City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · October 10, 2017
Minutes
October 10, 2017
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on
October 10, 2017 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Gene
Teague presiding. Council Members present included Gene Teague, Chad Martin, Sharon
Hodge and Kathy Lawson. Jennifer Bowles was not in attendance. 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, Zoning Administrator Susan
McCulloch, Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Zach Morris, Senior Services
Coordinator Betsy Pace, and Police Chief Eddie Cassady.
Mayor Teague 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) Code of Virginia (1950,
and as amended) and upon a motion by Council Member Hodge, seconded by Council Member
Lawson, with the following 4-0 recorded vote: Council Member Lawson, aye; Council Member
Hodge, aye; Mayor Teague, aye and Vice Mayor Martin, aye. Council convened in Closed
Session to discuss 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. A motion was
made by Council Member Hodge, seconded by Council Member Lawson, with the following 4-0
recorded vote in favor to return to Open Session: Mayor Teague, aye; Vice Mayor Martin, aye;
Council Member Hodge, aye; and Council Member Lawson, aye.
Vice Mayor Martin made a motion to appoint James Hyler and Austin Roberson to the
Planning Commission for unexpired 4-year terms both ending June 30, 2018; Council
Member Lawson seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Mayor Teague explained that the City is working on a 5-year repayment program with
the Tobacco Commission and a letter is being sent to Dr. Boaz, which he will be required to
answer. Council will continue to keep the residents updated.
Following the invocation by Mayor Teague and Pledge to the American Flag, Teague
welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Consider approval of minutes of the September 25, 2017 Neighborhood Meeting -
Council Member Lawson made a motion to approve the minutes as presented; Council
Member Hodge seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Hear a proclamation read designating October 2017 as Breast Cancer Awareness
Month in the City of Martinsville – Council Member Lawson read the proclamation. Patricia
October 10, 2017
Via accepted the proclamation on behalf of the MLC Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of her
mother and aunt. In the past 6 years, they have raised over $100,000 and assisted residents
with appointments, transportation and moral support. Vice Mayor Martin thanked Via and
others for their work and shared that his mother was also a breast cancer survivor.
Consider setting a public hearing for October 24, 2017 on a request from the City of
Martinsville – Martinsville Redevelopment and Housing Authority for a Special Use Permit to
allow the use of a Vehicle Terminal at 1 Progress Drive at Clearview Business Park – Susan
McCulloch detailed a potential business opportunity related to a truck terminal at 1 Progress
Drive which would require a special use permit. Council Member Hodge expressed concern
about potential odor emissions from the trucks. McCulloch said she would have an answer on
that before the public hearing. Council Member Hodge made a motion to set the joint public
hearing for October 24, 2017 with the Planning Commission; Council Member Lawson
seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
October 10, 2017
Consider setting a public hearing for November 14, 2017 jointly with the Martinsville
Planning Commission on the Subdivision Ordinance update – Assistant City Manager Knox
asked for the public hearing to be scheduled for November 28th to allow necessary personnel to
be present to answer questions. Council Member Lawson made a motion to set the public
hearing with the Planning Commission for November 28, 2017; Vice Mayor Martin seconded
the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
October 10, 2017
Hear a staff update on operations of City Parks and Recreation and Senior Services –
Betsy Pace updated Council on the Senior Center and how they are moving forward with
morning and evening activities. Pace upcoming Council on special events that will be held at
the Library as well as Medicare seminars for residents on October 24 and November 14 at the
Senior Center. She shared details on the monthly breakfast club, the supper club, and said
the golf tournament was a success with another tournament being held on November 15 at
Forest Park. The Senior Post newsletter will be distributed soon. The annual senior health
fair held in May and the fishing clinic at the City Reservoir were also successful events. Pace
said activities are available to all residents 50 years of age or older. She said anyone needing
transportation to these activities should contact her about the senior bus. Council Member
Hodge questioned transportation, which could be affected by budget cuts and asked that
preparations be made in advance of the next year’s budget by looking at additional funding.
