City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · September 24, 2019
Minutes
September 24, 2019 Council Meeting
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on September
24, 2019 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Kathy Lawson
presiding. Other Council Members present included Chad Martin, Jennifer Bowles, Jim Woods
and Danny Turner. Staff present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Assistant City
Manager/City Attorney Eric Monday, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Finance Director Linda
Conover, Assistant Police Chief Rob Fincher, and Property Inspector Mark Price.
Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Council Member Bowles,
Lawson welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Consider approval of the minutes from the September 10, 2019 Council Meeting – Council
Member Turner made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Council Member Woods
seconded the motion with all Council voting in favor.
Hear an overview of the September 23, 2019 Druid Hills/Uptown neighborhood tour and
meeting – City Manager Towarnicki summarized the neighborhood tour of the Druid Hills and
Uptown area where properties and concerns were discussed. Towarnicki detailed concerns
expressed by residents who attended the neighborhood meeting held at New College Institute
and the action being taken to research and resolve those concerns.
Read a Proclamation recognizing October 10, 2019 as Disability Rights and Resource
Center Awareness Day – Carol Tuning and Linda Albright, representatives for the Disability
Rights and Resource Center were present. Council Member Woods read the proclamation
which was presented to Tuning and Albright. Tuning thanked Council for the recognition and
shared details on upcoming events. Tuning providing a contact number for any residents
needing assistance. Albright shared details related to the assistance provided by the DRRC.
September 24, 2019 Council Meeting
Consider presentation of a proclamation recognizing October 2019 as Domestic Violence
Awareness Month – Vice Mayor Martin read the proclamation that was presented to Jeanne
Hodges, representative from Southside Survivors Response Center. Hodges thanked Council
for the proclamation and their support. Hodges shared details for events and fundraisers being
held in October and invited Council to attend. Hodges recognized a local resident who was
recently a victim of domestic violence and asked for a moment of silence for her family.
September 24, 2019 Council Meeting
Consider approval of transfer of property at 537 & 539 Dillard Street through action of the
Martinsville Land Bank Authority – Council Member Bowles made a motion to recess City
Council; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Authority Member Turner made a motion to convene as the Land Bank Authority; Vice
Chairperson Martin seconded the motion with all members in favor. City Attorney Monday
explained the purpose behind the land bank option and acknowledged Building Inspector Kris
Bridges for his work on this project. Monday explained that Ms. Millner has offered to
purchase the properties on Dillard Street; this purchase will cover all delinquencies and costs
associated with them through the Land Bank Authority listing. Authority Member Bowles
made a motion to approve the transfer of property at 537 and 539 Dillard Street and the
retention of the $7,500 purchase in a fund for the Land Bank. Vice Chairperson Martin
seconded the motion with the following roll call vote: Authority Member Turner, aye; Authority
Member Bowles, aye; Chairperson Lawson, aye; Vice Chairperson Martin, aye; and Authority
Member Woods, aye. Authority Member Woods made the motion to close the Land Bank
Authority session; the motion was seconded by Authority Member Bowles with all Authority
Members voting in favor. Council Member Turner made a motion to reconvene as City
Council; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with the following roll call vote: Vice Mayor
September 24, 2019 Council Meeting
Martin, aye; Council Member Turner, aye; Council Member Woods, aye; Mayor Lawson, aye;
and Council Member Bowles, aye.
Consider setting a public hearing for Council’s October 8, 2019 meeting regarding a
planned Community Development Block Grant application for the Pine Hall Road area – City
Manager Towarnicki detailed the Block Grant application procedure noting the application
submitted earlier in the year was not approved. The new public hearing is to begin the process
of submitting a new application. Council Member Woods made a motion to set the public
hearing for October 8, 2019; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all Council voting in
favor.
Consider adoption on second reading, Ordinance 2019-6 amending Chapter 18 “Solid
Waste” of the Martinsville City Code to generally limit City garbage collection to waste
generated on site only – City Attorney Monday briefly summarized the reason for the
ordinance. Council Member Turner made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2019-6 as presented
on second reading; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with the following roll call vote:
Mayor Lawson, aye; Council Member Turner, aye; Council Member Bowles, aye; Vice Mayor
Martin, aye; and Council Member Woods, aye.
