City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · June 25, 2019
Minutes
June 25, 2019 Council Meeting
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on June 25,
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, Assistant City Manager Wayne
Knox, City Attorney Eric Monday, Public Works Director Chris Morris, Finance Director Linda
Conover and Building Inspector Kris Bridges.
Mayor Lawson called the meeting to order and advised Council would go into Closed Session
beginning at 6:45 PM. In accordance with section 2.1-344 (A) Code of Virginia (1950, and as
amended) and upon a motion by Council Member Bowles seconded by Council Member Turner
with the following 5-0 recorded vote: Council Member Bowles, aye; Mayor Lawson, aye; Vice
Mayor Martin, aye; Council Member Turner, aye; and Council Member Woods, aye. Council
convened in Closed Session to discuss the following matters: (A) appointments to boards and
commissions, as authorized by Subsection 1, and (B) Consultation with legal counsel and
briefings by staff members, attorneys or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation,
or other specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel, as
authorized by Subsection 7. When Council returned to Chambers, Mayor Lawson explained
that the Closed Session would resume after the general session.
Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Vice Mayor Martin, Lawson
welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Recognize retiring Assistant City Manager and Director of Community Development Wayne
Knox – City Manager Towarnicki says he has worked with Knox for years and he has always
been a pleasure to work with, always a calm cool demeanor. Knox has had a big impact on the
City and the residents, including his management of several large, successful projects. Mayor
Lawson read the proclamation, which was presented by Council Members. Vice Mayor Martin
presented Knox with the Key to the City. Knox spoke briefly stating that his decision to retire
was not an easy decision. Knox thanked Council for having faith in him and it had been a
privilege to work with the City. Knox wishes he could have helped all residents but hopes that
the work he was able to do is appreciated. Council Members and City Attorney Monday reflected
on their memories with Knox and all wished him the best in his retirement.
June 25, 2019 Council Meeting
Hear an update from Lisa Watkins of the M-HC Chamber of Commerce regarding
activities related to the City/C-PED Small Business Development contract – Lisa
Watkins shared information packets with Council Members. Watkins updated Council
on the Farmer’s Market success and hours, marketing Uptown has turned from events
to economic development, and CPEG has purchased and installed multiple display
racks that will include rack cards for various local businesses. OctoberFest will be
held October 5 and they are still accepting vendors. The Uptown merchants will hold
regular meetings at different locations uptown. Mayor Lawson read a proclamation for
Restaurant Week. Watkins explained that coupons for Restaurant Week could be
picked up at the Chamber. The Incubator is 98% full but there is office space available
for new businesses. Another successful round of Start-Up Martinsville and Henry
County was just completed and separate start-up and boot camp sessions are working
out well.
Hear an update from Building and Zoning Official Kris Bridges regarding recent
concerns expressed about conditions at The Lofts on Rives Road – Building Inspector
Kris Bridges updated Council on the recent concerns expressed by tenants of The Lofts
apartments. There will be a new property manager who is currently going through
June 25, 2019 Council Meeting
training. Only ten tenants attended the apartment meeting on Monday. His office has
not received any additional complaints from other tenants. The security cameras are
not working as well as tenants would like but those are a safety option, not a
requirement. The door security code function was disabled to maintain the security of
the tenants because too many people were giving the code out to visitors. There is a
key for emergency personal to access the building. The biggest concern during
inspection was the housekeeping of the tenants, some were not using the bathroom
fan or humidifier causing condensation and moisture within the building. Those
requirements to operate the fans and humidifiers are included in the tenant lease as a
requirement to reduce the moisture within the aged building. Several windows were
deteriorated due to tenants not following lease requirements and opening blinds to
allow light inside. Twenty units are treated by pest control every month and tenants
can request additional treatments if needed. The top three concerns during inspection
were tenant related issues, not management. Tenants were given until mid-July to
clean their apartments otherwise, they will be in violation of their lease agreement.
The wellness center at this location will only be open when there is staff on site.
Inspections is working to assign watch captains at The Loft that will work closely with
the Police Department to more easily report and address concerns at this location.
Council Member Turner thanked the tenants for bringing their concerns to Council’s
attention. Council Member Bowles thanked Bridges for addressing tenant and
management concerns.
Consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Martinsville-Henry
County Chamber of Commerce’s Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG) for services
related to efforts involving small business development in the City of Martinsville for
FY20 – City Manager Towarnicki explained the need for the MOU, this being the third
year for approval. The MOU for FY20 is the same as what was approved by Council in
FY19. Council Member Bowles made the motion to approve the MOU; Council Member
Turner seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
June 25, 2019 Council Meeting
Hear an update from the Public Works Department regarding various projects and
operations – Chris Morris updated Council on various projects including the Landfill
project and cost, Commonwealth Boulevard paving and bridge repair, as well as
June 25, 2019 Council Meeting
Starling Avenue and Memorial Boulevard paving projects which will be funded by
VDOT. Morris explained other aspects of the Public Works Summer Operations
including patching and paving, pipe repair, trash collection and more. Morris asked
residents not to attach any signage to City electric poles are signs and said those will
be removed. Morris reminded residents of bulk trash and brush pickup policies.
June 25, 2019 Council Meeting
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Consider approval of consent agenda – Council Member Bowles made a motion to approve
the consent agenda as presented; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all members
voting in favor.
Business from the Floor – Wayne Knox shared that the City had applied to a Pine Hall Block
grant project for $1.25million but was not successful, however come September or October; the
City can reapply for those funds and is more likely to qualify. Johnny Spencer, Jr. of 1010 E
Street shared concerns for overgrown trees and neglected pavement on his road and about fallen
trees on the adjoining property. City Manager Towarnicki said he would get someone to check
that.
June 25, 2019 Council Meeting
Comments by Members of City Council – Council Member Woods shared events from the
prior weekend with the Mustangs game, TGIF, The Worx at the Farmers Market, and the
presentation at TheatureWorks. Woods explained there are plenty of activities and
entertainment in the area and encourages residents to take advantage of those. Council Member
Bowles stated that residents on subsidized housing can be hesitant about reporting concerns.
Council Member Turner shared that Martinsville Mustangs Council Night is on Thursday. There
will be activities for July 4 holiday and shared details about the event at the Speedway. Vice
Mayor Martin commended the Mustangs for the fireworks display. Martin introduced some of
his family members in attendance that are visiting from Florida. Mayor Lawson explained that
all City employees would have free entrance to the Mustangs game on Thursday. Lawson
thanked Mr. Knox again for his service to the City. Last Saturday, Lawson and City Manager
Towarnicki had the opportunity to speak before a group of community leaders from the Sorenson
Institute on behalf of the City, it was an interesting session and many good questions were
answered.
Comments by City Manager and City Attorney – City Manager Towarnicki shared that the
municipal building will be closed on July 4-5. Towarnicki explained that budget year FY20
would begin next week. City Attorney Monday explained that the next meeting on July 9 is the
same day as the General Assembly special session convenes on gun control. Part of the
governors proposed package is to allow localities to regular firearm possession within their
borders. Firearms are not allowed in City Hall because of the courthouses. Monday asked if
Council would like him to relay their support or not if local governments should have that
authority.
Council returned to Closed Session.
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 Turner seconded by Council Member Bowles, with the following 5-0 recorded
vote in favor to return to Open Session: Bowles, aye; Lawson, aye; Martin, aye; Turner, aye; and
Woods, aye.
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 9:45pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Kathy Lawson
Clerk of Council Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
7:15 pm Closed Session 7:30 pm Regular Session
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
6:30 pm - Reception
Reception for Wayne Knox
7:15 - 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. Appointments to boards and commissions, as authorized by Subsection 1.
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 Vice Mayor Martin
1. Recognize retiring Assistant City Manager and Director of Community Development
Wayne Knox. (15 mins)
2. Hear an update from Lisa Watkins of the M-HC Chamber of Commerce regarding
activities related to the City/C-PED Small Business Development contract. (15 mins)
3. Consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Martinsville-Henry
County Chamber of Commerce’s Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG) for services
related to efforts involving small business development in the City of Martinsville for
FY20. (5 mins)
4. Hear an update from the Public Works Department regarding various projects and
operations. (15 mins)
5. Consider approval of consent agenda (2 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 and City Attorney. (5 minutes)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: June 25, 2019
Item No: 1.
Department: City Council
Issue: Recognize retiring Assistant City Manager and Director of
Community Development Wayne Knox.
Summary: Assistant City Manager and Director of Community
Development Wayne Knox is retiring at the end of June, ending a career with
the City spanning 24 years that began in June 1995.
Attachments: Proclamation recognizing Wayne Knox for his service to
the City.
Recommendations: The Mayor will read the proclamation and present to
Wayne Knox.
