City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · October 13, 2020
Minutes
October 13, 2020 Council Meeting
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on October
13, 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 Police Chief
Eddie Cassady.
Mayor Lawson called the meeting to order and advised Council would go into Closed
Session beginning at 7:15 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 Bowles with the following 5-0 recorded vote: Vice Mayor Martin, aye; Council Member
Turner, aye; Council Member Bowles, aye; Council Member Woods, 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. 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 Bowles, 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, Vice Mayor Martin made a motion to appoint Rives Coleman to the
Blue Ridge Regional Library Governing Board for an unexpired 4-year term ending June 30,
2023. Council Member Bowles seconded the motion with all Council members voting in favor.
Council Member Woods made a motion to appoint Jane Gardner to the Blue Ridge Regional
Library Governing Board for an unexpired 4-year term ending June 30, 2021. Council
Member Turner seconded the motion with all Council members 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. She explained that the meeting would follow COVID
guidelines and recognizing social distancing recommendations.
Approve minutes for the September 8, 2020 and September 22, 2020 Council Meetings –
Council Member Woods made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Vice Mayor
Martin seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Hear an update from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge – The representative was unable
to attend so this item will be moved to the October 27, 2020 meeting.
October 13, 2020 Council Meeting
Hear an update from United Way – Philip Wenkstern, United Way Executive Director
updated Council on the work being done by the United Way in the community including the
COVID related programs such as the emergency childcare subsidy program which assists 165
children in the community, and an emergency feeding program. The feeding program was
originally handled out of six locations and disbursed on Mondays once a month with 2,000
boxes of food distributed in August. United Way offers an Individual Development Account
Program, a home ownership program to assist with the down-payment and financial education
training with 15 individuals enrolled. The volunteer income tax assistance program will begin
to file taxes on January 18. This is a free tax filing assistance program for those who make
less than $56,000 per year and assists 2,000 individuals on average each year. Wenkstern
detailed the TANF grant program that assists with training and education costs,
transportation costs, work boots, etc. He shared details about Smart Beginnings including the
ARC Grant, the Preschool Development Grant and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which
is free to children up to 5 years old. The United Way Campaign is a little different this year
due to COVID restrictions, their goal is to raise $500,000 to benefit 20 local organizations
including the Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Grace Network, the
Salvation Army and others. $.99 of every $1.00 donated to United Way stays local.
Hear a presentation regarding information related to a comprehensive housing market
study and needs analysis for the Martinsville-Henry County area – City Manager Towarnicki
presented a PowerPoint on the housing study for Martinsville and Henry County. There has
been little housing development in this area over the past few decades. If a new business
relocates to Martinsville, lack of housing for employees could be a concern. Marketing
materials are being developed capturing details of this study. These materials will be shared
with developers to help publicize this area for future housing products.
October 13, 2020 Council Meeting
Consider adoption on first reading, Ordinance 2020-4 increasing Courthouse security fee
from $10 to $20 – City Attorney Monday explained the need for the ordinance and the increase
October 13, 2020 Council Meeting
in the security fee. This fee is assessed on all convictions and contributes to paying court
bailiffs and front lobby security. Council Member Bowles made a motion to adopt the
ordinance on first reading, Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with the following roll call
vote: Woods, aye; Turner, aye; Bowles, aye; Martin, aye; and Lawson, aye.
Consider approval of consent agenda – Finance Director Linda Conover presented a change
to the consent agenda. Council Member Woods made a motion to approve Item 1 of the
Consent Agenda as amended. Vice Mayor Martin seconded the motion with all Council
Members voting in favor. Council Member Bowles made a motion to approve Item 2
reappropriations. Council Member Turner seconded the motion with all Council Members
voting in favor.
October 13, 2020 Council Meeting
October 13, 2020 Council Meeting
Business from the Floor – No comments from the public received. Police Chief Eddie
Cassady reminds citizens that there will be a drive-thru Drug Take Back on Saturday October
24 from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Martinsville Fire Department. There is also a drug drop box
in the municipal building lobby. City Attorney Monday informed residents that the City
Registrar would be doing curbside voting at the City Municipal building on October 24 and
October 31.
Comments by City Council – Council Member Turner enjoyed working for the US Census
12 days and was able to locate and encourage several residents to complete the census form.
On Veterans Day October 11, 2020, there will be events and a parade recognizing two World
War II veterans who reside in the City. Council Member Woods said the City staff does a
phenomenal job especially the Finance Department and the Human Resources Department.