Consider approval on first reading, Ordinance 2019-7 establishing a new Tourism Zone in
the City of Martinsville – City Attorney Monday explained that there are tourism zones around
September 24, 2019 Council Meeting
the state and the primary reason to establish a tourism zone in Martinsville includes
incentives like GAP Financing. Funding related to tourism zones has been beneficial to
restoration of several larger Virginia Cities. This ordinance expands the Enterprise Zone
citywide. Council Member Turner made a motion to approve Ordinance 2019-7 as presented
on first reading; Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with the following roll call vote:
Council Member Bowles, aye; Mayor Lawson, aye; Council Member Turner, aye; Vice Mayor
Martin, aye; and Council Member Woods, aye.
Conduct a public hearing for the purpose of considering a list of properties to be declared
a public nuisance – City Attorney Monday and Building Inspector Mark Price presented a
PowerPoint detailing properties referenced in this resolution along with the repeat complaints
involving trash, tall grass, drug activity, condemned properties, etc. Mayor Lawson opened the
public hearing. Billy Bennett of 190 Douglas Road and owner of many of the properties listed,
said he was unaware of most of the property concerns prior to seeing the announcement in the
local paper. He requests that City officials contact him anytime there are concerns with his
properties and he will be happy to resolve those issues. City Attorney Monday confirmed that
the notice was listed in the Martinsville Bulletin and notices were mailed to the property
owner’s address on file. Melvin Smith of 614 East Church Street said the image of his
property was during repairs and it looked worse than it does now. He is having trouble finding
qualified contractors to finish the work. Smith asked how many complaints are required to
qualify a property as a nuisance. Monday explained that the City Council can declare any
September 24, 2019 Council Meeting
property of concern a nuisance but the homes in question have all received multiple
complaints. Inspector Price explained the property maintenance process and time frame
including posting the notices to the property prior to reporting the request for maintenance to
Public Works. Smith said he is in the process of repairing his home and does not believe it
should be considered a nuisance. Joseph Ray, 908 Spruce Street says being a father of six
children and entrepreneur in the City has its challenges. The vehicles in question at his
property were operable but waiting to be tagged for a medical transport company. His food
truck business failed but he is repairing that equipment to provide a service and jobs for the
community. He has adhered to every notice he was served, most with time to spare before the
deadline. He continues to upgrade the property as money and time allows. He sees law
abiding, hardworking citizens being bullied by the City and he does not approve. No one else
approached the podium so Mayor Lawson closed the public hearing. City Attorney Monday
clarified that the City does not have the resources or the desire to confiscate anyone’s
property. The properties are on the list because of repeat resident complaints. It is Council’s
pleasure whether to acknowledge these properties as a public nuisance or not. If the
taxpayers of the City continue to pay to have nuisance properties cleaned up, then liens are
placed on the property and if not paid, then the property could be subject to a delinquent
property tax sale. Mayor Lawson requested that the resolution be amended to remove 908
Spruce and 615 East Church with the understanding that a deadline will be set to correct the
issues. Council Member Bowles made a motion to adopt the Resolution as amended; Council
Member Woods seconded the motion with the following roll call vote: Vice Mayor Martin, aye;
Council Member Woods, aye; Council Member Turner, aye; Council Member Bowles, aye; and
Mayor Lawson, aye. City Manager Towarnicki explained the bulk trash option for residential
customers excluding remodeling debris. There is also a monthly brush pickup option.
Residents can call those numbers or the public works department with any questions.
September 24, 2019 Council Meeting
Conduct a public hearing regarding approval of a list of properties to be made subject to
the Rental Inspection Program – City Attorney Monday explained this program would include
the properties discussed in the previous agenda item. A year ago, Council adopted a Rental
Inspection Program; this resolution will add those properties to the Rental Inspection Program.
Mayor Lawson opened the public hearing. Billy Bennett explained that many of the properties
in question belong to him. He is ok with the rental inspection program but requests that staff
contact him directly instead of going through to the residents or tenants. . Mayor Lawson
closed the hearing. Council Member Turner made a motion to adopt the Resolution adding
properties to the Rental Inspection Program; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with the
following roll call vote: Council Member Turner, aye; Vice Mayor Martin, aye; Council Member
Woods, aye; Council Member Bowles, aye; and Mayor Lawson, aye.
.
