City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · September 27, 2016
Minutes
September 27, 2016
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on
September 27, 2016, in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Danny
Turner presiding. Council Members present included Danny Turner, Jennifer Bowles, Gene
Teague, and Sharon Brooks Hodge. Council Member Mark Stroud was absent. Staff present
included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, City Attorney
Eric Monday, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Finance Director Linda Conover, and Police
Chief Sean Dunn.
Mayor Turner called the meeting to order. Following the invocation by Council Member
Teague and Pledge to the American Flag, Mayor Turner welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Consider approval of minutes from the September 13, 2016 Council Meeting – Hodge
made a motion to approve the minutes; the motion was seconded by Bowles with a 4-0
Council vote in favor.
Secretary of Commerce Todd Haymore – Mayor Turner welcomed Secretary Haymore.
Haymore said his focus is on economic development to create more jobs and opportunities. He
plans to focus heavily on rural Virginia and he looks forward to working with Council
Members.
Hear an update from Senator Bill Stanley regarding I-73 – Senator Stanley thanked
Council Members for inviting him and provided history on the purpose behind the planning of
I-73. I-73 would bring jobs and revenue to the area and the highway would pay for itself
within ten years. He said that because of changes, he does not feel that I-73 will be expanded
into the Henry County-Martinsville area unless the region takes action through the
establishment of a regional transportation authority capable of generating funding through a
sales tax add-on. There will need to be a decision made how to repurpose the money originally
set for I-73. Hodge asked what the timeframe for construction would be if the tax was levied.
Stanley said he believed it could take twenty years or less to complete. Teague confirmed that
the eastern Henry County route is the one that has been altered. Stanley’s recommendation is
to go back to the original plan following the bypass and feels that the road will not be built
with the new route. Teague asked about the elimination of the B-POL. Stanley said he does
not foresee the B-POL going away. Teague asked if a regional authority agreement would need
to be approved before the City could charge an additional tax to cover the cost of construction.
Teague says the road needs to be built and he fully supports the original route if that is what
is needed to make the construction happen. Once the draft proposal is complete, Stanley
would send a copy to Council by early 2017. Teague asked if Roanoke had approved the draft.
Towarnicki said the draft would go to Roanoke Council early October for consideration.
Stanley stated that I-73 is alive and well regardless of previous reports that the project was
dead.
September 27, 2016
September 27, 2016
Hear an overview of the September 26, 2016 Druid Hills/Uptown area Neighborhood
Tour and Meeting – City Manager Towarnicki summarized the neighborhood tour and
neighborhood meeting at Patrick Henry Elementary School of the Druid Hills and Uptown
area. Two citizens expressed concern about barking dogs. City Attorney Monday said if a dog
outdoors barks for 15 minutes or longer then that is a violation of the noise ordinance.
Presentation of proclamation recognizing October, 2016 as Domestic Violence Awareness
Month – Council Member Hodge read the proclamation and Mayor Turner presented the
proclamation to Warren Rogers, CAFV Director. Rogers thanked Council for the recognition
and said he wished the organization did not need to exist however, 117 adults and 41 children
have been served since January 1, 2016. The organization’s name has been changed to
Southside Survivor Response Center.
September 27, 2016
Hear comments and a presentation from Phil Hysell of National Weather Service in
Blacksburg, VA on Martinsville being recognized as a National Weather Service StormReady
Community – Robert Scott, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City. He said Bob
Phillips begun the application process along with J.R. Powell and T.J. Slaughter. Scott said it
was Phillips dedication to the City that allowed the City to qualify as a StormReady City. Phil
Hysell recognized those who helped make Martinsville StormReady and detailed what was
involved in becoming qualified. StormReady was started in 1999. Martinsville met and
exceeded the requirements needed to certify. Hysell said it was a privilege to work with both
Scott and Phillips and said only 1/3 of the counties in the state have this recognition. Hysell
also presented the city with a StormReady sign.
