City Council

AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA Council Chambers – Municipal Building 6:30 pm Closed Session 7:30 pm regular session Tuesday, August 11, 2015 6:30—Closed Session 1. Items to be considered in Closed Session, in accordance with the Code of Virginia, Title 2.2, Chapter 37—Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3711(A)—Closed Meetings, the following: a. Discussion or consideration of the investment of public funds where competition or bargaining is involved, where, if made public initially, the financial interest of the governmental unit would be adversely affected as authorized by Subsection 6. b. Appointments to boards and commissions as authorized by Subsection 1. c. Consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members, attorneys or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, or other specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel, as authorized by Subsection 7. 7:30—Regular Session Invocation & Pledge to the American Flag- Vice Mayor Jennifer Bowles 1. Consider approval of minutes from July 14, 2015 and July 28, 2015 Council meetings. (2 mins) 2. Hear an update from Jim Tobin, Piedmont Community Services (10 mins) 3. Hear an update regarding the City/C-PEG Small Business Development Contract (10 mins) 4. Consider adoption of an amendment to the City’s Noise Ordinance (10 mins) 5. Consider approval of consent agenda. (2 mins) 6. Business from the Floor This section of the Council meeting provides citizens the opportunity to discuss matters, which are not listed on the printed agenda. In that the Council meetings are broadcast on Martinsville Government Television, the City Council is responsible for the content of the programming. Thus, any person wishing to bring a matter to Council’s attention under this Section of the agenda should: (1) come to the podium and state name and address; (2) state the matter that they wish to discuss and what action they would like for Council to take; (3) limit remarks to five minutes; (4) refrain from making any personal references or accusations of a factually false and/or malicious nature. Persons who violate these guidelines will be ruled out of order by the presiding officer and will be asked to leave the podium. Persons who refuse to comply with the direction of the presiding officer may be removed from the chambers. 7. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes) 8. Comments by City Manager. (5 minutes)  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: August 11, 2015 Item No: 1. Department: Clerk of Council Issue: Consider approval of minutes of City Council meetings July 14, 2015 and July 28, 2015 meetings. Summary: None Attachments: July 14, 2015 meeting July 28, 2015 meeting Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented. July 14, 2015 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on July 14, 2015 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building at 7:30pm, Closed Session began at 7:00pm with Mayor Danny Turner presiding. Council members present: Mayor Danny Turner, Vice Mayor Jennifer Bowles, Council Member Gene Teague, Council Member Sharon Brooks Hodge and Council Member Mark Stroud. Staff members present included: City Manager Leon Towarnicki, City Attorney Eric Monday, Police Chief Sean Dunn, Linda Conover, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, Andy Lash, Dennis Bowles, and Karen Roberts. Mayor Turner called the meeting to order and advised Council will go into Closed Session. In accordance with Section 2.1-344 (A) of the Code of Virginia (1950, and as amended) and upon motion by Council Member Stroud, seconded by Vice Mayor Bowles with the following recorded 5-0 roll-call vote: Council Member Hodge, aye; Mayor Tuner, aye; Council Member Stroud, aye; Council Member Teague, aye; Vice Mayor Bowles, aye. Council convened in Closed Session for the purpose of discussing the following matters: A) Consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members, attorneys or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, or other specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel, as authorized by Subsection 7. At the conclusion of the Closed Session, each returning member of Council certified that (1) only public business matters exempt from opening meeting requirements were discussed in said Closed Session and (2) only those business matters identified in the motion convening the Closed Session were heard, discussed, or considered during the Session. On a motion by Council Member Hodge and seconded by Council Member Teague with the following 5- 0 roll-call recorded vote: Stroud, aye; Bowles, aye; Turner, aye; Teague, aye; Hodge, aye; council returned to Open Session at 7:35pm. Invocation and Pledge to the American Flag by Vice Mayor Jennifer Bowles. Consider approval of minutes - Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion to approve minutes for June 16, 2015 and June 30, 2015 Council meetings, motion seconded by Council Member Hodge, motion passed with 5-0 vote, all in favor. Present a Proclamation honoring Mike Smith, Director of Public Relations for the Martinsville Speedway – Council Member Teague recognized Mr. Smith for his years of service and read the proclamation. Towarnicki stated that although Mr. Smith had a prior obligation and was unable to attend the Council meeting, he was very appreciative of this recognition. July 14, 2015 Conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed boundary and incentives for a new Martinsville-Henry County Joint Enterprise Zone – Susan McCulloch stated that enterprise