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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDECEMBER 17, 2013 MINUTESCITY COUNCIL MAYOR WILLIAM D. SESSOMS, JR., At -Large VICE MAYOR LOUIS R. JONES, Bayside - District 4 GLENN R. DAVIS, Rose Hall - District 3 WILLIAM R. DeSTEPH, At -Large ROBERT M. DYER, Centerville - District I BARBARA M. HENLEY, Princess Anne — District 7 JOHN D.MOSS, At -Large AMELIA ROSS-HA:MIMOND, Kempsville - District 2 JOHN E. UHRIN, Beach — District 6 ROSEMARY WILSON, At -Large JAMES L. WOOD, Lynnhaven -District 5 CITY COUNCIL APPOINTEES CITY MANAGER — JAMES K. SPORE CITY ATTORNEY- MARK D. STILES CITY ASSESSOR — JERALD D. BANAGAN CITY AUDITOR — LYNDON S. REMIAS CITY CLERK — RUTH HODGES FRASER, MMC CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH "COMMUNITY FOR A LIFETIME" CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION 17 December 2013 CITY HALL BUILDING 2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA 23456-9005 PHONE: (757) 385-4303 FAX (757) 385-5669 E-MAIL: Ctycncl@vbgov.com I. SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION - City Council Chamber- 9:00 AM A. CALL TO ORDER — Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. 1. READING OF THE MAYOR'S CALL FOR FORMAL SESSION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL D. PUBLIC INTERVIEWS B. C. CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES Linda M. Bright Evan Ross Brockwell Kristina Pitsilides Chastain Murray Benjamin Davenport Dennis E. Free Shannon DS Kane Brad Martin Brian K. Matney, Ph.D. Delceno C. Miles Samuel Gaston Reid Todd P. Solomon Rose Hall District Rose Hall District At Large At Large At Large Rose Hall District At Large At Large At Large At Large At Large II. INFORMAL SESSION - Conference Room - A. CALL TO ORDER — Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. B. ROLL CALL CITY COUNCIL C. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION III. FORMAL SESSION - City Council Chamber - A. CALL TO ORDER — Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. B. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED SESSION C. APPOINTMENTS CITY COUNCIL VACANCY — ROSE HALL DISTRICT CITY COUNCIL VACANCY — AT LARGE IV. ADJOURNMENT 12/17/13 ab ***************************** If you are physically disabled or visually impaired and need assistance at this meeting, please call the CITY CLERK'S OFFICE at 385-4303 ******************************** 2014 CITY COUNCIL RETREAT Economic Development Conference Room 8:30 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Monday, January 6th, and Tuesday, January 7th, 2014 1 VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL Virginia Beach, Virginia December 17, 2013 Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. called to order the Virginia Beach City Council's SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, on Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at 9:00 A.M. Council Members Present: Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, John D. Moss, Amelia N. Ross -Hammond, Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., John E. Uhrin, Rosemary Wilson and James L. Wood Council Members Absent: Glenn R. Davis William R. "Bill" DeSteph PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA December 17, 2013 -2 - SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 17, 2013 9:00 A.M. MAYOR'S CALL FOR FORMAL SESSION Mayor Sessoms read the Mayor's Call for Special Formal Session: December 10, 2013 "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 9:00 A.M., City Council Chamber, Tuesday, December 17, 2013. The purpose of this SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION will be to interview candidates and make the appointments to the Rose Hall District and one At Large Seats on the Virginia Beach City Council, to be effective January 1, 2014. Sincerely, William D. Sessoms, Jr. Mayor" December 17, 2013 -3 - SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 17, 2013 (Continued) Mayor Sessoms DECLARED A SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION for PUBLIC INTERVIEWS: Mayor Sessoms advised he received the resignations of At Large Councilman Bill DeSteph and Rose Hall District Councilman Glenn Davis, effective December 31, 2013. "We will miss Bill's and Glenn's contributions to the City Council, but are pleased they will continue to serve the citizens of our great City in the Virginia General Assembly. We look forward to continue working with them and the rest of our local General Assembly Delegation. In accordance with the Virginia Beach Charter, the city Council will appoint Interim Members of City Council to fill the At Large and Rose Hall District positions. The appointed Members of City Council will server until the candidates who will be elected next November have qualified to serve. City Council has received applications from citizens who desire to fill these two vacant seats and we have carefully reviewed each application. We have selected eleven of the thirty-nine