September 24, 2019 Council Meeting
Consider approval of consent agenda – Council Member Woods made the motion to
approve the consent agenda and the Re-appropriations FY19 into FY20 as presented;
Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all Council voting in favor.
September 24, 2019 Council Meeting
September 24, 2019 Council Meeting
Finance Director Linda Conover summarized the Capital Lease Bid report and requests
Council’s approval for a 5-year payback to BB&T with 2.12% interest rate. Council Member
September 24, 2019 Council Meeting
Woods made the motion to approve acceptance of BB&T’s bid as presented; Council Member
Bowles seconded the motion with all Council voting in favor.
Business from the Floor - Melvin Smith, 614 East Church Street expressed concern about
low water pressure in his neighborhood. He is unable to install a water filter due to the low
pressure and asked if there is anything that can be done to increase the pressure in that area.
City Manager Towarnicki said that water pressure is gravity fed and unfortunately, there is not
good pressure in that area. Towarnicki also said older plumbing can affect the pressure coming
into the house but will ask Water Resources to check that for him.
Comments by Members of City Council – Council Member Turner discussed options for the
Rives Theater to help raise money by the community to support the arts and the restoration of
the burned business. Vice Mayor Martin recognized Krispy Kutz barbers who took time from
their day to do haircuts, benefitting over 100 people. Mayor Lawson shared that October 11 the
United States Air Force Heritage American Band will perform at First Baptist Church at 7pm.
Lawson also shared details about the Martinsville OctoberFest and Hazardous Waste Collection
Day in October.
Comments by City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki congratulated Piedmont Community
Services for the grand opening of a group home on Independence Drive and another soon to
open on Tank Street. Towarnicki offered condolences to the family of Seth Kanode, a longtime
employee of the City.
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 9:20pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Kathy Lawson
Clerk of Council Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
7:30 pm Regular Session
Tuesday September 24, 2019
7:30 pm - Regular Session
Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Council Member Bowles
1. Consider approval of the minutes from the September 10, 2019 Council Meeting. (5 mins)
2. Hear an overview of the September 23, 2019 Druid Hills/Uptown neighborhood tour and
meeting. (10 mins)
3. Read a Proclamation recognizing October 10, 2019 as Disability Rights and Resource
Center Awareness Day. (5 mins)
4. Consider presentation of a proclamation recognizing October 2019 as Domestic Violence
Awareness Month. (5 mins)
5. Consider approval of transfer of property at 537 & 539 Dillard Street through action of the
Martinsville Land Bank Authority. (10 mins)
6. Consider setting a public hearing for Council’s October 8, 2019 meeting regarding a
planned Community Development Block Grant application for the Pine Hall Road area. (5
mins)
7. Consider adoption on second reading, Ordinance 2019-6 amending Chapter 18 “Solid
Waste” of the Martinsville City Code to generally limit City garbage collection to waste
generated on site only. (5 mins)
8. Consider approval on first reading, Ordinance 2019-7 establishing a new Tourism Zone in
the City of Martinsville. (10 mins)
9. Conduct a public hearing regarding approval of a list of properties to be made subject to
the Rental Inspection Program. (10 mins)
10. Conduct a public hearing for the purpose of considering a list of properties to be declared
a public nuisance. (10 mins)
11. Consider approval of consent agenda (2 mins)
12. 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.
13. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes)
14. Comments by City Manager and City Attorney. (5 minutes)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes for the September 10, 2019
Council Meeting.
Summary: None
Attachments:
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 24, 2019
Item No: 2.
Department: City Council
Issue: Hear an overview of the September 23, 2019 Druid Hills/Uptown
neighborhood tour and meeting.
Summary: A recap of the neighborhood tour and the Druid Hills/Uptown
neighborhood community meeting held at New College Institute on Monday,
September 23rd 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 24, 2019
Item No: 3.
Department: City Council
Issue: Read a Proclamation recognizing October 10, 2019 as Disability
Rights and Resource Center Awareness Day.
Summary: Formerly known as the Independent Living Services for the
Piedmont Area, the Disability Rights and Resource Center (DRRC) is a private,
non-profit, community agency with non-residential programs. The DRCC serves
the counties of Franklin, Henry, Patrick and Pittsylvania, as well as the
independent cities of Martinsville and Danville.
On October 10, DRCC will be celebrating 5 years of service to these localities.
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendations: No action by Council needed - the Mayor will read the
Proclamation.
PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 10, 2019 AS
DISABILITY RIGHTS AND RESOURCE CENTER
AWARENESS DAY
WHEREAS, in 1988, Congress declared the month of October as National
Disability Employment Awareness Month to recognize the contributions made by
individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July
26, 1990, establishing a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the
elimination of discrimination to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities;
and,
WHEREAS, the ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities
by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing opportunities for full
participation and inclusion in community life; and,
WHEREAS, the entire West Piedmont Planning District are committed to breaking
down barriers, and providing resources, advocacy and training for residents who
live with a disability so that they can access employment, live independently and
achieve success in the work place; and
WHEREAS, the importance of inclusion and diversity creates opportunity for
growth and improvement and helps toward building a stronger economy for our
communities; and
WHEREAS, our residents with disabilities deserve the right to live independently,
enjoy self-determination and be treated equally; and
WHEREAS, during this month, the Disability Rights and Resource Center is
celebrating 5 years of service to the Piedmont area:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kathy Lawson, Mayor of the City of Martinsville, along
with Martinsville City Council members, do hereby proclaim October 10, 2019, as
“Disability Rights and Resource Center Awareness Day”.
__________________________
Kathy Lawson, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Item No: 4.
Department: City Council
Issue: Consider presentation of a proclamation recognizing October
2019 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 will provide presentations, awareness
activities and trainings in the community throughout the month of October.
NOW, THEREFORE, in recognition of the important work done by Southside
Survivor Response Center and for the empowerment of domestic violence
survivors everywhere, I, Kathy Lawson, Mayor, hereby proclaim the month of
October, 2019 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of
Martinsville.
____________________________________
Kathy Lawson
Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Item No: 5.
Department: City Attorney
Issue: Consider approval of transfer of property at 537 & 539 Dillard Street
through action of the Martinsville Land Bank Authority.
Summary: 537 and 539 Dillard Street are currently held by the
Martinsville Land Bank Authority. Ms. Ebony Millner has offered to purchase
these properties (one residence, one lot) for $7500, which will cover the entire
amount the Land Bank has for all delinquencies and costs associated with them.
Transfer would be subject to the conditions that the property will be renovated to
Virginia Uniform Building Code standards of habitability, as determined by an
inspection and approval by the Building Inspector, within 12 months, and that the
property will be owner-occupied for no less than 24 months after such approval.
In the event of noncompliance, title will revert to the Land Bank.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: Motion to Recess City Council, convene as the Martinsville
Land Bank Authority (voice vote). Consider transfer of property and approval by
roll call vote. Approve retention of the $7500 purchase in a fund for the Land
Bank by voice vote. Motion to adjourn Land Bank Authority and reconvene
Council (voice vote).
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 24, 2019
Item No: 6.
Department: Community Development
Issue: Consider setting a public hearing for Council’s October 8, 2019 meeting
regarding a planned Community Development Block Grant application for the Pine
Hall Road area.
Summary: This is a request to schedule a public hearing for the purpose of
identifying needs in the Pine Hall Road area of the City, and also to provide a brief
summary of the CDBG programs within the City. This will be the first of two
required public hearings prior to the re-submittal of an application for CDBG
funding.
In 2018 and early 2019, planning was completed to obtain funding for a
revitalization project in the Pine Hall Road area of the City. This is an area that has
not had any focused revitalization efforts. Earlier this year, an application for
CDGB funding was submitted to DHCD, but was eventually rejected due to an
issue related to how one of the public hearings was advertised. Earlier
indications were that due to the limited number of applications received for the
March, 2019 round, a second application round may be opened later in 2019. No
indication has yet been received regarding that and in the event that does not
occur, conducting this particular hearing now satisfies one of the public hearing
requirements for the next submission in March, 2020.
The purpose of this proposed project is to address blighting influences, assist
property owners in rehabbing their respective residences, and also to engage the
residents of the Pine Hall Road area in the improvement of their neighborhood.
Attachments: None
Recommendation: Set a public hearing for Council’s October 8, 2019 meeting.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: September 24, 2019
Item No: 7.
Department: City Attorney/City Manager
Issue: Consider adoption on second reading, Ordinance 2019-6 amending
Chapter 18 “Solid Waste” of the Martinsville City Code to generally limit City
garbage collection to waste generated on site only.
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.
