: None (Council Member Butler Barlow was excused.) 0 2 City Council Work Session March 5, 2025 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 5:10 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:31 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Tracey L. Sanford, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: JUNE 4, 2025 3