City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · September 11, 2018
Minutes
September 11, 2018 Council Meeting
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on
September 11, 2018 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Gene
Teague presiding. Council Members present included Gene Teague, Jim Woods, Jennifer
Bowles, Kathy Lawson and Chad Martin. Staff present included City Manager Leon
Towarnicki, City Attorney Eric Monday, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Fire Chief Ted
Anderson, Police Lieutenant Sandy Hines, Telecommunications Director Mike Scaffidi and
Public Works Director Chris Morris.
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 Bowles with the following 5-0 recorded vote: Council Member Bowles, aye; Mayor
Teague, aye; Council Member Woods, aye; Council Member Lawson, aye; and Vice Mayor
Martin, aye, Council convened in Closed Session to discuss the following matters: (A)
Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the
disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would
adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body as
authorized by Subsection 3, and (B) Consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff
members, attorneys or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, or other specific
legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel, as authorized by
Subsection 7. At the conclusion of Closed Session, each returning member of Council
certified that (1) only public business matters exempt from open meeting requirements were
discussed in said Closed Session; and (2) only those business matters identified in the motion
convening the Closed Session were heard, discussed, or considered during the Session. A
motion was made by Council Member Lawson; seconded by Council Member Bowles, with the
following 5-0 recorded vote in favor to return to Open Session: Council Member Bowles, aye;
Mayor Teague, aye; Council Member Woods, aye; Vice Mayor Martin, aye; and Council Member
Lawson, aye. No action was taken on either item from closed session.
Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Council Member Lawson,
Teague welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Consider approval of minutes of August 28, 2018 Council Meeting – Council Member
Lawson made a motion to approve the minutes as presented; Council Member Bowles
seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Hear information regarding The Salvation Army’s plans to redevelop property at the
corner of Broad Street and Memorial Boulevard, adjacent to their current facility at 603 S.
Memorial Boulevard – City Manager Towarnicki detailed the announcement regarding the
Salvation Army’s plans to develop the property next door to their existing facility. George and
Ruby Keith manage the Salvation Army. Keith thanked Council for their support and
September 11, 2018 Council Meeting
explained their mission and the services they provide. The Salvation Army will work closely
with the City regarding the possibility of Hurricane Florence affecting our area. Keith
explained the plan for the property redevelopment and the Pathway of Hope Project, which fits
in with the United Way’s Bridges Out of Poverty. The Pathway of Hope is intensive case
management. Clients would be filtered through the Salvation Army programs or their partners.
This would be a 6-18 week program depending on the needs of the client. The new building
would have a retail location on the first floor and the Pathway of Hope housing on the second
floor that will consist of four apartments. To be accepted into the program, there must be
children involved since it is a family enrichment program. A caseworker with a Master’s Degree
or above will be hired and will work from this location. There will be a shower and laundry
area for visitors who may be homeless. The advisory board is looking to hire a consulting firm
to help pinpoint the greatest needs in the community. There will be a feasibility study to
determine how best to raise funds. The estimated building cost would be around $2.5 million
so they hope to find an endowment to raise the money for the build as well as maintain the
property. The complete project would be close to $4 million. Attitudes must change in the City
for the progress to continue. The Salvation Army will be available as a shelter during the
storm and volunteers are welcome.
Consider adoption of a resolution declaring the conditions causing the opioid epidemic
and the conditions caused by the opioid epidemic a public nuisance – City Attorney Monday
explained the pending litigation against the pharmaceutical companies for contributing to the
opioid problem. Martinsville has the highest overdoses per capita in the nation. In reviewing
the potential lawsuit, the resolution was suggested for Council to move forward with the
lawsuit. Council Member Woods read the resolution. Council Member Bowles made a motion
to approve the resolution as presented; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all
Council Members voting in favor.
September 11, 2018 Council Meeting
Hear a staff update regarding Hurricane Florence and expected impact to our area in
the coming days – City Manager Towarnicki explained there is a massive hurricane moving
toward the east coast. There will be another staff meeting Thursday morning to review
emergency plans of action. The weather forecast continues to change daily but the
Martinsville area will sustain heavy rains and strong winds of 20-40mph. Fire Chief Ted
Anderson detailed steps the City is taking to prepare for the storm. The City departments and
administration are working closely together with constant communication with government
officials. The hospital Emergency Operations Center is ready as well. City Departments are
on stand-by and plan to up-staff in preparation for necessary repairs and clean up. The
Reservoir level has been reduced to accommodate for heavy rainfall. Tornado sirens have been
tested. Emergency shelters are in place and ready if needed. Citizens are asked not to handle
downed electrical lines or tree limbs without contacting the City Electric Department. Avoid
flooded roadways. City officials ask resident to avoid driving around out of curiosity and to
obey road closure signs. Be proactive by checking gutters and downspouts on your home.
