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Home My WebLink AboutAUGUST 10, 2021 SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES • St,sbthf VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL Virginia Beach, Virginia August 10, 2021 Mayor Dyer called to order the SPECIAL SESSION of the VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL, in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at 2:00 P.M Council Members Present: Michael F. Berlucchi, Mayor Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, Louis R. Jones, John D. Moss, Guy K. Tower, Vice Mayor James L. Wood and Sabrina D. Wooten Council Members Absent: Aaron R. Rouse— Vacation Rosemary Wilson—Arrived at 2:38 P.M 2 MAYOR'S CALL FOR SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION ITEM#71885 Mayor Dyer read the Mayor's Call for the SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION: August 4, 2021 "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 SESSION of the VIRGINL4 BEACH CITY COUNCIL Tuesday,August 10,2021 2:00 P.M. City Council Chamber Building 1, City Hall,2"Floor 2401 Courthouse Drive The purpose of this SPECIAL SESSION is to allow City Council to conduct public interviews for the "short list"of candidates to fill the vacant Kempsville District City Council seat. Immediately following, City Council will recess and convene into CLOSED SESSION for the following purposes, as permitted by the cited sections of the Virginia Code: • 2.2-3711(A)(1) - Discussion of candidates for appointment to fill Kempsville District Seat • 2.2-3711(A)(29)- Discussion of the award of a public contract (Dome Site/Atlantic Park Development;Pembroke TIF/SSD) • 2.2-3711(A)(3)-Discussion of the acquisition or disposition of real property(Beach District, Beach District) At the conclusion of Closed Session, City Council will reconvene into open session to certify the Closed Session, and then continue with the regularly scheduled City Council Workshop. Sincerely, s/ Robert M. Dyer Mayor" Cc: City Manager City Attorney City Clerk Deputy City Managers FOIA Officer Communications Office August 10, 2021 �4Gll`1IA,13 O� G vh_, , Gi city of Virginia Beach \,1,_ 9��s e(a- DF OUR NA1044 V B>i)%.com ROBERT M."BOBBY"DYER MUNICIPAL CENTER MAYOR BUILDING 1,ROOM 234 2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE VIRGINIA BEACH,VA 23458-9000 (757)385-4581 FAX(757)3855899 August 4, 2021 BDYER(�VBGGV.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 SESSION of the VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL Tuesday,August 10,2021 2:00 P.M. City Council Chamber Building 1, City Hall,2"d Floor 2401Courthouse Drive The purpose of this SPECIAL SESSION is to allow City Council to conduct public interviews for the "short list"of candidates to fill the vacant Kempsville District City Council seat. Immediately following, City Council will recess and convene into CLOSED SESSION for the following purposes, as permitted by the cited sections of the Virginia Code: • 2.2-3711(A)(1)-Discussion of candidates for appointment to fill Kempsville District Seat • 2.2-3711(A)(29)- Discussion of the award of a public contract (Dome Site/Atlantic Park Development;Pembroke TIF/SSD) • 2.2-3711(A)(3)-Discussion of the acquisition or disposition of real property(Beach District, Beach District) At the conclusion of Closed Session, City Council will reconvene into open session to certify the Closed Session, and then continue with the regularly scheduled City Council Workshop. Sincerely, Robert M. Dyer Mayor cc: City Manager City Attorney City Clerk Deputy City Managers FOIA Officer Communications Office 3 CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS FOR KEMPSVILLE DISTRICT CITY COUNCIL SEAT ITEM#71886 Mayor Dyer DECLARED A SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION to conduct public interviews for the Kempsville District Candidates: Mike Anderson William J. Dale Naomi Estaris Michael B. Feggans Rocky Holcomb Richard Jordan Brian K.Matney Amelia Ross-Hammond Brent Werlein Mr. Anderson expressed his appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Mr. Anderson advised he has been a Kempsville resident since 1986 and initially became involved in his community as a Kempsville Pony Baseball(KPB) coach and later,president of the club where he worked on the KPB widening project and was a member of the Kempsville Historic Citizen Advisory Committee. Mr.Anderson advised he currently serves on civic leagues, Beaches and Waterways Advisory Commission and the Community Services Board. Mr. Anderson expressed it would be an honor to serve as the Kempsville District representative. Mr.Dale expressed his appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Mr.Dale advised he has been actively involved in the City for forty (40)years and has strong leadership abilities to work with others, a willingness to compromise and believes strong views should be viewed as a strength. Mr. Dale advised during his two previous City Council Kempsville District