City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · May 22, 2018
Minutes
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on May
22, 2018 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Gene Teague
presiding. Council Members present included Gene Teague, Sharon Hodge, Jennifer Bowles
Chad Martin and Kathy Lawson. Staff present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, City
Attorney Eric Monday, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts,
Finance Director Linda Conover, Building Inspector Kris Bridges, Property Maintenance
Inspector Andy Powers, Fleet Manager Lane Shively, Water Resources Director Andy Lash,
Captain Chad Rhoades, Utilities Director Durwin Joyce, Fire Chief Ted Anderson, Inspector
Andy Powers, and Inspector Mark Price.
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: Mayor Teague, aye; Council Member
Hodge, aye; Council Member Bowles, aye; Vice Mayor Martin, aye; and Council Member
Lawson, aye, Council convened in Closed Session to discuss the following matters: (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. 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
Bowles; seconded by Council Member Lawson, 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.
Vice Mayor Martin made a motion to authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to
retain the law firm of Kaufman & Canoles of Norfolk, Virginia and their associated outside
counsel to investigate and if necessary, to pursue litigation and recover damages arising from
the prescription and opioid abuse occurring in Martinsville; Council Member Lawson seconded
the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Council Member Lawson,
Teague welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Consider approval of minutes of April 16, 2018 Budget Work Session and April 17,
2018 Budget Work Session – Council Member Lawson made a motion to approve the minutes
as presented; Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all voting in favor.
Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the period April 1-
June 30, 2018 – City Manager Towarnicki explained that the staff held a ceremony the day
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
before recognizing those employees with service awards and handed out those service award
certificates. Mayor Teague read the list and thanked those employees for their years of
service.
Consider presentation of a proclamation recognizing June 3 – 9, 2018 as “RELAY FOR
LIFE DAYS” in Martinsville and Henry County – Mayor Teague read the proclamation and
presented it to Michelle Graham, Relay for Life representative. Graham explained that every
year there is a different spirit in the Relay for Life events. This year is When you Wish Upon a
Cure. Graham said she was honored to accept the proclamation and happy to see the
community come together to recognize Relay for Life Days.
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
Consider setting a public hearing for Council’s June 12, 2018 meeting for the purpose
of receiving names of citizens interested in appointments for two 3-year terms on the
Martinsville City School Board, beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2021 – Council
Member Lawson made a motion to set the public hearing for the June 20 Council meeting.
Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all members voting in favor. Mayor Teague
explained that interested parties are not required to attend the meeting but their name must
be mentioned during the meeting to be considered for the vacancy.
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
Hear information from Go Healthy West Piedmont regarding the National Diabetes
Prevention Program being offered to City employees – Vice Mayor Martin summarized the Go
Healthy program. Barbara Watson also explained the Go Healthy program, a 4-year initiative
that was awarded to the West Piedmont Health District. Go Healthy partners with food
pantries, local giving gardens, the Dan River Basin Association, Complete Streets, libraries,
faith-based organizations, and others. Christopher Hairston, a trained lifestyle coach and
successful participant in the program was present to share his story, stating that he has lost
weight and gained energy with the help of the program. More information can be found on the
Go Healthy West Piedmont website.
Approval of Open Space ordinance on second reading – City Manager Towarnicki briefly
detailed previous discussions regarding the ordinance and Council discussions. Council
Member Hodge made a motion to approve the ordinance on second reading; Council Member
Bowles seconded the motion with the following roll call vote: Council Member Hodge, aye;
Council Member Bowles, aye; Council Member Lawson, nay; Mayor Teague, aye; and Vice
Mayor Martin, aye. Ordinance passed with a 4-1 vote. Council Member Hodge confirmed that
the decision to approve the ordinance was not political.
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
Hear information from Building Inspections regarding demolition of structures within
the City – Building Inspector Kris Bridges detailed information requested previously by Council
related to a demolition list of local properties, rating them by priority or necessity as well as a
history of where demolitions have occurred in previous years. Demolition of a single home
could vary from $4,000-$22,000 depending on asbestos inspections. There is only $15,000 in
the budget to cover the top 10 properties on the list. Mayor Teague requested that
Inspections should start action towards the top 10 properties. Council Member Lawson
emphasized that those properties targeted were not based on particular neighborhoods, it is
complaint based. Targeted properties are determined by complaints, street-by-street
inspections, and previous fire damage that has not been repaired. Council Member Hodge
asked about renovation versus demolition. Mayor Teague suggested a work session to address
creating a program to address those referenced properties.