zone 36 will expire December 31, 2015. All cities and counties that wish to apply for a new zone must apply by August 1, 2015. The proposed boundary utilizes the current zone 36 boundary and does not include residential properties. Due to interest in developing the area around the former Food Lion building, she proposed that the plaza across the street, Druid Lanes and Druid Hills shopping center be added as a subzone. She proposed that all incentives remain the same. Since the advertisement of this application process, they have received requests that the 400 block of Broad Street and Roanoke Street be added to the zone. Planning Commission held an advertised public hearing on July 7, 2015; no one spoke for or against the proposed boundaries or incentives. Planning Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the proposed boundaries with the addition of 400 block of Broad and Roanoke and sent it to Council for review. McCulloch stated that they could not include all locations but they look at properties that have potential development in the near future, they can ask them to wait for a boundary amendment or they can develop without incentives. During the last amendment, several parcels were added that were not included previously. Council Member Hodge asked if is there is an opportunity to be added later. McCulloch said there could be a boundary amendment added later to include those July 14, 2015 addresses. Mayor Turner requested that this be added to the General Assembly “ask for” list. City Attorney Monday stated that he would add this to the General Assembly draft agenda for Fall, 2015. Council Member Hodge asked if there is a way to measure how effective this enterprise zone has been. McCulloch says the annual report is due July 15, 2015 and details of that information will be available later. Mayor Turner declared the public hearing open if anyone would like to speak on the matter of the enterprise zone. No one approached the podium to speak so Mayor Turner closed the public hearing. Council Member Teague made a motion to approve the map boundaries as adjusted, approve the resolution and authorize the paperwork required for filing a joint application, Council Member Hodge seconded the motion; roll call vote – Vice Mayor Bowles, aye; Council Member Teague, aye; Council Member Hodge, aye; Council Member Stroud, aye; and Mayor Turner, aye July 14, 2015 July 14, 2015 July 14, 2015 Hear an update from Dr. Noel Boaz regarding the ICSM/CHSM Medical School project and progress related to the TROF Grant – Dr. Noel Boaz updated Council on the Tobacco Revitalization Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant that the school received with the City’s support. This grant of $800,000 will be divided between ICSM and CHSM and between education, clinical services and research. ICSM has added nine positions since September 2014 and he expects five more positions to be added by the end of this year. He presented expenditures from October 2014 through mid-May, specifically two expenditures of $180,000 that focused specifically on the building on Fayette and Moss and included asbestos removal and complete interior demolition removing old heating equipment and interior walls; this building is now ready for renovation. At 108 and 112 Moss Street, they will work with the Virginia Master Naturalist program, the Virginia Division of Game and Inland Fisheries and the City to plan a physic garden to include medicinal plants to be used by the pharmacological courses at the school as well as an environmental pollenated garden that will tie into the Uptown green space to compliment other gardens already on Fayette Street. They intend to initiate a new development campaign that will include both a regional chair and a local chair. Three important keys that this campaign will focus on include lack of available housing for students, educational programs and programs to encourage understanding of what the medical school is about. They will also have a Community Health Committee; Dr. Hershey will serve on this board. Council Member Hodge questioned if he was confident that he would meet the terms of the grant. Dr. Boaz stated that they are close to being on schedule, only about two weeks behind but he is confident. When this original medical school was started in 2003/2004 in Abington it was intended to serve both Southwest and Southside Virginia. That rationale is still present and reason for establishing the school is strong. They have significant activity in international and national investment in excess of $10 million. Dr. Boaz explained that there was also quite a bit of interest from China, Beijing and Shanghai. He expects approximately 10% of class could be international. July 14, 2015 Consider approval of amended Transportation Safety Commission requested bylaws – City Attorney Eric Monday referred to the agenda package and stated that it can be difficult getting young people to participate. Mr. Martin spoke, stating that the students were not present during the vote and are rarely in attendance. Council Member Hodge questioned if the students know that this is being presented and they may no longer have a seat? Mr. Martin could not confirm that. Council Member Teague stated that if the students are not interested in participating on a regular basis as committee members then they could still be invited to the meetings and not hold a seat. Council Member Teague made a motion to approve the amended Transportation Safety Commission bylaws; Council Member Stroud seconded the motion, all Council members voted in favor to pass the amended bylaws. July 14, 2015 July 14, 2015 Conduct a public input session regarding water supply fluoridation in the City of Martinsville – Turner opened floor instructing those in attendance that they would each have approximately 4 minutes to speak. Joseph Martin, East Church Street - hopes everyone will listen objectively and with an open mind, stating that this topic is more than junk science and that information has come from reliable resources. He stated that there are other ways to prevent tooth decay. Alex Gleasman, 765 Indian Trail – presented a video regarding views on fluoridation opposition. Heather Webb, East Church Street – stated that the health effects of fluoride are documented and extensively studied. 