City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · August 25, 2020
Minutes
August 25, 2020
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on August
25, 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, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Community
Development Mark McCaskill, Finance Director Linda Conover, Assistant Finance Director
Mandy McGee and Deputy Police Chief Rob Fincher.
Mayor Lawson called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge to the American Flag and
invocation by Vice Mayor Martin, Lawson welcomed everyone to the meeting. Lawson
explained that the meeting would follow COVID guidelines and recognizing social distancing
recommendations.
Approve minutes from the August 11, 2020 Council Meeting – Council Member Woods
made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Council Member Bowles seconded the
motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the period July 1-
September 30, 2020 – City Manager Towarnicki recognized employees who received service
awards and thanked them for their years of service.
Hear an update on Martinsville Mustangs Baseball – City Manager Towarnicki said the
season was unique, but successful. There were very few teams in the Coastal League that were
able to play this season. Greg Suire updated Council on the baseball season, stating that this
was a season of perseverance. Thanks to City Council, the team was able to move forward and
play this season while several other localities chose not to. Martinsville hosted 26 home
games and the diversity of the crowd, which included an increase in teenagers, was
encouraging. Suire thanked City staff for ensuring the park was safe for visitors during the
August 25, 2020
COVID pandemic. This season reenergized the Martinsville Mustangs brand with considerable
media coverage, being referred to as “the only game in town” regionally and nationally. At one
game there were over 18 major league baseball scouts. Not only did the Mustangs play, but
they played well and had their first winning season in several years. Friday Night Lights will
begin this Friday and will include local high school players. There is a live stream broadcast
for those who prefer to watch the game from home on CPL Live Sports and costs $5 to view.
The unknown heroes were the local host families who opened their homes to players during a
pandemic.
August 25, 2020
August 25, 2020
Read a Proclamation recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the
Constitution guaranteeing women the right to vote – Vice Mayor Martin read the proclamation.
August 25, 2020
Consider adoption of a resolution setting the allocation percentage for personal property
tax relief for qualifying vehicles in the City of Martinsville for tax year 2020 – Commissioner of
Revenue Ruth Easley summarized the need for the resolution adoption which she described as
an annual housekeeping measure. Council Member Bowles made a motion to adopt the
resolution and approve the percentage. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with the
following roll call vote: Vice Mayor Martin, aye; Council Member Turner, aye; Council Member
Woods, aye; Mayor Lawson, aye; and Council Member Bowles, aye.
August 25, 2020
Hear an update regarding plans for section 6A of the Dick and Willie Trail – City Manager
Towarnicki presented information on the upcoming construction of the new section 6A of the
Dick & Willie Trail, sharing details of the layout and trail location. Towarnicki shared details
about the pedestrian crossing where the trail crosses Spruce Street as well as the proposes
reduced 35mph speed limit in that area. The plans for this new section have been submitted
to VDOT for approval and work is expected to begin early 2021.
Hear an update from Building Inspections regarding demolition of structures within the
City – Kris Bridges, Building & Zoning Official, updated Council on the demolition list. The last
structure of the top 10 demolitions is on the ground as of today.
August 25, 2020
Consider approval of consent agenda – Council Member Bowles made a motion to approve
the consent agenda as presented. Council Member Woods seconded the motion with all
Council Members voting in favor.
August 25, 2020
August 25, 2020
Business from the Floor – None
Comments by City Council – Council Member Turner touched on the COVID problems,
evictions and utility cut-offs. Turner feels the need to work with landlords and provide a
liberal plan to collect utility funds to assist renters and provide them the opportunity to catch
up on their rent and avoid eviction. Turner feels if the City cuts off utilities then the landlord
will lose all income on that property when the tenant moves out. Turner would like to see
landlords be eligible for the CAREs money also. Vice Mayor Martin has received calls from
residents at The Lofts who are having issues getting to Food Lion for groceries, he asked if the
transit system could stop at this location to provide transportation. City Manager Towarnicki
will look into adding this stop but explained if the resident would flag down the bus, then the
bus will stop to pick them up. Vice Mayor Martin offered prayers to the New Bethel Church
family, their Pastor Mark Price passed away today. Council Member Bowles shared SPCA
specials for month-end for pet adoptions. Bowles encouraged residents to register and vote.
Comments by the City Manager and City Attorney – City Manager Towarnicki shared
details about the CAREs funding, stating that $410,000 had been awarded to 140 applicants.