City Manager Towarnicki said they have had discussions with several organizations with buses
and are considering working with local churches also. Towarnicki shared details on the health
clinic Saturday November 4 at the United Methodist Church as well as transportation routes
to get residents to this event. Vice Mayor Martin asked about volunteer hours for students
and if there would be evening activities that they could help with at the Senior Center. Zach
Morris updated Council on the Parks and Recreation department including summer events
October 10, 2017
and camps with over 200 participants. Smith River Fest had over 1,700 people this year. Fall
sports had a great enrollment. Morris said he is happy to say that Southside Park is fully
booked with activities. They are currently enrolling 4-5year old basketball league; all activities
include a $10 enrollment fee. Council Member Hodge asked that a survey be completed to see
if any resident children are missing out because inability to pay the fee. The Great Goblin
Gallop will be October 28. Morris shared details on the fall youth volleyball league and winter
basketball league. Parks and Recreation staff is looking to complete some general
maintenance work during the cooler months when activities slow down. Hodge asked about
programs for skateboarders. Morris says he has reached out to residents who are more
comfortable with this type of activity but does not have a commitment to instruct. City
Manager Towarnicki asked Morris about the amount of children involved in activities, saying it
appears that those numbers have increased over years. Morris confirmed that some of the
leagues have a waiting list because they had more interest than they had available spots. Vice
Mayor Martin asked about collaborating with an organization that may be interested in adult
volleyball.
Consider approval of payroll deduction employee computer purchase program – City
Manager Towarnicki described the program, which was offered to employees previously,
describing how the City would front the money but it would provide equipment to employees at
a lower price and on a no interest payment plan. Towarnicki explained that offering this
program is labor intensive and there are only two weeks to collect those orders and payment
plans. Council Hodge asked that the program be revenue neutral so that taxpayers will not
have to pay for the employee time invested in processing this program. Council Member
Lawson made a motion to approve the purchase program; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the
motion. Council 3-1 approved with Hodge nay.
Consider approval of consent agenda – Council Member Lawson made a motion to
approve the consent agenda as presented; Council Member Hodge seconded the motion with
all Council Members voting in favor.
October 10, 2017
Business from the Floor – Donald Kirby, 1178 Banner Street expressed concern about
curb and gutter on Geter Street. Mr. Kirby said the community asked for curb and gutter and
he was under the impression that it would be provided. Kirby said he had a discussion with
Wayne Knox and Chris Morris, he said he thought there was a compromise agreed upon until
an article was released in the Martinsville Bulletin which explained a different plan. He asked
that Geter Street be made wider. Mayor Teague asked Towarnicki to provide additional
information at the next Council meeting of what is in the budget and if this problem can be
resolved. Council Member Lawson asked that the right-of-way be staked out. Teague said the
issue would be revisited.
Patrick H. Wright, Spruce Street asked if there was a brochure available through Parks
and Recreation, which was provided to him by Morris.
Ural Harris, Stewart Street said he is glad that the City has responded to the Tobacco
Commission Grant. Mayor Teague repeated that Dr. Boaz has been served a series of
questions that he is required to respond to by the end of the month. Harris requests that
Council ask the Commonwealth Attorney to become involved. Harris asked why the City did
not pursue the interested party that recently visited the Commonwealth Crossing. City
Manager Towarnicki explained there was a non-profit business interested that opened an
office in the City and was interested in expanding in the Martinsville area. Towards the end of
October 10, 2017
2016, a meeting was scheduled and after the meeting, the group attended several sites
including the Clearview Park. A feasibility study would be required but the organization did
not have the funds for the study, the City does not provide grant money for those things. West
Piedmont assisted also, communicated the findings back to the organization the following
March but never heard back from them. Towarnicki explained that funding was needed to
further the plans but was not available.
Comments by members of City Council – Mayor Teague explained that Council Member
Bowles had a prior engagement and was unable to attend tonight’s meeting. Council Member
Hodge explained that they attended the VML Conference, very informative and she brought
back some literature on proposed legislature on Virginia Grocery Fund for our location.
