City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · June 9, 2020
Minutes
June 9, 2020 Council Meeting
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on June 9,
2020 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Kathy Lawson
presiding. Other Council Members present included Jim Woods, Danny Turner, Jennifer
Bowles and Chad Martin. Staff present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Assistant
City Manager/City Attorney Eric Monday, Finance Director Linda Conover, Assistant Finance
Director Mandy McGhee, Community Development Director Mark McCaskill and Deputy Police
Chief Rob Fincher.
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 Woods and seconded by Council
Member Turner with the following 5-0 recorded vote: Vice Mayor Martin, aye; Council Member
Turner, aye; Council Member Woods, aye; Council Member Bowles, aye; and Mayor Lawson,
aye. Council convened in Closed Session to discuss the following matters: (A) Appointments to
boards and commissions, as authorized by Subsection 1, (B) Discussion of the award of a
public contract involving the expenditure of public funds, including interviews of bidders or
offerors, and discussion of the terms or scope of such contract, where discussion in an open
session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public
body, as authorized by Subsection 29, and (C) 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 5-0 recorded
vote in favor to return to Open Session: Mayor Lawson, aye; Vice Mayor Martin, aye; Council
Member Bowles, aye; Council Member Turner, aye; and Council Member Woods.
Mayor Lawson called the meeting to order.
Out of Closed Session, Council Member Woods made a motion to reappoint Brenda
Ephriam to the Piedmont Regional Community Services Board for a 3-year term ending June
30, 2023. Council Member Turner seconded the motion with all Council voting in favor.
Vice Mayor Martin made a motion to appoint DelShana LeGrant to the Patrick Henry
Community College Board for a 4-year unexpired term ending June 30, 2022. Council
Member Bowles seconded the motion with all Council voting in favor. There was no additional
action taken in Closed Session.
Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Mayor Lawson, Lawson
welcomed everyone to the meeting. Lawson explained that the meeting would follow COVID
June 9, 2020 Council Meeting
guidelines, allowing Council Members plus ten others in attendance and recognizing social
distancing recommendations.
Conduct a public hearing for receiving names of citizens interested in appointment for two
3-year terms ending June 30, 2023 on the Martinsville City School Board – Mayor Lawson
opened the floor to a public hearing. Vice Mayor Martin said that Tony Jones requested to be
considered for the Board. Council Member Bowles said that Donna Dillard, L.C. Jones and
Rebecca VanCedarfield requested to be considered for the Board. No one approached the
podium and no other names were brought up so the public hearing was closed. Mayor Lawson
said the interviews would be held June 23 prior to the Council meeting.
Consider approval on first reading of an ordinance requesting local tax exemption from a
local organization – Commissioner of Revenue Ruth Easley explained the need for the
ordinance. Theater Works had recently been granted exemption from business licensure and
personal property but at that time, they did not own real estate. Mayor Lawson opened the
floor for a public hearing. Jo Grayson, 902 Mulberry Road spoke on behalf of Theater Works
and shared some information about what they have done over the years. City Attorney
Monday explained that Council Member Woods is a member of Theater Works, however since
his position is not a paid position then there would be no conflict of interest with his decision
on this ordinance. Council Member Turner made a motion to approve the ordinance as
June 9, 2020 Council Meeting
presented. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with the following roll call vote: Lawson,
aye; Martin, aye; Bowles, aye; Turner, aye; and Woods, aye.
Conduct a public hearing on the FY20-21 Budget and consider approval of Budget
Ordinance 2020-U-3 on first reading – City Manager Towarnicki briefly summarized the
budget and the process to have the FY20-21 budget approved. An alternate Electric budget
was provided as Council previously requested, with the proposed electric rate increase
removed. Towarnicki pointed out revisions in the school cafeteria and school operation funds.
Mayor Lawson opened the floor for a public hearing. No one approached the podium. Council
Member Bowles made a motion to approve the budget as presented. Council Member Woods
seconded the motion. Council Member Turner requested an amendment to the budget to have
the electric rate increase removed; Council Member Bowles did not approve the request for
amendment to her motion. Turner’s request died without a second. Turner suggested in lieu
of an electric rate increase, that the City enter into negotiations to get fair pricing for the
electric system. Mayor Lawson said that would not be a budget issue and would need to be
suggested to the City Manager. Vice Mayor Martin said the City has explored the option to sell
the electric department but no one in the past wants to purchase it. American Electric would
not allow another electric company to provide service in this area. City Manager Towarnicki
called roll: Lawson, aye; Martin, aye; Bowles, aye; Turner, nay; and Woods, aye. Council
approved the Budget Ordinance 4-1 on first reading.
June 9, 2020 Council Meeting
Consider approval of consent agenda – Council Member Bowles made a motion to approve
the consent agenda as presented. Council Member Turner seconded the motion with all
Council Members voting in favor.
