City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · September 25, 2018
Minutes
September 25, 2018 Council Meeting
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on
September 25, 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, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, City Attorney Eric Monday, Clerk of Council
Karen Roberts, Deputy Police Chief Rob Fincher, Community Planner Susan McCulloch,
Sheriff Steve Draper, Major Laura Hopkins, and Finance Director Linda Conover.
Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Vice Mayor Martin, Teague
welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Council Member Kathy Lawson made a motion to recommend the Circuit Court to
reappoint Page Brockenbrough to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a term ending September
26, 2023; Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in
favor.
Hear an overview of the September 24, 2018 Druid Hills/Uptown Neighborhood Tour
and Meeting – City Manager Towarnicki summarized the neighborhood tour route and the
properties and areas of concern that were visited by Council Members. Towarnicki detailed
several resident concerns expressed during the neighborhood meeting. Those concerns were
forwarded to the appropriate City departments for follow up.
Consider adoption of a memorial resolution for Rev. Dr. David Adkins – Mayor Teague
said the Rev. Adkins was committed to the betterment of the community. City Attorney
Monday shared fond memories of Rev. Adkins and said Adkins was a man easily admired.
Monday read the resolution which was presented to his widow on behalf of City Council. Vice
Mayor Martin said that Adkins had a quiet, sweet spirit and it was an honor to work with him.
September 25, 2018 Council Meeting
Consider presentation of a proclamation recognizing October, 2018 as Domestic
Violence Awareness Month – Vice Mayor Martin read the proclamation which was presented to
Warren Rodgers, Executive Director of the Southside Survivor Response Center. Rodgers
thanked Council and appreciates the support of the Community. Rodgers explained the
organization accepts volunteers and donations, they involve interns from local colleges.
Conduct 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 summarized the need for the public hearing. The Planning Commission has
voted and recommends Council allow the provision to remain regarding waiver of membership
requirements. Mayor Teague opened the public hearing. No one approached the podium so
the hearing was closed. Council Member Lawson made a motion to approve the ordinance on
first reading with the amendment as presented; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with
the following roll call vote: Council Member Lawson, aye; Mayor Teague, aye; Vice Mayor
Martin, aye; Council Member Woods, aye; and Council Member Bowles, aye.
September 25, 2018 Council Meeting
Hear information from Pamela Carter-Taylor, Coordinator of Advanced Manufacturing
at New College Institute regarding an upcoming Employability Workshop to be held at NCI on
September 27, 2018 – Carter-Taylor provided a PowerPoint and detailed information regarding
the upcoming Employability Workshop including courses and assessments, organization, path
models, etc. Currently, there are 35 students involved but several local industries are looking
to offer the courses to employees. 1,000 seats are split between NCI and two other higher-
education locations in the area, NCI has 250 seats available. They are looking at expending
the program into other languages and other areas of training. Students can sign out a laptop
on NCI premises if they do not have access to a computer or internet at home.
September 25, 2018 Council Meeting
September 25, 2018 Council Meeting
September 25, 2018 Council Meeting
September 25, 2018 Council Meeting
Hear an update from the Sheriff’s Department on the City jail – City Manager
Towarnicki said he’s talked daily to the Sheriff’s Department about issues at the jail,
specifically overcrowding in the jail which causes almost daily transport to other facilities. The
impact to the budget can be substantial over time. Sheriff Steve Draper gave Council a brief
overview about the building, which was originally built to house 36 male inmates. There is a
co-ed medium security facility on the property that will house 48 male and female inmates.
The City Farm is a minimum-security facility and can house 44 males. There is a daily
September 25, 2018 Council Meeting
average of 142 inmates with an average of 20-30 being housed at other localities on a regular
basis. Major Laura Hopkins explained a 12% increase since FY2015. The Sheriff’s Department
paid out $20,475 to house 19 inmates at a different facility in August 2018. Towarnicki
explained that the Sheriff’s Department budget is typically underspent each year. If this over
population continues to be a trend then any savings related to the budget underspending will
be used up pretty quickly. The budget is very tight; the cost to cover this expense could
become a fund balance issue.