97% of Western Europe does not fluoridate their water but tooth decay has decreased as much as in the United States. According to the CDC information, citizens are getting a different fluoride than what is found in toothpaste, having no purification or testing and that the citizens are not just getting fluoride but other harmful chemicals including arsenic and lead where fluoride is eroding home plumbing. She stated that studies have been done on teeth and not so much on the effects of fluoride on the rest of the body. Matthew Huckfeldt, 847 Hundley Street – presented video regarding fluorosis. He stated that dentists have been seeing this condition and 41% of adolescents have some form of fluorosis. He stated that there is an increased concern to ban fluoridation and the CDC recommended fluoride be removed from water consumed by babies. Council Member Stroud questioned the age of the video. Mr. Huckfeldt stated that the video was posted online in 2011. July 14, 2015 Tom Marshall, Auburn Place – stated that fluoride is not a nutrient and is not essential for healthy teeth. Using the water supply to medicate is unethical. He stated that no informed consent is requested or given and no medical follow up is offered. Since adding fluoride to the City water supply it has not been proven successful so he proposed that other methods could be used to topically apply fluoride for those who want it. He stated that Council needs to make the decision to remove fluoride from water. Dr. Jody Hershey, West Piedmont Public Health Director, 295B Commonwealth Boulevard – stated that community water fluoridation is the single most effective measure to prevent tooth decay for everyone regardless of their age. He stated that it’s been recognized as one of the top ten greatest public health achievements of 20th century and fluoridated drinking water to prevent tooth decay has been endorsed by leading medical, dental and public health authorities. He stated that the Dental Health program at the Virginia Department of Health offers grants for supplies, testing, monitoring materials and equipment upgrades and Martinsville has been added to the list of potential funders for 2016. Sharon Ortiz Garcia, Communicable Disease Investigator for the West Piedmont Health District - Fluoridation is based on generally accepted scientific knowledge. Studies showing the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation have been confirmed. While opponents have questioned its safety and effectiveness, none of their charges have been substantiated by generally accepted science. Seventy years of experience support the safety and effectiveness of this public health practice. Dr. Craig Dietrich, 1227 Lanier Road – states that the fluoride topic should be a financial consideration as $15,000 is not a drop in the bucket. He suggested that if Council eliminates fluoride in the City water then that money should be sent to Piedmont Dental Health Foundation Clinic because that’s where the problem will show up. In his opinion, the need is great in the area for dental services. Ed Snyder, 101 Cleveland Avenue – said he sees children with fluorosis mostly from a combination of toothpaste and natural fluoride in water but the number is very low. Fluoridated water leads to less decay from his experience so he pleaded to maintain fluoride and felt that it has been effective since 1965. Jim Ennis, 1216 Knollwood Place – said he is amazed at the extreme opposite opinions. He stated that if someone wanted fluoride then they can get it from toothpaste applied directly to teeth. Water isn’t going on the teeth; it’s ingested into the body. He feels that people are afraid of change and that is why the City does not want to change the water fluoridation process. Dr. Mark Crabtree – 407 Starling Avenue –science proves that fluoridation of water supply helps to prevent tooth decay in children. Fluoride when ingested by a child builds harder teeth to fight off decay. White spots on teeth are not always a sign of fluorosis, but can also be caused from bacteria. Fluoride equals harder teeth, lack of fluoride equals weaker teeth and cavities July 14, 2015 grow faster on weak teeth. For fifty years we have had fluoridated water for our city and it has provided positive results. Mayor Turner asked how fluoride helps teeth if it’s digested and doesn’t stay on teeth. Dr. Crabtree answered once the fluoridated water is swallowed, it’s ingested and helps to build hard, healthy teeth. Jeff Wells, Danville Engineering Field Director of the Virginia Department of Health and Drinking Water – His office monitors 28 water treatment plants, 27 of those plants fluoridate the water supply. Fluoride is regulated in the water supply and the acceptable levels are way below what EPA lists as dangerous levels. Council Member Hodge asked why the 28th plant does not fluoridate. Mr. Wells explained that staff