Draft Minutes City Council Work Session Meeting Held in the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center – Banquet Room 12410 Wickham Avenue Tuesday, September 22, 2020, 3:15 PM

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor McKinley L. Price, DDS, Councilwoman Sharon P. Scott, MPA, Councilwoman Tina L. Vick, Vice Mayor Saundra N. Cherry, D. Min., Councilman Marcellus L. Harris III, D. Div.; and Councilman David H. Jenkins

MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilwoman Dr. Patricia P. Woodbury

OTHERS PRESENT: Cynthia D. Rohlf; Collins L. Owens; Darlene Bradberry; Mabel Washington Jenkins; Joye Thompkins; Lisa Cipriano; Cory Cloud; Susan Goodwin; Florence Kingston; Derek Perry; Steven Meade; Doreen Kopacz; Karen Witherspoon; Sheila McAllister; Craig Galant; Jered Grimes; Alan Archer; Ralph Clayton; David Freeman; Eoghan “Owen” Miller; Kim Lee; Cleder Jones; Josh Reyes; and Zina Middleton

I. Seafood Industrial Park Lease Update

City Manager Rohlf introduced Ms. Florence Kingston, Director, Department of Development, to provide an update on the Seafood Industrial Park Lease Expirations and Market Opportunity (a copy of the presentation, “Seafood Industrial Park Lease Expirations and Market Opportunity Briefing, September 22, 2020,” is attached and made a part of these minutes).

Ms. Kingston reminded that during the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) presentation City Council was informed that additional information would be briefed on the Seafood Industrial Park (SIP) Lease expirations and market opportunity. She noted the SIP had been a very important City asset for over a century-providing jobs and revenue. It was the largest municipally-owned working waterfront in , handling over half the value of seafood in . The briefing was on an opportunity to grow and solidify the SIP, which also tied in well with Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) plans. The Seafood Industrial Park parcels 17, 17A and 1A would expire, with no renewals remaining on the current leases.

Ms. Kingston advised that Parcels 17, 17A and 1A, made-up the northern end of the SIP harbor (see slide 2, attached and a part of these minutes). All three (3) of the parcels were leased in 1980 by Harbor Cruises and the properties were used for parking and vessel moorings for a tour boat and fishing charter business until the business went bankrupt in 1993. She shared that Mr. Ed Shield of Ashland, Virginia, was an investor in Harbor Cruises and acquired the leases in the Harbor Cruises bankruptcy proceedings. Mr. Shield continued the leases under two (2) trade names: Harbor Cruises and The Shield Group. By the late 1990’s, the tour/fishing business was no longer functioning, and all three (3) of these parcels, while under the control of Mr. Shield, had been subleased to two (2) businesses. Harbor Cruises and The Shield Group had no operating business in the SIP since the late 1990s, but had continually subleased these parcels since the 2000s, and had a documented history of

Page 1 of 11 Draft negative lease issues. Mr. Shield had been notified that no new lease or hold over tenancy would be considered and that he should vacate the premises upon expiration of the current leases.

Ms. Kingston informed that Parcels 17 and 17A, located on Terminal Avenue, were separate leases but functioned as a combined property with no improvements. Parcel 17 was City-owned with approximately 186 feet of concrete bulkhead mooring. Parcel 17A was owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and through a VDOT Land Use Permit, the City could lease the property for limited use, and had access to Parcel 17 bulkhead from Terminal Avenue. The current lease with Shield would expire November 14, 2020. She reiterated that Parcels 17 and 17A leases would expire concurrently on November 14, 2020, and Parcel 1A lease, would expire October 31, 2020.

