Loading...
APRIL 28, 2015 SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH "COMMUNITY FOR A LIFETIME" CITY COUNCIL a4 MAYOR WILLIAM D.SESSOMS,JR.,At Large VICE MAYOR LOUIS R.JONES,Bayside-District 4 `' a BEN DAVENPORT,At Large ROBERT M.DYER,Centerville-District 1 BARBARA M.HENLEY,Princess Anne—District 7 oux''x�i SHANNON DS KANE,Rose Hall—District 3 JOHN D.MOSS,At Large AMELIA ROSS-HAMMOND,Kempsville-District 2 JOHN E.UHRIN,Beads--District 6 ROSEMARY WILSON,At Large JAMES L. WOOD,Lynnhaven-District 5 CITY HALL BUILDING 2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE CITY COUNCIL APPOINTEES VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA 23456-8005 CITY MANAGER-JAMES K.SPORE PHONE:(757)385-4303 FAX(757)385-5669 CITY ATTORNEY-MARK D.STILES CITY ASSESSOR-JERALD D.BANAGAN E-MAIL:ctycncl@vbgov.corn CITY AUDITOR- LYNDON S.REMIAS CITY CLERK- RUTH HODGES FRASER,MMC CITY COUNCIL AGENDA 28 APRIL 2015 MAYOR WILLIAM D. SESSOMS,JR. PRESIDING SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION COUNCIL CHAMBER 6:00 PM I. MAYOR'S READING OF CALL TO SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION II. PUBLIC HEARING A. FY2015-2016 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN (Budget) 1. Effective tax rate increase via increased Real Property Assessments 1 11 - 1 - 0.1.0.. .E•40 vl.� S- i'g._ OF OUR"NP1`ON5 MINUTES VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL Virginia Beach, Virginia April 28, 2015 Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., called to order the SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION of the VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at 6:00 P.M. Council Members Present: M. Benjamin Davenport, Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, Shannon DS Kane, John D. Moss, Amelia N. Ross-Hammond, Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., Rosemary Wilson, James L. Wood and John E. Uhrin Council Members Absent: None April 28, 2015 - 2 - MAYOR'S CALL FOR FORMAL SESSION Mayor Sessoms read the Mayor's Call for the Special Formal Session and Public Hearing: April 24, 2015 "THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL In accordance with the Virginia Beach City Code Section 2-21, and by the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach, I hereby call for a SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION of the VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL at 6:00 PM, Tuesday,April 28, 2015 at City Council Chamber, 2401 Courthouse Drive. The purpose of this SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION is to conduct a PUBLIC HEARING on the FY2015-2016 Resource Management Plan. Due to the appreciation of real property, the FY2015-2016 Operating Budget, as submitted to the City Council, with the proposed REAL ESTATE TAX RATE results in an effective increase in taxes of more than one percent[1%1 Therefore,Section 58.1-3321 of the Code of Virginia, requires a PUBLIC HEARING by the City Council. We have scheduled this Special Formal session to provide citizens an opportunity to express their concerns on the proposed FY2015—2016 Budget. Sincerely, William D. Sessoms, Jr. Mayor" April 28, 2015 o z City of Virginia- Beach 4.2 OF OUR NNW° 24 April 2015 VBgov.com WILLIAM D.SESSOMS,JR. MUNICIPAL CENTER MAYOR BUILDING 1 2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE VIRGINIA BEACH,VA 23456-9000 (757)385-4581 FAX(757)385-5699 HONORABLE MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL wsessoms@vbgov.com In accordance with the Virginia Beach City Code, Section 2-21. and by the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach, 1 hereby call,for a SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION of the VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL: Tuesday,April 28, 2015, at 6:00 P.M. City Council Chamber 2401 Courthouse Drive The purpose of this SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION is to conduct a PUBLIC HEARING on the FY2015-2016 Resource Management Plan. Due to the appreciation of real property, the FY2015-2016 Operating Budget, as submitted to the City Council, with the proposed REAL ESTATE TAX RATE results in an effective increase in taxes of more than one percent 11%J. Therefore, Section 58.1-3321 of the Code of Virginia, requires a PUBLIC HEARING by the City Council. We have scheduled this Special Formal Session to provide citizens an opportunity to express their concerns on the proposed FY2015-2016 Budget. Sincer ly, Willia ssoms, Jr. Cc: City Manager City Attorney City Clerk City Auditor Deputy City Managers Director—Management Services MuliiMedia Services Media and Communications - 3 - Mayor Sessoms DECLARED A PUBLIC HEARING: The,following registered to speak: Mona Safferstein, 748 Virginia Dare Drive, 422-0402, expressed her displeasure for having to attend the meeting and stated