MARCH 31, 2020 SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION MINUTES ior_ zss
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OF OUR atZ
VIRGINL4 BEACH CITY COUNCIL
Virginia Beach, Virginia
March 31, 2020
Mayor Dyer called to order the SPECIAL MEETING BY ELECTRONIC MEANS of the VIRGINL4
BEACH CITY COUNCIL on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at 6:00 P.M Mayor Dyer personally opened in
the City Council Chamber while all other members of City Council appeared electronically via WebEx.
Council Members Present:
Jessica P. Abbott, Michael F. Berlucchi, Mayor Robert M. Dyer,
Barbara M.Henley,Louis R.Jones,John D.Moss,Aaron R.Rouse, Guy
K. Tower, Rosemary Wilson, Vice Mayor James L. Wood and Sabrina
D. Wooten
Council Members Absent:
None
2
ITEM LA
MAYOR'S CALL FOR
SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION
ITEM#70173
Mayor Dyer read the Mayor's Call for the SPECIAL MEETING:
March 26, 2020
"HONORABLE MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
On March 12, 2020, Governor Northam declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19.
Because of the catastrophic nature of the declared emergency, it is impracticable and unsafe
to assemble a quorum of the City Council in a single location. In accordance with the
Virginia Beach City Code Section 2-21 and Virginia Code§2.2-3708.2(A)(3), and by the
authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Virginia Beach,I hereby call for a SPECIAL
MEETING BY ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION MEANS of the VIRGINIA BEACH
CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday,March 31, 2020
6:00 P.M.
In accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-3708.2(A)(3), this SPECIAL MEETING BY
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION MEANS will be held virtually with Council
Members participating via video/audio conference. The purpose of this Special Meeting is
for the City Council to CONSIDER four (4) items to address the COVID-19 Pandemic
Emergency, as listed in detail in the Special Meeting by Electronic Communication Means
Agenda.
This Special Meeting will be broadcast on cable, vbgov.com and Facebook Live. Citizens
are encouraged to submit their comments to the City Council prior to the Special Meeting
via email at CitvCouncilAvbgov.corn. Should a citizen wish to make comments during the
Special Meeting, staff will attempt to facilitate real-time citizen participation in the
Special Meeting for those citizens who register at
https://vbgov.webex.com/vbgov/onstage/g.php?MTID=e871 f2421 f8196abfb20bee4e6e94208f
In addition to registration, any citizen wishing to make comments during the Special
Meeting must also register with the City Clerk's Office by calling (757) 385-4303 or via
email at ABarnes@vbgov.com prior to 5:30 p.m., March 31, 2020.
Sincerely,
s/
Robert M. Dyer
Mayor"
Cc: City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Deputy City Managers
FOIA Officer
Communications Office
March 31, 2020
3
ITEM I.C.1
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
ITEM#70174
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council Member Jones, City Council ADOPTED
Ordinance to CONFIRM the Declaration of a Local Emergency re COVID-19 Pandemic
Voting: 11-0
Council Members Voting Aye:
Jessica P. Abbott, Michael F. Berlucchi, Mayor Robert M. Dyer,
Barbara M.Henley,Louis R.Jones,John D.Moss,Aaron R.Rouse, Guy
K. Tower, Rosemary Wilson, Vice Mayor James L. Wood and Sabrina
D. Wooten
Council Members Absent:
None
March 31, 2020
1 AN ORDINANCE CONFIRMING THE DECLARATION OF A
2 LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO COVID-19
3
4 WHEREAS, Virginia Code § 44-146.21 authorizes the local director of
5 emergency management to declare the existence of a local emergency, subject to
6 confirmation by the governing body; and
7
8 WHEREAS, in response to the imminent threat posed by COVID-19, Acting City
9 Manager Thomas M. Leahy issued a Declaration of Local Emergency on March 13,
10 2020, effective at 3:00 p.m.;
11
12 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
13 OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA:
14
15 That, pursuant to Virginia Code § 44-146.21, the City Council hereby confirms
16 the Declaration of Local Emergency issued on March 13, 2020, a copy of which is
17 attached hereto and incorporated by reference.
Adopted by the Council of the City of Virginia Beach on the 31 s t day of
March , 2020.