Ms. Kingston indicated that the Economic/Industrial Development Authority (EDA/IDA) was excited to report that the City had received interest in both of the lease areas from different user groups. First, she shared the interest in Parcels 17 and 17A. Lockwood Marine had been the approved subtenant for Parcels 17 and 17A since April 2011, and had requested to lease these parcels for five-years from November 15, 2020 – November 14, 2025, to continue its marine transportation business. Lockwood operated a heavy marine transportation job with three (3) barges and numerous cranes, and serviced the Port of Virginia along with other US Ports. Lockwood separately rented two (2) additional moorings from the City in the SIP Outer Harbor and has had a positive relationship with the City and SIP dating back to the 1990s. The EDA/IDA were recommending a direct lease with Lockwood Marine, as it would support the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) and increase City revenue through additional mooring fees not present in the older Harbor Cruises lease.

Ms. Kingston advised that while transitioning to the other side of the SIP, Parcel 1A was an elongated parcel along Jefferson Avenue, which made up the East and North end of the SIP. Within Parcel 1A, there was a severely deteriorated building with no value facing Jefferson Avenue once known as “Ye Ole Crab Shack”. Parcel 1A had been subleased since 2001 to Old Point Packing. Old Point Packing was also the direct lessee of SIP Parcels 2 and 3 that would also expire in about a year. She shared that Old Point Packing owned several fishing trawlers and up until several years ago packed scallops and fish at Parcel 2. Very little seafood activity had been observed on Parcels 2 and 3 in the past two (2) years. Along the east concrete bulkhead of Parcel 1A, the subtenant, Old Point Packing, had allowed an independent trawler company D.B.A. Fernandez Scallop Company to moor Fernandez vessels and utilize part of the Parcel 1A property to outfit and maintain these vessels engaged in the scallop and shrimp fisheries. However, like Shield/Harbor Cruise, Old Point Packing had documented negative lease issues with the City, and had been issued notice that the Shield Group lease and Old Point Packing sublease would not be extended.

Ms. Kingston shared, with the existing lease and sublease ending October 31, 2020, Fernandez had requested to lease, for five-years, the portion of the land and usable bulkhead that Fernandez had been occupying through an agreement with Old Point Packing. The area was outlined in blue on the map (shown on slide 3, attached and a part of these minutes). She noted the following:

o Fernandez had a 30-year history within SIP landing scallops in the park and sells their seafood products to SIP tenant B & C Seafood. o Fernandez employed 23 full-time and five (5) part-time/seasonal employees.

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Page 2 of 11 Draft o Through its lease, Fernandez would commit to demolish the current building that was severely deteriorated with a lease credit for the demolition and would construct a new workshop facility in nearly the same footprint, resulting in an increase in taxes to the City. o A new five-year lease with Fernandez would require a separate mooring agreement for use of the bulkhead, not part of the older Harbor Cruises lease, also resulting in increased revenue to the City.

Ms. Kingston advised that the third and final new leasing opportunity was in the yellow area on the map (shown on slide 3, attached and a part of these minutes). The remaining area of Parcel 1A and its wooden piers outlined in yellow would only accommodate small vessels due to water depth and pier construction. A group of seven (7) watermen had been operating in this area through an agreement with Old Point Packing for over one decade. The watermen harvested crabs in the summer and oysters in the winter. The group, known as Lucky Dog Crab and Seafood Company, LLC, was made up of fathers, sons, brothers and fellow watermen.

Ms. Kingston indicated that Lucky Dog Crab and Seafood Company, LLC (Lucky Dog), represented the largest collective of blue crab watermen on the lower Chesapeake Bay and employed a total of 21 watermen. Lucky Dog had requested the area outlined in yellow to continued operating and have space to service their fishing gear. Lucky Dog understood the City’s future plans for a Seafood Market/Community Kitchen as part of the CNI plan and would cooperate fully as plans proceed. They would lease the area on a year-to-year basis. A proposed lease with Lucky Dog would be for one-year, with four (4) possible one-year renewals, at the City’s option until the City needed the area for the planned Market. Lucky Dog would commit to shared parking in the leased area, as well as, access for the City as plans and designs are sought for the City’s future Market project. Lucky Dog would also commit to maintaining the dock planking on these older piers and hold the City harmless for use of the piers until such time as the City may replace moorings and/or terminate the lease with Lucky Dog, should a lease be approved by Council. She shared that Lucky Dog was excited about the changes coming to the North end of the harbor and hoped that future plans might include them continuing to keep their vessels here and possibly become vendors or suppliers for the planned Market.

