APRIL 26, 2016 MINUTES SPECIAL SESSION !II I
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MINUTES
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL
Virginia Beach, Virginia
April 26, 2016
Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., called to order the Virginia Beach City Council's SPECIAL FORMAL
SESSION and PUBLIC HEARING in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, on Tuesday, April 26, 2016,
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, Amelia N. Ross-Hammond,
Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., Rosemary Wilson, James L. Wood and
John E. Uhrin
Council Members Absent:
John D. Moss
April 26, 2016
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MAYOR'S CALL FOR
FORMAL SESSION
Mayor Sessoms read the Mayor's Call for Special Formal Session and Public Hearing:
March 11, 2016
"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:
Thursday,April 26, 2016, 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 proposed Real Property
Tax Rate caused by the increase in Annual Assessments.
Sincerely,
William D. Sessoms, Jr.
Mayor"
•
Mayor Sessoms read the letter signed by himself and Vice Mayor Jones re FY2016-17 Operating
Budget and Capital Improvement Program Reconciliation.
April 26, 2016
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WILLIAM D.SESSOMS,JR. 11 March 2016 MUNICIPAL CENTER
MAYOR BUILDING 1
2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE
VIRGINIA BEACH,VA 23456-9000
(757)385-4581
FAX(757)385-5699
wsessoms@vbgov.com
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:
Tuesday,April 26, 2016, 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 proposed Real Property Tax Rate caused by the
increase in Annual Assessments.
Sincerely,
William D. Sesso , Jr.
Cc: City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
City Auditor
Deputy City Managers
Director—Management Services
MultiMedia Services
Media and Communications
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WILLIAM D.SESSOMS,JR. WINICIPAL CENTER
MAYOR BUILDING 1
2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE
VIRGINIA BEACH,VA 23456-9000
(757)385-4581
FAX(757)4265699
April 26, 2016 WSESSOMS®VBGW.COM
Members of City Council
Subject: FY 2016-17 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program Reconciliation
Dear City Council Members:
After lengthy discussions with you and listening to the public input at the various public meetings,
town halls, public hearings and via email, we would like to recommend adopting the Operating
Budget and CIP with the following adjustments:
1. For our dedicated city and school employees, we suggest two changes from the Proposed
Operating Budget:
a. For school employees, leadership from both the Schools and City have developed a plan to
bring school employees' pay increase up to 3.34%,which is comparable to city employees.
This is possible as a result of additional funding through the City/Schools Revenue Sharing
Formula($1,280,440) and additional State revenue of$1,204,913 million.
b. For city employees, $850,000 is set aside to address vertical salary compression which
exists when subordinates make more money than the supervisor. This is the first year of a
two year phase-in.
2. Provide $362,877 for 4 career medics citywide.
3. Provide $302,294 for 4 fire fighters to the Creeds and Blackwater areas of the city.
4. $40,000 for additional Emergency Medical Technician Training with supplies and equipment.
5. Provide $302,294 for 4 additional firefighters at Little Neck Station 20 to complete four men
on a truck staffing of single apparatus stations.
Reconciliation of the FY 2015-16 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program
April 26, 2015
Page 2
6. Restore city funding at FY 2016 levels for the Atlantic Waterfowl Museum ($13,033) and for
the Lifesaving Museum ($14,908).
7. Restore $165,721 to maintain the hours of the City owned historic homes and historic
preservation efforts. (includes restoration of 2.47 FTEs)
8. Increase the funding for the Arts and Humanities Commission by $25,000 to address the
increased demand for art grants through that program.
9. Restore library books and materials to its FY 2016 level ($105,651).
10. Provide $20,000 to the Parks and Recreation Foundation as a grant for the Student on the
Swim program to match the School System's $20,000.
11. Provide a $50,000 grant to the Feed the Kids program.
12. Provide a$75,000 feasibility study grant for the African American Cultural Center.
13. Provide a $12,000 grant to the Men of Faith Program.
14. Increase funding by $372,657 for the Planning Department to hire 2 new HVAC Inspectors
with vehicles and 2 new Development Project Liaisons to help citizens and businesses
navigate the development and permitting processes.
15. Create a CIP project 3-115 "Judicial Center Maintenance" to address maintenance needs of
the Judicial Center supported by a $2 increase in the Courthouse Maintenance Fee assessed
for each civil action filed in court ($254,678).
16. Reduce the Residential Parking Fee for employees from $20 a month to $10 a month per City
Council action in April (revenue decrease of $91,438) and offset the loss of revenue by
lowering a parking maintenance reserve and the professional services account.