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: APPROVED AS TO LEGAL
SUFFICIENCY:
ilawtaal)14 i,tai'lo"d
City Manager's Office City Attorney's Office
CA15037
R-1
March 16, 2020
DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY
I, the undersigned, as Acting City Manager and Director of Emergency
Management for the City of Virginia Beach find the imminent threat posed by
COVID-19 to be of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant coordinated local
government action to better protect the health and safety of the City's residents and
visitors.
Therefore,pursuant to Code of Virginia §44-146.21,as amended, I hereby
declare the existence of a Local Emergency in the City of Virginia Beach beginning
March 13, 2020 at 1500 hours.
In accordance with this Declaration,the Office of Emergency Management
and all other appropriate City agencies are hereby vested with, and authorized to
carry out,all powers,duties,and functions prescribed by State and local laws,rules,
regulations,and plans as may be necessary to adequately and appropriately respond
to said Local Emergency.
lAal/P1 al)M ,,4g,i(
Thomas M. Leahy, Acting City Manager&
Director of Emergency Management
3 — / 3 - Zo2D
(Date)
4
ITEM I.C.2
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
ITEM#70175
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council Member Jones, City Council ADOPTED
Ordinance to ENSURE the Continuity of Government during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Voting: 11-0
Council Members Voting Aye:
Jessica P. Abbott, Michael F. Berlucchi, Mayor Robert M. Dyer,
Barbara M.Henley,Louis R.Jones,John D.Moss,Aaron R.Rouse, Guy
K. Tower, Rosemary Wilson, Vice Mayor James L. Wood and Sabrina
D. Wooten
Council Members Absent:
None
March 31, 2020
1 AN ORDINANCE TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF
2 GOVERNMENT DURING THE COVID-19 DISASTER
3
4 WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia,
5 in Executive Order Number Fifty-One, declared in response to the COVID-19 public
6 health emergency a state of emergency and disaster within the Commonwealth of
7 Virginia, in accordance with Virginia Code § 44-146.16;
8
9 WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the City Manager, as Director of Emergency
10 Management, declared a local emergency;
11
12 WHEREAS, the impacts to public health, the City's economy, and the operation of
13 the City government are likely to be protracted and could last several months;
14
15 WHEREAS, there are actions which must be taken by the City in the next several
16 months which will, by law, require the action of the City Council but may not be conducted
17 in a physical setting because of the COVID-19 Pandemic; and
18
19 WHEREAS, Virginia Code§ 15.2-1413 provides that"notwithstanding any contrary
20 provision of law, general or special, any locality, may, by ordinance, provide a method to
21 assure continuity in its government, in the event of an enemy attack or other disaster.
22 Such ordinance shall be limited in its effect to a period not exceeding six months after any
23 such enemy attack or disaster and shall provide for a method of resumption of normal
24 governmental authority by the end of the six-month period";
25
26 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
27 OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, THAT:
28
29 1. The City Council finds the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic is a disaster for
30 purposes of§ 15.2-1413 of the Code of Virginia.
31
32 2. The City Council will meet in person when practicable, but because of the
33 possible exposure of meeting participants to the COVID-19 virus, the Council
34 may meet electronically, subject to the following restrictions. Such electronic
35 meetings must be conducted in accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-
36 3708.2(A)(3), and the subject of such meetings may be only matters related to
37 the emergency or where a failure to act by the Council would result in
38 irrevocable public harm. Whether any particular action by the Council fits within
39 the description in the preceding sentence and the Virginia Code requirements
40 is a fact-specific determination to be made in consultation with the City
41 Attorney. Notices for such meetings shall be made on the City's website.
42 Meetings shall be conducted in a format that enables citizens to both observe
43 and, if practicable, participate in such meetings electronically.
44
45 3. Other City boards and commissions may meet electronically as necessary, but
46 any such meeting shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in Virginia Code
47 § 2.2-3708.2(A)(3) and in Section 2, supra.
48
49 4. The Council directs that any City meeting—other than meetings of public
50 bodies, which are addressed above—be held electronically in lieu of physical
51 gatherings if feasible. Public bid openings required by the Virginia Public
52 Procurement Act shall be held telephonically or electronically. Instructions on
53 how to participate shall be distributed prior to the start of any such meeting or
54 bid opening.