Ms. Kingston summarized, by reconfiguring Parcel 1A into two (2) new separate parcels, (Parcel 1 and Parcel 1A) and leasing to these two (2) companies: Fernandez and Lucky Dog, the City would preserve the employment offered by these businesses, increase City revenue of $18,680 per year and taxes with new leases and improvements, and preserve seafood landings within the park, which would play a very important role as a market, restaurant and kitchen if the green area comes to fruition.

Ms. Kingston indicated, while looking ahead, as plans for the market took shape, an Aid To Local Ports (ATLP) grant would be pursed to replace the aging small boat pier moorings. The ATLP grant program was administered by the Virginia Port Authority and awarded to publicly-owned marine facilities that promoted marine commerce in Virginia. Since 2015, the SIP had received over $1.7 million for improvements to the SIP. A future ATLP grant project planned for the northern harbor could provide the opportunity to reconfigure the watermen moorings, as well as provide public access both by water and land along the northern bulkhead.

Ms. Kingston made reference to the Public/Private Dock Concept for 917 Jefferson Avenue (shown on slide 4, attached and a part of these minutes). The public/private dock could provide a modern facility 3

Page 3 of 11 Draft to continue seafood landings alongside a public marketplace and event destination. The area at the head of the harbor could include a deck along the water for public seating and a view of harbor activities. She further noted, shown in yellow on the map, on the northwest end of the public deck, a floating dock for visiting recreational boats could provide access to the Market venue. The area highlighted in blue on the map, would provide a similar number of commercial boat moorings, but the new access point would be on the east side of the harbor. Timing of new docks should occur before or coincide with implementation of the CNI Market project. She emphasized the City had a valuable asset in the SIP. Through recent phased capacity building and maintenance projects, partially funded by the ATLP grant program, the SIP had adapted to change and increased capacity, resulting in record City revenue for the past two-years, exceeding $1 million per year. Being able to preserve the commercial function of the SIP at the northern end, gain new motivated tenants versus the former pass-through tenants and increase City revenue, all while incorporating positive changes in conjunction with CNI plans, was a win-win for the SIP, the City, and the Southeast community.

Ms. Kingston provided City Council a handout displaying the current tenants and leased areas. A request would be presented at the October 27, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting for consideration of lease approval for the three (3) businesses at the SIP parcels as described.

Ms. Kingston introduced Ms. Doreen Kopacz, Newport News Harbor Master, who was in attendance.

Vice Mayor Cherry inquired about the Fernandez Scallop Company and Lucky Dog Crab and Seafood Company, LLC. Ms. Kingston replied that the Fernandez Scallop Company outfitted and maintained vessels engaged in the scallop and shrimp fisheries and landing scallops and shrimp. The Lucky Dog Crab and Seafood Company, LLC, harvested crabs in the summer and oysters in the winter. Ms. Kopacz shared that both companies were commercial fisheries.

Vice Mayor Cherry questioned whether both the Fernandez Scallop Company and the Lucky Dog Crab and Seafood Company, LLC, would be on a year-to-year lease. Ms. Kingston replied that Lucky Dog would be on a year-to-year lease with a renewal of up to four-years and Fernandez would be on a five- year lease.

Vice Mayor Cherry inquired about the number of boats and employees of Lucky Dog. Ms. Kopacz replied seven (7) boats and 21 employees. Vice Mayor Cherry questioned, once the City decided what would be done with that property, whether another location for Lucky Dog would be found in the SIP, or whether they would have to leave the SIP. Ms. Kopacz replied they hoped to relocate Lucky Dog over time within the SIP. She was hopeful when the existing piers were removed and the ramp/deck was built for public access from the east side down that both the commercial watermen and the public could use the docks. The floating deck with public access to use for viewing pleasure, market, kitchen and/or restaurant. The watermen would still have an option to remain at the SIP.

