City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · May 11, 2021
Minutes
May 11, 2021 Council Meeting
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on May 11,
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, Assistant Finance Director
Mandy McGhee, Finance Director Linda Conover, 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 6:00 PM. In accordance with section 2.1-344 (A) Code of Virginia (1950, and as
amended) and upon a motion by Council Member Turner, seconded by Vice Mayor Bowles with
the following 4-0 recorded vote: Vice Mayor Bowles, aye; Council Member Martin, aye; Council
Member Turner, 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 and (B) consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members, attorneys
or consultant 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, specifically
reversion. Council Member Pearson joined the closed session at 6:15pm. 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 Vice Mayor Bowles;
seconded by Council Member Turner, 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 reappoint Sheriff Steve
Draper to the Dan River Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Board for a 3-year term ending
April 30, 2024. Council Member Martin seconded the motion with all Council Members voting
in favor. No other action was taken out of Closed Session.
Following the Pledge to the American Flag and invocation by Council Member Pearson, Mayor
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 April 27, 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.
Recognize a student from Martinsville Middle School’s 7th grade class as Virginia Municipal
League’s Region 2 winner of the 2021 “If I Were Mayor” essay contest – City Manager Towarnicki
explained the “If I Were Mayor” essay contest that local 7th graders participate in. VML Chief of
May 11, 2021 Council Meeting
Staff Sue Mellen presented the award and a prize check to contest winner and local 7 th grader
Marjorie Davis, daughter of Cassie and Joseph Davis. Mayor Lawson invited Marjorie to sit in
the Mayor’s chair and asked her to read her essay.
Hear an update on Martinsville Mustangs Baseball – Greg Suire, managing the Martinsville
Mustangs, updated Council on the upcoming Mustang season. The Mustangs look forward to
providing people an opportunity to enjoy the games with family and friends in a safe
environment. The Mustangs are only 1 of 2 teams who played last year because of the pandemic.
They have partnered with the American Legion program this year. May 27 will be the first game;
he is expecting they’ll play around 34 to 35 games this season including a game on Memorial
Day. Suire joked that in light of gas and lumber prices, the tickets to the Mustang’s games are
still very affordable. This year, a Patrick Henry Community College coach will serve as the head
coach. There will be a number of Thursday night and Saturday games along with other fun
theme nights. There are no mask regulations outside but fans are encouraged to social distance.
Players are encouraged to be vaccinated but are not required. Regular screening of players and
coaches will continue. At present, there is a 1,000-fan attendance limit because of COVID
restrictions.
Consider approval of consent agenda - Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion to approve the
consent agenda as presented; Council Member Martin seconded the motion. Council Member
Turner asked for clarification on what School ESSER funds are. Finance Director Conover
explained that this was federally gifted CARES money. All Council Members voting in favor.
May 11, 2021 Council Meeting
Hear a presentation of the proposed FY22 City Budget – City Manager Towarnicki presented
Council with a Budget PowerPoint to summarize the proposed 2022 budget. Towarnicki has
received some information related to the next round of CARES funding and hopes to have more
details soon. He touched on some of the positive highlights from FY2021 even with the past year
pandemic restrictions as well as budget objectives and challenges. Towarnicki stressed that the
City was fiscally sound. He thanked the City staff, especially the Finance Department for their
assistance in putting this budget together. There are three budget work sessions scheduled on
May 12, May 13 and May 18 to discuss budget specifics. Towarnicki asked Council to set a
public hearing for May 25, 2021. Council Member Turner suggested that the next round of
CARES funding be used to benefit local small businesses. Mayor Lawson confirmed that the
budget could be amended after approval. Towarnicki is waiting on further details on how the
May 11, 2021 Council Meeting
money can be used. Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion to set the public hearing for May 25,
Turner seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Business from the Floor – No business from the floor
Comments by City Council – Council Member Turner attended a lunch in honor of former
Mayor L.D. Oakes and his wife who will be moving out of the area to live closer to their children
in Ohio. Council Member Pearson said there was some positive movement Uptown with new
businesses including Ground Floor coffee shop. Congratulations to Sparkle Me Pretty which is
under new ownership. #movetomartinsville is happening. Council Member Bowles thanked
everyone who attended her grandfather’s 89th birthday parade. Bowles acknowledged a fuel
shortage and asked residents to be reasonable when getting gas and be mindful of elderly and
workers who drive or transport for a living. Please do not turn this into a toilet paper fiasco.
Mayor Lawson expressed appreciation to staff and the City Manager for the budget presentation.
Lawson reminded Council that their top three essays are due to the Clerk of Council and to
please keep in mind what the theme was; 90% of the essays did not follow that. Lawson
welcomed new uptown businesses and reminded residents of the Memorial Day ceremony at
Roselawn Cemetery.
Comments by the City Manager – none
City Attorney Monday explained when the governor declares a state of emergency order, it
automatically activates the anti-price gauging state law. Localities are entitled to investigate and
prosecute those suspected of price gauging. Residents who see price gauging at any local gas
stations are encouraged to contact him.
