City Council

AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA Council Chambers – Municipal Building 7:30 pm Regular Session Tuesday, July 10, 2018 7:30—Regular Session Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Council Member Bowles 1. Consider approval of minutes from the May 22, 2018 and June 12, 2018 Council Meetings. (2 mins) 2. Conduct a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission to expand the City’s Urban Development Area (UDA) to include the “West End UDA.” (10 mins) 3. Hear an update from Piedmont Community Services regarding operations at the former Housing Office, the recent fire at the apartments located at 303 East Church Street, and plans for construction of a group home on Independence Drive (15 mins) 4. Hear information related to the City’s Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, and the Comprehensive Plan. (30 mins) 5. 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. 6. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes) 7. Comments by City Manager. (5 minutes)  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: July 10, 2018 Item No: 1. Department: Clerk of Council Issue: Consider approval of minutes Summary: None Attachments: May 22, 2018 Council Meeting June 12, 2018 Council Meeting Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented. 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 June 12, 2018 Council Meeting The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on June 12, 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, Police Chief Eddie Cassady, and Commissioner of Revenue Ruth Easley. Mayor Teague called the meeting to order and advised Council would go into Closed Session beginning at 7:00 PM. Council convened in Closed Session to discuss the following matters: (A) Appointments to boards and commission, 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 and 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 Bowles, with the following 5-0 recorded vote: Council Member Hodge, aye; Council Member Bowles, aye; Vice Mayor Martin, aye; Mayor Teague, aye; and Council Member Lawson, aye. 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; Vice Mayor Martin, aye; Council Member Hodge, aye; and Council Member Lawson, aye. Out of closed session; Vice Mayor Martin made a motion to reappoint James Hyler, Joseph Martin and Austin Roberson to the Planning Commission for 4-year terms ending June 30, 2022; Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. Mayor Teague read a statement regarding the medical school. June 12, 2018 Council Meeting Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Vice Mayor Martin, Teague welcomed everyone to the meeting. Recognize sponsors of the Community Cookout event scheduled for June 23, 2018 at Baldwin Park – Vice Mayor Martin asked those sponsors in attendance to stand and explained how the cookout idea blossomed and how it was supported and funded. Martin challenged Police Chief Cassady to attend and allow children to soak him with water guns. Tony Martin said he was blessed to be able to donate back to the community. Tyrese Hairston appreciates the opportunity and wants to do what he can for the community to increase the peace. Scott Vernon says his organization wants to bring people back to the earth, share information and encourage residents to attend the event. Council Member Bowles thanked those sponsors for their contribution and participation to make this a successful event. Conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving names of citizens interested in appointment for two 3-year terms on the Martinsville City School Board, beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2021 – Mayor Teague explained the process to be considered for a school board vacancy then opened the public hearing. City Attorney Monday mentioned Joan Montgomery and James Hyler for the vacancy. Teague mentioned Sammy Redd requested reappointment. Vice Mayor Martin mentioned Rashawn Gravely would like to be considered for June 12, 2018 Council Meeting the vacancy. Mary Ruth Reynolds, 300B Thomas Heights expressed her interest also. Teague closed the meeting. Mayor Teague welcomed Benjamin Stafford, a Boy Scout in attendance working on two merit badges. Hear information from the Town of Bedford and Bedford County regarding the transition of Bedford from city to town – City Manager Towarnicki summarized localities in Virginia that had shared details of their reversion. Bart Warner, Bedford Town Manager and Carl Boggess, Chairman of the Bedford County Board of Supervisors shared details of Town of Bedford and Bedford County’s reversion explaining the joint/contracted services including tourism, E911 Dispatch, schools, health department, social services, courts, sheriff’s office and regional library. Specific goals and benefits of a reversion were identified early. Consolidation of water and sewer systems was an additional positive move. Council Member Bowles expressed concern about employee positions affected by a reversion. Immediately after reversion, Bedford officials found new positions for most employees who were losing their positions because of the reversion, retiring employees in some positions were not replaced and ultimately Bedford only settled three unemployment claims. Most negotiations were handled in closed