City Council

September 26, 2016 Martinsville City Council toured the Druid Hills and Uptown areas on September 26, 2016 beginning at 5:30pm. Those present for the tour were Council Member Teague, Mayor Turner, Vice Mayor Bowles and Council Member Hodge. Council Member Stroud were absent from the tour. Staff present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Property Maintenance Deputy Fire Marshall Andy Powers, Property Maintenance Inspector Mark Price, and Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox. Mickey Powell of the Martinsville Bulletin was also present for the tour. The tour traveled through Roanoke and Aaron Streets, noting possible parking and storage of vehicles and a parked tractor on the street. They visited the burned American warehouse site on Aaron Street and noted litigation was still ongoing related to the insurance settlement. The tour traveled to the former Plant 4 site and discussed Brownfield grant possibilities. Attendees then toured Maple Street to Druid Lane to review a property maintenance complaint, noting that it was placarded with a reinspection date the end of the week. They looked at issues on Corn Tassel Train, Susan Lane and Jefferson Circle also then returned to the municipal building around 6:20pm The Druid Hills and Uptown Neighborhood Meeting was held at Patrick Henry Elementary School, 1810 East Church Street, Martinsville, VA beginning at 7:30 PM, with Mayor Danny Turner presiding and Council Members present including: Council Member Teague, Vice Mayor Bowles and Council Member Hodge. Staff present: City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, City Attorney Eric Monday, Inspector Andy Powers, and Inspector Mark Price. Mayor Turner called the meeting to order. George Hairston of Hundley Street and another resident voiced concerns about dogs in the neighborhood that bark obsessively. City Attorney explained the ordinance regarding barking dogs and it would be up to Council Members to approve any changes. Hodge suggested asking Animal Control to frequent the neighborhood to witness the barking. Monday said the current ordinance does not provide a solution to the dogs barking throughout the day, it would require a change in the law. Hodge and Bowles made suggestions to offer the owner that may cut back on the barking. Resident commended the Police Department on resolving an issue of property neglect, including an unsanitary home, hungry children, too many people living in the home and drug activity at a neighborhood residence. Andy Powers summarized the property maintenance complaints and resolutions and detailed the neighborhood tour that looked at potential brownfield sights, Druid Lane and Susan Lane issues. Powers commended Mark Price for his persistence while being in the property maintenance department along with help from the Police Department. Vice Mayor Bowles made motion to adjourn the meeting, Council Member Hodge seconded the motion with all Council Members in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:06pm. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Karen Roberts Danny Turner Clerk of Council Mayor