if City Council was "doing their job", she would not have to waste her time. She is opposed to the Real Estate Tax and feels the City will lose a lot of people with the military re-alignment. She is also opposed to Light Rail and feels the Referendum wording was inadequate and voters did not even know what they were voting for. The Tide numbers are horrific, even after college students were given free passes. Max Gonano, 1877 Haverhill Drive, 642-3776, spoke in SUPPORT of a 5% pay raise for all City employees. He has lived and worked for the City nine (9)years. The City has invested a great deal in infrastructure but has fallen behind on investing in the employees that are the "backbone" of the City. Currently, the compression pay is an estimated$42-Million. A 5%raise would not even equal the annual salary for his position seven (7)years ago. A 5%raise does not fix the entire problem but it will help and he requested City Council show support for employees. Craig Poppen, 5101 Cleveland St, 499-7003, advised he is representing Virginia Beach Vision and their 120 members. The Vision's Mission is to create a vision and advance initiates necessary for the City and the Region. Transportation and education are critical to the Vision's Mission and the actions taken over the next few weeks will significantly impact the City's future, character and livability. The Vision feels Light Rail is important to the growth of the City and should capitalize on the funding the State has offered. Don Crigger, 5101 Cleveland St, 499-7003, requested City Council support Light Rail and approve the Budget. At a minimum, Light Rail should extend to Town Center. The State has agreed to provide $155- Million in funding. If the City does not fund this project, it will send the wrong message to the State and risk losing the funding. This project will have long lasting effect on future generations. Paul Merritt, 5101 Cleveland St, 499-7003, advised he is a small business owner in the City and has watched the City grow over the past 40 years. Many years ago, City Council made "visionary" decisions to grow the City. He is looking at what will happen 40 years from now and he feels Light Rail is one of key components to attracting people to the City. He was recently in Denver for business and at least 80%of the riders were 30 or younger. Mike Barrett, 5101 Cleveland St, 499-7003, requested City Council adopt the Budget as proposed by the City Manager. The City needs to maintain the highest credit rating available and the foundation for financial strategy is the Bond Rating. The City needs new Revenue to overcome cuts from the Federal and State Governments and that can be done with Economic Development Strategies. The three (3) major Projects in the City show the importance of economic development. Since 1985, the City has transformed our Resort Area that brings great financial reward to the City. Princess Anne Commons has formed the basis for medical, office, educational institution and recreational needs. Lastly, Town Center created a "sense of place" needed to live, work and play. In order to continue the growth of the City, Light Rail Transit and Transit Oriented Development are the answers. This will allow the City to continue its legacy of growth and development allowing the City to fund schools,public safety, etc. April 28, 2015 - 4 - Martha McClees, 5101 Cleveland St, 499-7003, is a lifelong resident and Volunteer with the City. The Recession brought an increase in demand for public services while assessments, Federal and State funding has been drastically cut. This year, City Council is faced with deciding on making the investments necessary for the City to diversify its economy or miss the one-time opportunity of State funding, allowing the City to stagnate and accept whatever the future may bring. City Council embraced the Envision 2040 Report and, by doing so, chose a path to grow a sustainable and progressive City with Strategic Growth Areas aligned with mix-use Urban Style Development. She supports the proposed Tax increase because the City will be moving in the right direction. Lisbet Dula, Endependence Center, 351-1573, is an employee at the Endependence Center and she expressed her appreciation for the City's partnership over the past thirty-five (35) years. The Endependence Center provides services to Virginia Beach residents with disabilities to remove barriers to living independently. Additionally, she learned of a "home modification funding program" and she was able to adapt her kitchen and the door to her backdoor with handicap amenities. The majority of the Staff and Board of Directors are persons with disabilities and she understands the importance of "independence". This year, the Center has had an opportunity to assist over 2,700 Virginia Beach citizens. The services offered include one-on-one peer