June 9, 2020 Council Meeting
Business from the Floor – No comments from the public received
Comments by City Council – Council Member Woods acknowledged Liam Bredamus, Liam
was interested in the proceedings of how to be a good citizen so Woods invited him to the
meeting. Council Member Turner shared details about the NASCAR race season. Council
Member Bowles recognized her former intern Sophia who is completing her freshman year at
Virginia Commonwealth University. Bowles wished City Attorney Monday a happy birthday.
Vice Mayor Martin said it is good to see young people interested in the City and government.
Martin wished Monday a happy birthday. Martin reminded residents to complete the census
and emphasized how that will benefit Martinsville. Mayor Lawson recognized Minnie Martin
who would be celebrating her 100th birthday later this month. Lawson extends sympathy to
former City Manager Clarence Monday in the passing of his daughter. The Joey Logano
Foundation and Convoy of Hope will be making a distribution on June 11 at the Martinsville
Speedway for food and hygiene items. Hazardous Waste Day has been rescheduled to June 27
from 7:00-10:00am at the Henry County PSA Service Center in Bassett. Lawson encouraged
residents to wear their masks to protect themselves and those around them from the spread of
COVID.
Comments by the City Manager - City Manager Towarnicki detailed information about the
$1.1million Corona Virus relief funding and how the City plans to utilize that. The money can
June 9, 2020 Council Meeting
be used to assist local businesses and awards of those funds will be decided by a committee.
Towarnicki explained the application process for local business owners interested in applying
for those funds.
There being no further business, Council Member Turner made a motion to adjourn the
meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Bowles with all Council Members
voting in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Kathy Lawson
Clerk of Council Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE,
VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
7:00pm Closed Session 7:30pm Regular Session
Tuesday June 9, 2020
7:00 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. Discussion of the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public
funds, including interviews of bidders or offerors, and discussion of the terms
or scope of such contract, where discussion in an open session would adversely
affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, as
authorized by Subsection 29.
C. 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 Mayor Lawson
1. Conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving names of citizens
interested in appointment for two 3-year terms ending June 30, 2023 on the
Martinsville City School Board. (10 mins)
2. Consider approval on first reading of an ordinance requesting local tax
exemption from a local organization. (10 mins)
3. Conduct a Public Hearing on the FY20-21 Budget and consider approval of
Budget Ordinance 2020-U-3 on first reading. (20 mins)
4. Consider approval of consent agenda (2 mins)
5. Business from the Floor - CANCELLED
As a result of COVID-19 issues, business from the floor will not occur at City Council meetings until further notice.
Citizens desiring to present comments for Council’s consideration may do so by emailing the comments to Karen
Roberts, Clerk of Council at kroberts@ci.martinsville.va.us, calling in the comments to 276-403-5182, faxing comments
to 276-403-5280, or mailing comments to City of Martinsville, attn.: Karen Roberts, P.O. Drawer 1112, Martinsville, VA
24114. Comments must be received by noon, May 26 for consideration by Council at this meeting.
6. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes)
7. Comments by City Manager and City Attorney. (5 minutes)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: June 9, 2020
Item No: 1.
Department: City Council
Issue: Conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving names of
citizens interested in appointments for two 3-year terms ending June 30, 2023 on
the Martinsville City School Board.
Summary: Pursuant to Code of Virginia section 22.1-29.1, a public hearing is
necessary to introduce and consider names of persons interested in appointment
to a vacancy on the Martinsville School Board and to receive the views of citizens
within the school division. This state code section also states that no nominee or
applicant whose name has not been considered at the public hearing shall be
appointed as a school board member. Further, the actual appointment must be
made at least seven days after the hearing; appointments will therefore be made at
or after the June 23, 2020 Council meeting following the interview process.
Attachments: Current Martinsville School Board members
Recommended Action: Conduct the Public Hearing and consider scheduling
interviews on June 23rd, prior to and/or after Council’s meeting on that date
depending on number of candidates. Candidates selected for the Board
appointments will be announced after interviews are completed.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: June 9, 2020
Item No: 2.
Department: City Attorney, Commissioner of the Revenue
Issue: Consider approval on first reading of an ordinance requesting local tax
exemption from a local organization.
Summary: Council approved a BPOL and personal property exemption
for Theaterworks in 2012. They have since acquired real estate, and now seek
exemption for that as well: Theater Works Community Players, Inc., holding real
estate at 44 Franklin Street, with a total current assessed value of $143,200; real
property taxes thereon are $1,520.93.
Attachments: Draft exemption ordinance 2020-2.
Recommendation: Consider approval on first reading by roll call vote.
