City Council

October 23, 2017 Neighborhood Tour and Meeting Martinsville City Council toured the West Side area on October 23, 2017 beginning at 5:30pm. Those present for the tour were Mayor Gene Teague, Council Member Kathy Lawson, and Council Member Jennifer Bowles. Staff present included Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, Building Inspector Kris Bridges, Property Maintenance Inspector Mark Price, and Police Chief Eddie Cassady. Mickey Powell of the Martinsville Bulletin was also present for the tour. Council Member Sharon Hodge & Vice Mayor Chad Martin were not present. The tour began with a tour of Geter Street so Council Members could see the stakes that were installed to determine the curb and gutter locations. From there they traveled down Fayette Street looking at a vacant property at 502 Fayette then on to Paradise Inn where they discussion the Paradise and the adjoining lot. Council discussed the vision to make this location a food hub as part of Local Food, Local Places. The tour continued down Roundabout Road. Several property maintenance issues were noted along Pine Hall Road, Fayette Street and Roundabout Road. They toured Top Street, King’s Row and Pinehall Road where a potential CDBG project was discussed. Council rode by a home on Hickory Street that was recently demolished by fire. The tour then traveled by the Clearview Business park to view the site of the proposed new First Piedmont development. The West Side Neighborhood Meeting was held at Albert Harris, 710 Smith Road, Martinsville, VA at 7:30 PM, with Mayor Gene Teague presiding. Other Council Members present included Vice Mayor Chad Martin, Council Member Jennifer Bowles, and Council Member Kathy Lawson. Staff present: City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, Police Chief Eddie Cassady, City Attorney Eric Monday, Officer Coretha Gravely, and Inspector Mark Price. Mayor Teague opened the meeting at 7:30 pm. Wayne Knox summarized the tour that occurred earlier in the evening. Mark Price summarized the property maintenance complaints for the West End area and noted most are related to overgrown grass, shrubs, etc. , and most of the grass complaints are related to vacant, abandoned, or for-sale properties. Several residents from the area spoke. Willa Mae Harris, 1010 D Street noted sight distance issues where D Street intersects Third Street, due to on-street parking on Third Street right up to the intersection. Chief Cassady said that the Police department would check this area and advise Public Works if signage is needed. Several residents spoke regarding rental property at 503 Third Street and suspicious activity observed at that address. It was noted that residents place trash containers or bags at the street continuously, even right after collection has occurred. Complaints regarding limbs falling from trees on the property were also heard. Public Works will visit the site and provide residents with a copy of the relevant section of the City Code regarding placement of trash at the street for pick up. October 23, 2017 Neighborhood Tour and Meeting Ruby Stultz, 108 Pony Place, thanked the City for help in resolving a recent issue at her residence. She also noted on the corner of Cardinal Lane and Pony Place, there are several overgrown trees creating sight distance issues. A complaint was also received regarding dumping of trash, toys, and bottles in the vicinity of 1101 A Street. After noting that Public Works and Police will review the concerns expressed and determine what actions can be taken, and after no other concerns were expressed by those attending, the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:20 pm. ___________________________________ _______________________________ Karen Roberts Gene Teague Clerk of Council Mayor