is required to be present when chemicals such as fluoride are used; the 28th location chose not to man this facility fulltime so opted out of fluoridating the water. Mr. Wells says that not only does his organization monitor facilities but NFS International also conducts independent inspections and testing of chemicals being shipped to the water plant. Council Member Teague stated even bottled water and well water contains some level of natural fluoride. Mayor Turner asked when the water gets put into the water tanks, what keeps it safe from bacteria? Mr. Wells answered that the water is treated extensively at the water plant before it goes into distribution and chlorine keeps it safe once it is stored in the tanks. Dr. Rich Holland, White Oak Court – in his opinion it’s not right for Council to make a decision based on science that very few in the room have experience in. It’s immoral to force fluoride treatment on City residents and the residents are not given the choice to opt out. Dr. Mary Helen Hensley, Ireland and formerly of 721 Meadowview Lane Martinsville – stated she did not attend the Council meeting to debate but to provide a different perspective. She wants Council to consider the legal aspect of forcing a chemical on the citizens of Martinsville. Europe is in the midst of lawsuits for this reason and most regions are opting out of the treatment. Fluoride is classified as a drug by the FDA and Council does not give residents the option to refuse treatment. Dr. Hershey spoke, stating that the FDA does not regulate any water system or additives, EPA regulates that. Fluoride is a nutrient, not a medication and no one is forced to drink the water. Dr. Hensley stated that it is impossible to regulate individually how much fluoride each person is getting. She said it should be an individual’s choice whether they want to maintain their teeth. Mr. Martin spoke again, stating that no one can determine how much fluoride an individual consumes; it’s not a “one size fits all” amount and said that Council does not know about potential medication interaction, etc. Donna Whitlow, 586 Chatmoss Court Extension – stated that she hopes if we can remove from the City water, then it can possibly be removed from the County water supply. Those who want to keep fluoride are the dentists, health department, etc. The citizens are objecting to manmade fluoride that is added to the water, not natural fluoride. She wants it to be her choice on whether she gets fluoride. July 14, 2015 Neil Adams, 486 Chatmoss Court Extension– stated he has been a chemist since 1980 and recognizes junk science. Hydrofluorosilicic acid is toxic and cannot be removed. He said he does not like the idea of people putting chemicals in him that he doesn’t want. Says there is a difference in different fluorides and what the City is using is a toxic version. Turner declared the public hearing over. Vice Mayor Bowles stated that Council’s job is to listen and she feels that the vote should be held off until the next meeting because of the excess of information that needs to be reviewed. Council Member Hodge said that she respects Bowles request for a delayed vote, but felt that they should vote at the current meeting. Hodge was happy that people came out, shared their opinions and did the research. Council Member Stroud had no problem with allowing additional time before voting and ask City Manager Towarnicki to check with Henry County to find out what specifically they fluoridate with and if it’s a natural substance along with cost so that could possibly be an option for Martinsville. Council Member Teague said that he respects Bowles request to not vote at the current meeting. He felt that there were five basic questions that needed to be considered and recognized and that there was science supporting both sides. Is it safe? Is it helpful in preventing decay in children and adults? Is it the right practice for the City? Do the majority of citizens want us to continue? Is it affordable? Teague felt that the answer to all questions was yes. Council Member Hodge acknowledged that when the conversation was held during budget, her position was to remove fluoride but she does not want to force the vote out of respect for Vice Mayor Bowles. She felt that the water should be clean and safe and not medicated and she will make the recommendation to remove fluoridation. Mayor Turner asked that the fluoride topic not be added to the next agenda but that it could be debated and voted on after the meeting. Approval of consent agenda: Council Member Teague made a motion to approve the consent agenda and Vice Mayor Bowles seconded the motion. Council Members voted 5-0 in favor to approve the consent agenda. July 14, 2015 Addendum – Consider authorizing an application to Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for financial assistance through the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund in regard to the City’s Smith River Sewer Interceptor Project - City Manager Towarnicki acknowledged Scott Ehrhardt with Dewberry and Joyce French who is working with Dewberry on funding and grants for this project. He read a memo regarding the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund and the various degrees of pipe collapse including short and long term repairs (phase 1 and phase 2), phase 1 being the most critical that was sent to Council previously. Mr. Ehrhardt said emphasis is on recognizing condition assessment of corrugated metal pipe, and stated that the City is lucky to have gotten 50 years out of the pipe. He said the longer the City waits to make these