mentoring. The Center hopes to increase the services offered next year and she asks the City to restore previous funding levels. Mary Mathena, Endependence Center, 351-1573, expressed her appreciation to City Council for the support of the Endependence Center. The Center is a part of a network of 16 Centers for independent living located throughout the State. They provide services for people with disabilities, independent living skills, training and peer mentoring as well as Social Security Incentive program and housing services. Ms. Mathena stated she was legally blind for most of her life and totally blind for three years before she began attending the Endependence Center. The Center has given her confidence in going back to work and live independently. Larry Daigre, Endependence Center, 351-1573, advised he has lived at the Endependence Center since he was 16 and appreciates the support for the Center. He expressed appreciation to the City Council for their support and requested continued support. Since he was a small child, he has had a disability and hopes to help other people with disabilities. Martin Waranch questioned why the City Council cut the Real Estate Tax Relief Program. He does not feel citizens are willing to pay `millions of dollars to ride a few miles. With the City considering moving forward with the Arena Project, busses are what the City needs, not Light Rail. The wiring for Light Rail will create a fiscal liability. He encourages the City to spend more money on busses to move people more efficiently throughout the City. Gabriel Wetmore, 3941 Middlewood Drive, 748-0496, advised he moved to the City in 2003 because of stability, safety, security and schools. He feels teachers need raises, real "take home pay" increases. According to the salary scale, his salary has increased; however, health insurance and retirement continues to increase and, as such, his take home pay has decreased. He encouraged the City Council to take steps necessary to support the people that support the City. Trenace Riggs, 3608 Brannon Drive, 403-3573, President of the Virginia Beach Education Association, requested the City protect the quality and reputation of the Schools and the City. She is in support of the 5% raise for all City and School Employees. The loss of funding from the State has forced the City and School Board to make cuts and increased class sizes,just to balance the Budget. As such, students have fewer opportunities for "elective classes", the same courses that helped make the School System one of the top in the Nation. It is critical that City Council invest in the backbone of the City and School System. Johnathan Pope, Endependence Center—did not answer Dan Heatwole, 1 Columbus Suite 611, 490-7810, representing the CBDX, the Young Leaders Division of the Central Business District, urged City Council to invest in the City's future by including funding for April 28, 2015 - 5 - the next steps of Light Rail. He is a young professional and sees this as an opportunity to be "world- class". The City has fantastic schools, low crime rates and incredible outdoor amenities. However, the City lacks adequate public transportation infrastructure to connect the City and Region's major destination points. In order to attract the jobs of the future so many high school graduates are looking for, the City must offer the lifestyle choices employers and young professionals are looking for. His generation does not view mass transit as luxury, rather a necessity. He encourages the City begin to connect the Strategic Growth Areas and take advantage of the money the State Government has dedicated. Jesse Welsch, 1 Columbus Suite 611, 490-7810, is the Vice President of CBDX, as well as the recently formed Light Rail Subcommittee. He volunteers time and donates money to various organizations throughout the Region. He is in support of Light Rail and views the expansion as an investment opportunity to help the economic growth of the City. A recent study using "real concrete numbers" revealed that public transit systems can be valued annually from $1.5-Million to $1.8-Billion, depending on the size of the City. Jeanne Evans-Cox, 1 Columbus Suite 611, 490-7810, is the Executive Director of Central Business District Association, which represents over 150 businesses. CBDA supports Light Rail funding in the proposed budget. The CBDA has been preparing for this for years as every dollar spent on public transportation generates $4.00 in economic return. Light Rail has transformed entire communities by connecting people,places and things. Many communities hesitated but the City has vision, as evidenced time and time again. The State Funds is a "once in a lifetime opportunity" and the City must take the opportunity and move forward to invest in the City's future. Joasch Schulman, 1 Columbus Suite 611, 490-7810, is the