candidates for public interview today. Each candidate will be given five minutes to make his or her presentation, after which the members of City Council will have ten minutes to ask questions. When all interviews are completed, City Council will recess to closed session for deliberation after which we will return to the Council Chamber to make the two appointments." Mayor Sessoms opened the interviews: Linda Bright — Rose Hall District: Ms. Bright advised she has lived in the Rose Hall District for over 25 years. She has been a Member of the Community Services Board for over 15 years and one of three individuals that helped create the Quality Assurance Program. She also serves on the Minority Business Council and is a Liaison with the Government Authority and the Minority Business Council. Ms. Bright currently mentors a young lady that attends First Colonial High School. She has written numerous grants and was invited to the White House on December 6, 2012, to honor her work with the Minority Business Council. Evan Ross Brockwell — Rose Hall District: Mr. Brockwell advised Virginia Beach is an amazing place to grow up and that is why he chose to return after college. He stated the City has potential that no other city has from the natural amenities, economic base, strategic location, history, agriculture industry, bright energized citizenry and the world renowned connection. Mr. Brockwell feels the City could be a model for a Green Coast and hopes that everyone that grows up here remains to truly make this a "community for a lifetime", for all lifetimes. December 17, 2013 -4 - SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 17, 2013 (Continued) Shannon DS Kane — Rose Hall District: Mrs. Kane advised the citizens are in fact what make the City the "Best City in the World." She feels that of the 3 Rose Hall Candidates, she is the best qualified. Mrs. Kane stated it is important to get "heads and beds" throughout the year and continue to grow tourism as it generates over $100 -Million in State and Local Taxes each year. Mrs. Kane is involved in numerous Civic Organizations and has helped rise over $100 -Million for various charities. She acknowledged the amazing Volunteer program in the City and the importance of continuing efforts to increase Volunteerism throughout the City. She is the President of the Virginia Beach Jaycees and Past President of the Surf Competition. She is a graduate of the LEAD Hampton Roads program, a member of Project LifeSaver, Chairman of the First Citizen Event and various other local non profits. Kristina Pitsilides Chastain — At Large: Mrs. Chastain stated she applied for the purest of reasons as she believes in civil service. She has had good fortune and wants to give back to the city she loves. Mrs. Chastain is a natural born leader as she is trustworthy, respectful and listens intently to both sides. She has no ax to grind or no soap box to stand on. She believes in choosing initives for the greatest amount of good for the largest citizenry. She is involved in the hospitality business and believes that Tourism must continue to grow. She is a mother and a Volunteer and hopes to contribute to the quality of life in the City. She will inject youthfulness and enthusiasm into the City Council and will not focus solely on the Oceanfront and Tourism. She is not defined by career suits and feels she is a well-rounded young lady with a lot to offer. Murray Benjamin Davenport — At Large: Mr. Davenport stated he is enthusiastic and committed to the City's Vision. He is a graduate of Cox High School, Tidewater Community College and is employed with Prudential Town Realty. His grandfather served on City Council many years ago and he is fortunate to have been born in a City that has a commitment and believes that each citizen has the chance to shape and serve the City. One thing that is currently missing amongst the City Council is youth and he believes this generation needs a voice. Mr. Davenport expressed his excitement about the Arena, Light Rail, the Dome Site, Wind Energy and he wants to diverse the economy. He is the City's "biggest cheerleader." December 17, 2013 -5 - SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 17, 2013 (Continued) Dennis Free — At Large: Mr. Free began service in the City in 1978 as a Police Officer. He has been a Law Enforcement Professional for 35 years, 22 of those years at an executive level. Seven years ago, he became the Chief Deputy and Under -Sheriff for the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office. He serves as the Chief Financial Officer and is a proponent of fiscally sound management. Since he joined the Sheriff's Office, the food contract has been cut $1,000 a day and canteen revenues are over $1 -Million each year. Mr. Free is an advocate of good schools and the quality of life with public safety. He believes that government works best when it strives to work with the community. Mr. Free volunteers in numerous organizations and works with Spectrum Puppets, a project