repairs, the more the cost to fix it increases. Council Member Stroud asked if Phase 2 pipe could be repaired with applied or blown-in felt. Mr. Ehrhardt responded that there are areas in the pipe that cannot be fixed in this manner but the majority can be, however if the pipe collapses then you lose the warranty. Mayor Turner asked about Phase 3 worse and best case scenario. City Manager Towarnicki responded that Phase 1 is the collapsed section, Phase 2 is the corrugated metal pipe where liner is gone and metal is exposed and Phase 3 is reinforced concrete pipe which has interior erosion but these pipes are in better condition than Phase 1 or Phase 2 pipes. Joyce Branch stated that with this funding they are allowing 30 years instead of standard 20 years. It will be difficult for the City to get any other grants for this project. She stated that after 36 years of experience, if the City does not go with the revolving loan then she doesn’t have any other options to offer. Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion to authorize staff, Council Member Hodge seconded the motion, all Council members voted in favor. July 14, 2015 July 14, 2015 July 14, 2015 Business from the Floor: Chad Martin - stated he was made a promise around February by the Mayor and Vice Mayor about holding an open discussion on cultural relations. He asked when a date would be set for this discussion. Vice Mayor Bowles asked what Mr. Martin was hoping would be the outcome of these discussions. Mr. Martin referenced the lack of minority hiring in the school system and said his hope is to dispel practices that may be perceived as racist. He said the community is scared of repercussions when discussing this issue. He had hoped to have these discussions before summer time when violence and crime typically escalate. Mayor Turner stated that the school system is a personnel matter handled by the school board. Mr. Martin said the discussions need to be an open discussion and not a closed forum like previous discussions. Mayor Turner dismissed Mr. Martin from the podium. Chief Dunn explained a grant that the Police Department had received. He stated that the goal is to best match services to need including Martinsville policing, community service fairs, additional bikes and bike patrol, overtime funds for public works and inspections to address blight and debris, crime analysis software, air cards and CADs on computers to give officers more information and save 911 dispatchers work, additional overtime for Neighborhood Resource Officers, overtime for officers and probation officers for home visits. Council Member Teague asked if this would include incremental staff. Chief Dunn explained that no additional bodies would be added that the City would need to fund or would lose when the grant is over. He explained that the department would receive $144,000 the first year. He wanted to thank the July 14, 2015 various departments and individuals that contributed to receiving the grant. Council Member Hodge asked that he keep Council updated. Dunn stated that it’s not just about policing, but about making a positive impact. Council Member Stroud commended Sandy Hines for a job well done and for his commitment. Council Member Hodge also commended the bicycle officers and said it was comforting to see them. Comments by members of City Council: Council Member Stroud said he had done extensive research on the fluoride issue and has others who will contact him over the next few days. He said he appreciated everyone for being at the meeting and letting their opinions be known. Council Member Teague said he appreciated all who spoke on issues; he said it is good for citizens to care for their community even if they don’t share the same views. Vice Mayor Bowles thanked everyone for the information, she stated that Council and the citizens did a thorough job investigating the fluoride issue. Mayor Turner said that the meeting and those who shared opinions and information was democracy in action. Comments by City Manager: City Manager Towarnicki mentioned The Henry grand opening event Wednesday, July 29, 2015 beginning at 11:00am. There being no further business, Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:42pm, Council Member Stroud seconded the motion, and Council Members voted 5-0 all in favor. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Karen Roberts Danny Turner Clerk of Council Mayor July 28, 2015 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on July 28, 2015 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building at 7:30pm, Closed Session beginning at 7:00pm with Mayor Danny Turner presiding. Council members present: Mayor Danny Turner, Council Member Gene Teague, Council Member Sharon Hodge and Council Member Mark Stroud. Absent: Vice Mayor Jennifer Bowles. Staff members present included: City Manager Leon Towarnicki, City Attorney Eric Monday, Karen Roberts, Dennis Bowles, Andy Lash, Durwin Joyce, Officer Coretha Gravely, Police Chief Sean Dunn, Captain Rob Fincher, and Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox. Mayor Turner called the meeting to order and advised Council will go into Closed Session. In accordance with Section 2.1-344 (A) of the Code of Virginia (1950, and as amended) and upon motion by Council Member Teague, seconded by Council Member Hodge with the following recorded 4-0 roll-call vote: Council Member Hodge, aye; Council Member Stroud, aye; Council Member Teague, aye; Mayor Turner. Council convened in Closed Session for the purpose of discussing the following matters: A) Appointments to Boards and Commissions