session which received a lot of negative feedback from the community because of lack of transparency; the Board Chairman and Mayor were only brought into the discussion on two concerns that couldn’t easily be resolved, it was suggested to let the City Manager and City Attorney handle the negotiations. Another downfall was they did not ask enough June 12, 2018 Council Meeting questions and the lines drawn on the map were never finalized. Outcomes of the reversion were summarized and overall, it was a positive experience and outcome. Bedford did away with the B-POL tax with reversion. Mayor Teague and Council expressed their appreciation for the information shared. Hear an update from Robert Bencini, Executive Director of West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board – Mr. Bencini thanked Council Member Hodge and Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox for serving on the board. Bencini detailed his prior experience before coming to Martinsville West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board and his plans now as the Executive Director. His role is to spread the word on what is available and where to go for assistance. For the first time in memory, WPWIB has spent all funds so some people have to wait until more funds are received in July. They also have their first certified one-stop location. Bottom line is they are here to help people and there is a process called supportive services including financial coaching and how individual lives are being impacted. Anyone interested in applying for services were directed to visit the one stop location. Hear a presentation concerning the planning portion of the process to apply for a Community Development Block Grant in the spring of 2019, from the Commonwealth of Virginia for revitalization of the West Side neighborhood – Community Development Director Wayne Knox introduced Janet Jonas, of Summit Design and Engineering and Community Planning Partners. Knox recognized project managers and others who participate and manage individual projects. This planning grant is worth $30,000 and funds are paid out as the project moves forward. Surveys will need to be completed in every home of the targeted project area. To fit the guidelines of state and federal guidelines, average household income as well as home conditions in the area are taken into consideration. If a resident wanted to participate in the project committee, they can contact him directly. Knox pointed out that this is a planning grant to build a case to receive the grant money, not a revitalization grant. Janet Jonas said she enjoys visiting Martinsville. After all other applications and processes are completed, construction would begin hopefully at the end of 2020. Participation in the Community Development Block Grant program is voluntary. Knox said the word is out that people will be visiting those households with questions related to the project. Consider approval of refunds resulting from verification updates of estimated BPOL tax for 2 local businesses for tax years 2017 and 2016 – Commissioner of Revenue Ruth Easley explained that two businesses need to update their estimated business license and overestimated their taxes. The Commissioner of Revenue’s office is required to obtain permission from the City Council to issue refunds to these two businesses. Council expressed concern on the impact on the budget. Finance Director Linda Conover explained that the impact would be hard to determine since she does not have final numbers but she does not feel that it will have a significant impact on the budget. Council Member Lawson made a June 12, 2018 Council Meeting motion to authorize the City Treasurer to issue a refund of $3,392.33 in overpaid 2016 business license fees prior to July 5, 2018 to a local business identified in abatement #49990 of the Commissioner of the Revenue Bill Adjustment Report dated June 5, 2018. Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all Council in favor. Council Member Lawson made a motion to authorize the City Treasurer to issue a refund of $112,375.03 in overpaid 2017 business license fees prior to July 5, 2018 to a local business identified in abatements #49991, #49992, #49993 and #49994 of the Commissioner of the Revenue Bill Adjustment Report dated June 5, 2018. Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all Council voting in favor Consider approval of Consent Agenda – Council Member Lawson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented; Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. Business from the Floor – Jim Peverall, 215 Aaron Street thanked Council for allowing him to speak and City Attorney Monday for meeting with him the previous week and his actions to collect past due property taxes. Peverall thanked Mayor Teague, Council Member Lawson and City Manager Towarnicki for responding to his concerns. He witnessed an incident recently regarding City employees painting a fire hydrant but he feels that it was an isolated event. He said two employees came to Aaron Street at 2:30, taking over an hour to paint one hydrant. It took two trips to complete since someone had to return to paint the caps. Mayor Teague asked Towarnicki to investigate the procedure to do this specific work. Police Chief Eddie Cassady explained that neighborhood resources