City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · March 13, 2018
Minutes
March 13, 2018
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on
March 13, 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, and Kathy Lawson. Council Member Jennifer Bowles was not in attendance but
participated by phone. 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 Eddie Cassady.
City Attorney Monday explained that Council Member Bowles would be unable to attend
the meeting. In accordance with the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3708.1(A1 and 2) she could
participate in the meeting by phone if present Council Members agreed. Council Member
Lawson made a motion to allow Bowles to participate by phone; Council Member Hodge
seconded the motion with all present Council Members voting in favor. 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 Lawson, seconded by Council Member Hodge, with the following 5-
0 recorded vote: Council Member Hodge, aye; Council Member Bowles, aye; Council Member
Lawson, aye; Mayor Teague, aye; and Vice Mayor Martin, aye, Council convened in Closed
Session to discuss the following matters: (A) Discussion of the award of a public contract
involving the expenditure of public funds, including interview of bidders or offerors, and
discussion of the terms or scope of such contract, where discussion in an open session would
adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body as
authorized by Subsection 29, 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 5-0
recorded vote in favor to return to Open Session: Council Member Bowles, aye; Vice Mayor
Martin, aye; Mayor Teague, aye; Council Member Lawson, aye; and Council Member Hodge,
aye.
Business out of Closed Session included a motion by Council Member Bowles to
approve a performance agreement related to Virginia Mirror Company and Virginia Glass
Products and a $35,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund Grant; Council Member Hodge
seconded motion with Council Members voting in favor. Mark Heath, President and CEO of
the Martinsville-Henry County EDC spoke on behalf of John Korff, President and CEO of
March 13, 2018
Virginia Mirror and Virginia Glass, explaining that this grant money would be invested in new
equipment and help add 9 new employees. Heath detailed the TROF Grant and explained that
this is great news for the community.
Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Mayor Teague, Teague
welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Read and present a proclamation acknowledging the month of March as Red Cross
Month – Council Member Hodge read the proclamation that was presented to Ralph Lawson,
representative of the local American Red Cross organization. Lawson thanked Council and
stated that the Martinsville charter was started August 1917. Lawson encouraged residents to
check the batteries in their smoke detectors and thanked the Martinsville Fire and EMS for
installing almost 2,000 smoke alarms for City residents.
March 13, 2018
Read a Proclamation acknowledging March 2018 as Women’s History Month – Mayor
Teague read the proclamation recognizing March as Women’s History Month.
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Present a Proclamation honoring the Carlisle School varsity girls’ basketball team for
their accomplishments this past season and winning the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic
Association D3 state championship – Vice Mayor Martin read the proclamation, which was
presented to players and coaches in attendance. The players thanked Council for their
support. The coaches said it feels good to have the community standing behind them when
they do something well. Coaches shared that the team Grade Point Average is 3.6 this year,
which is amazing and proves that the ladies put forth effort both on and off the court. Council
Member Bowles said it was fitting that the Chiefs won their fourth championship during
Women’s History month.
Conduct a public hearing regarding the sale of surplus property located on the south
corner of the intersection of Fayette Street and Memorial Boulevard – Wayne Knox of the
Community Development department described the property in question. The City maintains
the property currently but the owner of the property behind this property would like to
purchase the lots on the south corner of Fayette and Memorial. The property has been
appraised and Mr. Lawrence has made a counter offer. Council Member Hodge asked if there
was any plan for different use of the property. Knox said not at this time but that the property
will be zoned commercial. No owners of other adjacent property have expressed any concern or
interest in the property. City Manager Towarnicki explained that the property in question is
small remnants of full lots that were trimmed down when the intersection was widened over
20 years ago. Mayor Teague opened the public hearing; no one approached the podium so he
March 13, 2018
closed the public hearing. Lawson made a motion to sell the property; Hodge seconded the
motion with the following roll call: Teague, Hodge, Bowles, Martin, Lawson
ADDENDUM: Consider setting a public hearing on a request from James Coleman of
Lanier Farms, LLC for a Special Use Permit to allow the former Food Lion building located at
1000 Spruce Street to be used as a warehouse – Wayne Knox explained that there was a
Planning Commission meeting earlier regarding the use of the former Food Lion building. The
owners of the property and the realtor ensure that the building would have good use. Council
Member Hodge asked about the discussion regarding the warehouse use versus the former
grocery store use and how it may affect the community. Knox explained that no members or
local property owners felt that the use of the property as a warehouse felt that it would have
negative effects. Joe Martin of the Planning Commission said he had spoken to local business
owners who also hope that those employees take advantage of their restaurants. City Manager
Towarnicki explained that there would only be approximately three trucks in or out of the
location each day. Council Member Lawson made a motion to set the public hearing for
March 22, Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all Council in favor.