There being no further business, Vice Mayor Bowles made a motion to adjourn the meeting;
the motion was seconded by Council Member Turner with all Council Members voting in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts Kathy Lawson
Clerk of Council Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
6:00pm Closed Session 7:00pm Regular Session
Tuesday May 11, 2021
6:00 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. 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 April 27, 2021 Council Meetings. (5 mins)
2. Recognize a student from Martinsville Middle School’s 7th grade class as
Virginia Municipal League’s Region 2 winner of the 2021 “If I Were Mayor”
essay contest. (10 mins)
3. Hear an update on Martinsville Mustangs Baseball. (15 mins)
4. Consider approval of consent agenda. (5 mins)
5. Hear a presentation of the proposed FY22 City Budget. (45 mins)
6. 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 11 for consideration by
Council at this meeting.
7. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes)
8. Comments by City Manager and City Attorney. (5 minutes)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: May 11, 2021
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes
Summary: None
Attachments: April 27, 2021 Council Meeting
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: May 11, 2021
Item No: 2.
Department: City Council
Issue: Recognize a student from Martinsville Middle School’s 7th grade
class as Virginia Municipal League’s Region 2 winner of the 2021 “If I Were Mayor”
essay contest.
Summary: Each fall the Virginia Municipal League (VML) invites all
Virginia 7th grade students to participate in its “If I Were Mayor” essay contest.
The theme-based essays describe what the student would do as mayor to make
their cities, towns, and counties great places to live
Martinsville Middle School’s 7th grade class submitted entries to this contest
with the eventual winning essay from this region coming from Martinsville
Middle School student Marjorie Davis. Marjorie is the second MMS student to
win this award. A representative from Virginia Municipal League will be
attending the meeting to present the award.
To recognize others who participated, City Council is reviewing all of the essays
submitted by local students and will select their top 3 from the group, with the
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners to be recognized at Council’s May 25th meeting.
Attachments: None
Recommendation: Present an award certificate on behalf of Council
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: May 11, 2021
Item No: 3.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear an update on Martinsville Mustangs Baseball.
Summary: With the 2021 Coastal Plain League baseball season beginning this
month, Greg Suire will provide an update. The City contracted with Mr. Suire for
management services for the 2020 season, and by mutual agreement will extend
those services to the 2021 season. Mr. Suire manages two other teams in the
Coastal Plain League – the High Point - Thomasville HiToms and the Wilson Tobs.
Attachment: None
Recommendation: Presented for information purposes
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: May 11, 2021
Item No: 4.
Department: Finance
Issue: Consider approval of the Consent Agenda
Summary:
The attachment amends the FY21 budget with the following appropriations:
FY21
School ESSER II Funds: $ 3,919,118
School Operating Fund: $ 353,109
Attachments:
Consent Agenda 5-11-21
Recommendations: Approve
BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 05/11/21
ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT
BUDGET ADDITIONS
FY2021
School ESSER II Funds
19102926 499995 Categorical Federal-ESSER II Response Relief Supplement 3,919,118
91001100 561151 Instr Aides S&W 21,120
91001100 566013 Instr Materials & Supplies 26,396
91001100 562100 Social Security 57,961
91001100 561120 Instr S&W 736,560
92001100 566013 Instr Materials & Supplies 12,000
92001100 562100 Social Security 12,118
92001100 561151 Instr Aides S&W 63,360
92001100 561120 Instr S&W 95,040
97100110 566013 Instr Materials & Supplies 961
97100110 566056 Non-Capital Equip 19,743
98000222 563000 Purchased Services 1,000
98000222 565503 Travel 1,000
98000222 566056 Non-Capital Equip 4,000
98000222 562100 Social Security 30,904
98000222 561190 Service S&W 58,080
98000325 562100 Social Security 4,913
98000325 561170 Operative S&W 64,216
98000340 568100 Capital Outlay Replacement 197,274
98000420 568100 Capital Outlay Replacement 888,315
98000420 563000 Purchased Services 991,214
98000810 566040 Tech Software & Online Content 57,963
98000810 568210 Tech Hardware Additions 456,375
98000820 562100 Social Security 2,644
98000820 561300 Part-time S&W 34,560
98003252 562100 Social Security 831
98003252 561170 Operative S&W 10,859
98003352 562100 Social Security 1,246
98003352 561190 Service S&W 16,289
98102131 563000 Purchased Services 52,176
School ESSER/CARES Act appropriation
Total School ESSER II Fund: 3,919,118 3,919,118
School Operating Fund
18103909 490011 Recovered Costs - E-Rate 156,000
80008200 564000 Instr Support Tech - Internal Services 156,000
18101918 404074 State Grant - School Security Grant 197,019
80004600 563000 Div-Wide Security - Purchased Services 9,096
80004600 566056 Div-Wide Security - Non-Capital Equipment 187,923
Total School Operating Fund: 353,019 353,019
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: May 11, 2021
Item No: 5.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear a presentation of the proposed FY22 City budget.
Summary: The proposed FY22 budget for the City will be presented.
Budget work sessions will be held on Wednesday, May 12 with City
departments, constitutionals, and capital; with Schools and certain outside
agencies on Thursday, May 13; and the following Tuesday, May 18 as a
continuation of any remaining business, discussion, resolve questions as may
be needed, and to wrap up. Sessions will begin at 6 pm and will last until
approximately 9 pm in Council Chambers.
The proposed schedule calls for the budget public hearing on Tuesday, May
25th along with adoption of the budget ordinance on first reading, followed by
final approval adoption of the budget ordinance on second reading on June 8.
Attachments: None. The FY22 budget document will be presented at the
May 11 meeting.
Recommendations: Set the FY22 budget public hearing for May 25, 2021.
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