17. In addition to the funding sources identified in specific appropriation adjustments above, the
following funding sources have been identified to offset the appropriations above:
a. After review of the State's estimate for this revenue as well as recent trends,we recommend
increasing the estimate of General Sales by$1,513,166.
b. Based on final General Assembly action, increase 599 State Aid to Localities with Police
Departments by$346,031.
Reconciliation of the FY 2015-16 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program
April 26, 2015
Page 2
c. Reduce funding to the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance by $28,431 per
the revised agreement with this agency.
d. Redirect the $1 million reserve set aside to address changes as a result of the State budget
mainly for final numbers associated with the City/Schools Revenue Sharing Formula.
e. Reduce General Fund Reserve for Contingencies by $824,680 and various department
overtime accounts by$279,567.
The details for the funding sources and the adjustments are identified on the attachment. Please
note that staff is still working with Schools to determine final category adjustments based on our
recommendations above.
We want to thank the public who came out to the various town hall meetings and public hearings
to offer their comments on the FY 2016-17 Operating Budget and CIP as well as staff for their
efforts to provide answers to our various questions. If you have any questions, please contact us
directly.
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Sincerely,
4 4 1 Whoti1 k
hilly
William D. Sessoms,Jr., Mayor Louis R. Jones, a Mayor
Attachment
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CITY
Revenue Appropriations
1 HREDA reduction $ (28,431)
2 Fund 4 Paramedics citywide $ 362,877
3 Provide 4 firefighters at Creeds and Blackwater $ 302,294
4 Fund 4 Fire Fighters for Company 20 Little Neck $ 302,294
5 Provide 2 Permits and Inspections HVAC Inspectors(and vehicles) $ 166,287
6 Provide 2 Development Services Center Project Liasons $ 206,370
7 First of Two Years for City Vertical Compression $ 850,000
8 Restore Libraries Books and Materials $ 105,651
9 Restore Funding for Atlantic Wildfowl Museum $ 13,033
10 Restore Funding for Lifesaving Museum $ 14,908
11 Restore Hours for City Owned Historic Homes and Historic Preservation(2.47 FTEs) $ 165,721
12 Provide a grant for Students on the Swim to be matched by School System $ 20,000
13 Provide a grant to Feed the Kids $ 50,000
14 Provide a Grant to the African American Cultural Center $ 75,000
15 Provide a Grant to the Men of Faith Program $ 12,000
16 Increase Arts and Humanities Funding $ 25,000
17 Increased Training for EMTs $ 40,000
18 Eliminate Reserve for State Budget Reconciliation $ (1,000,000)
19 Increase Estimate for General Sales $ 1,513,166
20 Increase Estimate for State 599 Funding $ 346,031
21 Transfer Final School Funding Formula $ 1,280,440
22 Increase Estimate for Courthouse Maintenance Fee by$2 per Civil Charge $ 254,678
23 Transfer Courthouse Fees to CIP 3-115"Judicial Center Maintenance" $ 254,678
24 Residential Parking Permit Reduction($20 to$10 a month) $ (91,438)
25 Reduce Parking Maintenace Reserve($29,497)and Professional Services($61,941) $ (91,438)
26 Reduce General Fund Reserves for Contingencies to FY 2016 level of funding $ (824,680)
27 Reduce Overtime $ (279,567)
Total Change in City Budget $ 2,022,437 $ 2,022,437
SCHOOLS
Revenue Appropriations
27 Schools•Transfer from School Funding Formula $ 1,280,440
28 Increase Compensation to 3.34% $ 2,485,353
29 Increase State Revenue $ 1,204,913
30 Fund Balance School Textbook Fund $ 776
31 Increase Appropriations School Textbook Fund $ 776
Total Change in Schools Budget $ 2,486,129 $ 2,486,129
III I I
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Mayor Sessoms DECLARED A PUBLIC HEARING:
The following registered to speak:
Terry Jenkins advised she is the Chair for the Community Organization Grant (COG) Committee. The
Committee takes public resources and provides Grants to non-profit organizations to offer assistance to
Citizens. She expressed her appreciation to the City Council for their continued support of this wonderful
program that allows many Citizens to receive City supported financial assistance desperately needed.
Geante Bonner is a Volunteer of the Teen Advisory Group (TAG) through the Library. The Library
allows residents a place for study and relaxation. She is homeschooled and utilizes the Library weekly.
TAG has helped her to understand the importance of work ethic.
Sybil Mays, 2952 Einstein Drive, Phone: 646-0221, expressed her appreciation to the City Council for
reinstatement of the funds to the Library. She — wonderful letter and offer appreciation restore funds to
library; appreciate support and library works very hard;
Al Henley expressed his appreciation to the City Council for the restoration of funds for the de Witt
Cottage and all of the hard work and dedication to the City.