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 and the Community
Business Launch project – Witt updated Council on the community business launch project
StartUp Martinsville and said the last of those businesses will hold their grand opening on
Friday. All businesses have done well since their opening and she thanked Council members
for attending those openings and visiting the businesses after opening. She said funding has
been secured on the second year of the program. TGIF season was successful. The Farmers
Market did well. OctoberFest is Saturday October 1 from 11:00-4:00. Uptown Trick-or-
Treating will be held on October 31. The George W. Lester fund was awarded to two City
September 27, 2016
businesses. Hodge asked Witt to clarify the purpose of the planning grant and encouraged
Witt to reach out to the CDC who is revitalizing property on the West End.
Hear an update from David Hoback, Executive Director of West Piedmont Planning
District Commission on the PDC’s regional strategic planning effort – Hoback provided
historical background on the strategic planning efforts. West Piedmont Regional Summit will
be Wednesday Oct 19, 2016 11:00-4:30pm at New College and will include a professional
meeting facilitator. Hoback said the summit would only be as good as the people who
participate. He will provide the City Manager with a list of people being invited and asked
Council to advocate and encourage them to attend and would like Council to suggest others
who would be beneficial but may have been left out.
Consider comments developed by staff for submission to the Commission on Local
Government related to the current annexation study – City Manager Towarnicki provided
background on House Bill 945 and Senate Bill 309 approved during the 2016 General
Assembly. He referred Council to documents that were added to the DropBox for their
information. He read the comments that he and the City Attorney drafted and invited changes
and suggestions from Council. Hodge suggested wording to include timing or sense of urgency
to encourage results. Teague suggested the draft offer specific solutions to problems including
the state providing more public safety funding and include language related to the creation of
a dependent City. Hodge stated that she was more in favor of lifting the moratorium. Turner
suggested that an independent City give up the right to annex and in return give up the BPOL
tax. Teague disagreed with Turner’s reasoning. Bowles says she is in favor of Martinsville
being able to annex. Hodge said she would rather fight for annexation rather than reversion.
Towarnicki read a recap of the Commission on Local Government Annexation Study report.
Towarnicki said he would draft those changes and send to them later this week.
Consider approval of consent agenda – Towarnicki requested that both items be voted
on separately. Teague made a motion to approve Item 1 of the consent agenda; Hodge
seconded the motion with all members voting in favor. Teague made a motion to approve Item
2 of the consent agenda as presented; Hodge seconded the motion with all members voting in
favor.
September 27, 2016
Comments by members of City Council – Hodge said she traveled to Roanoke with Chief
Dunn and Sheriff Draper to attend a Town Hall meeting to hear comments from people in
South West Virginia and discuss grants available for community policing. She enjoyed the
time to spend with the law enforcement officials and was able to discuss those proposals.
Turner said the Police Department was commended at the neighborhood meeting on Monday.
Comments by City Manager – Towarnicki shared that there is a large fishing
tournament being held at Philpott Lake. They have asked that the Mayor and Vice Mayor
attend and be recognized. The last community business launch grand opening for Southern
Nosh will be Thursday September 29 at 4:30pm. Outstanding Military Veteran of the Year
applications are available on the City website and due October 14, 2016. Once the
nominations are submitted, a panel will choose a recipient who will be recognized.
Martinsville Area Community Foundation’s annual community reception will be held October
6 at 6:30 so he needs to know which Council Members plan to attend.
Business from the Floor (not televised) – Sophia Esdaile asked how the City Council
members communicate with their constituents. Turner said by phone, email and says he
personally visits uptown and attending events. Hodges says some citizens will also stop by
their home and Bowles mentioned social media. Teague mentioned restaurants and grocery
stores were also good places to communicate with people and said they will recognize Council
Members and express concern. She serves on the Harvest Foundation Youth board and
welcomes any suggestions Council could offer. Hodges said she would prefer to do that
September 27, 2016
individually instead of publicly. Teague suggested those organizations that could serve more
need. Turner says there is a need to be more proactive in our community.