Vice Mayor Cherry indicated that she hoped that the City was not releasing the business after the five- year lease. Ms. Kingston replied by the time the City began work on the Market plans, the footprint would likely change when performing the dock improvement. There would be another place between the summer and winter, to temporarily relocate Lucky Dog, so they could moor closer to a bulkhead. Once the work was completed, Lucky Dog could hopefully enter into another five-year lease. The company was mainly interested in bulkhead and pier space, but needed land area for parking and 4

Page 4 of 11 Draft vessel repairs. Vice Mayor Cherry questioned whether the City was putting Lucky Dog out of business. Ms. Kingston replied no, the City was not putting the company out of business. The business would be accommodated with other space during the dock construction and improvements.

City Manager Rohlf indicated what could be helpful at some point, would be a scheduled field trip to allow City Council to see what was happening at the SIP and to envision the bigger picture. City Council would get an opportunity to review this agenda item again, because it would require action on the new leases.

II. Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority (RIFA) Update

City Manager Rohlf reminded that City Council received a briefing on the Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority (RIFA) at the October 9, 2018 Work Session. City Manager Rohlf introduced Ms. Florence Kingston, Director, Department of Development, to provide an update on the Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority (EVRIFA) (a copy of the presentation, “Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority (EVRIFA) Update – Kings Creek Commerce Center Project, September 22, 2020,” is attached and made a part of these minutes).

Ms. Kingston reminded that Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority (EVRIFA) was created at the end of 2018 for the purpose of being a vehicle through which participating localities could engage in regional economic development initiatives. The current EVRIFA membership was comprised of the following:

o City of Hampton o Town of Poquoson o City of Newport News o City of Williamsburg o James City County o York County o Gloucester County o Isle of Wight County o City of Chesapeake o City of Franklin

Ms. Kingston noted that the EVRIFA team had been working closely with participating localities to navigate the potential first project. She introduced Mr. Steven Meade, Attorney, Patten, Wornom, Hatten, and Diamonstein (PWHD), Legal Counselor for EVRIFA, to share information on the proposed Kings Creek Commerce Center Project.

Mr. Meade advised that EVRIFA had been working on the proposed Kings Creek Commerce Center Project for the past two (2) years. Mayor McKinley Price, an EVRIFA Board Member, and City Manager Rohlf had attended a number of the meetings. As this was the first individual project, EVRIFA would have to report back to each participating EVRIFA member to determine whether that locality would

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Page 5 of 11 Draft like to participate in the proposed project. He shared the following information on the proposed Kings Creek Commerce Center Project.

• The Commonwealth of Virginia owned approximately 432-acre parcel in York County. o The property was a former fuel farm and was under a Corrective Action Plan with the Commonwealth. • EVRIFA was successful in getting a State budget amendment approved that allowed EVRIFA-acquisition of the property for $1.35 million. o The budget amendment allowed for the lease or sale of the property by EVRIFA to any non-residential use.

Mr. Meade noted, in 2019 EVRIFA restricted use to only Unmanned Systems, which would be difficult to regulate with the Kings Creek Commerce Center Project due to its size. He provided information on the project as follows:

• York County had been working with KDC Solar, LLC, a solar company interested in leasing a portion of the property to install a 20MW solar facility. • KDC Solar had offered to provide the $1.35 million required for acquisition, in exchange for a 37-year ground lease on an approximately 250-acre portion of the property. • In addition to the lump sum value, KDC Solar had offered additional annual payments of $15,000, in addition to tax payments. • Outside of the solar lease area, there were approximately 25 acres of developable property that could immediately be marketed and sold by EVRIFA to private parties. • All revenues generated by the project would be distributed to participating localities in accordance with the terms in the participation agreement. • Participation in the project required authorization of a participation agreement for the project, which provided the framework for the project. • EVRIFA would acquire the property and enter into the ground lease with KDC Solar. It would then market the developable acres on the property. • All project decisions would be managed by the Project Participation Committee, and any decisions would need unanimous approval. • Revenue generated by the project (taxes, land sales, etc.) would be distributed in the following manner: o 5% - EVRIFA o 5% - Host Community o 90% - Participating Localities (In Proportion to Funding Contributions)