Have enough food and supplies for 3-days along with flashlights, batteries, umbrellas, rain
gear, prescriptions, and pet care necessities. Report any outages to the City but please reserve
911 contacts for emergency cases only. Available emergency shelter information will be
released as needed through local media. Updates will also be available on the City website and
September 11, 2018 Council Meeting
Facebook page. Anderson asked residents to look out for their neighbors especially the elderly
or disabled. The City will be impacted but forecasts look like the impact will be minimal will
some power outages and minimal flooding is expected. Staff in several departments will be
working around the clock. Towarnicki explained that a declaration of local emergency is on
hold at this time since the threat to our area appears to be lessening. If the storm turns and a
major impact is expected, then Council can issue a declaration of local emergency at that time.
Additional decisions will be made Thursday regarding any further action needed. Anderson
asked residents to be respectful of their neighbors and not take advantage by over purchasing
fuel or food. Lt. Sandy Hines confirmed that the Police Department would do wellness checks
as requested. Towarnicki explained that typically when the City residents lose power, the
Electric Department could have power restored in just a few hours as long as the main trunk
into the City is not damaged. Anderson asked anyone using a generator to locate it properly,
ensure that there is proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and connect it to
the home electric correctly to prevent fire. Resident in attendance suggested residents carry
cash; in case of power outages, stores and gas stations may not be able to process credit
cards.
Hear an update on the local public bus system, PART – City Towarnicki detailed the three
buses that travel three separate routes within the City and into the County hourly throughout
the day, overlapping each hour at the Walmart parking lot. Towarnicki pointed out the
increase in riders after the third bus was added, averaging about 1200 riders per bus. On
September 11, 2018 Council Meeting
average, 67% of the ridership comes from the City; the cost to operate the buses is split evenly
with Henry County. The bus runs weekdays only, not on weekends. The PART bus system is
clearly meeting a need in the community. Council Members agree that the bus system has
been a very successful program. If there is a qualifying, handicap individual who lives within a
fixed distance from a bus stop, the bus can deviate from the set route to accommodate that
resident.
Hear an update from the Public Works and Telecommunications Departments regarding
various projects and operations – Telecommunications Director Mike Scaffidi updated Council
on the telecommunications program.
September 11, 2018 Council Meeting
City Manager Towarnicki said that the City’s Telecommunication program is phenomenal and
goes above what other communities can offer. Public Works Director Chris Morris detailed
street maintenance projects. Morris summarized street paving and road repair projects,
revitalization projects, road restriping project, pipe repairs and winter storm costs. Morris
touched on the flooding concerns from the May storm and the repairs made from that. The
City departments are cleaning drainage pipes and basins to prepare for the expected heavy
rains. The street cleaning crews have been busy revitalizing the Uptown area. There are
several special events throughout the year supported by the Public Works crews. Upcoming
September 11, 2018 Council Meeting
projects include the Spruce Street milling/repaving project and the Commonwealth Boulevard
bridge repairs which the City will partial fund in addition to VDOT funding.
Consider adoption of a resolution to approve the updated City of Martinsville
Emergency Operations Plan – City Manager Towarnicki explained that this resolution is a
requirement every four years and there are only minor changes to the plan this year. Fire
Chief Ted Anderson explained the only major updates were contact information, position
changes, private number listing and the timeframe to declare an emergency was adjusted by
law to 45 days. Anderson praised Safety Coordinator John Turner for his work on the
Emergency Operations Plan. Towarnicki explained that the plan would be made available on
the City’s website. Mayor Teague read the resolution. Council Member Lawson made a
motion to adopt the resolution; Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all Council
Members voting in favor.
Business from the Floor – No one approached the podium
Comments by members of City Council – Council Member Lawson reminded citizens
that October 6 would be the next Hazardous Waste Day. Council Member Woods spoke to a
reporter of the new Henry County Enterprise who did articles about Woods appointment to
Council and about Mountain Brewery. When our neighbors in Henry County succeed, the
City succeeds. Council Member Bowles wished Mayor Teague a happy belated birthday. The
September 11, 2018 Council Meeting
Neighborhood Tour will be at 7:30 September 24, 2018 at Patrick Henry School and is open to
all residents. Friday’s football game has been rescheduled for Thursday due to the weather.