A representative from the college said she has students in attendance and she hopes
they have benefited from the meeting. Melvin Johnson who is taking part of social work
program through NCI said he found it interesting that Senator Stanley attended and to see the
work Stanley is doing. He was impressed how Council responded to Stanley with questions.
He thinks Council does a fine job and he is considering running for Council in the future.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Teague to adjourn the meeting,
seconded by Hodge with all Council Members voting in favor. The meeting adjourned at
9:27pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Danny Turner
Clerk of Council Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
7:30 pm Regular Session
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
7:30—Regular Session
Invocation & Pledge to the American Flag- Council Member Teague
1. Consider approval of minutes of the September 13, 2016 Meeting. (2 mins)
2. Hear an overview of the September 26, 2016 Druid Hills/Uptown area
Neighborhood Tour and Meeting (10 mins)
3. Presentation of proclamation recognizing October, 2016 as Domestic Violence
Awareness Month (5 mins)
4. Hear comments and a presentation from Phil Hysell of National Weather Service
in Blacksburg, VA on Martinsville being recognized as a National Weather
Service StormReady Community (15 mins)
5. 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 and
the Community Business Launch project (15 mins)
6. Hear an update from David Hoback, Executive Director of West Piedmont
Planning District Commission on the PDC’s regional strategic planning effort.
(15 mins)
7. Consider comments developed by staff for submission to the Commission on
Local Government related to the current annexation study. (30 mins)
8. Consider approval of consent agenda (2 mins)
9. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes)
10. Comments by City Manager. (5 minutes)
11. Business from the Floor (not televised)
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: September 27, 2016
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes from September 13, 2016
Council Meeting.
Summary: None
Attachments: September 13, 2016 Council Meeting minutes
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
September 13, 2016
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on
September 13, 2016, in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Danny
Turner presiding. Council Members present included Danny Turner, Jennifer Bowles, Gene
Teague, and Sharon Brooks Hodge. Council Member Mark Stroud was absent. Staff present
included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, City Attorney
Eric Monday, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Finance Director Linda Conover, and Police
Chief Sean Dunn.
Mayor Turner called the meeting to order and advised Council would go into Closed
Session beginning at 7:00 PM. In accordance with Section 2.1-344 (A) of the Code of Virginia
(1950, and as amended) and upon a motion by Council Member Hodge, seconded by Vice
Mayor Bowles, with the following 4-0 recorded vote: Council Member Hodge, aye; Council
Member Teague, aye; Vice Mayor Bowles, aye; and Mayor Turner, aye. Council convened in
Closed Session to discuss the following matters: (A) consultation with legal counsel and
briefings by staff members, attorneys or consultants pertaining to actual or probably 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.
A motion was made by Teague, seconded by Hodge, with the following 4-0 recorded vote in
favor to return to Open Session: Council Member Hodge, aye; Mayor Turner, aye; Council
Member Teague, aye; and Vice Mayor Bowles, aye.
Following the invocation by Council Member Teague and Pledge to the American Flag,
Mayor Turner welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Consider approval of minutes from the August 23, 2016 Council Meeting – Council
Member Teague made a motion to approve the minutes; the motion was seconded by Council
Member Hodge with a 4-0 Council vote in favor.
Consider adoption of a resolution in support of additional federal funding for pediatric
cancer research – Council Member Hodge read the resolution supporting federal funding for
pediatric cancer research. Teague stated that research shows that children’s cancer can be
cured easier than adult cancer but there is minimal funding to support it. Vice Mayor Bowles
made a motion to adopt the resolution, Hodge seconded the motion with all Council Members
voting in favor.
September 13, 2016
Hear an update from Community Development on several current projects administered
through the Community Development office – Wayne Knox updated Council on Community
Development projects including the Northside CDBG project, the Neighborhood Stabilization
program and the Brownfield Grant project. A representative from Draper Aden Associates from
Blacksburg, Virginia provided a detailed presentation on the Brownfield Grant project. Knox
said part of the effort is to have more outreach and encourage the community to join the
project and suggest sites. Bowles said she hopes that building up residential areas is a
priority. Hodge suggested adding this topic to the neighborhood community meeting agendas.
