City Council

AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA Council Chambers – Municipal Building 6:30pm Closed Session 7:00pm Regular Session Thursday November 4, 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. 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. Consider adoption of an ordinance on first reading, approving the Voluntary Settlement Agreement for Reversion, and authorizing filing of Petition. (15 mins) 2. Consider setting a schedule to conduct a series of public meetings to provide information on various reversion topics. (15 mins) 3. Consider information related to the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) list. (15 mins) 4. Hear an update on a number of projects. (20 mins) 5. Business from the Floor - The public comment portion of the Council meeting provides citizens the opportunity to discuss matters relevant to the operation of the City, which are not listed on the printed agenda. Citizens who wish to participate in a meeting’s public comment period may do so by emailing their comments to Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council, at kroberts@ci.martinsville.va.us, calling in their 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 12:00noon Wednesday November 3. Citizens may also request to speak at the Council meeting in the same manner. Comments, or a request to speak, must be received by noon the day before a Council meeting for consideration by Council at the meeting. Any person submitting comments or requesting to speak must identify themselves by name and address, including zip code, limit their remarks to 3 minutes or less (as read aloud), address a topic of City business, and refrain from making any personal references or accusations of a factually false and/or malicious nature. Priority for comments is given to City residents, taxpayers, and business owners. Speakers may not yield time. Groups of speakers on the same topic must designate a single representative. Comments violating these rules may not be presented at the Council meeting. Any speaker violating these rules may be removed from the podium or from the Council chamber. This policy does not apply to public hearings, at which any citizen of Martinsville may appear and speak on the subject of the public hearing. 6. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes) 7. Comments by City Manager and City Attorney. (5 minutes)  City Council Agenda Summary Date: November 4, 2021 Item No: 1. Department: City Attorney Issue: Consider adoption of an ordinance on first reading, approving the Voluntary Settlement Agreement for Reversion, and authorizing filing of Petition. Summary: Establishing more detail to the MOU mediated by the City & County and approved in June, a Voluntary Settlement Agreement (VSA) has since been negotiated, reviewed by the Commission on Local Government which conducted a public hearing and issued its own Report recommending the reversion process proceed. Council has since conducted another public hearing. The Ordinance approves this VSA and logistical details for filing the Petition for a Special to Court to grant final approval. Attachments: Draft ordinance. Recommendations: Adoption on first reading at Council’s pleasure, by roll call vote. Unless Council decides otherwise, final adoption on second reading will occur at Council’s November 9th meeting.  CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA ORDINANCE NO. 2021-R/U-1 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT A VOLUNTARY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT OF TOWN STATUS ISSUES BETWEEN THE CITY AND HENRY COUNTY, VIRGINIA, AND TO PETITION AN APPROPRIATE CIRCUIT COURT FOR AN ORDER AFFIRMING, VALIDATING, AND GIVING FULL FORCE AND EFFECT TO THE AGREEMENT WHEREAS, in August 2021, the City of Martinsville (“City”) and the County of Henry (“County”) approved a Voluntary Settlement Agreement between the City of Martinsville and the County of Henry (the “Agreement”), which constituted a Voluntary Settlement Agreement authorized by Chapter 34 of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia (§ 15.2-3400 et seq.); and WHEREAS, the Agreement provides for the reversion of the City to town status within Henry County and addresses the allocation of governmental services following that change in governmental structure, the transfer of certain properties, the sharing of certain revenues, a temporary moratorium of annexation rights, and other matters; and WHEREAS, in August 2021, the City and the County presented the Agreement to the Commission on Local Government (the “Commission”), which conducted a hearing in September 2021 as required by law and issued its findings and recommendations in a Report dated October 2021; and WHEREAS, the City conducted a duly advertised public hearing to take citizen comments concerning both the Agreement and the Commission Report on October 26, 2021; and WHEREAS, Chapter 34 of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia (§ 15.2-3400 et seq.) requires the City and the County, subsequent to the Commission’s review, to approve the Agreement by ordinance passed by a recorded vote of the majority of the members of each governing body after a duly advertised public hearing on the Agreement, and thereafter to petition an appropriate Circuit Court for an order affirming, validating, and giving full force and effect to the Agreement; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, 1. The City Council, by this Ordinance, approves and adopts the Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto, pursuant to Chapter 34 of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia (§ 15.2-3400 et seq.). 2. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager and the City’s legal counsel to petition an appropriate Circuit Court for an order, pursuant to Chapter 34 of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia (§ 15.2-3400 et seq.), affirming, validating, and giving full force and effect to the Agreement.  3. The City Manager and the City’s legal counsel shall take all other actions and employ such special consultants as may be needed to obtain the necessary Court approval of the Agreement. 4. