City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · September 10, 2019
Minutes
September 10, 2019 Council Meeting
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on September
10, 2019 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Kathy Lawson
presiding. Other Council Members present included Chad Martin, Jim Woods and Danny
Turner. Jennifer Bowles was not in attendance. Staff present included City Manager Leon
Towarnicki, Assistant City Manager/City Attorney Eric Monday, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts,
Finance Director Linda Conover, Police Chief Eddie Cassady, Fire Chief Ted Anderson, members
of the fire department and Building Inspector Kris Bridges.
Mayor Lawson called the meeting to order and advised Council would go into Closed Session
beginning at 6:30 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 Vice Mayor Martin with
the following 4-0 recorded vote: Vice Mayor Martin, aye; Mayor Lawson, 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. 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 A motion was made by Council Member Woods; seconded
by Council Member Turner, with the following 4-0 recorded vote in favor to return to Open
Session: Mayor Lawson, aye; Council Member Woods, aye; Vice Mayor Martin, aye; and Council
Member Turner, aye.
Council Member Woods made a motion to appoint Dominique Hylton to the School Board for
an unexpired 3-year term ending June 30, 2021. Council Member Turner seconded the motion
with a 3-1 vote in favor: Turner, aye; Lawson, aye; Woods, aye and Martin nay.
Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Vice Mayor Martin, Lawson
welcomed everyone to the meeting.
City Manager Towarnicki explained that the City continues to try to repair the video
equipment and he hopes to get that working again by the next Council meeting.
Read a Proclamation acknowledging the week of September 17 – 23, 2019 as Constitution
Week – Mayor Lawson read the proclamation which was presented to Ms. Goddard and Ms.
Jackman, representatives of the local DAR chapter. Goddard thanked Council for the
recognition. Information provided to the Council Members was also given to local students.
September 10, 2019 Council Meeting
Read and present a Proclamation acknowledging the 70th anniversary of the Martinsville
Volunteer Fire Company – Vice Mayor Martin read the proclamation which was presented to
the volunteer fire fighters in attendance. Page Brockenbrough, a 54 year volunteer shared
some statistics with Council and encouraged anyone looking to volunteer to stop by the fire
department for an application. City Manager Towarnicki shared additional historical
information about the volunteer fire department which was organized in 1891.
September 10, 2019 Council Meeting
Consider approval of the minutes from the July 9, 2019 Council Meeting, August 13,
2019 Council Meeting, and the August 27, 2019 Council Meeting – Vice Mayor Martin made a
motion to approve all minutes as presented. Council Member Woods seconded the motion
with all Council Members voting in favor.
Hear an update from Building Inspections regarding demolition of structures within the
City – Building Inspector Kris Bridges updated Council on the status of local structures on the
demolition list. He provided Council with the next round of properties to be added to the
demolition list and explained he would be back in front of Council in the near future to
request additional funds. City Manager Towarnicki explained that the initial list included some
properties demolished by owners and the remainder would be handled by the City. Notices
will be sent to the owners of the properties on the second list soon and the properties will be
inspected for preparation for demolition. City Attorney Monday explained there is sufficient
notice and opportunity for the property owners to either repair or pay to have the property
demolished.
September 10, 2019 Council Meeting
Consider adoption on first reading, Ordinance 2019-6 amending Chapter 18 “Solid Waste”
of the Martinsville City Code to generally limit City garbage collection to waste only generated
on site – City Attorney Monday summarized the reason for the ordinance change requested by
the City Manager. Monday explained that owners of rental properties tend to be the biggest
concern. Council Member Turner made a motion to approve the ordinance adoption on first
reading. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with the following roll call vote: Mayor
Lawson, aye; Council Member Woods, aye; Vice Mayor Martin, aye; and Council Member
Turner, aye.
September 10, 2019 Council Meeting
Business from the Floor – Students from the Social Work Program from New
College/Longwood University were in attendance. As part of their curriculum, they are learning
to become effective policy advocates and leaders. They are concerned about the decrease in the
working class and an increase in the lower income community and asked Council what plan
they had to help resolve those issues. Mayor Lawson agrees with the students and the job base
has diversified and is no longer as labor intensive as years ago. Council diversified some funding
where they are now working with the Chamber of Commerce to promote small businesses in
uptown Martinsville. There is a training center at PHCC, the partnership with Eastman and the
New College. Council is looking outside the box to bring people to the area. Vice Mayor Martin
explained that Retail Strategies is now working with Martinsville, this company was responsible
for building the restaurants that came into Danville, VA. The school system now require a CTE
trade requirement and Martinsville has the Trade Act option. Council does not bring jobs to the
community but they set policies and work with the Chamber and EDC to bring businesses to
the area. Council Member Turner said federal policy has hurt manufacturing in the United
States. The students recommended that Council continue their opportunity enhancement
policies and include wage based job grants as part of the new business incentives. As future
social workers, they will do their best to maintain and create a humane society in Martinsville.
