City Council

AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA Council Chambers – Municipal Building 7:00 pm Closed Session 7:30 pm Regular Session Tuesday, November 24, 2015 7:00 pm --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. 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- Council Member Stroud 1. Consider approval of minutes of October 27, 2015 and November 10, 2015 meetings. (2 mins) 2. Recognize City employees eligible for service awards (5 mins) 3. Recognize members of Girl Scout Troop 616 for receiving the Bronze Award (10 mins) 4. Recognize Army Veteran Thomas Spencer as recipient of several 2015 Veteran of the Year awards (10 mins) 5. Present a proclamation to H. G. Vaughn, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors, recognizing his service to the county and community (10 mins) 6. Hear an update from American Municipal Power regarding various electric projects the City is participating in (30 mins) 7. Consider approval of the 2016 Legislative Agenda (10 mins) 8. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes) 9. Comments by City Manager. (5 minutes) 10. 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. 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.  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: November 24, 2015 Item No: 1. Department: Clerk of Council Issue: Consider approval of minutes from October 27, 2015 November 10, 2015 Council Meeting. Summary: None Attachments: October 27, 2015 Meeting November 10, 2015 Meeting Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented. October 27, 2015 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on October 27, 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, Vice Mayor Jennifer Bowles, Council Member Gene Teague, Council Member Sharon Hodge and Council Member Mark Stroud. Staff members present included: City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, City Attorney Eric Monday, Police Captain Rob Fincher, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Finance Director Linda Conover, Budget Analyst Mary Prillaman, City Engineer Chris Morris, Community Planner Susan McCulloch and Commissioner of Revenue Ruth Easley. Mayor Turner called the meeting to order and advised Council would 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 Hodge, seconded by Council Member Teague with the following recorded 5-0 roll-call vote: Council Member Hodge, aye; Vice Mayor Bowles, aye; Council Member Stroud, aye; Council Member Teague, aye; Mayor Turner, aye. Council convened in Closed Session for the purpose of discussing the following matters: 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 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 Stroud, seconded by Council Member Hodge with the following 5-0 roll-call recorded vote: Stroud, aye; Turner, aye; Teague, aye; Bowles, aye; Hodge, aye; Council returned to Open Session. Invocation and Pledge to the American Flag – Council Member Gene Teague. Consider approval of minutes of October 13, 2015 Council meeting and October 14, 2015 Special meeting – Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion to approve minutes from October 13, 2015 and October 14, 2015 as presented, Council Member Hodge seconded the motion, all Council Members voted in favor. Help Save the Next Girl – Kate Williams, founder of the local chapter for Martinsville, Henry and Patrick Counties explained the program which was founded in honor of Morgan Herrington. She explained various programs that this organization will offer including self-defense classes and educating women in the area of dangerous situations. Consider Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application for the demolition of 403 Starling Avenue due to the tie of a motion by the Architectural Review Board (2-2) on October 23, 2015 at a special called ARB meeting - Susan McCulloch explained that the Architectural Board met on request of the applicant, Dr. Mark Crabtree regarding a structure on East Church Street in the October 27, 2015 historic district of Martinsville. The value of the building is considerably less than the cost to repair or restore it and the building has been deemed uninhabitable and unstable. Martinsville Smiles plans to demolish the structure and plans to plant grass on the vacant lot. McCulloch stated that staff members recommend that Council approve the demolition of the property. City Manager Towarnicki stated that the engineering report revealed the elevated expense to restore the building to a reusable condition. Council Member Teague asked about selling or renting the property. McCulloch stated that the property was rental property previously but in past weeks several items had been removed from the property and in the current state it is uninhabitable. Council Member Stroud stated that the Martinsville Smiles previous building remodel in the lots adjacent had improved the appearance of the area. McCulloch stated that because of those previous modifications, those lots are no longer part