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 – Ural Harris, 217 Stuart Street expressed concern about the
City’s credibility and how the County residents will have any faith in the City’s transparency
with the ongoing issues related to the medical school. Before the City gets into a reversion
discussion, the medical school concerns should be resolved.
September 25, 2018 Council Meeting
Comments by Members of City Council – Council Member Bowles shared details about
Community Resource Day on Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm and invited the public. OctoberFest
is October 6 11:00am-5:00pm. Bowles shared that Lunch with a Cop today was successful
and thanked the Police Department for being available. A resident expressed concern to
Bowles regarding clogged drains in the City and asked if it is possible to install netting to
reduce the amount of trash and debris that washes into the drain. Towarnicki explained that
applying netting to the drains would only complicate the drainage concern. Bowles asked
Towarnicki to investigate what other communities are doing related to netting storm drains.
Vice Mayor Martin thanked residents for attending the Neighborhood meeting last night.
Council Member Woods was able to attend the neighborhood watch meeting and was
overwhelmed at the number of people who attended. Woods said seeing the job that the Police
Department is doing to reach out to the community was amazing. Citizens can ride-along with
an officer if they are willing to sign a waiver so they can see the work they do. Council
Member Lawson shared that October 6 is Hazardous Waste Day. October 16 from 9:00am-
1:00pm will be a pesticide collection day at Southern States and the Martinsville Race is
Saturday. Mayor Teague said there would be visitors to the community for the race this
weekend and asked residents to represent the community and welcome those visitors
Comments by City Manager – Towarnicki summarized the citizen survey handled by the
Police Department in the local communities. Officers has collected over 1,200 responses with
a few days left to accept those. The officers are going door-to-door with the surveys. The City
and County are accepting nominations for the Outstanding Veteran Award; nomination forms
can be accessed through the City’s website and will be accepted in the City Manager’s office
through October 12. The Outstanding Veteran Award will be given at the Veteran’s Day
assembly.
City Attorney Monday encouraged citizens to vote for the annual Partners in
Preservation. Out of fifteen projects, two are in our immediate area – one in Danville and one
in Greensboro. Google VOTE MY MAIN STREET for details.
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 9:00 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, September 25, 2018
7:30—Regular Session
Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Vice Mayor Martin
1. Hear an overview of the September 24, 2018 Druid Hills/Uptown Neighborhood Tour
and Meeting (10 mins.)
2. Consider adoption of a memorial resolution for Rev. David Adkins (5 mins.)
3. Consider presentation of a proclamation recognizing October, 2018 as Domestic
Violence Awareness Month (5 mins.)
4. Conduct 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. (10 mins.)
5. Hear information from Pamela Carter-Taylor, Coordinator of Advanced Manufacturing
at New College Institute regarding an upcoming Employability Workshop to be held at
NCI on September 27, 2018 (15 mins.)
6. Hear an update from the Sheriff’s Department on the City jail (15 mins.)
7. Consider approval of consent agenda. (2 mins.)
8. 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.
9. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes)
10. Comments by City Manager. (5 minutes)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 25, 2018
Item No: 1.
Department: City Council
Issue: Hear an overview of the September 24, 2018 Druid Hills/Uptown
neighborhood tour and meeting.
Summary: A recap of the neighborhood tour and the Druid Hills/Uptown
neighborhood community meeting held at Patrick Henry Elementary School on
Monday, September 24th will be given.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: This item is being presented for public information
purposes – no action needed by Council.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 25, 2018
Item No: 2.
Department: City Attorney
Issue: Consider adoption of a memorial resolution for Rev. David Adkins
Summary: Rev. David Adkins, pastor of Starling Avenue Baptist for 38
years, passed away September 14, 2018. His wife, Diane Adkins will be present.
Attachments: Resolution
Recommended Action: Adopt resolution on voice vote.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF THE REV. DR. DAVID W. ADKINS
WHEREAS the Rev. Dr. David W. Adkins passed from this life on September 14, 2018, having
served for thirty-eight years as pastor of Martinsville’s Starling Avenue Baptist Church.
