City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · February 27, 2018
Minutes
February 27, 2018
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on
February 27, 2018 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Gene
Teague presiding. Council Members present included Gene Teague, Chad Martin, Sharon
Hodge, Kathy Lawson and Jennifer Bowles. Staff present included City Manager Leon
Towarnicki, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Finance
Director Linda Conover, Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Zach Morris, Senior
Services Coordinator Betsy Pace, Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Laura Hopkins, Sheriff Steve Draper,
and Police Lieutenant Sandy Hines.
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 5-0 recorded vote: Council Member Lawson, aye; Council Member
Hodge, aye; Mayor Teague, aye; Council Member Bowles, 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 Lawson; seconded by Council Member Bowles, with
the following 5-0 recorded vote in favor to return to Open Session: Council Member Bowles,
aye; Mayor Teague, aye; Council Member Hodge, aye; Vice Mayor Martin, aye; and Council
Member Lawson, aye.
Council Member Bowles made a motion to appoint Alexir Hairston to the Arts and
Cultural Committee (City Business Owner position) for an unexpired 3-year term ending
March 31, 2020. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all members voting in favor.
Council Member Hodge made a motion to appoint Lisa Smith to the Southern Area
Agency on Aging Board of Directors for a 3-year term ending February 28, 2021. Council
Member Lawson seconded the motion with all members voting in favor.
Council Member Hodge made a motion to appoint Ashley Carter to the Blue Ridge
Regional Library Governing Board for an unexpired 4-year term ending June 30, 2021.
Council Member Lawson seconded the motion with all members voting in favor.
Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Mayor Teague, Teague
welcomed everyone to the meeting.
February 27, 2018
Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards – January 1 through
March 31, 2018 – City Manager Towarnicki explained that this recognition is done each
quarter. Mayor Teague read the list recognizing the employees and their years of service.
Read and present a proclamation acknowledging the 150th anniversary of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks – Mayor Teague recognized Mr. Cobbler, Mr. Stegall
and Sheriff Draper who are members of the Elks Club and read the proclamation. Mr.
Cobbler thanked Council for the recognition and summarized some of their responsibilities to
the local community and especially to the veterans. He detailed some former presidents who
were members of the organization. The Elks National Foundation has provided more than
$3.6million in scholarships. More than 10 million dictionaries have been donated to schools
and another project provided safety glasses to area high schools. They sponsor a fishing rodeo
at King’s Grant including lunch.
February 27, 2018
Hear a staff update on operations of City Parks and Recreation and Senior Services –
Betsy Pace summarized activities at the Senior Center including an AARP smart driver course,
cosponsoring with the Blue Ridge Regional Library for an 8-week adult computer course, the
oil painting classes will begin again in March, and seniors are making deco-mesh Easter
wreaths tonight. They are busy planning the Annual Health Fair on May 3 cosponsored with
Henry County Parks and Rec and will offer vision, cancer, and blood pressure screening as
well as other testing. They have just completed an application for grant money from the
Southern Area Agency on Aging to expand transportation services that will help supplement
funding. Pace said 200-250 residents attend the health fair yearly. The Senior Center
provides transportation to residents who do not qualify for Medicaid transportation assistance.
Vice Mayor Martin suggested that the Senior Center partner with the Youth Harvest
Foundation on classes also. Zach Morris summarized Parks and Recreation activities since
his last update to Council October 2017 including youth basketball teams, a volleyball league,
and a basketball coed league with the largest participation in years. Upcoming sports include
youth baseball, softball and coach pitch league. Parks and Rec will begin requiring birth
February 27, 2018
certificates to verify age. There is also a new bat requirement that requires a USA bat stamp
to better protect the children. The Adult men and women softball league starts soon. The
activity guide will be available to the public in April. There is a bathroom project in the works
at Southside to eliminate some congestion at the concession stand and will update the existing
bathrooms. Park shelters can be reserved April 1 – October 1 by calling the Parks and Rec
department. Registration for all sports is $10. The main revenue source for Parks and
Recreation during tournaments is the leasing of the fields at approximately $100 per day. The
concessions are handled through the Recreation Association. Council Member Hodge
suggested that Morris work with Uptown Martinsville and the Chamber to build on the
tournament benefits.
Consider authorizing execution of a contract for the City’s Jail Security Project – City
Manager Towarnicki summarized the project that has been ongoing for several years regarding
the need to upgrade the intercom system, video and door locks. The project was started with
the intention that it could be handled internally but keeping it in-house was not beneficial.
The City contacted Moseley Architects, which specializes in jail security, and had them bid the
cost of the project. The funds would be pulled from the FY19 budget so it would require
Council’s approval. Sheriff Draper said they encouraged local bidders but they could not meet
all needs necessary. Draper explained that the security of the jail has become dangerous,
especially for the inmates. Completion could be as early as September and includes a 2-year
warranty and a 3-year continuance agreement. Council Member Bowles made a motion to
authorize the execution of the contract; Council Member Lawson seconded the motion. City
Manager explained that this project would be plugged into the capital requirements for FY19
regardless; the authorization tonight will just move the project forward faster. Towarnicki
explained there are already three high priority items on the capital list, the jail project being
one. Draper would apply for grants to assist in funding. All Council Members voted in favor.