Council considered this matter at the September 10th meeting and approved the
ordinance on first reading.
Attachments: Draft Ordinance 2019-6 amending §18-18 of the City Code
Recommendation: Approval on second 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
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Item No: 8.
Department: City Attorney
Issue: Consider approval on first reading, Ordinance 2019-7 establishing a new
Tourism Zone in the City of Martinsville.
Summary: In 2006, §58.1-385 of the Virginia State Code was
established by the General Assembly to enable any city, county, or town to
establish local tourism zones, and to offer incentives to foster tourism-related
development. Currently there are approximately 72 such zones statewide, in 44
different localities.
Tourism Zones are an additional economic development tool to encourage
primarily retail, restaurant and hotel development. Local incentives similar to the
Enterprise Zones are available, but the primary incentive is the availability of “gap
financing,” covering final development costs, provided by the state. The attached
draft ordinance is modelled after Staunton and Fredericksburg, allowing for
maximum flexibility in what incentives may be offered, and follows Lynchburg’s
decision to designate the entire City as a Tourism Zone, rather than limiting the
available incentives to a particular area.
Attachments: Draft ordinance 2019-7
More information on tourism zones may be found at
https://www.vatc.org/tourismzones/ .
Recommendations: Adopt on first reading by roll call vote.
CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
ORDINANCE NO. 2019-7
TOURISM ZONE CREATED
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, in Regular Session held on
October 8, 2019, that Article IX of Chapter 2 of the City Code be renumbered as Article X, and
that sections 2-136 through 2-139 of Chapter 2 of the City Code, currently reserved, be and hereby
are amended to add a new Article IX, to read as follows:
______________________________________________________________________________
Article IX - TOURISM ZONE
2-136. Purpose.
The Martinsville City Council finds that in order to promote the continued development and
success of the city it is appropriate to designate the city as a Tourism Zone as authorized by
Section 58.1-3851 of the Code of Virginia. City Council believes the establishment of a Tourism
Zone will improve the economic conditions within the city and benefit the welfare of the citizens
of Martinsville, by providing a gap financing mechanism as authorized by Section 58.2-385.1 of
the Code of Virginia for those qualifying tourism development projects identified as critical and
which address specific critical tourism infrastructure deficiencies under criteria to be established
by the city council in conjunction with satisfying all other requirements of Section 58.1-385.1
of the Virginia Code.
2-137. Administration.
The administrator of the city's Tourism Zone shall be the city manager or the city manager's
designee. The administrator shall determine the procedures for obtaining the benefits created by
this chapter and for the administration of this chapter, and shall develop criteria and guidelines for
the level of investment required for any particular range of tax incentive or regulatory flexibility.
The City Manager is authorized to negotiate performance agreements with potential new or
expanded businesses. The City Council shall have final approval authority for performance
agreements.
2-138. Eligibility requirements.
A. Economic incentives and regulatory flexibility may be made available to any new or
expanded business, which seeks to attract customers in the Martinsville region. The
business must commit to a performance agreement based upon investment, jobs,
revenues, or other significant criteria. Examples of eligible business include retail trade
establishments, eating establishments, museums, bed and breakfasts, hotels, theaters,
cultural art centers, health clubs/fitness centers, conference centers, commercial parking
garages, and commercial recreation facilities.
B. Qualified projects may be eligible for incentives as determined by the Tourism Zone
Administrator, subject to the approval of City Council, and for gap financing as
provided in Section 58.1-3851.1 of the Code of Virginia, as amended.
C. Economic incentives may be provided for up to 10 years through the performance
agreement. In the case of multi-year incentives, the business shall establish its
qualification for the incentives on an annual basis.
2-139. Boundaries.
The boundaries of the Tourism Zone established by this chapter shall include the entire city.
2-140 through 2-145. Reserved.
*********
Attest:
________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Item No: 9.
Department: City Attorney
Issue: Conduct a public hearing regarding approval of a list of properties to be
made subject to the Rental Inspection Program.