Turner wants the property owners to be aware of the worst-case scenario regarding costs
related to property upgrades.
Consider approval of consent agenda – Teague made a motion to approve the consent
agenda as presented; Hodge seconded the motion with all members voting in favor.
September 13, 2016
Comments by members of City Council – Council Member Teague highlighted the VML
meeting in relation to the lottery for localities proposal. The Legislative committee postponed
the discussion until the next meeting. Vice Mayor Bowles congratulated Pastor Whitfield,
offered prayers to the families and victims of 911, and congratulated the Martinsville High
School Bulldogs. Mayor Turner recognized First Baptist Church of East Martinsville on their
120-year anniversary and also congratulated the MHS Bulldogs.
Comments by City Manager – Towarnicki said Friday was United Way Day of Action
including the Corner Escape Park through Gateway and Eastman Company who spent a lot of
time on that project and other various projects throughout the community. There will be a
neighborhood meeting in the Druid Hills area at Patrick Henry School on Monday September
26, 2016. Upcoming council meetings will include C-PEG updates, NCI updates, and updates
from School Intern Superintendent Talley in October. On October 6, 2016, the Martinsville
Area Community Foundation will hold their annual reception at Chatmoss. VML Annual
Conference will be held October 9-11, 2016. Towarnicki is working with NCI to host a VML
dinner where legislators will be invited.
Council Member Teague also mentioned Council Member Stroud who had surgery
previously. Teague said Stroud is doing well but would not be released by his doctor until
later this week.
September 13, 2016
Business from the Floor (not televised) – No one approached the podium.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Teague to adjourn the meeting,
seconded by Bowles with all Council Members voting in favor. The meeting adjourned at
9:02pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Danny Turner
Clerk of Council Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 27, 2016
Item No: 2.
Department: City Council
Issue: Hear an overview of the September 26, 2016 Druid
Hills/Uptown area Neighborhood Tour and Meeting.
Summary: Mayor Turner will give this update.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: No action required
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 27, 2016
Item No: 3.
Department: City Council
Issue: Presentation of proclamation recognizing October, 2016 as
Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Summary: Warren Rogers, Citizens Against Family Violence Director will
be present to accept the proclamation.
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendations: Presentation only.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, domestic violence is a critical issue that is distressing the citizens
of Martinsville on a daily basis. Domestic violence is not confined to any group
of people but occurs across all socioeconomic and racial boundaries; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence violates an individual’s privacy, dignity, security,
and humanity, due to systematic use of physical, emotional, psychological, and
economic abuse; and
WHEREAS, one out of three American women will experience domestic violence
at some point in her life, and
WHEREAS, children from violent homes are more likely to be involved in
violent criminal activity in the future than their non-abused peers; and
WHEREAS, the celebration of October as domestic violence awareness month,
enables survivors to share their stories of triumph over adversity. Southside
Survivor Response Center will provide presentations, awareness activities and
trainings in the community throughout the month of October. On October
15th, Southside Survivor Response Center will host the 3rd Annual Teaming
Up Against Domestic Violence community basketball game. On October 27th,
SSRC will host a panel discussion called Survivors’ Voices. The panel will
comprise of local domestic violence survivors, sharing their stories of survival
and triumph.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, in recognition of the important work
done by Citizens Against Family Violence, Inc. and for the empowerment of
domestic violence survivors everywhere, I, Danny Turner, Mayor, designate the
month of October 2016 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of
Martinsville.
____________________________________
Danny Turner
Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 27, 2016
Item No: 4.
Department: Fire & EMS
Issue: Hear comments and a presentation from Phil Hysell of National
Weather Service in Blacksburg, VA on Martinsville being recognized as a National
Weather Service StormReady Community.
Summary: Phil Hysell from the National Weather Service in Blacksburg,
Virginia will provide some brief comments and a short presentation on the
StormReady program through National Weather Service.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: No action needed - presented for information purposes
only.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 27, 2016
Item No: 5.