President of CBDX, City resident and business owner. He understands that investing in the future is sometimes hard to do because reward cannot be seen; however, it is the right thing. Light Rail is the first step in moving the City forward. Burrell Saunders, 1 Columbus Suite 611, 490-7810, did not respond John Malbon, 1 Columbus Suite 611, 490-7810, is the Co-Chair of Envision Virginia Beach 2040, a Committee appointed by the Mayor in 2011, which supports the extension of Light Rail. The thirteen (13) member committee spent sixteen months and received over 55 presentations to help us better understand where we are today and understand the trends that will impact the future. The Committee identified four (4) bold steps, one of which was transportation, focusing on multi-mobile means to connect the neighborhoods throughout the City. Without implementation of a multi-mobile transportation system, Vision 2040 becomes dysfunctional. Light Rail is not about today but investing in the future in making the City the most livable coastal community in the world. Nancy Creech, 265 Kings Grant Road, 498-0215, stated the reduced state funding and mandates over the past five (5)years have shifted more than $ 91-Million a year to be absorbed by the City. Citizens are fortunate to live in a City with wonderful schools and a low crime rate but these things cost money. Just as the cost of living has increased for citizens, so have the costs for the City. She believes financial management and leadership provided by the City Council in which makes our City great. Ms. Creech advised she is 84 and admits she will most likely never ride the Light Rail to Town Center but this is being built for the future. Chuck Mobus, 872 Old Cutler Road, 431-8888, has been a small business owner in the City for the past 27 years. Everyone's life changed greatly during the Recession and businesses suffered. Beginning in 2010, the "great fee suction" began for City residents. The garbage fee started at$10 and the very next year doubled. Next, businesses were charged$50 for the mandatory annual Fire Department inspection and then forced to obtain a Second-Hand Dealer's License, a fee of$50 that then doubled and is now $115.00. And, now the City is asking for more tax dollars to pay for Light Rail and the Arena. He is baffled that the City Manager makes more than the Secretary of the State. April 28, 2015 - 6 - Jack Bray, 708 Drift Tide Drive, 578-7207, expressed his appreciation to City Council for their work. He is a business owner and his goal is to decrease his budget by 5-12%each year. He requested the City to ask each department do the same. If the City would do this, the tax rate increase will not be needed. Anthony Dimiceli, 872 Daimler Drive, 943-0278, is requesting the park grass be cut more often as there are times that it goes for as long as 21 days before being cut. He feels this is a basic service. David Bickford, 1 Columbus Suite 611, 490-7810, is a Board Member of CBDX and Cypress Point resident. He feels Norfolk messed up fifty years ago by not taking the opportunity to have a major airport and the airport was built in Charlotte. We all know Charlotte is a thriving City with a ton of jobs. The City used to not have a "downtown" and now there is Town Center. Light Rail must come to Town Center, at a minimum. Town Center has created 6,000 jobs and is one of the highest economic drivers in the City. Allison Welsch, 1 Columbus Suite 611, 490-7810, is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Town Center and supports extension of Light Rail. She is also a Board Member of CBDA and Executive Member of CBDX The tenants express overwhelming support for Light Rail to Town Center. A Regional Transit System is important to the future of the City. James Veckkstedt, 9543 Capital Avenue, is a retired State Employee and expressed concern over Light Rail. Brock Andrew, 349 E. Chickasaw Avenue, is against any Tax Increase for Light Rail or the Arena. He feels citizens just do not have the excess money to afford the increase. He has heard employees ask for a 5%raise and he does not feel the raise is warranted. James Sherlock, 1245 E. Bay Shore Drive, is a long time resident of the City and a retired Naval Officer. The City needs to raise taxes just to do some things that need to be done, including pay raises. However, he opposes Light Rail and does not see any economic return for investment. In his opinion, it just does not look like a good investment. Nancy Craft, 3112 New Bridge Road, supports the extension of Light Rail, as transportation has been a major issue for the City and the Region for a long time. The State has dedicated funding and feels the City should take advantage of that funding and move this project forward. Julie Gifford, 805 Costa Grande Drive, expressed her support for the Budget and Salary Increases. Hampton