City Council

AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA Council Chambers – Municipal Building 6:00 pm Presentation 7:30 pm Regular Session Tuesday, May 28, 2019 6:00 pm -- Presentation A. Hear a presentation by City Attorney, Eric Monday titled “How Martinsville and Henry County Became an Industry Powerhouse.” This will be a repeat of the presentation given at New College on April 17, 2019. 7:30—Regular Session Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Council Member Woods 1. Consider approval of minutes of March 26, 2019 and April 9, 2019 Council Meetings. (2 mins) 2. Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the period April 1-June 30, 2019. (10 mins) 3. Consider presentation of a proclamation recognizing June 2 - 8, 2019 as “RELAY FOR LIFE DAYS” in Martinsville & Henry County. (5 mins) 4. Consider setting a public hearing for Council’s June 11, 2019 meeting for the purpose of receiving names of citizens interested in appointments for one unexpired 3-year term ending June 30, 2021, and one full 3-year term ending June 30, 2022, on the Martinsville City School Board. (5 mins) 5. Consider adoption of a joint Resolution with Henry County requesting the Commonwealth Transportation Board and Virginia Department of Transportation to consider action to relocate a potential route for Interstate 73 to the western side of U.S. Route 220 and to the western side of the City of Martinsville. (5 mins) 6. Hear information from Building Inspections regarding demolition of structures within the City. (15 mins) 7. 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. 8. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes) 9. Comments by City Manager and City Attorney. (5 minutes)  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: May 28, 2019 Item No: 1. Department: Clerk of Council Issue: Consider approval of minutes Summary: None Attachments: March 26, 2019 Council Meeting minutes April 9, 2019 Council Meeting minutes Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented. March 26, 2019 Council Meeting The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on March 26, 2019 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Kathy Lawson presiding. Other Council Members present included Jennifer Bowles, Chad Martin, Jim Woods and Danny Turner. Staff present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, City Attorney Eric Monday, Assistant City Manager Wayne Knox, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Deputy Police Chief Rob Fincher, Finance Director Linda Conover and Commissioner of Revenue Ruth Easley. Mayor Lawson called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Council Member Woods, Lawson welcomed everyone to the meeting. Hear an overview of the March 25, 2019 Northside and Chatham Heights neighborhood tour and meeting – City Manager Towarnicki summarized the Neighborhood tour, referencing the locations visited and concerns discussed by Council Members. The Neighborhood meeting at McCabe Church was well attended. Towarnicki shared information presented by Property Maintenance and the Police Department as well as residential concerns expressed at the meeting. Consider presentation of a proclamation recognizing and thanking Mr. Lawrence E. Mitchell, Jr. for his work regarding local African-American cemeteries – Council Member Turner read the proclamation, which was presented, to Mr. Mitchell. Turner shared a story about how Mr. Mitchell spearheaded the cleanup of the People’s Cemetery. Mr. Mitchell thanked Council for the recognition specifically Council Member Bowles, Council Member Turner and City Attorney Monday for their assistance. Mitchell explained that numerous African-American cemeteries are disappearing as properties are sold. Unfortunately, it takes approximately $5,000 to move a grave so some property owners will simply remove the headstones. Mayor Lawson thanked Mitchell for his time and effort and explained that he has done a great service for the City. March 26, 2019 Council Meeting Read and present a proclamation acknowledging April 2, 2019 as National Service Recognition Day – Council Member Bowles read the proclamation, which was presented, to Dana Silicki, AmeriCorps Program Coordinator. Silicki thanked Council for the recognition. March 26, 2019 Council Meeting Read and present a proclamation recognizing the week of April 7 – 13, 2019 as National Library Week – Council Member Woods read the proclamation which was presented to Mr. Kirby, representative of the Blue Ridge Regional Library. Woods stated that it is easy to explore the world when you have a library card. Kirby said the library provides an extraordinary multimedia venue for Martinsville, Henry and Patrick County. Kirby invited everyone to visit their local library and thanked Council for the recognition. Read and present a proclamation recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month – Vice Mayor Martin shared that on average, there are six reports weekly in Martinsville where women seek medical attention after a sexual assault. Martin read the proclamation, which was presented, to Mary Jones of the Southside Survivor’s Response Center. Jones thanked Council as she accepted the proclamation on behalf of Warren Rogers. Jones explained that sexual assault is very prevalent in Martinsville and asked that residents report assaults so that those perpetrators can be taken off the street. Jones invited Council to an upcoming event where survivors will share their stories. March 26, 2019 Council Meeting Consider adoption of a resolution recognizing April as Fair Housing Month and expressing the City’s pledge to provide equal housing opportunities for all citizens – Community Development Director Wayne Knox explained that there are representatives from the State Fair Housing department that visit Martinsville regularly to assist residents. Knox read the resolution. Council Member Bowles made a motion to adopt the resolution as presented. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all Council members voting in favor. March 26, 2019 Council Meeting Consider approval of a resolution authorizing the preparation and filing of an application for community improvement grant funds through the Virginia Community Development Block Grant program – Community Development Director Wayne Knox explained the need for the resolution and detailed how the money would be invested. Mayor Lawson confirmed that both public hearings had been held as is required. 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. Council Member Turner expressed his desire to serve on the committee. March 26, 2019 Council Meeting Consider adoption on first reading, Ordinance 2019-3 amending Section 21-109 of Article IX, “Cigarette Tax” of the Martinsville City Code to establish a time limit under which a refund may be issued for unused cigarette tax stamps – Commissioner of Revenue Ruth Easley March 26, 2019 Council Meeting explained that when the cigarette ordinance was adopted years ago, not a lot of thought was put into cigarette stamp refunds after a period of time. Only one other locality in Virginia has amended the ordinance related to a deadline for an unused stamp refund. This adoption would also affect the stamps that are on cigarette packs that are cycled out or destroyed after the cigarettes get old. Council Member Bowles made a motion to approve Ordinance 2019-3 as presented. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with the following roll call vote: Council Member Bowles, aye; Council Member Turner, aye; Mayor Lawson, aye; Council Member Woods, aye; and Vice Mayor Martin, aye. Consider adoption on first reading, Ordinance 2019-4 amending Chapter 21 “Taxation” of the Martinsville City Code by adding new Section 21-13 to provide for an abatement of tax levies on buildings that are razed, destroyed or damaged by a fortuitous happening beyond the control of the owner – Commissioner of Revenue Ruth Easley explained that this amendment is simply a housekeeping step for a procedure followed by the City in previous years which is an abatement of the tax levy. Council Member Bowles made a motion to approve Ordinance 2019-4 as presented. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with the following roll call vote: Mayor Lawson, aye; Council Member Woods, aye; Vice Mayor Martin, aye; Council Member Bowles, aye; and Council Member Turner, aye. March 26, 2019 Council Meeting Consider authorizing staff to certify a Creative Communities Partnership Grant application to be filed by Piedmont Arts Association – City Manager Towarnicki explained that the City approves money to match the grant awarded to Piedmont Arts Association. Council Member Bowles made a motion to authorize the City Manager to certify the application. Council Member Turner seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. March 26, 2019 Council Meeting Consider approval of consent agenda – Council Member Bowles made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented; Council Member Woods seconded the motion with all members voting in favor. March 26, 2019 Council Meeting Consider approval of changes to the Constitution of the Martinsville Volunteer Fire and EMS Company – Page Brockenbrough and Randall Hundley were in attendance to answer questions. Brockenbrough explained that the request for changes is mostly a housekeeping step. Council Member Bowles made a motion to approve the changes as requested; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. March 26, 2019 Council Meeting March 26, 2019 Council Meeting March 26, 2019 Council Meeting Business from the Floor – Patrick H. Wright asked if there could be one cell phone company to service the community as a whole instead of having multiple companies. Vice Mayor Martin mentioned a local company that could repair all phones regardless of cell carrier. Comments by Members of City Council – Council Member Turner shared that an announcement was made that Martinsville Speedway will have a night race in May 2020. Turner thanked NASCAR and the Wood Brothers for allowing him and Mayor Lawson to present a proclamation for Glenn Wood. Vice Mayor Martin paid condolences to Fire Chief Anderson in March 26, 2019 Council Meeting the loss of his father. Council Member Bowles acknowledged the Salvation Army’s ribbon cutting for the new store on April 11. Bowles thanked Council Members who were able to attend the Mission Possible meeting and thanked the City for allowing her to serve City employees at the Employee luncheon. Parents