September 10, 2019 Council Meeting
Vice Mayor Martin encouraged the students to stay in Martinsville when they graduate. Council
Member Woods thanked the students for caring for the residents of Martinsville.
Greg Meyers, a local business owner expressed concern about the steady increase in his
electric bill. He was in the small general services category but has recently increased to general
demand category with the new meter project. Mayor Lawson suggested that he contact the
electric department about getting a free electric audit and to follow up with the City Manager.
City Manager Towarnicki explained that he would take a look at his bill and usage to determine
what action can be taken to help save money. The electric meters are new and accurate. Council
Member Turner requested a report of which small business in the area may be in the same
situation.
Fire Chief Ted Anderson updated Council on the Rives Theater fire, which was actually
reported by Council Member Woods. The department is still working on the investigation and
no definitive cause has been determined. Various City departments including the fire
department, sheriff’s department and inmates, police department electric department and
public works worked together to battle the fire.
Comments by Members of City Council – Council Member Woods shared Theater Works will
be presenting a play and hoping to cast women who are survivors of breast cancer; auditions
will be on Saturday. Woods said he was amazed watching the City departments working
together on the Rives fire. Council Member Turner thanked the Martinsville Bulletin, Henry
Enterprise, and Cable 18 for their editorials related to the Council’s video system. Vice Mayor
Martin praised the fire department, we may have lost an iconic location but there was no loss of
life. Mayor Lawson said the OctoberFest would be October 5. Community Hazard Waste Day
will be October 12. Lawson reminded the City Manager that residents and business owners
prefer that the City not close uptown streets for the run in December.
Comments by City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki shared details about the Harvest
Moon run on Friday. Mayor Lawson thanked the City Manager for his due diligence in working
on the video equipment again.
There being no further business, Council Member Turner 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 8:30pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Kathy Lawson
Clerk of Council Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
6:30 pm Closed Session 7:30 pm Regular Session
Tuesday September 10, 2019
6:30 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. 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 pm - Regular Session
Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Vice Mayor Martin
1. Consider approval of the minutes from the July 9, 2019 Council Meeting,
August 13, 2019 Council Meeting, and the August 27, 2019 Council Meeting. (5
mins)
2. Read a Proclamation acknowledging the week of September 17 – 23, 2019 as
Constitution Week. (5 mins)
3. Read and present a Proclamation acknowledging the 70th anniversary of the
Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company. (5 mins)
4. Hear an update from Building Inspections regarding demolition of structures
within the City. (15 mins)
5. Consider adoption on first reading, Ordinance 2019-6 amending Chapter 18
“Solid Waste” of the Martinsville City Code to generally limit City garbage
collection to waste only generated on site. (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 and City Attorney. (5 minutes)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 10, 2019
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes for the July 9, 2019 Council
Meeting, August 13, 2019 Council Meeting, and the August 27, 2019 Council
Meeting.
Summary: None
Attachments:
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 10, 2019
Item No: 2.
Department: City Council
Issue: Read a Proclamation acknowledging the week of September 17 –
23, 2019 as Constitution Week.
Summary: The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) initiated the
observance in 1955, when the organization petitioned the U. S. Congress to
dedicate September 17 – 23 of each year to the commemoration of Constitution
Week. Congress adopted the resolution and on August 2, 1956, President
Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915. The celebration’s goals
are threefold: to encourage the study of the historical events that led to the
framing of the Constitution in September 1787; to inform people that the
Constitution is the basis of America’s great heritage and the foundation of our
way of life; and to emphasize U. S. citizens’ responsibility to protect, defend,
and preserve the Constitution.
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendations: No action by Council needed - the Mayor will read the
Proclamation.
PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING CONSTITUTION WEEK
SEPTEMBER 17 – 23, 2019
WHEREAS: The Constitution of the United States of America, the guardian
of our liberties, embodies the principles of limited government in a Republic
dedicated to rule by law; and
WHEREAS: September 17, 2019, marks the two hundred and thirty-second
anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of
America by the Constitutional Convention; and
WHEREAS: It is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this
magnificent document and its memorable anniversary, and to the patriotic
celebrations which will commemorate it; and
WHEREAS: Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each
year by the President of the United States of America designating September
17 through 23 as Constitution Week,
NOW THEREFORE, I, Kathy Lawson, Mayor of the City of Martinsville,
along with Martinsville City Council members, do hereby proclaim the week
of September 17 - 23, 2019, as Constitution Week and ask our citizens to
reaffirm the ideals the Framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly
protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our
liberties.