55
56 5. The provisions of this ordinance shall expire upon declaration by the Governor
57 that the emergency in the Commonwealth is ended, or on September 30, 2020,
58 whichever is earlier.
59
Adopted by the Council of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, on the 31 s t day
of M a r c h , 2020.
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
j/ila/Va4) )/// 44 /Z7.--ZePros‘.c --.
Office of the City Manager City Attorney's Office
CA 15043
R-1
March 24, 2020
5
ITEM I.C.3
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
ITEM#70176
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council Member Jones, City Council ADOPTED
Resolution to APPROVE a City Council Policy re remote participation by Council Members in Council
Meetings
Voting: 11-0
Council Members Voting Aye:
Jessica P. Abbott, Michael F. Berlucchi, Mayor Robert M. Dyer,
Barbara M.Henley,Louis R.Jones,John D.Moss,Aaron R.Rouse, Guy
K. Tower, Rosemary Wilson, Vice Mayor James L. Wood and Sabrina
D. Wooten
Council Members Absent:
None
March 31, 2020
REQUESTED BY CITY COUNCIL
1 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A POLICY FOR REMOTE
2 PARTICIPATION BY COUNCILMEMBERS IN COUNCIL
3 MEETINGS
4
5 WHEREAS, the City Manager has declared a local emergency in response to the
6 COVID-19 Pandemic;
7
8 WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") has issued
9 guidance that identifies persons as "at risk", including persons age 65 and older and
10 persons of any age with heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, asthma, or other
11 specified conditions, and this list may be revised as more is learned about the novel
12 coronavirus;
13
14 WEHREAS, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") authorizes public
15 bodies such as the City Council to adopt a policy to authorize remote participation by
16 one or more councilmembers in City Council meetings, so long as a quorum of the City
17 Council is physically assembled at the primary meeting location;
18
19 WHEREAS, among other things, adoption of such a policy would enable
20 councilmembers who meet the CDC's "at risk" criteria or are otherwise unable to attend
21 a Council meeting due to a temporary or permanent disability or other medical condition
22 that prevents the member's physical attendance to participate remotely in the Council
23 meeting; and
24
25 WHEREAS, adoption of the attached remote participation policy is needed to
26 enable all Councilmembers to participate in Council meetings while enabling members
27 who are at risk to heed the CDC's guidance and participate in meetings remotely;
28
29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
30 OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, THAT:
31
32 In order to address the COVID-19 emergency, the City Council hereby adopts the
33 attached Policy for Remote Participation by Councilmembers in Council Meetings.
34
35 Adopted by the City Council of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia on the 31 s t
36 day of March , 2020.
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
City Attorney's Office
CA1504 R-1 March 24, 2020
4,0' BE CyL
4•8
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:r t+ CityCouncil Policy
Title: Policy for Remote Participation by Councilmembers in Council Meetings
Date of Adoption: Dates of Revisions: Page 1 of 2
1.0 Purpose and Need
The purpose of this policy is to enable members of City Council to participate in City Council
meetings remotely, by electronic communication means, in accordance with the Virginia Freedom
of Information Act.
2.0 Policy
It is the policy of the Virginia Beach City Council that individual members of the Council may
participate in Council meetings by electronic means as permitted by Virginia Code §2.2-3708.2 or
its successor provision. This policy shall apply to the entire membership and without regard to the
identity of the member requesting remote participation or the matters that will be considered or
voted on at the meeting.
2.1 The Request and Eligibility Criteria
Whenever an individual member wishes to participate from a remote location, the member shall
notify the Mayor and Clerk on or preferably before the day of the meeting that (1) the member is
unable to attend the meeting due to a temporary or permanent disability or other medical condition
that prevents the member's physical attendance("medical reason"); or(2)the member is unable to
attend due to a personal matter and the member identifies with specificity the nature of the personal
matter ("personal reason"). Participation for a personal reason is limited to two meetings per
calendar year.
2.2 Quorum and Minutes Requirements
A quorum of the Council must be physically assembled at the primary meeting location in order to
enable remote participation by a member, and arrangements must be made for the voice of the
remote participant to be heard by all persons at the primary meeting location.
