APRIL 23, 2015 SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH
"COMMUNITY FOR A LIFETIME"
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MAYOR WILLIAM D.SESSOMS,JR.,At Large U `j �, 9
VICE MAYOR LOUIS R.JONES,Bayside-District 4 ��� „
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ROBERT M DYER,Centerville-Dish ict I a
BARBARA M.HENLEY,Princess Anne-District 7 7`*r°F o
SHANNON DS KANE,Rose Hall-District 3 °UR
BRAD MARTIN,P.E.,At Large
JOHN D.MOSS,At Large
AMELIA ROSS-HAMMOND,Kempsville-District 2
JOHN E.UHRIN,Beach-District 6
ROSEMARY WILSON,At Large
JAMES L. WOOD,Lvnnhaven-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
CITY ATTORNEY- MARK D.STILES FAX(757)385-5669
CITY ASSESSOR-JERALD D.BANAGAN E-MAIL:ctycncl@vbgov.com
CITY AUDITOR- LYNDON S.REMIAS
CITY CLERK- RUTH HODGES FRASER,MMC
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
23 APRIL 2015
MAYOR WILLIAM D. SESSOMS,JR.
PRESIDING
SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION
GREEN RUN HIGH SCHOOL
6:00 PM
L PUBLIC HEARING
A. FY2015-2016 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN (Budget)
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9 OF OUR WO
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MINUTES
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL
Virginia Beach,Virginia
April 23, 2015
Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., called to order the Virginia Beach City Council's SPECIAL FORMAL
SESSION and PUBLIC HEARING, at Green Run High School, on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at 6:00
P.M.
Council Members Present:
M. Benjamin Davenport, Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, Vice
Mayor Louis R. Jones, John D. Moss, Amelia N. Ross-Hammond,
Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., Rosemary Wilson, James L. Wood and
John E. Uhrin
Council Members Absent:
Shannon DS Kane death in family
April 23, 2015
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MAYOR'S CALL FOR
FORMAL SESSION
Mayor Sessoms read the Mayor's Call for Special Formal Session and Public Hearing:
April 16, 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, Thursday, April 23, 2015 at
Green Run High School.
The purpose of this SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION is to
conduct a PUBLIC HEARING on the FY2015-2016 Resource
Management Plan, including proposed tax increases in "Real Estate",
"Cigarettes", "Flat Tax on Transients Obtaining Lodging" and a
"Motor Vehicle License Fee Increase".
We have scheduled Green Run High School to provide citizens a
convenient location with adequate seating to express their concerns on
the proposed FY2015—2016 Budget.
Sincerely,
William D. Sessoms, Jr.
Mayor"
April 23, 2015
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Mayor Sessoms DECLARED A PUBLIC HEARING:
The following registered to speak:
Bobby Melatti advised citizens they should have faith in the competency of City and School employees
and they should be compensated as such. The City has invested `millions of dollars in employees
training. Whether written or assumed, the City made a deal with each employee if they did their job they
would be taken care of in a manner of fairness. We all know public employees never expect to get rich.
The City is obligated to compensate the City and School employees and should do so.
George Pilgrim, 2200 Zia Drive, Phone: 301-3329, did not respond.
Trenace Riggs, 3608 Brannon Drive, Phone: 403-3573, President of the Virginia Beach Education
Association, advised she joined nearly 2,000 concerned teachers, parents and students in Richmond this
past Saturday sending a message to the General Assembly to put the "Kids First". Locally, we must also
put the children first by protecting the quality and reputation of the Schools. The Budget does not come
close to making up the difference the City has lost in State funding. The loss offunding from the State has
forced the School Board to make cuts and increase class sizes to balance the Budget. Teachers are taking
home less money than they did six (6)years ago. The City has a great reputation across the Nation and
we must maintain this reputation by hiring and maintaining the highest and best.
William Bailey, 211 24th Street, Phone: 288-5761, the President of Virginia Beach Professional
Firefighters, requested City Council provide employees with a 5%pay increase. Compression continues
to be an issue and Mr. Spore advised it will take $43-Million to fix the compression issue. Without the
employees, the City is not going to continue to be the greatest city in the world.
