City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · February 9, 2021
Minutes
February 9, 2021 Council Meeting
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on February
9, 2021 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:00 PM with Mayor Kathy Lawson
presiding. Other Council Members present included Danny Turner, Jennifer Bowles, Tammy
Pearson and Chad Martin. Staff present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Assistant City
Manager/City Attorney Eric Monday, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Water Resources Director
Mike Kahle, Building Inspector Kris Bridges and Police Chief Eddie Cassady.
Mayor Lawson called the meeting to order and advised Council would go into Closed Session
beginning at 6:15 PM. In accordance with section 2.1-344 (A) Code of Virginia (1950, and as
amended) and upon a motion by Vice Mayor Bowles, seconded by Council Member Turner with
the following 4-0 recorded vote: Vice Mayor Bowles, aye; Council Member Pearson, aye; Council
Member Turner, aye; and Mayor Lawson, aye. Council Member Martin joined Closed Session at
6:45pm. Council convened in Closed Session to discuss the following matters: (A) appointments
to boards and commissions, as authorized by Subsection 1 and (B) 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 meeting. A motion was made by Council Member Turner; seconded by Vice Mayor
Bowles, with the following 5-0 recorded vote in favor to return to Open Session: Mayor Lawson,
aye; Council Member Martin, aye; Vice Mayor Bowles, aye; Council Member Turner, aye; and
Council Member Pearson, aye.
Coming out of Closed Session, Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion to appoint Julie Wells to
the Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority for a 4-year term ending October 31, 2024.
Council Member Pearson seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. No
other action was taken from Closed Session.
Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Council Member Pearson,
Lawson welcomed everyone to the meeting. Lawson explained that the meeting would follow
COVID guidelines, allowing limited attendance and recognizing social distancing
recommendations.
Approve minutes from the January 26, 2021 Council Meetings – Vice Mayor Bowles made a
motion to approve the minutes as presented. Council Member Pearson seconded the motion
with all Council Members voting in favor.
Hear an update on FY20 Water Resources operations – Mike Kahle, Director of the Water
Resources department shared a PowerPoint updating Council on the Water and Wastewater
departments, revenue and expenditures, current ongoing projects including the Beaver Creek
spillway project, and contact information for water and wastewater staff. Mayor Lawson asked
February 9, 2021 Council Meeting
if the Reservoir is still open on the weekends. Kahle confirmed it is open on the weekends
weather permitting but not during the week. He hopes the spillway project will be complete by
May or June. Vice Mayor Bowles asked how the City would contact a resident for a leaky
toilet. Kahle explained that the new meters send information to the department daily and will
flag any discrepancies or high usage of water, Kahle would then contact the property owner to
make sure they are aware of the leak so that can be repaired and prevent additional costs.
Lawson said that was especially helpful in churches or other buildings where there may be
days where no one is there to notice the leak. Council Member Turner asked if the City stocks
the reservoir with fish. Kahle explained that was up to Virginia Fish and Game and those
wanting to fish must have a permit.
February 9, 2021 Council Meeting
Hear an update from Building Inspections regarding demolition of structures within the
City – Kris Bridges, Building Inspector presented a PowerPoint updating Council on demolition
statistics over the past 5 years, a master list of demolition candidates, the top 13 properties
being considered for demolition and a map of where those locations are located. The map
shows that these properties are scattered throughout the City and not solely located in one
specific location. Bridges confirmed there is an administrative fee that is charged on yard
maintenance and other property maintenance invoices. Bridges explained the steps taken from
the time his department receives a complaint, to contacting the property owner, to the
February 9, 2021 Council Meeting
demolition by owner or by the City. His department provides ample opportunity for the
property owners to fix the property concerns to ensure the City does not spend tax payer
money unless necessary. Council Member Pearson asked to view the list of commercial
properties that would fall under potential demolition.
February 9, 2021 Council Meeting
Hear an update from Building Inspections regarding automobile screening and nuisance
issues within the City – Bridges, Building Inspector explained that there is an explosion of
automobile dealers at the City entry corridors and it has become a concern of residents and
other City businesses. There are reports of improper parking, parking on unapproved
surfaces, vehicles in disrepair, etc. Bridges shared a PowerPoint detailing the complaint
procedure and how a vehicle is flagged prior to towing. He detailed the process of
communicating with the DMV, Nuisance and Code Enforcement and the Commonwealth’s
Attorney department on questionable locations and vehicles. Bridges provided a list and
pictures of numerous locations of concern. Council Member Martin asked what the City would
do with cars after they are towed if the owner chooses not to claim them. Bridges said those
cars would be on the towing company lot and they have methods of following up and claiming
payment. The Zoning Ordinance is not as strict and with the state law, the City must give
owners 21 days to appeal. Those residents who don’t respond will be the ones that will get
their vehicles stickered and towed. The first step is to ensure the vehicles are DMV compliant.