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
Hear a staff update on operations of the City’s Electric and Water Resources
Departments – Utilities Director Durwin Joyce presented information regarding the Electric
Department through March 2018. Mayor Teague asked Joyce to provide specifics on the most
recent five outages at his next Council update.
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
Water Resources Director Andy Lash presented information regarding the Water and
Wastewater departments for the past 10 months through April 2018. Lash confirmed that the
May 18 flooding was an inconvenience and some equipment was damaged but there were no
notable setbacks. There is a pump-around being used on the water breaks relating to the
flood damage. City Manager Towarnicki explained that the repair to the damage at Sam Lions
Trail would take approximately 6 weeks to complete. Residents in that area have sewer
services thanks to temporary fixes and the department is working to resolve some water
pressure concerns. Council Member Bowles emphasized that aging infrastructure is a
nationwide concern, not just local to Martinsville.
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
Consider approval of a resolution approving and confirming a Declaration of Local
Emergency – City Manager Towarnicki detailed some of the recent flood damages within the
City and the procedure to declare a local state of emergency and what that declaration would
mean to the City and residents. The resolution is no guarantee for assistance but opens doors
for applications for assistance; approval for assistance could still take up to a year to receive.
Towarnicki emphasized that there is no guarantees for assistance to help property owners. If
a homeowner is uninsured or under-insured, there are resources that could be brought into
play with other agencies and volunteer agencies. Towarnicki explained that the damaged
areas are unstable and roped off for the safety of residents. He encouraged people to avoid
those areas and not allow children to play around those areas. Council Member Bowles made
a motion to approve the resolution; Council Member Lawson seconded the motion with all
voting in favor.
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
Consider approval of Consent Agenda –Council Member Lawson made a motion to
approve the schools request for funds to repair the roof at Albert Harris School, Bowles
seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. Council Member Lawson made
a motion to approve the remaining consent agenda as presented; Vice Mayor Martin seconded
the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
Business from the Floor – Ural Harris, 217 Stuart Street presented City Attorney.
Monday and Vice Mayor Martin with a copy of a receipt of his payment of his FOIA request.
Gloria Hylton, 402 Second Street asked if the 520 Fayette Street property is on the demolition
list and said the church she attends would be very interested in purchasing the property if it
becomes available, detailing costs the church as accrued to clean up that adjacent lot
overgrowth that infringes the church property. Hylton also questioned 410 Fayette Street
adjacent to her parent’s property that she has maintained for years. There are several places
on Fayette Street that are in dire need of attention and she hopes those properties can be
added to the demolition list. There is property at 813 B Street, corner of Second Street which
she has reported to property maintenance regarding grass maintenance. Kerry Smith of
Hairston Funeral Home has reported three unsafe buildings near their property. The
buildings are considered historical but have overgrowth of vines and grass as well as trash,
drug and sexual activity, excess of cats, kittens and rodents. Smith asked that the City work
to get the buildings added to the demolition list.
Comments by Members of City Council – Council Member Bowles shared that the New
Heights Foundation would be offering the Second Annual Back to School Bash with free food
and drinks, youth activities, book bag giveaways, coupons for haircuts, and more.
Scholarships are also available and interested parties can apply beginning July 28. Bowles
thanked Warrior Tech for allowing her to be a judge. She congratulated Martinsville High
School students who received the Big M award and the seniors who received the Big M trophy.
