City Council

AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA Council Chambers – Municipal Building 7:00 pm Closed Session 7:30 pm Regular Session Tuesday, October 24, 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. 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 Bowles 1. Consider approval of minutes of the September 26, 2017 and October 10, 2017 Council Meeting. (2 mins) 2. Hear an overview of the October 23, 2017 West Side area neighborhood tour and meeting. (10 mins) 3. Presentation of proclamation regarding Extra Mile Day 2017. (5 mins) 4. Conduct a public hearing jointly with the Martinsville Planning Commission 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. (15 mins) 5. Consider conveyance of property identified as Parcel 3 located at 1 Progress Drive in Clearview Business Park for development purposes. (10 mins) 6. Hear information related to a request for curb & gutter and street widening on Geter Street. (15 mins) 7. Discussion of 2018 legislative agenda. (15 mins) 8. Consider information related to the 2018 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) list. (10 mins) 9. 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. 10. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes) 11. Comments by City Manager. (5 minutes)  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: October 24, 2017 Item No: 1. Department: Clerk of Council Issue: Consider approval of minutes from the September 26, 2017 and October 10, 2017 Council Meeting Summary: None Attachments: September 26, 2017 Council Meeting minutes October 10, 2017 Council Meeting minutes Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented. September 26, 2017 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on September 26, 2017 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Gene Teague presiding. Council Members present included Gene Teague, Chad Martin, Jennifer Bowles, Sharon Hodge and Kathy Lawson. Staff present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, City Attorney Eric Monday, Finance Director Linda Conover, Water Resources Director Andy Lash, Electric Department Director Durwin Joyce and Deputy Police Chief Rob Fincher. Mayor Teague called the meeting to order and advised Council would go into Closed Session beginning at 6:30 PM. In accordance with section 2.1-344 (A) Code of Virginia (1950, and as amended) and upon a motion by Council Member Lawson, seconded by Council Member Hodge with a 4-0 vote (Council Member Bowles arrived following the vote at approximately 6:40pm), Council convened in Closed Session to discuss the following matters: (A) appointments to boards and commissions as authorized by Subsection 1, (B) discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business’ or industry’s interest in locating or expending it’s facility in the community, as authorized by Subsection 5, and (C) 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. Council returned to regular session at 7:30pm. Mayor Teague noted that Closed Session was in recess and would resume after the meeting. Vice Mayor Martin made a motion to appoint Carol Kendrick to the Henry County- Martinsville Joint Social Services Board for an unexpired 4-year term ending May 31, 2018. The Motion was seconded by Council Member Bowles with all Council Members voting in favor. Following the invocation by Vice Mayor Martin and Pledge to the American Flag, Teague welcomed everyone to the meeting. Consider approval of minutes of the September 5, 2017 Work Session and September 12, 2017 Council Meeting - Council Member Lawson made a motion to approve the minutes as presented; Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. Hear an overview of the September 25, 2017 Druid Hills/Uptown area neighborhood tour and meeting – City Manager Towarnicki summarized the neighborhood tour and meeting including the properties visited and the property maintenance report. Presentation of proclamation recognizing October, 2017 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Vice Mayor Martin read the proclamation and Council presented it to representatives September 26, 2017 from the Southside Survivor’s Response Center who were in attendance. Representatives thanked Council for their continued support. Hear a staff update on operations of the City’s Electric and Water Resources Departments covering the 6 month period from January, 2017 through June, 2017 – Andy Lash, Water Resources Director and Durwin Joyce, Electric Department Director updated Council on revenue and expenditures, new equipment, ongoing projects and more. Lash confirmed that the new water meters are working well. City Manager Towarnicki explained that there were over 100 calls made alerting customers of a potential water leak because of notification through the new meter system and that a system for customers to view water or electric usage during the month could be an option in the future. Council had discussions on solar options and market power rates. Council discussed the accuracy of the electric meters and how that has affected revenue and cost effectiveness of the project. Mayor Teague asked of the 24 power outages, could Joyce provide them a timeline on how long it took power to be restored for each outage. Towarnicki said beginning January 2018 the City has contracted with Faneuil to handle after-hours calls. September 26, 2017 September 26, 2017 September 26, 2017 Consider approval on second reading, amendments to Chapter 5, “Animals and Fowl”, of the Martinsville City Code – City Attorney Monday explained due to discussions with Officer Stone as well as employees of the local SPCA, some changes were made to the Ordinance. Monday summarized those changes for Council. Mayor Teague invited representatives from the SPCA to voice their concerns and suggestions related to the ordinance. Animal Control Officer E.C. Stone was also present to answer questions on the proposed changes. Glen Powell voiced concerns about doghouses and heat, comparing the doghouse to a sweatbox in extreme heat and requested specific language of the ordinance be adjusted. Patrick Wright questioned why anyone would use a large chain on a dog. Council Member Bowles made a motion to approve the ordinance as amended with changes discussed during the meeting. Council Member Hodge seconded the motion with the following roll call vote: Martin, aye; Bowles, aye; Lawson, aye; Hodge, aye; and Teague, aye. September 26, 2017 Consider approval of consent agenda – Council Member Bowles made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented; Council Member Lawson seconded the motion. City Manager Towarnicki explained that once the final audit is complete the school board would have access to additional funds for capital as requested and approved at a previous work session. All Council voted in favor. September 26, 2017 September 26, 2017 Business from the Floor – no one approached the podium Comments by Members of City Council – Council Member Hodge thanked Council for accommodating her work schedule and allowing her to participate in the meetings electronically. Council Member Lawson shared upcoming events including the Martinsville High School Marching Band Fundraiser, Grace Presbyterian Church Community Day, Martinsville OctoberFest and Hazardous Waste Day. Council Member Bowles offered prayers to Tony Davis’s family and congratulated Tonya Jones of the School Board who was awarded Assistant Principal of the Year in Rockingham County. Bowles talked about the Go Virginia program explaining the biggest issue across all regions is workforce preparation and education. She congratulated Martinsville Speedway for their first race under the lights. Bowles also shared information on the Lobster Fest sponsored by the Rotary Club. Vice Mayor Martin said Mount Sinai is offering an Elections Matter conference and a candidates forum. September 26, 2017 Mayor Teague said all Council Members and City Manager Towarnicki would be attending the VML Annual Conference next week. Comments by City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki thanked Council for recognizing Tony Davis and his family after the tragic accident earlier in the day and thanked the County for offering a moment of silence in Davis’s memory. Towarnicki recognized Leonard Gilbert, a long-term retired Public Works employee who passed away recently as well as Frank Frazier, a former DuPont Manager who served on numerous City Boards. City Attorney Monday said he has been asked to speak at an upcoming VML seminar and is honored. The regular meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15pm and Council returned to Closed Session. 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 Lawson, seconded by Council Member Hodge, with all Council Members voting in agreement. Council Member Bowles made a motion to appoint James Hyler to the School Board; Council Member Hodge seconded the motion and the motion failed to pass with a 2-3 vote: Bowles, aye; Hodge, aye; Teague, nay; Martin, nay; Lawson, nay. Council Member Lawson made a motion to appoint Andy Hall to the School Board for an unexpired 3-year term ending June 30, 2018; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion and the motion passed with all Council Members voting in favor. There being no further business, Council Member Lawson made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Hodge with all Council Members voting in favor. The meeting adjourned at 11:10pm. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Karen Roberts Gene Teague Clerk of Council Mayor 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  City Council Agenda Summary Date: October 24, 2017 Item No: 2. Department: City Council Issue: Hear an overview of the October 23, 2017 West Side area neighborhood tour and meeting. Summary: A recap of the neighborhood tour and the City’s West Side neighborhood community meeting held at Albert Harris Elementary School at 710 Smith Road on Monday, October 23rd will be given. Attachments: None Recommendations: This item is being presented for public information purposes – no action needed by Council.  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: October 24, 2017 Item No: 3. Department: City Council Issue: Presentation of proclamation regarding Extra Mile Day 2017. Summary: The Mayor will read the proclamation which will then be mailed to the Extra Mile Foundation. Attachments: Proclamation Recommendations: Presentation only  Extra Mile Day Proclamation November 1, 2017 WHEREAS, Martinsville, Virginia is a community which acknowledges that a special vibrancy exists within the entire community when its individual citizens collectively “go the extra mile” in personal effort, volunteerism, and service; and WHEREAS, Martinsville is a community which encourages its citizens to maximize their personal contribution to the community by giving of themselves wholeheartedly and with total effort, commitment, and conviction to their individual ambitions, family, friends, and community; and WHEREAS, Martinsville is a community which chooses to shine a light on and celebrate individuals and organizations within its community who “go the extra mile” in order to make a difference and lift up fellow members of their community; and WHEREAS, Martinsville acknowledges the mission of Extra Mile America to create 575 Extra Mile cities in America and is proud to support “Extra Mile Day” on November 1, 2017. NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Gene Teague do hereby proclaim November 1, 2017, to be Extra Mile Day. I urge each individual in the community to take time on this day to not only “go the extra mile” in his or her own life, but to also acknowledge all those who are inspirational in their efforts and commitment to make their organizations, families, community, country, or world a better place. __________________________________ Gene Teague Mayor  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: October 24, 2017 Item No: 4. Department: City Council Issue: Conduct a public hearing jointly with the Martinsville Planning Commission 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: This request results from interest in a development opportunity at Clearview Business Park on Lot 3 (1 Progress Drive) from a prospect. 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 - the requested usage is allowed by Special Use Permit. On Tuesday, October 3, 2017, the Planning Commission voted 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. Council considered the matter at the October 10 meeting and set the public hearing for October 24, 2017. Attachments: GIS Map Recommendation: 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 vacant and available for development since the park was constructed almost 20 years ago. 