The City did receive a second round of grant money. Towarnicki thanked the staff on the
CAREs committee for their help in reviewing and deciding awards for small businesses. He
hopes to begin the second round this week with grants up to $5,000 after the application has
August 25, 2020
been modified. Previous applicants will not be considered again. This time around, receipts
for expenditures will be required with the applications. Towarnicki detailed the plan for utility
disconnects, explaining that the disconnects were put on hold in March. The City is not
obligated to follow SCC guidelines although has done so to this point. Disconnects will
resume on September 1. Staff has made an aggressive attempt to reach out to all 200+
delinquent accounts regarding a repayment plan. Residents with delinquent accounts are
digging a deep financial hole for themselves and the longer it goes on, the more difficult it will
be for residents to repay their bill. The City is looking at a 9-month repayment plan where
residents pay their current month charge plus a set charge towards the delinquent amount.
Those residents who have made no effort will have their utilities disconnected beginning next
week. An extension into October could possibly lead into colder months and the City can not
disconnect at that time. Some residents were due to be disconnected in March and have not
made a payment since November 2019. Residents needing assistance and who have made a
payment plan with the City, can contact Social Services for additional assistance through the
CAREs funding. Grace Network was also given $15,000 to assist residents with utilities. It is
in the residents’ best interest to get on the payment plan instead of the disconnect list.
There being no further business, Council Member Bowles made a motion to adjourn the
meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Woods with all Council Members voting
in favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Kathy Lawson
Clerk of Council Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL -- CITY OF MARTINSVILLE,
VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
7:30pm Regular Session
Tuesday August 25, 2020
7:30 pm - Regular Session
Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Vice Mayor Martin
1. Approve minutes from the August 11, 2020 Council Meeting. (5 mins)
2. Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the period
July 1-September 30, 2020. (5 mins)
3. Hear an update on Martinsville Mustangs Baseball. (15 mins)
4. Read a Proclamation recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the 19th
Amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing women the right to vote. (5
mins)
5. Consider adoption of a resolution setting the allocation percentage for
personal property tax relief for qualifying vehicles in the City of Martinsville
for tax year 2020. (5 mins)
6. Hear an update regarding plans for section 6A of the Dick & Willie Trail. (15
mins)
7. Hear an update from Building Inspections regarding demolition of
structures within the City. (15 mins)
8. Consider approval of consent agenda (2 mins)
9. 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, August 25 for consideration by
Council at this meeting.
10. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes)
11. Comments by City Manager and City Attorney. (5 minutes)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: August 25, 2020
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes
Summary: None
Attachments: August 11, 2020 Council Meeting
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: August 25, 2020
Item No: 2.
Department: Human Resources
Issue: Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the
period July 1 – September 30, 2020.
Summary: The Service Award Program is designed to build individual morale and
show appreciation to the long-service employee for their faithful service to the City
of Martinsville.
SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
FIRST QUARTER - FISCAL YEAR 20-21
FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
Years
Name Department of
Service
GARY RENZ SHERIFF’S DEPT 5
MICHAEL TRAIL FIRE DEPT 5
TALIB-DIYN AZIZ WASTEWATER PLANT 5
ERIC BOAZ TRAFFIC SIGNALS 5
ALLYSON SMITH COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY 5
ANITRA HUFF SHERIFF’S DEPT 10
JOSEPH HAYNES FIRE DEPT 15
TIMOTHY DUNBAR SEWER MAINTENANCE 20
DAVID JOHNSTON WATER MAINTENANCE 20
SANDY HINES POLICE DEPT 20
KATHY REED TRAFFIC SIGNALS 25
ROGER SHELOR CENTRAL GARAGE 30
ESTHER ADAMS-ARTIS INFORMATION SERVICES 35
Attachment: None
Recommendation: The Mayor will read the list.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: August 25, 2020
Item No: 3.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear an update on Martinsville Mustangs Baseball.
Summary: Information will be presented regarding the just-completed 2020
baseball season and plans for the 2021 season. Mr. Greg Suire will be attending
Council’s meeting and providing this update.
Attachment: None
Recommendation: No action needed – presented for information purposes.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: August 25, 2020
Item No: 4.
Department: City Council
Issue: Read a Proclamation recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 19th
Amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing women the right to vote.