Woods recognized local resident John Ayers who has a Facebook page titled What’s Right with
Martinsville/Henry County. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Woods shared
resources available for the victims as well as abusers seeking help. Woods hopes that Council
Member Turner is not in violation of the Hatch Act which states that an elected official can not
count for the census. Turner suggested that was incorrect information and should be checked
again. Council Member Bowles encourages residents to shop local. Today is the last day to
register to vote, Bowles encouraged residents to vote. The Seed-Fund opens up on October 19;
Bowles encourages local high school seniors to take advantage of that program. Bowles has
been nominated to be on the SPCA board and shared details on a raffle to fundraise for that
organization. Bowles shared the deadline to register for the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Mayor
Lawson shared details on Hazardous Waste Day Saturday from 9:00am-12:00noon in Bassett.
Saturday at Mount Zion Church, there is a fresh vegetable give-away beginning at 10:00am.
October 13, 2020 Council Meeting
The Uptown Martinsville Trick-or-Treating event has been cancelled but the City has not
cancelled Halloween for the children, she asks that residents be safe and smart.
Comments by the City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki said there will be an event at
The Peoples Cemetery at 12:30 on Veteran’s Day. The City and Henry County are accepting
applications/nominations for Outstanding Military Veteran 2020; applications can be accepted
through October 22, 2020 and can be accessed online or at the City Manager’s office. The
second round of the CARES funding has been completed with $21,366.94 awarded, totaling
almost $450,000 overall. As of October 9, only 92 City utility customers have contacted Social
Services about payment assistance on their utility bills totaling $41,015. The City allocated
$150,000 to Social Services to assist residents with those bills so there are still funds
available. Utility Billing sent out a mailing to 179 customers which included the application
so there is no excuse for those residents to not get the assistance they need if they just follow
through. There are currently 797 delinquent utility accounts totaling $332,000, down
$170,000 from when the disconnects began. 42 utility disconnects occurred last week with
$32,737 in delinquent accounts. A total of 209 disconnects have been made with 128 of those
reconnected. The CARES grant has provided funds to Social Services, Grace Network and the
Salvation Army for those residents needing assistance.
City Attorney Monday said he had met a couple from Florida who told him that Martinsville
was one of their top three locations to retire because of the incredible affordability of the area
and how genuinely friendly the residents were.
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 8:45pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Kathy Lawson
Clerk of Council Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
7:15pm Closed Session 7:30pm Regular Session
Tuesday October 13, 2020
7:15 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.
7:30 pm - Regular Session
Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Mayor Lawson
1. Approve minutes from the September 8, 2020 and September 22, 2020
Council Meetings. (5 mins)
2. Hear an update from Boys and Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge. (15 mins)
3. Hear an update from United Way. (15 mins)
4. Hear a presentation regarding information related to a comprehensive
housing market study and needs analysis for the Martinsville-Henry
County area. (15 mins)
5. Consider adoption on first reading, Ordinance 2020-4 increasing
Courthouse security fee from $10 to $20. (10 mins)
6. Consider approval of Consent Agenda. (5 mins)
7. 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, October 13 for consideration by
Council at this meeting.
8. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes)
9. Comments by City Manager and City Attorney. (5 minutes)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: October 13, 2020
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes
Summary: None
Attachments: September 8, 2020 Council Meeting
September 22, 2020 Council Meeting
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: October 13, 2020
Item No: 2.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear an update from Boys and Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge.
Summary: Joanie Petty, Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs of the
Blue Ridge will be attending Council’s meeting and providing an update on various
programs and activities being handled by the organization.
Attachment: None
Recommendation: No action needed – presented for information purposes.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: October 13, 2020
Item No: 3.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear an update from United Way.
Summary: Phil Wenkstern, Executive Director of United Way of Henry County
& Martinsville will be attending Council’s meeting and providing an update on
various programs and activities being handled through United Way.
Attachment: None
Recommendation: No action needed – presented for information purposes.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: October 13, 2020
Item No: 4.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear a presentation regarding information related to a
comprehensive housing market study and needs analysis for the Martinsville-
Henry County area.
Summary: As a follow-up to the Housing Summit held in July, 2019, a grant
application was submitted in the fall of 2019 to VHDA, for funding to conduct a
comprehensive housing market study and needs analysis for the M-HC area. At
the Summit, much information was presented confirming an older housing stock
and very little relatively new residential construction, along with information
intended to convey a demand for new and upgraded housing stock. The market
study was deemed to be a critical component of that effort and was needed to
provide data to potential developers to support both the demand and range of
rents that might be achievable with new construction.