as authorized by Subsection 1, and B) Consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members, attorneys or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, or other specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel, as authorized by Subsection 7. At the conclusion of the Closed Session, each returning member of Council certified that (1) only public business matters exempt from opening meeting requirements were discussed in said Closed Session and (2) only those business matters identified in the motion convening the Closed Session were heard, discussed, or considered during the Session. On a motion by Council Member Hodge and seconded by Council Member Teague with the following 4-0 roll-call recorded vote: Stroud, aye; Turner, aye; Teague, aye; Hodge, aye; Council returned to Open Session. A motion was made by Council Member Teague to appoint James Crigger, Sr. to the Planning Commission for an unexpired term ending June 30, 2016, motion was seconded by Council Member Stroud, all voted in favor. Invocation and Pledge to the American Flag- Council Member Gene Teague. Present a Proclamation honoring the Martinsville High School Girls Tennis Team – Proclamation read by Council Member Stroud. Mayor Turner presented each player and coach with a Martinsville City lapel pin. July 28, 2015 Present a Proclamation honoring the Martinsville High School Boys Soccer Team – Proclamation read by Council Member Hodge. Mayor Turner presented each player and coach with a Martinsville City lapel pin. July 28, 2015 Council Member Hodge spoke in regards to the fluoride issue; she stated that since Vice Mayor Bowles was not in attendance that there would not be a motion regarding fluoridation at this meeting. Presentation of Proclamation regarding August 4, 2015 National Night Out – Proclamation read by Council Member Gene Teague. Police Chief Sean Dunn informed Council that August 4, 2015 would be a “going away party” for crime and drugs in our community. Fighting crime is not only a police responsibility, it’s a community responsibility. National Night Out would not work without the help of the citizens, churches and community leaders along with Officer Coretha Gravely. Officer Gravely gave information on the four Night Out locations and introduced the neighborhood captains. Council Member Hodge thanked them for their hard work and said every year this is a great event and an opportunity for the citizens to come out. She commended Chief Dunn on the previous “Coffee with a Cop” event. Chief Dunn announced also that they would hold a “Hoops with Cops” event on August 5, 2015 which would involve both adults and children at Wilson Park from 1:00pm-4:00pm. July 28, 2015 Update from Jennifer Doss, Director of Tourism for the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation – Ms. Doss stated that the summer had been great for tourism. In June, the City welcomed tourists from ten different states, Australia, England and Brazil; in July, the City welcomed tourists from thirteen different states, Canada, France and Australia. There is a new tourism ambassador program to educate new and potential residents about things to see and do in the community. Cody Mills and Carolyn Beale have become certified Tourism Ambassadors and ten others are working towards this certification. She focused on several ads airing on local stations to help increase tourism in our area. The 15th Annual Quilt Shop Rally was held July 9-12, 2015 with more than 400 quilters attending from eight states including visitors from New Jersey and Florida. The Drive Tourism Workshop has hosted two workshops; Martinsville has become a Certified Drive Tourism Community and one of only 22 communities in state which makes the City eligible to apply for $10,000 in state product development funding. She also commented on the Group Tour Program held July 22-23, 2015; this program took a year in the making and hosted eighth graders from Higher Achievement Richmond. This program reaches middle school children and encourages higher education. Ms. Doss July 28, 2015 thanked all of the community partners for their participation to make this event successful. She also highlighted record high local hotel occupancy rates in Martinsville- Henry County, relating this increase to more local sports tournaments, conferences, special events, etc. Ms. Doss explained that the chart shows the percentage of rooms filled each month. Mayor Turner asked how many rooms there were in Martinsville. Ms. Doss answered 700 rooms roughly. Council Member Hodge asked how they track effectiveness and determine how much tourism is generated by each area. Ms. Doss explained that was based on feedback by individual businesses. She announced that the Smith River Fest would be held Saturday, August 8th and would include a mud run, duck race, etc. and invited Council and the community to attend. Quarterly staff update on Utilities, Electric, Water and Sewer – Andy Lash presented information detailing water and wastewater updates explaining that revenue and expenses were close to projected. Council Member Hodge asked about the transfer to MiNET; City Manager Towarnicki explained that this report reflects the end of FY15 and MiNET would stand alone in FY16. Mr. Lash talked about water and wastewater production and about current projects including the rebuild of two filters by employees which saved the City approximately $25,000 each. He commented that the water line on Spruce Street has become unreliable so they are preparing construction bid documents to replace that line. City Manager Towarnicki explained