Bowles thanked City employees for their response during the storms. She thanked the staff
for working on the budget. Vice Mayor Martin congratulated Martinsville and Carlisle
students. Council Member Lawson had the privilege to present the Delvin Hairston
May 22, 2018 Council Meeting
Scholarship and stated that it is truly amazing to see the talent of our local youth. Lawson
thanked the public safety, public works and electric department during the storms, stating
that they did an outstanding job. Council Member Hodge wanted to reiterate the appreciation
of the City staff. Council Member Hodge stated that she would resign her seat on Council
effective July 31, 2018 explaining that her private business is growing and it is becoming
difficult to fulfil her responsibilities as a Council Member. Hodge is out of town often fulfilling
her new obligations, making her schedule difficult to work around Council requirements and
feels that Council deserves a member who lives in Martinsville fulltime and not just attends
the meetings. Mayor Teague expressed his and Councils appreciation for her contributions
the past years while she was on Council. City Attorney Monday explained that with the
effective date of the resignation, Council has 30 days to determine to hold a special election or
to appoint an interim Member. Monday explained the procedure for Council to request that
special election and the deadline dates that those decisions would need to be made.
Comments by City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki summarized the neighborhood
meeting from May 21 in the Northside-Chatham Heights area. Council Members looked at
several properties of concern. There was a neighborhood meeting and he thanked Clearview
Wesleyan Church for hosting that. Inspections summarized property maintenance concerns
in that area as well as the nuisance ordinance. Towarnicki detailed resident concerns and any
actions that have been taken so far. The meeting was well attended with good exchanges and
interaction with residents, staff and council. The Municipal Building will be closed on Monday
for Memorial Day. Towarnicki detailed local events in honor of Memorial Day and encouraged
Council Members and residents to attend. He thanked Deborah Mitchell for her assistance in
the 100th anniversary of the People Cemetery. Martinsville Mustangs first home game is
Thursday May 31. This weekend is Rooster Walk and City employees will receive a discount on
Sunday to attend. The Community Business Launch awards were given earlier in the day and
totaled almost $30,000. The funds were awarded to six businesses out of 23 participants.
Congratulations to all of the graduates and he hopes a lot of them decide to return to
Martinsville.
There being no further business, Council Member Hodge made a motion to adjourn the
meeting. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Martin with all Council Members voting in
favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:41pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
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, May 22, 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 Council Member Lawson
1. Consider approval of minutes of April 16, 2018 Budget Work Session and April 17, 2018 Budget
Work Session. (2 mins)
2. Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the period April 1-June 30,
2018. (10 mins)
3. Consider presentation of a proclamation recognizing June 3 – 9, 2018 as “RELAY FOR LIFE
DAYS” in Martinsville & Henry County. (5 mins)
4. Consider setting a public hearing for Council’s June 12, 2018 meeting for the purpose of
receiving names of citizens interested in appointments for two 3-year terms on the Martinsville
City School Board, beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2021. (5 mins)
5. Hear information from Go Healthy West Piedmont regarding the National Diabetes Prevention
Program being offered to City employees. (15 mins)
6. Approval of Open Space ordinance on second reading (10 mins)
7. Hear information from Building Inspections regarding demolition of structures within the City.
(15 mins)
8. Hear a staff update on operations of the City’s Electric and Water Resources Departments. (15
mins)
9. Consider approval of consent agenda. (2 mins)
10. 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.
11. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes)
12. Comments by City Manager. (5 minutes)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: May 22, 2018
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes
Summary: None
Attachments: April 16, 2018 Budget Work Session
April 17, 2018 Budget Work Session
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
April 16, 2018 Budget Work Session
A special meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, was held on April
16, 2018, in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 6:00PM, to conduct a budget work
session with Mayor Gene Teague presiding. Council Members present included: Mayor
Teague, Vice Mayor Chad Martin, Council Member Kathy Lawson, Council Member Jennifer
Bowles and Council Member Sharon Brooks Hodge. Staff present included: City Manager
Leon Towarnicki, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, City
Attorney Eric Monday, Finance Director Linda Conover, Public Works Director Chris Morris,
Sheriff Steve Draper, Chief Sheriff Deputy Laura Hopkins, Human Resources Director Kathy
Vernon, Water Resources Director Andy Lash, Treasurer Cindy Dickerson, Police Chief Eddie
Cassady, Deputy Police Chief Rob Fincher, Police Captain Chad Rhodes, Police Lieutenant
Jim Minter, Fire Chief Ted Anderson, Deputy Fire Chief Kris Schrader, Safety Coordinator
John Turner, Commissioner of Revenue Ruth Easley, Circuit Court Clerk Ashby Pritchett,
Registrar Cindy Barbour, Fleet Manager Lane Shively, Utilities Director Durwin Joyce,
Building Inspector Kris Bridges and Telecommunications Director Mike Scaffidi.
