City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · July 24, 2018
Minutes
July 24, 2018 Council Meeting
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on July
24, 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 and Community Development Susan McCulloch.
Mayor Teague called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge to the American Flag
and invocation by Council Member Lawson, Teague welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Consider recognizing Sharon Brooks Hodge for her service to the citizens of
Martinsville as a Council Member from January 2013 through July 2018 –Council
Members presented Council Member Hodge with a proclamation and a key to the City.
Council Member Hodge thanked the residents and council for allowing her to be a part of
Martinsville. Public service is a very difficult job and she is grateful for the opportunity to
serve. Hodge thanked the City Manager and staff for always treating her with respect.
She hopes that Council does not evolve into a charity league or a homeowners association;
and stated that there are some topics that need attention. The sewer rates were increased
two years ago and Henry County has not been held accountable for what they owe. She
feels that the public should be informed about where the New College money was spent
and hold Dr, Boaz accountable. Hodge says her regret was voting against reversion four
years ago; she doesn’t believe Martinsville can afford the burden of constitutional offices
and the schools and if she had remained on Council, she would vote reversion for that
reason. Hodge feels that a special election should be held to fill her vacancy and that it
should be up to the residents and not council members to choose their representative.
Mayor Teague is saddened to see her leave. He sees her as analytical, smart and focused
on improved processes. Although they have not always agreed on topics, he respects her
passion for the residents and her beliefs. Council Member Bowles said it is hard to let
Hodge go but she is happy for her future endeavors. Bowles thanked Hodge for being
hard on her and challenging her; she has learned a lot from her. Bowles thanked Hodge
for serving on Council and allowing her to feel like she has a place. Bowles thanked her for
being a role model. Vice Mayor Martin said he was sad when Hodge announced she was
leaving. Hodge has kept him humble and he appreciates her strength. Council Member
Lawson said she is watched Hodge grow on Council and it has been welcoming to see her
come to Council prepared, she valued opinions and she did not mind asking the tough
questions. Lawson stated that she has the utmost respect for Hodge. Former Mayor
Danny Turner said he appreciated his time working with Hodge on Council. Turner said
Hodge worked hard to bring jobs to the City and voting against rate increases. Hodge said
July 24, 2018 Council Meeting
she enjoyed working with Turner and he taught her to not prejudge people. Wayne Knox,
Community Development said Hodge told him early on that it would be a challenge but
during her time on council, she has been an agent of change. Rosie Carter, Morning Star
Church representative said Reverend Millner was unable to attend but sent his well
wishes and he appreciates everything Hodge did while she was on Council. City Attorney
Monday said he has always admired and appreciated women leaders. Hodge has stood up
and fought for the City’s best interest and she has been an excellent Council Member.
City Manager Towarnicki says Hodge has a reputation for asking tough questions, which
allows people to look at and think about things a little different. When the topic is
discussed, there is no question where she stands.
Hear a brief presentation from Mr. Roger Wilson, a member of the Board of
Aldermen for the City of Frederick, Maryland – Mr. Wilson grew up in Axton. His first
introduction to public service was a school field trip to the fire department. The City of
Frederick is the second largest city in Maryland with a population of 70,000 and continues
to grow. Like Martinsville, Frederick has issues with heroin and opioid abuse and the
senior population. In 1976, there was a major flood and from that catastrophe, they
decided to build an anchor infrastructure. Wilson shared a video about Frederick. The
minority community is growing as well as the economic community. Frederick is hip,
July 24, 2018 Council Meeting
historic, and trying to attract a younger population. Housing affordability is an issue that
they continue to work on. Treatment facilities and needle exchanges are in the works to
help fight the opioid epidemic. Wilson is excited to bring his family back to Martinsville
since he sees so much improvement. Council Member Bowles asked about the median
income and age. Wilson said median age was 36 years old and median income is $86,000
but that salary is skewed because of those traveling to Washington or Baltimore for
employment. Frederick has been branded as a “bedroom community” but they are working
to change that with diverse industries.
Hear an update on the Interstate 73 project – Rob Catron and John Stirrup, I-73
Coalition Co-Executive Directors were in attendance. Catron detailed the three projects
currently underway. He explained the benefits of the Martinsville-Southern Connector
Study. Catron detailed the Route 220 Preservation and Improvement Plan.
July 24, 2018 Council Meeting
July 24, 2018 Council Meeting
Presentation of proclamation regarding Tuesday, August 7, 2018 National Night Out
– Council Member Bowles read the proclamation and presented it to Officer Coretha
Gravely and Neighborhood Watch captains in attendance. Police Chief Cassady thanked
the neighborhood watch captains and committees and recognized the three National Night
Out locations open to the public.