to end child abuse. Mr. Free graduated from Old Dominion University with his Master's Degree in Public Administration and also from LEAD Hampton Roads. Recess from 10.:40 A.M. — 10:50 A.M. Mayor Sessoms reconvened the meeting: Brad Martin — At Large: Mr. Martin expressed his excitement that 39 people applied for these two vacancies and he is humbled to be included in this group of Finalists. It appears that City Council has a busy upcoming year and he thrives to be educated on all the pending projects in the City. Mr. Martin believes in charity. Last Spring, he and his son noticed all of the coats at the local Sears were on sale. After a few emails to his local Rotary Club they raised over $900.00. Mr. Martin and his son went back to Sears and purchased over 85 coats and donated them to Hermitage Elementary. Hermitage Elementary is close to his home and is school to a large number of military children. With the help of the School Nurse, they distributed coats to over 75 families. These families were some of the most grateful individuals 1 had ever met. This is what inspires Mr. Martin; raising and empowering his young son to always give back. Most people will tell you that I am a team player but not a lackey; an innovator but not a troublemaker. Mr. Martin is excited to serve the City and looks forward to the opportunity December 17, 2013 -6 - SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 17, 2013 (Continued) Brian K Matney, Ph.D. — At Large: Dr. Matney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to apply for this vacancy. He stated Virginia Beach is his home and hometown. His wife is a teacher at Tallwood High School and they have two sons. They live on a piece of property purchased by his grandfather seventy years ago. City Council afforded him the opportunity to intern in the office of Budget and Management Services. In that venue, City Staff instilled in him the need to communicate the price of governance, the value of services rendered and how those services are economically and valuably rendered. Dr. Matney served on the Virginia Beach Crime Task Force beginning in 1998. He graduated from the LEAD Virginia Program. He was appointed to the Governor's Roundtable on Education. Each of these opportunities have challenged and aspired him to contribute to our future, in a City that means so much to him and has offered so much to his family Delceno C. Miles — At Large: Mrs. Miles stated she was born in a segregated Princess Anne County, oblivious to most of it as she was surrounded by a loving and supportive family. She attended Virginia Beach Public Schools that were integrated and that is the Virginia Beach she knows and loves. She was a gifted athlete at Cox High School and the discipline of being on a team was learned throughout my educational career. She received a full scholarship to Stanford University and is currently in the Master's Program at Regent University. Mrs. Miles believes in working hard with results showing as a discipline of hard work. She is a member of numerous local Boards. Jim Ricketts appointed her to the Virginia Beach Travel and Tourism Board. She has participated in the BeachEvents Steering Committee for fourteen years. Governor McDonnell named her to two Boards; Christopher Newport Board of Visitors and The Board of Professional Occupational Regulation. She is on the Executive Committee of the American Red Cross Health, the Virginia Aquarium and Vice -President of the Aquarium Board of Trustees. Mrs. Miles understands the City, the governance, the issues, the financial constraints, the opportunities and vision. She understands the need to balance business, as well as neighborhood interests and the budget. She has been a business owner for twenty-six years. She is a team player and has always been. She is a multi -dimensional leader that understands sacrifice, relationships and hard work. We are here to serve with dignity, grace and transparency and she looks forward to continuing to serve the City. December 17, 2013 SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 17, 2013 (Continued) Samuel Gaston Reid — At Large: Mr. Reid advised he is a proven elected School Board Member, community leader and team builder with interests of all citizens at heart. He has broad knowledge and experience important to every area of City government. He is an elected official with a track record of consistent stable decision making, working with all stakeholders and other elected officials to build consensus. In 2005, serving on the Citizens BRAC Commission, Mr. Reid and another Oceana Gardens resident worked with Les Lilley, former City Attorney, to purchase duplex lots in order to reduce density. This ultimately became the backbone of the Oceana Land Use Conformity Plan. He serves on the Hilltop Strategic Growth Area Committee and suggested to Councilman Uhrin the City should take advantage of VDOT's plan to eliminate Laskin Road's feeder lanes by using one of those lanes to bring Light Rail through Virginia