Councilwoman Vick inquired about how KDC Solar Company was chosen, whether a Request for Proposal (RFP) was sent out? Ms. Kingston replied Peninsula localities were looking to pursue the project of unmanned systems testing, KDC Solar Company and the Commonwealth of Virginia were encouraged to blend the two (2) projects together. KDC Solar were interested in the solar project, and the Peninsula localities was interested in creating a portion of the area of the industrial park, and both were able to take advantage of some real estate. Mr. Meade advised that KDC Solar Company was the only company that had the Dominion Interconnection agreement, which would allow for the project to begin immediately.

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Page 6 of 11 Draft Vice Mayor Cherry inquired about the location of the land owned by the Commonwealth. She indicated it was as though they were directing the EVRIFA to move forward on this project. Ms. Kingston replied that the land was owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia. There were two (2) entities that went to the Commonwealth at different times and rather than the Commonwealth picking one over the other, they were directed to work together and figure out how to best achieve their goal.

Ms. Kingston explained, with EVRIFA, there would be other expenses on the Kings Creek commerce Center Project as follows:

• Revenues and expenses had been projected for this project. This was an exhibit to the Participation Agreement. • It was proposed that Newport News participation at $15,000 in Year 1 and $5,000 in the following years. • Funding would be provided by the Newport News Economic Development Authority (see the chart below).

• York County authorized the participation agreement at its Board of Supervisors meeting on September 15, 2020. • Isle of Wight County authorized the participation agreement at its Board of Supervisors meeting on September 17, 2020. • This project would be EVRIFA’s first project and was an opportunity to solidify the model for regional participation. Additionally, it was a low-cost opportunity to share in revenues generated by the project. • Newport News’ participation in this project would require authorization of a participation agreement. If there was a desire to proceed, it would be scheduled as an agenda item at the October 13, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting.

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Page 7 of 11 Draft Vice Mayor Cherry inquired about the land belonging to the Commonwealth, and KDC Solar coming to the Commonwealth and proposed the project. Ms. Kingston replied EVRIFA was already in discussion with the Commonwealth Real Estate company about EVRIFA acquiring the property to do the unmanned system. She reiterated there were bidders/companies interested in some of the property, with the solar company being one of the two, EVRIFA looked at how to allow use of the property. Once the property was acquired, the solar company would be a tenant. Vice Mayor Cherry said she was unaware that the property was being looked at in York County for EVRIFA, which was news to her. More importantly, the land was owned by the Commonwealth and because the solar company was paying upfront, the City was now agreeing to get involved. Ms. Kingston replied that KDC Solar was assisting the formation of the project by paying upfront, EVRIFA could then purchase the land from the Commonwealth, and the solar company would lease the land. Vice Mayor Cherry questioned, at the end of the day, who would own the property. Ms. Kingston replied EVRIFA would own the land, and the City of Newport News was a member of EVRIFA. Vice Mayor Cherry questioned how the City paid the first $15,000 along with York County and Isle of Wight County. Ms. Kingston replied the funds contributed were to cover expenses up to a certain amount, and to build a reserve for monitoring and ongoing maintenance until the property was developed and sold. Vice Mayor Cherry inquired about the other localities and what percentage would be contributed, and whether the 90% would be divided based on the dollars contributed. Ms. Kingston replied yes, the portion of the return would be based on the dollars invested. The locality would have the option to participate on every project, and get a return on the portion invested.