that the City originally budgeted line replacement on Indian Trail but due to frequent breaks on Spruce Street, the $100,000 allocated originally for Indian Trail will now be allocated to the Spruce Street project instead. Mr. Lash said they had a record of seven breaks in the past thirteen months in this area which is unacceptable and needs immediate attention. Mr. Lash commented on the City Reservoir and said it continues to grow as a family-oriented recreational facility. Council Member Stroud commented that the Reservoir looks brand new and thanked everyone who contributed to cleaning that up. Mr. Lash said they are ready to bid on the collapsed section of the Smith River Interceptor and continue to evaluate the sludge handling process. Also, due to employee retirements, four new operators have been hired to the sewage plant. Council Member Stroud asked if they were still considering a sludge press. Mr. Lash explained that this was not one of the better markets to benefit from a sludge press. July 28, 2015 July 28, 2015 Durwin Joyce presented information detailing Electric department updates. Council Member Hodge asked where the City is on the landfill gas generator in comparison to last year. Mr. Joyce explained that the City is up less than 10% from last year, they did supplement with natural gas this year and the guys in the garage have a better understanding of the generator and how it needs to be run. City Manager Towarnicki said gas production from the landfill does decrease over time; it’s monitored closely to ensure that the generator is not running when the rates are down. The gas production from the landfill fluctuates but it’s monitored and compared with the price of market power to ensure the timing of the generator operation is cost effective. Council Member Teague stated that if 2.8% of power needs came from the generator, how much of that was supplemented. Mr. Joyce explained that he did not have that answer but would look into that. Council Member Teague asked if the City could stop the gas from leaking from the landfill. Mr. Joyce said it could be flared off instead of using the generator but typically they allow it to build up so it can be used with the generator. Council Member Stroud commended Lane Shively and his coworkers in the shop for monitoring the landfill and making the generator even more efficient. Mr. Joyce continued to explain the financial benefits of the hydro plant and the landfill generator. He explained the revenue and expenditures for the Electric Department. Council Member Hodge asked how close percentage wise were they to what was projected. Mr. Joyce said that the estimated net revenue is about the same. Mr. Joyce shared information on projects including NCI, Forest Park and the Uptown lighting. Council Member Hodge asked when the meter project projected for 2016 would be completed. City Manager Towarnicki explained that he had just received the final report this past week and he planned to have a work session with Council about this project. Cost savings would fund the project and they would review the final documentation in that work session to determine the best path. He July 28, 2015 mentioned there was another piece of the project relating to sludge; the firm that the City is working with identified some options for another self-funding project. Discuss schedule and locations for FY16 City Council Neighborhood Meetings- City Manager Towarnicki presented options for future neighborhood meetings and asked if there were any other suggestions. Council Member Hodge said she would like anyone July 28, 2015 who would like to host a meeting to have the opportunity to do that and mentioned that the Housing Office could be an option for the Westside meeting. Mayor Turner suggested First Baptist Church of East Martinsville and asked for the February meeting to be moved to early March to accommodate potential weather. Council Member Teague suggested Chatham Heights for the Northside/Chatham Heights area. Council Member Hodge expressed concern about November 23 meeting being too close to Thanksgiving week and suggested that it be moved to the end of October. Business from the Floor Jean Royal, community watch co-captain for Spring, Emmett, Woodrow and Wilson Street areas voiced concerns. First, speeding has caused a dangerous situation for walkers and children specifically on Wilson and Spring Streets and asked for increased police presence. Secondly, at 203 Emmett Street there is a cement box in the yard that needs a lid or asked if it could be filled with gravel or soil; she asked if they could do this as a community or if the City would fix this. Her last concern was a zoning issue and related to the entrance of the industrial area at the end of Woodrow Street where it intersects with Emmett. She asked that the entrance to this industrial area be moved to Broad Street to prevent speeders in a residential area in case another industry moved into this location. City Attorney Monday explained that they had not been able to determine who owns the alleyway where the entrance is located and that would determine if Council could make a change to that or not. Patrick Wright, 1201 Spruce Street – questioned correspondence courses in relation to the Santa Clause course he took. Mayor Turner suggested that he contact the Blue Ridge Regional Library for more information. Chad Martin – apologized to any Council Members he may have been disrespectful towards at the previous meeting. He received a call from a citizen who is local and already trained to be a facilitator for meetings like the one he had requested. In 