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I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go to the next slide. I'm going to go Thank you. Good evening and welcome. City Council is now in session. Please stand for the invocation by Council Member Buggler Barlow, which will be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. Thank you. Let us pray. During this year's Independence Day celebrations, let us remember and treasure these words. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all people are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Amen. Amen. A pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. The Freedom of Information Act certification is required at this time, Madam Clerk. Will you please present the resolution for consideration? A resolution certifying the close meeting of July 2nd, 2024, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2, dash 3712 is being presented to Council at this time. Now therefore, be it resolved that the City Council, the City of Suffolk, hereby certifies that to the best of each member's knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements of Virginia law. And only such public business matters, as were identified in the motion, convening the closed meeting were heard discussed were considered by the City Council of the City of Suffolk in the closed meeting. Council motion would be in order councilman Fawcett. I've moved to a approval from councilman Fawcett councilman Williams. Second of me. Second from councilman Williams there's only discussion of the motion very non council members prepared to vote Please case to vote Madam clerk please record to vote The motion is approved by a vote of 8 to 0 from now moved to approval of the minutes from April 10th 2024 work session and April 17th 2024 work session and regular meeting and a, 2024 work session, and regular meeting. In a motion would be in order. Councilman Johnson. Move to approve. In a motion for approval from Councilman Fawos. Johnson, a Councilman Rector. Second. Councilman Rector, there's only discussion of the motion. Hearing none, Councilmembers prepared to vote. Please cast your vote. Madam, council members prepared to vote. Please cast your vote. Madam Clerk, please record the vote. Motion is approved by vote of 8-0. We do have one special presentation this evening, which is a proclamation and recognition of parks and recreation. Mr. Deputy Manager, please present an overview. Mayor Bessmayer, members of, Director of Parks and Recreation, Mr. Mark Furlow will approach the podium. Good evening, Mayor of Vice Mayor of Members of Council. Tonight we have several members of our Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and our South like parks and trails aligns with us tonight. I'd ask them to stand to be recognized really quickly. And then we also have several members of our parks and recreation staff. It also like to ask them to rise to be recognized for Parks and Recreation Month. And I'm not here to announce my retirement to pursue my career in sign spinning This year's theme for parks and recreation month is where you belong will be taking this sign out to a lot of our Events our parks our recreation centers and programs and we'll be taking pictures of people with the sign because everybody Everybody belongs at one of suffix's recreation centers or special events this month. Madam Clerk, please present the proclamation. Whereas parks and recreation programs are an integral parts of communities throughout this country, including the city of Southwick. And whereas parks and recreation departments encourage physical activity by providing space for popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools, and many other activities designated to promote a healthy lifestyle. And whereas parks and recreation is a leading provider of healthy meals, nutrition services, and education, after school programming and youth sports, which are critical to childhood development. And whereas the United States House of Representatives has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month, and whereas the City of Suffolk recognizes the wellness, economic, and social benefits derived from Parks and recreation resources. Now therefore, I, Michael D. Dumin, Mayor of the City of Suffolk, Virginia, do hereby proclaim July 2024 as parks and recreation month, and call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens and witness where I've here and to set my hand and cause the city of Suffolk to be affixed the second day of July in the year of our Lord 2020. Thank you. I was just freezing. Yes, you were saying? No, thank you. And we hope everybody comes out to celebrate with us this month. We have a lot of special events planned like our 4th of July stars in site spectacular which is this Thursday. Next week we have our 50 Fest at the brand new festival park on July 13th and then July 20th is our flicking float at Cypress Park pool and the following Saturday July 27th we have a movie at the Holland Ball field too By 20, we have a movie at the Holland Ball Field, too. We'll be showing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. So, where you belong is in one of Suffix Parks, Recreation Centers, or Trails in the month of July, and all year long. So, thank you. Thank you, please. At this time, we will consider the removal of items from the consent agenda and adoption of the entire agenda as presented. Removal of any item from the consent agenda would only be necessary if any member of City Council wishes to devote on specific items separately. An emotion would be required. Questions and requests for information on specific agenda items can be addressed during the consideration of the consent agenda after the agenda speakers. This time a motion would be in order. Council, what is your pleasure? Council, I'm in FICE. Move, Mr. President, please. Go to the motion for approval from Council, I'm in FICE. Council, I'm in Bennett. Second from Council, I'm in Bennett. Is there any discussion of the motion? Hearing none, Council, members, prepare to vote. Please cast your vote Madam clerk, please record to vote Motion is approved by vote of 8 to 0 Madam clerk or the any speaker is agenda speakers at this time and if so please explain Process there are no agenda speakers at this time mayor dooman would you please present the consent agenda agenda items for consideration Mayor Dumont. We'd please present the consent agenda items for consideration. Item number seven. Inordinates to accept and appropriate additional funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation State of Good Repair Program for the bridge replacement on Nanceman Parkway over Beamons Mill Pond. Item number eight. Inordinates to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia 911 Services Board Public Safety answering point grant program for the Suffolk Police Department. Item number nine. An ordinance to amend Article 22, solar revenue share for solar energy projects of the code of the City of Suffolk. Item number 10, a resolution of the City Council approving the City of Suffolk's participation in the proposed settlement of opioid-related claims against CROGRA and its related corporate entities and directing the City Attorney to execute the documents necessary to effectuate the city's participation in the settlement and item number 11 and ordinance authorizing the execution of a communications facility license agreement with Cox business. Mr. Deputy manager, please provide an overview of the items. Mayor vice mayor members of council starting at item number seven. This is an ordinance to accept and appropriate $2,884,081 in additional funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation State of Good Repair Program for the bridge replacement on Nansman Parkway over Beamons Mill Pond. Adoption of the ordinance will increase the plan revenues and expenditures of the fiscal year 2425 capital programs. Fund budget by $2,884,081. Item number eight, the city has received $4,000 in funding from the Virginia 911 Services Board, fiscal year 25 public safety and strength point grant program in funding from the Virginia 911 Services Board, fiscal year 25 Public Safety Answering Point, grant program in support of the Suffolk Police Department, 911 Public Safety Communication, Education, and Training for Emergency Communication Operators in the Emergency Communication Center. The adoption of the ordinance will increase the planned revenues and expenditures of the consolidated grants fund by $4,000 and does not require a local match. Item number nine, an ordinance with proposed amendments that align with the revenue share language allowed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, authorizing the city of Suffolk to collect revenue via revenue share with solar energy facilities that produce less than five megawatts. City Council has previously adopted language allowing for revenue share for solar energy facilities that produce greater than five megawatts. Item number 10 is a resolution to combat the financial impacts of opioid abuse. The city has adopted the Virginia opioid abatement fund and settlement allocation memorandum of understanding. This action is related to the settlement agreement pending with Kroger which will provide funds to the city of Suffolk. Approval of this resolution which is part of a multi-state opioid settlement will allow funds to flow to the city of Suffolk to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse and to mitigate the harmful effects of opioid abuse. And number item number 11 is an ordinance which authorizes the city manager to execute a communications facility license agreement with Cox business. The Virginia Department of Transportation is in the process of upgrading the fiber communication network that allows the city to stream various traffic cameras to their traffic monitoring system. VDOT is funding a dedicated Cox Business Fiber connection that will be installed in the City Hall telecommunications room. The agreement allows Cox business to install the communications equipment in City Hall and authorizes access to their equipment when necessary for maintenance and troubleshooting. If there are any items and members of City Council wish to remove from the consent agenda to be voted on separately, a motion would be appropriate at this time. If not, then a motion would be appropriate at this time to adopt the entire agenda as presented. An motion would be in order. Councilman Fosette. Move to accept it as presented. An motion for approval from Councilman Fosette. Council member Butler Barlow. Second. Second from Council member Butler Barlow was only discussion of the motion. Hearing none, Council members prepared a vote. Please cast your vote. Madam Clerk, please record the vote. The motion is approved by vote of 8 to 0. We do have several public hearings this evening. Our first public hearing is in ordinance to grant a conditional use permit to establish a place of worship small under 6,000 square feet in main sanctuary use on property located at 540 East Constance Road. Zoning map 35D, parcel KKA, A asterisk 1, suite B, account number 053491400. This is CUP 202045. Mr. Deputy Manager, please provide an overview. Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of Council, planning and community development director, Mr. Deputy Manager, please provide an overview. Mayor Vice Mayor, members of Council, planning and community development director, Mr. Kevin Wyne will provide the project overview. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Manager. Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of Council, I stated this is a request for conditional use permit to establish a place of worship. Small meaning that the sanctuary is under 6,000 square feet in total area at 540 east constant East constants road excuse me sweet B The property as stated is further identified as tax map 35 D parcel KKA star 1 The property is zoned B2 general commercial and its presence along East Constance Road places it within the city's special corridor overlay district as well. The property consists of a little less than an acre. Point eight six acres in size and there is a three sweet commercial building measuring to shy of 7,500 square feet on the site. Presently, sweet A is utilized as a home healthcare office and sweet C is occupied by Domino's pizza. So this is a request to say it for a small place of worship. The property received a conditional use permits for a church in 2005. This conditional use permit expired in 2014 as the church vacated the premises and the two-year period lapsed. Currently, Hope City Church, which is the applicant for this proposal has 20 members. It's a pretty small church and they plan to provide seating 424 people in the sanctuary. I'll show you that on the next slide. What that conceptually out looks like. Worship services will take place on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with musical rehearsals taking place on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Based on the seats provided in the sanctuary, the use will require 31 parking spaces. The site does have 36 spaces shared amongst the dominoes and a small office use on the site. They have presented the city with a cooperative parking agreement with the property owner and the uses, particularly the peak use of the church would be on Sundays. At that point, the small office use is not to operating. So that frees up four spaces giving them the 31 that they would need to sort of to serve those 124 seats. Here you have that proposed sweet lay out as I noted. This was prepared by a registered architect and you can see the sanctuary is proposed to hold no more than 124 occupants. However, it is important to note that final occupancy will be determined by the building official and fire marshal upon approval of a required change of use permit. This is a requirement for all change of uses when you're going from one building use category to another. However, we do detail this as a condition, condition number three in staff's report. Here is a picture of the existing vacant sanctuary, particularly the stage. Within staff's report, you will note that there is a photo depicting the sanctuary with seats, which will assist in visualizing what the space would look like. Should this intended use be approved? This is the site layout depicting the parking spaces. You can see there are 36 spaces located on the site, striped spaces, and considering that one of the users would not be operating on the weekends, that gives them the needed spaces during their peak time to leverage the 31 spaces they need for the proposed 124 seat sanctuary. Staff has evaluated the applicant's proposal and accordance with the 2035 Comprehensive Plan, as well as the applicable provisions of the Unified Development Ordnance. Given its placement along an arterial roadway, consisting primarily of commercial uses, the use is not anticipated to adversely impact the surrounding neighborhood. As such, staff is recommending approval of this application with the seven conditions noted in our staff report. Further, the Planning Commission at their meeting on May 23rd are forwarding this request to you all with their recommendation of approval by a vote of 6 to 0. That concludes my presentation on this item. I will be happy to address any concerns at the conclusion of the public hearing. Thank you, Mr. Wine. Before we open the public hearing Madam Clerk, we please explain the timing system. This is a public hearing and each speaker is asked to provide their name and their address. We will have a 10 minute period for the proponents, a 15 minute period for those in opposition, and then an additional five minutes for a rebuttal. This is a public hearing with the first speaker please come forward and provide their name and address and that is to speak in favor of this ordinance. Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Vice Mayor and City Council members. My name is Justin Goodman and I am the senior pastor of Hope City Church. It's been a process getting to this moment moment but I'm so grateful that I can stand before you guys. It's been a privilege working with the Plain and Department, Mr. Kevin and Shannon Wuth and we finally got here. And I just want to say I love the City of Suffolk. I was born and raised here. I'm a resident here. I was educated in the City of Suffolk Public School system. I attended Booker T. Washington, John F. Kennedy Middle School, and I graduated from Lakeland High School. I moved the way for a short period of time to attend Bible College in Miami, Florida. Interesting place to go to Bible College, but I attended here for a short period of time. I graduated, but I love Suffolk so much. As soon as I graduated, I came right back, but I love Suffolk so much as soon as I graduated, I came right back and I've been a full-time business owner here ever since. And there's no secret that Suffolk is growing drastically. And with much growth, there's much challenge. And I believe that Hope City Church, we can be or we can contribute to some of the challenges that our city faced in the times to come. We've participated in the great Suffolk cleanup. We've been involved in the community. We've participated in the great stuff of cleanup. We've been involved in the community. We've done food distribution. And last year, we were privileged to give away a $1,500 scholarship with my nonprofit to a high school senior that had a parent that was incarcerated. And we blessed her with a $1,500 scholarship. And my nonprofit, we minister to the incarcerated community. And one of the things we would love to do at our location is do a criminal expungement clinic throughout the years. But yeah, I love this city. I hope that you guys vote in favor of us coming to this location. And if you have any questions, let me know. Thank you. Our next speaker, please, to speak in favor of this ordinance. Do we have anyone else who would like to speak in favor? Not hearing any. Do we have anyone who would like to speak in opposition? Is there anyone present who would like to speak in opposition? Hearing no other speakers, this public hearing is now closed. Council, questions, comments or emotions? Councilman Bennett? I move for approval. Go to motion for approval from Councilman Bennett, Councilman Williams. I second that, ma'am. We're the second from Councilman Williams. There's only discussion in the motion. Here you know, and I do have one question. Mr. Wine, could you come forward and just answer a quick question for me. Number one, I want to thank Pastor Goodman for this initiative, his enthusiasm and his willing to get back to the community. And to come back to the community, we're glad you're here. It is a little toasty and Florida right now. But anyhow, Mr. Wein, if you get, I'm very familiar with this property. In the past, the church was also utilizing this property and there were two issues that Came to bear one was parking and one was sewage Both of these issues been addressed are you confident that we will not have a problem as we did before? The second part of that question, yes. We are confident based on the information submitted by this applicant further prior to them getting a certificate of occupancy to operate. Occupancy will be established by our department and then the building official and collaboration with the Fire Marshall as well as that CA would not be issued until the Department of Health has reviewed the septic tank capacity on the property to ensure that the occupant load aligns with what capacity is available. So those will certainly be addressed prior to the church being able to legally occupy the suite. Okay, thank you very much. Okay, we do have a motion on the floor for approval that was made by Councilman Bennett and seconded by Councilman Williams. Is there any further discussion? If none, Council members prepare to vote. Please vote. Madam Clerk, please record to vote. Motion is approved by vote of 8 to 0. Okay, our next public hearing. The next public hearing is an ordinance to amend chapter 31 of the Unified Development Ornance of the Code of the City of Suffolk Article 4, zoning section 31-411 use patterns, subsection E, cluster pattern, subscription, 10, design standards of the code of the city of Suffolk, Virginia. This is OTA 20242. Mr. Deputy Manager, please provide an overview. The Mayor of Vice-Mayor, members of Council, Mr. Wein will provide an overview of the proposed ordinance modifications. Thank you again, Mr. Deputy Manager, Mayor, Vice-Mayor, members of Council. This is an ordinance tax amendment in which we took a review of our design standards for our cluster subdivisions that really had not been updated since the creation of the Unified Development Ordinance going back to 1999. But just a little refresher as it relates to cluster when I know we've talked about cluster subdivisions before but we are authorized through state code to one we're required to have a cluster design pattern to allow for it because we are a high growth locality per the code of Virginia. Second, the same authorizing legislation allows governing bodies to establish design standards for cluster subdivisions at its discretion to include any provisions it determines to be appropriate to injure a quality development. And that's what these are. These are design standards that do not exist for conventional subdivisions. They kind of go above and beyond. But they've not been reviewed for a while, and I'm going to go over, hopefully, pretty quickly, what we're eliminated in Y and or what we're modifying in Y. So we allow for cluster subdivisions in Article 4. It's one of the use patterns. It's the most often leveraged use pattern that we have in the city for subdivisions beyond the conventional patterns that we see. They allow for an alternative lot size alternative setbacks, frontage requirements and pervious cover. Basically, all of the dimensional standards that we have established are unified development ordinance for zoning districts. There's some leniency there with cluster subdivisions. With the trade off that we're conserving, usually environmentally sensitive areas with the the goal of preserving open space and perpetuity. So we've noted we've talked about this in the past two, but there are a lot of benefits to clustering one you have this property that's held in perpetuity as open space the city has a lot of property that is held in property that is held in property that is held in property. The smaller lot sizes in general less infrastructure maintenance costs for both the city and the taxpayers alike, that does not result in any increase in density in any way. You're looking at one property that's being developed, the density over that entire property will remain the same. The lots would just be smaller. It allows flexibility, particularly when there are some environmental features present. And those noted minimum design standards. Those are relates to community design, open space, recreation design and architectural features for residential structures that are to be developed within these cluster subdivisions. In total, the UDO establishes 33 separate design standards for cluster subdivisions and that's what we revisited through discussion with the committee and ordinances and the planning commission leading up to this ordinance text amendment. So in total, as we reviewed these 33 design standards, staff has identified seven that would be appropriate for removal. I'll go over why, but either they were redundant or we've seen some industry improvements over the last 25 years, particularly as it relates to building materials. On top of those seven that we've identified for removal, we have identified five that would be appropriate for modification. Once again, this is going back to improvements with building quality. So the first one being corner lots should have side entry garages. We have noticed that this is not practical all the time. Sometimes you will have a corner lot that fronts on your interior or local streets. The other side where the garage would be required in the driveway would come off a much more traffic street. And that's just not practical and that's not what we intend to do accomplish. It's something that builders are utilizing anyway, typically, however, did not believe that we needed to regulate that due to creating a need potentially for variants from the BZA. 50% of the homes being one story unless the development qualifies as an exempt retirement community, particularly with some changes over the last couple decades, aging populations, market trends, there's a pretty strong demand for one story's or master down units, we've noticed that. So we do not see the need to keep that provision. Two story homes having a minimum square footage associated with them. And one story home is also having 1,500 square feet or 1,600 square feet. While there's somewhat low square footage requirements, we do believe that just limits development potential for more affordable units, which conflicts with the city's goals as it relates to affordable housing, among other things. Trash containers and recycling bins should be completely screened from view of the streets. We looked at this one, and it's not something that's really been a regulatory issue for the city. I say that because there's some practical issues associated with fully screening from the streets, but it also tends to be regulated really effectively at the HOA level. So that's something that we felt could be handled that way, as it's not something that we've observed as an issue. Moving along for some of the provisions that we are aiming to eliminate here, fencing both on the lot and perimeter of the development. Shall we design an article six of this ordinance? Well, it's regulated by article six. We feel it's redundant to have it in that section, and this section as well. So we feel the need to remove that. Chimneys being constructed of Brick or Stone. Most new homes are not being constructed with woodburding fireplaces, unless there's new associated chimneys. So this has not been an issue for us, really going back to trends in the building community. And then allowing materials to be regulated through deed restrictions. That is, there's no need for us to codify. That in an ordinance that is being done anyway. So, the five that we are proposing for modification, the first one is being, we're gonna combine, but this relates to landings being visible from the street right of way, consisting of 24 square feet in total area. This has been effective. It leads to quite an attractive elevation, but we thought that could be combined with a separate provision that also speaks to having little porches or stoops covered by a roof. So we've combined those two, no changes, have a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a street, shall consist of windows or doors. Right now, that to apply to areas visible from public view. The last two here, probably the most significant change is this one here is it relates to exterior materials and finishes. Currently no less than 50% of all the buildings that make up a cluster subdivision should consist of brickstone, wood, clapboard, cedar shake, hardboard, fiber cement, or a similar material. This has resulted in most of our cluster subdivisions utilizing fiber cement or hardy plank throughout the entire community. It's led to some quite attractive communities. However, there have been a lot of advancements as it relates to vinyl siding. The vinyl siding, if 25 years ago, is not the vinyl siding that we have today. We did a lot of research on this at the committee on ordinance's level, ordered a lot of samples. And ultimately landed on premium grade vinyl being a pretty compatible material to hardy plank. As such, we've modified this section to allow for a premium grade vinyl identifying it by its thickness. That thickness leads to durability and it does a pretty decent job. It's pretty difficult to tell whether it's vinyl or hearty plank when it's a premium grade vinyl like that when you're a little distance away, particularly you can go and walk in through the street. So we've updated that to allow for premium grade vinyl. Lastly, as it relates to scurrying on foundations, there have been some additional innovations, as it relates to scourting on foundations, there have been some additional innovations, particularly as it relates to parage and stucco coatings that could be utilized on foundations. This would be permitted along with the brickstone or stone face block that we currently permit. So those are the changes. I know that's a lot of information. This has been discussed at length with our committee on ordinances and our planning commission. The planning commission at their meeting in May considered this item and they are recommending it to you today for your approval. That concludes my presentation on this item. I'll be happy to stand by and answer any questions at the conclusion of the public hearing. Thank you, Mr. Wein. Before we open the public hearing, Madam Clerk, we please explain the timing system. This is a public hearing and each speaker is asked to provide their name and address, and we'll receive three minutes to offer their comments. This is a public hearing. Will the first speaker please come forward and provide their name and address? Do we have anyone present who would like to speak to this ordinance? Hearing those speakers, this public hearing is now closed. Council and ordinance has been presented for consideration. What's your pleasure Councilman faucet move to approve the motion for approval from councilman faucet councilman rector I'll second that motion but Kevin if you don't mind can you come up to the podium for a quick question I just want to be clear on your statement about no increase in density. That's taking the land area as a whole, not compressing it and taking out the environmentally sensitive areas. So the density is computed on the whole, not on the compressed area. Correct. That is correct, yes, sir. All right. Thank you. Okay. We have a motion on the floor for approval. Motion made by Councilor Fossett, Seconded by Councilman Rector. Is there any discussion of the motion? Very none. Councilmembers prepared a vote. Please cast your vote. Madam Clerk, please record the vote. Motion is approved by vote of 8 to 0. We will now move to ordinances. Our first ordinance is an ordinance to rezone and amend the official zoning map of the city of Suffolk to change the