The grant was awarded and a comprehensive Martinsville -Henry County area
housing market study and needs analysis was conducted by Novogradac
Consulting, LLP during the spring/early summer of 2020. The work plan provided
with the grant application includes several key elements – completion of the study;
presentation of the results to the local governing bodies; and development of
marketing materials to provide real estate and development professionals with
information that can then be used to promote area housing development.
The study is a lengthy and comprehensive document and a brief summary will be
presented at the Council meeting.
Attachment: None
Recommendation: No action needed – presented for information purposes.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: October 13, 2020
Item No: 5.
Department: City Attorney
Issue: Consider adoption on first reading, Ordinance 2020-4, increasing
Courthouse security fee from $10 to $20.
Summary: Effective July 1, the General Assembly authorized localities to increase
this fee, which is levied on anyone convicted of criminal or traffic offenses, and which
helps fund courthouse security. The General District Court Clerk has requested this be
enacted, and Henry County has already done so. The last increase occurred in 2007,
from $5 to $10.
Attachments: Draft ordinance 2020-4
Recommendations: Discussion, possible amendment. Adoption on first
reading at Council’s pleasure, by roll call vote.
CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-4
INCREASING COURTHOUSE SECURITY ASSESMENT
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, in Regular Session held
on October 27, 2020, that Section 1-16 of the City Code is hereby enacted, to read as follows:
______________________________________________________________________________
Sec. 1-16. - Special assessment for funding of courthouse security
personnel as part of costs in criminal and traffic cases.
Ten dollars ($10.00) Twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be assessed as part of the costs in each criminal and
traffic case in the general district court of the city or in the circuit court of the city in which the defendant is
convicted of a violation of any statute or ordinance, pursuant to the provisions of section 53.1-120D of the
1950 Code of Virginia, as amended. Such assessment shall be collected by the clerk of court in which the
case is heard, remitted to the city treasurer and held by such treasurer subject to appropriation by this
council to the sheriff's office for the funding of courthouse security personnel. This assessment shall be in
addition to all other costs prescribed by law.
(Ord. No. 2002-2, 5-14-2002; Ord. No. 2007-02, 6-5-2007)
*********
Attest:
________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: October 13, 2020
Item No: 6.
Department: Finance
Issue: Consent Agenda
Summary:
ITEM #1:
The attachment amends the FY20 and FY21 budgets with appropriations in the
following funds:
FY20
General Fund: $ 224,914 - Reimbursements
FY21
General Fund: $ 13,672 – Grant
ITEM #2:
Re-appropriation of Funds from FY20 to FY21 Budget by fund as follows:
General: $ 729,257
Water: $ 115,340
Sewer: $ 6,165
Electric: $ 157,000
Capital Reserve: $ 803,475
CDBG: $ 20,235
School Operations: $ 318,790
Total Requests: $2,150,352
Attachments:
Consent Agenda 10-13-20
Consent Agenda 10-13-20 Re-appropriations
Recommendations: Approve
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 10/13/20
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
BUDGET ADDITIONS
FY2020
General Fund:
01101917 442810 Categorical Other State - Highway Projects 224,914
01420152 508220 VDOT - Highway - Physical Plant Expansion 224,914
Highway project reimbursements
Total General Fund: 224,914 224,914
FY2021
General Fund:
01101917 442701 Categorical Other State - Fire Programs 13,672
01321102 506110 Fire Department - State Grant/Fire Programs 13,672
Funding rec'd in excess of budgeted amount
Total General Fund: 13,672 13,672
RE-APPROPRIATIONS FY20 INTO FY21
DEPARTMENTAL REQUESTS
ORG CODE OBJECT DEPARTMENT ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
GENERAL FUND
01103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 729,257
01217078 506047 Sheriff - Courts Project Life Saver $ 3,229 rollover of prior years' appropriated donations
01221082 506118 Commonwealth's Attorney Local - Confiscated Assets $ 627 forfeiture funds - carry-over