Mayor Teague opened the Council meeting. City Manager Towarnicki thanked everyone
for attending and detailed the schedule starting with constitutionals, city departments and
capital. Mayor Teague asked departments to detail the challenges to keeping the budget “flat”,
detailing any hardships they are experiencing.
Commissioner of Revenue Ruth Easley explained the increase in the equipment budget
line is attributed to aging equipment that can no longer be repaired. The department is in
need of an off-site data record file with more secure firewalls. There is an increase in the
assessor’s budget since 2019 is an assessment year.
Treasurer Cindy Dickerson explained the most difficult part of her budget is the lack of
staff. She is working with IT on sending bills electronically in the future, saving on postage
costs. Dickerson explained that only 5-10% of the residents pay their bills online.
Clerk of Court Ashby Pritchett said his challenge is to get enough money from the state
to cover operations so that the City pays as little as possible. Pritchett says yearly he makes
more money than his department costs and he continues to look for additional funding.
Pritchett uses a local firm for audits which saves money and time.
Registrar Cindy Barbour explained the biggest challenge for the Electoral Board would
be work space and supplies. They were able to rent equipment needed for the June election
but new equipment will be needed going forward. City Manager Towarnicki explained there is
$79,000 plugged into the capital for new voting equipment.
Sheriff Steve Draper explains that his department tries to get funding from the state
whenever possible to save the City money. Draper thanked Council for their support towards
the jail security upgrade and looks forward to additional upgrades to the building in the
future. City Manager Towarnicki shared information on the Sheriff Department’s capital
April 16, 2018 Budget Work Session
requirements including the security cameras, aging vehicles and the jail security project. So
far this year, inmates have attributed more than 45,000 work hours to the City.
Council went through the Commonwealth Attorney’s budget with Finance Director
Linda Conover answering questions. City Manager Towarnicki explained that other questions
would be passed along to that department. City Manager Towarnicki began to go over City
department budgets, inviting any questions from Council as needed. Council Member Bowles
shared with residents that Council Members did not receive raises, nor was it requested.
Finance Director Linda Conover said the last Council raise was in the early 2000s. City
Manager Towarnicki assured residents that with travel costs and commitment of time, Council
Members are not involved in City Council for the money.
Council Member Hodge asked about the 5% increase in Human Resources. Towarnicki
said that is attributed by the realignment of some positions. Kathy Vernon explained that part
of that increase is for the department consultants. Mayor Teague asked if the City has seen a
decrease since offering the Wellness Program. Vernon said this year the City received a
decrease in insurance but the Wellness Program also supports health screenings, exercise
equipment, physicals, etc.
Finance Director Linda Conover explained the only major increase in the finance budget
involves a succession plan for when she retires. Mayor Teague and Council Member Hodge
discussed the opportunity to share staff between departments.
Council members have questions for the IT department manager regarding firewall
funding, software costs and equipment costs. City Manager explained that one concern is the
equipment in Council Chambers which is original to the room and will be costly to repair or
replace.
Council Member Hodge asked Fleet Manager Lane Shively how he figured the fuel
increase. Shively detailed how the costs are averaged over a 3 to 5 year period. Towarnicki
explained the fuel cost increase is based on the specific department. Shively explained there
are 340 vehicles in the city fleet and approximately 70 in the schools which include
equipment, not just cars. Shively acknowledged that selling equipment through GovDeals
brings a better sell price rather than selling at auction locally.
Police Chief Eddie Cassady explained the biggest challenges they face with the budget is
attributed to software programs and the price increase in the radar units. Every officer has a
cell phone for residents to be able to contact them directly. Cassady says they have one
position unfilled and one active duty employee who is currently deployed.
Fire Chief Ted Anderson explains the biggest challenge they face in the fire department
budget is being understaffed so that is the reason they are requesting a slight increase in part-
time employee funding. Anderson explained the increase in radio maintenance is due to years
of repairing and replacing out of date equipment, stating that the equipment needs updating.
