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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 27, 2017 SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES - i - ll_ iS 0G: MINUTES VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL Virginia Beach, Virginia April27, 2017 Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones called to order the Virginia Beach City Council's SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION and PUBLIC HEARING, at Bayside High School on Thursday,April 27,2017, at 6:00 P.M. Council Members Present: Jessica P. Abbott, M Benjamin Davenport, Robert Al. Dyer, Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones, Shannon DS Kane, John D. Moss, John E. Uhrin, Rosemary Wilson and James L. Wood Council Members Absent: Barbara M. Henley Princess Anne Monthly Forum Mayor William D. Sessoms,Jr. Economic Development April27, 2017 - 2 - CALL FOR FORMAL SESSION Vice Mayor Jones read the Mayor's Call for Special Formal Session and Public Hearing: 27 March 2017 "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 27, 2017 6:00 P.M. Bayside High School 4960 Haygood Road Virginia Beach, VA 23455 The purpose of this SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION is to conduct a PUBLIC HEARING on the FY2017-2018 Resource Management Plan, regarding an increase in annual real estate assessments of more than 1%. Sincerely, William D. Sessoms,Jr Mayor" April27, 2017 - 3 - Vice Mayor Jones DECLARED A PUBLIC HEARING: The following registered to speak: Devon Maloney, 1972 Crandon Loop, Phone: 567-6723, did not respond Felicia Seibor, 2081 Grandon Loop, Phone: 575-2210, is a proud member of a Navy family and lives in Ashville Park. While the Navy brought their family to the City, it was their choice to remain after her husband retired and serving twenty-four (24) years. In 2014, they used their Veterans Benefits to purchase a new home in Ashville Park, their dream home. The floodingfrom Hurricane Matthew was the worst of the three flooding events that have occurred since their move to Ashville Park. Hurricane Matthew left four (4) inches of water on the first floor of their home and sixteen (16) inches of water in the garage. The repairs were paid out of their own pocket except for$15,000 from FEMA; however, that amount is only 1/3 of the amount paid out-of-pocket. Her children no longer feel safe in their home as emergency vehicles were unable to get into their neighborhood. Mrs. Seibor requests City Council fully fund Stormwater Utility Projects in order to keep this type of devastation from occurring again. Walter Hoff, 2840 Camarillo Lane, Phone: 689-0120, advised he suffered two separate flooding situations last year. He owns a condo in Rudee Inlet and now has a home in Ashville Park Mr. Hoff was fortunate and did not suffer any damage from Hurricane Matthew but his neighbors suffered a huge loss. Mr. Hoff requested the City consider moving Ashville Park up in priority as he feels ten to fifteen (10-15) years is too long to address the serious Stormwater problems. Brooks Sinnen, 2825 Wilshire Drive, Phone: 971-5302, advised he lives in Ashville Park and supports the City's increase to Stormwater Management Fee. Mr. Sinnen supports the City Manager's proposed Budget and encourages the City to get the projects completed as quickly and efficiently as possible. Matt Tonelson, 2020 Crandon Loop, Phone: 749-2966, is a resident of Ashville Park and supports the City's increase to Stormwater Management Fee. He feels fifteen (15) years is too long to address the serious Stormwater problems. Susan Motley is a retired Virginia Beach School Teacher and parent of two children that graduated from VBCPS. Ms. Moiety supports all-day Kindergarten and requested the City Council support the School Board's request for additional funding. Heidi Jeffreys, 504 Hannibal Street, Phone: 305-8068, is a native of the City and recalls heavy rainwater causing flooding in Windsor Woods back to 1967. As an 11 year old in 1967, she thought it was funny to see people paddling boats down the middle of flooded streets. She recalls staying at her friend's house because of heavy rains and flooding causing her to be stranded and unable to return home. In 1987, after she married and had children, her family purchased a home on the Bow Creek Golf Course and their road has suffered flooding numerous times. After Hurricane Matthew, she walked one mile through "hip- high" water and then had to get into a boat to get to her elderly mother in Windsor Woods. The Stormwater Drainage has never improved in the area. She requests the City Council address the problems in the area. Catherine Malley, 1040 Brestwick Commons, Phone: 498-5702, is a Preschool teacher at Arrowhead Elementary and in support of the full-day Kindergarten. This year, she is teaching full-day Preschool for "At Risk" children and to disrupt her students schedule with / day Kindergarten will only hurt them. Ms. Malley recited a poem, entitled: "The Case Against Crayons". 