Vice Mayor Cherry questioned whether this was already done without discussion. Ms. Kingston replied the Go Virginia Program funding was used to create the unmanned system and was done. City Manager Rohlf noted that the Kings Creek Commerce Center Project was the first project and was not a done deal, as it required City Council approval to take part in any EVRIFA project presented, which gave the City an opportunity to participate in regional projects. She reminded that City Council approved the City’s participation in EVRIFA in 2018. Vice Mayor Cherry questioned whether the City would have to participate every time the Commonwealth came up with something. Ms. Kingston replied that the City did not have to participate in every EVRIFA project; however, City Council would be informed of each project, as Newport News was a part of the EVRIFA membership.

Councilwoman Vick questioned the next step(s). City Manager Rohlf replied the EVRIFA Kings Creek Commerce Center Project would be on the October 13, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting agenda for consideration.

CITY COUNCIL RECESSED: 4:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. TO THE NEWPORT NEWS CITY COUNCIL AND NEWPORT NEWS SCHOOL BOARD JOINT WORK SESSION

RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AT 5:30 P.M.

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Page 8 of 11 Draft III. Comments/Ideas/Suggestions

Councilman Jenkins inquired about the statue of possibly televising the City Council Work Sessions.

Councilman Jenkins requested that City Council consider renaming of Wickham Avenue, as suggested by community members, which started at 36th Street and ran parallel to Jefferson Avenue through the Southeast Community. He shared that the street was named after Williams Carter Wickham, a plantation owner, attorney, and politician from Virginia who voted against secession before he served as an Officer and eventually Brigadier General in the Confederate Army. He further noted that the road may be named for Wickham, not because of his service in the Confederacy, but for his work after the war, particularly as a President and Vice-President of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company, that assisted bringing rail lines to the southern end of the Peninsula, supporting the establishment of the Newport News Shipbuilding and the establishment of Newport News. Wickham passed away in 1988. However, the descendants of Wickham stated their ancestor gained wealth and power through the exploitation of enslaved people. Councilman Jenkins believed there were other community leaders in Newport News that would be better honored with the renaming of Wickham Avenue. He suggested renaming the street for Congressman Bobby Scott, as he had served five- decades of public service to the Newport News community and had made a tremendous impact. He did not believe anyone else would come close, and it would be great for Congressman Scott to be around to be recognized and appreciate the honor.

Vice Mayor Cherry questioned whether Jefferson Avenue was named after Thomas Jefferson. She questioned whether every street name had been researched (i.e. J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Oyster Point Boulevard, etc.), and would the City change the name of every street? Councilwoman Vick shared that would be a costly process. Vice Mayor Cherry noted when commemorative signs were done for Ella Fitzgerald Way and others; that was costly to the City. In the great scope of things, she inquired whether the City Council needed to change the name of streets or places, upon a community member’s concern. Councilman Jenkins agreed with Vice Mayor Cherry and stated where does it stop? He stated it should be done on a case-by-case basis and thought this would be a good case. Vice Mayor Cherry said she could do the same thing and suggested Wickham be renamed for James A. Fields, who was the first black sheriff in the City, first black Commonwealth Attorney in the City, and a legislator who had escaped slavery. The second black sheriff, Gabe Morgan, and second black Commonwealth Attorney, Howard Gwynn, was currently serving after 150 years. The James A. Fields House was the site of the first black hospital in Newport News. She stated she was not out here beating the pavement for renaming streets and other places. She questioned whether City Council wanted to start renaming everything? She advised not to get her started on what should be named for history.

Mayor Price asked whether there was a consensus from the Council to explore changing the name of Wickham Avenue. City Attorney Collins Owens replied that City staff could begin researching the name with direction from the City Manager, and an official change would come from a vote by City Council. Mayor Price advised, along with staff time, there would be a cost to make changes.