April 16, 2018 Budget Work Session
Kris Schrader explained the increase in EMS budget is attributed to years of “wittling” the
budget and eventually overusing particular budget lines when necessary. The last few years
the budget on some items has been over budget but they’ve been able to absorb the costs,
unfortunately it’s caught up to them this year and the budget needed to be increased on those
budget items. Schrader detailed his plan if they are awarded the extra money by hiring two
fulltime paramedics and using the reserve ambulance, thus reducing the occurrence of having
to refer residents to other agencies. John Turner, Safety Coordinator said the biggest challenge
is the telecommunication costs. There are 6 IPads which are used throughout the
departments and radio maintenance on 10-year old equipment is expensive. Anderson
explained an increase in Inspections which is attributed to helping with tree maintenance or
removable. Money was added to the demolition line which would probably only cover one
house while there are 10-20 homes in the city that could qualify. Leon Towarnicki said a
market review was done, providing salary increases to some staff members to bring their
salary to average. Council Member Hodge expressed concern about the 20% increase in
Inspections while all other departments are flat funded or reduced. Mayor Teague asked
Inspections to provide a list of properties with scaling that would qualify for demolition
immediately. Council Member Bowles asked for a list of locations where properties were
demolished the past 5-10 years to ensure residents on the West End that most houses weren’t
solely in that location.
Mayor Teague asked Durwin Joyce to detail the reason for the proposed rate increase.
Joyce provided a comparison state wide of rates as of July 17, 2018 as well as a graph of costs
to the city to provide service. Council Member Hodge questioned whether the increase should
be higher to plan for the potential of a “bad month” or additional increases in the near future.
City Manager Towarnicki confirmed that a solar project could still be considered. Joyce
described the current call center that is capable of handling calls but needs to be upgraded for
emergency situations, causing an increase in that budget line. Mike Scaffidi and Ronco are
looking at options; the goal is that callers not get dead air or silence. Callers should reach a
person, get a message, have the opportunity to leave a message or at least get a busy signal.
Joyce explained that substation checks are done monthly but every 3 years outside
contractors with special equipment are hired to do the checks. About 35% of outages are
caused by trees that are not on the City right of way so not associated with faulty City
equipment. Underground lines would be very expensive. Power outages related to faulty City
equipment are few.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council Gene Teague, Mayor
April 17, 2018 Budget Work Session
A special meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, was held on April
17, 2018, in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 6:00PM, to conduct a budget work
session with Mayor Gene Teague presiding. Council Members present included: Mayor
Teague, Vice Mayor Chad Martin, Council Member Kathy Lawson, Council Member Jennifer
Bowles and Council Member Sharon Brooks Hodge. Staff present included: City Manager
Leon Towarnicki, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, City
Attorney Eric Monday, Finance Director Linda Conover, Public Works Director Chris Morris,
Fire Chief Ted Anderson, School Board representatives were also in attendance: Dr. Zebedee
Talley, Travis Clemmons, Janie Fulcher, Angilee Downing, Eric Hruza, Donna Dillard, Tonya
Jones, Sammy Redd and Joan Montgomery.
Mayor Teague opened the Council meeting. Joan Montgomery called the School Board
to order. Teague shared that Council had the opportunity to tour the Martinsville schools and
thanked the staff for showing them around. He observed an orderly, clean environment with
clear focus on the students in every school. He noted that all students were active learners
and were using up-to-date technology. Teague said he wished the community could see what
he saw today. Council Member Hodge thanked Council for providing a line item budget,
making it easier for Council to review.
Council and the school board discussed the schools capital requests and how the carry-
over funds could assist with capital and staffing needs. Council agreed to keep schools budget
level funded and that in the event the state does not issue the schools the additional funds as
anticipated, then they will receive the carry-over funds. All agreed that they prefer to use the
carry-over funds for capital improvement concerns and would discuss those in the near
future. Council Member Bowles asked that the student demographics be sent to Council.
Discussions were held on school media needs. Dr. Talley thanked Council for their support
and now that they have the resources, they can move forward towards their goals.
City Manager Towarnicki welcomed Darrin Doss, Environmental Supervisor who
introduced Bill Rogers, (Acting) Business Manager, Nancy Bell, Population Health Manager
and Dr. Kerry Gateley, (Acting) Health Director for the West Piedmont Health District.