July 24, 2018 Council Meeting
Read a proclamation recognizing former Martinsville Bulletin reporter Mickey Powell
– Council Member Hodge read the proclamation which will be mailed to Mr. Powell.
July 24, 2018 Council Meeting
Consider approval on second reading of Ordinance 2018-Z-3 amending the Zoning
Map to extend the TND-O zone along the Fayette Street corridor – Council Member Lawson
made a motion to approve the ordinance on second reading. Vice Mayor Martin seconded
the motion with the following roll call: Council Member Hodge, aye; Council Member
Bowles, aye; Council Member Lawson, aye; Mayor Teague, aye; and Vice Mayor Martin,
aye. Motion passes 5-0.
July 24, 2018 Council Meeting
Hear an update on the status of efforts related to cleanup, demolition, and
remediation of the two burn sites on Aaron Street – The City has gained approval on the
Aaron Street property and consultants have visited the site, triggering the phase 1
July 24, 2018 Council Meeting
assessment of that location. Contractors will be working to remove the metal from the
property to prepare the property for phase II. Consultants are also working to get
additional funding for the cleanup of the property. 201 and 209 Aaron Street have been
secured. 200 Aaron Street will be secured as part of the recent agreement; if the property
is not secured by the owners then the City will handle it then bill them.
Consider setting a date for a special Council meeting to discuss options for filling a
vacant Council seat – Council agreed on an open session for Tuesday, July 31 at 7:00pm.
Consider adoption of a resolution expanding the City’s Urban Development Area
(UDA) to include the “West End UDA” – Susan McCulloch summarized the plan and
actions taken to expand the UDA. Council Member Hodge made a motion to adopt the
resolution. Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all council voting in favor.
Consider adoption of a resolution in support of the City’s application for two Smart
Scale Projects – Council Member Lawson made a motion to adopt the resolution. Council
Member Bowles seconded the motion with all council voting in favor.
Consider approval of consent agenda – Council Member Bowles made a motion to
approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Council Member Hodge seconded the motion
with all Council voting in favor.
July 24, 2018 Council Meeting
Business from the Floor – Fire Chief Ted Anderson said it has been a pleasure to work
with Council Member Hodge and wishes her well on her adventures. Anderson shared that
Laura Lawson, the Fire Department Executive Assistant has been working hard on a grant
which was awarded over $200,000 grant money that will be used for the departments out-of-
date air packs.
Comments by Members of City Council – Council Member Hodge said “it’s been real and
it’s been fun”. Council Member Lawson reminded residents that the baseball season will end
soon and invited residents to attend. Council Member Bowles invited residents to the Back to
School Bash on Saturday. Vice Mayor Martin appreciates the mentorship and fellowship
during the trip to VML last week with the City Manager and Mayor. Martin thanked Council
Member Hodge for being a trailblazer. Mayor Teague thanked Council Member Hodge again for
her service on Council.
Comments by City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki thanked Council Member Hodge
also for her time on Council.
There being no further business, Council Member Hodge made a motion to adjourn the
meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Bowles with all Council Members
voting in favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:22 pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Gene Teague
Clerk of Council Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
7:30 pm Regular Session
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
6:30 pm – Reception
Reception for Council Member Sharon Hodge
7:30—Regular Session
Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Council Member Lawson
1. Consider recognizing Sharon Brooks Hodge for her service to the citizens of Martinsville as
a Council Member from January, 2013 through July, 2018. (10 mins)
2. Hear an update on the Interstate 73 project. (10 mins)
3. Hear a brief presentation from Mr. Roger Wilson, a member of the Board of Aldermen for
the City of Frederick, Maryland. (10mins)
4. Presentation of proclamation regarding Tuesday, August 7, 2018 National Night Out. (5
mins)
5. Read a proclamation recognizing former Martinsville Bulletin reporter Mickey Powell (5
mins)
6. Consider approval on second reading of Ordinance 2018-Z-3 amending the Zoning Map to
extend the TND-O zone along the Fayette Street corridor. (5 mins)
7. Hear an update on the status of efforts related to cleanup, demolition, and remediation of
the two burn sites on Aaron Street. (10 mins)
8. Consider setting a date for a special Council meeting to discuss options for filling a vacant
Council seat. (10 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
Date: July 24, 2018
Item No: 1.
Department: City Council
Issue: Consider recognizing Sharon Brooks Hodge for her service to the
citizens of Martinsville as a Council Member from January, 2013 through July,
2018.