officers would be visiting residents and providing surveys about the police department and other city departments. June 12, 2018 Council Meeting Comments by Members of City Council – Mayor Teague revealed that he has decided not to run for reelection in the next City Council election. Council Member Bowles thanked the Sheriff’s department and Police department for motivating their camp members. Vice Mayor Martin thanked Teague for being a great mentor and touched on the community cookout details again. Martin was contacted by a resident regarding damage to her property caused by heavy rains and asked City Manager Towarnicki to look into any assistance the City could provide. Council Member Lawson thanked Vice Mayor Martin for his effort towards the community event June 23. Lawson shared that the Police Department would hold training involving safety and security tips for retail businesses at the New College. Lawson said there are free swimming lessons available through the Delvin Hairston Memorial Fund for qualified individuals and reminded residents to sign up at the YMCA for classes starting next week. Lawson mentioned that on Danville’s website, they have partnered with the library to make available thermal energy monitors to save residents on heating and cooling bills and asked if our Electric department uses thermal monitors when auditing homes. Towarnicki said he was not sure if those are used in the community but that the Electric Department does use them for other projects. Teague received a letter from Kyle Petty and was complimentary of the Sheriff’s Department for their support of the Victory Junction Ride. Comments by City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki explained that the work session on June 19 would be rescheduled. There will be a Southside Neighborhood meeting on Monday June 25 at Fuller Memorial Church. The citizen’s survey being handed out by the resource officers is a combined survey for the police department and city services and asked residents to make suggestions. The city is still compiling documentation on the flooding and looking at around $123-$130,000 in damage and repairs. Nationwide Homes sustained an excessive amount of damage to facilities and materials so the City will be working with them again to prevent this from happening again and to keep the business within the City. The Cherokee Trail flooding rebuild will be taken out of the street maintenance fund. There being no further business, Council Member Bowles 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 9:35pm. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Karen Roberts Gene Teague Clerk of Council Mayor  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: July 10, 2018 Item No: 2. Department: City Council Issue: Conduct a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission to expand the City’s Urban Development Area (UDA) to include the “West End UDA.” Summary: The City has recently worked with Renaissance Planning Group and Michael Baker International as part of a UDA planning grant. After community input meetings at FAHI, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, NCI and a follow up public meeting at Grace Presbyterian, the “Fayette Street Complete Streets, Complete Community Plan” was developed. Urban Development Areas are Overlay Districts in zoning allowing for higher density development to encourage development of walkable neighborhood centers, connected streets and blocks, and easy access to jobs by a variety of travel options. The addition of the West End UDA was recommended as a part of this plan. It includes 175 acres and extends along both sides of Fayette Street from Roundabout Road in the west to Market Street in the east. The added West End UDA will enable staff to submit two SmartScale grant applications through VDOT to improve walkability and connectivity by Albert Harris Elementary and Fayette/Memorial Blvd. to Roundabout Road. On Thursday, June 21, 2018, the Planning Commission considered the matter and voted to request that Council schedule a joint public hearing with the Commission on July 10, 2018 regarding this request. Attachments: Letter from Planning Commission; Map, UDA Recommendation Report from Renaissance Planning Group Recommendation: Conduct a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission regarding (1) an amendment to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan to add a third Urban Development Area called “West End” and (2) an amendment to the Zoning Map extending the TND-O district to the southwest, to capture the entirety of the newly-designated third UDA in (1) above. Following the public hearing, consider any modifications that might necessary and consider approval of item 1 (roll call vote) and item 2 on first reading (roll call vote). Martinsville, Virginia Urban Development Area Recommendations Prepared For: Martinsville, Virginia Supported by Virginia Department of Transportation OIPI UDA Grant Program Prepared By: Renaissance Planning Group June 15, 2018 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 2 Purpose and Background ........................................................................................................... 2 POLICY CONTEXT......................................................................................................................... 