Council Member Lawson thanked Liz Secrest and the Chamber of Commerce on a successful
OctoberFest. On Saturday October 14, 2017, Gateway will host a Hazardous Waste Day;
information is available on the City Facebook page. The City Sheriff’s Department is still
accepting donations for the Blessing Buckets. The last speaker on Tuesday at the VML
Conference spoke on the HEAL program which was very informative. Mayor Teague
complimented members of council who all were able to attend the VML Conference.
Comments by City Manager – Towarnicki explained that Council might have missed
previous conferences but explained that it is important to see what other locations are doing
with the same issues that Martinsville may be having. It is encouraging to see how advanced
Martinsville is and there were some very good sessions available at the conference. The West
End neighborhood meeting will be moved to Albert Harris October 23 because High Street
Baptist had a schedule conflict that day.
There being no further business, Council Member Hodge made a motion to adjourn the
meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Lawson with all Council Members
voting in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:50pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Gene Teague
Clerk of Council Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
7:00 pm Closed Session 7:30 pm Regular Session
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
7:00 pm --Closed Session
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. Appointments to Boards and Commissions as authorized by Subsection 1.
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.
7:30—Regular Session
Invocation & Pledge to the American Flag – Mayor Gene Teague
1. Consider approval of minutes of the September 25, 2017 Neighborhood Meeting. (2 mins)
2. Hear a proclamation read designating October, 2017 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the
City of Martinsville. (10 mins)
3. Consider setting a public hearing for October 24, 2017 on a request from the City of
Martinsville – Martinsville Redevelopment & Housing Authority for a Special Use Permit to
allow the use of a Vehicle Terminal at 1 Progress Drive at Clearview Business Park. (10 mins)
4. Consider setting a public hearing for November 14, 2017 jointly with the Martinsville Planning
Commission on the Subdivision Ordinance update. (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. 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: October 10, 2017
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes from the September 25, 2017
Neighborhood Meeting
Summary: None
Attachments: September 25, 2017 Neighborhood Meeting minutes
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
September 25, 2017 Neighborhood Tour and Meeting
Martinsville City Council toured the Uptown and Druid Hills area on September 25,
2017 beginning at 5:30pm. Those present for the tour were Mayor Gene Teague, Vice Mayor
Chad Martin, Council Member Kathy Lawson, and Council Member Sharon Hodge. Staff
present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Property Maintenance Inspector Andy
Powers, Property Maintenance Inspector Mark Price, and Police Chief Eddie Cassady. Mickey
Powell of the Martinsville Bulletin was also present for the tour. Council Member Jennifer
Bowles was not present.
The van left the City Municipal Building at 5:30pm and traveled up Church Street to
Starling, over to Mulberry, down Spruce Street to Indian Trail. The tour traveled along Indian
Trail to Susan Lane where they observed conditions in front of 713 Susan Lane. An area
directly in front of the house next to the street will be turned over to Public Works for
mowing. The tour traveled Susan Lane to Sam Lions, up to Mulberry Road then proceeded
down Meadowview Lane. They stopped briefly at the one of the construction access points to
the Smith River Interceptor Project and discussed a possible future project to create a
walking/biking trail along the sewer easement that could eventually tie in to the Dick & Willie
trail system. The tour also observed conditions at 1612 Meadowview (site of previous Property
Maintenance complaints) noting no current violations. The tour looped through Meadowview
to Mulberry, back to Corn Tassel and followed Corn Tassel to Old Spruce Street. The tour
then followed Old Spruce Street to New Spruce Street noting the pavement and water line
project areas. They traveled Spruce Street to Auburn Place noting several locations of recent
Property Maintenance complaints at (722 and 728) which appeared to be in compliance now.
The tour traveled back to Market Street to Moss Street, circling back to Church Street where
they noted the shrubbery between the Fire Department and entrance to the Police Station
blocking the sidewalk and Police Department sign. The tour ended at the rear of the City
Municipal Building at approximately 6:15 pm.
The Uptown and Druid Hills Neighborhood Meeting was held at Forest Hill Presbyterian
Church, 725 Beechnut Lane, Martinsville, VA at 7:30 PM, with Mayor Gene Teague presiding.