Gateley’s biggest concern is the public opioid health crisis. Mayor Teague referenced the
budget which is about the same as the current year and discussion was had on the Health
Departments request, the state funds and the City’s match which decreased.
J. R. Powell, Director of Martinsville-Henry County 911 Center and Deputy Director
Tiara Dillard presented the 2019 budget, requesting a 2.8% less total than the current year.
Some remodeling was done at the center this past year. Calls received and dispatches
continue to increase. The dispatchers continue to provide service to the citizens and 18
agencies efficiently. Powell detailed the Next Generation 911 program that will cost $69
million to get Virginia compliant. A breakdown for service calls was provided for Council’s
April 17, 2018 Budget Work Session
review which reflects a 7.9% increase. All 25 dispatchers are Emergency Medical Dispatcher
certified.
Rick Ward, Betsy Haskins, Cecil Holland and Mary Ruth Reynolds of the Blue Ridge
Regional Library provided a report with data and statistics. Ward shared details regarding a
project with the museum and the girl scouts. Holland touched on the food fundraiser, Gift a
Kid a Book received 167 books donated to Christmas Cheer. The mobile computer lab offers
day classes especially for senior citizens. Additional activities are offered at the library for
children including board games, robotics, bakery, history lectures, etc. They are requesting an
increase of $3,000 to cover one employee who will receive insurance this year and a general
increase in costs.
Amy Rice, Director of Social Services touched on a few programs being offered by their
organization. Bonnie Covington, April Evans and Lisa Thompson were also in attendance. A
$45,000 increase is related to the VRS increase, movement of the Children’s’ Services Act
office, the second tier of a salary alignment and the hiring of five workers related to the
Medicaid expansion if that passes.
Heidi Pinkston, the new Executive Director of Piedmont Arts asked Council for level
funding for the 2019 budget which is only 1% of the City’s outside agency budget allowance,
detailing some of what the organization does for the community. She thanked Council for
their continued support of the arts and the community.
Cliff Glickman, grant writer for Virginia Legal Aid explains one of their challenges is
people are not familiar with what they do and offer. In 2016, only 1% of court cases had an
attorney for both sides. Previously, less than ¾ of funding comes from federal and state
resources; the rest has come from various foundations. In 2017, they began a pro bono project
where several Martinsville attorney’s volunteer their services.
Chris Morris requested level funding for the engineering department and an increase in
Street Maintenance due to increased hours and special events with an increased focus on
safety. If there are leftover funds from snow removal, those funds go towards street pavement.
The City receives additional money from VDOT for street maintenance. If Council awarded
additional funds he would put it towards replacing some heavy equipment and hiring another
engineering employee.
City Manager Towarnicki summarized capital priorities according to the capital
committee.
There being no further business, Council Member Bowles made a motion to adjourn.
Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all in favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:06pm.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council Gene Teague, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: May 22, 2018
Item No: 2.
Department: Human Resources
Issue: Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the
period April 1 – June 30, 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
FOURTH QUARTER - FISCAL YEAR 17-18
FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1 – JUNE 30, 2018
YEARS OF
NAME DEPARTMENT SERVICE
Chase Cooper Electric 5
Jason Vaughan Police 5
Ronnie Gammons Public Works 10
Tim Agee Electric 20
Steve Burgess Wastewater Plant 25
Jimmy Blankenship Electric 30
Ronald Nance Utility Billing 30
Attachment: None
Recommendation: The Mayor will read the list.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: May 22, 2018
Item No: 3.
Department: City Council
Issue: Consider presentation of a proclamation recognizing June 3 – 9,
2018 as “RELAY FOR LIFE DAYS” in Martinsville & Henry County.
Summary: Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer
Society. Relay is staffed and coordinated by volunteers in thousands of
communities and 27 countries. Volunteers give of their time and effort because
they believe it’s time to take action against cancer.
Relay is a team fundraising event where team members take turns walking around
a track or designated path. Each event is typically 6 – 24 hours in length and each
Relay team is asked to have a member on the track at all times to signify that
cancer never sleeps. Cancer patients don’t stop because they are tired and for one
night, Relay team members don’t stop either. This year’s Relay For Life event will
be at Bassett High School on Friday, June 8th.
Attachments: Joint Martinsville and Henry County Proclamation
Recommendations: Read and present the proclamation.