1967, Kerner Commission came out which was a 20-year study on riots that found the first level of intensity is police practices, second level is unemployment and underemployment, third level is inadequate housing and inadequate education, poor recreation facilities and programs. Mayor Turner explained that they would schedule three meetings with predominately black groups and that he, Vice-Mayor Bowles and Sheriff Draper would be attending those. By doing a smaller meeting he hopes that people will be more comfortable talking one-on-one in a relaxed atmosphere. Council Member Teague commented that the policing practices are being addressed, the City has been working on the unemployment July 28, 2015 issue along with recreation facilities and park improvement plans with focus on West End Park. Council Member Stroud commented that the jobs were there but that there is no one applying for them or those applying may not qualified. Council Member Hodge commented regarding school hiring, stating that having a conversation may or may not change anything but the school board should hold the administration accountable. Council Member Stroud said although the City is putting forth the effort and money to hire diverse, so is every other community which still makes it a difficult task. Wayne Knox provided details on the Henry Hotel Grand Opening. He recognized Susan McCulloch for her hard work. He hopes that Council and the community will come to the grand opening and see the major changes that have taken place. He said they are looking at housing residents as well as filling commercial space inside the Henry Hotel. Comments by members of City Council – Council Member Stroud said he is encouraged that things are going in a positive direction and that the City has come a long way in the past seven years. Mayor Turner said he’s spoken recently to two citizens that were interested in building a small business. He encouraged anyone interested to that the plunge and to contact a Council Member for direction or advice. There being no further business, Council Member Teague made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:04pm, Council Member Hodge seconded the motion, and all present Council Members voted 4-0 in favor. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Karen Roberts Danny Turner Clerk of Council Mayor  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: August 11, 2015 Item No: 2. Department: City Manager Issue: Hear an update from Piedmont Community Services. Summary: Jim Tobin will give this update and answer any questions. Attachments: None Recommendations: No action required  City Council Agenda Summary Date: August 11, 2015 Item No: 3. Department: City Manager Issue: Hear an update from Amanda Witt of the M-HC Chamber of Commerce regarding activities related to the City/C-PEG Small Business Development Contract. Summary: Information will be provided regarding activities completed or currently underway related to the City/C-PEG Small Business Development Contract. Additionally, an update will be provided regarding the West Piedmont Business Development Center. Attachments: None Recommendations: No action needed - presented for information purposes only.  City Council Agenda Summary Date: August 11, 2015 Item No: 4. Department: City Attorney Issue: Proposed Noise Ordinance Amendment Summary: In response to citizen complaints about noise from the operation of certain unlicensed recreational motor vehicles, revisions of the City noise ordinance are proposed. The Police Department was consulted on this draft. Attachments: Draft ordinance Recommendations: Adopt on first reading with roll-call vote.  CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA ORDINANCE NO. 2015-1 NOISE ORDINANCE: OPERATION OF CERTAIN VEHICLES BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, in regular session assembled on August 25, 2015, that subsection (3) of section 13-11 of the Code of the City of Martinsville be amended as follows: Sec. 13-11. - Excessive, unnecessary, etc., noise. [“it shall be illegal . . .”]: (3) To operate or use, or permit the operation or use of, power lawn mowers, chain saws, power hedge clippers, garden tractors or tillers, leaf mulchers or blowers, snowblowers or like outdoor power equipment in any residential district in the city between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. following., or to operate or use, or permit the operation or use of an, all-terrain vehicle as defined in § 46.2-100, electric power-assisted bicycle, motorcycle-like device commonly known as a trail-bike or mini- bike, off-road motorcycle, or motorized cart commonly known as a go- cart, in any district in the city between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. following. ********* Attest: ________________________________ Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council _______________ _______________ Date Adopted Date Effective  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: August 11, 2015 Item No: 5. Department: Finance Issue: Appropriation Approval Summary: The attachment amends the FY16 Budget with appropriations in the following funds: General Fund: $ 3,535 – State Grant Attachments: Consent Agenda 8-11-15 Recommendations: Approve  BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 8/11/15 ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT FY16 General Fund: 01101918 443110 State Grant - Library of VA 3,535 01216076 503320 Circuit Court Clerk - Maint Service Contracts 3,535 Grant from the Library of VA - Circuit Court Record Preservation Total General Fund: 3,535 3,535