Minutes 12/08/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 8, 2020 Motion by Ms. Lucas-Burke, and seconded by Mr. Battle, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PETITION THE PORTSMOUTH CIRCUIT COURT TO HOLD A SPECIAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 2, 2021 TO FILL A VACANT SEAT ON CITY COUNCIL. WHEREAS , at the general election held on November 3, 2020, Councilman Shannon E. Glover was elected Mayor of the City with a term commencing January 1, 2021; and WHEREAS, Mayor-Elect Glover’s current term as a Council Member expires on December 31, 2022; and WHEREAS, the Mayor-Elect intends to resign his seat as a Council Member, effective on or before commencing his term as Mayor; and WHEREAS, as a result it will be necessary to fill the Mayor-Elect’s Council seat for the balance of the term; and WHEREAS, Section 24.2-228 of the Virginia Code provides that, when a Council vacancy occurs with a term of more than a year remaining, it is necessary to hold a special election to permanently fill the vacancy; and WHEREAS, the Virginia Code further provides that the special election should be held no later than the next general election; WHEREAS, the next general election is scheduled for November 2, 2021; and WHEREAS, since a vacancy is anticipated (even though it has not yet formally occurred), City Council is authorized by Virginia Code subsection 24.2-226(A) to file a request with the Circuit Court to begin the process of setting the special election; and WHEREAS, it is desirable to commence the process of setting the election now so that there is sufficient time to satisfy all procedural and notice requirements; and WHEREAS, this action does not limit or otherwise impair City Council’s authority, once the vacancy is official, to appoint a temporary replacement to fill the seat pending qualification of the winner of the special election; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, that the City Attorney is hereby authorized to file such pleadings or other materials with the Portsmouth Circuit Court as may be necessary or desirable to authorize the holding of an election on November 2, 2021 to fill the Council seat anticipated to be vacated by the Mayor-Elect for the balance of the term.” Ayes: Battle, Clark, Glover, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Rowe Nays: None The following letter was read by Councilman Moody and asked to be included in the minutes: “To: Mayor John Rowe, Vice Mayor Lucas-Burke, and Council Members “From: Police and Fire Retired Association CC: City Manager and Council Elect We are requesting the following two items for consideration in the 2021/2022 budget year: 1. Give all sworn public safety retirees, widows and widowers a $1500.00 stipend/bonus effective July 1, 2021. It can be paid in two payments of $750.00 on July 1, 2021 and $750.00 on January 1, 2022.