The reason that the member is unable to attend the meeting and the remote location from which
the member participates shall be recorded in the meeting minutes. If the reason for the remote
participation is for a medical reason, the minutes shall include a statement that a temporary or
permanent disability or other medical condition prevented the member's physical appearance at
the primary meeting location. While the fact that a disability or medical condition prevents the
member's physical attendance must be recorded in the minutes, it is not required to identify the
specific disability or medical condition. If instead the member is unable to attend due to a personal
reason, the minutes must include the specific nature of the personal matter.
2.3 Challenges
If a member's proposed participation from a remote location is challenged by another member as
being inconsistent with this policy, then the Council shall vote on whether to allow such
participation. If the Council votes to disapprove the member's remote participation because such
Title: Policy for Remote Participation by Councilmembers in Council Meetings
Date of Adoption: Dates of Revisions: Page 2 of 2
participation would violate this policy, such disapproval shall be recorded in the minutes with
specificity.
6
ITEM I.C.4
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
ITEM#70177
The following registered to speak via WebEx:
Todd Solomon, suggested City Council approve Planning Items that do not have any opposition and defer
the ones with opposition
Upon motion by Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council Member Jones, City Council ADOPTED
Resolution to SUSPEND certain portions of the City Council Speaker Policy during the COVID-19
Pandemic
Voting: 11-0
Council Members Voting Aye:
Jessica P. Abbott, Michael F. Berlucchi, Mayor Robert M Dyer,
Barbara M.Henley,Louis R.Jones,John D.Moss,Aaron R.Rouse, Guy
K. Tower, Rosemary Wilson, Vice Mayor James L. Wood and Sabrina
D. Wooten
Council Members Absent:
None
March 31, 2020
1 A RESOLUTION TO SUSPEND CERTAIN PORTIONS OF
2 THE CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER POLICY DURING THE
3 COVID-19 PANDEMIC
4
5 WHEREAS, the City Manager has declared a local emergency during the current
6 COVID-19 Pandemic (the "Local Emergency");
7
8 WHEREAS, the President and the Governor have provided guidance that
9 gatherings should be limited to 10 persons or less, and the Governor has issued
10 Executive Order 53 prohibiting public or private gatherings of 10 persons or more;
11
12 WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted a speaker policy (the "City Council
13 Speaker Policy")to provide guidance for public input during City Council Formal Meetings,
14 and a copy of the current policy is attached hereto;
15
16 WHEREAS, the City Council values the input of the public and, during the Local
17 Emergency, is exploring possibilities for public input without the physical gathering of
18 persons in the City Council Chambers; and
19
20 WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend its City Council Speaker Policy for
21 the duration of the Local Emergency in furtherance of the Council's exercise of powers
22 pertinent to health, peace, and good order;
23
24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
25 VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA THAT:
26
27 1. For the duration of the Local Emergency, the City Council enacts the following
28 temporary changes to the City Council Speaker Policy:
29 a. Section 2.2 Regular Agenda Items is suspended;
30 b. Section 2.3 Comment on Non-Agenda Items is suspended.
31
32 2. Nothing herein shall be construed as denying participation in a public hearing when
33 state or federal law requires the opportunity of persons to address the Council such
34 as the consideration of planning items, the budget and related revenue ordinances,
35 authorization of bonds, lease or sale of City property, and the authorization of
36 franchises.
37
38 3. The City Council urges residents to provide written comments to the City Clerk in
39 lieu of being present at a public hearing.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, on this 31 s t
day of March , 2020.
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
City Attomey's Office
CA15040
R-2
March 24, 2020
GuNI"'Bc
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•,,,,,,,,,,,. •
,,* e�+ CityCouncil Policy
Title: Time Limits for Speakers at City Council Meetings
Date of Adoption:March 11,2003 Dates of Revisions:September 14,2004 Page 1 of 3
March 27,2007
February 12,2008
March 24,2009
1.0 Purpose and Need
The purpose of this policy is to provide reasonable,workable time limits for speakers at City Council
meetings.The need for such a policy was determined by the City Council at its retreat on February
18, 2003. The policy is intended to recognize and accommodate the mutual interests of persons
desiring to speak at City Council meetings, the value to the City Council of public comment, and
the need for the City Council to conduct business in an orderly, expeditious manner.
This policy shall not apply to the discussion of agenda items by members of the City Council during
City Council meetings or to City Staff members acting in such capacity.