of the historic district. Dr. Mark Crabtree addressed Council regarding the property. His practice has been in that area since 1960 and they have watched the property deteriorate over the years. He purchased the property with the intention to improve the value of the property and the appearance of the area and would like the opportunity to expand his current property. Council Member Teague made a motion to authorize the COA application for the demolition of 403 Starling Avenue; Council Member Hodge seconded the motion, all Council Members voted in favor. Hodge said she is in favor of property owners being able to improve their property if they desire. Teague said it may be a good time to review the ordinance again. Consider refund resulting from Appeal of Statutory Assessment for Business Personal Property for Tax Year 2014 - Ruth Easley, Commissioner of Revenue came before Council to explain the appeal of statutory assessment received and reviewed by her office. This appeal was made by a large City business which holds multiple sites within the City. One of the requirements is the annual notice sent to the local businesses to return a complete itemization. Because the refund is over $25,000 the Treasurer’s office needs Council’s approval prior to authorizing that refund. This refund continues to accrue interest daily until it is approved. As a general rule, businesses do not pay the statutory assessment. Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion to approve the refund, Council Member Stroud seconded the motion, all voted in favor. October 27, 2015 Hear overview of October 26, 2015 Westside area Neighborhood tour and meeting – City Manager Towarnicki described their tour including the American Furniture site, Fayette, Smith, Catherine, Beaver, Top, Maplewood Apartments, Pony Place, Cardinal Lane, and the City Park; the tour took about an hour and Council noted several violations while on the tour. Because of several properties demolished previously, all agreed the area looked better and has made several building sites available. There were several residents at the neighborhood meeting. FAHI presented their proposal for the former Housing Office. Council Member Teague noted the condition of several streets has been greatly improved by taking some properties out and Property Maintenance is able to respond to concerns usually the same day they are reported. Hear an update from Davenport and Company, LLC regarding results of the request for proposals advertised for financing the City’s water/electric meter and street lighting replacement project – City Manager Towarnicki explained the options of lease/purchase option versus general obligation bond process. Mitch Brigulio of Davenport and Company detailed the process and bids received along with Davenport’s recommendation. Davenport sent out the request to 75 banks and asked for general obligation and lease/purchase options. Bids were received from 6 different banks – US Bank offered the lowest interest rate on both options at 2.47%, second lowest was 2.5% on general obligation bond only from Carter Bank. October 27, 2015 October 27, 2015 Ultimately, Davenport’s recommendation would be to move forward with US Bank’s lease/purchase option. The lease purchase would not count towards the statutory debt limit and the loan could be paid off early or refinanced if desired. Council Member Teague made a motion to execute the lease purchase option with US Bank; Council Member Hodge seconded the motion, all Council voted in October 27, 2015 favor. City Manager Towarnicki said Council could schedule a public input on the options available. Council Member Teague and Council Member Hodge withdrew the motion and second so there can be a public hearing scheduled. After continued discussion, City Manager emphasized that the recommendation from staff and Davenport was the lease purchase option and all Council Members agreed that they prefer the lease purchase option. Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion to go forward with the lease purchase option submitted by US Bank, Stroud seconded the motion, all voted in favor. Hear a presentation from Fayette Area Historical Initiative (FAHI) regarding a proposal for possible use of the former City of Martinsville Housing Office located at 605 Fourth Street – City Manager Towarnicki explained that proposal is a continuation from presentations offered in previous meetings. Council Member Teague asked that the proposal from the Special Meeting continue to be televised over the next two weeks to ensure the public has access to the information. Towarnicki stated that the City had received two proposals along with two other interested organizations but stated that two organizations did not produce a proposal and the second organization that had submitted a proposal has since verbally opted out. Chauncey Adams, Executive Director of FAHI gave a brief overview of FAHI and their proposal for the former Housing office located at 605 Fourth Street. Council Member Hodge asked for additional financials on utilities and general costs of building use which City Manager Towarnicki provided, averaging $5,600 per year. Vice Mayor Bowles suggested that a public hearing be set. Council Member Hodge said she would like to continue discussions on the ownership options of the building. Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion to set a public hearing on November 10, 2015, Council Member Hodge seconded the motion, all Council members voted in favor. Consider adoption of resolution supporting the “opt out” provision for administering the Virginia Stormwater management program – Chris Morris, City Engineer explained the many changes to the laws including stormwater management and stated that the City is currently not in the program. Teague made a motion to approve the resolution to opt out of the Virginia Stormwater management program; Vice Mayor Bowles seconded the motion, all council members voted in favor. October 27, 2015 Consider adoption of a Resolution authorizing the City’s application to the Virginia Department of Transportation for participation in the FY17 Revenue Sharing Program – Chris Morris, City Engineer described part of the city’s uptown revitalization efforts including repaving with previous allocations going towards the area around New College and at the crosswalks. This resolution would complete the project of repaving and stamped crosswalks. Council Member Teague made a motion to adopt the resolution authorizing the City’s application to the Virginia Department of Transportation for participation in the FY17 Revenue Sharing Program; Vice Mayor Bowles seconded the motion, all Council Members voted in favor. October 27, 2015 Discussion regarding the 2016 City Legislative Agenda – City Attorney Eric Monday discussed the 2015 City Legislative Agenda and requested Council to please notify him with any additions or deletions prior to the next meeting, stating that the pre-filing deadline is December 7, 2015. October 27, 2015 Consider approval of consent agenda – Council Member Teague made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Vice Mayor Bowles seconded the motion, all Council Members voted in favor. Business from the Floor – Patrick H. Wright, 1201 Spruce St asked about the Architectural Board, Mayor Turner suggested he can obtain more information and can apply for the vacancy online. Ural Harris, 217 Stewart Street expressed concern regarding articles in the paper about the budget and reversion and the extra money that the previous Mayor stated the City had in the Fund Balance. Teague stated that the fund balance revenue doesn’t come in on a regular basis, some items come in twice a year and for emergencies and it is a positive viewed account to hold from a financial stand point. Mr. Harris said those reasons should be conveyed to the citizens so they don’t feel that it is money the City is holding and not using. Comments by members of City Council – Council Member Stroud wished the public a safe Halloween. He mentioned the race and encouraged the citizens to be hospitable to visitors. Vice Mayor Bowles encourage all citizens to become more active in the community or to visit the website to apply for any board vacancies. Mayor Turner talked about Uptown Trick or Treating activities on Saturday 4:00-7:00pm. There being no further business, Council Member Hodge made a motion to adjourn at 9:38pm, Vice Mayor Bowles seconded that motion, all council voted in favor. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Karen Roberts Danny Turner Clerk of Council Mayor November 10, 2015 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, was held on November 10, 2015, in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM, Closed Session beginning at 7:00pm, with Mayor Danny Turner presiding. Council Members present included: Mayor Danny Turner, Vice Mayor Jennifer Bowles, Gene Teague, Sharon Brooks Hodge, and Mark Stroud. Staff present included: City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, City Attorney Eric Monday, Finance Director Linda Conover, Director of Utilities Dennis Bowles, Superintendent of Electric Operations Durwin Joyce, Budget Analyst Mary Prillaman, Community Planner Susan McCulloch, and Police Chief Sean Dunn. 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 a motion by Council Member Stroud, seconded by Council Member Hodge, with the following 5-0 recorded vote: Turner, aye; Teague, aye; Hodge, aye; Stroud, aye; and Bowles, aye, 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 Closed Session, each returning member of Council certified that (1) only public business matters exempt from open 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 Teague, seconded by Council Member Hodge, with the following recorded 5-0 vote: Stroud, aye; Turner, aye; Bowles, aye; Teague, aye; Hodge, Council returned to Open Session. Council Member Teague made a motion to appoint Kris Shrader to the Western Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council, term expiring December 31, 2018; Council Member Stroud seconded the motion. All members voted in favor. Following the invocation by Vice Mayor Bowles and Pledge to the American Flag, Mayor Turner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Consider setting two public hearings regarding an application for a Zoning Text Amendment and Special Use Permit from McGuireWoods, LLP on behalf of BVI Martinsville, (BVI) LLC – Susan McCulloch explained the petition for a Zoning Text Amendment and an application for a SUP submitted by McGuireWoods, LLP on behalf of BVI Martinsville, LLC and BVI to operate a bidding fee auction facility as part of a mixed use commercial development in Uptown Martinsville. