The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutAPRIL 21, 2016 SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES II — 1 — vyrs,- 6E OF OVR•NPS\ON MINUTES VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL Virginia Beach, Virginia April21, 2016 Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., called to order the Virginia Beach City Council's SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION and PUBLIC HEARING, at Frank W. Cox High School on Thursday, April 21, 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, John D. Moss, Amelia N. Ross-Hammond, Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr., Rosemary Wilson, and John E. Uhrin Council Members Absent: James L. Wood Attending SCI Mayoral International Summit in Ireland April 21, 2016 - 2 - 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 21, 2016, at 6:00 P.M. Frank W. Cox High School 2425 Shorehaven Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23454 The purpose of this SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION is to conduct a PUBLIC HEARING on the FY2016-2017 Resource Management Plan, including a proposed increase in the "Solid Waste Fee". Sincerely, William D. Sessoms, Jr. Mayor" April 21, 2016 0141A•BE4,.,�L t U; City of Virginia 1E1ch 3 OF OUR NAS1O VBgov.com WILLIAM D.SESSOMS,JR. 11 March 2016 MUNICIPAL CE NGR MMAYOR 2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE VIRGINIA BEACH,VA 23456-9000 (757)385-4581 FAX(757)385-5699 wsessoms @ vbg ov.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: Thursday,April 21, 2016, at 6:00 P.M. Frank W. Cox High School 2425 Shorehaven Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23454 The purpose of this SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION is to conduct a PUBLIC HEARING on the FY2016-2017 Resource Management Plan, including a proposed increase in the "Solid Waste Fee". Sincerel Willia I. 4,s, Jr. Cc: City Manager City Attorney City Clerk City Auditor Deputy City Managers Director—Management Services MultiMedia Services Media and Communications - 3 - Mayor Sessoms DECLARED A PUBLIC HEARING: The following registered to speak: Katheryn Fisher, Executive Director of the Old Coast Guard Station, requested their Budget not be reduced by the suggested 25%. The Old Coast Guard Station is a private, non-profit organization and make up the other 75%funding from admissions, donations,fundraisers and grants. The Museum is an educational resource interacting with over 80,000 people last year. Educational School programs, aligning with the State's standards of learning and STEM curriculum are up over 150% from the previous year. The allocation from the City supports initiatives moving the Museum in new directions. Currently, the Museum is partnering with Noah National Marine Sanctuaries to redesign the World War II Battle of the Atlantic exhibit. This shows U-Boat activity off of the coast utilizing 3-D video imagery. The Museum exists in a complex and fluid environment and is in the process of digitizing their collection to make it available to a wider audience. The collection will be available on-line and offer valuable research to students, educators and scholars throughout the world. Frank Malbon, advised he is one of the founding members of the Old Coast Guard Station that began in 1979. The Old Coast Guard Station is a living heritage of the City and the Board appreciates all of the support from the City in years past. John Parmele, 1316 Yawl Point, Phone: 481-1259, expressed concern regarding the "City Services Bill" and Solid Waste Collection. Mr. Parmele has lived in Royal Cove for the past forty-four (44)years. The Solid Waste Fee has increased tremendously and he understands that the actual water consumption is about 15% of the bill. He does not understand why the City cannot share in the profit TFC makes when selling the recycled materials picked up in the City. Why doesn't the City take this service over and make the profit? Imagine if the residents stopped recycling and all of those products went to the landfill—what a negative impact that would have on the City. Mr. Parmele suggested HRSD combine their bill with the City Services Bill to make it easier on the Citizens. George Bryant, 2320 Dodd Drive, Phone: 434-0825, has lived in Wolfsnare Plantation for the past forty- eight (48) years. The claim there is the tax increase is not quite true since assessments increased an average of 3% this year. His taxes increased 21% last year with the rate and assessment increase. Per capita income dropped over the last several years and the City continues to spend more money. City spending has increased 62.8% over the last ten (10) years and during the same time residents discretionary income has substantially decreased. The City needs busses instead of Light Rail and Developers need to pay for their investments and not receive breaks from the City. Sea Level Rise should be a priority over Light Rail or any Public/Private Partnership. Jorja Jean, 1400 Mediterranean Avenue, Phone: 419-1931, requested the City Council establish a committee to consider renaming the Lesner Bridge. This request will have very little impact on the proposed Budget. Shore Drive is a key corridor for the City where history happened. Admiral de Grasse captained a ship that anchored in Lynnhaven Bay and he played a key role in the Battle of the Capes victory. Bernice Pope, 214 44th Street, Phone: 343-8666, Chair of Historic Preservation Commission, expressed appreciation to the City Council for their support in the past. The proposed FY17 Budget has very little support for Historic Preservation and significantly impairs the Commission to maintain current programs and continue moving forward. Ms. Pope requested $42,000 be reinstated to the Budget to maintain existing programs and expand the.5 to a.8 FTE. Mac Rawls, 612 Thalia Road, Phone: 462-2423, did not respond to the call to speak. April21, 2016 II - 4 - Al Henley, 3112 Colechester Road, Phone: 426-6991, advised he is a lifelong resident of the City and requested the funding for the Atlantic Wildfowl Museum located in the de Witt Cottage be reinstated. The Museum is a unique cultural asset in the City. The Museum has been placed on the Historical Registry for the City, State and on the National Register for Historical Places. The Museum has no paid City