February 9, 2021 Council Meeting
February 9, 2021 Council Meeting
February 9, 2021 Council Meeting
Business from the Floor – Mayor Lawson read an email from Ural Harris of 217 Stuart
Street. Harris asked that the contracts between the City and the Solar Farm be made public.
Harris asked questions related to the Solar Farm, stating that residents have the right to know
this information. Lawson said that she had responded to Harris’s email with answers to his
questions. Harris voiced concerns about outdated information on the City website.
Comments by City Council – Council Member Pearson asked how Council should respond to
business from the floor; Lawson explained that she had responded to Mr. Harris’s email with
answers to his questions. Pearson touched on the violence this past weekend, she thanked the
police and emergency services for their quick response Friday night. Pearson hopes to work
closely with civic leaders, churches and any others to bring an end to violent and destructive
behavior in the City. It’s important to bring together all citizens, all races, genders, ages, etc.
Council Member Turner said he has had several citizens reach out to him to express their
appreciation for the police officer who rushed in and potentially saved numerous lives this past
Friday night. Council Member Martin attended the vigil with the family of the victims prior to
the Council meeting. Martin stated that this violence needs to stop. His heart and prayers are
with the families. Vice Mayor Bowles attended the school board meeting. She thanked High
Street Baptist church for the goody bags. Bowles thanked Martin for being a Council
representative at the vigil. Bowles is praying for the families and says she is saddened by the
events. A bright spot is the police department, Bowles thanked the police for handling the
situation the way it needed to be handled. She has seen numerous negative comments directed
at Martinsville and the violence in this area and asks people to please not let this one incident
define the City. There have been negative comments made towards black people, comments
calling them thugs and criminals. She does not condone violence and encourages people to not
February 9, 2021 Council Meeting
let this one incident stereotype a specific race. The mistakes of one person should not speak for
the entire community. Bowles wished residents a happy Black History month, stating that black
history is American history. She has been enjoying Henry County Public Schools posts regarding
black historians. Mayor Lawson echoed other council members comments related to the recent
violence. Friday night was not the normal for our community which is a very safe community
to live in. As a community, we should not be pointing fingers. Those involved in the violence
and their families have had their lives changed forever. Martinsville is a great place to live, work
and raise a family. Lawson asked City Attorney Monday how long Comcast will “ride the COVID
train” before they open the local office back up. The office was already COVID compliant even
before the outbreak in March. Comcast has an agreement with the City and there is no reason
for that office to be closed for 11 months. Lawson explained the yellow ribbons around the City;
those were put out by Rev Tyler Millner in memory of COVID victims. Lawson invited Council
to help put out flags for George Washington Day.
Comments by the City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki shared that the municipal
building will be closed Monday for George Washington Day. He updated Council on COVID
vaccines and information for registration at local clinics. Martinsville Fire and EMS assisted
SOVAH health this past weekend with a COVID drive-thru clinic which went well. Not all
residents have access to register online so the City will include a printed copy of the vaccine
application with the City utility bill for residents to complete and mail back to the Health
Department. Local pharmacies will begin administering vaccines soon. There are vaccine
applications at the Municipal front door, Chamber of Commerce, and other various locations
with a drop box located at the Virginia Department of Health. Towarnicki updated Council on
the CARES funding and utility assistance funds, stating of the $205,000, $140,000 of that has
been allocated to assist delinquent utility customers. Towarnicki shared that there are a
number of vacancies for City Boards and Commissions, and directed residents to visit the City
website for descriptions of those boards and an online application. Towarnicki gave kudos to
Sheriff Steve Draper for being the longest serving Sheriff in Virginia.
City Attorney Monday pointed out that at least one commercial data provider had raised their
rates and limited their internet service. The City’s MiNET program is priced fairly, has no data
cap and provides amazing service and excellent bandwidth speeds.
There being no further business, Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion to adjourn the meeting;
the motion was seconded by Council Member Martin with all Council Members voting in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Kathy Lawson
Clerk of Council Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
6:30pm Closed Session 7:00pm Regular Session
Tuesday February 9, 2021
6:30 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. 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.
7:00 pm - Regular Session
Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Council Member Pearson
1. Approve minutes from the January 26, 2021 Council Meetings. (5 mins)
2. Hear an update on FY20 Water Resources operations. (15 mins)
3. Hear an update from Building Inspections regarding demolition of structures within the
City. (20 mins)
4. Hear an update from Building Inspections regarding automobile screening and
nuisance issues within the City. (20 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, February 9 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
Meeting Date: February 9, 2021
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes
Summary: None
Attachments: January 26, 2021 Council Meeting
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: February 9, 2021
Item No: 2.