Proclamation
HONORING WAYNE KNOX
WHEREAS, Wayne Knox was employed by the City of
Martinsville in June, 1995 as the Director of Community
Devlopment; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure with the City, Wayne Knox has
exemplified professionalism, leadership, and dedication to
providing the best service possible to the citizens of Martinsville
through his work in Community Development; and
WHEREAS, through his efforts, many community and
neighborhood improvements have occurred, particularly
regarding block grant projects that have been implemented
improving housing and infrastrure; and
WHEREAS, Wayne Knox will be retiring at the end of June,
2019, culminating a career of service to the City spanning over
more than 24 years;
NOW, THEREFORE, on this 25th day of June, 2019,
Martinsville City Council hereby offers its sincere thanks and
appreciation to Wayne Knox for his outstanding service to the
City of Martinsville and extends to him and his family our best
wishes for a long and happy retirement.
____________________________
Kathy Lawson, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: June 25, 2019
Item No: 2.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear an update from Lisa Watkins of the M-HC Chamber of
Commerce regarding activities related to the City/C-PEG Small Business
Development contract.
Summary: Information will be provided regarding activities related to the
City/C-PEG Small Business Development contract, West Piedmont Business
Development Center (incubator), the Farmer’s Market, and other issues.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: No action needed - presented for information purposes
only.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: June 25, 2019
Item No: 3.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s Partnership for Economic
Growth (C-PEG) for services related to efforts involving small business
development in the City of Martinsville for FY20.
Summary: In the FY20 budget, City Council approved funding of $60,000 for
a continuation of efforts related to small business development in the City, in
partnership with C-PEG. A Memorandum of Understanding between the City and
C-PEG was developed originally for this project and has been updated annually to
reflect ongoing changes.
Attachments: City/CPEG Small Business Development Memorandum of
Understanding
Recommendations: Staff recommends approval of the MOU as presented.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, (the “MOU”) made and entered into this the 25th
day of June, 2019 by and between the City of Martinsville, a municipal corporation created and existing
under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Virginia (hereinafter referred to as “City”), party of the
first part, and the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s Partnership for Economic
Growth (C-PEG) party of the second part;
WITNESSETH:
THAT, WHEREAS the City of Martinsville desires to allocate resources toward small business
development to include (but not limited to) recruitment, marketing, expanded technical support and
services, incentive programs, etc., for the purpose of expanding the City’s tax base, job creation, and
increased business growth and activity in the Uptown and other commercial areas; and,
WHEREAS, C-PEG has agreed to contract with the City to provide those and related services for the
FY20 fiscal year;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual and respective covenants and agreements contained
herein and made with respect to the performance of the services by C-PEG, the parties to this MOU hereby
agree as follows:
1. Term– The term of this MOU shall cover a one (1) year period from July 1, 2019 through June 30,
2020. During and as part of the FY21 City budget deliberations, City Council and C-PEG will evaluate
the results/success of the program and mutually agree regarding extension of the program for additional
periods of time and/or any changes or modifications as may be needed in regard to the scope of work.
2. Payment – The City will compensate C-PEG for the services described in this MOU in the amount of
$60,000 for the FY19 fiscal year, payable in two installments of $30,000 each in July, 2019 and January,
2020.
3. Council Updates - C-PEG will provide updates to City Council no less than on a quarterly basis, and
more frequently if necessary to keep Council apprised of activities and efforts in regard to the execution
of this MOU.
4. Scope of Work – The scope of work included under this MOU shall include at a minimum, the
following:
a) CPEG will continue to explore ways to utilize the second-floor space of the incubator with a
focus on partnerships.
b) CPEG will continue to maintain a comprehensive list of incentives currently available through
the City, MURA, CPEG, EDC, and others; will evaluate how effective those incentives are in
fostering new and expanded small business development; will evaluate incentives offered in
other communities; and will provide recommendations/suggestions regarding changes that
might be beneficial. This information will be made available to businesses/prospective
businesses, entrepreneurs, etc. as it currently exists in written and electronic format.