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to deny the application and permit and asked that Council hold a public hearing. Council Member Teague made a motion to set two public hearings on November 24, 2015 to hear public input regarding an application for a Zoning Text Amendment and a Special Use Permit unless the applicants November 10, 2015 request a different date, Vice Mayor Bowles seconded the motion. Council Member Hodge requested that the hearings not be held on Thanksgiving week. Council members discussed whether it would be in the best interest of the applicants and the public to postpone the hearings until December. Teague suggested Council hold the public hearings on November 24, 2015 and if they feel that there was not a substantial response then they can hold another hearing on December 8, 2015. All Council members voted in favor. Minutes: On a motion by Council Member Hodge, seconded by Vice Mayor Bowles, with a 5-0 vote, Council approved the minutes of the October 16 and 17, 2015 Work Session and October 26, 2015 Neighborhood Meeting. Hear public input on the City’s proposed meter and lighting replacement project – City Manager Towarnicki summarized the progress of the project proposal, stating that the City recognized the need to replace water meters five to seven years ago. The City recognized that if they went with a conventional meter replacement that the life of the meters would only be another twenty years so the City began to look at other options including self-funding projects. Johnson Controls was chosen as the organization to move forward with a performance contract on the water meter project. The project would also include converting street lights to LED lighting which would also be part of the self-funding project. Financing was looked at and at the previous meeting a lease purchase option with US Bank was approved by Council members. The new meter replacements offer several updated options including leak detection and online customer inquiry. Mayor Turner said residents have expressed concern about what information the government can obtain from the new meter replacement. Dennis Bowles explained that should not be a concern and that the meters could be read from a central location. The intent is to read the meters quicker, to get better response in case of high consumption or potential leaks and quicker billing cycles. Towarnicki said on the electric side the system can detect exactly where an outage is located. Bowles said that there would be an automatic connect and disconnect option as well. Turner opened the floor to anyone who would like to offer input. No one approached the podium. Consider adoption of a resolution approving lease purchase financing for the City’s meter and lighting replacement project – City Manager Towarnicki explained the resolution to approve the lease purchase financing for the City’s meter and lighting replacement project. Bowles made a motion to approve the resolution with US Bank, Hodge seconded the motion, all Council members voted in favor. November 10, 2015 November 10, 2015 Hear public hearing on FAHI proposal for possible use of former City of Martinsville Housing Office located at 605 Fourth Street – City Manager Towarnicki summarized the previous FAHI proposal. His recommendation would be for the City to lease the building to FAHI short-term. Stroud suggested a possible 18 month lease, Hodge said she would consider a shorter 6 month lease with the option to renew. Mayor Turner opened the floor to public comment. Faye Holland of FAHI said that her biggest concern about the lease is that Council should discuss those details with FAHI in advance to give them some idea of the lease amount. Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion for the City Manager to begin working on the new lease, Council Member Hodge seconded the motion. Hodge requested that the City Manager and City Attorney consider her suggestion of a minimal lease total and terms with the option to monitor how successful FAHI has been with fundraising to cover costs. All Council Members voted in favor. Presentation on possible solar project – City Manager Towarnicki explained that the City had been looking at a possible solar project in the City for several months and requested proposals from several organizations. Turning Point Energy presented a promising proposal. A key issue for Council to take into consideration would be that the City is limited to industrial locations and whether they would want to contract use for this solar project at a potential industrial site. Towarnicki introduced Garrett Cole and Ryan Johnson of GDS who explained the solar proposal solicitation along with a project draft timeline, proposed project locations, and projected cost vs. market comparison. Turning Point Energy would be responsible for maintaining the facility including maintenance, purchases, tax credits, etc. Mayor Turner asked if the panels would cause problems for residents related to heat or November 10, 2015 reflections, Mr. Johnson said that the panels would not cause any of those problems and that there would be no issue of noise either. He said the biggest resident concern could be the appearance of the panels. Teague recommended that Council pass on the project because the City would be giving up a lot of land for a project that seems to show little return for the City. Hodge said she would like to consider at least one of the two proposed sites. Turner and Stroud agreed with Hodge. November 10, 2015 Discussion of 2016 legislative agenda – City Attorney Monday stated that the legislative agenda would not need a final approval at tonight’s meeting. Changes are marked on the legislative agenda in red. Teague requested legislation on Item 13. Monday stated that he had a meeting with Governor Stanley on Thursday and would bring that up. November 10, 2015 Adopt Utility Fund Cash Reserve policies – Linda Conover summarized the request for adoption of the Utility Fund Cash Reserve policies for electric, refuse, sewer, water and telecommunications. Bowles made a motion to adopt the Cash Reserve policies, Stroud seconded the motion, all Council members voted in favor. November 10, 2015 November 10, 2015 November 10, 2015 November 10, 2015 November 10, 2015 November 10, 2015 November 10, 2015 November 10, 2015 Consent Agenda: On a motion by Council Member Teague, seconded by Vice Mayor Bowles, with a 5-0 vote, Council approved the following consent agenda: Business from floor: Ural Harris, 217 Stewart Street – expressed concern about several department heads who plan to retire, he feels that the City should change the policy, requiring department heads to live in the City. Patrick H. Wright, 1201 Spruce Street – says that bulk mailings claiming that residents have won money are wrong and that those businesses only want to sell products. Council comments: Council Member Stroud expressed condolences to the Lois Compton family. With Veterans Day tomorrow, Stroud shared that his first heros were his uncles and cousins who served in the military. Thank you to the veterans and families of those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Vice Mayor Bowles wanted to thank the Police Department for their first health fair today, especially the Policing Alternative Coalition and Piedmont Community Services. Mayor Turner wanted to thank Lawrence Mitchell for locating a grave of a World War I veteran at the end of Smith Road. There will be a ceremony to place a flag in his honor. He also thanked the Sheriff’s department for cleaning around that grave site. Turner stated that Council would be drafting a letter to Nascar driver Jeff Gordon for everything he’s done for racing and our area. Another letter will be sent to Nascar driver Joey Logano for funding the new roof at Citizens Against Family Violence. If the public has comments but they do not want to be televised, the Council is working on a method to honor this request before the next meeting. Bowles added that residents can contact a Council Member if they would like something added to the agenda. City Manager comments: City Manager Towarnicki stated that the municipal building would be closed on Wednesday in honor of Veteran’s Day. He said that there would be a Veteran’s Day service at the former John D. Bassett school at 6:00pm on Wednesday. Towarnicki also shared that November 21 is the annual Christmas parade. November 10, 2015 There being no further business, a motion was made by Council Member Teague to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Council Member Hodge with all council members in favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:46pm. