Regular Meeting of the Suffolk City Council was held in the City Council Chamber on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT Council Members - Linda T. Johnson, Mayor, presiding Charles F. Brown, Vice Mayor Robert C. Barclay IV Leroy Bennett Michael D. Duman Jeffrey L. Gardy Curtis R. Milteer, Sr. Charles D. Parr, Sr. Selena Cuffee-Glenn, City Manager C. Edward Roettger, City Attorney Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk ABSENT None CALL TO ORDER/INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order, and Council Member Milteer provided the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CERTIFICATION City Clerk Dawley presented a resolution certifying the Closed Meeting of April 20, 2011, pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Council Member Gardy, on a motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved that the resolution be adopted, as presented, by the following roll call vote: A RESOLUTION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING OF APRIL 20, 2011, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.2-3712 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA (1950), AS AMENDED 1
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Council Member Parr, on a motion seconded by Council Member Gardy, moved to approve the minutes from the March 23, 2011, Special Meeting and the April 6, 2011, Work Session and Regular Meeting, as presented, by the following roll call vote: SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Special Presentation - United Way Carol McCormack, President/Chief Executive Officer, United Way of South Hampton Roads, provided the results of the 2010 Combined Charities Campaign and recognizing the City s campaign coordinators, Yulanda Manning and Joan Jones. Special Presentation - A proclamation in recognition of National Public Service Recognition Week Mayor Johnson presented the aforementioned proclamation to Human Resources Director Ronnie Charles and Chanda Gray, Employee Relations Committee Chairperson. Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Human Resources Director Charles and Ms. Gray offered information on the above referenced item. REMOVAL OF ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Mayor Johnson asked if any members of City Council wished to remove any items from the Consent Agenda for separate action. Hearing no requests for removal of any items, Mayor Johnson advised that a motion was in order at this time to adopt the agenda in its entirety. Council Member Parr, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to adopt the remaining agenda, as presented, by the following roll call: AGENDA SPEAKERS There were no individuals registered to speak under this portion of the agenda. 2
CONSENT AGENDA City Clerk Dawley presented the following Consent Agenda items for City Council s consideration: Consent Agenda Item #7 - AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS FROM THE NOVELIS COPRORPATION FOR THE CITY OF SUFFOLK S LITTER CONTROL INITIATIVES Consent Agenda Item #8 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REVENUE SHARING PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012 Council Member Gardy, on a motion seconded by Council Member Bennett, moved to approve Consent Agenda, as presented, by the following roll call vote: PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing - Proposed Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 and related ordinances Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Budget Officer Anne Seward submitted information on the above referenced item. Leroy Schmidt, 5140 North Harbor Road, representing self, opined about the need to consider bids for the mandatory curbside recycling. William Harward, 3918 Manning Road, representing self, provided the following recommendations as they relate to the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012: eliminate funding the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts; end membership dues for the Hampton Roads Partnership, the Hampton Roads Transit, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance, and Suffolk Festivals; and sell the Phoenix Bank Building. Elizabeth Dula, Peer Mentor, Endependence Center, 6300 East Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, thanked the City for its support of her agency. Richard Warder, 209 Waterwood Way, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed real estate rate increase and the proposed refuse collection/recycling fee. William H Millan, 9248 Dixon Road, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed real estate rate increase and the proposed refuse collection/recycling fee. John Skervin, Chief Executive Officer, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, 6350 Center Drive, Norfolk, thanked the City for its support of his agency. 3
Laquisha McGlone, 1109 Custis Road, representing self, spoke in opposition to the elimination of Hampton Roads Transit services. Robin Norfleet, 1161 Nansemond Parkway, representing self, spoke in opposition to the elimination of Hampton Roads Transit services. The following individuals spoke in opposition of the closings of Mount Zion and Robertson Elementary Schools: William Martin, 6309 Vaughan Avenue, representing self. Sally Griffin, 2881 Greenway Road, representing self. Virginia Griffin, 2881 Greenway Road, representing self. Miriam Beiler, Executive Director, Western Tidewater Free Clinic, 2019 Meade Parkway, thanked the City of its support of her agency and discussed the clinic s various services. Michael Debranski, Chair, Suffolk School Board, 1015 Maryland Avenue, spoke in support of funding for Suffolk Public Schools. Kenneth Carpenter, Chair, Suffolk Electoral Board, 2609 Robinhood Trail, spoke in support of additional funding for the Office of Voter Registration. Jeff Ziegler, Executive Director, The Children s Center, 300 Executive Court, thanked the City for its support of his agency. Dan Simmons, representing the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, 530 