01311085 506078 Police State - Confiscated Assets $ 78,103 forfeiture funds - carry-over
01311085 506079 Police Federal - Confiscated Assets $ 144,053 forfeiture funds - carry-over
01311085 506118 Police Local - Confiscated Assets $ 39,379 forfeiture funds - carry-over
01311085 506139 Police E-Summons Equipment $ 42,323 dedicated e-summons funding (48724py+7314rev-13715exp)
01321102 506110 Fire Fire Programs $ 14,062 grant funding
01321102 506130 Fire Maintenance for Burn Building $ 4,657 ongoing project - funded through reimbursements
01322105 506114 EMS Four for Life $ 20,236 grant funding
01334122 506133 Safety Siren Supplies $ 10,656 incomplete projects - repairs
01341135 506300 Inspections Demolition $ 27,375 incomplete projects - demolition contract
01413145 503185 Street Maintenance Prof.Service-Street Resurfacing $ 221,653 continuing program - paving
01413147 506010 Traffic Signals Traffic Signal Maintenance $ 14,800 incomplete project - mast arm pole
01413148 506010 Street Cleaning Supplies $ 2,444 incomplete project - supplies for Gateway replacement
01812242 503600 Misc Exp Grant Program-Misc Business Dev $ 105,660 ongoing program for local business development
WATER FUND
12103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 115,340
12541311 506016 Water Plant Water Testing $ 2,340 incomplete project - sampling contract
12542312 506104 Reservoir Non-Capital Equipment $ 5,000 incomplete project - dock/cover
12542312 508220 Reservoir Physical Plant Expansion $ 108,000 ongoing projects
SEWER FUND
13103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 6,165
13550325 508220 Wastewater Plant Physical Plant Expansion $ 6,165 incomplete project - repair sludge building
ELECTRIC FUND
14103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 157,000
14564339 508205 Electric Construction Motor Vehicles/Equipment $ 125,000 incomplete project - truck replacement
14563338 508236 Electric Maintenance SCADA System $ 19,500 incomplete project - upgrade of SCADA system
14564339 506430 Electric Construction Street Lighting $ 12,500 ongoing project
Page 1 of 2
CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
16103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 803,475
16572362 508080 Tools/Equipment Fire Dept $ 1,468 incomplete project - radio study
16575365 508075 Vehicles Police Dept. $ 21,952 incomplete project - replace totalled patrol car
16575365 508080 Vehicles Fire Dept $ 531,663 incomplete project - fire truck
16575365 508105 Vehicles Public Works $ 129,299 incomplete projects - pickup & dump truck
16575365 508085 Vehicles Sheriff $ 29,005 incomplete purchase
16577367 508080 Physical Plant Expansion Fire Dept $ 21,800 incomplete project - station updating
16579369 508209 School Projects Reserve School Projects $ 68,288 funding reserved for school capital projects
CDBG FUND
47103938 462101 Contribution From Fund Balance $ 20,325
47913297 506100 General Expense Admin/Misc expenses $ 20,325 accumulated program income
TOTAL CITY FUNDS: $ 1,831,562
SCHOOL FUNDS
18100938 410510 Ops/Contrib from Fund Balance $ 318,790
71001300 563000 VTSS Purchased Services $ 5,274 VTSS/PBIS Grant Balance
71001210 565800 Guidance Miscellaneous $ 3,968 VFHY Grant
71001210 566000 Guidance Materials & Supplies $ 2,182 VFHY Grant
85001009 563000 Healthnet Purchased Services $ 12,976 UVA Telehealth Grant
85001009 566056 Healthnet Non-Capital Equip $ 4,448 UVA Telehealth Grant
81621310 561120 Support Staff Instructional S & W $ 5,657 Harvest Grant
81621310 562100 Support Staff Social Security $ 349 Harvest Grant
81621310 563142 Support Staff Professional Development $ 17,204 Harvest Grant
81621310 565503 Support Staff Travel $ 5,069 Harvest Grant
81631310 561120 Support Staff Instructional S & W $ 5,657 Harvest Grant
81631310 562100 Support Staff Social Security $ 349 Harvest Grant
81631310 563142 Support Staff Professional Development $ 17,204 Harvest Grant
81631310 565503 Support Staff Travel $ 5,069 Harvest Grant
81021310 566020 Support Staff Textbooks & Workbooks $ 126,052 Textbook Fund
81031310 566020 Support Staff Textbooks & Workbooks $ 58,760 Textbook Fund
80003400 568100 Vehicle Maintenance Capital Outlay Replacement $ 48,572 Equipment Sales & Insurance: Special Ed Van; totaled fleet car.
TOTAL SCHOOL FUNDS: $ 318,790
TOTAL RE-APPROPRIATIONS FROM FY20 TO FY21 $ 2,150,352
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