zoning from CP Commerce Park, OI, Office Institutional, and RU, Residential Urban Zoning District Conditional to RC Residential zoning district conditional for Property located is zoning map 34 parcel 3c asterisk 5 asterisk 6 account number 2528 5 3 0 0 0 this is ours again 20 23 5 Conditional and this item was continued from City Council's April 17, 2024 meeting. Mr. Deputy Manager, please present an overview. Mayor Vice-President, members of Council, Mr. Y. We'll provide a staff overview on the ordinance. All right. Thank you again, Mr. Deputy Manager. As the mayor stated, this is an item that was continued from your April 17th meeting. As such, I'm going to try to be brief in my presentation and just highlight what has changed since then. But as a quick reminder, this is a proposed rezoning request for property located on pitch kettle road at the bypass of Route 58. The request would take three separate zoning districts that exist on the one parcel, are you conditional for a portion of it, CP and ONI, and rezone that to RRC, residential compact conditional zoning district. So there's a little bit of history to this. I outlined that at your April meeting, but you've noted that a portion of it is zoned are you conditional today? That was re-zoned as part of a rezoning request in 2007, where CP, a portion of CP on the property went to RU and ONI, and they retained a portion of CP as well. That's our commerce park. This would, this paved the way for development of up to 179 age restricted townhome units with 20,000 square feet of commercial space. The 179 townhome units would result in a density of five units per acre. In this case, the applicant is proposing, rezoning the entire site, consisting of 63 acres from the existing CP-O and I and RU conditional designations to that residential compact designation I discussed earlier. The applicant envisions in this case constructing 335 town home units. The construction of 335 town home units on the site at 63 acres, 58 acres are available. I would result in a density of 5.7 units per acre and that represents a modest increase over what is approved for a portion of the property currently. Here you have the layout that was in a staff's packet as well. You can see how the developer envisions developing the property. This is somewhat consistent with the previous development proposal, obviously an expansion. This is not profit, however, but it is presented for conceptual purposes. So there are 10 proffers that the applicant has provided in support of their application. A cash contribution to advanced capacity at the elementary school and high school levels to the, in the amount of $5.85 million. This includes an additional 1.05 million above what is necessary to adequately advance capacity at the elementary school level for the proposed elephants fork elementary replacement contained within the capital improvement project. They are profaring to construct no more than 335 town home units. These would be at a minimum square footage of 1700 square feet, are higher of residential space. There are exterior elevations and design requirements established. The exterior elevation profit is a part of the ordinance and within staff's report. $100,000 in a cash contribution towards the city's Route 58 pitch kettle road interchange project that is contained within the capital improvements plan. Amidities of which include a clubhouse and pool, enhanced community insurance features, and at your last meeting there was project phasing presented for your consideration. However, there's a modification to that over what was previously considered, and I'll outline that currently, outline that now. So as it relates to the phasing, and what's presented for your consideration this evening, that is different than your previous consideration in April. It's a phasing schedule that aligns with what you see on the screen here. But essentially over a five-year period, that is what would be full build out. That would start in year 2027, in which they would be permitted to receive up to 48 certificates of occupancy from the city during that calendar year in 2028 that would remain at four CEOs monthly Allowing the I'm, that would increase to six, allowing them 72 units in 2028 and 72 additional units in 2029. You can see the. In the calendar year 23, that would increase to seven units over the course of the year, resulting in 84 units total, meaning that they would eventually get to full build out sometime in 2031. build out sometime in 2031. This, it's important to note, would not include potential model units that they would construct. They would be a total part of the development. They would not be able to exceed the 335 units, but they would be able to get COs for up to seven units that would not be occupied immediately but would serve as models for the community. So that is how the phasing schedule has been modified basically. They decrease the amount of COs that can be issued on a monthly basis really annually in those first few years to control the amount of units that come online at any given time. Here's that elevation exhibit provided and profored by the applicants. They're offering substantial conformance to this. So as a reminder, the Planning Commission at their meeting So as a reminder, the Planning Commission at their meeting in March considered this item and they're forwarding it to you all with their recommendation of denial by a vote of two to six. City Council, as we've talked about at your equal 17th meeting, considered this application and action was deferred for 60 days and this is where we are tonight. A staff has evaluated this application against the comprehensive plan and the Unified Development Ordinance and we are recommending it's approval to you all this evening. That concludes my presentation on this item. This is an ordinance as the public hearing was closed at your April meeting. As such, there's no public hearing this evening, so I will stand by for any questions you may have as it relates to this application. Thank you, Mr. Wine. Councilor, an ordinance is presented for consideration, question, comments or emotion, councilman Fawcett. Thank you, Mayor. This particular ordinance where we're at and how we got here from April 17th was a much discussion about elephants for school capacity. And at the time we tabled this with the request back to the developer to come up with a scale that would virtually, as you see it on the screen, come back and bring a certain number of buildings over a period from 27 to 31. So with that, and it gives us a little bit of time to hopefully, we know that we got to work on elephants fork. There's no question about it. It's probably going to come up, I would think, rather sooner than later. But the point is, is the developer has done what we asked him to do to bring this back in the 60 day time period. So with Adam at the point where if you requested him to do something and he's met the demand, it looks as about as close as you can get. I'm gonna go ahead and move for approval of this ordinance request. Okay, we get a motion for approval from Councilman Fossick, Councilman Johnson. I'd like to have a little discussion first though. The Elevants Fork Elementary School replacement is not scheduled to be complete until 3034. is not scheduled to be complete until 3034. Anyway, you look at these numbers. I mean, our school is gonna be overloaded by 2031. I'm having a hard time being responsible with this. If we're gonna allow development when we don't have the school capacity for it and we don't have it on the CIP. I thought the discussion was it would be on the CIP that we would have at least have those schools in focus. I have a little bit of a problem, I also have a little bit of a problem with $100,000 for road construction. I use pitch cuttle road every day. 313 years, I have not been in favor of this from day one and I don't think I can put in favor of it tonight, but that's a lot of traffic. Rob, Mr. Lewis, can I ask you one question please? I don't want to put you on spot, but just tell me briefly what the plan is on pitch cattle, as far as handling all of this traffic, not only this subdivision, but the others that have not even been developed yet. Are we going to put a stoplight? What's the solution? No, sir. So at this point, we have expanded a study that we're doing right now in the by pass, where we're looking at the right for 60 interchange and the right 10 interchange to now include Will Roy and Pitchcatal Road. At this point, we have a vision that most likely that interchange will get modified to what's called a bowtie. So it's not traffic signals. Traffic signals would actually MP traffic rather than enhance it. And part of this funding here is to help us do that study to help get through all the regulatory process so that we can then start seeking the funding for construction. I believe there may be already one other development in the area that's had to contribute to this fund previously. And there's already some money in the books for that but I mean ideally the with a traffic generator like this is not a better place to put it and do a high by a high-capacity high-speed Arturo highway. I guess my concern though is the it is a definitely a safety Situation right now on that entrance from 58 getting on to pitch kettle. I mean I use that. I'm not really seeing it sir it may be but I had without searching the police accident data. I travel it several days a week also going to come from work and I've not seen a real safety issue there but again it would take a study to really verify that one way. It's going to OK, thank you. Yes, sir. All right. That's all I've got to say. Thank you. Councilman Richter. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. One of the things that this ordinance does and this development does is that it settles this property for lack of a better phrase. With the three different zoning that are on this particular parcel, a lot of the buy-write uses that the CP and the O and I allow. I think we could potentially bring things into that corridor that are very much incompatible with the residential development that exists between the bypass and basically Constance Road. I do have to agree a little bit with Robert Lewis. I travel that road probably two or three times a day. The traffic on pitch counter road is not a problem. I've been there at 430 in the afternoon and counted three or four cars on the road. That's not a huge amount of traffic. And I think, you know, one of the things that, and I've said this before, that I really like about a conditional rezoning is that it does allow you, and it does allow the city, and it does allow the neighboring residences to work with the developer to For lack of a better phrase extract certain conditions that make the proposed development much more palatable not only to the surrounding community but also to The city as a whole and I think this Stretching out the issuance of certificates of occupancy permits over a seven year period is a classic example of what can be accomplished when you work with the developer to try to bring the best project to the city that is possible. So having said that, I'll second Councilman Faustett's motion to approve this ordinance. Okay, we'll get a second from Councilman Rector for approval. Do we have any other discussion of the motion? Hearing none, I've got a couple comments before we vote. When I was initially approached with this project, my concern was absolutely the schools and where we are as far as elephants fork is concerned. And I spoke to the developer also about coming up with an option that would limit the number of CEOs that would be issued during the construction process so we'd align more with the building of elephants fork. Now there's no guarantee that the school board will keep elephants fork in the place that it is, but I honestly believe that under the circumstances they absolutely will. And with that being said, you know, then it's incumbent upon us to at least keep it within the CIP schedule to Councilman Johnson's point, not that I'm. The. The. The. Elephant's fork is scheduled to start in 28. With 9.5 million 26.2 million and 29 and actually completed in fiscal year 30. The 3034 is a category so it's so it won't go out to 34. It will be completed according to the CIP in 2030. The development would not be built out to 2031. Another consideration is that I think what we found is that the numbers in the UDO and the projected students don't normally align with the actual number of students that end up in school. And the typical reality of it is, is there's about the same number of students since public schools today than it was 10 years ago, even though we've had all this additional development. So the schools are concerned to me. As far as the location is concerned, I think the staff report probably sums it up the best. We talk about the traffic studies. I haven't looked at all the traffic studies, but I assume that our people have in the staff report states that the current zoning going to RSC, the residential compact zoning district conditional is consistent with the policies of the 2035 comprehensive plan to propose density of roughly 5.7 units per acre Would be more compatible with the established residential development patterns than commercial or office uses permitted by the existing Existing 01 and CP zoning districts. Therefore, the staff recommends approval. Some of the things that bother me somewhat as far as the OI designation in the seat, OI and the CP, it allows for a few things like FlexBase, Office Park, transitional shelters, research and development, which is not too bad. But I'm mainly looking at the FlexBase aspect of it, which is FlexBase is not a warehouse, it's a small warehouse, it's limited in height, it's limited as to how many doors there are. I think that it's incumbent upon us to do whatever we can to keep truck traffic off a pitch-cattle road. I mean, we've got one large project, rather large project on 460. We've got to ensure that we keep the truck traffic off of that. But with the number of jobs that are supposed to be created with the Port 4 60 project and there was Some huge numbers out there. I think realistically it's two to three thousand Jobs will be created At that location and we need to keep in mind that that may not be our warehouses either I mean it was zoned intended for warehouses, but I know there's been talk of also I mean, it was zoned and tending for warehouses, but I know there's been talk of also manufacturing interest and possibly some data center interest, well, these people are going to need someplace to live. And this housing is not extraordinarily high. I think it qualifies as moderate to workforce type housing. Another plus, I think we should take into consideration commercial versus residential in this particular area. As number one, the traffic for the most parts gonna go out and take a right and get on 58 regardless. But by being residential, we are making huge investments downtown to revitalize downtown huge investments We got a 2567 million dollar library just done. We've got a festival center that is narrowing completion We've purchased two strategic buildings on Main Street that we can control We've created more parking and