City Council Work Sessions

City Council Work Session May 7, 2025 Work Session of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, on Wednesday, May 7, 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 CHAPTER 38 FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION City Manager Moor announced that an amended ordinance has been distributed to all members of City Council and today’s presentation will reflect the information in the amended ordinance. He added that the proposed ordinance is listed as Consent Agenda Item #7 for consideration during the Regular Meeting and will need to be removed for a separate vote under the Ordinances portion of the agenda. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Fire Chief Michael Barakey and Fire Marshall Chris Cornwell gave a report about the above-mentioned topic. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Wright opined about the enforcing authority for violations of the open burn policy. Fire Chief Barakey said that the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department is the enforcement authority for violations of the open burn policy. Referring to presentation, Council Member Wright called for clarification about any potential cases of low or inadequate water flow to extinguish fires as it relates to amendments in the proposed ordinance. Fire Marshall Cornwell replied that while the amendments in the proposed ordinance comply with State Code standards, the proposed ordinance does reduce the amount of water flow used to extinguish fires. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Wright asked about the responsibility to ensure that developers comply with the proposed ordinance. Fire Chief Barakey stated that the Building Official would be responsible for ensuring that developers comply with the proposed ordinance. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Wright queried about the responsible party to ensure the installation of the proper fire suppression systems. City Manager Moor advised that developers are responsible for the installation of the proper fire suppression systems. 1 City Council Work Session May 7, 2025 Council Member Wright opined about the potential increase in the City’s responsibility as it relates to low or inadequate water flow to extinguish fires as amended the proposed ordinance. Fire Chief Barakey said that developers will be required to meet the regulations. Council Member Rector called for clarification about the difference between the distributed amended ordinance versus and the original ordinance that was included in the City Council agenda package. City Manager Moor replied that the distributed amended ordinance has the correct language. PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS AND FUNDING UPDATE Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Assistant Director Darryl Lewis supplied a summary about the above-referenced topic. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector opined about the likelihood that the City will receive the State grants. Public Works Assistant Director Lewis said that none of the State grants are guaranteed. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Rector inquired about the increasing costs for projects. Public Works Assistant Director Lewis explained that the cost of transportation projects is rising at all levels and that the Virginia Department of Transportation has suspended projects due to cost increases. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman asked whether the City received any State funds for the Kimberly Bridge. Public Works Assistant Director Lewis stated that the City has received $6,500,000 from the State for the Kimberly Bridge. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman asked about the feasibility of using the State funds awarded for Kimberly Bridge for another project. City Manager Moor added that the funding cannot be used for another project. Referring to the presentation, Mayor Duman inquired about alternate uses of the City’s matching funds. City Manager Moor advised there is some flexibility in reallocating the matching funds. 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 Downtown Advisory Committee, 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, Paul D. Camp Community College Board, Sister Cities Commission, Tidewater Youth Services Commission, Western Tidewater Community Services Board and the Virginia Municipal League Policy Committees; and the appointment of an Interim City Manager; and 2. Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(3), the discussion or consideration of the 2 City Council Work Session May 7, 2025 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 34G23(4)*1, 34G23(A)*115A, 34G23(A)*115B, 34*50 and 34G17(A)*39 Council Member Butler Barlow, on a motion seconded by Council Member Bennett, moved that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above-mentioned purposes, 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 4:45 p.m. The Closed Meeting concluded at 5:45 p.m. Teste: ____________________________________________ Erika S. Dawley, MMC, City Clerk Approved: _________________________________________ Michael D. Duman, Mayor APPROVED: SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 3