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Home My WebLink AboutSEPTEMBER 28, 2021 SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES E6 Is 9 OF OORO4 VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL Virginia Beach, Virginia September 28, 2021 Mayor Dyer called to order the SPECIAL SESSION of the VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL, in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 2:00 P.M Council Members Present: Michael F. Berlucchi, Mayor Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, N. D. "Rocky"Holcomb, Louis R. Jones, John D. Moss, Aaron R. Rouse, Guy K. Tower, Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson and Sabrina D. Wooten Council Members Absent: None 2 MAYOR'S CALL FOR SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION ITEM#72070 Mayor Dyer read the Mayor's Call for the SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION: September 22, 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 VIRGINLA BEACH CITY COUNCIL Tuesday,September 28,2021 2:00 P.M. City Council Chamber Building 1, City Hall,2nd 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 Lynnhaven District City Council seat. Immediately following, City Council will recess and convene into CLOSED SESSION to discuss the candidates for appointment and determine which candidates are finalists pursuant to: • Va. Code § 2. 2- 3711(A)( 1) - Discussion of appointment of specific public appointees:Lynnhaven District Council vacancy 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 September 28, 2021 0.1.11A•BEAo City of Virginia 7 a Beach laiftir 99t5 as* OF OUR NOW VBg)Vrcom ROBERT M."BOBBY"DYER MUNICIPAL CENTER MAYOR BUILDING 1,ROOM 234 2401 COURTHOUSE DRIVE VIRGINIA BEACH,VA 234569000 (757)3854581 FAX(757)385-5699 September 22, 2021 BDYEROVBGOV 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,September 28,2021 2:00 P.M. City Council Chamber Building 1, City Hall, 2nd 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 Lynnhaven District City Council seat. Immediately following, City Council will recess and convene into CLOSED SESSION to discuss the candidates for appointment and determine which candidates are finalists pursuant to: • Va. Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) - Discussion of appointment of specific public appointees: Lynnhaven District Council vacancy At the conclusion of Closed Session, City Council will reconvene into open session to cert 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 L YNNHA VEN DISTRICT CITY COUNCIL SEAT ITEM#72071 Mayor Dyer DECLARED A SPECIAL FORMAL SESSION to conduct public interviews for the Lynnhaven District Candidates: Christopher F. Bonney Linwood O. Branch Holly T. Cuellar Carla V. Hesseltine Richard Maddox Kathy P. Owens Mr. Bonney expressed his appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Mr. Bonney advised his family has been a part of the City's progression for 200 years, his grandfather Albert Bonney served on City Council, his Great Uncle Al Bonney served as Commissioner of Revenue, as well as many other family members who have worked for the City. Mr. Bonney is semi-retired from his independent marketing research company after twenty-nine (29) years and described several studies he conducted including health care and welfare reform, diversity and inclusion, transportation, air and water quality, mental health and substance abuse policy. Mr. Bonney provided his volunteer service as Chair of the Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement, an officer of The Future of Hampton Roads Think Tank, creator of the grassroots group to save the Cavalier Hotel and most recently, co-chaired a civic engagement working group on the intergovernmental pilot project on sea level rise. Mr. Bonney expressed it would be his great honor to serve the Lynnhaven District Mr. Branch expressed his appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Mr. Branch commended the Body on overcoming many challenges, noting the City's schools are one hundred percent accredited, the City is one of the safest in America as well as financially sound and poised to move forward better than many others. Mr. Branch requested the Body review his application closely and consider his thirty-two (32)years of experience working with three (3) dozen Boards and Commissions dealing with numerous issues throughout the City. Mr. Branch advised those experiences allowed him to engage in causes that make up the fabric of the City and the incredible citizens and businesses that make Virginia Beach special. Mr. Branch advised if he is selected, he will work on four (4)priority issues: workforce development, community policing in every precinct, homelessness and the Stormwater Bond Referendum. Mr. Branch believes if he is selected, there are two (2) things that would help him be a better Council Member from the start; have a discussion on what the process is for handling issues and understanding each of the Council Member's needs and priorities. Ms. Cuellar expressed her appreciation to City Council and is honored to be considered for the Lynnhaven Council seat.Ms. Cuellar advised her interest in serving on City Council is fueled by her passion to serve Lynnhaven residents and the City at large, contributing to the development of public policy,provide citizens with initiatives that enhance the City and seeks to further the mission of providing a safe and welcoming "City for a Lifetime" where all neighbors regardless of race, gender, creed, disabilities or sexual orientation can live, work and play without barriers. Ms. Cuellar advised while serving as Rector on the September 28, 2021 4 CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS FOR L YNNHA VEN DISTRICT CITY COUNCIL SEAT ITEM#72071 (Continued) Board of Visitors at the University of Mary Washington, she facilitated and formed consensuses during many controversial issues due to her ability to actively listen, lead and compromise to find