Throughout his ministry, he was active in the Henry County Baptist Association, the Baptist
General Association of Virginia, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship; and
WHEREAS Dr. Adkins was a genuine intellectual, delivering inspiring sermons rooted in Christ’s
Gospel, with frequent reference to humanity’s cultural achievements. He participated in
seminars throughout the nation, bringing the perspective of a deeply committed person of faith to
academic discussions on a diverse range of topics; and
WHEREAS Dr. Adkins always worked to connect people across lines of division, and conceived
of his ministry as ecumenical and one of service to the entire community. He was very active in
the Martinsville Henry County Ministerial Association, and served as a volunteer chaplain at
Memorial Hospital throughout his career. He co-founded Habitat for Humanity of Martinsville
and Henry County, was instrumental in founding the Open Arms Sunday School class, and was
one of the first participants in the dialogues sponsored by the Interfaith Council; and
WHEREAS Martinsville and Henry County was well-served by the life of Dr. Adkins, far beyond
the walls of his church, by good words and works which issued forth from a truly devoted
Christian living a life a grace, dignity, love, and charity;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the City of Martinsville gives thanks for the
extraordinary life of the Rev. Dr. David W. Adkins and extends its sincere condolences to his
family upon his passing, The Council further commends the citizens of Martinsville to celebrate
Dr. Adkins’ many contributions to make our region a better place, living his life in both the
Word and the footsteps of God, and being a daily embodiment of the passage in the Book of
James, Chapter 2 that “a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.”
Given under my hand this 25th day of September, 2018.
M. GENE TEAGUE
MAYOR OF THE CITY
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 25, 2018
Item No: 3.
Department: City Council
Issue: Consider presentation of a proclamation recognizing October,
2018 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Summary: A representative from Southside Survivors Response Center will
be present to accept the proclamation.
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendations: Read and present proclamation
PROCLAMATION
MONTH OF OCTOBER AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, domestic violence is a critical issue that is distressing the citizens of
Martinsville on a daily basis. Domestic violence is not confined to any group of
people but occurs across all socioeconomic and racial boundaries; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence violates an individual’s privacy, dignity, security, and
humanity, due to systematic use of physical, emotional, psychological, and
economic abuse; and
WHEREAS, one out of three American women and one out of four men will
experience domestic violence at some point in their life; and
WHEREAS, children from violent homes are more likely to be involved in violent
criminal activity in the future than their non-abused peers; and
WHEREAS, the recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month,
enables survivors to share their stories of triumph over adversity. Southside
Survivor Response Center, Inc. will provide presentations, awareness activities and
trainings in the community throughout the month of October. On October 4, 2018
Southside Survivor Response Center, Inc. will host the first annual Empty Place at
The Table Gala. On October 6, they will host a special outreach booth at
Oktoberfest, and October 25 will host “What’s Between the Pages”; a book signing
event with survivors and authors Vivian Page, and Audrena Hamlin.
NOW, THEREFORE, in recognition of the important work done by Southside
Survivor Response Center, Inc. and for the empowerment of domestic violence
survivors everywhere, I, Gene Teague, Mayor, hereby proclaim the month of
October, 2018 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Martinsville.
____________________________________
Gene Teague, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 25, 2018
Item No: 4.
Department: Community Development
Issue: Conduct 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.
Summary: According to the City of Martinsville’s Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 21,
Paragraph G, “ARB Membership and Organization”, item #3 “Membership and Terms of
ARB” the Architectural Review Board is allowed seven (7) members that are City
residents, with one residency exception which is a licensed architect. The Board has never
reached its full membership, nor has a licensed architect been a member.
On May 17, 2018, Planning Commission discussed the membership requirement and
developed recommendations for a Zoning Text Amendment representing 3 changes to the
current language – (1) reducing membership on the ARB from 7 to 5 members; (2)
including language that will allow members to serve 3 consecutive terms on the ARB, a
provision allowing reappointment for a 4th term if a vacancy occurs and no one qualified
applies, and a provision allowing a member to serve the remainder of a term if the member
moves from the City, subject to Council approval; and (3) removal of the provision allowing
a waiver of the membership requirements.
After conducting a duly advertised public hearing on June 5, 2018, Planning Commission
unanimously approved the proposed Zoning Text Amendment and voted to send it to City
Council for its consideration. At Council’s August 28th meeting, a public hearing was set
for the September 25th meeting.
