City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session April 2, 2025 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, April 2, 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 FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Finance Director Charles Meek gave a report about the above- mentioned topic. PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF SUFFOLK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM AND THE WESTERN TIDEWATER HOME CONSORTIUM HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP GRANT PROGRAM Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Community Development Grant Coordinator Deidre Garrett supplied a summary about the above-referenced topic. Council Member Bennett asked about the potential adverse impacts of funding reductions from the United States Department Housing and Urban Development. Ms. Garrett reported that she hopes to have that information by May 14, 2025. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired about the application process for local first-time homeownership programs. Ms. Garrett explained that residents can apply for the program through their local redevelopment and housing authorities. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector opined about the proposed allocations to the local public service organizations. City Manager Moor stated the proposed allocations to the local public service organizations included in the presentation are in addition to the allocations included in the proposed Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. 1 City Council Work Session April 2, 2025 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, Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk, Historic Landmarks Commission, Human Services Advisory Board, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, Sister Cities Commission, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, Western Tidewater Community Services Board and the Wetlands Board. Council Member Rector, on a motion seconded by Council Member Butler Barlow, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above-mentioned purpose, by the following roll call 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 4:59 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:06 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: JULY 2, 2025 2