Summary: Section 6-24(a) of the City Code requires a public hearing prior to
adding individual properties to the rental inspection program, as well as specific
findings. Staff has reviewed and recommends the following properties be made
subject to rental inspection, on a finding that, for each individual property listed,
(1) there is a need to protect the public health, welfare and safety of the occupants
of that individual dwelling unit; and (2) the individual dwelling unit is both (A)
blighted and (B) in the process of deteriorating. The list of properties is:
433 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, VA 24112
912 Barrows Mill Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
641 Stultz Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
216 Greyson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
232 Greyson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
214 Greyson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
114 Gravely Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
120 Crescent Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
906 Spruce Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
319 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112
1115 Chatham Heights Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
714 Jefferson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
112 Gravely Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
102 Moss Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
1005 Adele Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
104 Massey Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
1139 Wray Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
721 W. Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
Attachments: Resolution adding properties.
(PowerPoint of properties to be presented at meeting)
Recommendations: Conduct public hearing; adopt resolution by roll call vote.
RESOLUTION
ADDING SPECIFIC PROPERTIES TO THE RENTAL INSPECTION PROGRAM
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Martinsville, Virginia, after a duly conducted
public hearing and pursuant to City Code § 6-24, the Council affirmatively finds, as a matter of fact, that
with respect to the dwelling units located at each of the following addresses, (1) there is a need to protect
the public health, welfare and safety of the occupants of that individual dwelling unit; and (2) the
individual dwelling unit is both (A) blighted and (B) in the process of deteriorating:
433 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, VA 24112
912 Barrows Mill Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
641 Stultz Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
216 Greyson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
232 Greyson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
214 Greyson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
114 Gravely Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
120 Crescent Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
906 Spruce Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
319 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112
1115 Chatham Heights Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
714 Jefferson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
112 Gravely Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
102 Moss Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
1005 Adele Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
104 Massey Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
1139 Wray Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
721 W. Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
and that therefore the dwelling units at each such address shall be made subject to the City Rental
Inspection Program established under City Code Chapter 6, Article III, section 6-22 et seq..
*********
Attest:
___________________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council
Date Adopted: _______________________________
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Item No: 10.
Department: City Attorney, Property & Building Inspection
Issue: Conduct a public hearing for the purpose of considering a list of properties
to be declared a public nuisance.
Summary: Section 15.2-900 of the Code of Virginia allows Council to declare
properties to be a public nuisance and order the abatement of the nuisance. Staff
recommends the following properties be declared nuisances, based upon their
blighted and deteriorated condition, general detrimental effect upon their
neighborhood, the number of complaints received, and their drain upon taxpayer
resources required to respond to such complaints. The list of properties:
433 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, VA 24112
912 Barrows Mill Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
641 Stultz Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
216 Greyson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
232 Greyson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
214 Greyson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
114 Gravely Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
120 Crescent Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
906 Spruce Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
319 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112
1115 Chatham Heights Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
714 Jefferson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
112 Gravely Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
102 Moss Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
1005 Adele Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
104 Massey Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
1139 Wray Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
721 W. Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
502 Mulberry Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
702 Mulberry Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
908 Spruce Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
419 E. Church Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
413 E. Church Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
614 E. Church Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
615 E. Church Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
1025 Brookdale Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
1020 Brookdale Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
307 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112
Attachments: Resolution declaring properties to be a public nuisance (some
properties have voluntarily agreed to a remediation plan and have been removed from
the Resolution). PowerPoint of properties to be presented at meeting.
Recommendations: Conduct public hearing; adopt resolution by roll call vote.
RESOLUTION
DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTIES TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Martinsville, Virginia, after a duly conducted public hearing
and pursuant to Code of Virginia section 15.2-900, the Council affirmatively finds, as a matter of fact,
that with respect to each of the following addresses, that each of them is a public nuisance, subject to
abatement forthwith:
433 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, VA 24112
912 Barrows Mill Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
641 Stultz Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
216 Greyson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
232 Greyson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
214 Greyson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
114 Gravely Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
120 Crescent Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
906 Spruce Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
319 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112
1115 Chatham Heights Road, Martinsville, VA 24112
714 Jefferson Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
112 Gravely Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
102 Moss Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
1005 Adele Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
104 Massey Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
1139 Wray Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
721 W. Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
908 Spruce Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
413 E. Church Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
615 E. Church Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
1025 Brookdale Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
1020 Brookdale Street, Martinsville, VA 24112
307 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112
*********
Attest:
___________________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council
Date Adopted: _______________________________
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: September 24, 2019
Item No: 11.