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March 13, 2018
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.
March 13, 2018
Business from the Floor – Ural Harris, 217 Stuart Street asked now the proposed
walking trail has changed, what happens to the property and does it stay on the tax roll.
Mayor Teague explained that Henry County owns the property and until they decide what to
do, it is not on the tax roll. Police Officer Eddie Cassady shared that retired Officer Jewell
Hagwood passed away recently and offered his condolences to the family.
Comments by members of City Council – Council Member Bowles offered condolences to
the Hagwood family. Bowles explained that Fast Track was another successful event this year.
She appreciated the opportunity to read to two classrooms recently. Dancing for the Arts was
also a very successful event. Council Member Hodge asked where Council stands on their
request to the Planning Commission for changes to the zoning policy since the Planning
Commission denied Council’s request. Mayor Teague said his impression was that the
Planning Commission does not feel that it is a worthy change to the zoning ordinance so they
do not plan to discuss it further. Joe Martin of the Planning Commission said that Council’s
request for changes to the special use permit was not clear or specific regarding “open spaces”
could include a lot of things or locations. Martin explained that if Council requests the change
to be made across the board that it would include considerably more legwork on behalf of the
City. Martin said there was ample discussion in previous meetings as well, a motion was
made but died due to no second. Mayor Teague recommended the Knox and City Manager
Towarnicki get more information about what other communities are doing related to anything
that would be covered in “open spaces”. Mayor Teague expressed concerns about unintended
consequences related to this broad change. Hodge requests that the topic be revisited with the
Planning Commission. Ural Harris expressed his main concern, stating that he does not want
to see any more property bought and removed from the tax roll. Knox and Towarnicki will
come back to Council with information then Council will provide specific language for the
Planning Commission to review. Council Member Lawson had the opportunity to read to the
Albert Harris second graders which she really enjoyed. Lawson said that the Martinsville High
School after-prom BINGO fundraiser will be held Saturday at 5:00pm. Lawson asked that the
Neighborhood tour March 26 be postponed since neither she nor Hodge could be present.
Mayor Teague also said he enjoyed the opportunity to read to students at Clearview
Elementary.
Comments by City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki said the Druid Hills meeting has
been rescheduled for 7:00pm March 19, 2018 at Druid Hills Elementary. The School Board
meeting has been rescheduled for Monday March 19, 2018 in Council Chambers. Citizen’s
academy will be held Thursday at 6:00pm in Council Chambers. City had four booths at
FastTrack, he thanked those employees who helped to organize those booths and who worked
each night. Kathy Vernon of the HR office spearheaded the setup. The City had close to 4500
customers without power recently due to high winds and with the exception of a few
March 13, 2018
customers who had damage on their side; all residents had power back by Saturday morning.
Towarnicki thanked the departments who assisted including the police department for
directing traffic, fire, sheriff, public works, electric department etc.
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 8:28pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
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, March 13, 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. Discussion of the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds,
including interview of bidders or offerors, and discussion of the terms or scope of such
contract, where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining
position or negotiating strategy of the public body as authorized by Subsection 29.
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 Jennifer Bowles
1. Read and present a proclamation acknowledging the month of March as Red Cross
Month. (10 mins)
2. Read a Proclamation acknowledging March, 2018 as Women’s History Month. (10
mins)
3. Present a Proclamation honoring the Carlisle School varsity girls basketball team for
their accomplishments this past season and winning the Virginia Independent Schools
Athletic Association D3 state championship. (10 mins)
4. Conduct a public hearing regarding the sale of surplus property located on the south
corner of the intersection of Fayette Street and Memorial Boulevard. (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
Date: March 13, 2018
Item No: 1.