Jean Gulick, 1533 Seabreeze Trial, Phone: 486-7230, advised she retired after 30 years of teaching in the
School System and requested the City Council consider funding for the renaming of the Lesner Bridge for
Admiral de Grasse. This would give recognition to a hero of the American Revolution and he was a key
figure in the Victory of the Battle of the Capes.
Petey Browder—did not respond to the call to speak.
Johnnie Miller represented the Council of Garden Clubs and expressed appreciation to the City Council
for the restoration offunds to the Historic Houses and Preservation.
Dr. Rick Klobuchar, advised he is the President of the Friends of the Historic Houses and expressed his
appreciation to the City Council for the restoration offunds for the Historic Houses and Preservation.
Jennifer Carson, 2512 George Mason Drive, Phone: 263-1461, advised she is a World Languages
Educator. Ms. Carson requested the City Council consider funding the renaming of the Lesner Bridge to
commemorate the influential historical figure Admiral de Grasse. Admiral de Grasse's fleet was
anchored in the Lynnhaven Bay, right by the bridge, during the two (2) month blockade of the
Chesapeake Bay during the Battle of the Capes. This considered to be both the most important Naval
battle of the 181" century yet one of the least known battles in history. Renaming the bridge to recognize
Admiral de Grasse's contribution to our freedom would serve as a constant reminder of the enduring
consequences of his bravery and steadfast defense of our values.
Eric Guran, 2245 Wild Oak Crescent, Phone: 502-5592, stated he is a thirty-eight (38) year resident of
the City and requested the City Council set aside funds for the naming of new Lesner Bridge in honor of
Admiral de Grasse.
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 he boat owners using the waterways.
Karen Joynt, 4000 Thoroughgood Drive, Phone: 963-0960, requested the City Council consider
renaming the Lesner Bridge to honor Admiral de Grosse.
April 26, 2016
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Kenny Golden, Chairman of the Virginia Beach Tea Party. During the many times he has appeared
before the City Council, there has always been a level of civility and respect, even when we disagree. Mr.
Golden appreciates the Mayor's patience while sitting and listening to speakers say some unkind things.
He received a call this past week informing him a Member of the City Council spoke dis-respectively
about a member of the Tea Party. Mr. Golden advised that is not acceptable. Civil discourse goes both
ways. He requested a public apology from the City Councilman that showed such disrespect to Ms.
Howard and Browder.
Ken Chord stated the idea that the Tax Rate is not going to increase is a bold face lie. He questioned the
honesty of the City Manager. The assessments are increasing and so the Citizens will pay more taxes.
Councilman Davenport has stated the City needs to increase population in order to continue to grow the
economic base.
Diana Howard , Vice Chair of the Virginia Beach Tea Party, was recently meeting with some of the
senior population that expressed concern regarding the proposed increase to the Waste Management Fee
to $1.64 each month. Ms. Howard supports Councilman Moss' Revenue-Neutral Budget. The City has
$33.4-Million in the Multi-Modal fund and should use some of those funds to offset the proposed increase
to the Real Estate Tax.
Erica Waldron, 305 Oak Lett Drive, Phone: 567-686-6456, advised she is a stay-at-home Mom but
volunteers for EMS as a paramedic for the past three (3) years. I was told I have three (3) minutes to
speak and, while that does not seem long when preparing a speech, three (3) minutes feels like a lifetime
when sitting at home waiting for EMS to arrive. Ms. Waldron expressed her appreciation to the City
Council for their continued support.
Marlayne Castelluzzo, Chair of the Virginia Beach Taxpayer's Alliance, and apologized on behalf of the
organization for coming before the City Council year after year to confuse each of you with budgetary
facts, detailed data and fiscally sound plans of actions to fund the City Services instead of financing
private developments. The organization supports Councilman Moss'proposed Revenue-Neutral Budget.
They also oppose the request of the City Manager for the additional Deputy City Manager and Executive
Assistance.
There being no further speakers,Mayor Sessoms CLOSED THE PUBIC HEARING.
April26, 2016
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ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Sessoms DECLARED the City Council Meeting ADJOURNED at 6:41 P.M.
Amanda Finley-Barnes, MMC
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Ruth Hodges Fraser, MMC William D. Sessoms, Jr.
City Clerk Mayor
City of Virginia Beach
Virginia
April 26, 2016
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ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Sessoms DECLARED the City Council Meeting ADJOURNED at 6:41 P.M.
r.
manda Finley-Barnes, M
Chief Deputy City Clerk
th Hodges raser, MMC William D. Sessoms,Jr.
City Clerk Mayor
City of Virginia Beach
Virginia
April 26, 2016