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 far boat traffic should not fall on citizens hut the boat owners using the waterways. April27, 2017 - 4 - Lisa Kubalt has taught school in the City for thirty (30)years and supports full-day Kindergarten. Her school offers Extended Day Kindergarten (EDK) to fifteen (15) students that scored poorly on the Kindergarten Readiness assessments. The children in the EDK benefit ominously from the extra time in the classroom and she has watched those students blossom into better students. Those students that attend only 'day kindergarten often struggle to keep up in 1"grade and beyond. Stephen Johnston, 2316 Enchanted Forest Lane, Phone: 310-1338, spoke against full-day Kindergarten. Mr.Johnston feels the "ends does not justify the means". The School Board began discussing the Budget in January and for two months never mentioned the possibility of considering full-day Kindergarten. There was no Public Comment period for this proposal. That is not how the School Board should conduct business. The School Board is now asking for $14-Million even though the program will only cost a little over$2-Million next year. Only two (2)of the City's fifty-five (55) elementary schools are not fully accredited and, interestingly, both of those schools have full-day Kindergarten. City Council should reject this funding request and force the School Board to hold proper Public Hearings to allow citizens "a voice". Kelly Walker, 5902 Atlantic Avenue, Phone: 560-5418, President, Virginia Beach Education Association (VBEA) supports full-day Kindergarten. Ms. Walker has twenty-four(24)years teaching experience and as President of VBEA represents 'thousands of professional Educators who understand the importance of implementing full-day Kindergarten. Dayne Blythe, 2004 Oak Leaf Lane, Phone: 537-1700, does not support any tax or fee increase proposed in the City Manager's Budget; and, as such, supports the Alternative Budget proposed by Council Lady Abbott and Councilman Moss. Mr. Blythe also requested City Council reject the School Board's request for additional funding for full-day Kindergarten and focus on spending the tax dollars on Public Safety, public schools and infrastructure. He requested the City act with "urgency" when addressing Stormwater Management projects to alleviate flooding. William Jennings, 3717 Gladstone Drive, Phone: 498-3842, is a resident of Windsor Woods. Hurricane Matthew occurred six(6) months ago and yet three (3) of his neighbors are still unable to return to their homes. On his street, alone, seven (7)families are living in their home while repairs are underway. Mr. Jennings requested the City consider moving Stormwater Management to the top of the City's priorities. Diana Howard, 1057 Debaca Court, Phone: 567-9021, does not support any tax or fee increase proposed in the City Manager's Budget,' and, as such, supports the Alternative Budget proposed by Council Lady Abbott and Councilman Moss. Ms. Howard questions what the proposed Budget would look like had Light Rail passed last November. She requested the City Council prioritize Stormwater Management over any additional development at the Oceanfront as there is nothing more important than the health and welfare of the residents. Britney Jones, 1323 St. James Place, Phone: 303-591-7696, is a 3"grade teacher at College Park Elementary School and has seen the direct benefits offull-day Kindergarten. College Park offers full-day Kindergarten; and, at the conclusion of the year, 98% of the Kindergarten students are reading at or above-grade levet William Bailey, 211 24'" Street, Phone: 288-5761, spoke in support of the City Manager's Proposed Budget. Mr. Bailey expressed his appreciation to City Council for their continued support of Public Safety. He requested a 1%additional pay increase to City employees as comparable to the surrounding cities. There are twelve (12) employees in the Fire Department that suffer a pay disparity issue that began in 2004. He requested the City Manager direct Human Resources to correct this long-standing inequity. Bob Elms, 266 Rain Tree Road, Phone: 486-6506, expressed his appreciation to City Council for the hard work put into this Budget. Stormwater will continue taking time and effort and will continue being at the April27, 2017 - 5 - front of citizen concerns. The City must continue providing safety and protection to their residents, including flood prevention. Mary Marchione, 3021 Ashlawn Terrace, Phone: 822-4674, advised she was stationed here in 1982 and has lived in the City since that time. She is originally from Oroville, California, which has recently been in the National News where the Orville Dam is at risk of failing and flooding the city. Orville and Virginia Beach seem to neglect funding infrastructure while continuing to fund private developments. Yvonne Chord, 3536 Clubhouse Road, Phone: 340-6829, advised her family is also a victim of Hurricane Matthew. She and her husband had just two (2)years remaining before her mortgage was paid off As a result of Hurricane Matthew; they had to refinance their home. They are not even close to finishing the necessary repairs to their home. Kenneth Chord, Jr., 3536 Clubhouse Road, Phone: 340-6829, advised fifteen (15)years is far too long to fix and address the Stormwater Management. He urged City Council to make Stormwater Management a priority. Kenneth Chord 111, 3536 Clubhouse Road, Phone: 340-6829, agrees that fifteen (15)years is too long to wait for fix and address the Stormwater Management issues in the City. Cheryl Turpin, 656 Rosaier Lane, Phone: 282-1970, is a long-term public school Educator and supports full-day Kindergarten Virginia Wasserberg, 3881 Old Forge Road, Phone: 963-8679, advised she is a member of the Princess Anne Plaza Civic League and on October 8, 2016, her home was flooded during Hurricane Matthew and her family was displaced for three (3) months. Her main concern is the failing infrastructure of the Stormwater Management system; however, she expressed her appreciation to the City for what has been done so far. Mrs. Wasserberg shared a story of a neighborhood family with a disabled son and the worry the family felt with the rising water inside the home during the night of Hurricane Matthew. Jesse Wasserberg, 3881 Old Forge