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 conduct the joint public hearing with the Planning Commission on October 24, 2017 on this request. From comments received consider any modifications to the permit that might be appropriate, and then consider approving the special use permit. 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 10/4/2017 City of Martinsville, Virginia Property Report DISCLAIMER : The information contained on this page in NOT to be used as a LEGAL DOCUMENT. The map information displayed is believed to be accurate but accuracy is not guaranteed. http://gis.co.henry.va.us/mapguide/mapviewerajax/property_report_city.php 2/2  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: October 24, 2017 Item No: 5. Department: City Attorney Issue: Consider conveyance of property identified as Parcel 3 located at 1 Progress Drive in Clearview Business Park for development purposes. Summary: First Piedmont Corporation has expressed interest in a development project on Parcel 3, located at 1 Progress Drive in Clearview Business Park. The project will result in capital investment and job creation meeting objectives for which the Business Park was constructed approximately 20 years ago. Parcel 3 is located in the City’s Enterprise Zone which allows certain incentives to be applied to the development. In order for the proposed development to occur at the site, a Special Use Permit is required, with that matter being considered by City Council at the October 24th Council meeting. Attachment: GIS map showing location of the property. Recommendation: Staff recommends conveyance of the property for the development purposes noted. In order to move ahead with the conveyance, it is recommended that Martinsville City Council recess as Council and reconvene as Martinsville Redevelopment Housing Authority (one motion & second), approve conveyance of the property by the MRHA to First Piedmont Corp., (one motion & second), and then recess as MRHA and reconvene as City Council (one motion & second).  City Council Agenda Summary Date: October 24, 2017 Item No: 6. Department: Public Works Issue: Hear information related to a request for curb & gutter and street widening on Geter Street. Summary: At Council’s October 10, 2017 meeting, a resident addressed Council during business from the floor regarding a possible curb and gutter/street widening project on Geter Street. Chris Morris, Public Works Director will present information at Council’s October 24th meeting regarding this matter. Attachments: None Recommendations: This item is being presented for Council’s information - no action needed by Council at this time.  City Council Agenda Summary Date: October 24, 2017 Item No: 7. Department: City Attorney Issue: Discussion of 2018 legislative agenda Summary: The City annually determines its legislative priorities. Attached is 2017’s legislative agenda, for your consideration for deletions, additions, and prioritizations for 2018. Pre-filing for specific legislation is the first week of December, 2017. Attachments: 2017 Legislative Agenda Recommendations: Discussion, possible amendment. 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 2017. 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. 3. Approve the concept of a transportation authority for southern Virginia, with a dedicated revenue stream for the construction of I-73 and other transportation priorities. 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. 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 support for the concept of a medical school in Martinsville-Henry County. 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. 6. Expand local authority to designate Enterprise Zones and establish incentives. 7. Oppose efforts by Henry County PSA to reopen the Lower Smith River Wastewater Treatment Plant, absent a regional study concluding that such is in the best interests of Martinsville-Henry County taxpayers, customer base, economic needs and state environmental policy. 8. Expand grants and resources available to fiscally stressed localities, and to business development entities in such localities, to aid in the encouragement or development of small and entrepreneurial businesses.  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. 13. Request authority to refund erroneously paid taxes at an interest rate which differs from that imposed on delinquencies, and to refund taxes erroneously paid through the fault of the taxpayer at no interest. 14. Support VML’s endorsement of a JLARC study of assigning a proportional share of lottery sales revenue to the localities generating such sales. 15. Require the Commonwealth to fund 100% of the per-diem costs of housing state inmates in local jails. 16. Support all state efforts to provide aid and support services to fiscally stressed localities, but oppose any attempts to interfere with localities’ right to solve their own financial problems locally. 17. Support the alteration of award criteria in the “REACH Virginia” and all other VHDA programs to a per-capita income-based model. 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. 2 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 3  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: October 24, 2017 Item No: 8. Department: Community Development Issue: Consider information related to the 2018 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) list. Summary: Each year, the City has the option of adding, modifying, or deleting projects on the CEDS list to reflect changing local needs and priorities. As with years past, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) requires that the WPPDC Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) annual report be submitted by March 31 (2018), to align with the PDC’s planning grant. In light of this timeframe, WPPDC is requesting that each jurisdiction determine their respective project priority list in order to meet the necessary deadline for the 2018 document update. In the 2017 CEDS document, projects specific to Martinsville are listed beginning mid-way of page A-3, ending at the top page A-6. Attachment: None Recommendation: No action needed at the October 24 meeting. This is being placed on Council’s agenda at this time simply for information purposes. Approval of the 2018 CEDS project list will occur at a later meeting.