solutions. Ms. Cuellar advised she was appointed to serve as Rector under two (2) governors of different political affiliations and effectively collaborated with groups to work towards the advancement and fiscal well-being of the University. If appointed, Ms. Cuellar pledged to work in tandem with staff to educate the public on the Bond Referendum, seek bold solutions to drive the tourism economy, and to find more opportunities for small businesses. Ms. Hesseltine expressed her appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Ms. Hesseltine advised she has lived in the Lynnhaven District for thirty (30) years and has continuously engaged in civic and community involvement. Ms. Hesseltine provided her experience as a small business owner of her graphic design company until 2008 and her current baking company that was featured on the Food Network. Ms. Hesseltine advised was appointed by former Congressman Scott Rigell to serve on his Small Business Advisory Board and understands the importance and impact that small businesses have on the economy. Ms. Hesseltine shared the loss of her father and how that experience led to her work with former State Senator Frank Wagner to shepherd and pass SB 466 concerning the rights of family members to visit loved ones under guardianship. Ms. Hesseltine is continuing her work for seniors as she was recently appointed by the Governor to the Commonwealth Council on Aging.Ms.Hesseltine advised she is a current member of both the Human Rights Commission and serves as Co-Chair of the Law Enforcement Oversight subcommittee and Community Services Board and strongly supports police officers and mental health. Ms. Hesseltine advised she understands hard work, dedication and making tough decisions and expressed her desire to have a larger role in the City. Mr.Maddox expressed his appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Mr. Maddox advised when he previously served on City Council in 2002, he did not know the partisanship of other Council Members and does not believe partisanship is helpful. Mr.Maddox advised City Council has faced challenges over the past five (5)years stemming from many of the City's long-term leaders who have left the City, resulting in the loss of several hundred years of municipal memory. The challenges were compounded in 2020, with an interim City Manager, Resort Manager and Police Chief Mr. Maddox advised he wants to help, adding he has lived in the City his entire life, served on City Council, has been in business for forty-five (45)years and will bring continuity and history. Mr. Maddox advised he strongly supports the Bond Referendum, recognizes social issues of diversity and inclusion with perceptions and practices that need to change, understands the challenges of public safety staffing and recruitment, affordable housing needs, workforce development and transforming the resort area. Mr. Maddox advised he understands the workload and daily pressure and wants to help, pledging if selected, he will work collaboratively and purposefully as a team to move the City forward. September 28, 2021 5 CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS FOR L YNNHA VEN DISTRICT CITY COUNCIL SEAT ITEM#72071 (Continued) Ms. Owens expressed her appreciation to City Council for the opportunity to be considered. Ms. Owens believes if citizens could be asked what was most important to them in selecting a Council Member it would be character. Ms. Owens advised if you have character, everything else can be learned, as it is character that allows for pure governance, consensus and cooperation, making one understand the importance of being accessible, reliable and accountable. Ms. Owens advised her character is best judged by her record of twenty-one(21)years of service to the country as a Navy pilot, eleven(11)years as president of her civic league, appointment as Vice President of the Central Business District Association, appointment to the Military Economic Development Advisory Committee, appointment by three(3) different governors to the Veteran War Memorial Board and Board of Veteran Services as well as all those who speak on her behalf Ms. Owens wants to serve on City Council to build on the previous successes, assist in solving complex issues and proactively govern. September 28, 2021 6 ITEM#72072 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: 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) • City Council Lynnhaven seat September 28, 2021 7 ITEM#72072 (Continued) Upon motion by Vice Mayor Wilson, seconded by Council Member Moss, City Council voted to proceed into CLOSED SESSION at 3:16 P.M. Voting: 10-0 Council Members Voting Aye: Michael F. Berlucchi, Mayor Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, N. D. "Rocky" Holcomb, Louis R. Jones, John D. Moss, Aaron R. Rouse, Guy K. Tower, Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson and Sabrina D. Wooten Council Members Absent: None Break 3:16 P.M. —3:31 P.M. Closed Session 3:31 P.M. — 3:59 P.M. September 28, 2021 8 CERTIFICATION ITEM#72073 Mayor Dyer RECONVENED the Special Formal Session at 4:01 P.M. Upon motion by Council Member Jones, seconded by Vice Mayor 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: 10-0 Council Members Voting Aye: Michael F. Berlucchi, Mayor Robert M. Dyer, Barbara M. Henley, N. D. "Rocky" Holcomb, Louis R. Jones, John D. Moss, Aaron R. Rouse, Guy K. Tower, Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson and Sabrina D. Wooten Council Members Absent: None September 28, 2021 `�G�Nvo B4c t 1 4tL n 2 R OF OUR Rat\04S 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#72072 on Page land 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. -i:ate= Terri H Chelius Chief Deputy City Clerk September 28, 2021 9 ADJOURNMENT ITEM#72074 Mayor Robert M. Dyer DECLARED the City Council SPECIAL SESSION ADJOURNED at 4:02 P.M. Terri H. Cheli Chief Deputy City Clerk A Ti da Ba �:`s, C Robert M. Dyer City Clerk Mayor September 28, 2021