JOINT PROCLAMATION
OF THE
HENRY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MARTINSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s
largest peer-to-peer fundraising event to save lives from cancer. Relay For Life
brings together 3.5 million participants worldwide to help attack cancer from every
angle; and
WHEREAS, the Relay For Life of Martinsville & Henry County stands shoulder to
shoulder with cancer patients and those supporting them to help beat our biggest
rival and fight cancer on every front; and
WHEREAS, funds raised help the American Cancer Society attack cancer in dozens
of ways, each of them critical to achieving a world without cancer – from developing
breakthrough therapies to building supportive communities, from providing
empowering resources to deploying activities to raise awareness;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, on this 22nd day of May 2018 that
the Henry County Board of Supervisors and Martinsville City Council establishes
June 3 – 9, 2018 as “RELAY FOR LIFE DAYS” in Martinsville & Henry County and
encourages citizens to let their passion inspire them to join the Relay For Life
movement by starting a fundraising team, making a donation, or volunteering with
the Relay For Life event at Bassett High School on June 8th.
___________________________________
Jim Adams, Chairman
Henry County Board of Supervisors
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: May 22, 2018
Item No: 4.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Consider setting a public hearing for Council’s June 12, 2018
meeting for the purpose of receiving names of citizens interested in appointments
for two 3-year terms on the Martinsville City School Board, beginning July 1, 2018
and ending June 30, 2021.
Summary: Only those citizens whose names are brought up during the Public
Hearing can be considered for appointment, and appointments cannot be made
until seven days after the Public Hearing. Citizens may appear in person, stating
their name, address, and interest in the position; or their name, address, and
interest may be offered by another individual. Council typically conducts
interviews with candidates after this meeting, with the appointments to be
announced at Council’s second meeting in June.
Attachments: Martinsville School Board current listing.
Recommendations: Set the Public Hearing for June 12, 2018 and consider
scheduling interviews before and/or after Council’s June 26 meeting.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: May 22, 2018
Item No: 5.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear information from Go Healthy West Piedmont regarding the
National Diabetes Prevention Program being offered to City employees.
Summary: Barbara Watson, Health Communities Coordinator with Go Healthy
West Piedmont will provide information regarding the National Diabetes Prevention
Program being made available to City employees.
Attachments: None. Additional information will be presented at the
meeting.
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action
needed.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: May 22, 2018
Item No: 6.
Department: Community Development
Issue: Consider approval on second reading, Ordinance 2018-Z-1
amending Appendix B, Zoning Ordinance, Section II – Definitions, of the City
Code regarding Open Space.
Summary: At Council’s April 10, 2018 meeting, staff presented some
recommendations regarding possible changes to the City’s Zoning Ordinance with
the intent to expand the definition of open space to include a public use category.
The expanded definition could result in future requests for usage of public open
space to require adhering to a special use permit process. After discussion,
Council voted to pass the specific recommendation along to the Planning
Commission for their review and to consider a possible joint public hearing on the
matter for Council’s May 8 meeting.
The Planning Commission considered the matter at their April 19th meeting and
after much discussion, voted 4 -1 to recommend that the Zoning Ordinance
remain as is, with no changes to the current definition of open space. At the April
24th meeting, City Council set a public hearing for May 8th, to consider a possible
change suggested by staff that adds a new definition to the Zoning Ordinance
“Open Space, Public” that provides for staff review of future open space projects
under certain circumstances. Council conducted a Public Hearing at the May 8
meeting and after considerable discussion, voted 4 – 1 to approve the attached
amendment on first reading.
Attachments: Copy of Ordinance2018-Z-1, Zoning, Defining Open Space
Recommendations: Adoption on second reading (roll call vote required).