Ordinance 2020-2
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, in regular session held on
June 23, 2020 and pursuant to Section 58.1-3651 of the Code of Virginia, that Section 21-12,
specifically subsection (k)(2), of the City Code be amended as follows:
________________________________________________________ _____ ________________ _
(k) Taxation exemption for Theatre Works Community Players. After convening a duly
advertised public hearing and considering the factors set forth in Code of Virginia §
58.1-3651(B), the city council of Martinsville, Virginia hereby ordains the following:
1. Theatre Works Community Players, a nonprofit organization, is hereby classified
and designated as a cultural organization within the context of Section 6(a)(6) of
Article X of the Constitution of Virginia.
2. BPOL Gross revenue, together with real and personal property owned by Theatre
Works Community Players, and used exclusively for cultural purposes on a
nonprofit basis, as set forth in subsection (1) of this section, is hereby determined
to be exempt from local BPOL, real and personal property taxation.
3. Continuance of the exemption shall be contingent on the continued use of the
property in accordance with the purpose for which the organization is classified or
designated.
*********
Attest:
________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: June 9, 2020
Item No: 3.
Department: City Council
Issue: Conduct a Public Hearing on the FY20-21 Budget and consider
approval of Budget Ordinance 2020-U-3 on first reading.
Summary: The City’s proposed FY21 Budget was presented to Council at
the May 26, 2020 meeting. Work sessions were held on Wednesday, May 27th
with Schools and outside agency discussion; Tuesday, June 2nd with Social
Services, several City departments, the Sheriff, and capital discussion; and
Thursday, June 4 to cover questions from prior work sessions.
Attachments: Ordinance 2020 –U-3, outlining Fund details of the proposed
City’s FY20-21 Budget.
Recommendations: Conduct public hearing and approve on first reading (roll
call vote), subject to changes or modifications Council desires to make.
Ordinance 2020-U-3
The Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, in regular session assembled June
9, 2020, that the following sums of money be and hereby are appropriated — by specific Fund — for the
City's fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, from the following Fund sources of estimated revenue:
______________________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY STATEMENT OF BUDGET ESTIMATES
2020-2021
PROJECTED BUDGETED CHANGES
FUND
FUND REVENUES EXPENDITURES BALANCE
General $31,051,819 $32,658,074 ($1,606,255)
Meals Tax $2,081,930 $2,081,930 $0
Capital Reserve $500,488 $501,095 ($607)
Refuse $2,266,600 $4,328,401 ($2,061,801)
Telecommunications $2,295,365 $2,255,311 $40,054
Water $4,091,165 $3,420,389 $670,776
Sewer $4,604,012 $5,241,248 ($637,236)
Electric $20,132,524 $21,150,059 ($1,017,535)
Cafeteria* $1,728,447 $1,815,660 ($87,213)
School Operating* $22,156,475 $22,156,475 $0
CDBG $22,666 $1,436 $21,230
TOTALS: $90,931,491 $95,610,078 ($4,678,587)
*Provided by School Personnel
Tax Rates (unchanged):
Real Estate: $1.0621 per $100 assessed value
Personal Property: $2.30 per $100 assessed value
Machinery & Tools: $1.85 per $100 assessed value
Proposed for Water:
Increase in monthly bill of $1.50
Proposed for Electric:
Increase in PCA of 2.5%
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by said Council that this Ordinance shall be effective on and after July 1,
2020.
*********
Attest:
________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: June 9, 2020
Item No: 4.
Department: Finance
Issue: Consider approval of the consent agenda
Summary:
The attachment amends the FY20 budget with appropriations in the following
funds:
General: $ 15,597 – Reimbursements
Capital: $ 21,952 – Insurance payment
Attachments: Consent Agenda – 6-9-20
Recommendations: Approve.
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 6/9/20
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
BUDGET ADDITIONS
FY2020
General Fund:
01100909 490137 Recovered Cost ‐ Public Safety 13,974
01311085 501200 Police Dept. ‐ Overtime 10,860
01311085 502100 Police Dept. ‐ Social Security 673
01311085 502110 Police Dept. ‐ Medicare 157
01217078 501200 Sheriff ‐ Courts ‐ Overtime 2,122
01217078 502100 Sheriff ‐ Courts ‐ Social Security 131
01217078 502110 Sheriff ‐ Courts ‐ Medicare 31
Various reimbursements for security patrols
01101916 434106 Categorical St/Shared ‐ Comm Atty/Equip 1,623
01221082 506001 Commonwealth's Attorney ‐ Office Supplies 1,623
Additional reimbursement from Comp Board
Total General Fund: 15,597 15,597
Capital Fund:
16100909 490104 Adv/Recovered Cost 21,952
16575365 508075 Vehicles ‐ Police Dept 21,952
Insurance payment for damaged vehicle
Total Capital Fund: 21,952 21,952
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