City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session March 19, 2025 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 4:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Michael D. Duman, Mayor, presiding Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Shelley Butler Barlow Timothy J. Johnson John T. Rector LeOtis L. Williams Ebony N. Wright Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk William E. Hutchings, Jr., City Attorney Albert S. Moor, City Manager ABSENT None CITY OF SUFFOLK’S STATE OF AGRICULTURE, 2025 UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, David Bosselman, Chair, Agricultural Advisory Committee, gave a report about the above-mentioned item. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector asked how the current percentage of farmers under 45 years-old compares historically. Mr. Bosselman said he can provide that information. STREET NAME MODIFICATIONS Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Robert Lewis supplied a summary about the above-mentioned topic. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Johnson asked about the responses from residents regarding the proposed street name modifications. Public Works Director Lewis reported that there were some initial questions from residents about the proposed street name changes. He added that after staff replied to those inquires, there was no negative feedback. CLOSED MEETING City Clerk Dawley presented the Closed Meeting motion for City Council’s consideration: 1. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 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 Early Childhood Development Commission, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, 1 City Council Work Session March 19, 2025 Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Sister Cities Commission, Southside Network Authority, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, Western Tidewater Community Services Board and the Wetlands Board; 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 and Parcel Number 25*45A Council Member Rector, on a motion seconded by Council Member Williams, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above-mentioned purposes, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Duman, Vice Mayor Ward, and Council Members Bennett, Butler Barlow, Johnson, Rector, Williams and Wright 8 NAYS: None 0 City Council convened in Closed Meeting at 4:52 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:25 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: JUNE 18, 2025 2