interested in enrolling children in summer camp should contact the Collinsville YMCA. Bowles wished her niece and nephew a happy birthday. Mayor Lawson shared that the presentation at the Wood Brother’s museum was well attended and organized and the Wood Family was very appreciative. Lawson thanked Brenda Souther who will be retiring after 39 years of service to the City. Lawson shared that April 6 would be Hazardous Waste Day and wished her husband Ralph a happy 31st wedding anniversary. Comments by City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki explained that the budget would be presented at the next Council meeting on April 9. Council agreed to dates for three work sessions to discuss the proposed budget. There being no further business, Council Member Bowles made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Turner with all Council Members voting in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:45pm. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Karen Roberts Kathy Lawson Clerk of Council Mayor April 9, 2019 Council Meeting The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on April 9, 2019 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Kathy Lawson presiding. Other Council Members present included Jennifer Bowles, Chad Martin, Jim Woods and Danny Turner. 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, Utilities Director Durwin Joyce and Police Chief Eddie Cassady. Mayor Lawson 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 Turner, seconded by Council Member Bowles with the following -0 recorded vote: Mayor Lawson, aye; Council Member Woods, aye; Council Member Bowles, aye; and Council Member Turner, aye. Vice Mayor Martin joined Closed Session later. 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. Mayor Lawson explained that no action was taken out of Closed Session on either item. A motion was made by Council Member Bowles; seconded by Vice Mayor Martin, with the following 5-0 recorded vote in favor to return to Open Session: Vice Mayor Martin, aye; Council Member Bowles, aye; Mayor Lawson, aye; Council Member Woods, aye; and Council Member Turner, aye. Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Mayor Lawson, Lawson welcomed everyone to the meeting. Read and present a proclamation acknowledging April 8 – 12, 2019 as National Boys and Girls Club Week – Council Member Woods read the proclamation and presented it to a representative in attendance. The representatives shared some of the special events that were happening this week on behalf of the National Boys and Girls Club Week. April 9, 2019 Council Meeting Read and present a proclamation recognizing student members of the Martinsville/Henry County National Society of Black Engineers – Council Member Bowles read the proclamation and presented it to the NSBE members in attendance. Helen Howell thanked Council and said they are excited for the NSBE student accomplishments and thanked New Heights Foundation for their support. The organization continues to grow, with the team traveling to Texas next year. April 9, 2019 Council Meeting Read and present a proclamation recognizing April 18, 2019 as National Lineman Appreciation Day – Vice Mayor Martin read the proclamation, which was presented, to the City Electric Department lineman in attendance. Utilities Director Durwin Joyce thanked Council for the recognition, stating that the City Electric department had a good group of employees who are always willing to answer calls at all hours. April 9, 2019 Council Meeting Consider a request by the Virginia Municipal League to submit nominations for membership on the VML 2019 Policy Committees – Council Members discussed and agreed on the following nominations: Community and Economic Development would be Chad Martin, Environmental Quality would be Eric Monday, Finance would be Leon Towarnicki, General Laws would be Jim Woods, Human Development and Education would be Jennifer Bowles, and Transportation would be Kathy Lawson. Council Member Bowles made a motion to submit those nominations. Council Member Woods seconded the nominations with all Council members voting in favor. April 9, 2019 Council Meeting Hear a presentation of the Martinsville/Henry County Rivers and Trails Recreational Use Plan – Community Development Wayne Knox introduced Brian Williams of the Dan River Basin Association, explaining how important and vital his role in the community has been. April 9, 2019 Council Meeting Williams provided an overview of the Rivers and Trails plan, stating that these plans are in place to benefit future generations. These outdoor activities promote a healthy lifestyle for the community. Williams anticipates the trail to the Sports Complex be completed by the summer and the repairs of the damaged culvert could be completed by the end of the year. Mayor Lawson thanked DRBA and Gateway for working together on projects and for a successful Community Hazardous Waste Day. Council Member Woods made a motion to endorse the DRBA project; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. Consider approval of consent agenda – Council Member Turner made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with four Council Members voting in favor. Council Member Bowles stepped