Bowles recognized the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Vice Mayor Martin thanked all
first responders in light of the September 11 anniversary. Mayor Teague recognized Council
Member Bowles’ birthday on Friday
Comments by City Attorney – Monday recognized the Kiplinger Financial report which
recognized Martinsville as one of the bottom 5 least expensive towns to live in with housing
cost 28% below the national average and fuel costs 10% lower than average.
There being no further business, Council Member Bowles made a motion to adjourn the
meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Lawson with all Council Members
voting in favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:30pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
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, September 11, 2018
7:00 pm --Closed Session
Items to be considered in Closed Session, in accordance with the Code of Virginia, Title 2.2,
Chapter 37—Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3711(A)—Closed Meetings, the
following:
A. Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the
disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would
adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body as
authorized by Subsection 3
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 from the August 28, 2018 Council Meeting. (2 mins)
2. Hear information regarding The Salvation Army’s plans to redevelop property at the
corner of Broad Street and Memorial Boulevard, adjacent to their current facility at
603 S. Memorial Boulevard. (10 mins)
3. Hear an update on the local public bus system, PART. (10 mins)
4. Hear an update from the Public Works and Telecommunications Departments
regarding various projects and operations. (10 mins)
5. Consider adoption of a resolution to approve the updated City of Martinsville
Emergency Operations Plan. (10 mins)
6. Business from the Floor
This section of the Council meeting provides citizens the opportunity to discuss matters, which are not
listed on the printed agenda. Thus, any person wishing to bring a matter to Council’s attention under this
Section of the agenda should:
(1) come to the podium and state name and address;
(2) state the matter that they wish to discuss and what action they would like for Council to take;
(3) limit remarks to five minutes;
(4) refrain from making any personal references or accusations of a factually false and/or malicious nature.
Persons who violate these guidelines will be ruled out of order by the presiding officer and will be asked to
leave the podium.
Persons who refuse to comply with the direction of the presiding officer may be removed from the
chambers.
7. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes)
8. Comments by City Manager. (5 minutes)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 11, 2018
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes
Summary: None
Attachments: August 28, 2018 Council Meeting
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
August 28, 2018
A meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on August 28,
2018, in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Gene Teague
presiding. Council Members present included Gene Teague, Jennifer Bowles, Kathy Lawson
and Chad Martin. Staff present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Assistant City
Manager Wayne Knox, City Attorney Eric Monday, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Deputy
Police Chief Rob Fincher, Commissioner of Revenue Ruth Easley, Circuit Court Clerk Ashby
Pritchett, Community Development Susan McCulloch, and Finance Director Linda Conover.
Mayor Teague called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge to the American Flag
and invocation by Mayor Teague, Teague welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Circuit Court Clerk Ashby R. Pritchett issues Oath of Office to newly appointed Council
Member James N. Woods – Mayor Teague introduced Circuit Court Clerk Ashby Pritchett and
new Council Member James Woods. Pritchett issued the Oath of Office to Woods.
Consider approval of minutes from the August 14, 2018 Council Meeting, August 16,
2018 Council Meeting and the August 20, 2018 Council Meeting – Council Member Bowles
made a motion to approve the minutes as presented; Council Member Lawson seconded the
motion with all members voting in favor.
Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the period July 1-
September 30, 2018 – City Manager Towarnicki explained that employees were recognized for
their service and received certificates Monday morning. Mayor Teague read the list and
thanked those employees for the dedication.
August 28, 2018
Read and present a proclamation honoring George W. Lester II – Mayor Teague
explained the Mr. Lester was under the weather and was not feeling well enough to attend.
Jim O’Bryan accepted the proclamation and a Key to the City on Mr. Lester’s behalf. Mayor
Teague read the proclamation and detailed some of Mr. Lester’s actions that benefitted the
community over the years. Mr. O’Bryan thanked council on Mr. Lester’s behalf, stating that
Mr. Lester is a unique, generous individual.
Consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Martinsville-Henry
County Family YMCA regarding contracting for services related to City Parks and Recreation
programs – City Manager Towarnicki explained that this concept has been discussed
numerous times over the past 10-15 years to provide a more efficient service. The former
Parks and Recreation programmer moved to the City’s Purchasing department, leaving the
position vacant. Allowing the YMCA to handle services related to the City Parks and
August 28, 2018
Recreation programs would be a good option for both the YMCA as well as the City. It will cost
the City $50,000per year for the contract to have the YMCA run the Parks and Recreation
department as the City has done up to this point. Brad Kinkema said the YMCA is excited to
take over the program; they have always had a good relationship with the City and the County.