2.0 Time Limits
2.1 Planning Agenda Items
(a) Planning Agenda items include rezonings, conditional zonings, conditional use permits, land
use plan approvals, code and Comprehensive Plan amendments, nonconforming use resolutions,
street closures and any other items for which a public hearing is required pursuant to Chapter 22
of Title 15 of the Virginia Code.
(b)The applicant, or representative of the applicant(generally, an attorney, professional engineer
or other professional retained by the applicant) shall be allowed ten minutes for his or her initial
presentation and an additional three minutes for rebuttal if any opponents of the application have
spoken.
(1) If there is more than one applicant(as,for example,when both the property owner and
proposed developer are applicants) or if the applicant and representative both desire to
speak,only one of them shall be allowed to speak for ten minutes. Upon request, however,
the presiding officer may allow them to divide their time equally, so long as the total time
of their initial presentation does not exceed ten minutes.
(2)Speakers addressing the City Council in a representative capacity shall not be allowed
additional time in which to speak on his or her own behalf.
(c) All other persons speaking in support of the application shall be allowed three minutes, and
shall not be entitled to speak in rebuttal of any opposition comments.
(d) Opponents of an application shall be allowed three minutes each. In the event the opponents
are represented by an attorney, engineer or other professional whose profession includes, as a
customary part thereof, appearing before governmental bodies in a representative capacity, such
Title: Time Limits for Speakers at City Council Meetings
Date of Adoption:March 11,2003 Dates of Revisions: September 14,2004 Page 2 of 3
March 27,2007
February 12,2008
March 24,2009
representative shall be allowed ten minutes. In such cases, persons represented shall be
encouraged not to provide additional comments.
(1)Only one speaker in opposition to the application shall be allowed ten minutes to speak.
If there is more than one representative described in subsection (d), only one of them shall
be allowed to speak for ten minutes. Upon request, however, the presiding officer may
allow them to divide their time equally, so long as the total time of their presentation does
not exceed ten minutes.
(e) Opponents of an application shall not be entitled to address the City Council in rebuttal of any
statements or other material provided to the City Council during the applicant's rebuttal.
2.2 Regular Agenda Items
(a) Regular agenda items include all other agenda items at which public comment is allowed.
(b) Each speaker, whether or not in a representative capacity, shall be allowed three minutes.
2.3 Comment on Non-Agenda Items
(a) Time shall be allotted after the conclusion of the first formal session of each month for non-
televised public comments on non-agenda items.
(b) Each speaker, whether or not in a representative capacity, shall be allowed three(3) minutes.
(c) No more than three (3) speakers may speak on the same non-agenda topic at the same
meeting. The first three(3) speakers who register with the City Clerk will be called to speak.
(d) If more than three(3)speakers request an opportunity to speak on the same non-agenda topic,
the City Clerk shall deny the request and advise those persons of the limits contained in this policy.
The City Clerk shall also advise such persons that comments may be submitted at writing at any
time for distribution to City Council and that citizens are welcome to contact the City Clerk's Office
to register in advance to speak at the following month's meeting.
3.0 Timekeeping; Written Material
(a)The City Clerk shall keep time for each speaker in accordance with the provisions of Section 2,
and shall verbally notify the speaker and presiding officer at the expiration of the time allowed for
each speaker.
(b) Written comments or other material may be tendered to the City Clerk by any person desiring
to do so.
Title: Time Limits for Speakers at City Council Meetings
Date of Adoption: March 11,2003 Dates of Revisions: September 14,2004 Page 2 of 3
March 27,2007
February 12,2008
March 24,2009
4.0 Modification of Time Limits
(a)The presiding officer,with the consent of the City Council, may extend or reduce any of the time
limits set forth in Section 2.
(b) The time limits for speakers set forth in Section 2 shall be exclusive of the time taken in
responding to questions of members of the City Council.
5.0 Registration of Speakers
Any person desiring to address the Council shall register with the City Clerk prior to the opening of
the meeting. The inadvertent failure to do so shall not, however, disqualify any person from
speaking.
6.0 Public Notice of Policy
In accordance with City Code Section 2-41, this policy shall be included on the City's internet web
site, posted outside of the City Council Chambers, and published in the City Council agenda for
each regular meeting.