there'll be more incentives hopefully for private investment downtown for some more shops unique shops for some more eateries some unique eateries and they're gonna need individuals they're gonna need rooftops to patronize them I think this development may be perfect for that you want to go out and go out to eat you got to take a left you go downtown to get somebody and you come back home pitch got a right but that's just my thought process. And once again it's what we'll get with what we have what we could get versus what this will create. So with the staging of the build out limited by the number of occupancy permits, they will, all things being equal, align with the building of Elephant's Forequette Elementary because it is supposed to be completed in 2030. So, with that being said, I would support the motion. Council Member Butler-Volo. Thank you, Mayor. I just had a question after you started your comments but Kevin could you come back up for just a second. And I'm going to ask you to conjecture and I know that's not fair but so planning commission sent this to us with a two to six vote to deny. Do you think that the changes that have been made and presented to us tonight would address some of the concerns that the Planning Commission had? We're going back to March at this point. I can't definitively answer that either way. It probably would have made for more interesting conversation for certain. Okay. Thanks. Councillor Any other questions and comments? If not, we have a motion on the floor for approval. Councillor Members prepared a vote. Please cast your vote. Madam Clerk, please record the vote. the motion is approved by a vote of 7 to 1 with Councilmember Johnson voting in opposition. Okay, our next ordinance is an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute the paperwork necessary to effectuate the certification of the city of Suffolk in order to receive proceeds from the acquiesce film forming foam products liability litigation class action settlements. And I am not going to say that one again. Mr. Deputy manager, please present it to you. Mayor vice mayor members of council to provide you with more information on this ordinance. Mr. Paul Rattell your director of public utilities is here. Thank you. Good evening mayor vice mayor members of council. Give a little background on this that was that is a mouthful. So I'm going to hit some of this to give you a little bit of context. The litigation that we're asking the city manager to certify that we're able to submit on. It's due to aqueous film forming phones. A triple F has been the firefighting service. People know what a triple F is. It's used to put out aircraft fires. And it also a class of chemicals called perfluorical substances, or PFAS, is the acronym. And what has occurred is across the country is these compounds have entered into the drinking water system through the raw water sources. PFAS is found in a variety of commercial and consumer products, which we'll talk about on the next slide. PFAS is also a broad umbrella of thousands of synthetic product substances. Sometimes in the news, you may have heard as PFAS over the last few years is referred to as the forever chemicals. And the reason for that is, in many cases, chemicals will break down in the environment, different organic substances and consists of carbon, will break down in the environment. different organic substances and consists of carbon will break down in the environment. These synthetic chemicals do not. It takes a very, very long time to break down, in some cases hundreds or thousands of years to break down. But they have found their way into our drinking water system. So if you take a look at a slide of where PFAS is found, you're really talking about some of the consumer products, commercial products. So for example, clothing and textiles, think of Gore-Tex PFAS as in Gore-Tex, carpeting and flooring fibers, nonstick cookware, the coating that's on there, the Teflon coating, food packaging, the carry-out trays that you have, contain PFAS. And of course, we've talked about the firefighting foam. So it's used in a wide variety of substances. So you look at the PFAS regulatory limits and drinking water. In the regulatory realm for drinking water, we talk about a maximum contaminant level or an MCL. So EPA recently came out and listed PFAS and PFO, PFO is another component. I won't go ahead and say, pronounce what that is. But it's limited to four parts per trillion. Now I want to give you a little bit of context what a part per trillion is. A part per trillion would be, if you went and you're traveling up 664 and you look at our Norse Suffolk tank that would be if I took a one part would be if I took a drop of red food coloring and dropped it into the volume of 12 of those tanks. That's one part per trillion or perhaps if you looked if you're more familiar with the tanks that are off Holland Road the standpipe that would be nine of those standpipes off of Holland Road. It's a very, very small amount. We've gotten ahead of this where we've done some laboratory testing for city water sources as well as the finished water, finished water being the term of the water that you would actually drink. PFAS was detected below the regulatory limits in the raw surface water that we take into our treatment plant. So we're below those limits. And then when it comes through our process, primarily because of the dilution, there is no detection in suffix finished water. However, even though we do not have that in our finished water because it's been detected through two rounds of laboratory sampling in 2022 and 2023, we are still able to participate in these class action lawsuits. So a little bit of background on that on the submission. There are currently four settling defendants. These are the companies, the 3M company, the DuPont, TICO and BASF. And again, the settlements are designed to resolve drinking water system claims. The plan for us moving forward would be that the City of Suffolk as part of the Western Thai Water Authority would file the claim. Western Thai Water Authority has two members jurisdictions. That's us, the City of Suffolk and Isle of White. So then if we recouped any proceeds from the settlement, what we would do is we would handle those proceeds, those funds, and we would split them between the City of Suffolk and Iowa County under the terms of the 2009 Western Thai Water Water Authority Regional Water Agreement. So tonight, the ordinance before you for consideration is to give the authority the city manager to execute those claim forms so that we can submit them for the class action lawsuits. With that, I'll stand by with any questions. Okay. Thank you, sir. Councilor. Councilor Mayor Fossett. Thank you, Paul. I just want to make a comment. I'm very familiar with this atriplef. Very familiar. Of course, predominantly atripleCC has been used in firefighting for a number of years, particularly in crash type situations, hangers that store aircraft. I have swam in this stuff. Believe me, over my career. So I'm very familiar with this. In throughout the country, the lawsuits on this product is astronomical for a lot of firefighters around the country that have been exposed to this for various cancer-related issues. So this atriplef was never explained to us what could happen from the exposure of it even though you might wear a limited protection like PPE. So it's what's going on here is not just you but it's around the country. And you identified DuPont 3M and all those. They were the big three that were involved in this. They never shared what it could do to you in the long term. They never shared with that. And it never came out on MSDS that I was aware of. And you know what they are. So with that, I'm just going to go ahead and ask for approval of the ordinance, but I just wanted to mention that to you since I've been involved with that short 8-triple F for quite a long time. I'll be over 34 years of it to be honest with you. So I appreciate the presentation, though. Can we get a motion for approval from Councilman Fosley, Councilman Johnson. And Paul, I just want to simplify. What would you ask us to do is to allow the city to recoup the funding for the people of this city so that it can be put back to their resources. To submit the paperwork, allow City Manager to certify that paperwork and submit that to participate in the legislation. And it could be a great deal of money, so it's silly, and of course not to approve this. So with that, I'll second it. Thank you for bringing it to us. We got a second from Councilman Johnson, Councilman Richter. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Paul is a fellow member of the Western Todd Water Authority, aboard the Longway Councilman Johnson, and of course, City Manager Almore, who is not with us this evening. First off, I just want to reiterate what I have said from this diast before just how amazed I am at the technology that is involved. And not only getting the water to our kitchen sink, but also taking it away. The facilities that the city has that govern those two processes. I've toured them. I believe they're probably second to none, just about anywhere in the country. You and the entire utilities department, I have nothing but respect for the work that you guys do because I cut off my bathroom sink every morning to brush my teeth and I do it with full confidence that I'm getting good, clean, pure water to do it with. The other good news is that I think it bears repeating, is that the city of Suffolk, our water, is nowhere near any of the thresholds that would cause anybody any concern. So even though we're participating in these settlement suits, it is just purely for the benefit of our water authorities. It is not none of the money I don't believe is going to have to go towards any remediation efforts. And is that correct? That's correct. All right. So with that, I'll endorse the ordinance and look forward to the vote. Councillor Any other questions or comments? If not, we have a motion on the floor from approval from Councilman Foster's seconded by Councillor M. Johnson. In hearing no further discussion, Council members prepared a vote. Please cast your vote. Madam Clerk, please record the vote. Motion is approved by vote of 8-0. We have no resolutions this evening nor staff reports. We do have a motion to schedule a city council work session for Wednesday July 17, 2024. At 4 p.m. and less council by the mayor and the city manager and a motion would be in order. Councilman Williams. Move for approval. Motion for approval. Councilman Williams. Move for approval. Motion for approval. Councilman Williams. Council member of the Barlow. Second. Second from Council member of the Barlow. Any discussion of the motion? Any none? Council members prepared to vote. Please cast your vote. Madam Clerk, please record the vote. Motion is approved by a vote of eight to zero. We're now moved to non agenda speakers. Madam Clerk, do we have any speakers this evening? And if so, please explain the guidelines. Yes, Mayor Duman. We do have non agenda speakers this evening. The non agenda speakers portion is here the guidelines as outlined in the city code. Each person entitled non participating under the item with business entitled on agenda speakers. Shall limit their remarks to the services policies and affairs of city government and shall be permitted five minutes for the purpose of presenting his or her matters. Speakers participating, excuse me, appearing before city council will not be permitted to participate in the following activities. To campaign for public office, engage in personal attacks, promote private business ventures or use profanities. Speakers who violate these rules will be declared out of order by the presiding officer and will immediately yield the floor and be seated. Our first speaker is Judy Lawrence Lamb, 4818. Sandertine Drive, Wexam, 4818, Sandertine Drive, Wexham, North Carolina, representing self regarding the legacy of James Wesley Lawrence. Good evening. Due to the emotional state I remain in after 38 years, I choose to write the words from my heart. A memory came back to me. I came to Daddy's office located in Cyprus, Manor. While in his office, he and his secretary were light-heartedly joking. When he spotted me standing at the counter, he referred to me as his protector. It was a joke at the time, but here decades later, I have become just that. Not for him physically, but I must protect his legacy. My father instilled me the obligation to boldly take a stand for what I believed in and against the things that I didn't. James Wesley Lawrence was the wind beneath many wings. His humility and true humanitarianism may have prevented the appreciation and the celebration and recognition that he earned and deserve. James Wesley Lawrence was an unsung hero. Had there not been for voices left behind, technically he never existed. My father's lawyer Robert E. Gillette advised me to have my mother transfer her rights as administrator of my father's estate to me. After which he became inaccessible. I trusted him because my father did. As a result of my trauma and lack of experience in such matters, it was brought to my attention that I was spending from a railroad retirement account that was supposed to end at the point of my father's death. I reached out to Mr. Gillette with no response. My father entrusted Mr. Gillette to handle his business affairs, so I had no apprehension about turning to him for counsel. about turning to him for counsel. His negligence to respond is questionable because as his lawyer, he had full knowledge of my father's insurance policies, investments, and real estate. I repeat, we only receive four burial plots and a casket. In regards to using the retirement fund, I was assigned a public defender and advised to plead guilty to avoiding having to leave my four children. I was found guilty of knowingly and willingly embezzling even though it was neither a knowingly or willful act. I served a brief sentence and was labeled a felon. Later, I was blessed to have someone assist me in helping me to make full restitution. My dad was on the clock when he was killed on Port Smith Boulevard. When I was a form of the inheritance that would do me, it was past the statue of limitations. Finances were not on my mind as I had just lost the most valuable and precious thing in my life, my dad. As an overwhelmed mother of four children who had been financially weakened, I thought that we were being blessed because I was given four cemetery plots. Perhaps it was a determined to prevent me from looking further into his insurance policies. My focus provided him, my focus at that time was providing him a proper homegoing. James Wesley Lawrence was vigilant in seeking solutions. Article after article in the Suffolk News Harrel outlined specific plans addressing vacant buildings for the homeless advocating for the city that is vulnerable to the exploitation of other municipalities in regards to water supply, establishments for the purpose of giving our youth positive direction and many other visions. Cameras? No. He never sought to be seen. With exceptional intelligence and articulations, however, he commanded to be heard. The City of Suffolk has named streets and