Stephen Johnston, 2316 Enchanted Forest Lane, Phone: 468-1474, spoke on behalf of the citizens that
cannot attend because they are forced to work two jobs just to pay bills and for those that cannot afford
another tax increase. You propose to raise taxes for light rail and the arena but you have not approved
either of these projects. What happens if the projects are not approved? Will the City refund the money
collected or find another project? The City has the highest number of foreclosures in the State. The Navy
has announced the relocation of aircraft carriers and this will be devastating to the local economy. The
State of the Region Report stated people that have lived in the City more than three (3)years are leaving
looking for better jobs. Citizens have seen their take home pay reduced with increases in health care
costs.
Kelly Kinnear, 704 Deer Lake Drive, Phone: 576-7040, President of Virginia Beach Council of PTA, the
largest PTA Council's in the State. Part of the responsibility of the PTA is to speak on behalf of all
children and youth to governmental bodies. The Virginia PTA has partnered with the Virginia
Educator's Association and launched a campaign "To Put Kids First" and they are very excited to be
partnering with this great Association. The campaign mobilized `thousands of Virginians to demand the
elected leaders place the needs of the children first. She believes education is a #1 priority and
recognizes the struggles the School System faces on a daily basis. Virginia is the 9th wealthiest state in
the country and yet schools are severely under funded.
Barbara Powell, 1089 Sandy Narrows Court, 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, 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".
April 23, 2015
I i
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Kelly Walker, 5902 Atlantic Avenue, Phone: 560-5417, advised she has been a Teacher for over 23 years
and currently teaches Political Science at Tallwood High School. The cuts in funding have had a
negative impact on teachers and students. She takes home less pay today compared to last year at this
time. Teachers are over-worked and students loose. She expressed concern regarding the lack offunding
and the negative impact it is having on the teaching profession. The lack of competitive pay in Virginia
Beach is causing teachers to seek employment in other localities. If the City wants to maintain a top-
notch school system, then City Council must invest in employee pay raises.
Dane Blythe, 2004 Oakleaf Lane, Phone: 537-1700, serves on the Budget Committee for the Virginia
Beach Taxpayers Alliance and they feel there is no need for a tax increase this year. The Committee feels
citizens are over-taxed and Virginian's actually work the first 116 days just to pay taxes. Over the past
seven (7)years, Beach families have lost over$7,000 in purchasing power. City services bills continue to
increase. This year the Real Estate Tax Increases will further negatively affect Beach families. He
recommends the City Council pass a Budget with no tax increase and removes the Light Rail Project.
Neal Jefferies, 5440 Stewart Drive, Phone: 353-1528, advised he recently wrote a letter to the Editor of
the Virginian Pilot entitled "People, Not Things". The City needs to invest in the employees and not the
3 projects totaling over $320-Million. Government is mandated to use tax dollars wisely and investment
in employees is the investment that is desperately needed.
Paul Simmons, 5020 Cliffony Drive, Phone: 474-3058, spoke in opposition of Light Rail as the Tide has
been a failure. The City should invest in the employees and improving Roads. He feels 4 years is far too
long to be working on the intersection at Witchduck Road. Any money spent on Light Rail is simply
wasted.
Leslee Jones, 1996 Blue Knob Road, a long-time resident of the City, 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.
Kathryn Oran, 2461 Kerr Road, Phone: 426-9024—did not respond
Karen Nuszkiewicz, 1000 Fireside Lane, Phone: 424-5657, expressed her frustration with the City
Council as she had hoped common sense would prevail regarding the Light Rail Project. She requested
the City Council ask the same questions she asks herself when considering a major purchase for her
family. The City cannot afford and does not need Light Rail, as only 1%of our residents will use it. She
requested City Council to do what is best for the City.
Carolyn Walker, 500 Britmore Drive, advised she is a Senior Citizen trying not to outlive her savings.
Her public utility bill has gone up $30 since December. She requested the City Council to do what is
right for the residents and stop spending so much money.
Tim Riley, 2012 Tuckahoe Court, Phone: 576-3319, a long employee and resident, requested the City
Council reinstate Merit Increases. Every year employees come to the Budget Hearings and request pay
increases and he feels it would be more beneficial for the City to simply budget and adhere to Pay Plans.
He requested City Council reinstate Tuition Reimbursement.
Demetraus Brooks, 1457 Sangaree Circle, Phone: 477-8106, requested raises for City employees. He
expressed frustration regarding the increases in taxes and fees. The City receives a tremendous amount
of tax revenue and he questioned where their priorities are.