Summary: August, 2020 is the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the
19th Amendment to the United States Constitution guaranteeing women the
right to vote. A proclamation will be read recognizing that important event in
American history.
Attachments: Proclamation
Recommendations: No action by Council needed - the Mayor will read the
Proclamation.
PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
PASSAGE AND RATIFICATION OF THE 19TH
AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUION
GUARANTEEING WOMEN THE RIGHT TO VOTE
WHEREAS, on June 4, 1920, the U.S. Congress passed the 19th
Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guaranteeing
American women the right to vote, which was later ratified on
August 18, 1920; and
WHEREAS, the bold, courageous, and powerful women who fought
for the amendment deserve special recognition, especially on this
100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment; and
WHEREAS, the fact that women today are active in local, state, and
national government and are running for office in unprecedented
numbers reminds us that we all follow in the footsteps of these
resolute American suffragists, and;
WHEREAS, the 19th Amendment has played an important role in
advancing the rights of all women; and
WHEREAS, women are vital to the social, economic, spiritual, and
intellectual well-being of our community;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kathy Lawson, Mayor, and members of
Martinsville City Council do hereby proclaim our recognition of the
100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution
guaranteeing women the right to vote and its significance in
promoting the core values of and participation in our democracy.
_____________________________________
Kathy Lawson, Mayor
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: August 25, 2020
Item No: 5.
Department: Commissioner of the Revenue
Issue: Consider adoption of a resolution setting the allocation percentage for
personal property tax relief for qualifying vehicles in the City of Martinsville for tax
year 2020.
Summary: On December 13, 2005 City Council adopted an ordinance that
established a local program of personal property tax relief that requires the
Council to annually set the relief allocation percentage that is anticipated to fully
use the PPTRA relief funds provided to the City by the Commonwealth.
The Commissioner of the Revenue has completed the annual assessment of motor
vehicles that have a Martinsville tax situs for tax year 2020. By ordinance,
qualifying vehicles assessed at $1,000, or less, receive 100% relief. Qualifying
vehicles with assessed values between $1,001 and the first $20,000 receive a
calculated annual percentage of relief based on the number of qualifying vehicles
and their associated assessments. The Commissioner of the Revenue estimates
that a percentage rate of 49.33% will fully use all state PPTRA funds allocated to
the City for Tax Year 2020.
Attachments: Resolution
Recommendations: Adopt resolution
Council Members City Manager
Kathy Lawson, Mayor Leon E. Towarnicki
Chad Martin, Vice-Mayor City Attorney
Jennifer Bowles Eric H. Monday
Danny Turner Clerk of Council
Jim Woods
Karen Roberts
RESOLUTION
SETTING THE ALLOCATION PERCENTAGE FOR PERSONAL
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF IN THE CITY OF MARTINSVILLE FOR TAX
YEAR 2020
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2005 by Ordinance 2005-8 the Martinsville City Council established
a local program of tax relief that serves the best interests of its citizens regarding personal property
tax on qualifying use vehicles, pursuant to modifications made by the General Assembly of Virginia
to the Personal Property Tax Relief Act of 1998 (PPTRA); and
WHEREAS, the city’s relief program requires the city council to adopt an annual percentage of
local tax relief for personal use vehicles valued between $1,001 and the first $20,000 that will fully
exhaust the PPTRA relief funds provided to the city by the Commonwealth of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner of the Revenue has completed the annual assessment of motor
vehicles with Martinsville tax situs for Tax Year 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner of the Revenue estimates that a percentage of relief of 49.33%
applied to the first $20,000 of assessed values for qualifying vehicles valued over $1,000 will fully
use all available state PPTRA relief allocated for tax year 2020,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Martinsville City Council that 49.33% shall be
the percentage of relief to be applied to the first $20,000 in value of each qualifying vehicle with an
assessed value more than $1,000 pursuant to and in accordance with provisions of Sec. 21-10 of the
Martinsville City Code.
Adopted this 25th day of August, 2020.
_________________________________ _____________________________________
Kathy Lawson, Mayor ATTEST: Clerk of Council
VOTE
Jennifer Bowles ______
Kathy Lawson ______
Chad Martin ______
Danny Turner ______
Jim Woods ______
55 West Church Street, P. O. Box 1112, Martinsville, VA 24114-1112 276-403-5180 Fax: 276-403-5280
www.martinsville-va.gov
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: August 25, 2020
Item No: 6.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear an update regarding plans for section 6A of the Dick & Willie
Trail.