out of the room prior to the vote. Hear a presentation of the proposed FY20 City budget – City Manager Towarnicki presented a PowerPoint of FY19 Budget highlights, objectives, budget challenges and capital requests, revenue analysis, general fund balances with transfers and expense analysis. Towarnicki said a lot of work has gone into this budget and most requests made by departments were very reasonable. He thanked Finance Director Linda Conover and other Finance department employees for their assistance. Council Member Bowles made a motion to set the public hearing for the budget for April 23, 2019; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all council members voting in favor. Business from the Floor – none Comments by Members of City Council – Council Member Turner supports the University of Virginia and suggested a letter of congratulations be sent from the Mayor and Council Members. Vice Mayor Martin requested that City Manager Towarnicki be the one to write the letter. Council Member Bowles thanked the Fire Department and Red Cross for installing fire alarms in her home. She commended the inspections department for responding quickly to her call. She thanked bulk trash and said we have a group of dedicated staff. The follow up meeting to The Mission Possible through New Heights Foundation is April 18. Bowles asked if the City is still working to take down trees in the City; Towarnicki confirmed they are working through a list. Bowles asked if there was an update on the IPads on the City refuse trucks. Towarnicki explained that the pilot program was successful; unfortunately, the employee trained through the pilot program has retired so other drivers are currently being trained. Bowles thanked Public Works for their fast response. Council Member Woods attended the Barber Shop talk last Wednesday along with almost 60 other men including ministers and leaders in the community. Woods thanked Martin for organizing the meeting and he feels dialog between people is beneficial. Dr. and Mrs. King have donated The BlackBox Theater building to Theater Works. Theater Works has announced their 2019-20 season; Woods encourages resident to get involved with events like the Barber Shop talk as well as theatrical productions. Mayor Lawson also April 9, 2019 Council Meeting commented on how quickly the City Staff responds to concerns; she said we have outstanding employees. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and encourages residents to visit the Field of Flags at Roselawn. Comments by City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki reminded Council of the work sessions and the upcoming Southside Neighborhood meeting. 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 9:10pm. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Karen Roberts Kathy Lawson Clerk of Council Mayor  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: May 28, 2019 Item No: 2. Department: Human Resources Issue: Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the period April 1 – June 30, 2019. Summary: The Service Award Program is designed to build individual morale and show appreciation to the long-service employee for their faithful service to the City of Martinsville. SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS FOURTH QUARTER - FISCAL YEAR 18-19 FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1 – JUNE 30, 2019 Years of Name Department Service JOEL MEEKS ELECTRIC DEPT 5 JOSEPH WLODARCZYK PUBLIC WORKS 5 JOAN JOYCE TREASURER 10 TERRY MARTIN ELECTRIC DEPT 10 JASON BIGGS PUBLIC WORKS 15 JAMES LOVELL POLICE DEPT 20 CYNTHIA DICKERSON TREASURER 25 EDDIE FLOOD PUBLIC WORKS 40 Attachment: None Recommendation: The Mayor will read the list.  City Council Agenda Summary Date: May 28, 2019 Item No: 3. Department: City Council Issue: Consider presentation of a proclamation recognizing June 2 - 8, 2019 as “RELAY FOR LIFE DAYS” in Martinsville & Henry County. Summary: Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Relay is staffed and coordinated by volunteers in thousands of communities and 27 countries. Volunteers give of their time and effort because they believe it is time to take action against cancer. Relay is a team fundraising event where team members take turns walking around a track or designated path. Each event is typically 6 – 24 hours in length and each Relay team is asked to have a member on the track at all times to signify that cancer never sleeps. Cancer patients do not stop because they are tired and for one night, Relay team members don’t stop either. This year’s Relay For Life event will be at Bassett High School on Friday, June 7th. Attachments: Joint Martinsville and Henry County Proclamation Recommendations: Read and present the proclamation.  