campaigns, he learned a lot about the District and was endorsed by firefighters,police officers and teachers. Mr. Dale advised if appointed, he will reach out to Mrs.Abbott, civic organizations and staff to learn what the current issues are involving the Kempsville District as well as the broader issues in the City. Mrs. Estaris expressed her appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered and to those who have supported her. Mrs. Estaris advised one of her greatest endeavors was working with the Sister Cities Association of Virginia Beach (SCAVB) on the anchor monument in Kemp's Landing Park which represents the heart of the Philippine community and marks the tie with Olongapo becoming a Sister City. Mrs. Estaris advised during her work with SCAVB, she worked with several City departments and is submitting her application for appointment to City Council because she believes it is important to take action in solidarity and to be part of a core team. Mrs. Estaris expressed her hope to help the City achieve its goals on Sea Level Rise,Economic Development, making the City the safest city in Virginia, revitalizing neighborhoods, data technology and continuing to be a first class resort. August 10, 2021 4 CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS FOR KEMPSVILLE DISTRICT CITY COUNCIL SEAT ITEM#71886 (Continued) Mr.Feggans expressed his appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Mr. Feggans advised he attended Brandon High School before joining the U. S. Air Force where he has served since 2001 and will retire next month. Mr. Feggans advised he has achieved his academic goals and holds a certificate in political science, a bachelor's degree in health care administration and master's degree in cyber security. Mr. Feggans advised in 2012, he was selected as the first enlisted member to work for Congress, and worked for Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner in Norfolk, where he learned the importance of non-profit organizations and community outreach. Mr. Feggans advised his leadership experience and education contributed to him establishing Outerbridge Technical Solutions, LLC in Town Center. Mr. Feggans advised if appointed, he would like to improve the City's social safety net, increase funding for startup businesses and partnering with more non-profit organizations. Mr.Holcomb expressed his appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Mr.Holcomb advised his application provides his experience in the City and State but believes it is important for the Body to understand why he would like to serve. Mr. Holcomb advised fighting for someone or something is all he has ever known as a child, his service in the U. S. Marine Corps and in his current position as Deputy Chief in the Sherds Office. Mr. Holcomb advised his fighting spirit led him to become the first full time law enforcement officer to be elected to the Virginia General Assembly as the Kempsville Delegate where he worked to successfully pass legislation to study mental health patients and better serve those who are incarcerated. Mr. Holcomb advised while serving on the General Assembly, he served on the Finance Committee and the Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns where he learned the state's budgeting and legislative processes. Mr. Holcomb advised with his experience in law enforcement and as the Kempsville Delegate, he is in position to serve with a small learning curve and if appointed, will work hard, be prepared, listen to his constituents and stay educated on current issues. Mr. Jordan expressed his appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Mr. Jordan advised he grew up in Kempsville until leaving to attend Longwood University where he earned his bachelor's degree in history with a minor in political science. Mr. Jordan advised after graduating, he returned to the City and began working in manufacturing. Mr. Jordan expressed he has a deep desire to serve Kempsville residents and will focus improving education, public safety and Sea Level Rise. Mr. Jordan advised he supports the Bond Referendum for flood mitigation as well as the Agriculture Reserve Program and the Tourism and Investment Program. Mr. Jordan advised if appointed, he will continue to support and educate residents on the Bond Referendum and long term business growth. Mr. Matney expressed his appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Mr. Matney advised he has lived in Kempsville throughout his life, reveled in the strong sense of community and seen the City's dramatic growth from its rural beginnings. Mr. Matney advised he and his wife have served a combined total of six(6)decades as educators investing into the lives of young people. Mr.Matney advised he worked to established two (2) Governor STEM Academies in the City designed to meet the needs of industry leaders in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Mr.Matney provided his August 10, 2021 5 CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS FOR KEMPSVILLE DISTRICT CITY COUNCIL SEAT ITEM#71886 (Continued) experience as a member of the Governor's Education Reform and Innovation Committee with many recommendations becoming codified. Mr. Matney expressed his pride in the City's recognition as one of the safest cities in Virginia and the continuous investment in public safety, City services, infrastructure and economic development and believes it is important to foster affordable housing options,proactively pursue grants for non-profit organizations and provide competitive pay for first responders and teachers. Dr. Ross-Hammond expressed her appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Dr. Ross-Hammond advised she brings experience and institutional knowledge and would like to continue the goals and aspirations of the Kempsville District and provided her top priorities of:public safety,public education, workforce development,stormwater andflood mitigation, broadband access, clean energy,open space, affordable housing and mental health. Dr. Ross-Hammond advised as an educator, she is very committed to civic engagement and listening to citizens and understands the diversity of the Kempsville District. Dr. Ross-Hammond believes actions speak louder than words and shared a few of her accomplishments as the previous Kempsville District Council Member;negotiated$2.5-Million for Historic Kempsville overlay preservation and signage improvement, preserved the original façade of Kempsville High School to retain it on the historic registry, the elevation of roadways for flood mitigation and worked with business leaders and educators to establish the first entrepreneurial academy in the City. Dr. Ross- Hammond advised she has retired since serving on City Council but has continued working in the ViBE District, Chair of the African-American Roundtable and Chair of Mayor Dyer's IDEA Commission. Dr. Ross-Hammond advised she is ready and willing to serve the Kempsville District again and would appreciate the Body's vote. Mr. Werlein expressed his appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Mr. Werlein advised he grew up in Wisconsin and later joined the U. S.Air National Guard where he earned his degree in environmental engineering and currently works for the City in the Public Works Department as the Head Fog Program Manager. Mr. Werlein advised he is seeking appointment due to the core values he learned of integrity, service before self and excellence in all that one does and would like to represent Kempsville's residents and provide a voice for them even if their opinions d ffer from his. Mr. Werlein advised if he was appointed, he would not run for election but will continue to support the initiatives of Mrs.Abbott. August 10, 2021 6 ITEM#71887 Mayor Robert M. Dyer 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: PUBLICLY-HELD PROPERTY: Discussion or consideration of the, acquisition of real property for public purpose; or of the disposition of publicly-held property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(3). • Beach District • Beach District PUBLIC CONTRACT: Discussion of the award of a public contract involving expenditure of public funds, and discussion of terms or scope of such contract, where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(29) • Dome Site/Atlantic Park Development • Pembroke TIF/SSD 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: Council, Boards, Commissions, Committees,Authorities, Agencies and Appointees • City Council Kempsville seat August 10, 2021 7 ITEM#71887 (Continued) Upon motion by Council Member Wilson, seconded by Council Member Moss, City Council voted to proceed into CLOSED SESSION at 4:15 P.M. Voting: 9-1 Council Members Voting Aye: Michael F. Berlucchi, Mayor Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, Louis R. Jones, John D. Moss, Guy K. Tower, Rosemary Wilson, Vice Mayor James L. Wood and Sabrina D. Wooten Council Members Absent: Aaron R. Rouse Closed Session 4:15 P.M. — 5:13 P.M. August 10, 2021 8 CERTIFICATION ITEM#71888 Mayor Dyer RECONVENED the Special Formal Session at 6:08 P.M. Upon motion by Council Member Moss, seconded by Council Member 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: 9-1 Council Members Voting Aye: Michael F. Berlucchi, Mayor Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, Louis R. Jones, John D. Moss, Guy K. Tower, Rosemary Wilson, Vice Mayor James L. Wood and Sabrina D. Wooten Council Members Absent: Aaron R. Rouse August 10, 2021 J\4L O4 t a ,' i? f 9 S OF OUP „ow' 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 ITEM#71887 Page 7 and in accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and, WHEREAS:Section 2.2-3712 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. Amanda Barn s, MMC City Clerk August 10, 2021 9 ADJOURNMENT ITEM#71889 Mayor Robert M. Dyer DECLARED the City Council SPECIAL SESSION ADJOURNED at 6:09 P.M. Te eli s Chief Deputy City Clerk Aman a MMC Robert M. Dyer City Clerk Mayor August 10, 2021