Other Council Members present included Vice Mayor Chad Martin, Council Member Sharon
Hodge, and Council Member Kathy Lawson. Staff present: City Manager Leon Towarnicki,
Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Police Chief Eddie Cassady, Inspector Andy Powers, and
Inspector Mark Price. Council Member Bowles was not in attendance.
Mayor Teague called the meeting to order. No residents attended.
Mark Price summarized the neighborhood tour and provided an update on the property
maintenance report. Andy Powers confirmed that the demolition permits currently issued
were requested by the property owner. Powers suggested an increase of fees for repeat
offenders.
March 27, 2017 Neighborhood Tour and Meeting
There being no further business, Council Member Lawson made a motion to adjourn
the meeting, Council Member Hodge seconded the motion, all Council Members voted in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 7:44pm
___________________________________ _______________________________
Karen Roberts Gene Teague
Clerk of Council Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: October 10, 2017
Item No: 2.
Department: Mayor/City Council
Issue: Read a proclamation designating October, 2017 as Breast Cancer
Awareness Month in the City of Martinsville.
Summary: Recognizing efforts both nationally and locally to bring
awareness to breast cancer, and to honor and recognize those who have lost
their life to this terrible disease as well as those who continue to fight it, a
proclamation will be read designating the month of October, 2017 as Breast
Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Martinsville
A copy of the proclamation will be made available as requested to those groups
and organizations involved in increasing awareness of breast cancer and the
benefits of early testing, detection, and treatment.
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendations: The proclamation will be read by a Council member.
Proclamation
RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 2017 AS
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS , every year, too many people are touched by the pain and hardship
caused by breast cancer – a disease that, among women, is not only one of the most
common cancers, but also one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths ; and
WHEREAS , statistics indicate that in the United States, about 1 in 8 women born
today will get breast cancer at some point ; and
WHEREAS , early detection and treatment are essential; critical research efforts
over time have yielded great progress in how breast cancer is diagnosed and treated
and has produced a steady increase in survival rates for those suffering from this
disease ; and
WHEREAS , all women are encouraged to consider participating in preventive
services including screening tests such as mammograms and/or genetic testing;
NOW , THEREFORE , I Gene Teague, Mayor of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, do
herby proclaim the month of October, 2017 as
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
in the City of Martinsville and we acknowledge our appreciation of local awareness
groups and efforts such as the MLC Cancer Foundation and Ladies First MHC
Community Breast Health Initiative. We honor all those who have lost their lives to
breast cancer and we recognize the courageous survivors who are still fighting it.
We encourage all citizens to promote awareness of breast cancer and the benefits of
early screening and testing.
___________________________________
Gene Teague, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: October 10, 2017
Item No: 3.
Department: Community Development
Issue: Consider setting a public hearing for October 24, 2017 on a
request from the City of Martinsville – Martinsville Redevelopment & Housing
Authority for a Special Use Permit to allow the use of a Vehicle Terminal at 1
Progress Drive at Clearview Business Park.
Summary: The City is being presented an economic development opportunity
at Clearview Business Park on Lot 3 (1 Progress Drive) from a prospect. This is the
first time there has been serious interest in the parcel since completion of the
park.
The parcel is zoned Economic Development – General (ED-G). According to the
Zoning Ordinance for the City of Martinsville, Chapter XVII, ED-G, Section D,
Uses Permitted by Special Use Permit, Item 30 - a truck terminal or shipping
center is allowed by Special Use Permit.
On Tuesday, October 03, 2017, the Planning Commission voted (3-1) to send
this issue to Council and request that Council schedule a joint City
Council/Planning Commission public hearing on October 24, 2017 regarding this
Special Use Permit.
Attachments: Letter from Planning Commission; GIS Map
Recommendation: The City of Martinsville is searching for economic
development opportunities. According to the Comprehensive Plan, Clearview
Business Park is designated “Business/Industrial” on the Future Land Use Map.
The lot on Progress Drive has been available for development for at least 15 years.
This proposed use provides capital investment, expansion of the tax base, and
employment opportunities meeting objectives for which the park was established.
Staff recommends that Council set a joint public hearing with the Planning
Commission on October 24, 2017 on this request.