Towarnicki explained that contracting with the YMCA will save the City $35,000-$40,000 per
year and would be beneficial for the YMCA also. Kinkema introduced Courtney Jones who will
be the program contact through the YMCA. The City website will be updated for residents to
easily find information. Park rentals will be handled by the Public Works department and
canoe rentals will be handled by the City Reservoir. The YMCA will have a more flexible
schedule since the front desk is open from 5:30am-9:00pm daily. Council Member Bowles
made a motion to approve the MOU; Council Member Lawson seconded the motion with all
council voting in favor.
Consider adoption of a resolution setting the allocation percentage for personal property
tax relief for qualifying vehicles in the City of Martinsville for tax year 2018 – Commissioner of
Revenue Ruth Easley detailed the need for the annual resolution and provided background of
the PPTRA ordinance. Easley requested that Council adopt the resolution provided. Council
Member Lawson made a motion to adopt the resolution, Council Member Woods seconded the
motion with the following roll call: Vice Mayor Martin, aye; Mayor Teague, aye; Council
Member Woods, aye; Council Member Bowles, aye; and Council Member Lawson, aye.
August 28, 2018
Consider setting a public hearing on a request by Planning Commission for a Zoning
Text Amendment to modify the requirements of the Architectural Review Board’s membership
– Susan McCulloch of the Community Development department detailed the requirements for
the Architectural Review Board and what changes the Planning Commission requests. The
Planning Commission approved the attached Zoning Text Amendment and requests Council to
approve those changes. City Attorney Monday said the hearing could not be advertised in time
to add to the next Council Meeting, it will need to be held September 25, 2018. Council
Member Lawson made a motion to set the public hearing on September 25, 2018 Council
meeting, Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all council voting in favor.
August 28, 2018
August 28, 2018
August 28, 2018
Hear information regarding the Virginia Commission on Local Government’s Draft
Report on Annexation Alternatives and consider submitting written comments for the public
hearing process – City Manager Towarnicki detailed the process to submit additional
August 28, 2018
comments by Martinsville City Council that would be added to the comments already
included. Mayor Teague said he felt it important to comment City Council’s support for some
specific recommendations already in place. City Attorney Monday suggested a Council
representative attend the public hearing in Staunton. Mayor Teague recommended a possible
work session for September to discuss updated numbers and asked the City Manager to look
into potential dates.
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.
August 28, 2018
Business from the Floor – Brian Burgess, 1109 A Street expressed concern with turning
over the Parks and Recreation to the YMCA and the opportunity for the YMCA to increase the
fees for families that already struggle to pay those costs. City Manager Towarnicki explained
that was a topic of discussion when the agreement was being discussed, however the YMCA is
aware that an increase in fees will reduce the amount of participation. It has been written in
the agreement that the YMCA can only charge what is comparable to surrounding areas.
Burgess expressed concern about the majority of referees being from the County and how
those officials tend to be partial to the County teams over the City teams. Teague explained
that the agreement is not a permanent contract and asked that Burgess contact Council
Members with his concerns if they continue. Ural Harris, 217 Stuart Street said he was
surprised that the news stations have reported that Mr. Boaz would be arrested to prevent him
from fleeing the country. City Attorney Monday explained that it is not a “gag order” and the
City is allowed to discuss details with the media. Harris suggests that Council do their
research to find out who released information to the media.
Comments by members of City Council – Vice Mayor Martin said he is happy to have
Council Member Woods serving on Council. Martin thanked Woods family for their support
and sacrifice for his service. Martin expressed that residents should have taken better
advantage of the Town Hall meeting and the Lieutenant Governor’s visit to the community.
August 28, 2018
Council Member Bowles said it is a pleasure to serve with Council Member Woods. Bowles
congratulated the Salvation Army Open House for the Pathways of Hope project. Council
Member Lawson said she thought it was a good Town Hall meeting with good conversation.