Summary: With the resignation of Council Member Hodge being effective
July 31, 2018, the July 24th Council meeting will be the last regularly
scheduled Council meeting for Council Member Hodge, ending her service to
the citizens of Martinsville as a Council member that began in January, 2013.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: None
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: July 24, 2018
Item No: 2.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear an update on the Interstate 73 project.
Summary: The Interstate I-73 Coalition is headed by Co-Executive Directors
Rob Catron and John Stirrup and provides coordinated advocacy of the I-73
project on behalf of Coalition members. Mr. Stirrup plans on attending the July
24th meeting and providing an update on this important project. Earlier this year,
Council agreed to extend participation in the Coalition for another year.
Attachment: None
Recommendation: No action needed – presented for information purposes.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: July 24, 2018
Item No: 3.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear a brief presentation from Mr. Roger Wilson, a member of the
Board of Aldermen for the City of Frederick, Maryland.
Summary: Mr. Roger Wilson, a member of the Board of Alderman for the City
of Frederick, Maryland will present information on the City of Frederick, along with
challenges and opportunities they have faced.
Mr. Wilson is originally from the Martinsville/Henry County area.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: No action needed - presented for information purposes
only.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: July 24, 2018
Item No: 4.
Department: City Council
Issue: Presentation of proclamation regarding Tuesday, August 7,
2018 National Night Out.
Summary: Officer Coretha Gravely and captains of several City
Neighborhood Watch Groups will be present to accept the proclamation.
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendations: Presentation only
PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
August 7, 2018
WHEREAS, the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) is sponsoring a unique, nationwide
crime, drug and violence prevention program on August 7, 2018 entitled “National Night Out”; and
WHEREAS, the Annual National Night Out provides a unique opportunity for the City of
Martinsville to join forces with thousands of other communities across the country in promoting
cooperative, police-community crime prevention efforts; and
WHEREAS, Martinsville City Council plays a vital role in assisting the Martinsville Police
Department and Sheriff’s Office through joint crime, drug and violence prevention efforts in the
City of Martinsville and is supporting “National Night Out 2018” locally; and
WHEREAS, it is essential that all citizens of Martinsville be aware of the importance of crime
prevention programs and impact that their participation in Neighborhood Watch groups and their
community can have on reducing crime, drugs and violence in Martinsville; and
WHEREAS, police-community partnerships, neighborhood safety, awareness and cooperation are
important themes of the “National Night Out” and Neighborhood Watch programs;
NOW, THEREFORE I, Gene Teague, Mayor of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, do hereby call
upon all citizens of Martinsville to join City Council and the National Association of Town Watch
in supporting the “Annual National Night Out” and do hereby proclaim Tuesday, August 7, 2018
as NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME in the City of Martinsville.
___________________________
Gene Teague
Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: July 24, 2018
Item No: 5.
Department: City Council
Issue: Read a proclamation recognizing former Martinsville Bulletin
reporter Mickey Powell.
Summary: In late June, 2018, Mr. Powell left the Martinsville Bulletin to take
a position with The Winchester Star in Winchester, Virginia, ending an 18-year
career with the Bulletin during which he covered City government along with a
variety of other local-interest issues. Mr. Powell was a regular attendee at Council
meetings, neighborhood tours and special meetings, and was a frequent visitor to
municipal offices.
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendations: Mayor to read the proclamation. Mr. Powell will be
unable to attend the meeting.
Proclamation
RECOGNIZING FORMER MARTINSVILLE BULLETIN
REPORTER MICKEY POWELL
WHEREAS, Mickey Powell began working for the Martinsville Bulletin in July,
2000, having worked previously for nine years as a reporter and news editor
for the Eden Daily News; and
WHEREAS, during his work with the Bulletin, Mr. Powell’s main focus was
City government, but also included covering the Chamber of Commerce,
PHCC, NCI, the Virginia Museum of Natural History, the Henry County Board
of Supervisors, and a variety of other areas; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Powell was a “regular” at City Council meetings, budget
and special work sessions, neighborhood meetings, regularly rode along
with Council and staff on neighborhood tours, and was a frequent visitor
to various municipal offices as he made efforts to cover a wide variety of
government and community-interest issues; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Powell always made an effort to cover stories objectively,
fairly, and accurately; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Powell left the Martinsville Bulletin in late June, 2018,
relocating to Winchester, Virginia and taking a position with The Winchester
Star, covering Clarke County in the northern tip of Virginia,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gene Teague, Mayor, and members of Martinsville City
Council, on this 24th day of July, 2018 do hereby recognize and commend Mickey
Powell for his work over an 18-year period with the Martinsville Bulletin, and
proclaim our thanks and appreciation for his fair and objective coverage of City
government and other local-interest issues. We extend our best wishes as Mr.