Department: Water Resources
Issue: Hear an update on FY21 Water Resources operations.
Summary: Water Resources Director Mike Kahle will present an update on
FY21 Water Resources operations.
Attachments: Presentation Materials
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action
needed.
Martinsville City Council Presentation
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Mike Kahle, Water Resources Director
1
Water/Wastewater Summary
Production:
Average flow at the Wastewater Treatment Plant was
5.89 MGD for calendar year 2020. Plant is licensed to
operate up to 8 MGD. Plant operates 24/7/365.
Water production was 1.64 MGD for the same period.
Plant is licensed to operate up to 7.4 MGD. Plant
operates an average of 12 hours/day, 7 days/week.
Beaver Creek Reservoir is the primary water supply
source for the City. Constructed in the 1950s, 175 acres,
1.3 billion gallons. Leatherwood Creek is permitted as a
secondary source (up to 2 MGD). City has a third source
through a HCPSA connection.
2
Revenue/Expenditures
(Through Dec. 31, 2020)
Total Water Revenue = $1,946,152 (51% of budget)
Total Water Expense = $2,016,548
Net Revenue = $70,396
Total WW Revenue = $2,438,491 (53% of budget)
Total WW Expense = $2,086,668
Net Revenue = -$351,823
3
Current Projects
• Planned sewer line upgrades on Askin St and
Peters St
• New service connection for Harbor Freight
• Possible water line extension on
Commonwealth Blvd, below Chop Stix
• Jones Creek Interceptor (grant submitted)
• Inundation Study Update
4
Projects, continued
Smith River Intercept completed.
Asset Management(Fiscal Sustainability Plan) in place at
Wastewater Plant.
Ongoing upgrade to electrical service at Wastewater plant, 90%
complete.
Ongoing repairs to sludge handling building, replacing aged
equipment.
Replacement/ training of new staff at Wastewater plant.
Replacement / training of new staff at Water plant.
Beaver Creek impound/spillway repairs under way, on schedule.
Water line replacement on Cherokee Court and Trail complete.
Asset Management (Fiscal Sustainability Plan) near completion
at Water Plant.
5
Beaver Creek Spillway Project
New turn-down wall at front of spillway complete.
Sidewalls opened and repairs underway.
Drain system installation under way.
Reservoir water elevation reduced and provisions
made to route water over spillway around work areas
during construction
Construction contract $1,995,295
Completion expected May/June 2021.
6
Beaver Creek Spillway Project
7
Spillway Project
8
Spillway Project
9
Staff
Mike Kahle, Director of Water Resources, telephone
403-5157, email mkahle@ci.martinsville.va.us
G.W Robertson, Water Plant Manager telephone 403-
5137, email gwrobertson@ci.martinsville.va.us
Wayne Brown, Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager,
656-5176, email wbrown@ci.martinsville.va.us
David Johnston, Water/WW Maint Coordinator 403-
5225, email dljohnston@ci.martinsville.va.us
Mandy Muse, Industrial Coordinator, 252-7670; email
mmuse@ci.martinsville.va.us
10
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: February 9, 2021
Item No: 3.
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
regarding demolition of dilapidated structures throughout the City.
Attachments: Presentation materials
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action
needed at this time.