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Karen Roberts Danny Turner Clerk of Council Mayor  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: November 24, 2015 Item No: 2. Department: Human Resources Issue: Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards – October 1 through December 31, 2015. Summary: The Service Award Program is designed to build individual morale and show appreciation to the long-service employee for their faithful service to the City of Martinsville. Attachment: Listing of City Employees who are eligible for the service award for the first quarter of FY 15-16. TO BE READ BY MAYOR. NO ACTION NECESSARY. SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS SECOND QUARTER - FISCAL YEAR 15-16 FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2015 NAME DEPARTMENT YEARS OF SEVICE SCOTT ERRICHETTI ELECTRIC 5 JONATHAN FULCHER POLICE DEPT 5 JOSEPH WASHBURN POLICE DEPT 10 MARY KAY WASHINGTON FINANCE 10 JIM COOPER SHERIFF - JAIL 15 TIM GARY SHERIFF - JAIL 15 GREG JOHNSTON POLICE DEPT 15 DONNA HARRIS SENIOR CENTER 20 CHRIS MORRIS ENGINEERING 20 MILDRED SPENCE SHERIFF - JAIL 20 BETTY WAGONER CIRCUIT COURT 20 EDDIE CASSADY POLICE DEPT 30 DURWIN JOYCE ELECTRIC 30 ASHBY PRITCHETT CIRCUIT COURT 30  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: November 24, 2015 Item No: 3. Department: City Council Issue: Recognize 8 Girl Scouts of Girl Scout Troop 616 for receiving the Bronze Award; the highest award Junior Girl Scouts can obtain. Summary: Eight Girl Scouts from Girl Scout Troop 616 in Martinsville will be receiving the Bronze Award on Monday, November 23rd. The Bronze Award is the highest award Junior Girl Scouts (grades 4 and 5) may receive and requires a minimum of 20 hours of community service work in implementing a project. For their project, the girls created pet safety education kits and partnered with the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA and other organizations. Girl Scout Troop 616 is located in Martinsville and Scout leaders are Diane Richardson and Jenny Mase. Johnathan Phillips served as the Bronze Award Chair. The Scouts who received the Bronze Award are Lilli Bescher, Caroline Boa, Savannah Brown, Hannah Mase, Ava Meyer, Emma Nester, Claudia Phillips, and Leia Richardson. Attachments: Proclamation recognizing and honoring the Scouts. Recommendations: No Council action needed.  PROCLAMATION Honoring Lilli Bescher, Caroline Boa, Savannah Brown, Hannah Mase, Ava Meyer, Emma Nester, Claudia Phillips, and Leia Richardson Of Girl Scout Troop #616 Whereas, Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. In Girl Scout Troop #616, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together; and Whereas, Lilli Bescher, Caroline Boa, Savannah Brown, Hannah Mase, Ava Meyer, Emma Nester, Claudia Phillips, and Leia Richardson have earned the Girl Scouts Bronze Award – the highest award that a Junior Girl Scout may earn – and is representative of the accomplishment that a scout has performed within her community as she grows and works to improve her life and the lives of others; and Whereas, These young ladies have received this award for their project “Pet Safety Education Kits” which included educational information and pet safety window decals to alert firefighters or police to save pets inside in case of fire or any immediate disaster and to deter unsuspecting burglars. They partnered with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Martinsville and Henry County, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Blue Ridge Poison Center, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Pet Safety Alert, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, and Fido’s Finds and Kittie’s Kollectibles. This demonstrates their leadership and planning skills; and Whereas, These young ladies are to be commended on this achievement, as their passion has created a high standard of commitment and dedication to animals, Girl Scouts, and to the Martinsville-Henry County community; and Whereas, These young ladies are an example to the youth of our area, as their leadership, organizational skills, sense of community, and commitment has set the foundation for many to follow as they continue to serve as an inspiration to all students and peers. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Danny Turner, Mayor of the City of Martinsville, do hereby proclaim on this 24th day of November, 2015 our congratulations to these young ladies on earning the Bronze Award and encourage all residents to appreciate the contributions of the Girl Scout movement, and Troop #616. _________________________________ Danny Turner, Mayor  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: November 24, 2015 Item No: 4. Department: City Council Issue: Recognize Army Veteran Thomas Spencer as recipient of the 2015 Martinsville-Henry County Veteran of the Year Award and the Veterans Service Organizations of Martinsville-Henry County Veteran of the Year Award. Summary: At the annual Veteran’s Day Program held Wednesday, November 11 , local Army Veteran Thomas Spencer was honored as the recipient th of two annual Veterans Day Awards – the Veterans Service Organizations of Martinsville-Henry County Veteran of the Year Award and the Martinsville-Henry County Veteran of the Year Award. Thomas Spencer enlisted in the Army in 1969 and was deployed to Vietnam. He later was assigned to Fort Knox and attended cooking school and was later assigned to the Army Reserves in Martinsville. While in the unit from 1971- 1995, he was mobilized three times to Forts Jackson, Bragg, and Pickett, cooking hundreds of meals daily for soldiers training for Operation Desert Storm. He has received numerous medals and honors, and is currently a member of American Legion Homer Dillard Post 78, VFW Post 4637, and is current commander of the Martinsville-Henry County Veterans Honor Guard. He currently helps in the community by transporting disabled people to and from doctor’s appointments and other places they may need to go. Attachments: None Recommendations: None, no action needed by Council.  