2 Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use ............................................................................ 2 Existing Land Use and Zoning ................................................................................................ 3 Fayette Street “Complete Streets, Complete Community Plan” ............................................. 5 Urban Development Areas ...................................................................................................... 6 RECOMMENDATIONS: URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREAS AND ZONING ................................. 7 “West End” Urban Development Area: Proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment ........... 8 1 INTRODUCTION Purpose and Background The Commonwealth of Virginia defines urban development areas (UDA) as any area designated by a locality in their comprehensive plan for higher density development, incorporating the principles of Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND)1. These principles include walkable neighborhood centers, connected streets and blocks, a mix of land uses, and easy access to jobs by a variety of travel options. In 2011, Martinsville adopted two UDAs near the city’s Uptown area. With the support of a UDA grant from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Martinsville is currently developing a “complete streets” plan for Fayette Street, one of the city’s historical corridors and a gateway to the Uptown area. This memo considers the merit of amending current UDA designations in light of the Fayette Street plan, other studies (such as the Local Foods, Local Places Community Action Plan), and recent zoning changes, to support the city’s desire for infill development and redevelopment, compact development, and complete streets. Options assessed for applicability included a “no change” scenario, adding a third UDA area in the West End, amending current UDA boundaries to match the boundaries of a traditional neighborhood development overlay (TND-O) recently incorporated into the city’s zoning ordinance, and various combinations of these elements. POLICY CONTEXT Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use The City of Martinsville’s first comprehensive plan was adopted in 1978. The most recent version was adopted in 2009; a 2011 amendment created the UDAs near the city’s Uptown neighborhood. Both the 2009 update and 2011 amendment emphasize the city’s desire for smart, cost-efficient growth that reflects the city’s evolving demographics and economy. The comprehensive plan also discusses modifications to the Future Land Use Plan like the integration of a Mixed-Use District and Central Business District, in response to economic shifts away from manufacturing and industry to more diversified commercial and service-based uses. The stated goals of the city’s mixed-use districts are to promote compact development principals and to reduce transportation dependency. The city’s trend toward an older population base led to the creation of a Residential Retirement District, consisting of small homes and villages in quiet neighborhoods with proximity to services and amenities. As noted, economic indicators attest to the decline in the manufacturing segment of the economy while showing growth in areas such as health, services, and professional sectors. 1 Virginia Code, Section §15.2-2223.1 2 These indicators demonstrate a need for several distinct “Professional District” designations with a concurrent decrease in the number of manufacturing districts on the Future Land Use Map. Planned development and transportation projects potentially impacting future land use planning include the construction of continued efforts for upgrades in Uptown Martinsville, a professional/commercial development and street widening project on Liberty Street, and the Fayette Street Complete Streets project. Consideration of future projects contributed to the decision to expand the Central Business District and designate the Liberty Street corridor as a Commercial corridor. The West End portion of Fayette Street is designated as residential on Martinsville’s current Future Land Use Map. The portion of the street assessed for this memo is not designated as a Commercial Corridor (Figure 1). Figure 1: Future Land Use Existing Land Use and Zoning Base Zoning Districts Martinsville first adopted a zoning ordinance in 1964, and the most recent version of the ordinance was adopted in 2017. The city is divided into 10 different zoning categories according to land use, lot size, and business character. 2 Residential zoning districts include: R-E Estate Residential District (lowest allowable density); R-N Neighborhood Residential District (medium density); and City Residential District (highest density). A Transitional Residential District (R-T) exists to transition Martinsville’s residential neighborhoods into areas of moderate-to-intensive land use. The R-T district is like a mixed-use district as it allows certain commercial or service-based uses such as health care, personal services, and professional office uses, that complement residential uses and promote an attractive neighborhood aesthetic. 