Additional microloan funding will be sought as an additional benefit for businesses in
Martinsville. CPEG will also continue to craft an aggressive incentive package for new
businesses willing to locate in the City of Martinsville to include startup costs, utilities,
telecom/MINET, staggered tax plan, etc. Efforts will be directed toward targeting selected
“anchor” stores or businesses to complement what currently exists.
c) CPEG will continue to research and create new activities and events other than those that
currently exist for the Uptown area to help draw visitors/shoppers. CPEG will also discuss
longer or altered hours for uptown merchants during such events. C-PEG will continue to
facilitate an uptown planning process to determine appropriate ways to target incentives to
assist with the development of unused/underutilized properties. CPEG will continue with
efforts to develop and grow new businesses, partnering with PHCC (and other groups as may
be appropriate) for business development training. CPEG will also review prior retail
strategy studies and make changes/additions/corrections to those studies to meet changing
market conditions as well as to meet City needs and initiatives.
d) CPEG will continue to work diligently to reach out to small businesses within the city limits to
make them aware of any opportunities to assist with business development. This includes bulk
mail, phone calls, one-on-one meetings, email blasts as well as utilizing MGTV as a conduit to
deliver these messages. CPEG will also provide data regarding city businesses, the
opportunities available for them, how the information is communicated to small businesses,
and how many have taken advantage of any such opportunities.
e) CPEG and the Chamber will continue providing mentoring assistance for small businesses in
both the City and the County and will develop a process to assign or match a staff contact with
individual cases to assist in navigating through small business development issues. This
process will move to a more intensive level with efforts geared toward development of a one-
stop-shop/start-up-in-a-day concept for communicating from start to finish what it takes to
have a successful business in our community. This includes business plan assistance, financial
planning, permitting issues, legal, business licensing, zoning, efforts to identify a suitable
space for start-up, parking/loading/unloading, etc. C-PEG will also continue to follow up
with businesses on a regular basis.
f) C-PEG will continue efforts related to the development and startup of new businesses,
providing follow-up as needed with those businesses awarded grants to ensure maximum
opportunity for success. C-PEG will continue discussions with those businesses not awarded
grants, seeking opportunities for funding and/or other start-up assistance as may be available
for those specific situations. C-PEG will also annually implement a “business launch
program,” expanding the footprint to include all commercial areas of the City.
5. Changes/Additions – During the execution of tasks related to this MOU, through frequent interaction
between C-PEG, City Staff, and Council, there may be opportunities or need to refocus or redirect
efforts. The City will provide assistance as needed in regard to information available through City
2
records.
6. The City will maintain one seat on C-PEG’s Board.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Martinsville City Council, party of the first part, has caused this MOU to be
executed in its name by its City Manager; and C-PEG, party of the second part, has caused this MOU to be
executed in its name by its Board President; this the day and year first above written.
MARTINSVILLE CITY COUNCIL C-PEG
BY:______________________________ BY:______________________________
City Manager Board President
3
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: June 25, 2019
Item No: 4.
Department: Public Works
Issue: Hear an update from the Public Works Department regarding
various projects and operations.
Summary: Chris Morris, Public Works Director, will present a brief update on
projects and activities in the Public Works Department.
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: June 25, 2019
Item No: 5.
Department: Finance
Issue: Consent Agenda
Summary:
The attachment amends the FY19 Budget with appropriations in the following
funds:
General: $ 28,938 – Surplus Sales, Grant, Reimbursements
Attachments:
Consent Agenda 6-25-19
Recommendations: Approve
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 6/25/19
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
BUDGET ADDITIONS
General Fund:
01100905 450209 Sale of Salvage/Surplus 5,007
01321102 506008 Fire Department ‐ Vehicle Equipment & Maint. 5,007
Sale of vehicle through GovDeals
01102925 436142 Non‐categorical Federal‐ US Marshal OT Grant 2,069
01311085 501200 Police Dept ‐ Overtime wages 2,069
Grant funds
01100909 490104 Advanced/Recovered Costs 3,480
01812242 506067 Misc Expense ‐ RADAR Transit Program 3,480
Reimbursement for fuel
01100909 490104 Advanced/Recovered Costs 6,084
01812242 506089 Misc Expense ‐ County Ambulance Fuels 6,084
Reimbursement for fuel
1100909 490104 Advance/Recovered Costs 11,582
1331108 501300 Sheriff/Corrections ‐ Part‐time & Temporary Wages 8,570
1331108 502100 Sheriff/Corrections ‐ Social Security 532
1331108 502110 Sheriff/Corrections ‐ Medicare 124
1331108 506008 Sheriff/Corrections ‐ Vehicle Equipment & Maint. 1,714
1331110 506200 Sheriff/Annex ‐ Prisoner Allowance 642
Reimbursement for inmate litter pickup ‐ various months
01100909 490104 Advanced/Recovered Costs 716
01322105 505500 EMS ‐ Travel 716
SWVA Incident Mgmt Team Reimbursement
Total General Fund: 28,938 28,938
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