__________________________
Kathy Lawson, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 10, 2019
Item No: 3.
Department: City Council
Issue: Read and present a Proclamation acknowledging the 70th
anniversary of the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company.
Summary: September 7, 2019, marked the 70th anniversary of Martinsville
Volunteer Fire Company. MVFC has a long history of service to the City
assisting the Fire Department in responding to emergencies, raising funds for
equipment, and providing many other needed and critical services. MVFC has
been and continues to be a tremendous asset to both the Fire Department and
the City.
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendations: No action by Council needed - the Mayor will read and
present the Proclamation.
PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING THE 70th ANNIVERSARY OF THE
MARTINSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
WHEREAS, the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department was initially formed
and organized in 1891 as a Volunteer Fire Company with approximately 25
volunteers, continuing until 1936 as a volunteer unit which became the first
paid fire department established in Martinsville; and
WHEREAS, on September 7, 1949, the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company
was reestablished and on October 12, 1949 began answering fire calls along
with paid staff; and
WHEREAS, since September, 1949, approximately 400 volunteers have
served MVFC assisting the Fire Department with many essential functions;
and
WHEREAS, in addition to assisting the Fire Department with volunteer help,
MVFC has also raised and provided thousands of dollars to assist in the
purchase of equipment and supplies;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Kathy Lawson, Mayor of the City of Martinsville,
along with Martinsville City Council members, do hereby recognize and
commend Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company on your 70th Anniversary,
and extend our appreciation for all you have done and continue to do in
assisting the Fire Department and making our City safer for all citizens.
__________________________
Kathy Lawson, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 10, 2019
Item No: 4.
Department: Building Inspections
Issue: Hear an update 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, and will provide information on a possible next group of structures to be
considered.
Attachments: None. Additional information will be presented at the
meeting.
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action
needed at this time.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 10, 2019
Item No: 5.
Department: City Attorney/City Manager
Issue: Consider adoption on first reading, Ordinance 2019-6 amending Chapter
18 “Solid Waste” of the Martinsville City Code to generally limit City garbage
collection to waste only generated on site.
Summary: For some time, citizens in residential neighborhoods have provided
information to the City describing occurrences of trash being transported from
other locations, and placed in front of residential property at a different location for
City collection. Draft Ordinance 2019-6 amends Chapter 18 “Solid Waste” of the
City Code by adding language to §18-18, “Collection Generally”, to limit collections
only to waste generated on site.
Attachments: Draft Ordinance 2019-6 amending §18-18 of the City Code
Recommendation: Approval on first reading (roll call vote).
CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
ORDINANCE NO. 2019-6
DISPOSAL OF REFUSE
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, in Regular Session held
on September 24, 2019, that Section 18-18 of the City Code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
______________________________________________________________________________
Sec. 18-18. - Collection generally.
(a) All refuse shall be collected by the city at regular intervals no less frequently than once per week.
It shall be the duty of every owner, lessee or occupant having one or more large-volume dumpsters
to see that such dumpsters are accessible for emptying. It shall be the duty of every other owner,
lessee or occupant to place or cause to be placed his refuse container, or fully closed and tied plastic
garbage bags containing refuse, at the side of the curb line of the premises, at a location accessible
to the collection crews, unless such owner, lessee or occupant has been exempted from the
requirement of curbside placement by the director of public works under the provisions of this
section. Bulky rubbish, such as paper, cardboard or wooden boxes, may be flattened and tied in
bundles with heavy, stout cord, such bundles not to exceed thirty-six (36) inches in length or
breadth, twenty (20) inches in height and fifty (50) pounds in weight.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any nonresident of the city, or any owner or occupant of a property situated
within the city limits, or any agent of either, to bring refuse of any kind from outside the city into
the city, or from another collection site located within the city, and deposit it anywhere in the city
for collection by the city or its agent.
(c) It shall be unlawful to transfer refuse generated at one site in the city to another site in the city for
collection, without the prior written approval of the Director of Public Works.
(b d) The director of public works may excuse any owner, lessee or occupant of any residential premises
in the city from the duty of placing his refuse at the curb line for collection, if the director finds,
from the written statements of a medical doctor, that such owner, lessee or occupant is physically
or medically unable to place the refuse at the curb line.
(Ord. of 8-24-82, §§ 8-10, 8-11)
Charter reference— Authority of city to collect and dispose of garbage and other waste, Ch. 1, § 2(19).
*********
Attest:
________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council
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