April 23, 2015
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Joseph G. Brady, 2312 Enchanted Forest Lane, Phone: 430-3803, advised he loves the beautiful City in
which he lives but he is frustrated at the increases in taxes and fees. He encouraged the City Council to
listen to the citizens and do what is right.
Theresa Brown, Phone: 495-4515, spoke in opposition of Light Rail because it will not reduce congestion
or be an Economic Driver for the City. The referendum was to "study", not approve.
Will Christopher, 409 Duke Street, Phone: 971-3263, spoke in support of Light Rail. He feels it is fair to
presume the City understands, learning from Norfolk, that 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 and asks the City continue moving forward, as this will have a ripple
effect throughout the State and nation.
Robyn Gayer, 308 Fairfax Avenue, Phone: 624-2618, spoke in support of Light Rail and encouraged the
City to also look at High Speed Rail. The City must make the right decision because not doing so will
have negative impacts for years and years to come.
Robert Dean, 1204 Shawn Drive, Phone: 427-6606, stated he will no longer waste his time sharing his
concerns regarding the increasing Budget, as evidence in years past, those concerns fell on deaf ears. He
advised the first priority is the taxpayers of the City and it is obvious that is not where City Council's
priority lies. The City Council should have ordered the City Manager to present a tax and fee neutral
budget. The City Council should consider each citizen and not just the special interest groups or those
making large donations to campaign funds. City Council and School Board Members use "scare tactics"
threatening to loose public safety employees and teachers. He advised he has been studying Light Rail
since 1988 and continues to come up with the same conclusion.
Tom Viele, 3651 Dupont Circle, Phone: 714-5075, advised he is continuing on with Mr. Dean's speech.
He asked how many of the City Council Members have even looked at the proposed Budget. Light Rail
will not reduce traffic congestion. The deadline for public comment is May 5`/I and you are going to make
a decision without even considering the public's input. Mr. Viele expressed frustration over the increase
in the water bill.
Marlayne Castelluzzo, 5189 Stratford Drive, Phone: 474-4346, the Chair of the Virginia Beach
Taxpayer's Alliance, advised she recently read comments from another organizational leader saying they
felt sorry for City Council having to listen to the same organizations and citizens time and time again.
She, on the other hand,feels sorry for the organizations and the citizens who come and remind the City
Council of the real priorities. By removing Light Rail funding from the Budget, there would not be a need
for a tax increase. She encouraged City Council to vote accordingly.
Reid Greenmun, 2405 Cliff Cutter Drive, Phone: 426-5589, spoke in opposition of Light Rail as it will not
be an Economic Driver for the City. He stated the City Council Members are not leaders, but rather
representatives of the citizens. The costs for Hampton Roads Transit to operate busses is far less than the
costs associated with operating Light Rail.
Frank Papein, 4008 Rumford Lane, Phone: 498-4878, advised he has attended these meetings for the past
thirty (30) years and continues to hear the increase in taxes is necessary to continue the services the
citizens'demand.
Carl Wright, 1144 Mondrian Loop, requested the City include funds in the Budget for body cameras for
the Police Officers.
Kathryn Oran, spoke in opposition of Light Rail and reminded City Council they work for the citizens and
the citizens do not want Light Rail.
April 23, 2015
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Jeff Brown, 4405 Hudgins Drive, Phone: 464-0183, suggested the Police Department become vigilant in
issuing tickets for littering and put the fines into a special fund. The outcome would help the environment
and create revenue to provide raises for City employees.
Dianna Howard, 1057 Debaca Court, Phone: 721-5128, Vice-Chair of the Hampton Roads Tea Party,
stated the citizens are taxed enough and cannot afford any additional taxes. She comes every year and
says the same thing over and over, yet taxes are still raised each year. She also spoke in opposition of
Light Rail
Venus Marshall, 5354 Leicester Court, Phone: 490-2352, requested the City Council not increase any
taxes or fees.
There being no further speakers,Mayor Sessoms CLOSED THE PUBIC HEARING.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Sessoms DECLARED the City Council Meeting ADJOURNED at 7:39 P.M.
' J
anda Finley-Ba es, C
Chief Deputy City Clerk
/
Ru - :es Fraser,MMC William D. Sessoms,Jr.
City Clerk Mayor
City of Virginia Beach
Virginia
April23, 2015