Department: Finance
Issue: Consent Agenda
Summary:
ITEM #1:
The attachment amends the FY19 and FY20 budgets with appropriations in the
following funds:
FY19
General Fund: $ 2,865 - Reimbursement
FY20
General Fund: $ 18,107 – Reimbursement, Grant
School Operating Fund: $ 47,863 - Grant
ITEM #2:
Re-appropriation of Funds from FY19 to FY20 Budget by fund as follows:
General: $ 553,223
Refuse: $ 40,079
Water: $ 48,764
Sewer: $ 310,736
Electric: $ 674,100
Capital Reserve: $ 149,285
CDBG: $ 19,749
School Operations: $ 159,233
Total Requests: $1,955,169
ITEM #3:
Proposals have been received for the Capital Lease Financing as approved in the
FY20 Budget, and BB&T has been selected as the low bidder with an interest rate
of 2.12% for 5 years. Staff asks for Council’s approval to move forward in
formalizing the loan.
Attachments:
Consent Agenda 9-24-19
Re-appropriations FY19 into FY20
Capital Lease bids 9-18-19
Recommendations: Approve
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 9/24/19
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
BUDGET ADDITIONS
FY2019
General Fund:
01101918 443106 Grants ‐ State ‐ VDEM ‐ SWVA Incident Mgmt Team 2,865
01322106 505500 SWVA Incident Mgmt Team ‐ Travel/Training 2,865
Reimbursement from Commonwealth
Total General Fund: 2,865 2,865
FY2020
General Fund:
01101918 443106 Grants ‐ State ‐ VDEM ‐ SWVA Incident Mgmt Team 16,712
01322106 505500 SWVA Incident Mgmt Team ‐ Travel/Training 1,934
01322106 506100 SWVA Incident Mgmt Team ‐ Miscellaneous Exp 14,778
Reimbursement from Commonwealth
01102926 436410 Categorical Federal ‐ Bulletproof Vest Grant 1,395
01311085 506126 Police Dept ‐ Body Armor/Tactical Vests 1,395
Vest Grant
Total General Fund: 18,107 18,107
School Operating Fund:
18103919 489904 Donations/Contributions/Gifts 47,863
71001210 563000 Purchased Services 39,780
71001210 565400 Leases & Rentals 500
71001210 565503 Travel 1,030
71001210 565800 Miscellaneous 3,978
71001210 566000 Materials & Supplies 2,575
Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth Grant
Total School Fund: 47,863 47,863
RE‐APPROPRIATIONS FY19 INTO FY20
DEPARTMENTAL REQUESTS
ORG CODE OBJECT DEPARTMENT ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
GENERAL FUND
01103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 553,223
01122022 502815 Employee Services/Dev/Recog Wellness $ 5,000 continuing program
01124042 503500 Treasurer Printing/Binding $ 2,775 incomplete projects
01126055 503320 Info Services Maint. Service Contracts $ 15,000 continuing program
01217078 506047 Sheriff ‐ Courts Project Life Saver $ 3,115 rollover of prior years' appropriated donations
01221082 506105 Commonwealth's Attorney State ‐ Confiscated Assets $ 8,083 forfeiture funds ‐ carry‐over
01221082 506118 Commonwealth's Attorney Local ‐ Confiscated Assets $ 715 forfeiture funds ‐ carry‐over
01311085 506078 Police State ‐ Confiscated Assets $ 58,832 forfeiture funds ‐ carry‐over
01311085 506079 Police Federal ‐ Confiscated Assets $ 124,048 forfeiture funds ‐ carry‐over
01311085 506118 Police Local ‐ Confiscated Assets $ 39,032 forfeiture funds ‐ carry‐over
01311085 506139 Police E‐Summons Equipment $ 48,724 dedicated e‐summons funding (unexp 39,031.48+receipts 9,691.95)
01321102 506110 Fire Fire Programs $ 6,479 grant funding
01321102 506130 Fire Maintenance for Burn Building $ 3,270 ongoing project ‐ funded through reimbursements
01322105 506114 EMS Four for Life $ 9,793 grant funding
01331108 506010 Sheriff ‐ Corrections Radios & Weapons $ 6,970 continuing program
01331108 506011 Sheriff ‐ Corrections Uniforms & Vests $ 8,700 continuing program
01334122 506133 Safety Siren Supplies $ 6,656 incomplete projects ‐ repairs
01341135 506300 Inspections Demolition $ 11,400 continuing program to clean‐up more properties
01413145 503185 Street Maintenance Prof.Service‐Street Resurfacing $ 108,471 continuing program ‐ paving