7
ITEM LD.1
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION
TAX RELIEF NECESSITATED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
ITEM#70178
6:30 P.M.
Mayor Dyer read the following statement, "I hope everyone was able to see the very informative and helpful
briefing earlier today by City Treasurer Leigh Henderson and the Manager's staff regarding tax relief in
response to the COVID-19 emergency. If a business is unable to timely remit trustee taxes, contact the City
Treasurer, who will work with the business to develop a payment plan agreement that could avoid the
imposition of penalties and interest. If anyone was unable to see the briefing,I understand it will be posted
on the City's website tomorrow. OK, I'm now opening the floor for Council discussion of additional
potential tax relief'
Vice Mayor Wood advised it is important to be cognizant of the many people who have been laid off from
work or are working reduced hours and providing them help as well as small businesses. Vice Mayor Wood
advised he has requested the City Manager provide information on the impact of specific tax policy
changes. Vice Mayor Wood advised helping citizens who are working citizens as well those who are not is
a priority and must be reflected in changes to City's policies.
City Manager, Tom Leahy, advised from a budgetary standpoint, the Trust taxes which include meal,
admission and hotel taxes, can be delayed for one (1) to two (2) months; however, more time is needed to
look at personal property and real estate taxes. Mr. Leahy advised the state provides approximately 50%
of the personal property tax and believes a delay in collecting those taxes could be delayed up to 30-60-
days. The real estate tax is a larger stream with approximately $300-Million remaining to be billed on
May IS`and due June 5`h. Mr. Leahy advised 50-60%of those tax bills are paid by mortgage companies
and by providing a delay would provide mortgage companies and interest free loan and not necessary
benefit the property owner. For renters, it would benefit the Landlords more so than the tenants.
Council Member Moss advised he believes if Norfolk, who is much more fiscally stressed, can provide relief
to their citizens until August IS`, the City should be able to do the same with the exception of providing a
blanket property tax deferral for the reasons Mr. Leahy stated. Council Member Moss advised it is also
important to look at suppressing expenditures, advising while it is not easy, many other counties have
started to furlough employees for functions that are not operating due to not having any customers. Council
Member Moss advised he would like to know the extent personal property and business taxes be discounted
as that tax puts a real burden on citizens. Council Member Moss further advised City Council needs to
take a very hard look at expenditures and cash flow to see if there is the ability to use the money that is
normally saved for the end of the year. The city of Norfolk has furloughed 500 employees and the City
should look at doing the same for positions that would not reduce services. Council Member Moss
suggested preparing a new budget from scratch,since it was worked on during a time that no longer exists,
and only approve a budget for the first four(4) months of the fiscal year.
Council Member Tower requested the City Manager to provide information on the status of the budget?
March 31, 2020
8
ITEM I.D.1
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION
TAX RELIEF NECESSITATED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
ITEM#70178
(Continued)
Mr. Leahy advised there is a hiring freeze in effect and unnecessary purchases have been suspended
however, the savings of those actions will not be known immediately.
Deputy City Manager, David Bradley, advised an analysis on trust taxes has been done for the month of
March and approximately 60% of restaurant tax and 10% hotel tax has been received, using those
assumptions, there is an estimated loss of$23-Million of which, the General Fund will lose$7-Million, City
Schools $5 and TIP Fund$8-Million. Mr. Bradley advised, by making the assumption of collecting 85%
of Personal Property, 90%Real Estate and 75% of Sales taxes, the estimated loss is $85-Million. Mr.
Bradley advised the Federal Stimulus via the state is an opportunity that may provide relief and will
continue to be tracked but nothing is certain right now.
Council Member Berlucchi advised City Council must provide relief quickly and requested City Council
considering the following;defer property taxes 60-90-days;defer or forgive the City's share of Sales Taxes
from March to April; and a temporary deferral of collecting water and utility fees.
Council Member Rouse expressed his agreement with a 60-90-day deferral on property taxes and advised
every day is a battle for citizens who are trying to stay above water, it is challenging for families and
children. City Council must find relief today for citizens as this is a massive hit to not only them but to the
world.
Council Member Abbott advised she would like to have further discussion on all of the options available
by looking at the budget and finding ways to capitalize on giving back to the community.
Vice Mayor Wood advised the City's schools will be saving money right now and requested to have
information on the savings amount being achieved to help plan for future allocations.