10/4/2017 City of Martinsville, Virginia Property Report
Property Report - City of Martinsville
Current Data:
Property ID: 060002150 Tax Map Number: 14 (03 )00 /03
Owner: MARTINSVILLE REDEVELOPMENT & H OUSING AUTHORITY
Address: 55 W CHURCH STREET City/State/Zip: MARTINSVILLE, VA
Deed/Page: LR00/00837 Legal Description: PARCEL 3 12.O82 ACRES CLEARVIEW BUSINESS
PARK
Aquired Date: NA Consideration: $0.00
Year Built: Property Desc: NA Above Grade Sq Ft: 0
Acres: 12.082 Zoning: B-1
Land Value: $206100.00 Building Value: $0.00 Total Value: $206100.00
Previous Data:
Owner: MARTINSVILLE CITY OF
Aquired Date: NA Deed/Page: NA Consideration: $0.00
http://gis.co.henry.va.us/mapguide/mapviewerajax/property_report_city.php 1/2
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: October 10, 2017
Item No: 4.
Department: Community Development
Issue: Consider setting a public hearing for November 14, 2017 jointly
with the Martinsville Planning Commission on the Subdivision Ordinance update
Summary: The Martinsville Planning Commission, staff, and consultant, Cox
and Associates, have worked on updating the current Subdivision Ordinance for a
number of years. The new Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map have been in effect
since August 1, 2017, which is improving the City’s ability to give clear information
regarding zoning questions. The last step in this process is to adopt the
Subdivision Ordinance, which is coordinated with the new Zoning Ordinance.
The Subdivision Ordinance is intended to guide and facilitate the orderly,
beneficial growth of the community, to assure the orderly subdivision of land and
its development, and for the general purpose of promoting the health, safety and
general welfare of the public, and of further accomplishing the objectives of Section
15.2-2240 and other sections of the Code of Virginia, as amended.
On Tuesday, October 03, 2017, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to
send this issue to Council and request that Council schedule a joint City
Council/Planning Commission public hearing regarding this Subdivision
Ordinance update. A citywide mailing will occur advising all of the property owners
within the City (9,000 +), of the upcoming public hearing.
Attachments: Letter from Planning Commission
Recommendation: Schedule a joint public hearing with the Planning
Commission on November 14, 2017.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: October 10, 2017
Item No: 5.
Department: Finance
Issue: Appropriation Approval
Summary:
The attachment amends FY18 Budgets with appropriations in the following funds:
General Fund: $ 40,887 – Reimbursements, Grant, Federal Asset Forfeiture
CDBG Fund: $ 125,453 – Grant
Attachments:
Consent Agenda 10-10-17
Recommendations: Approve
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 10/10/17
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
FY18
General Fund:
01100909 490104 Advanced/Recovered Costs 218
01217078 506008 Sheriff-Courts - Vehicle Equipment & Maintenance 218
Insurance payment - vehicle repairs
01102926 405555 Federal Categorical - Brownfields Grant - EPA 27,205
01812247 503136 Brownfields - Professional Services - Consultant 27,205
Project reimbursement
01100909 490104 Advanced/Recovered Costs 1,500
01331108 506061 Sheriff-Corrections - Weapons/Ammunition 1,500
Event services provided at Martinsville Speedway
01101917 442701 Categorical - Other - State - Fire Programs Funds 6,206
01321102 506110 Fire Dept. - State Grant - Fire Programs 6,206
Additional Funds
01102926 436401 Cat. Federal - Federal Confiscated Assets - Police 5,758
01311085 506079 Police Dept - Federal Asset Forfeitures 5,758
US Marshals Service
Total General Fund: 40,887 40,887
CDBG Fund:
47102926 447063 Categorical Federal - Northside Neighborhood Project 125,453
47835525 505370 Northside - Administration 2,300
47835525 505375 Northside - Owner Occupied Reconstruction 16,164
47835525 505601 Northside - Homeownership Creation 1,319
47835525 505602 Northside - Street Improvements 105,670
Total CDBG Fund: 125,453 125,453
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