ORDINANCE 2018-Z-1
Zoning, Defining Open Space
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, in regular session held on May 22,
2018 that Appendix B, Section II of the City Code, the Zoning Ordinance, be amended as follows:
Repealing and reenacting the definition of “open space,” to read as follows:
OPEN SPACE - areas intended to provide light, air, recreational, or scenic beauty. Open space shall, in
general, be available for entry and use by the owners, residents or occupants of the property or development,
but may include a limited proportion of space so located and treated as to enhance the amenity of the property
or development by providing landscaping features, screening for the benefit of the occupants or those in
neighboring areas, or a general appearances of openness. Open space may include, but is not limited to lawns,
decorative plantings, walkways, active and passive recreation areas, playgrounds, fountains, swimming pools,
undisturbed natural areas, agriculture, wooded areas, water bodies and those areas where landscaping and
screening are required by the provisions of this ordinance. Open space shall not include driveways, parking
lots, or other vehicular surfaces, any area occupied by a building, nor areas so located or so small as to have
no substantial value for the purposes stated in this definition.
Enacting a new definition, “open space, public,” reading as follows:
OPEN SPACE, PUBLIC– any open space which is dedicated or conveyed to (a) the City or to (b) by any other
individual or entity for use by the general public as open space. In all instances involving ownership under (b),
open space which does not adjoin any contiguous parcels shall remain a use by right; for any open space
adjoining any contiguous parcel, however, a description with supporting documentation of any such open space
shall be submitted Zoning Administrator for review. The Zoning Administrator shall enjoy discretionary
authority to, after due consideration of the Comprehensive Plan and the effect of such open space on adjoining
parcels and the neighborhood in general, either allow the use by right or alternatively require an application
for a special use permit.
*******
Attest:
________________________________
Karen D. Roberts, Clerk of Council
____________________ ___________________
Date Adopted Date Effective
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: May 22, 2018
Item No: 7.
Department: Building Inspections
Issue: Hear information from Building Inspections regarding demolition
of structures within the City.
Summary: During work on the FY19 City budget and specifically during
discussions of Building Inspections and the budgeted demolition line item, Council
requested that Inspections report back at a later meeting with information
regarding location of structures demolished in recent years as well as a current
listing in priority order of structures that should be considered for demolition.
The City’s Building Official has prepared information to address Council’s
questions and will present and discuss that at the May 22nd meeting.
Attachments: None. Additional information will be presented at the
meeting.
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action
needed.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: May 22, 2018
Item No: 8.
Department: Electric and Water Resources
Issue: Hear a staff update on operations of the City’s Electric and Water
Resources Departments.
Summary: Staff will present a brief update on operations of these
departments.
Attachments: None. Additional information will be presented at the
meeting.
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action
needed.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: May 22, 2018
Item No: 9.
Department: Finance
Issue: School Capital Approval/Consent Agenda
Summary:
Item #1
Approval of School Board request for $48,775 from the Capital Reserve for School
Projects for the roofing project at Albert Harris School.
Item #2
The attachment amends the FY18 Budget with appropriations in the General Fund
in the amount of $20,517.
Attachments:
Consent Agenda 5-22-18
Recommendations: Approve
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 5/22/18
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
FY18
ITEM #1
APPROVAL OF USE OF SCHOOL CAPITAL RESERVE FUNDS
CAPITAL RESERVE FUND:
16579369 508209 Capital School Projects 48,775
Roofing project for Albert Harris School as requested by School Board.
ITEM #2
BUDGET ADDITIONS
General Fund:
01100909 490137 Recovered Cost - Public Safety 10,115
01311085 501200 Police Dept. - Overtime 3,284
01311085 502100 Police Dept. - Social Security 204
01311085 502110 Police Dept. - Medicare 47
01217078 501200 Sheriff - Courts - Overtime 5,820
01217078 502100 Sheriff - Courts - Social Security 361
01217078 502110 Sheriff - Courts - Medicare 84
01321102 501200 Fire Dept. - Overtime 293
01321102 502100 Fire Dept. - Social Security 18
01321102 502110 Fire Dept. - Medicare 4
Various reimbursements for security patrols
01102926 436401 Categorical Federal - Confiscated Assets - Police 4,263
01311085 506079 Police Dept. - Federal Asset Forfeitures 4,263
Funds received 3/18
01102926 436401 Categorical Federal - Confiscated Assets - Police 5,989
01311085 506079 Police Dept. - Federal Asset Forfeitures 5,989
Funds received 5/18
01100908 480406 Miscellaneous - Donations/Recreation 150
01711210 506007 Recreation - Equipment & Supplies 150
Sponsorship Fees
Total General Fund: 20,517 20,517
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