establishments in honor of certain citizens' contributions. However, James Wesley Lawrence, first, housing manager for the city, first, rehabilitation inspection for the city, president of his neighborhood civic league, candidate for the city council, president of save our underground resources, service Rights Leader, one who endured threats from the Ku Klux Klan in response to his taking to stand against racism. A humanitarian promoter and advocate for the well-being of the youth as well as the homeless, a visionary and an overall leader of the community was somehow overlooked or more accurately erased. No cameras captured him grocery shopping for hungry families by building supplies and hiring workers to repair the roof of senior citizens buying school books and supplies, having the children and cypress men to pick up litter on Davis Boulevard, motivating tenants who live in impoverished communities to plant flowers in front of their dwellings, being instrumental in bringing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Peanut Park, selling a part of his land for $300 to a father moving to Suffolk with seven children, providing employment, getting citizens to get out and vote, while orchestrating transportation for them to do so. His single fatherhood, which was a direct consequence of him losing the partnership of a New York wife who struggled with her husband's dedication to making the difference among racism and token people of color. It disturbs me that I have my grandchildren and great-grandchildren attending the school's in the city of Suffolk. Oblivious to the contributions made by their great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather in the city in which they live, especially considering the generations of reddicks, birdsongs, and various other public figures who worked alongside my father. These children are privileged to take pride in their family's history. Do the generations of James Wesley Lawrence deserve any less. Absolutely not. Our next speaker is Darryl Clemmons, 230, Highland Avenue, representing self-regarding school principal and youth activities. Darryl Clemens. Our next speaker is Gloria Spencer, 100 Cloverleaf Drive representing self-regarding agenda item number 14, RZ2023005. Ms. Spencer. Our final speaker this evening is Selina Thornton Manual, 1921-21 Piedmont Road, representing Parkside at Bennett's Creek Homeowners Association regarding Creekside Elementary School Landscaping. Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor City Council. the city council. I come before you to speak on behalf of the landscaping at Creekside Elementary. We've noticed a condition of the landscaping at Creekside Elementary over the past year. The weeds have grown up over the baseball field. The trees have grown up over the baseball field. The trees have grown up over the baseball field. The trees Creekside Elementary over the past year. The weeds have grown up over the baseball field, benches, the BMP. Luckily it was cut down two weeks ago, so I appreciate that. But it still needs to be edged, etched and, uh, tram and weed. Also the sidewalks needs to be tramped and also cut for the weeds that's grown on the sidewalk and in the street. So I come before you to see if we can get some attention on Creekside Elementary. It seems that the library, North Suffolk Library is taking care of. Bendis Creek Rec Center is taking care of. But when you get to the elementary school, it looks pretty bad. So, Councilman, I hope you can help us out with that. Madam, just to give you a little bit of information, the library and the rec center are maintained by the city. The school is maintained by the school system. So I mean, I'm sure we can make a phone call for you, but in the future if you contact the school system, talk to Superintendent or your school board rep, but feel free to bring it to us if you need to. Oh yeah, I will. Okay, thank you so much. All right, I know, I just want to get the support of my mayor, my vice mayor, my city councilman. I appreciate that. All right, thank you. That concludes the speaker's mayor. Okay, we're now moved to new business. Madam Clerk, are there any additions to tonight's agenda? There is one addition to this evening's agenda, a motion to nominate and appoint Sherry M. Beverly to the Suffolk Clean Community Commission. Council, a motion would be in order. Councilman Rector, so moved. In a motion for approval, the Councilman Rector, Councilman Fossett. Second, his motion. Second from Councilman Fossett, is any discussion in the motion? Hooray none, Councilmembers, prepared a vote. Please cast your vote. Madam Clerk, please record the vote. I just... What happened? As soon as approved by a vote of 7-0, Councillor Baruliams is out of the chamber. Okay. Is there any new business that required action of City Council that a member would like to bring forward? Councilman Fosette Yes, Mayor, I would I'd like to make a motion that I move that the City Manager be permitted to declare July the 5th 2024 as they holiday for the City employees and the City Manager shall designate which city facilities will be closed Motion on the floor from Councilman Fawcett, Vice Mayor Ward. A second. A second from Vice Mayor Ward, is any discussion in the motion? Hurrying none, Councilmembers prepared. Oh, I'm sorry. Council, Council Mayor Rector. Well, thank you so much, Mr. Mayor. It's very kind of you to let me speak. And I was just going to ask Deputy. That's enough. Thank you, goodnight. Now, I was just going to ask Deputy City Manager if since this is sort of an impromptu kind of thing, if he would just kind of briefly go over what impact it might have on city services and what not just so that people can feel because we can all feel good about what we're doing. I know sometimes when a Friday follows the Thursday holiday it's it's hard to I know that the community is probably not going to necessarily be engaged in seeking out city services. So I think it's a good thing and I support it, but I think a little explanation would help. Sure, Mayor, I remember Council. So the brief conversation we had maybe leading up to this, we had the ability to look at some of the services and programs that we want to make sure we have in place on Friday, if this mood forward. And so, refuse will pick up as scheduled and as we have announced on Friday, we'll maintain our summer camp programs on Friday. We'll keep the Cypress pool open as well. And obviously, like any other holiday public safety and things of that nature will be operation. The courts are closed. They made their separate announcement, but also working through the state program as well. We will also make sure to put out a public address if this moves forward. Councilman Bennett. Thank you, sir. This is caught of surprise, I guess. I did get a call about it last night. But my concern is we just had our email and it was sent out and also publicized that the city would be open on the fifth and the service was also listed to the public what the city would be doing during the holidays and after the holidays. So to me, when you put it out to the public that the operation would go on on certain days, I think that's what you're supposed to do. Not go back and change some on a spirit of moment without having some other. And my time on council, I've never seen it where we came up and changed the date like that before. I have some concern with it. Council, other questions or comments? I've got a question from our deputy city manager if you could once again go over what will be available on Friday and also I believe that and it is kind of unusual to Councilman Benispoint. Normally, we follow whatever the state does is what we do. So I think just maybe unique as to where the Fourth of July does fall on a Thursday. And not that we have to do something just because everybody else does it. But every other Hampton Road City, oh, seven on does it. But every other Hampton Road City, seven or whatever it is, every other Hampton Road City is taken off on Friday as far as staff is concerned. But I would like you to reiterate again, what will be open Friday, so we're not shut down on a lot of these things that you know, like the pool and some of the other amenities that our citizens will still have access to. So right now, what we want to make sure that we have in place on Friday would include regularly scheduled, refuse pickup, the pool as well as summer camp programing. We'll continue to run through any other programs and we would make sure we communicate that with the public if there's anything that I'm missing at the moment. Any other questions or comments? If not, we have a motion on the floor for approval and a second. So, would that be a said council members prepared to vote? Please cast your vote. Madam Clerk, please cast your vote Madam clerk, please record the vote The motion is approved by a vote of six to two with council members Bennett and council member Johnson voting in opposition Okay, we have any other new business that a council member would like to bring forward for consideration? Councilman Rector. Yeah, thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'd like to make a motion regarding village center zoning and what I'd like to propose is a move that the Planning Commission be directed to recommend amendments to the Article 6 of the UDO that provide density and dimensional standards for residential development in the village center zoning district. Okay, Council Member Butler-Barlo. I'll second that, although I was a little surprised, but I'm glad and I'll second it and support it. We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion of the motion? Any none? Council members prepared to vote. Please cast your vote. Madam Clerk, please be forwarded. I'll go along with the clarification with the committee. Okay, all the verification. Okay, could you read your motion again? We're directly that the planning commission be directed to recommend amendments to article six of the UDO that provide density and dimensional standards for residential development in the village Center zoning district and it's my understanding that this stems from problems with in fill development inside the village centers. There's not standards that cover some of these issues so we're directing the planning Department to go back and take a look and they're gonna have to take you to their Committee on ordinance as first. I'm assuming it will rise through the planning commissions. I mean it'll probably be a good three months before we actually see anything. No, no, no, no. I mean, they can't. I think Councilmember Butler-Bullet-Bullet could share some more light on it. Yeah, so I made a motion back in February? Yeah. That we get a review of the Village Center zoning ordinance and the conditions of that motion were that we would get a review in June and it was inadvertently left off of our June council schedule but staff has prepared some recommendations, some things that staff can do within the existing ordinance through staff with our approval, and then some other long term potential changes that they want to present to us. And I think the idea was that we would get a staff report at our July 17th meeting and make a recommendation to staff on what next steps we think they should take. And again, this is to address the infill development in the Village Center zoning, which is in odd places throughout the city, but it's allowing what I would call an appropriate development within our village in particular Oakland and Hobson and Sandy Bottom. And this is designed to not restrict development, but to make it more compatible with the existing structures in those communities. And to lessen the impact of the new construction on the neighboring properties. And again, we'll get a staff report, it's my understanding we'll get a staff report based on this motion tonight at our July 17th meeting. And then we will be able to have a discussion and make recommendations to the planning department from that. Okay, thank you. Okay, we've got a motion order. So I'm sorry, vice mayor Ward, yes. Thank you. Oh. Thank you. What can we, what can we do to serve a village? Second, what community can serve a village? The villages would be like hops and oakland, way they will, all drive there. So this would cover anybody that's listed in the UDO as VC, which is village center. So it's not necessarily these expand outside of what we traditionally see as say downtown T downtown Chalka Tuck. It expands out farther than that. So it's the VCs Village Center zoning district, not a particular village. What? So this is strictly possible UDO of amendments to the VCs zoning. If there will still be, once the comprehensive plan is complete, we will be looking at specific village plans because each village is somewhat different and unique. Some of us have historical designation, some don't. So that's something we're still going to do, but this is just a way to address the zoning part of it. Primarily setbacks, VC zoning has no setbacks at all, which makes it difficult. Another thing we could look at is impervious area, certain percentages, limitations, as far as impervious areas concerned, which would allow for more absorption. Another thing that might want to look at is gutters. But I mean, planning is just something they've been thinking about. So Councilmember Butler-Bolo brought it up and Councilmember Rector's just kind of, I guess, moving the process a little quick. But, you know, we'll get it to the Planning Commission quicker and then we'll still have our presentation. I wouldn't wear a presentation July, but we're everyone that's great then we can do that and also that information will be related to the planning department but we still have the individual village initiatives or or plans once the comprehensive plan is done. Go ahead. Sorry but this is near and dear to my heart. So one comment, if you go on the city website and go under the zoning, you can pull up just VCs zoning and see specifically where it is throughout the city. It's primarily Chuck Tuck, Oakland, Hobbson, Sandy Bottom. I think there's a little bit in Whaleyville. But it's so the request is to review that because it doesn't seem to be having the desired effects From when it was put in place 20 years ago So you can get on and look at specifically where the village center zoning is located and there I think I think everyone will get a One-on-one update from the city manager. I already have had one but my understanding was that everybody from the city manager, I already have had one, but my understanding was that everybody with your meetings would get an overview of what planning is proposing. And there's two phases to this. There is some dimensional table standards that staff can change based on our, you know, what we direct them to do and to the mayor's point, setbacks, heights, and in pervious surface ratios. And then the second phase of this, if we decide to move forward with it, would be through the comprehensive plan and updating the village plans that we've been talking about through the comprehensive plan process that, you know, we clearly need to re-look at all of our villages and some of the standards that we've been talking about through the comprehensive plan process that, you know, we clearly need to relook at all of our villages and some of the standards that we've set for those areas. So that's kind of the two prong. And if anybody has any other questions call me. Um, I'm up to here in this. So, um, but thank y'all. And I like I said, this is just a, this is just to move the process forward. This was supposed to come back to us in June, and it just kind of got laid aside, and so we're kind of getting back on track with the process. So plenty of more time to discuss. Thanks. Okay, any other questions or comments? If not, we have a motion on the floor. Council members prepared a vote. Please cast your vote. Madam Clerk, please record to vote. Please cast your vote. Madam Clerk, please record the vote. The motion is approved by vote of 8 to 0. Okay, do we have any other new visits that Council members would like to bring forward for consideration? Hearing none, we'll move to announcements and comments. And at this time, I've been directed that Mr. Danny Epperson from Media and Community Relations does have some announcements. Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Vice Mayor. Members of the City Council and Mr. Deputy City Manager, good evening. And just to echo your comments of Deputy City Manager, we will, our office will put out that information again about the closing on Friday specifically for that tonight and tomorrow on social and online for the residents of Suffolk. I'm sure it gets out there for you. I'd like to start with some exciting news, promotions and announcements. Suffolk City Manager, El Moore has appointed James Danny Buie, the city's new chief of police. Effective this coming Monday, July 8th, chief Buie who has served as interim police chief since October 2023, has brings his 27 years of hard work and dedication to the Suffolk Police Department. Congratulations again, Chief Fouley. And also in the City of Suffolk's Fire and Rescue Department, we want to congratulate, we want to congratulate Suffolk's fire chief, announces Mike Barocki announces that the promotion of David Harrell as the, as it up there, as the deputy fire chief. He is effective this coming Sunday July 7. Deputy Chief Harrell's career in fire service began in 1995 and he has been an integral part of Suffolk Fire and Rescue since completing the Southside Regional Fire Academy in 1996. Congratulations, Deputy Chief Herald. And now, you had a little preview there, and our city's economic development department, Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes, announced Dina Trimier's promotion to Assistant Director Trimier, has been with the city of Suffolk since 2000 and has served the economic development department in several different capacities. Congratulations to you, Mr. Mayor. Promotions, Mark Progress and Fresh Faces bring new energy as the City of Suffolk Police Department held a badge-pending ceremony back on June 11th and the City welcomed eight new police officers who will play a vital crucial role in the job of keeping our city safe. Virginia, US Senator Mark Warner visited the city's public works department on June 25th and whether we brought a very big check. That check in the amount of $3,040,000 was on behalf of our Congressional leadership for this initial phase of the Kings Highway Bridge design project. The federal funding is to help cover 30% of the design costs associated with replacing the bridge. And for more information on the Kings Highway Bridge project, you can watch the entire presentation on our city's YouTube channel. As long as get a little history lesson about the bridge as well. In our Parks and Recks Department, as you heard earlier this evening, summer events are in full swing. The stars and strikes spectacular at Constance War Park and Marina is set for Thursday, July 4th. This celebration for everyone kicks off with music from the Fienese at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9. So remember to bring your own lawn chair and blanket admission is free. Food trucks will be on hand and adult beverages for all over 21 with ID. So please note though that parking will not be available on site at the event. And we ask that you use the shuttle stops that we will provide at the first Baptist Church lot up the street at 237 North Main and then behind the Godwin courthouse at 150 North Main. Shuttles will run 515 PM to 830 PM and then they'll run again right after the fireworks display. Some important notes on some other upcoming events, the City Self-Ex-TGIF concert series will not take place on July 5th, but it will resume on July 12th at Constance Warf Park with the original Ron L's. And starting July 26th, the series will then move to Bennett's Creek Park with that concert featuring the DeLorean's. Also coming up this month as the city's 50th anniversary celebration continues, the city will hold its grand opening of the downtown festival park on Saturday, July 13th at 5 p.m. So it is for an item nostalgia and entertainment featuring food trucks and family friendly fun. The locals 70 covers band, the cover band inside out will perform and there's a 70s themed costume contest with prizes and after the concert a very special screening of the 1978 film classic like no other Superman, the movies starring Christopher Reeve, that's super sized indeed, it's gonna be on our city's 40-foot movie screens. For more information on that, you can visit Suffolk Parks and Rec.com. Suffolk Parks and Rec.com is their site. On to see what's new in our city, the City's Economic Development Department announced the grand opening of three businesses, vital care of Suffolk, has been at the forefront of expanding access to state-of-the-art infusion therapy. Vital Care offers its patients quality care in the comfort of their homes through its dedicated and its trained staff. Low-key restaurant and bar has opened in downtown Suffolk. This business offers up food and drink and is located right near the upcoming downtown festival park. And Burlington is now open and Suffolk. It is open in the Harborview area and this National Discount Retailer offers low prices on name brand merchandise for the entire family. So welcome Burlington to Suffolk. Now back here at City Hall, we had some very special congratulations the other day. The city recently honored 23 of its long standing employees, this milestone luncheon, events celebrated, a combined, I know you all love this number. 565 years of service to the city of Suffolk. So that's a combined total there. Again, congratulations. And thank you to all of those with their service and their ongoing service. It's the city's largest community wide event. And it takes a lot of time to prepare for. So on June 24th, Suffolk's National Night Out, 2024 Committee kicked off here at the city of Suffolk right here in City Hall. We invited the community and civic leaders to register for this year's August 6th event. And they came to pick up their neighborhood materials. And I'm telling you, it's gonna be another great year. There was a lot of energy in this room that night. And so much so we just had to show you just a little smudging here of that event. We're gonna be number one. I have a little dad keeping the community safe. My favorite event of the year. Self-execuoso. May this be the best, software, national night out. The more the merrier. We're looking forward to seeing you all. Let's go be some sweatin', let's go be some laughing, and it's gonna be a good time. We'll see you in August. Yeah, August indeed. So again, you can see and hear that excitement and anticipation of the day. We're looking forward to seeing you all. Let's go be some sweatin', let's go be some laughing, and it's gonna be a good time. We'll see you in August. Yeah, August indeed. So again, you can see and hear that excitement and anticipation of taking first place this year. We hope to get that first place this year. Be sure to check out your local community leaders and ask them to take part. And again, that's Tuesday, August 6th. Visit Suffolk-NNO.com for more details. Some great news to share from today's work session that we heard earlier today. In partnership with Dolly Partons, Imagination Library, the Suffolk Public Library and the Suffolk Early Childhood Development Commission are providing age-appropriate books for each month to register children from birth to fifth to their fifth birthday. For these details, visit SuffolkPublicLibrary.com slash D-P-I-L, or of course you can stop by any of our Suffolk Public School Library locations. Some important roadway reminders now. The City of Suffolk has started its 30-day warning period for red light enforcement cameras located at North Main and Constance Road. During this warning period drivers caught violating red light rules will be issued a cautionary letter delivered by mail to their residents. Then beginning on July 21st offenders will incur a $50 fine per violation. And finally tonight the City of Suffolk Public Safety Committee would like to remind all citizens of the public safety portal. This online platform empowers our citizens to share their suggestions on community safety improvements and public safety matters. Users of the portal will also have the option to submit anonymously. We do want to remind our residents that the portal is not intended for reporting criminal activity, but in the event of any emergency, please dial 911, of course, for more information on the Public Safety Committee and the portal, you can visit our website, SuffolkVA.us. And of course, remember, there are a number of ways that you can stay connected to us. And here in the city of Suffolk, and all Suffolk happenings from our social media, our YouTube channel, where you can watch tonight's city council meeting and any of our past meetings as well. And of course, subscribe to our newsletter. Thank you all for your attention and have a wonderful evening and independence stay holiday Thank you mr. Aperson. We're now moved to announcements from council councilman Rector Thank you mr. Mayor first off I'd like to say that I attended the Bill signing ceremony that was held at the Western Tidewater Community Services Board. Where Governor Yunkin signed the bill supporting his right health right now initiative that will among other things give family members the right to visit with their family when they have been detained for some mental health issues. And then also the Suffolk Art League held an opening for the Suffolk Art League held an opening for the Suffolk Art League's open member show. This show features works submitted primarily by members of the Suffolk Art League. The show runs through the 19th of this month, and there's an amazing variety of works that are on display at the Suffolk Art Museum, and many of the works are available for purchase. I would encourage anyone who has an interest in original works of art to check out the show. And if you're not already a member of the Suffolk Art League, I would also consider you, would encourage you to consider joining. And then I had the privilege of attending the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, small business of the year, awards ceremony that was held at the Delta Marriott and Chesapeake. My congratulations go out to Chris Allen and Melody Brown from the Pinterhouse bed and breakfast in the Cafe Divina coffee and Crapeshop as they were honored by the chamber as suffix small business of the year. So once again congratulations to them, it was very well deserved. It's a unique place and once again if you have not been there, I would encourage you to stop by and get a cup of coffee and a grape and let them give you a little tour of the facility. It's amazing what they've done with that house. And then last Saturday on the 22nd, I attended these Zoey Life Ministries steam workshop that was held at the Sixth Street Recreation Center. Congratulations to Reverend Simmons and Reverend Hannah for putting on an excellent financial education exercise for the children. They set up a citizen bill where children were given some money and they had to work their way through the village paying rent and buying groceries among other things. And as the mayor has pointed out to us many times, you know, the folks that do the worst job of managing their money and planning their finances often pay the highest prices for the things that they have to borrow money to get. And it's a lifetime, almost a lifetime financial penalty. So I appreciate very much with the Zoe Life Ministries did to help these children educate them about the fact that, you know, basically you're only given so much money and you have to spend it responsibly to get all the things that you need to survive in this life. I looked up the Zoe Life Ministries and their mission is part of their mission statement. It's a quote from the fourth chapter of Hosea, which says, my people are destroyed by a lack of knowledge. And so they're doing their best to eliminate that lack of knowledge. And then I would like to offer my congratulations to all the promotions that we've had recently within the city and chief among those chief booey, congratulations to you and then also for the new police officers that were recently sworn in. Also congratulations to the new deputy fire chief, Harold and Deanna Tremier for being promoted to Assistant Director of Economic Development in FERPASS performance as any indicator that position is in very, very good hands. And then lastly, that longevity lunch in that was referred to, I think that's a real testament to Al Moore and the city staff and particularly in the manager's office, that we have that many people that are willing to basically devote their lives to the service of the citizens of Suffolk. It just goes to show that Suffolk is a great place to be. It's a great place to work and it's a great place to raise your family. And then lastly, with the Fourth of July coming up, please be careful. I'm sure that the fire and rescue we are going to have enough things to do that evening without responding to a bunch of fireworks related accidents. Personally, I'd like my house to still be standing on July the 5th and not be burned down by an air and bottle rocket or Roman candle that Somehow or another finds their way into our neighborhood. But anyway with that, I hope everybody enjoys the Fourth of July. Remember what that day is all about. It doesn't hurt to go back and read the Declaration of Independence and recognize the fact that the people that put that thing together and started this great country that we live in basically put everything that they had on the line to get this going And if it had not been successful probably every one of them would have been hung So keep that in mind and just remember that you know The old saying goes freedom is not free and it's something that we have to Treasure protect and sometimes unfortunately fight for to keep and And with that I'll say goodnight. Councilman Williams. Thank you, Mayor. First I'd like to congratulate Chief Bowie. Well deserved. Glad that you're in that position. I know you're going to do well. You've already started off doing such a great job. To all the people, our employees who have been elevated, congratulations to everyone, Dina. Glad to know, we're here to see you now the assistant director. Also on