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 and the Community Business Launch project.
Summary: Information will be provided regarding activities completed or
currently underway related to the City/C-PEG Small Business Development
contract, West Piedmont Business Development Center (incubator), the Farmer’s
Market, and the Startup Martinsville project.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: No action needed - presented for information purposes
only.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 27, 2016
Item No: 6.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear an update from David Hoback, Executive Director of West
Piedmont Planning District Commission on the PDC’s regional strategic planning
effort.
Summary: David Hoback will provide a brief update on regional strategic
planning efforts by West Piedmont PDC.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: No action needed - presented for information purposes
only.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 27, 2016
Item No: 7.
Department: City Manager & City Attorney
Issue: Consider comments developed by staff for submission to the
Commission on Local Government related to the current annexation study.
Summary: As a result of HB 945 and SB 309 approved during the 2016
General Assembly, a study was initiated directing the Commission on Local
Government to evaluate the structure of cities and counties in the Commonwealth,
evaluate the impact of annexation upon localities, and to consider alternatives to
the current moratorium on annexation by cities. The COLG Annexation Study
stakeholder group has held several meetings on the issue and is accepting written
comments on the issue through the end of September.
Comments developed by staff will be presented and discussed at the meeting.
Attachments: None. Additional information will be provided at the
meeting.
Recommendations: Council to approve/endorse the comments for
submission to the COLG related to this issue.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 27, 2016
Item No: 8.
Department: Finance
Issue: Appropriation Approval
Summary:
The attachments amend the FY17 Budget with appropriations in the following
funds:
FY17:
General Fund: $ 12,610 – reimbursement, sale of surplus, forfeiture funds
Capital Fund: $ 259,570 – forfeiture funds
Water Fund: $ 130,425 – AMI reimbursements
Electric Fund: $1,287,900 – AMI reimbursements
Attachments: Consent Agenda 9-27-16
Recommendations: Approve each item by separate vote
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 09/27/2016
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
FY17
General Fund:
01100909 490104 Advance/Recovered Costs 775
01331108 501300 Sheriff/Corrections - Part-time & Temporary Wages 570
01331108 502100 Sheriff/Corrections - Social Security 35
01331108 502110 Sheriff/Corrections - Medicare 8
01331108 506008 Sheriff/Corrections - Vehicle Equipment & Maint. 114
01331110 506200 Sheriff/Annex - Prisoner Allowance 48
Reimbursement from Henry County for litter pickup - August
01100905 450209 Sale of Salvage/Surplus 8,435
01217078 506138 Sheriff/Courts - Motorcycle Equipment/Maintenance 8,435
Proceeds from sale of two used motorcycles
01102926 436429 Categorical Federal - Federal Asset Forf - Sheriff 3,400
01217078 506138 Sheriff/Courts - Motorcycle Equipment/Maintenance 3,400
Portion of OAG Fed Asset Forfeiture funds
Total General Fund: 12,610 12,610
Capital Reserve Fund:
16102926 436429 Categorical Federal - Federal Asset Forf - Sheriff 104,149
16577367 508085 Physical Plant Expansion - Sheriff/Jail 104,149
Portion of OAG Fed Asset Forfeiture funds - Security/Communication Upgrade
16102926 436401 Categorical Federal - Federal Asset Forf - Police 155,421
16575365 508075 Vehicles - Police Dept 155,421
OAG Fed Asset Forfeiture Funds
Total Capital Reserve Fund: 259,570 259,570
Water Fund:
12103936 407701 Indebtedness - Loan Proceeds 130,425
12543313 508223 AMI Project - Physical Plant Expansion 130,425
AMI Project Reimbursement Requisition #5
Total Water Fund: 130,425 130,425
Electric Fund:
14103936 407701 Indebtedness - Loan Proceeds 1,287,900
14563338 508223 AMI Project - Physical Plant Expansion 1,287,900
AMI Project Reimbursement Requisition #5
Total Electric Fund: 1,287,900 1,287,900
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