Council Member Rouse advised he is aware there is a hiring freeze right now and requested to know if the
freeze applies to Emergency Management Services(EMS)?
Council Member Moss advised $163,497,601.00 was the amount of business and personal property tax
revenue previously forecasted with$90.2-Million going to the City and$79.3-Million going to City schools,
a reduction of 20%would be approximately$32-Million and is not an overly aggressive amount to be used
to help provide relief Council Member Moss suggested a Meal Tax "holiday" and creative ideas to
promote citizens to support local businesses.
March 31, 2020
9
ITEM I.D.1
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION
TAX RELIEF NECESSITATED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
ITEM#70178
(Continued)
Council Member Jones requested information showing the savings and cost that will be realized by
decreasing City operations. Council Member Jones advised he does not believe there is enough information
right now and decisions should not be made without knowing the impact. Council Member Jones advised
Trust Taxes do not impact business owner's loss or gain as the money is collected for the City and agrees
it makes sense to defer them.
Vice Mayor Wood advised there is a monthly "burn rate"accounted for in the budget and now is the time
to reduce the rate to provide more support to the public. Vice Mayor Wood responded to Council Member
Rouse's question concerning EMS workers and advised the many of the EMS workers are volunteers and
are the majority responding to EMS calls and some have been hospitalized. It is critically important to
recognize and appreciate these citizens who are risking their lives for no money.
Council Member Moss advised he is hopeful Mayor Dyer will be able to communicate City Council's
consensus to defer taxes to August 1st until City Council can vote. Council Member Moss emphasized the
importance of having the accurate and necessary information between now and the next meeting to allow
City Council to make decisions.
Council Member Abbott advised for meals tax is paid by citizens when they go out to eat, and if that tax
and be deferred, more families will be able to afford a little more to eat out and support local restaurants.
Council Member Rouse advised City Council should not close the meeting without providing citizens some
information to assure them relief is coming and if it means holding a Special Session in a couple days or
on a weekend, he is "all in", and believes City Council has the capacity to find aggressive and innovative
solutions.
Council Member Tower expressed his appreciation to City staff and emphasized the need to act quickly in
gathering information in order for City Council to make decisions.
Mayor Dyer expressed his appreciation to City Council Members for participating and the discussion.
Mayor Dyer advised safety for public health is the number one priority. Mayor Dyer advised helping small
businesses is critical and will take all proactive measures moving forward. Mayor Dyer directed the City
Manager to respond rapidly in providing information to City Council Members.
City Manager advised he is looking at expenditures the City can do without and requested City Council
Members review the budget and provide feedback on what expenditures can be cut. Mr. Leahy advised by
cutting expenditures will reduce projects and cause employees to be laid off and furloughed.
March 31, 2020
10
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION
TAX RELIEF NECESSITATED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
ITEM#70178
(Continued)
Mayor Dyer advised contingency planning for both the short and long term is necessary to proceed
incrementally as changes occur daily. Mayor Dyer advised City Council Members will need to come
together with plans and the impacts of those plans expeditiously so decisions can be made. Mayor Dyer
advised there are no formal meetings scheduled for the month of April; however, the Public Hearings
scheduled for April 22nd at 6:30 P.M. and April 28`h at 6:00 P.M have not been canceled.
Council Member Tower advised he had requested a Special Meeting to be held on April 7th and asked the
Mayor if the Special Meeting would be delayed to later in the month.
Mayor Dyer advised he will schedule a City Council meeting as soon as possible but would like to wait
until the Federal Stimulus Plan information is received and allow time to gather other information
necessary to discuss and make decisions. Mayor Dyer read the following closing remark, "Finally, on
March 27`h,I announced that the City Council would hold a closed session meeting to interview candidates
for the position of City Manager. Because the COVID-19 pandemic made a physical gathering of Council
impractical, those interviews were postponed. Thank you all, take care, and be safe."
March 31, 2020
11
ITEM LE
ADJOURNMENT
ITEM#70179
Mayor Robert M. Dyer DECLARED the City Council SPECIAL MEETING ADJOURNED at 7:25
P.M
. eliu
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Amanda Barnes,MMC Robert M.Dyer
City Clerk Mayor
March 31, 2020