East Pinner Street, thanked the City for its support of his agency. Jeanne Torres, 6711 Braebourne Court, representing self, spoke in opposition to the closings of Mount Zion and Robertson Elementary Schools. Linda Bunch, 1697 Wilroy Road, representing self, requested additional funding for the Suffolk Fine Arts Commission. Joe Webb, 140 Holly Hill Lane, representing self, spoke in support of mandatory recycling. Billy Wyatt, President, Board of Directors, Suffolk Festivals, Incorporated, 609 Azalea Court, thanked the City for its support of his organization Ladonna Cook 114 Nancy Drive, representing self, spoke in opposition to the elimination of Hampton Roads Transit Services. Deanna Bly, Children s Hospital of the King s Daughters Child Abuse, 935 Redgate Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia, thanked the City for its support of her agency. Karen Joyner, Food Bank of Southampton Roads, 102 Riverside Drive, thanked the City for its support of her agency. 4
Jay Dorschel, 717 North Broad Street, representing self, opined about the benefits of the proposed refuse collection/recycling fee Andy Gist, 125 Saint James Avenue, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed real estate rate increase and the proposed refuse collection/recycling fee. Pastor Emmanuel Myrick, President, West Side Civic League, 857 Haskins Drive, spoke in support of continued funding for neighborhood projects. Evelyn Jones, Chair, Airport Commission, 1200 Gene Bolton Drive, opined about various operational matters at the Suffolk Executive Airport. Kathy Russell, Chair, Suffolk Clean Community Commission, 3005 White Marsh Road, thanked the City for its support of her organization. Vicki Henderson, Senior Grants Director, ForKids/Suffolk House, 400 Finney Avenue, thanked the City for its support of her agency. Brian Martin, 9164 Wigneil Court, representing the Suffolk Airport Commission, opined about various operational matters at the Suffolk Executive Airport. Sherry Scott, 5189 Godwin Boulevard, representing self, spoke in opposition to the elimination of Hampton Roads Transit services. Wayne Williams, 258 Pine Street, representing self, spoke in opposition to the elimination of Hampton Roads Transit services. Jack Eure, President, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts Foundation Board of Directors, 424 Market Street, thanked the City for its support of the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. Doug Naismith, President, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts Limited Partnership, 494 Exeter Drive, thanked the City for its support of the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. Bobby Harrell, Treasurer, Suffolk Salvation Army Corps Advisory Board, 407 West Riverview Drive, spoke in support of funding for his organization. Major Calvin Clatterbuck, Corps Officer, Suffolk Salvation Army Corps, no address given, spoke in support of funding for his organization. Paul Bross, 909 Craig Drive, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed real estate rate increase and the proposed refuse collection/recycling fee. Carol Johanningsmeier, 174 Ashford Drive, representing self, spoke in support of the proposed refuse collection/recycling fee. Bernard Jernigan, 6349 Godwin Boulevard, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed real estate rate increase and the proposed refuse collection/recycling fee. 5
Doug Ward, 329 Westwood Drive, representing the Nansemond River Volunteer Rescue Squad, requested funding for his agency. Amy Underwood, 620 West Washington Street, representing self, spoke in opposition to the proposed real estate rate increase and the proposed refuse collection/recycling fee. Faye Artis, 416 Pleasant Street, representing self, spoke in opposition to the elimination of Hampton Roads Transit services. Robert Henson, 4225 Airport Road, spoke in opposition to the proposed real estate rate increase and the proposed refuse collection/recycling fee. Hearing no other speakers, the public hearing was closed. No City Council action was required. These items are scheduled for consideration at the May 4, 2011, City Council meeting. City Council recessed at 9:20 p.m. and reconvened at 9:25 p.m. Public Hearing - Proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Grant (HOME) Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Annual Action Plan Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director D. Scott Mills supplied background information on the above referenced item. Bobby Harrell, Treasurer, Suffolk Salvation Army Corps Advisory Board, 407 West Riverview Drive, spoke in support of funding for his organization. Hearing no other speakers, the public hearing was closed. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Milteer called for clarification about the location of Baldwin Street as it relates to the Fairgrounds Revitalization Project. Planning and Community Development Director Mills said that street is located in the Fairgrounds Revitalization Project. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Parr asked about the repayment schedule for the City s Section 108 Loan from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Planning and Community Development Director Mills advised that it will take the City approximately 15-20 years to repay the loan. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Parr queried about the use of the funds from the Section 108 Loan. Planning and Development Director Mills indicated that the funds were used for land acquisition and infrastructural improvements for the Fairgrounds Revitalization Project. Referring to the presentation, Council Member Parr inquired about the consistency of the future reimbursements amounts of the Section 108 Loan. Planning and Development Director Mills reported that future payments will remain close to the current amount. 6