Department: City Council
Issue: Read and present a proclamation acknowledging the month of
March as Red Cross Month.
Summary: The proclamation recognizes the month of March as Red Cross
month. A representative of American Red Cross will be present to accept the
proclamation.
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendations: No action by Council needed - the Mayor will read and
present the proclamation.
Proclamation
RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS
AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH
WHEREAS, March is American Red Cross Month - a special time to recognize and
thank our heroes - those who volunteer, donate blood, take life-saving courses or
provide financial donations to support an organization whose mission is to help
those in need; and
WHEREAS, we would like to remember those who help all of us here in the City of
Martinsville by giving their time to help their neighbor, and thank our heroes- our
volunteers, blood donors, class takers and financial supporters who help
assist those in need; and
WHEREAS, in our community, Red Cross works tirelessly through its
employees and volunteers to help when disaster strikes, when someone needs
lifesaving skills or the comfort of a helping hand; and
WHEREAS, across the country, the American Red Cross responds to nearly
70,000 disasters a year. It provides some 400,000 services to military
members, veterans and civilians, collects and distributes about 40 percent of
the nation's blood supply and trains more than seven million people in first
aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year; and
WHEREAS, our community depends on the American Red Cross, which relies on
donations of time, money and blood to fulfill its humanitarian mission, and despite
t h e s e challenging economic times, the American Red Cross continues to offer help
and comfort to those in need,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gene Teague, Mayor, and members of Martinsville City Council, on
this 13th day of March, 2018 do hereby proclaim and recognize the month of March as
American Red Cross Month and acknowledge our sincere appreciation for the work Red
Cross does in our community. We encourage all citizens to support this organization and
its noble humanitarian mission.
__________________________
Gene Teague, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: March 13, 2018
Item No: 2.
Department: City Council
Issue: Read a Proclamation acknowledging March, 2018 as Women’s
History Month.
Summary: Since 1987, the month of March has been observed as Women’s
History Month. A Proclamation is attached acknowledging this and bringing
awareness to the significance of the contributions women have made in our
society.
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendations: No action by Council needed - the Mayor will read the
Proclamation.
PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING MARCH, 2018 AS WOMEN’S HISTORY
MONTH IN THE CITY OF MARTINSVLLE
WHEREAS, American women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic
contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways;
and
WHEREAS, American women have played and continue to play critical economic, cultural, and
social role in every sphere of the life of the Nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor
force working inside and outside of the home; and
WHEREAS, American women have played a unique role throughout the history of the Nation by
providing the majority of the volunteer labor force of the Nation; and
WHEREAS, American women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable,
philanthropic, and cultural institutions in our Nation; and
WHEREAS, American women of every race, class, and ethnic background served as early leaders
in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement; and
WHEREAS, American women have served our country courageously in the military; and
WHEREAS, American women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage
and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the
industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and other movements, especially the peace
movement, which create a more fair and just society for all; and
WHEREAS, Over time, Martinsville women have served in a variety of key leadership roles
including Council Members Elizabeth Haskell, Eliza Severt, Kathy Lawson, Kim Adkins, Sharon
Brooks Hodge, and Jennifer Bowles, and
WHEREAS, Despite these contributions, the role of American women in history has been
consistently overlooked and undervalued, in the literature, teaching and study of American history,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gene Teague, Mayor, and members of Martinsville City Council do hereby
proclaim the month of March, 2018 as Women’s History Month in the City of Martinsville and we
urge all citizens to join in celebrating the contributions women have made to our society.
__________________________
Gene Teague, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: March 13, 2018
Item No: 3.
Department: Mayor and Council
Issue: Present a Proclamation honoring the Carlisle School varsity girls
basketball team for their accomplishments this past season and winning the
Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association D3 state championship.