Beach. Also, while serving on the School Board, he worked with the City Council to restructure the School's Funding Formula in order to achieve the common goal of adequately funding the School system. Mr. Reid stated he is uniquely qualified to serve the citizens. Todd R. Solomon — At Large: Mr. Solomon worked as a Nuclear Engineer at the Shipyard for twenty years and completed the LEAD Management program. Mr. Solomon has been involved in Civic Engagement since moving to the City twenty plus years ago. He has worked with the Shore Drive Coalition and Virginia Beach Council of Civic Engagement. Mr. Solomon now works with Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement and has had opportunity to work with various cities throughout the region. He understands the importance of partnerships with various entities, non profits and all stakeholders. Mayor Sessoms thanked everyone for taking the time to present their Vision for the future and interview for these vacancies. December 17, 2013 - 8 SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 17, 2013 (Continued) Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., entertained a motion to permit City Council to conduct its CLOSED SESSION, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A), Code of Virginia, as amended, for the following purpose: PERSONNEL MATTERS: Discussion, consideration of or interviews of prospective candidates for employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining or resignation of specific public officers, appointees or employees pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A) (1) Council Appointments: City Council Vacancy Candidates Upon motion by Councilman Dyer, seconded by Councilman Uhrin, City Council voted to proceed into CLOSED SESSION at 12:39 P.M. Voting: 9-0 Council Members Voting Aye: Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, John D. Moss, Amelia N. Ross -Hammond, Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. , John E. Uhrin, Rosemary Wilson and James L. Wood Council Members Voting Nay: None Council Members Absent: Glenn R. Davis William R. "Bill" DeSteph (Closed Session 12:39 P.M. 1:10 P.M.) December 17, 2013 -9 - SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 17, 2013 (Continued) CERTIFICATION Upon motion by Councilman Dyer, seconded by Council Lady Wilson, City Council CERTIFIED THE CLOSED SESSION TO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MOTION TO RECESS. Only public business matters lawfully exempt from Open Meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in Closed Session to which this certification resolution applies. AND, Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the Closed Session were heard, discussed or considered by Virginia Beach City Council. Voting: 9-0 Council Members Voting Aye: Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, John D. Moss, Amelia N. Ross -Hammond, Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. , John E. Uhrin, Rosemary Wilson and James L. Wood Council Members Voting Nay: None Council Members Absent: Glenn R. Davis William R. "Bill" DeSteph December 17, 2013 RESOLUTION CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED SESSION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL WHEREAS: The Virginia Beach City Council convened into CLOSED SESSION, pursuant to the affirmative vote recorded in Page 8, and in accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and, WHEREAS: Section 2.2-3 712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the governing body that such Closed Session was conducted in conformity with Virginia law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Virginia Beach City Council hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (a) only public business matters lawfully exempted from Open Meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in Closed Session to which this certification resolution applies; and, (b) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening this Closed Session were heard, discussed or considered by Virginia Beach City Council. Roth Hodges Fraser, MMC City Clerk December 17, 2013 - 10 - SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 17, 2013 (Continued) APPOINTMENTS Upon NOMINATION by Vice Mayor Jones, City Council APPOINTED: SHANNON DS KANE Rose Hall District Effective January 1, 2014 and BRAD MARTIN, P.E. At Large District Effective January 1, 2014 Council Members Voting Aye: Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, John D. Moss, Amelia N. Ross -Hammond, Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. , John E. Uhrin, Rosemary Wilson and James L. Wood Council Members Voting Nay: None Council Members Absent: Glenn R. Davis William R. "Bill" DeSteph December 17, 2013 ADJOURNMENT Mayor William D. Sessoms DECLARED the City Council Meeting ADJOURNED at 1:12 P.M Amanda Finey-Barnes, CMC Chief Deputy City Clerk Awe, '1.•ILAL-41111r uth Hodges Fraser, MMC William D. Sessoms, Jr. City Clerk Mayor City of Virginia Beach Virginia December 17, 2013