01812242 503600 Misc Exp Grant Program‐Misc Business Dev $ 86,160 ongoing program for local small businesses
REFUSE FUND
09103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 40,079
09425302 508220 Landfill Physical Plant Expansion $ 40,079 continuing project ‐ ISTD project ‐ funded over 3 yrs ‐ FY18, FY19, FY20
WATER FUND
12103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 48,764
12541311 508220 Water Plant Physical Plant Expansion $ 48,764 incomplete project
SEWER FUND
13103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 310,736
13550325 503191 Wastewater Plant Prof. Services ‐ Contractors $ 75,036 incomplete project ‐ electrical upgrade @ sewer plant
13550325 508201 Wastewater Plant Machinery & Equipment $ 235,700 incomplete project ‐ sludge press multi‐year project
ELECTRIC FUND
14103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 674,100
14564339 508205 Electric Construction Motor Vehicles/Equipment $ 95,000 incomplete project ‐ truck replacement
14561336 508220 Electric Generation Physical Plant Expansion $ 100,000 continuing project ‐ major dam repairs
14561336 506009 Electric Generation Dam Repairs $ 9,600 incomplete project ‐ dam projects
14563338 508236 Electric Maintenance SCADA System $ 19,500 incomplete project ‐ upgrade of SCADA system
14564339 508220 Electric Construction Physical Plant Expansion $ 450,000 multi‐year project ‐ transformer replacement
Page 1 of 2
CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
16103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 149,285
16575365 508120 Vehicles Senior Services $ 8,000 incomplete project ‐ mini‐van
16576366 508055 Computer Software/Hardware Information Services $ 33,310 continuation/replacement hardware
16577367 508080 Physical Plant Expansion Fire Dept $ 40,965 incomplete project ‐ station updating
16579369 508209 School Projects Reserve School Projects $ 67,010 funding reserved for school capital projects
CDBG FUND
47103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 19,749
47835526 503195 Northside Program Income Construction/Maintenance $ 2,944 accumulated program income
47835526 506100 Northside Program Income Misc Expense related to rentals $ 12,156 accumulated program income
47827516 503195 Cherry St Program Income Construction/Maintenance $ 4,649 accumulated program income
TOTAL CITY FUNDS: $ 1,795,936
SCHOOL FUNDS
18100938 410510 Ops/Contrib from Fund Balance $ 159,233
71001300 561120 VTSS Instructional S&W $ 3,350 VTSS/PBIS Grant Balance
71001300 562100 VTSS Social Security $ 206
71001300 562150 VTSS Medicare FICA $ 49
71001300 56300 VTSS Purchased Services $ 15,532
71001300 565503 VTSS Travel $ 4,704
71001300 566000 VTSS Materials & Supplies $ 837
81021310 566020 Support Staff Textbooks $ 76,998 Harvest Grant Balance
81031310 566020 Support Staff Textbooks $ 51,332 Harvest Grant Balance
85001009 561300 Healthnet P/T S&W $ 1,676 eBackPack Grant
85001009 562100 Healthnet Social Security $ 104 eBackPack Grant
85001009 562150 Healthnet Medicare FICA $ 25 eBackPack Grant
85001009 563000 Healthnet Purchased Services $ 4,420 eBackPack Grant
TOTAL SCHOOL FUNDS: $ 159,233
TOTAL RE‐APPROPRIATIONS FROM FY17 TO FY18 $ 1,955,169
Page 2 of 2
Results of Bank Bids for Capital Lease Financing
Bank 5 Yr Int Rate installments 7 Yr Int Rate installments Additional info
Blue Ridge Bank 3.50% 10 @ $155,148.27 3.75% 14 @ $115,682.77 no penalty for prepay
Brenda Peters
BB & T 2.12% 10 @ $148,937.05 2.19% 14 @ $108,894.04 1% prepayment premium or
Rusty Akers principal balance will be non‐callable
for the 1st half of term
Skyline National Bank 3.16% 10 @ $153,357.55 3.35% 14 @ $113,788.32 Tax Exempt & Bank Qualified
Scott Griffin 4.00% 4.25% Taxable & non‐bank Qualified
American National No bid ‐ they would only do a G.O.
William Kirby
Carter Bank & Trust Acted like they were going to bid, but I received nothing
Dawn DeHart
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