DEMOLITION OF DILAPIDATED
STRUCTURES
Presentation to Martinsville City Council
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Department of Community Development
Kris Bridges, Building Official & Zoning Administrator
Demolitions – Last 5 Years
• 2016 • 2019
• 20 Demolitions • 21 Demolitions
• 0 due to code enforcement • 12 due to Code Enforcement
• 1 paid by City(Water Tower) • 3 paid by City
• 2017 • 2020
• 9 Demolitions • 13 Demolitions
• 5 due to Code Enforcement • 8 due to Code Enforcement
• 0 paid by City • 4 paid by City
• 2018 • 2021
• 5 Demolitions • 5 Demolitions
• 2 due to Code enforcement • 2 due to Code Enforcement
• 0 paid by City • 0 paid by City
Master List - Demo candidates
• 208 Askin St • 200 Emmette St • 105 Maple St • 1155 Pine Hall Rd
• 905 Askin St • 410 Fayette St • 214 McCoy St • 807 Pipe St
• 1027 Askin St • 417 Fayette St • 1612 Meadowview • 122 Pony Pl
• 1020 Brookdale St • 700 Fourth St Ln* • 513 Second St
• 1025 Brookdale St • 1210 Hickory St • 918 Myrtle Rd** • 837 Smith St
• 1303 Carver Ct • 17 High St • 125 N Beaver St • 847 Smith St
• 403 Clearview Dr • 30½ High St • 1005 Oak St • 211 Stuart St
• 326 Clift St • 200 Holt St • 112 Park St • 5 Sutherlin St
• 504 College St • 210 Holt St • 120 Park St • 509 Swanson St*
• 808 D St** • 1004 Jordan St • 210 Park St • 1223 Top St
• 538 Dillard St • 825 Keel St • 1007 Paul St • 1137 Wray St
• 546 Dillard St • 1217 Lawson St • 16 Peters St
• 550 Dillard St • 618 Lee Terrace • 1145 Pine Hall Rd *Accessory bldg. only
• 110 Echols St • 911 Loch St • 1147 Pine Hall Rd **Foundation only
Top Candidates
1. 210 Holt St 8. 546 Dillard St
2. 210 Park St 9. 17 High St
3. 417 Fayette St 10. 403 Clearview St
4. 1007 Paul St 11. 1025 Brookdale St
5. 122 Pony Pl 12. 808 D St*
6. 550 Dillard St 13. 918 Myrtle St*
7. 538 Dillard St * Foundation only
210 Holt St. 210 Park St
417 Fayette St. 1007 Paul St.
122 Pony Pl. 550 Dillard St.
538 Dillard St. 546 Dillard St
17 High St. 403 Clearview Dr.
1025 Brookdale St. 918 Myrtle Rd.
808 D. St.
For additional information contact:
Kris Bridges
Building Official & Zoning Administrator
Department of Community Development
kbridges@ci.Martinsville.va.us
(276) 403-5171
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: February 9, 2021
Item No: 4.
Department: Building Inspections
Issue: Hear an update from Building Inspections regarding automobile
screening and nuisance issues within the City.
Summary: Kris Bridges, City Building & Zoning Official will present an update
regarding automobile screening and nuisance issues throughout the City.
Attachments: Presentation materials
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No Council action
needed at this time.
Automobiles:
Screening & Nuisance Violations
Presentation to Martinsville City Council
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Department of Community Development
Kris Bridges, Building Official & Zoning Administrator
Processes
• Residential – Complaint Based
• If complaint is valid, post per current guidelines.
• If violation is not corrected by the re-inspect date (typically
10 days) place sticker to correct violation in 24 hours.
• If not abated, vehicle is towed.
Processes
• Commercial – Proactive
• Priorities set by City Attorney and Inspections
• Inspections compiles list based on priorities
• Submit list to VA DMV to determine if business is compliant - DMV to enforce violations
• Submits to Martinsville Commissioner of Revenue to determine business license is compliant -
CoR/Commonwealth’s Attorney to enforce violations
• Code enforcement
• Zoning
• Notice and timeline for compliance
• Enforcement action §15.2-2286
• Injunction §15.2-2208
• Civil penalties §15.2-2209
• Nuisance Ordinance
• Same as residential
• Junkyards
• Follow Code of Virginia §33.2-804,
• Commonwealth’s Attorney to enforce violations
Identified Locations
• South Memorial Blvd.
• North Memorial Blvd.
• West Church St.
• East Church St.
• West Commonwealth Blvd.
• Roanoke St.
• Broad St.
• Bridge St.
• Liberty St.
1102-1104
S. Memorial Blvd. 1107 S. Memorial Blvd.
1035 S. Memorial Blvd. 1001 S. Memorial Blvd.
717 S. Memorial Blvd. 716 S. Memorial Blvd.
708 & 710 700 & 624
S. Memorial Blvd. S. Memorial Blvd.
625 S. Memorial Blvd. 517 S. Memorial Blvd.
524 & 526 W. Church St. 711 N. Memorial Blvd.
706 N. Memorial Blvd. 931 N. Memorial Blvd.
115 W. Church St. 600 W. Church St.
311 W. Church St. 904 E. Church St.
922 E. Church St. 926 E. Church St.
13 Roanoke St. 400 Broad St.
30 Bridge St. 613-B Liberty St.
703 Liberty St. 9 Roanoke St.
1315-1319
S. Memorial Blvd. 804 S. Memorial Blvd.
104 Wilson St. 800 N. Memorial Blvd.
716 Liberty St. 625 Liberty St.
1005-1013
S. Memorial Blvd. 1227 S. Memorial Blvd.
For additional information contact:
Kris Bridges
Building Official & Zoning Administrator
Department of Community Development
kbridges@ci.Martinsville.va.us
(276) 403-5171
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