Roads ranks 40" out of 43 for public transportation offerings and we must improve our public transportation system. Margaret McCabe, 521 King Richard Drive, encourages the City Council to continue to plan for the future and she supports the extension of Light Rail. Nancy Hess, 2801 Wakehurst Court, did not answer. Stephen Johnston, 2316 Enchanted Forest Lane, is opposed to the proposal to increase water fees. The increase will negatively affect developments. The City is considering a major investment in Light Rail and Mass Transit, with the intent to encourage high-density development. The City will be facing challenges such as the Military downsizing and private-sector companies leaving the area. Now is not the time to increase water fees and other taxes. Philip Russo, 5336 Reasor Court, expressed his appreciation to City Council for their work. He advised it is cheaper for him to ride Light Rail into Norfolk and much more convenient than paying for parking fees. He sees many young adults on Light Rail going to Norfolk State or TCC to extend their education. Everyone knows transportation systems and roads pay for themselves and we must connect our Region. April 28, 2015 - 7 - George Pilgrim 2200 Zia Drive, Phone: 301-3329, requested the City Council consider taxing owners of recreational motor boats. The dredging expenses to keep waterways navigable for boat traffic should not fall on citizens but the boat owners using the waterways. Lewie Gayton, 3356 Glen Eden Quay, advised the Transit Study is not complete and only a preliminary cost estimate is available, at$327-Million for three miles. The State funding is not yet approved. It is not appropriate to approve funds in the City's Budget for a project that is not even approved. Robyn Gayer, spoke in support of Light Rail and encouraged the City to also look at High Speed Rail. Debra Grant, spoke in support of the City Budget and the extension of Light Rail. This Budget includes the vision for the community, safety, investment, education and concerns for local economic growth with transit oriented development to offer sustainability for the City. She uses public transportation and it is in need of improvement. John Eason, opposes funds budgeted for Light Rail. He feels the project is nothing more than a "nice-to- have"and opposes any tax rate increase. He feels it is time for the City and Schools to follow the lead of home owners and reduce their budget. Leslee Jones, 1996 Blue Knob Road, is a long-time resident of the City and she expressed concern over the real estate tax increase. With the constantly rising taxes and stormwater fees, her family cannot afford the increases on their fixed income. She feels Light Rail costs are just too much and questions why the City would approve funding for a project that is not even approved. Will Christopher, 409 Duke Street, spoke in support of Light Rail. He feels it is fair to presume the City understands, learning from Norfolk, 7.94 is not a sustainable business model for Light Rail. The development will provide additional taxes to help off-set salaries for City employees. The SGAs are designed for Light Rail. He asked the City to continue moving forward as this will have a ripple effect throughout the State and nation. Jeremy Johnson, 2260 Chadwick Drive,feels the proposed Budget reflects a lot of good happening in the City and commends the City Manager and Council Members for their vision. The City's economy is pretty good and other cities would love to fight our battles. All in all, the City is doing a good job and the budget supports doing better. Michael Bedell, 2013 Mill Landing Road, advised his Real Estate Assessment increased by $12,000. He questioned if the increase coincides with the increase in Real Estate Tax Rate. He is a School Teacher and does not feel Light Rail or the Arena will be good for the economic growth of the area. Dave Squires, 4825 Lookout Road, is a 23- year City Employee and his wife is School Teacher. He requested City Council invest in the City by investing in employees. Supporting raises will help in recruiting and retaining the great workforce. The City employees work product directly impacts prosperity of the City and many view their job as career which truly makes the City "our community for a lifetime". Patricia Steely, 4027 Timber Ridge Drive, spoke in support of Light Rail, representing the Hampton Roads Realtor's Association. Since 1987, the 3,200 Members of the Association have supported Light Rail. Light Rail is one of most important components of our transportation system. Diana Howard, 1057 Debaca Court,feels investing is wrong word since there is no return on investment. Light Rail will not reduce congestion and will not guarantee economic development. She does not support a Real Estate Tax Increase when the assessments just increased. By removing Light Rail from the Budget will take away the need for the tax increase out. April 28, 2015 - 8 - Tim McCarthy, 3845 Prince Philips Court, spoke in support of the Real Estate Tax Increase for a pay raise for City and School employees and to continue the Light Rail Study. 