Staff. In fact, the two staff members are paid by money raised by fundraisers, gift shop sales, donations and a lump-sum payment from the City. The Museum hosted over 22,248 visitors in 2015. The proposed FY16/17 Budget includes a $13,000 reduction in funding which will significantly impair the ability to offer visitors such a unique experience. Mr. Henley requested the funds be reinstated and the City Council continue their support of the Museum. Dayne Blythe, 2004 Oak Leaf Lane, Phone: 537-1700, advised families are living pay check to pay check and pay raises have been anemic; and, in some cases, non-existence. He was surprised to find the recent assessments of the Westin, specifically, a unit on 16th floor that sold for$391,000. Today's assessment at $211,400, is a 46%decrease. Mr. Blythe feels the City Council can make a few changes to the proposed Budget to go a long way in helping families. Mr. Blythe supports Councilman Moss' Revenue-Neutral Budget and encourages City Council stop giving away 'tens of millions of dollars to private developers. Shannon Hurley, 1109 West Revere Point, Phone: 460-3831, advised he loves living in the City because of the many amenities offered to residents. In particular, she enjoys using the Library and visits libraries on a weekly basis. Many Citizens use internet terminals and Wi-Fi access. The impact libraries make on the quality of life is immeasurable. Leslie Blustein, 1109 West Revere Point, Phone: 460-3831,advised she attends Ocean Lakes High School and the Library is a huge part of her life. She has spent many hours studying and researching at the Library and also Volunteers during the Summer in the Reading Program. Jada Copeland , 1941 Monument Drive, Phone: 472-4032, advised she is a Junior at Bayside Health Sciences Academy and a member of the Virginia Beach Library Board. The City has over 65,000 students enrolled in the School System and she is the future generation. The Library has given her the opportunity to learn daily from a pleather of information. For students, the Library is one of the most predominately used facilities and has been a blessing in her life. Clenise Platt advised she is a Member of the Public Library Board and asked the City Council reconsider the 4.37% reduction proposed in the upcoming Budget. The Library is very much like the story of the "Keeper of the Spring". The magnitude of service was not realized until the town began to suffer in economic downturn due to a lack of tourists. The Library has continued to offer services despite the budget cuts for the last seven (7)years. Dr. Rick Klobuchar, 758 Suffolk Lane, Phone: 560-5590, advised he is the President of Friends of the Virginia Beach Historic Houses, a non-profit organization. The organization traces origins back to mid1980's and the members are passionate about Historic Houses. The group recently created a digital album. There are wonderful opportunities to promote the City as we are the "First Landing". The suggestion has been pool to the various volunteer organizations serving the City and begin sharing ideas and work toward some common larger goals. Dr. Mike Summers, 1700 College Crescent, Phone: 285-9363, advised he is the current Chair of the Library Board. In order to achieve Vision 2040, being a learning community is vital as stated in the Report. The Mission for the Library is "A Library for a Lifetime. " The Library has a critical role in the City reaching its Vision 2040 goal. The Comprehensive Plan states the City should ensure the public services and facilities satisfy the needs of the Citizens. Dr. Summers advised there are over 320,000 registered Library Card Holders, of which over 250,000 are Citizens. The recent survey showed 68% of all Citizens visited the Library an average of fourteen (14) times this past year. The Library has a direct impact on the quality of life in the City and requests City Council reinstate the proposed budget reductions. April21, 2016 I I li - 5 - Bob Gilson, 8708 Atlantic Avenue, Phone: 621-3982, advised five (5) years ago his wife told him he worked too hard and suggested he do something different so he began to Volunteer at the Library. Mr. Gibson has had an opportunity to meet the Library Staff and has found them to be very dedicated and hard-working individuals. He requested City Council not reduce the Budget and consider adding some of the fifty-five (55)positions cut over the past seven (7)years. Peter Gonzalez, 5328 Blackwater Loop, Phone: 409-0766, advised he is a lifelong resident of the City and a Career Paramedic for the City. Mr. Gonzalez expressed his appreciation to the City Council for their support over years but asked the City Council reconsider the requested fifteen (15) new positions that are, at this time, unfunded. The majority of the positions were set to be assigned in the Creeds area of the City, which is in terrible need of these employees. Jessica Abbott, 1112 Amy Drive, Phone, 577-206, advised her husband is a 3rd grade Teacher at Seatack Elementary. Mrs. Abbott expressed concern regarding the City continue increasing spending while families are forced to find a way for to work with what they have and within their means. The lower and middle income families should not have to suffer while the City does nothing to reduce or control spending. Diana Howard, 1057 Debaca Court, Phone: 567-9021, expressed concern regarding the growth of the Budget. She does not support the hiring of an additional Deputy City Manager and an Executive Assistant. She supports Councilman Moss'Revenue-Neutral Budget. To date, over$17-Million has been appropriated for Light Rail and this Budget adds five (5) employees for Light Rail. This project has not been approved and yet an additional$20-Million is appropriated for this upcoming Budget. Bill Gambrell expressed his appreciation for all of the work the City Council does to make the City a great place to live. He encouraged the City Council continue to invest in the past by fully funding the Historic Houses. There being no further speakers,Mayor Sessoms CLOSED THE PUBIC HEARING. April21, 2016 II II - 6 - ADJOURNMENT Mayor Sessoms DECLARED the City Council Meeting ADJOURNED at 6:55 P.M. / 4'a11W Amanda Finley-Barnes,M C Chief Deputy City Clerk 'uth Hodges Fraser,MMC William D. Sessoms,Jr. City Clerk Mayor City of Virginia Beach Virginia April 21, 2016