Summary: On Saturday, March 3rd, the Carlisle School varsity girls
basketball team won the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association
Division III basketball championship defeating Timberlake Christian Academy in
the finals by a score of 35 – 31. The state championship marks Carlisle School
girls’ 4th consecutive state basketball championship.
Members of the basketball team and coaches will be attending Council’s meeting
on March 13th.
Attachments: Proclamation honoring the Carlisle School varsity girls
basketball team.
Recommendations: Mayor to read the proclamation and present copies to all
team members and coaches.
Proclamation
HONORING THE CARLISLE SCHOOL VARSITY GIRLS
BASKETBALL TEAM
WHEREAS, Carlisle School is a member of the Virginia Independent Schools
Athletic Association, competing in the Blue Ridge Conference with other local
and regional teams in a variety of high school sports; and
WHEREAS, the Carlisle School varsity girls basketball team completed an
outstanding year with a record of 20 wins and 5 losses, winning the VISAA
Division III state championship on Saturday, March 3, 2018, defeating
Timberlake Christian Academy by a score of 35-31 ; and
WHEREAS, the championship marks Carlisle School girls basketball team’s 4th
consecutive state basketball championship; and
WHEREAS, team members are Erika Carter, Victoria Belcher, Laya Young,
Kayla McGhee, Cinnamon Stanfield, Daisy Harris, Linda Linn, and Brista
Vincent ; and
WHEREAS, Athletic Director and Head Coach Mancino Craighead ; Assistant
Coaches Bill Adkins, Janika Hunt and Tray Carter; and all the team players
are to be congratulated for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding
achievement;
NOW, THEREFORE, on this 13th day of March, 2018, Martinsville City
Council hereby recognizes and commends the Carlisle School varsity girls
basketball team for their extraordinary achievement in winning the Virginia
Independent Schools Athletic Association state championship and for being a
source of pride for our entire community.
______________________________
Gene Teague, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: March 13, 2018
Item No: 4.
Department: City Council
Issue: Conduct a public hearing regarding the sale of surplus property
located on the south corner of the intersection of Fayette Street and Memorial
Boulevard.
Summary: On the south corner of the intersection of Fayette Street and
Memorial Boulevard are two parcels owned by the City addressed as 705 West
Fayette Street and 300 South Memorial Boulevard. These properties are the
remnants of parcels acquired by VDOT for the Fayette/Memorial/Church
intersection widening project in the late 1980s and total size is approximately 0.1
acre. The parcels have no City use and have been mowed and maintained by the
City since the intersection project was completed.
An independent appraisal has the properties valued at $4,500 and the adjacent
property owner has offered $3,250. In accordance with §15.2-1800 (B) of the Code
of Virginia, a public hearing is required for the disposal of such real property.
Attachment: GIS map showing location of the property.
Recommendation: Conduct the public hearing regarding the sale of the
properties. Assuming no issue or objections arise from the public hearing, it is
recommended that the properties be sold to the adjacent property owner
contingent upon appropriate mapping being completed.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: March 13, 2018
Item No: 5.
Department: Finance
Issue: Appropriation Approval
Summary:
The attachment amends FY18 Budget with appropriations in the following fund:
General: $ 87,657 – Reimbursements
Attachments:
Consent Agenda 3-13-18
Recommendations: Approve
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 3/13/18
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
FY18
General Fund:
01100917 442810 Categorical Other State - Highway Project 27,538
01420152 508220 VDOT Reserve - Physical Plant Expantion 27,538
Bridge reimbursements
01102926 405555 Federal Categorical - Brownfields Grant - EPA 9,419
01812247 503136 Brownfields - Professional Services - Consultant 9,013
01812247 505500 Brownfields - Travel 406
Project reimbursement
01100909 490104 Advanced/Recovered Costs 1,000
01321102 506130 Fire Dept - Rep/Maint - Burn Building 1,000
Reimbursement for training a volunteer fire dept.
01100909 490104 Advanced/Recovered Costs 49,700
01413145 503191 Street Maintenance/Prof. Serv.-Contractors 49,700
Insurance reimbursement for repairs to overhead sign on Commonwealth
Total General Fund: 87,657 87,657
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