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: November 24, 2015 Item No: 5. Department: Mayor and Council Issue: Present a Proclamation to Henry County Board of Supervisors Chairman H. G. Vaughn, recognizing his years of service on the Board and to the citizens of our community. Summary: Henry County Board of Supervisor Chairman H. G. Vaughn ends his fourth term of service as the Ridgeway District Supervisor on the Board at the end of December, 2015. Mayor Turner will present a proclamation to Chairman Vaughn at the meeting, recognizing his service to the County, and the community. Attachments: Proclamation recognizing and honoring H. G. Vaughn Recommendations: No action needed by Council  Proclamation Recognizing H. G. Vaughn, Ridgeway District Supervisor and Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors for his service to Henry County and the community WHEREAS, H. G. Vaughn is the current Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors and also the Ridgeway District Supervisor; and WHEREAS, H. G. Vaughn was first elected to the County Board of Supervisors in 1995 and completes his fourth 4-year term at the end of December, 2015; and WHEREAS, throughout his tenure on the Board, H. G. Vaughn has worked diligently to promote the County and our community in a positive manner; and WHEREAS, H. G. Vaughn throughout his years of service has worked cooperatively and professionally with the City of Martinsville regarding issues of mutual interest; NOW, THEREFORE, on this 24th day of November, 2015, the Martinsville City Council hereby proclaims its recognition of the service H. G. Vaughn has rendered to the County and our community and extends its best wishes for continued health and happiness. __________________________ Danny Turner, Mayor  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: November 24, 2015 Item No: 6. Department: Electric Issue: Hear an update from American Municipal Power (AMP) regarding various electric projects the City is participating in. Summary: A representative from American Electric Power will be attending Council’s meeting on November 24th to provide an update on electric projects the City participates in through its affiliation with AMP. Attachments: None Recommendations: For information purposes - no action needed.  City Council Agenda Summary Date: November 24, 2015 Item No: 7. Department: City Attorney Issue: Approval of 2016 legislative agenda Summary: The City annually determines its legislative priorities. Attached is 2015’s legislative agenda for consideration and possible amendment. Several potential amendments are shown in red. The prefiling deadline for specific legislation is December 7, 2015. Most mandates (funded and unfunded) are addressed though modification of the state budget, may not require individual bills, and could be addressed during the General Assembly session. Attachments: 2015 Legislative Agenda, with potential amendments. Recommendations: Final approval by voice vote. The City of Martinsville appreciates the efforts its legislators undertake at both the state and federal level on behalf of its citizens. Listed below are the City’s priorities requested of its legislative delegation in 2016. Virginia General Assembly Transportation 1. In the short term, upgrade those portions of Route 220 overlaying I-73 to interstate standards. Any construction or upgrades to the I-73 corridor should begin on those sections passing through Henry County. 2. Continue to place priority on Route 58 improvements, particularly the section between Stuart and Hillsville, Virginia. Education 1. City Council endorses the agenda proposed by the Martinsville City School System and also endorses the educational priorities adopted by Henry County, on behalf of its school system. Comment [EM1]: No such agendas have been provided. 2. Oppose the imposition of unaided education mandates and in the event of revenue cuts by the Commonwealth opposes targeted cuts by the Commonwealth, instead preferring local decision making authority on where to make any such cuts. 3. Recognizing its potential to promote economic development within our community and region, continue support for the development and funding of the New College Institute; urge that any funding reductions to New College Institute, if considered, be minimized to the greatest extent possible; and support the affiliation of The New College Institute as a branch of a four-year public university. 4. Request the Commonwealth to fully fund the expenditures imposed upon local school systems by implementing the Standards of Quality. 