2 http://www.martinsville-va.gov/content/martinsville-va/uploads/PDF/departments/a- g/community_development/comprehensive_plan/city_of_martinsville_comp_plan.pdf 3 Martinsville’s Neighborhood Commercial District (C-N) is designed for service, office, and retail activities serving surrounding residential neighborhoods and for commercial enterprises of small to moderate scale. This district acts as a transition between high-traffic, auto-oriented commercial corridors and Uptown’s more walkable, urban character. The Uptown Business District (C-UB) is designed to support “revitalization, redevelopment and historic preservation while encouraging a balanced mix of uses.”3 The final commercial district defined is the Corridor Commercial District (C-C). The C-C District is auto-centric and intended for lower density, larger scale retail than the other commercial districts, and most parcels zoned C-C are found along major transportation corridors. The C-C District allows multifamily development but prohibits single family dwellings and other residential uses. The 2017 zoning ordinance also establishes several economic development districts encouraging targeted growth, replacing the city’s former manufacturing districts. These districts are: Economic Development District – Medical & Academic (ED-MA); Economic Development District – General (ED-G); and Economic Development District – Intensive (ED-I). Districts support large-scale institutional and/or industrial uses, but also work in tandem with overlay zones to provide flexibility for integrating additional uses in areas that may no longer be suitable for industrial uses. Overlay Zones Martinsville’s zoning ordinance establishes several overlay zones, each with a specific purpose and character they are designed to support. The Traditional Neighborhood Development Overlay District (TND-O), adopted in 2017, supports the compact, mixed use development the city desires in Uptown and in the areas within the city’s UDAs. As stated in the Martinsville’s zoning ordinance the district is “intended to better define the mix, scale, character, form, and intensity of any given new development or redevelopment proposal than otherwise achievable under conventional zoning regulations.” The TND-O district is delineated on the city’s official zoning map (Figure 2). 3 City of Martinsville Zoning Ordinance, XIV. C-UB, Uptown Business District, Section A. 4 Figure 2: Traditional Neighborhood Design Overlay (TND-O) Fayette Street “Complete Streets, Complete Community Plan” Martinsville desires to improve safety, transportation access, and quality of life for all residents. The 2018 Fayette Street “Complete Streets, Complete Community” plan applies Complete Streets principles to address the challenges faced by residents and businesses along the Fayette Street corridor, in the West End neighborhood. The plan assesses existing conditions, makes recommendations for improvements, and provides support and resources to pursue funding for implementation. The recommended improvements to Fayette Street resulted from a robust community engagement process, including residents, business owners, faith leaders, and city staff, who identified four project goals to guide interventions along Fayette Street: All improvements to, and development along Fayette Street shall: 1. Provide a safe, comfortable and inviting environment for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and transit riders of all ages and abilities 2. Preserve and promote neighborhood history and character through wayfinding, gateway treatments and public art 3. Improve connectivity within the neighborhood and to the rest of the city 4. Support public health and promote economic development through vibrant, attractive streets 5 The recommendations within this memo are made with these goals in mind. Urban Development Areas Martinsville currently has two Urban Development Areas (UDA) described in the Uptown Martinsville - Urban Development Areas Comprehensive Plan Amendment and both adopted in 2011 (Figure 3). The first UDA is centered around a site known as the “Baldwin Block.” The Baldwin Block UDA is 18 acres, containing both the Baldwin Block redevelopment site and other potential infill sites along Church and Market Streets. Martinsville’s second UDA is called “Sara Lee”. This is a 23-acre site located south and east of Uptown, and is “the largest contiguous infill, redevelopment, or adaptive reuse site in the Uptown area.” 4 The city would like to see this area become a walkable companion neighborhood to Uptown, providing residents with a variety of housing options, services, and retail experiences. Figure 3: Martinsville Urban Development Areas 4 Uptown Martinsville - Urban Development Areas Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Draft dated July 14, 2011, page 14. 6 RECOMMENDATIONS: URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREAS AND ZONING Currently, neither the TND-O nor a UDA capture the portion of Fayette Street included in the Fayette Street “Complete Streets, Complete Community” plan. To support the kind of development desired within this corridor, it is proposed that the city designate a third UDA – “West End” and extend the TND-O district to cover all the area contained within the new UDA. Figure 4 identifies both the area proposed as the West End UDA as well as the extension of the TND-O. We recommend the following actions: 1. Amend the “Uptown Martinsville - Urban Development Areas Comprehensive Plan Amendment” to include the following: x Purpose, designation, and description of a third UDA called “West End” 2. Amend the city’s zoning map to extend the TND-O district to the southwest, to capture the entirety of the newly designated UDA. The following pages contain guidance, draft language and other details for a comprehensive plan amendment and resolution. 