Minutes 11/23/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 23, 2021 Councilwoman Lucas-Burke stated that listed items in the closed motion were not - discussed as part of the closed session. Vice Mayor Barnes stated that items listed in the closed motion were not discussed - and that the meeting deviated from the intent of the closed session. Dr. Whitaker asked that the City Council, regarding the Minority Contracting/Disparity  Study, adopt a procedure to have the Minority Contracting Committee review the request for proposals, come up with a scoring system based on criteria outlined in the RFP, and report to back to City Council for a decision. Once City Council has made their decision it is requested that the selected company report directly to City Council and not the City Manager.  Interim City Attorney Stromberg asked that he be given an opportunity to review Councilman Whitaker’s request to make sure it does not violate the City Charter. Mr. Moody asked that City Council be provided information on the Minority Contract  Committee, the members, and the written responsibilities. Dr. Whitaker asked for and received a consensus of City Council to receive  information on the Broadband Authority at the December 14, 2021, Public Work Session and to meet as the Broadband Authority sometime in January 2022. Dr. Whitaker asked if the RFP for the Mount Calvary Complex and Lincoln Cemetery  have gone out for bid.  City Manager Jones informed City Council that staff was still working on the scope of services and the RFP would go out by the end of November. Mr. Woodard asked if there was any relief for citizens with delinquent water bills.   City Manager Jones informed City Council that recently received grant funds were being used but the delinquent payments amounted to at least $11 million and that the City would have to at some point move forward to collect the funds. Vice Mayor Barnes spoke on the following:  Moment of silence for the passing of Ms. Michelle Eady, Parks and Recreation - Superintendent. Portsmouth Drug Court Graduation Ceremony. - Tidewater Community College Skills Trade Academy event. - Ribbon cutting for the Pizza Box restaurant. - Vice Mayor Barnes asked for a status report on the Cavalier Manor concession  stands.  City Manager Jones informed City Council she would provide a report back. Ms. Lucas-Burke spoke on the following:  st 21 Annual Top Cop Awards for Greater Hampton Roads where Melissa Moore - was awarded Top Cop for the City of Portsmouth. First meeting of the combined civic leagues. - Mr. Battle spoke on the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.  Mayor Glover spoke on the Hampton Roads Congressional Luncheon.  Dr. Whitaker received a majority consensus of City Council to have an item on the  December 14, agenda to have City Council vote on the City Attorney and have the Mayor meet with the candidate that was selected in a closed meeting and provide all the information necessary to vote. Mr. Moody asked that Interim City Attorney Stromberg come back with information on  the following: Does Councilman Whitaker’s lawsuit against the city preclude him from voting on - a candidate for the position of City Attorney? Does previous criminal activity in a background check disqualify any candidate for - the position of City Attorney?