Powell resumes his career in journalism in Winchester, Virginia.
__________________________
Gene Teague, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: July 24, 2018
Item No: 6.
Department: City Council
Issue: Consider approval on second reading of Ordinance 2018-Z-3
amending the Zoning Map to extend the TND-O zone along the Fayette Street
corridor.
Summary: At Council’s July 10th meeting, following a joint public hearing with
the Planning Commission, Council approved amending the City’s Comprehensive
Land Use Map to include a third Urban Development Area comprising approximately
175 acres along the Fayette Street corridor beginning at Roundabout Road and
extending to Market Street. Council likewise approved on first reading, amending
the Zoning Map to extend the Traditional Neighborhood Development Overlay District
(TND-O) to match the location of the new UDA. Overlay Districts in zoning allow 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 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.
Attachments: Map, Ordinance 2018-Z-3.
Recommendation: Approve on second reading, Ordinance 2018-Z-3 amending the
City’s Zoning Map as described above. (roll call vote)
ORDINANCE 2018-Z-3
Zoning Map – Extending TND-O Zone
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, in regular session
held on July 24, 2018 that Appendix B, Section II of the City Code, the Zoning Ordinance, be
amended as follows:
The TND-O Zone as shown on the zoning map adopted June 27, 2017, is hereby amended to
include approximately 175 acres along the Fayette Street corridor beginning at Roundabout
Road and extending to Market Street to coincide with the addition of a third UDA (Urban
Development Area) as shown on the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
*******
Attest:
________________________________
Karen D. Roberts, Clerk of Council
____________________ ___________________
Date Adopted Date Effective
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: July 24, 2018
Item No: 7.
Department: Community Development
Issue: Hear an update on the status of efforts related to clean up, demolition,
and remediation of the two burn sites on Aaron Street.
Summary: On March 3, 2014 and again on April 22, 2017, major structure
fires destroyed two former furniture facilities on Aaron Street. Since that time,
efforts have occurred to facilitate cleanup, demolition, and remediation of the sites
for future use or redevelopment.
This issue was discussed at Council’s June 26th meeting and it was noted the
matter would be placed on Council’s July24th meeting for follow up.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: None
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: July 24, 2018
Item No: 8.
Department: City Council
Issue: Consider setting a date for a special Council meeting to discuss options
for filling a vacant Council seat.
Summary: With the resignation of Council member Hodge effective July 31,
2018, Council will need to consider options related to filling the vacant seat. Given
the time constraints related to options for filling the seat, a special meeting is
suggested for either August 1, 2018, or as soon thereafter as possible.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: Set a date and time for a special/called meeting.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: July 24, 2018
Item No: 9.
Department: Finance
Issue: Consent Agenda
Summary:
The attachment amends the FY18 and FY19 Budgets with appropriations in the
following funds:
FY18
General Fund: $ 22,994 - Reimbursements; Grants
FY19
Capital Reserve Fund: $ 3,260 – Sale of Surplus
Attachments:
Consent Agenda 7-24-18
Recommendations: Approve
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 7/24/18
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
FY18
BUDGET ADDITIONS
General Fund:
01102926 405556 Categorical Federal - ARC Grant 10,000
01814248 503140 Health Hub - Prof. Services - Eng & Arch - Paradise 10,000
ARC Planning Grant
01100909 490137 Recovered Cost - Public Safety 2,293
01311085 501200 Police Dept. - Overtime 130
01311085 502100 Police Dept. - Social Security 8
01311085 502110 Police Dept. - Medicare 2
01217078 501200 Sheriff - Courts - Overtime 2,000
01217078 502100 Sheriff - Courts - Social Security 124
01217078 502110 Sheriff - Courts - Medicare 29
Various reimbursements for security patrols
01102926 405555 Federal Categorical - Brownfields Grant - EPA 9,019
01812247 503136 Brownfields - Professional Services - Consultant 9,019
Grant reimbursement
01100904 441104 Fines/Forfeitures - E-Summons 1,682
01311085 506139 Police Dept - E-Summons Equipment 1,682
Appropriate excess revenues
Total General Fund: 22,994 22,994
FY19
BUDGET ADDITIONS
Capital Reserve Fund:
16100905 416209 Sale of Surplus Equipment 3,260
16572362 508127 Tools & Equipment - Park Maintenance 3,260
GovDeals sale of '99 GMC pickup
Total Capital Reserve Fund: 3,260 3,260
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