7 “West End” Urban Development Area: Proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment Purpose and Intent The proposed West End Urban Development Area (UDA) is an area encompassing approximately 175 acres, and reflecting the areas considered within the Fayette Street “Complete Streets, Complete Community” plan. The boundaries chosen for this UDA generally extend 300 feet to either side of Fayette Street, from Roundabout Road in the west to Market Street in the east. Where possible, the boundary was extended to capture sites or city owned properties with high development potential. The Traditional Neighborhood Design Overlay (TND-O) district encompasses nearly all the proposed UDA area, except for a small portion in the southwest corner of the area, as drawn (Figure 4). As reflected in city plans, policies, ordinances and studies, it is the desire of the City of Martinsville to support more compact and mixed development within the area covered by the TND-O and to support revitalization in the West End neighborhood, helping to restore this once thriving cultural and business hub for the city’s African-American residents. Proposed improvements to Fayette Street could increase quality of life, improve health, increase access to jobs and essential services, and celebrate the strong history and cultural identity of the neighborhood. Given the desires of residents, the City of Martinsville, and the goals of the Commonwealth’s UDA program, designating the West End neighborhood as a UDA is well-aligned with both policy and public opinion. Draft Resolution The City of Martinsville’s adopted comprehensive plan (“comprehensive plan”) emphasizes the city’s desire for smart, cost-efficient growth reflecting evolving demographics and economy; and Stated goals of the comprehensive plan are to promote compact development principals and to reduce transportation dependency. The City of Martinsville has implemented several policy and zoning tools to support the desired patterns of growth, including the designation of two Urban Development Areas (UDA) and a Traditional Neighborhood Design Overlay (TND-O) District. The City of Martinsville also desires to support the revitalization of the neighborhood referred to as the “West End,” generally that portion of Fayette Street west of that street’s intersection with Market Street. However, the West End is currently contained neither within a UDA nor is the neighborhood designated for future mixed commercial and residential uses, limiting the growth potential of this neighborhood. Further, the West End is currently described by residents as unsafe for pedestrian, bicycle, and other modes of transportation. The Fayette Street “Complete Streets, Complete Community” Plan, currently under development, recommends a comprehensive set of interventions to support 8 improved travel conditions along the Fayette Street corridor. The described West End UDA supports and enhances these interventions, stimulating the denser, more compact development needed to create a vibrant pedestrian realm. To achieve these ends and more, the West End UDA, as bounded, illustrated, and described, is therefore adopted by resolution this ___ day of ________, 2018 by amendment to “Uptown Martinsville - Urban Development Areas Comprehensive Plan Amendment,” dated 2011; as it amends the most recent adopted version of the City of Martinsville’s Comprehensive Plan, dated 2009. 9 Figure 4. Map of Proposed “West End” UDA and TND-O Extension 10  City Council Agenda Summary Date: July 10, 2018 Item No: 3. Department: Community Development Issue: Hear an update from Piedmont Community Services regarding operations at the former Housing Office, the recent fire at the apartment complex located at 303 East Church Street, and plans for construction of a group home on Independence Drive. Summary: Representatives from Piedmont Community Services will attend Council’s July 10 meeting and present information on (1) progress in expanding operations to the former Housing Office located on 4th Street; (2) the recent fire at the apartment complex owned by PCS at 303 East Church Street and future plans regarding repairs; and (3) plans for construction of a group home located on Independence Drive. Attachments: None Recommendations: No action by Council is needed. This item is presented for information purposes only.  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: July 10, 2018 Item No: 4. Department: Community Development Issue: Hear information related to the City’s Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, and the Comprehensive Plan. Summary: Staff will present information on each of these items including a brief summary of the update process and how each is used in Community Development and other City planning and/or development-related matters. Attachments: None – information will be presented at the meeting Recommendation: No action by Council is needed.