Saturday, June 22, I attended the Zoa Light Ministry. Second steam program event at East Suffolk Recreation Center. Like Councilman Rector said, the program was geared towards teaching kids life skills. And I too would like to thank Reverend Simmons and Reverend Hanna and others for putting on, putting together such a great event for our youth. On Saturday, June 22nd, I, along with Vice Mayor Ward, attending the June Tinkth Freedom Day celebration at Puseville Park in Puseville. They had lots of food, fun, drinks, and entertainment. That was a great event. On Saturday, June 29th, again, along with Vice Mayor Ward, I had the pleasure of attending the Las Amigas Incorporated 63rd, Dora R. Mason Lunching, where Dr. Brett and I received the 2024 Community Service Award. You know, what's interesting is the last time that the Suffolk chapter hosted this event with 31 years ago. And they, like I said, they've been around 63 years. And for organizations to be around that long, that says a lot that speak volume. I want to thank the ladies of that organization for putting on such an awesome event. And we are truly blessed to have such a great group of ladies providing missions of service in our city and throughout the United States because they are all over the United States, this organization. So thank you, thank you for what you do in our community. With that, I'll go to my word of the month for July of 2024 and this Las Amigas, which means the friend in Spanish. I like to wish everyone a safe and happy fall for July and be safe and enjoy. Thank you. All right, Councilman Fawcett. Thank you Mayor. First off again, you won't get enough of this, but congratulations Chief, believe for that promotion. You've been here 20-some odd years. Fessionalism, you've worked your way up. It's your time to shine now. So give us your best shot, okay? Keep things going. I appreciate it. Also for Dave Harrell, a new district chief over at Fire Rescue, I've been known Dave Harrell for quite a number of years. Did a lot of interacting when I was with fire to interact with Suffolk. And Dave is top-notch. This man is well positioned to be in that position. And I think that I want to congratulate him. And I want to say that I shout out to the fire chief that recognized the professionalism this man had to bring him up and to help fill that slot. So I think that's going to be pretty good. More to come on that. EDA, Deena, no, Deena, since I've been on council and she's always been at the forefront, working hard in different ways. So congratulations to her on an opportunity to move up into that deposition. move up into that deput position. The last day of the month, we retired EC Harris, the sheriff of the city of Southern. EC had 40 plus years of police experience between his start of his career and where he ended up in the Sheriff's Department. He is one of the finest gentlemen that I know. He is first class. He was a professional all the way around. He enjoyed doing things and interacting with people, communities. I can't even name the countless things that that may have been for the city of Southwick and the citizens of the city. I hate to really see him go. I mean, I've been friends with him for a number of years. I know when I went through hard times, one thing that struck me the most about him is empty and compassion for somebody. And when I had the opportunity to end up over and oversee for six days every morning, day 30, he'd be sitting at the couch with the paper. We'll only talk to him. I was going through a tough time, and he was right there to support me through it. So that was pretty good. I hate really seeing him go, but I want to congratulate him on his retirement. To take it a little further, David Miles has taken his place. He was his chief deputy and David Miles is also a first class individual that is going to push that department along and continue to do the great things they do. I know David and his staff over there are going to do a great job. I think he's he left them in good hands. So again, congratulations David Miles for stepping into the job and and we look to see where things go with him. I had an opportunity to go to Burlington with the mayor and I think Mr. Bennett was there. And I want to thank Burlington from coming from Chesapeake Square, we got it over to Suffolk, and they went over there next to where office backs vacated a place over there in Harbor View, they kind of filled the gap, and they did a nice job putting that building together, and it's a good presentation. Thanks to the eight new offices that decided to come to Suffolk and make Suffolk part of their career. That's good, Chief. Keep cranking them out. Keep bringing them. We get those numbers up. Let's see if we can shorten that gap a little bit. But I'm happy to bump into one a couple of days ago. He was coming out of Walgreens up on the north end. And we had a little chat, and he's just excited as he could be to be a part of it. Just about ready to get cut loose somewhere in there. So we'll have more out there to work with. Senator Warner was here and I'm going to tell you to all politics aside when you can have somebody come to your city and drop a little almost three and a half million dollars on you to help you along. I think the mayor mentioned it earlier tonight that some of this money we get is people out there digging to get it. The staff is out there digging to get these grants and get these available funds that are through these different programs. And it goes to all the staff here, everybody that works on this stuff to get these grants, to get this money is phenomenal because that's less money we have to take out of the taxpayers back pocket and out of the budget. So we want to keep that kind of stuff coming until the well dries up and hopefully it keeps on going as far as I want to thank the 23 employees that the milestone they have I mean I think we forget about how long people work and to give them a little bit of recognition For their job well done. I think it was pretty great. The luncheon goes long ways Well done. I think it was pretty great. The luncheon goes long ways. The 4th of July coming up. This is the time people just do things sometimes are crazy. They just do things that are crazy. Enjoy, let the professionals blow things up and let the fireworks be displayed. But you'll always find that somehow they get into the area and they start doing things and they can create some real serious injuries. I mean I've seen fingers, hands, everything burns and everything I can imagine happen because people use fireworks and they don't know what they're doing. I would ask that they don't do that, but most of all, be safe, but also drive safe. Do not get out here and drink and drive. Get you a designated driver or high your driver. But please do not do drinking and driving during the holiday. It's not going to do you well. And I think I'm going to call it a night here because I know you'll pick up where I left off on some things that I might have missed that we went to. But anyway, I know everybody wants to go home and do the vacation so I can go. Council member Butler-Barlay. Thank you, Mayor. So I'll save a minute and just say, I agree with everything that's been said. And congratulations to everybody that have been congratulated. The first thing I wanted to say is whether you're worried about your lawn or your garden or your whole farm. We are very thankful for the rain, the recent rain and some relief from the heat and some hope for a better harvest. So my just know that the whole agricultural community is thankful for the rain that we've received over the past few days. We had a lot of really great reports tonight. There's a lot of really great things going in in the city and it's wonderful to hear the news of the progress that we're making and all the positive things that are going on. I also want to encourage everybody to have a fun 4th of July and enjoy some sort of celebration. There's a big one up in Cretan En Clinton Eclipse with the parade and the fireworks and the raft race, which I've actually been in the raft race before and I didn't drown and I won't do it again. But it's a fun time up there if you don't want to try to make your way downtown, although that's a great celebration too. So hope everybody enjoys their fourth and remembers the significance of the day. I'm going to try now to say a few things. On June the 24th, the city of Suffolk lost one of its finest citizens. J. Samuel Glasscock left us last Monday. And he was truly a giant among men and one of the most treasured citizens of the city of Suffolk. And in true Sam fashion, he planned most of his own memorial service and gave us all our instructions on what we were to do and not do. Up to and including a thank you note that he had read at the end of the service. And I'm gonna read you one little piece of it, but I will tell you that the family is intending to ask the Suffolk NewsHerald to publish that document. And it's worth a read. As I said, Sam being Sam continues to teach us even though he has left us physically. So I'm gonna read just the end. Again, this is the words of Sam Glaskock on the occasion of his departing our company. He says, our country is great, truly great, but democracy is fragile. Part of our social contract is that we are to be intelligently informed, exercise sound, critical thinking, and care about the whole country. Democracy requires us to emphasize our obligations rather than being too quick to demand our rights. Fear, hate, and greed can get us into a pack of trouble. Humility and courage are good friends on life's journey. Beware of those who spread fear, so misinformation, disregard the rules that make democracy work, and promise a return to an imagined past that never was. Honestly, examine our own faults. Above all, listen. Listen to what other folks say and try to respond to their legitimate concerns. You can't solve all the world's problems, but you can affect your corner of planet Earth. Love your spouse, hug your kids, enjoy life with your neighbors, and show them all that you care about them. And he closes and says, many thanks for your caring and for our time together, Sam Glaskot Class of 2024. Thank you. Councilman Bennett. That was something. I would just like to start out by saying F.C. Closed on that note. I've known Mr. Glaskot for, I know better than 30 years when he was in the State Senate House of delegates. And hi, he supported the city and has always been a big supporter of the city. And he's been a great person to all of us. And he definitely will be missed, Matter-Fact Island. So I'm down at Councilman Ballot's house here about how many weeks ago? And April. And April. And he was up walking around having fun and everything. So I mean, he was just a jolly man right up to the end. So I send my condolences out to that family. And it's daughter, you know, lend a bunch. She works with Ed and Arts Center. And she's a dear friend of mine too. And I want to send my condolences out to the family. And just keep them in my prayers. Also, I'd like to say to Erica, I clerked, Erica Dollar, she lost a mother-law, and Scarlett, and I would like to send my condolences to you and your family as well. And we will be keeping you well in prayer. I want to say that Miss Lawrence came up and I knew Jane Lawrence for years. I remember when he got killed in the accident when Purson Boulevard had suburban drive. And he was a star, hardworking, dedicated person to this city. He and Moses Riddick, they worked hand in glove just about, and they did a lot for the citizens of Suffolk. They started pocket critic neighborhood over there where the public house ends up. So his name to me still reigns and means a lot to me in the city of Suffolk. And I'm hoping with her request that we would look at some way to try and recognize the name of James Lawrence. And some may, well he means here in the city. So I would like to ask the City of James Lawrence. In some way, well, he means hearing the city. So I would like to ask the City of Madison Council let's take a look at it and see if there's a street or building or something that, some recognition that we can do that in recognition to Mr. James Lawrence, I would have a readable appreciate that. to Mr. James Lawrence out of, I really will appreciate that. Also, I want to say that this past Sunday, I had a visit, a Kangaroo Pena Costa Holden's Church. The hundredth and forty-one years, the hundred and twenty-one years of service at the church, church being dedicated, twenty-three years of past, 53 years, I'm sorry, 53 years of past of Kendrick, being past of that church for 53 years. I mean, that is amazing. And guess who they had speaking for that Sunday service for the anniversary? None other than our own elder fellow, Z. And he bought the word. And he came from Roman II chapter 21 to 29th verse. You might want to take a chance to read it sometime of your spare time. But he delivered the word to me and everyone that was in attendance. And I would not go into his message because I don't like to preach behind someone else after they were given the message. But he gave us all something to think about, live by and serve others by and serve God. So I want to congratulate you, Mr. Z. Job well done, and I will be back the next time maybe when you say you're going to be preaching again. But y'all maybe want to take a trip out there in the country and see what's going on. But I did Reverend Kendrick. He and I served on the housing authority together and I've known that family for many, many years as well. And he's well as everyone on Bishop about there at the church. And I really thoroughly enjoy myself. And with that, I see I have about 10 more minutes on budget to a few times. Okay. All right. Okay. Yeah. I want to give a shout out too. I went down, I've come from Bollywood and I with that, I don't know if somebody else might have been there too, down there, hops in that, the Junete, with Mary Hill. I mean, they put it on there, they had a real good time, they had good speakers and all and I think she did a great job putting that together for Juneteer there and also the NAACP had Juneteer well there at God is real church so anyway we've had a good time and the fourth of July is here and I hope everyone is traveling be safe and hope you have a good time and the fourth of July is here and I hope everyone is traveling to be safe and hope you have a good holiday. Thank you. Councilman Johnson. I'm going to be a little brief but when somebody like Sam Glasscock passes, it just shows us a remarkable city we live in. It's not just Sam, it's all the remarkable people. James Weston Lawrence. Think about all the remarkable people. We had another one passed away, funeral this weekend, was Ellen Godwin. Ellen was married to Jimmy Godwin. He was a local judge here in town forever. She parted my life when we were growing up. She's moved on. And this goes on and on. But that's what's so remarkable about our city. We all have different people that have been a part of, and all of them have been extremely special to us. Cheap, booey. You know, I've already talked to you. I'm going to spend two minutes on talking about something that none of you want to hear about probably. But it was my 50th class