City Council

September 22 2020 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on September 22, 2020 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM with Mayor Kathy Lawson presiding. Other Council Members present included Jim Woods, Danny Turner, and Chad Martin. Jennifer Bowles was not in attendance. Staff present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Assistant City Manager/City Attorney Eric Monday, 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 Council Member Woods, Lawson welcomed everyone to the meeting. Lawson explained that the meeting would follow COVID guidelines and recognizing social distancing recommendations. Council Member Bowles was not in attendance, she notified the City Manager and Mayor that she may have been exposed to COVID and is self-quarantining. Pursuant to Code of Virginia 2.2-3708.2A1A, Bowles requested to participate electronically. Per City Attorney Monday, since this is a medical quarantine, this will not count towards her two electronic meetings per year. Vice Mayor Martin made a motion to allow Bowles to participate in the Council meeting electronically; Council Member Turner seconded the motion with all present Council members voting in favor. Approve minutes from the August 25, 2020 Council Meeting – Council Member Woods made a motion to approve the minutes as presented; Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all Council Members in favor. Hear an update from the City Sheriff’s Department regarding Jail Annex assistance with various City projects and activities – Sheriff Steve Draper, Major Laura Hopkins and Lieutenant Daniel Brannock were present to discuss the inmate work program. The Sheriff’s Department is proud of the number of inmates who participate in the work crew and how hard they work. Draper said those participants are proud to be part of the program and take pride in their work. Work crews assist with various departments and other City locations, saving the City lots of money. September 22, 2020 Brannock is the workforce manager and liaison between Public Works and other departments. Brannock shared details on projects completed by the work crew over the past two years and how inmates would qualify for the work program. Sheriff Draper explained that inmates who participate on the work crew, gain experience to assist them in getting a job when they are released. September 22 2020 Patrick Henry Community College donated a greenhouse to the Sheriff’s Department Annex. Brannock is hoping to expand the space around greenhouse to grow more plants, add ornamental plants and flowers, add tables, build a hot-house to extend the growing season, and provide an option for those inmates who do not qualify for the work-crew to still be able to work the greenhouse and growing project. Mayor Lawson appreciates the work the Sheriff’s Department work crews do, especially towards recycling. Brannock answered Council Member Bowles question about how the inmates and Public Works employees are staying safe during the COVID pandemic. Major Hopkins shared savings statistics, stating in FY19 crews worked 59,646 hours saving the City $432,433 and in FY20 crews worked 64,103 hours which saved the City $464,746. Hopkins detailed the cleaning procedures around the jail and the transport vehicles during the pandemic. City Manager Towarnicki explained the significance of the cost savings of the work crews and what a huge benefit they are for the City. Towarnicki said other localities have followed the City’s system with the work crews. Recently when there was a COVID quarantine of inmates, it became very clear how important their assistance was in keeping the refuse department operating effectively. The Sheriff’s Department work crews are invaluable to the City. Brannock shared details on the firewood program that benefits residents who can not afford to heat their homes. Hear an update from the Finance Department on expenditures from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) funding the City has received – Finance Director Linda Conover shared that the City had received 2 allotments of CARES funding totaling $2,190,000. These funds come with specific instruction on how the money can be used. The September 22, 2020 City’s goal is to have all funds disbursed by November 30 so that all paperwork can be completed by the end of the year. There is still a small business grant program open until October 2; requirements and forms can be found on the City website. City Manager Towarnicki shared that funds have been allocated to Grace Network, Salvation Army and Social Services to help residents who are delinquent on their utilities. Only $10,000 of $150,000 allocated to SS has been used for utility assistance so the funds to help residents is available. The Utilities Department began disconnects in September; the first week there were 7 disconnects, the second week there were 24 disconnects, and the third week there were 43 disconnects. Residents have the option to pay on their account, set up a payment plan and have their utilities reconnected. The organizations above will provide assistance if the resident has set up a payment plan and abide by the minimum payments agreed on. Hear information regarding the Virginia Breeze Bus Line system that provides inter-city bus transportation – Community Development Director Mark McCaskill shared details about a new bus line which began routes from Martinsville to Washington, DC on August 7, 2020 and will run on a daily basis. Residents may choose to change buses at several different locations and travel to other destinations. Tickets can be purchased on the Virginia Breeze Bus website. The bus will be located on the backside of Belk in Martinsville. Mayor Lawson asked that lighting at this location be looked at to ensure security of vehicles left onsite. Consider approval of Consent Agenda – Council Member Turner made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; Council Member Woods seconded the motion with all Council voting in favor. September 22 2020 Business from the Floor – None received Comments by City Council – Council Member Turner volunteered his services to help increase the percentage of residents that have completed the census. Council Member Bowles thanked Council for allowing her to participate by phone. Bowles reminded residents that they can vote early and November 3 is election day. Council Member Woods said he had offered to help with the census also but was told that he could not because he was an elected official. Vice Mayor Martin stated that Turner could volunteer but it would not be a paid position. Turner asked Martin to update Council on the Census status at the next meeting. Martin’s official work with the census ends soon, he continues to encourage residents to complete the census to benefit local businesses, schools and non-profits in the area. Congratulations to Helen Howell, instructor for NSBE on their recent events and awards. Mayor Lawson thanked the fire department, sharing comments by local residents complimenting the department. The Junior Mustangs are doing very well this season and have several upcoming games. October 17 is the next Household Hazardous Waste Day. Comments by the City Manager and City Attorney – City Manager Towarnicki shared that Veteran’s Day is approaching and the City and County will be accepting applications for Outstanding Veteran’s Award through October 22. The Water Resources department has been working on a water line on Cherokee Trail. Unfortunately, a raw water line from the Reservoir blew out and a sewer line on Askin Street collapsed so crews have been split between those two projects and have been unable to complete the Cherokee Trail project. Johnny Spencer of 1010 E Street brought a petition by Towarnicki’s office, signed by local residents with concerns about the pavement in that area. Towarnicki said the City did not receive the Pine Hall Community Development Block Grant but they will reapply for that again when available. Residents in that area will be informed and discussions held before that reapplication process begins. 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 8:45pm ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Karen Roberts Kathy Lawson Clerk of Council Mayor