Road, Phone: 963-8679, stressed the importance of citizens reporting when Stormwater Management drains are not working. Mr. Wasserberg is concerned about future flooding and, should their home flood again, he is unsure that his family could survive the financial burden. Jerry Wasserberg, 3753 South Plaza Trail, Phone: 467-3782, has lived here for 23 years and has experienced flooding since the day he moved here. Almost three years ago, his son and family moved here and were shocked to see water come into their home. Mr. Wasserberg requested the City Council make Stormwater Management a top priority. Betty Warren, 112 Brentwood Circle, Phone: 498-0915, requested the City Council fully fund the Stormwater Management program. Empsy Munden, requested the City fully fund the Stormwater Management program. The Budget needs to focus on repairing the Stormwater Management Infrastructure and not additional developments at the Ocean Front. Gwen Mikeals, 5133 Holly Farms, Phone: 560-3679, has lived in Witchduck Landing since 1987. She requested the City Council fullyfund the Stormwater Management Program. Chris Brown, 345 Dorset Avenue, feels the City is focused on transit-oriented-development when the focus should be family-oriented-development. Fifteen (15) years to fix the Stormwater Management issues is too long. April27, 2017 - 6 - Bill Schwieder, Phone: 650-3809, has lived in the City since 1969 and, until this past October, had never had water in his home from flooding. His home sustained $74,000 in structural damage during Hurricane Matthew. The repairs were completed just six (6) weeks ago and, according to his insurance agent, he will not be able to afford living in his home by 2020 due to the expected increase in flood insurance premiums. John Richardson, Phone: 554-0252, is a local Attorney representing Atlantic Shores Board of Directors. They asked he speak in opposition to any tax increases or fees to Senior Citizens. Teresa Langille, Phone: 641-1592, advised she was not prepared for the impact of Hurricane Matthew. She requested the City Council fully fund the Stormwater Management Program and stop raising taxes and fees. Leslie Jones, 1996 Blue Knob Road, Phone: 217-7825, has lived in the City since 1961 and feels the Budget should reflect the vital needs, not the wants, of the City of Virginia Beach. Peter Nixon, 605 16" Street, Phone: 472-5785, is a commercial fisherman, has approximately 700 acres of oyster bottom in the Lynnhaven. Water quality issues continue to be a priority and he requested City Council remember the importance of water quality in the City and the Region. Al Wallace, Phone: 575-5027, lives beside Bayside High School. He requested the City Council fully fund the Stormwater Management Program Melody Lobick, 4033 W. Colonial, Phone: 754-0768, has been flooded three (3) times. This past October she lost her car and pets. Still, several of her neighbors have not returned to their homes. Ms. Lobick requested the City Council fully fund the Stormwater Management Program. Richard Engel, 3920 Old Forge Road, Phone: 486-5559, has lived in the City since 1977. All of his children and their spouses are Teachers. Water was one (1) inch from coming into his home during Hurricane Matthew. Mr. Engel requested the City Council fully fund the Stormwater Management Program. Jim Schellenberger, 1504 Notley Drive, Phone, 201-5698, requested the City find funding for full-day Kindergarten without having to raise taxes. The City must work within their Budget and stop asking the citizens to pay more. James Taylor, 404 Piney Ridge Court, Phone: 641-3461, advised this is the 2itl time he has requested information regarding the Stormwater Management Fee. Mr. Taylor understands there is going to be an Audit of the Stormwater Management Fee and would like to have a copy of that data once it is completed. During Hurricane Matthew his home sustained over$90,000 in damages. Robert Dean, 1204 Shawn Drive, Phone: 287-8694, has lived in the City for 56 years and in his current home for 37 years. Mr. Dean expressed disappointment in the recent statements of Vice Mayor Jones and Councilman Davenport regarding the Alternate Budget Proposal. Mr. Dean feels Vice Mayor Jones is turning his back on the citizens by voting against the Moss/Abbott Stormwater Flooding Relief Proposal. Fran Sansone, 3601 Presidential Circle, Phone: 486-4208, resides in Windsor Woods and requested the City Council fullyfund the Stormwater Management Program Reid Greenman has reviewed the proposed Budget and he feels the priorities are out of'line. Mr. Greenman requested the City Council stop wasting hard earned money and start putting citizens first. Marlayane Castelluzzo, 5189 Stratford Chase Drive, asked the City Council put the "needs before the wants". City Council continues to disregard the health and wellbeing of the citizen and she supports Councilman Moss and Council Lady Abbott proposed Budget. April27, 2017 - 7 - Susan Hasket, 2303 Sandalwood Road, Phone: 348-1158, who resides in Cape Story by the Sea, requested the City Council fully fund the Stormwater Management Program. Jenna Roberts, 900 Martingayle Court, Phone: 689-4830, is a Kindergarten Teacher at Lynnhaven Elementary and spoke in support offull-day Kindergarten. There being no further speakers, Vice Mayor Jones CLOSED THE PUBIC HEARING. April27, 2017 - 8 - ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Jones DECLARED the City Council Meeting ADJOURNED at 8:07P.M. 111 Amanda Finley-Barnes,MMC Louis R. Jones Chief Deputy City Clerk Vice Mayor C_ a Rum Hodges reser, MMC William D. Sessions,Jr. ity Clerk Mayor City of Virginia Beach Virginia April27, 2017