Hear information related to the FY19 budget process – City Manager Towarnicki
summarized the upcoming budget process and schedule including department meetings,
budget work sessions including schools, budget drafts, public hearings, etc.
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.
February 27, 2018
Consider setting a public hearing for the sale of property located on the south corner of
the intersection of Fayette Street and Memorial Boulevard – City Manager Towarnicki
described the lots and the adjacent property owners desire to purchase the property. Wayne
Knox explained that the two lots in question and the adjacent properties would be rezoned as
commercial. Council Member Hodge made a motion to set the public hearing for March 13,
2018; Council Member Lawson seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Business from the Floor – no one approached the podium
Comments by members of City Council – Vice Mayor Martin thanked Jenny Owens and
Martinsville City Schools for allowing him to participate in their activities. Council Member
Lawson shared details on the Martinsville high school after prom fundraiser March 17 at the
high school. She thanked the Public Works and Fire Department for helping with the water
suppression system at the Fidelity Bank over the weekend. Council Member Bowles attended
the STAGS 1262 open house and she is amazed at the abilities of those youths. Bowles
expressed concern about the corner of Fayette and Market Street where she has seen several
close accidents and would like the Transportation Safety Committee look at that area. Council
Member Lawson said some of the arrows were not put back after the paving project,
Towarnicki confirmed that those would be put back. Mayor Teague explained that the City
Attorney participated in closed session but was not feeling well and was unable to attend the
Council meeting
February 27, 2018
Comments by City Manager – The schools have offered tours to Council Members again
this year for anyone interested. The FastTrack Trade Show will be held March 6-7 and the
City has three booths this year; Council Members have been provided tickets. Towarnicki
explained some residents received electric bills from January that were excessively high; he
reminds residents of those colder days in January and explained that the City purchased 40%
more power than in previous months. There were a few bill-printing errors that were
attributed to the changeover and those have been corrected. Council Member Bowles
reminded residents that the City does offer free electric audits by contacting the Electric
Department. Vice Mayor Martin suggested the electric department share energy saving ideas
on MGTV. Towarnicki said they did not find any errors on the electric side; the bills were high
because of high consumption. If residents have concerns, they can contact the City Electric
and Utility Billing departments. The current VML Magazine includes an article about the
Martinsville meter project and a very good article titled Feeling the Squeeze regarding fiscal
stress on localities.
There being no further business, Council Member Hodge made a motion to adjourn the
meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Bowles with all Council Members
voting in favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:05pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
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, February 27, 2018
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
Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Mayor Teague
1. Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards – January 1 through
March 31, 2018. (10 mins)
2. Read and present a proclamation acknowledging the 150th anniversary of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (10 mins)
3. Hear a staff update on operations of City Parks & Recreation and Senior Services. (15
mins)
4. Consider authorizing execution of a contract for the City’s Jail Security Project. (15
mins)
5. Hear information related to the FY19 budget process. (10 mins)
6. Consider approval of consent agenda. (2 mins)
7. 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.
8. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes)
9. Comments by City Manager. (5 minutes)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: February 27, 2018
Item No: 1.
Department: Human Resources
Issue: Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the period
January 1 – March 31, 2018.
Summary: The Service Award Program is designed to build individual morale and show
appreciation to the long-service employee for their faithful service to the City of Martinsville.
SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
THIRD QUARTER - FISCAL YEAR 17-18
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1 – MARCH 31, 2018
Name Department Years of Service
CLINT HALL SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT 5
WILLIAM WARNICK POLICE DEPARTMENT 5
JONATHAN COX POLICE DEPARTMENT 5
MICHAEL HARRIS POLICE DEPARTMENT 5
JENNIFER COPLIN CIRCUIT COURT 5
GARY REEVES PUBLIC WORKS 5
MICHAEL SPENCER PUBLIC WORKS 5
DONALD TYNDALL PUBLIC WORKS 5
MATT OLDHAM CENTRAL GARAGE 5
ALLEN PRUITT WATER RESOURCES 5
JAMIE CRUISE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT 10
COMMUNITY
TONYA RUMLEY DEVELOPMENT 10
JOYCE JACKSON PURCHASING 10
MIKE KAHLE WASTEWATER PLANT 10
TIM TILLEY WATER RESOURCES 10
BEN PETERS POLICE DEPARTMENT 10
DANIEL MORRISON ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT 20
ERIKA HAMILTON CIRCUIT COURT 25
BETSY PACE SENIOR CENTER 25
BRENDA SOUTHER POLICE DEPARTMENT 35
Attachment: None
Recommendation: The Mayor will read the list.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: February 27, 2018
Item No: 2.