Councilwoman Tina Vick shared “It may be important in this racial climate for us to keep picking on every little thing, to “change, change, change,” but she believed there were higher priorities such as the education of our students. She referred to the joint meeting the City Council and the School Board, during which Dr. Parker highlighted a variety of regular maintenance work needed at the schools and 9

Page 9 of 11 Draft major projects that the Schools and City had been looking at for years, such as the construction of Huntington Middle School and possibly Warwick High School. That should be the priority.

Councilwoman Scott questioned whether the Commemoration Advisory Board was still active. City Manager Rohlf replied she believed it was, as needed; however, it had been inactive. Ms. Sheila McAllister, Director, Department of Planning and Staff Liaison, on the Commemoration Advisory Board, advised that board could not rename a street; that had to come before City Council for consideration. Councilwoman Scott inquired whether the Commemoration Advisory Board could be reactivated if community members were requesting the renaming of streets.

Mayor Price advised that there was no consensus by City Council to move forward with renaming Wickham Avenue and suggested that City Manager not waste time and talent when there were many other priorities.

Councilman Harris inquired about President Trump visiting Newport News on Friday, September 25, 2020, and requested any details that might be available, and whether the City would be obligated to assist in any way. City Manager Rohlf replied that staff was checking into the logistics, there had been a meeting on, September 22, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. with the advance team from the White House, as well the Air Force One Group. The Police Department may have to provide some security. The event would take place on the airport property. She had very few details to share to date. Councilman Harris questioned whether a portion of Jefferson Avenue would be blocked. City Manager Rohlf replied that she would provide details to City Council once staff gathered more information. Councilwoman Scott shared that the event would take place in one of the hangers on airport property, in a controlled environment. City Manager Rohlf stated the event would occur between 8:00 – 8:30 p.m. and end by 10:00 p.m. She advised that it was a private ticketed event and would be away from the main building.

Vice Mayor Cherry noted that Council received a lot of information at the CNI Work Session on September 15, 2020, and questioned whether Council could receive the back-up documentation or PowerPoint presentation on the Work Session agenda items ahead of time, as requested before, in order to read it before hand and not during the meeting. City Manager Rohlf replied, she understood. Vice Mayor Cherry indicated it would make for better dialogue if the information was received prior to the meeting. City Manager Rohlf replied that City staff was always available to follow-up with any questions. She reminded that a lot of the information provided on the CNI, would be revisited as part of the CIP. Vice Mayor Cherry reiterated it would be helpful to have the information prior to the meeting. City Manager Rohlf, again, replied she understood and would work on the request.

Councilwoman Scott inquired about the CARES Act funding going into the community to assist some of the non-profit organizations that helped those in the community in need and whether the City came up with a mechanism to administer those funds? City Manager Rohlf replied yes, that information had been provided to City Council, but staff could provide an update. In addition to the CARES Act funding for businesses, there was also the Supplemental Assistance Funding for Emergencies (SAFE) program, which was created to support Newport News residents who experienced financial hardships due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Councilwoman Scott indicated that she was aware of the SAFE Program which was administered by the Department of Human Services. City Manager Rohlf shared that applications were accepted from non-profit organizations.

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Page 10 of 11 Draft Councilwoman Scott advised that she received an email from a business, whose water bill would be approximately $100.00 per month. The business had been closed due to COVID-19 for 2 – 3 months and now the water bill was $1,000.00. The business had a pipe leak while closed, had the repairs done, and now the water bill was back at $100.00 per month. The business owner shared that he had contacted Waterworks and was informed businesses did not receive adjustments on water bills. Was that true or could that business get an adjustment on the bill. Mr. Ralph Clayton, Assistant City Manager replied yes, a one-time adjustment for an abnormality for a water bill, could be done for both businesses and residents.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS ON MOTION, COUNCIL ADJOURNED AT 5:50 P.M.

Zina F. Middleton, MMC McKinley L. Price, DDS Chief Deputy City Clerk Mayor Presiding Officer A true copy, teste:

City Clerk

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