5. Encourage the Commonwealth to continue or increase the current levels of financial support provided to Patrick Henry Community College. 6. Encourage the Commonwealth to provide financial support to the College of Henricopolis School of Medicine. 6.7. Request the Commonwealth to provide incentives for consolidation of school systems. Economic Development 1. Maintain current levels of funding for economic development incentives, including but not limited to the Governor’s Opportunity Fund. 2. Enhance the authority granted to localities to address and eliminate blighted properties, and the formation of interstate compacts to allow expedited recourse against out-of-state property owners. 3. Continue current funding levels of the Virginia Museum of Natural History. 4. Request enhanced state and federal financial assistance for localities which exceed the average state unemployment rate by 150% for a period of five consecutive years. 5. Support continued tourism awareness initiatives in the Martinsville-Henry County region. 5.6. Expand local authority to designate Enterprise Zones and establish incentives. Governance 1. Request the appointment of a joint gubernatorial/legislative commission to examine the structure of local government in Virginia, the commission’s mandate to include: a. Examination of local government in the other 49 states for potential adaptation to Virginia. b. Enable cities to expand their revenue base c. Elimination of the “zero-sum” revenue base structure, which creates friction between cities and counties. d. Elimination of redundant services and programs between contiguous cities and counties. 2. Require full funding for HB 599 funds, in fulfillment of the Commonwealth’s commitment to cities in return for their acquiescence in the annexation moratorium. 3. Require that the Commonwealth fully fund its obligations to the Virginia Retirement System, and refrain from borrowing from VRS funds. 4. Request the elimination of “local aid to the Commonwealth” in the state budget; local aid artificially inflates state revenues by shifting responsibility for cuts in vital services onto localities. 5. Elimination of all unfunded mandates from the Commonwealth to localities. 6. Oppose any elimination or alteration of local revenue streams, and specifically oppose any amendment to the current manner in which the Business Occupation and Licensing Tax and the Machinery and Tools Tax are levied, unless a replacement revenue stream, not subject to biennial appropriation, is guaranteed by the Commonwealth.. 7. Request at a minimum, level funding for operational requirements of the Henry-Martinsville Department of Social Services. 8. Request that the General Assembly leaves intact the fire programs fund and the rescue squad assistance funds and not use these funds as a way to balance the state budget. 9. Request that the Commonwealth fully fund its obligations to constitutional officers. 10. Oppose any attempt to curtail the doctrine of sovereign immunity for localities. 11. Oppose any attempt to permit collective bargaining for state and local government employees. 12. Oppose any amendment of the existing burden of proof or process in local tax appeals cases. 12.13. Request authority to refund erroneously paid taxes at an interest rate which differes from that imposed on delinquencies, and to refund taxes erroneously paid through the fault of the taxpayer at no interest. United States Congress 1. Oppose any effort to impose additional taxation or regulation of electrical power generation by coal or natural gas. 2. Urge the Federal Highway Commission to adopt the CTB’s designated route for I-73, or alternatively to preserve the current record of decision in the event the CTB’s route is rejected. 3. In the short term, upgrade those portions of Route 220 overlaying I-73 to interstate standards. 4. Request $3.72M in funds for the redevelopment of brownfields extending from the former American Furniture and Sara Lee sites, along Aaron Street, to Rives Road 5. Request $6.25M in funds for the elimination and redevelopment of blighted areas in the city. 6. Request legislation to provide special federal incentives to businesses locating in regions which have experienced job losses in excess of 5% of the total workforce and/or declines in median incomes since the adoption of NAFTA, WTO or GATT. Target such areas for increased federal funding in education or workforce retraining. 7. Extend high speed broadband service throughout southern Virginia. 8. Request enhanced state and federal financial assistance for localities which exceed the average state unemployment rate by 150% for a period of five consecutive years. 9. Oppose the EPA’s proposed expansion of the definition of “waters of the United States” in 40 CFR 230.3. Staff Designations City Council empowers the following staff members to speak on its behalf and in its best interests to the Virginia General Assembly and United States Congress, its members and committees: City Attorney Eric Monday City Manager Leon Towarnicki Other department heads as appointed by the City Manager 2