Attachments: Draft Ordinance 2018 Z-4, Proposed Zoning Text Amendment, Historic
Preservation Overlay (HP-O), Chapter 21; Letter from Planning Commission.
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing on the proposed Zoning Ordinance Text
Amendment as recommended by the Planning Commission and consider approval (roll call
vote) on first reading of Ordinance 2018 Z-4 subject to modifications resulting from the
public hearing. After hearing concerns expressed by Council at the August 28th meeting,
staff recommends allowing the provision to remain regarding waiver of membership
requirements.
ORDINANCE 2018-Z-4
Zoning, Architectural Review Board Membership
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, in regular session
held on September 25, 2018 that Chapter 21, HP-O Historic Preservation Overlay District,
Paragraph G “ARB Membership and Organization”, Item 3 “Membership and Terms of ARB, of
the Zoning Ordinance, be amended as follows:
a. The Architectural Review Board shall consist of seven (7) five (5) citizens, all of whom shall be
residents of the City of Martinsville, except that one member may be a licensed architect or
landscape architect who is not a resident of the City.
The members shall be appointed by the City Council and serve without compensation.
b. The Architectural Review Board members shall serve a term of three (3) years, except that
original appointments shall be made such that terms expire on a staggered basis.
A member of the Board may serve three (3) consecutive terms. City Council may reappoint the
board member for a fourth term if no one qualified has applied. If a Board member moves
from the City during his/her term of appointment, he/she may continue to serve as a member
with approval of the City Council.
c. At the first meeting of the Architectural Review Board, the members, by majority vote, shall elect
one member to serve as chairman. Thereafter, a chairman shall be elected to a two year term at
the first meeting to be held on or after July 1, in such year. Similarly, the members shall elect a
vice-chairman and secretary who will also serve for a term of two years. The secretary may or
may not be a member of the board.
d. Appointments to the Architectural Review Board to fill vacancies shall be only for the unexpired
term of the departing member.
e. Members of the Architectural Review Board may be reappointed to succeed themselves. A
member whose term expires may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
f. A waiver of the membership constituency of the ARB may be provided in the event that the City
Council cannot fulfill the membership requirements as outlined hereinabove.
f. The Architectural Review Board shall adopt rules of procedure and keep written minutes of its
meetings.
******
Attest:
________________________________
Karen D. Roberts, Clerk of Council
____________________ ___________________
Date Adopted Date Effective
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 25, 2018
Item No: 5.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear information from Pamela Carter-Taylor, Coordinator of
Advanced Manufacturing at New College Institute regarding an upcoming
Employability Workshop to be held at NCI on September 27, 2018.
Summary: Ms. Carter-Taylor will attend Council’s meeting on September 25th
to provide additional information regarding the workshop to be held at NCI
Attachments: NCI flyers
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action
needed.
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City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 25, 2018
Item No: 6.
Department: Sheriff’s Department
Issue: Hear an update from the Sheriff’s Department on City jail
operations.
Summary: The Sheriff’s Department will present information on issues related
to the jail operation regarding population, the need to transport and house
inmates elsewhere, and potential impact to the budget.
Attachments: None. Additional information will be presented at the
meeting.
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action
needed.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 25, 2018
Item No: 7.
Department: Finance
Issue: Consent Agenda
Summary:
The attachment amends the FY19 Budget with appropriations in the
following funds:
FY19
General Fund: $ 2,096 – Reimbursements
Capital Fund: $ 8,500 – Sales Proceeds
Attachments:
Consent Agenda 9-25-18
Recommendations: Approve
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 9/25/18
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
FY19
BUDGET ADDITIONS
General Fund:
01102925 436142 Non-categorical Federal - US Marshals OT Grant 1,586
01311085 501200 Police Dept - Overtime 1,586
Reimbursement
01100909 490104 Advance/Recovered Cost 510
01321102 505230 Fire Dept - Telecommunications 510
Reimbursement
Total General Fund: 2,096 2,096
Capital Reserve Fund:
16100905 416209 Sale of Surplus Equipment 8,500
16572362 508110 Tools/Equipment - Street Maintenance 8,500
Sales Proceeds
Total Capital Reserve Fund: 8,500 8,500
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