65%of Registered Voters with 91 precincts voted in support of the Light Rail Referendum. Empsy Munden, advised Shore Drive residents would like to have bike paths extended and is looking forward to trolley's instead of Light Rail. She also suggested the City follow Chesapeake to create a pharmacy for City employees. Chesapeake saves several million dollars a year. Ms. Munden opposes the stormwater fee increases. Barbara Powell, 1089 Sandy Narrows Court, is a Special Education Teacher's Assistant, the Treasurer of the Virginia Beach Education Association and serves on the Board of the Virginia Education's Association. She spoke in support of the Real Estate Tax Increase for the City and School employees raises. She stated the proposed raise will be a "real" 4%pay increase. She attended Lobby Day in Richmond and shared her story with Senator Mc Waters and his response was she was `practically a volunteer". Bob Tyrrell, 213 60th Street, spoke in opposition to the Real Estate Tax Increase and Light Rail. At a minimum, the City should wait until the design is at 30%and Federal and State funding approved before considering moving this project forward. The technology is advancing quickly and there may be something on the brink of development to better suit the City. Light Rail will not reduce congestion and will require new overpasses. John Kuchtavr, 1132 Little Neck Road, is a long-time resident of the City and he feels it is outrageous the City is considering a $300-Million project while the Federal Government has open investigations. The Department of Defense has identified the City as a target for Isis Militant attacks and the City needs to invest money into protecting the citizens and current infrastructure. John Fenter, 909 W. Ferry Plantation Road, spoke in opposition of the current proposed Budget, Light Rail and the Arena. The City has enough problems with the current state of services with police,fire, teachers, etc., and cannot afford these major projects. The maintenance for Light Rail will only increase and will never be an economic driver for the City. Bill Bailey, 211 24`'" Street, is the President of Virginia Beach Firefighters and supports pay raises for employees. He feels revenue is needed in order to grow the City and if the Real Estate Tax Increase is what it takes, he supports it. Loretta Scott, 633 Crowsnet Court, spoke in support of Light Rail and the funding necessary. She stated she relies on public transportation and the money promised by the State will help improve the bus services offered in the City. Joseph Marrazzo, advised his primary means of transportation is the Hampton Roads Bus Transit. He understands Light Rail is expensive and admits he is nervous about the cost; however, he feels it will greatly increase the quality of life for many citizens. James Cabiess, 3442 Wattban Circle, -did not answer William Nater, -did not answer Eric Olson 2629 Bombay Landing, spoke in opposition to Light Rail as it will serve very few people. Light Rail will further congest traffic and make it more difficult for citizens to get around the City. Wallace Harrison, 3683 Hillbreeze Road, advised while Light Rail projected costs are high, he supports the Project. He feels Public Transportation Projects should not be required to make money or even break even. April 28, 2015 - 9 - Petey Browder, 1204 Shawn Drive, advised the demand for services is growing 70%faster than the population is growing. The Tourist Investment Program takes business from local companies and she does not feel the City needs a TIP Fund. Waverly Woods, 2453 Haversham Close, Chair of Hampton Roads Tea Party, and advised the City Council to stop wasting tax dollars and live within the City's means,just like everyone else does. She feels Special Interests Groups profit from the City's decisions and not the citizens. Tax Dollars need to be spent on priorities. Bruce Williams, 1068 Meadow Crane Trail, spoke in support of Light Rail. He stated he has lived all over the Country and knows the benefit of a connected Public Transit System. Steve Stanley, spoke in support of Light Rail and encourages the City to include the funding in the proposed Budget. The City will greatly loose if this project does not move forward. There being no further speakers,Mayor Sessoms CLOSED THE PUBIC HEARING. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Sessoms DECLARED the City Council Meeting ADJOURNED at 8:39 P.M. Ilioteh Amanda Finley-Ba nes, CMC Chief Deputy City Clerk R h Hodges Fraser, MMC William D. Sessoms, Jr. City Clerk Mayor City of Virginia Beach Virginia April28, 2015