Lawson welcomed Woods to City Council and looks forward to working with him. The flags
will by flying in the City on Monday for Labor Day. Bowles, Lawson and City Manager
Towarnicki attended the 2018 Business Appreciation luncheon. Danny Wulff,
Owner/Operator or Chick-fil-A gave a good speech and several businesses were recognized
including Mr. Haley of Uptown Pinball who was voted Business of the Year. Mayor Teague
welcomed Woods also and offered his support in anyway needed. Council Member Woods
thanked Council for appointing him and praised Council Members for their dedication and
service. He is already being inundated with emails and information. Woods said the Council
Members want to see the City succeed; Service above Self. Woods thanked his wife, his
children, his friends and his family and he looks forward to serving.
Comments by City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki said during the business
luncheon, the young professional of the year would now be known as Campbell/Lester award.
Labor Day is Monday so City Hall will be closed. Cherokee paving is being bid and the goal is
for that road to be paved within two weeks. Towarnicki referenced a handout he provided to
Council at the beginning of the meeting. Since the most recent neighborhood tour, he has
been looking for ideas to interact better with residents and other City departments. Andy Lash
has created a program, which would include the refuse department documenting any areas of
concern in the neighborhoods as they make their rounds. When the driver recognizes an issue,
he can touch a button, which captures the exact coordinates of the concern, date, etc., and
the program will generate an email, which will be automatically sent to the appropriate
department. There are additional fields within the program where that department can
document follow-up and resolution details. Council questioned whether this type program
could be customized for residential use also.
There being no further business, Council Member Bowles made the motion to adjourn
the meeting; motion was seconded by Council Member Lawson with all Council Members
voting in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:51pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Gene Teague
Clerk of Council Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 11, 2018
Item No: 2.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear information regarding The Salvation Army’s plans to
redevelop property at the corner of Broad Street and Memorial Boulevard, adjacent
to their current facility at 603 S. Memorial Boulevard.
Summary: The Salvation Army recently announced plans to redevelop
property at the corner of Broad Street and Memorial Boulevard, adjacent to their
existing facility. Representatives from The Salvation Army will be attending
Council’s meeting to provide a brief update on this project.
Attachment: None
Recommendation: No action needed – presented for information purposes.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 11, 2018
Item No: 3.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear an update on the local public bus system, PART.
Summary: Staff will provide an update on the operation of PART (Piedmont Area
Regional Transit). Information will be presented regarding ridership and routes.
Attachments: None. Information will be presented at the meeting.
Recommendations: No action needed – presented for information purposes.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 11, 2018
Item No: 4.
Department: Public Works/Telecommunications
Issue: Hear an update from the Public Works and Telecommunications
Departments regarding various projects and operations.
Summary: Chris Morris, Public Works Director, and Mike Scaffidi,
Telecommunications Director will present brief updates on projects and activities
within their respective departments.
Attachments: None. Information will be presented at the meeting.
Recommendations: This is for informational purposes only. No action is
required of Council
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 11, 2018
Item No: 5.
Department: Fire & EMS
Issue: Consider adoption of a resolution to approve the updated City of
Martinsville Emergency Operations Plan.
Summary: The City of Martinsville Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) directs actions
intended to preserve life and protect property from further destruction in the event of an
emergency. The document establishes an emergency organization to direct and control
operations during the emergency situation by assigning responsibilities to specific
entities. Due to the nature of constant change, regarding the needs, threats and
response capabilities of the community, it is necessary for the EOP to be considered a
living document and regularly updated.
The Virginia Emergency Services and Disaster Law as amended in 2008 requires the
plan to be reviewed and formally adopted by City Council every four years. Such review
shall be certified in writing to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
The updated Emergency Operations Plan will be made available on the City’s website,
under the Fire Department.
Attachments: Resolution
Recommendations: Motion to adopt the resolution.
RESOLUTION
ADOPTING UPDATED EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
FOR THE CITY OF MARTINSVILLE
WHEREAS, there exist dangers of many types, including man-made disasters,
natural disasters, and possible hostile actions of an unknown enemy; and
WHEREAS, the safety and protection of the citizens and property is of foremost
concern to the City Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, City Council desires and the Commonwealth of Virginia statutes
require the adoption of appropriate planned protective measures and
WHEREAS, by Resolution adopted on September 28, 2010, City Council adopted
the current City of Martinsville Basic Emergency Operations Plan and now it has
become necessary to update said plan; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, in regular
session assembled September 11, 2018, that said Council does hereby adopt the
updated City of Martinsville Basic Emergency Operations Plan.
*******
Gene Teague
Mayor
55 West Church Street, P. O. Box 1112, Martinsville, VA 24114-1112 276-403-5180 Fax: 276-403-5280
www.martinsville-va.gov
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