reunion. The class of far-sclan high school out in Holyknockboro, 150 young people came together in the 8th grade and we went through school together and we learned to love each other and we decided we would have a five-year reunion every year and we did. We just experienced our 50th reunion, had a committee to do it, and it was remarkable. Go online and look at the picture. We've got some of the most diverse people in the city of Suffolk, but we all love each other and we've just had a wonderful, amazing life together. We had it at the Cultural Arts Center. We didn't think we could afford it, but when calling the Cultural Arts Center, they've changed the rules so that you can rent the place relatively cheap for a class reunion. People who went to this place through the Cultural Arts and had never been there before. So I want to thank them. It was a remarkable experience. We had a great, great time. Theresa Earl's in tourism was a part of our situation. She helped us, Jennifer helped us, Erica helped us. We went to the school system. They let us take a tour of Forest Clean High School. It used to be Forest Clean High School, Forest Clean Middle School now. Preacher Ray Bagley from our class gave us a sermon and made us all feel good about the world again. Class reunion is a pretty important in a community like Suffolk. So it brings everyone together and it meant a great deal to me. And I think for everyone in that class, they were really proud of each other. And with that, everybody's been thanked, everybody's been recognized. I'm going to say good night. Thank you. Flash Mayor Ward? Yes, so like, I've been to so many places and everybody have mentioned about it, but I did go to Mr. William, Councilman William's to receive an award for this community work, what he does in the City of Suffolk. And I really enjoyed myself the first time I really heard about this group and I was very impressed with the group. And also Dr. Brick was there. So it was a rewarding event, just to see people that you know from the city of Suffolk and awards for what they do in their life to try to help people. So I really had a thing I'm thinking for inviting me. I really do. I think it thanks again, it's good to see that. And by the so ministry, I've been dealing with the past the Simmons for a while. And you always trying to do reach back to the community, him and Mr. Hannah. So I did attend that. And I'm, please see, boy, I already congratulate you. We all know that you respect you to a good job. Councilman Bennett, I have to challenge you on that, because I think Pewville puts a good job. I mean, I'm proud of Pewville. This is the second time I've seen it. Every time I just look and say thanks for being my girl. So it's not a competition, but I just want to make sure I feel they, they number one, but that's all right. And I just want to thank Robert Lewis for the Pusel job we're doing there. Finally, it's happening. And with time, they will see what we was doing and worth the wait. and I think we'll do, they'll be happy with that. And I want to thank Marth Follow. He's gone, but thank him for coming to make No Your Park. It was a crisis. It was something going on and one of the communities got on. We're talking about it, and they respond pretty well. And I think you're going to take care of that. And I like to see that, because this one the first time I really walked around, ignore your part. And that's a nice part. It really nice. And I even told one of the civically people, wow, I mean, I gotta spend more time here. Little barbecue and events you don't, you just stay in one of two places, but it's a good part. And I think the people in that community will enjoy that. Like I said, first of all, I want to thank God and thank the Nazism Bureau, allow me to serve them for more years. And one of the things I, if you see my newspaper, and that's before this happened, I said, I'm not done yet. So thank you so much and God bless. Okay, I'll go ahead and wrap it up. Try to get out of here by a quarter to 10 and a half. It has been a month since. It has been a month since we've had a meeting and there's been a lot that's gone on the month. The most of it's been since I'll just skip over, but I do want to start with also offer market nuances to our city clerk, Eric Adali, and her family on the passing of our mother-in-law, Caroline. We missed it last week. I think Tracy missed you. But anyhow, glad you're back and made it back in one piece. A lot's been said about Sam Glasscock. I mean, I've got to say something about a fellow Chuck at Tokie and Chuck at Tokie and I guess we would be. And I too had just seen Sam, how did Councilmember Butler-Bullets house a couple of months ago. And I regret that I was not totally plain or going to his funeral Saturday. I regret that I couldn't make it. I was kicking myself all day and I'm a waste of what you're problem. I said, well, I really wanted to get out to Mr. Glasscock's funeral and it bothers me that I didn't get there. But obviously, I mean, he was a very dedicated public servant. He not only served our city, he served the state, and he served our country as well all with honor and distinction. I never heard him say a disparaging word about anybody or anything really. He graduated from Chakatalk High School. Hampton Sydney UVA Law School served in the Jag Court US Army. Practice Law with who became Governor Mills Godwin, practice law with him was on the board for 25 years on the Louise Overseas Hospital Board of Directors. Matter of fact, I think he was still on the board when they did the transfer from Overseas to Centera and the land and he was an integral part of that. I think right, it's about the time he was getting ready to retire. And he served on many other numerous boards and commissions. He was selected as Suffolk First Citizen in 1994. And as Councilman Bennett stated, he was in the general assembly and served in the Virginia House of delegates from 69 to 91. Mr. Glasscock obviously lived an honorable life of service and he will be Mr. O'Hade to good fortune to know him. And it has been a month since our last meet and I'm not going to go through this stuff real quick. We had a lot going on in the Suffolk. Anybody who thinks it in. And I hope everybody goes back and looks at our work session to take a look at the CI pre-projects. I thought the whole thing was impressive last year, this year, is just off the chain. And the good part about from now and the next 18 months or so, we're going to see a lot of these projects, large projects, come to fruition. And the money is spent in almost all areas of our city and all sectors from parks and rec, to roads, to buildings. I mean, I think we've got it all covered and done exceptionally well with it. The dismal swamp had their annual meeting at the Center for Cultural Arts on the 7th and went by there. It's always good to kind of hear what they got going on. The police badge pinning on the 11th, what they do, officers is always welcome. Followed up the next day, Suffolk keeps Suffolk beautiful volunteer appreciation event that was also held at the Center for Cultural Arts and was pretty well attended. I think we had about five council members there, maybe even six. And then the next day we had Governor Youngkin at the Western Thai Water Community Services Board Office in Northern and Northern Suffolk with an official signing of some multiple bills related to addressing mental health issues. On the 19th, two is in Hobson on June 10th, the event hosted by Mary Hill. There's one thing, one thing about Mary's events, we always have oysters. That's pretty cool. They're her oysters. And I guess they just plucked them out of the water there today before. That's always good. Chamber of Commerce, small business of the Year Award. Councilman Rector alluded to. Congratulations to the Pinter House. I was hoping they'd win the whole thing. I mean, I looked at their competition and I thought they could take the whole thing. I think if they taken those that judged it out there, they probably would have, other than seeing the video. Many videos give it. It really doesn't do the place justice. And for you folks that have not been there, I mean, it's kind of a gem just hitting back there in the corner. I mean, you just blow by it. Don't even think about it, but you've got to get out. And a really cool thing is that huge magnolia in the front, actually you could go around the back of it, and there's like an archway there, and there's tables literally underneath that magnolia. There's about four tables under there. So that's pretty cool too. The 25th, as it was mentioned, we hosted Senator Mark Warner at the Public Works Center, picked up a check for three million just kind of designed the start, the design of the Kings Highway bridge. I mean, three million dollars ain't chump change, but it's a long way to go to what we're going to need. But like they say, you can't finish what you don't start. So I guess we just started. So we'll see where that takes us. And then we had a bonus announcement that we got about 5,000, 319, $360 for the construction of the Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail and that's covered in our work session as well, another 5 million dollars. And then we got another million dollars that's going towards the water treatment plant that was arranged by Congresswoman Jen Kagan. So we've got great support, I think, at the state, and especially the federal level. I mean, I interact, well, not interact with them on a regular basis, but maybe we kind of do either. Here's representatives, but I mean, Kaine's okay, Warner's super, Kagan's a super, they've been to town. They listen and they've actually produced. And that's what it takes to make things happen. It's unfortunate the city doesn't have the latitude to print money, we've got to kind of keep a balanced budget and not tax our citizens to death. So these other sources and the relationship you build to acquire those funding is essential. And our deputy city manager and the manager and the staff all together have worked on the state and federal level and they've been doing it for a while so they know them they trust them we give them what they want so we can make their decision easy and that's what it is after justify their decisions and we try to give them the information that they need to make it a no-brainer this one got sees the eyes crosses at T's and it's the way to go. A national light-out kickoff was good. Hopefully it won't be 100. EC is retired. We used to always joke about how EC's the one to determine how hot it's going to be when national light-out, but hopefully, say a little prayer force. And it will be under 90 maybe? Yeah, a hill call. Bromantian ribbon cutting and renewing the subject. This was a word when we went to this one too. The ribbon cutting from Mathnasium. Anybody heard of Mathnasium? I want to exactly show what I thought might have been something you need a nasal spray for or something. But you know, it's actually a Beth Tudorie service. Not just for kids that need help, but even on advanced levels in their franchise. So parents can drop their kids off and I could have used one of those when I was in school when that take out for one, two times. And we talk about working together all the time. I had the privilege to attend also the Las Amigas event but I was there Thursday night. I think Councilman Williams and Councilman and Vice Mayor Ward went Saturday to get you a ward but I was there Thursday night myself and Mayor Alexander and a couple hundred people to do their welcome. And I was there representing the city and bringing greetings from the city. And our city was very, very well represented. Mr. Ross Boone was the MC for that event. And as Councilman Wiem's mentioned, it's the first time in a long, long time, the Suffolk chapter was the host. So like I told Mayor Alexander, I said anything, I told him I said, this event may be in your city, but I can tell you suffix is in the house. As we end them covered all the way around. And that's a great group. They've got, they do community service projects, that partnerships with school, senior citizens, organizations, homeless shelters, health advocacy groups, public safety, and much other worthwhile causes. We also mentioned Zo Ministry, which I didn't get a chance to go to that and understand my friend, River Simmons. I'll put that on. He's a great guy too. I've had a lot of really good discussions with him. And then on Saturday, I went to a lunche at the Bishop, of Daya Coal Ender outreach and faith temple church. And they too are hosting something very similar to what they do a lot of work. Financial advice, tutoring, they have what's called Nisi House, which is kind of like a Geneva shelter type house right next to them, they provide shelter for domestic abuse victims, food, clothing, and credit counsel and tutor in and a bunch more. And it's these that kind of organizations, I mean, this is what it takes to make things work. Just get people involved, get churches involved, get civically involved, get individuals involved. And we are certainly doing that throughout the city. Chris, we've got two law enforcement officers that are going to recognize tonight, retirement of my good friend, EC Harris. The only thing I can say about EC is he absolutely brought civic engagement to a new level. I mean, I remember after he got elected sheriff the first time, I mean, he was till out there every day and I said, he's seeding elections over. You can turn it off now. Because I mean, he was at everything, doing everything. And he said, no, no, no, that's what I do. And that is what he did. He had a passion to serve. And he is indeed set to bar high for major miles, but I'm sure he'll fill in the shoes. He had a good teacher. And chief Billy, I can't say enough. I'm not gonna kill the rest of 30 minutes talking about what you've done since you've been in the city of Suffolk. But the bottom line is, you know, you've earned it through the respect that you've been able to garner not only from the individual that made the decision to give you that job, but also the men and women that you command and I see it at events, you've also earned the respect of your citizens. Because when I see you interacting with them, you're on the same level. You know, they consider you a citizen just like themselves. So keep up the good work and congratulations. And that's it. So I'm going to go to my quote of the night. My quote of the night has to do with civic engagement and what we're able to do when we have a bunch of folks working to do the same thing. And that is and I'm not sure who this quote is from, but anyhow, I didn't write it in this quote. We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men. The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn't as individuals. And with that, I would say good evening and ask for a motion for adjournment. Councilman Fawcett. Councillor McLaren. Councillor McLaren. Councillor Fawcett. Vice Mayor Ward. Second. Second from my second. Councillor McLaren. Any discussion in motion? Here in none. Councilmembers, prepare to vote. Please cast your vote. Madam Clerk, please record your vote. The motion is approved by a vote of 8 to 0. This meeting is heard by adjourned.