JOINT PROCLAMATION OF THE HENRY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MARTINSVILLE CITY COUNCIL WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event to save lives from cancer. Relay For Life brings together 3.5 million participants worldwide to help attack cancer from every angle; and WHEREAS, the Relay For Life of Martinsville & Henry County stands shoulder to shoulder with cancer patients and those supporting them to help beat our biggest rival and fight cancer on every front; and WHEREAS, funds raised help the American Cancer Society attack cancer in dozens of ways, each of them critical to achieving a world without cancer – from developing breakthrough therapies to building supportive communities, from providing empowering resources to deploying activities to raise awareness; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, on this 28th day of May 2019 that the Henry County Board of Supervisors and Martinsville City Council establish June 2–8, 2019 as “RELAY FOR LIFE DAYS” in Martinsville & Henry County and encourage citizens to let their passion inspire them to join the Relay For Life movement by starting a fundraising team, making a donation, or volunteering with the Relay For Life event at Bassett High School on June 7. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Jim Adams, Chairman Kathy Lawson, Mayor Henry County Board of Supervisors City of Martinsville  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: May 28, 2019 Item No: 4. Department: City Manager Issue: Consider setting a public hearing for Council’s June 11, 2019 meeting for the purpose of receiving names of citizens interested in appointments for one unexpired 3-year term ending June 30, 2021, and one full 3-year term ending June 30, 2022, on the Martinsville City School Board. Summary: Only those citizens whose names are brought up during the Public Hearing can be considered for appointment, and appointments cannot be made until seven days after the Public Hearing. Citizens may appear in person, stating their name, address, and interest in the position; or their name, address, and interest may be offered by another individual. Council typically conducts interviews with candidates after this meeting, with the appointments to be announced at Council’s second meeting in June. Attachments: Martinsville School Board current listing. Recommendations: Set the Public Hearing for June 11, 2019 and consider scheduling interviews before and/or after Council’s June 25 meeting.  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: May 28, 2019 Item No: 5. Department: City Manager Issue: Consider adoption of a joint Resolution with Henry County requesting the Commonwealth Transportation Board and Virginia Department of Transportation to consider action to relocate a potential route for Interstate 73 to the western side of U.S. Route 220 and to the western side of the City of Martinsville. Summary: The Army Corps of Engineers has indicated it is highly unlikely that it would provide the needed permits for an I-73 route east of U.S. Route 220 and east of the City of Martinsville, based on the number of stream crossings and other environmental concerns. A route west of the City of Martinsville, working in concert with the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Martinsville Southern Connector initiative, could potentially be more likely for permitting and ultimately construction of Interstate 73 within Henry County. The Henry County Board of Supervisors will also be considering adoption of this Resolution at their May 28th meeting Attachment: Resolution Recommendation: Adopt Joint Resolution  JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE HENRY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MARTINSVILLE CITY COUNCIL WHEREAS, Interstate 73 would be a primary growth engine for the Henry County and Martinsville economy, promoting employment, capital investment, travel, tourism, recreation and other economic development avenues; and WHEREAS, the location of I-73 through Henry County is vital to our area’s business and economic future, and has been a primary point of discussion for many years; and WHEREAS, the Army Corps of Engineers has indicated it is highly unlikely that it would provide the needed permits for a route east of U.S. Route 220 and east of the City of Martinsville, based on the number of stream crossings and other environmental concerns; and WHEREAS, a route west of the City of Martinsville, working in concert with the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Martinsville Southern Connector initiative, could potentially be more likely for permitting and ultimately construction of Interstate 73 within Henry County: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT JOINTLY RESOLVED, on this 28th day of May 2019, that the Henry County Board of Supervisors and Martinsville City Council hereby request the Commonwealth Transportation Board and the Department of Transportation consider action to relocate a potential route for Interstate 73 to the western side of U.S. Route 220 and to the western side of the City of Martinsville. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Jim Adams, Chairman Kathy Lawson, Mayor Henry County Board of Supervisors City of Martinsville  City Council Agenda Summary Date: May 28, 2019 Item No: 6. Department: Building Inspections Issue: Hear information from Building Inspections regarding demolition of structures within the City. Summary: Kris Bridges, City Building & Zoning Official will present an update on progress being made regarding demolition of various structures throughout the City. Attachments: None. Additional information will be presented at the meeting. Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action needed.