Department: City Council
Issue: Read and present a proclamation acknowledging the 150th
anniversary of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
Summary: The proclamation recognizes the formation of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks in February, 1868 and acknowledges the positive
impact made by this charitable organization not only in our local community,
but in many communities at home and abroad.
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendations: No action by Council needed - the Mayor will read the
Proclamation.
Proclamation
RECOGNIZING THE 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE
BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS
WHEREAS, the organization first began as the “Jolly Corks”, a group of
artists and thespians led by London-born comic, singer, and dancer Charles
Vivian, originally formed for their own amusement but later deciding to
dedicate the group to helping the needy; and
WHEREAS, on February 16, 1868 in New York City, the Jolly Corks formed
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, led by Mr. Vivian, and soon
thereafter the popularity of the group led to groups in other cities requesting
permission to form their own Lodges; and
WHEREAS, on March 10 1871 the New York State Legislature granted a
Charter allowing the Grand Lodge to establish Lodges anywhere in the
United States, and the founding group received the local charter as New
York Lodge No. 1; and
WHEREAS, throughout history the spirit of Elks is evident by funding and
participating in numerous projects and activities at home and abroad,
following and upholding the four cardinal virtues of the Lodge – Charity,
Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gene Teague, Mayor, and members of Martinsville
City Council, on this 27th day of February, 2018 do hereby recognize the
150th anniversary of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and
acknowledge our since appreciation for their dedication to service, not only
to our community, but to communities everywhere that have been, and
continue to be impacted by this organization’s efforts and generosity.
__________________________
Gene Teague, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: February 27, 2018
Item No: 3.
Department: Public Works – Parks & Rec and Seniors
Issue: Hear a staff update on operations of City Parks & Recreation and
Senior Services.
Summary: Staff will present a brief update on operations of these divisions.
Attachments: None. Additional information will be presented at the
meeting.
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action
needed.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: February 27, 2018
Item No: 4.
Department: City Manager/Sheriff
Issue: Consider authorizing execution of a contract for the City’s Jail
Security Project.
Summary: Beginning with the FY16 budget, there have been discussions
on needed upgrades to the City Jail’s security system – intercom, video, and
door locks. After many months of work with Moseley Architects, the project
was designed and bid with the low bid submitted by Pinnacle Integrated
Systems, Inc. in the amount of $368,695.
After taking into account funds already budgeted, funds already spent, and the
25% state reimbursement the project is eligible for, the shortfall is calculated to
be $89,053.
As has been done on limited occasions, Council has been requested to
authorize execution of contracts or purchases in situations where there is
insufficient funding available in the current fiscal year, with the understanding
the funds will be included and approved in the following fiscal year. Given the
amount of work already undertaken on this project and the need for the
security upgrades, this item is on the agenda requesting authorization to
execute the contract this fiscal year with the understanding there will be
additional funding necessary in FY19 to cover project costs.
Sheriff Draper and others will be present at Council’s meeting to provide more
details and answer questions.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: February 27, 2018
Item No: 5.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear information related to the FY19 budget process.
Summary:
• Department requests submitted by Feb14th
• Departmental reviews begin week of Feb 26th
• Revenue estimates developed week of March 5
• Council work session March 8, 6 pm to 9 pm
• Budget draft developed week of March 19
• Budget presented to Council on or before April 10 (Council meeting)
• Budget work sessions April 11 – April 23 (2 or 3 sessions, as needed)
• Budget public hearing and adoption on first reading, April 24
• Budget approval and adoption on second reading May 8
Attachments: None
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action
needed.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: February 27, 2018
Item No: 6.
Department: Finance
Issue: Appropriation Approval
Summary:
The attachment amends FY18 Budget with appropriations in the following fund:
General: $ 21,055 – Forfeitures, Grant
Attachments:
Consent Agenda 2-27-18
Recommendations: Approve
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 2/27/18
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
FY18
General Fund:
01101917 442402 Categorical Other State - Confiscated Assets - Comm. Attorney 879
01221082 506105 Commonwealth's Attorney - State Confiscated Assets 879
01101917 442401 Categorical Other State - Confiscated Assets - Police 2,538
01311085 506078 Police Dept - Conf Assets State 2,538
State Asset Forfeiture Proceeds
01100909 490801 Recovered Costs - Senior Services 2,382
01714212 501300 Senior Services - Part-time Wages 1,510
01714212 502100 Senior Services - Social Security 94
01714212 502110 Senior Services - Medicare 22
01714212 506049 Senior Services - Vehicle Fuels 756
Transportation Grant - Oct., Nov., & Dec.
01101917 442402 Categorical Other State - Confiscated Assets - Comm. Attorney 3,923
01221082 506105 Commonwealth's Attorney - State Confiscated Assets 3,923
01101917 442401 Categorical Other State - Confiscated Assets - Police 11,333
01311085 506078 Police Dept - Conf Assets State 11,333
State Asset Forfeiture Proceeds
Total General Fund: 21,055 21,055
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