Summary: City staff will provide a brief update on plans and schedule
regarding section 6A of the Dick and Willie Trail. Section 6A is the remaining
section of the trail that will connect from the end of the original D & W Trail at
Mulberry Creek to the recently-completed section (Section 6B) at the trailhead on
Spruce Street at Mulberry Creek.
Attachments: None. Additional information will be presented at the
meeting.
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action
needed.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: August 25, 2020
Item No: 7.
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.
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
Meeting Date: August 25, 2020
Item No: 8.
Department: Finance
Issue: Consider approval of the consent agenda
Summary:
The attachment amends the FY20 and FY21 budgets with appropriations in the
following funds:
FY20
General: $ 3,046 – Forfeited Assets
FY21
General: $ 393,211 – Forfeited Assets; Insurance Claim Payments
Telecomm: $ 2,787 – Insurance Claim Payment
CARES Act: $1,149,533 – CARES Funds
School Ops: $ 974,337 – ESSER CARES Funds; Grants
Attachments: Consent Agenda – 8-25-20
Recommendations: Approve.
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 8/25/20
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
BUDGET ADDITIONS
FY2020
General Fund:
01101917 442401 Categorical Other State - Confiscated Assets - PD 2,840
01101917 442402 Categorical Other State - Confiscated Assets - CA 206
01311085 506078 Police Dept - State Asset Forfeitures 2,840
01221082 506105 Commonwealth's Atty - State Asset Forfeitures 206
Forfeited assets from Commonwealth
Total General Fund: 3,046 3,046
FY2021
General Fund:
01101917 442401 Categorical Other State - Confiscated Assets - PD 5,735
01101917 442402 Categorical Other State - Confiscated Assets - CA 4,129
01311085 506078 Police Dept - State Asset Forfeitures 5,735
01221082 506105 Commonwealth's Atty - State Asset Forfeitures 4,129
Forfeited assets from Commonwealth
01100909 490104 Advance/Recovered Cost 45,260
01413147 506010 Traffic Signals - Signal Maintenance 45,260
Insurance claim payment
01102926 436401 Categorical Federal - Confiscated Assets - PD 321,011
01311085 506079 Police Dept - Federal Asset Forfeitures 321,011
Forfeited assets from Federal Gov't
01100909 490104 Advance/Recovered Cost 17,076
01311085 506008 Police Dept - Vehicle Equipment & Maintenance 17,076
Insurance claim payment
Total General Fund: 393,211 393,211
Telecomm Fund:
11100909 490104 Advance/Recovered Cost 2,787
11315308 506007 Telecomm - Repair & Maintenance Supplies 2,787
Insurance claim payment
Total Telecomm Fund: 2,787 2,787
CARES Act Fund:
17102926 442305 Categorical/Federal - CARES Act Funds 1,095,288
17913250 506146 General Expense - CARES Act Funds 1,095,288
CARES Act funds received from Federal Government
17102926 442306 Categorical/Federal - CARES Act Funds - Registrar 54,245
17132068 506147 Registrar - November Election 54,245
Funds received specific to November election costs
Total CARES Act Fund: 1,149,533 1,149,533
School Operations Fund:
18102926 499990 ESSER CARES ACT 925,677
80005800 561300 Part Time S&W 141,645
80005800 562100 Social Security 10,836
80004200 561300 Part Time S&W 36,000
80004200 562100 Social Security 2,754
82021100 563000 Purchased Services 3,500
81021100 563142 Professional Development 33,000
80004200 563142 Professional Development 300
80004200 563000 Purchased Services 25,000
80004200 566007 Janitorial Supplies 62,725
80004200 566056 Non Cap Equipment 133,658
80008100 566050 Non Cap Tech Hardware 476,259
CARES Act Funds
18103919 489904 Donations/Contributions 20,000
80004200 566007 Custodial Supplies 20,000
Eastman Foundation Grant
18101917 404002 Other State Funds 28,660
71001300 561620 Supplemental S&W 5,300
71001300 562100 Social Security 332
71001300 563000 Purchased Services 5000
71001300 563142 Professional Development 11628
71001300 565800 Miscellaneous 3000
71001300 566000 Materials & Supplies 2,000
71001300 566040 Software and Online Content 1,400
VTSS/PBIS Grant
Total School Operations Fund: 974,337 974,337
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