Referring to the presentation, Council Member Parr opined about the possibility of using Community Development Block Grant funds for additional projects or expanded services, should the federal government approve more funding than the amount currently anticipated. City Manager Cuffee-Glenn explained that should the City receive more funding than expected, additional projects or expanded services could be considered. No City Council action required. This item is scheduled for consideration at the May 4, 2011, City Council meeting. Public Hearing - An ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit C02-11, Ebenezer Christian Academy, submitted by Connie Harrell Schau, applicant, on behalf Ebenezer United Methodist Church, property owner, to permit a child day facility in accordance with Sections 31-306 and 31-406 of the Unified Development Ordinance Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation, Planning and Community Development Director D. Scott Mills presented a summary of the background information as printed in the official agenda. Connie Harrell Schau, no address given, applicant, representing Ebenezer United Methodist Church, property owner, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. Hearing no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Gardy, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved that the ordinance be adopted, with conditions as presented, by the following roll call vote: AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO PERMIT A CHILD DAY CARE CENTER LOCATED AT 1589 STEEPLE DRIVE, ZONING MAP NUMBER 5B, PARCELS 5.6, AND 5B*5C*7, C02-11 ORDINANCES There were no items under this portion of the agenda. RESOLUTIONS Resolution - A resolution of the City Council of the City of Suffolk, Virginia, approving certain actions proposed to be taken by the Western Tidewater Regional Jail Authority and the amendment and restatement of the service agreement the authority and its member jurisdictions Budget Officer Seward offered a report on the background information as printed in the official agenda. 7
Council Member Milteer, on a motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved that the resolution be adopted, as presented, by the following roll call vote: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA, APPROVING CERTAIN ACTIONS PROPOSED TO BE TAKEN BY THE WESTERN TIDEWATER REGIONAL JAIL AUTHORITY AND THE AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE SERVICE AGREEMENT THE AUTHORITY AND ITS MEMBER JURISDICTIONS STAFF REPORT There were no items under this portion of the agenda. MOTIONS Motion - A motion to schedule a public hearing for the May 4, 2011, to consider the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the sale of a portion of certain real property known as Tax Map and Parcel Number 44*43 to Virginia Electric and Power Company Council Member Gardy, on motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved to schedule a public hearing for the May 4, 2011, to consider the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the sale of a portion of certain real property known as Tax Map and Parcel Number 44*43 to Virginia Electric and Power Company, by the following roll call vote: Motion - A motion to schedule a public hearing for May 4, 2011, to consider the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the sale of a portion of certain real property knows as Tax Map and Parcel Number 32*X to Virginia Electric and Power Company Council Member Gardy, on motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved to schedule a public hearing for the May 4, 2011, to consider the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the sale of a portion of certain real property knows as Tax Map and Parcel Number 32*X to Virginia Electric and Power Company, by the following roll call vote: 8
Motion - A motion to schedule a Work Session for May 4, 2011, at 4:00 p.m., unless canceled or called earlier by the Mayor Council Member Gardy, on motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to schedule a Work Session on May 4, 2011, at 4:00 p.m., unless canceled or called earlier by the Mayor, by the following roll call vote: NON-AGENDA SPEAKERS There were no speakers under this portion of the agenda. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Johnson asked City Clerk Dawley if there were any New Business items for consideration. City Clerk Dawley presented the following nominations for City Council s consideration: Southeastern Virginia Areawide Model Program Elliot Drew and Joice Whitehorn. Council Member Gardy, on a motion seconded by Council Member Parr, moved to appoint the above referenced individuals to the aforementioned body, by the following roll call vote: Council Member Parr, on a motion seconded by Council Member Barclay, moved to direct City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn to prepare a letter to the members of the City s General Assembly delegation to request first consideration for any additional Qualified School Construction Bond funding, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council Members Barclay, Barlow, Bennett, Brown, Gardy, Parr, Milteer and Johnson 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Media and Community Relations Director Deborah George announced the following events: the State of the City Address and the Suffolk Police Department Promotional Ceremony. Council Member Bennett reported on drainage issues and overgrown grass at a cemetery on Nansemond Parkway. Council Member Barclay announced he attended the Gamma Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Cotillion. 9
Council Member Parr expressed his appreciation to the Economic Development Department and the Public Utilities Department. Vice Mayor Brown reported he recently attended a flea market in Portsmouth and queried about the feasibility of having a similar event in Suffolk. ADJOURNMENT Council Member Parr, on a motion seconded by Council Member Duman, moved to adjourn, by the following roll call vote: There being no further business to come before City Council, the regular meeting was adjourned at 10:01 p.m. Teste: Erika S. Dawley, City Clerk Approved: Linda T. Johnson, Mayor APPROVED: MAY 4, 2011 10