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect on the date of its adoption. Adopted this ___ day of __________, 2021. ********* Attest: __________________________________ Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council  City Council Agenda Summary Date: November 4, 2021 Item No: 2. Department: City Attorney Issue: Consider setting a schedule to conduct a series of public meetings to provide information on various reversion topics. Summary: As everyone is aware, there are still many questions, misconceptions, and misinformation about the reversion process throughout the community. In an effort to engage citizens and provide correct information about the process, a draft schedule with times/dates and various reversion topics for a series of public meetings is provided for Council’s consideration. As noted in the attachment, a registration process for citizens desiring to attend is suggested to maintain limits on attendance for safety purposes. Attachments: Draft “Conversations about Reversion” schedule Recommendations: This information being presented with staff’s recommendation that Council strongly consider the attached schedule, subject to any changes or modifications Council deems appropriate. A motion to approve (voice vote) the schedule and topics is appropriate. Conversations about Reversion There are many questions, misconceptions and misinformation about the reversion process floating around our community. Martinsville City Council wishes to engage our citizens in a conversation about the process, to answer questions, and to clear up the false information. These conversations will consist of a brief introduction followed by an informal conversation with questions and answers. Council members and members of city staff will be present. The sessions will last for one hour. To ensure both an informal atmosphere and an opportunity for citizens to be heard, and to maintain health safety, these sessions will require pre-registration by name and address, and will be limited to one dozen citizen participants for each session. Any citizen wishing to register to attend a session may do so by contacting Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council, at kroberts@ci.martinsville.va.us, calling 276-403-5182, faxing 276-403-5280, or mailing City of Martinsville, attn.: Karen Roberts, P.O. Drawer 1112, Martinsville, VA 24114. Registration must be made by noon the day before each session, and will be filled on a first- come, first served basis. Preference will be given to citizens of the City. All sessions will be televised on MGTV-21 and linked on the City website and social media. The sessions are all in Council Chambers, 55 East Church Street, second floor, as follows: The Reversion Process Tuesday, November 16, 2021 6:00-7:00 p.m. Schools Tuesday, December 7, 2021 6:00-7:00 p.m. Town / City changes Tuesday, January 4, 2022 6:00-7:00 p.m. Taxation & Finances Tuesday, January 25 , 2022 6:00-7:00 p.m. Jail, Courts, & Justice Tuesday, February 1, 2022 6:00-7:00 p.m.  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: November 4, 2021 Item No: 3. Department: Community Development Issue: Consider information related to the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) list. Summary: Each year, the City has the option of adding, modifying, or deleting projects on the CEDS list to reflect changing local needs and priorities. As with years past, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) requires that the WPPDC Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) annual report be submitted by March 31 to align with the PDC’s planning grant. In light of this timeframe, WPPDC is requesting that each jurisdiction determine their respective project priority list in order to meet the necessary deadline for the 2022 document update. Attachment: Excerpt of 2021 CEDS document listing projects specific to Martinsville. Highlighted green is priority #1; yellow #2; and blue #3. Recommendation: This is being placed on Council’s agenda at this time simply for discussion purposes. Approval of the 2022 CEDS project list will occur at the December 14 Council meeting. Any changes to the list will need to be incorporated into the final approved document. Revitalization of Uptown Business 1/III Incentivize small businesses (interior makeover/elevator) EDA $900,000 $900,000 Positive 80 District--City of Martinsville Revitalization of Uptown Business 1/II Construct/ retrofit condos/apartments in Uptown EDA $1,000,000 $2,000,000 Positive 15 District--City of Martinsville DHCD $300,000 VHDA $500,000 City $200,000 Neighborhood Revitalization Project 1/IV Housing rehab; creation of community space CDBG $1,000,000 $1,250,000 Positive Indirect West End/Pine Hall Road Local $250,000 Neighborhood in Martinsville Community Development Project - 1/II Purchase blighted properties on Starling Avenue and HUD/NSP $700,000 $1,000,000 Positive 20/Indirect CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central adaptively reuse HTC $300,000 Business District--City of Martinsville Southside Community Park 1/III Upgrade existing four (4) fields to accommodate youth and DCR $200,000 $3,000,000 Positive N/A Upgrading--City of Martinsville collegiate softball and baseball tournaments. This would include EDA $600,000 new lighting where necessary, upgrade concession stand and ARC $150,000 new sports surfaces. VTC $750,000 Other $1,300,000 Community Development Project - 1/IV Purchase blighted properties, prepare site for development Brownfield $400,000 $825,000 Unknown 100/Indirect CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central (Draper - West Church Street) - City of Martinsville EDA $325,000 Business District--City of City $100,000 Martinsville Community Development Project - 1/III Rives Road Site Development- full site development EDA $1,400,000 $1,400,000 Positive 400 CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central including A & E, site grading Business District--City of Martinsville Community Development Projects-- 1/III Further develop lots- at Clearview Business Park EDA $750,000 $750,000 Positive 200+ City of Martinsville to prepare for companies- Parcels 2 & 4 Community Development Project 1/V Recruit manufacturers of Clean Energy Components to EDA $100,000 $100,000 Positive Indirect City of Martinsville Martinsville Area and Enterprise Zone Community Development Project - 1/III Upgrade, widen, and landscape Beaver Street from MAP-21 $800,000 $850,000 Positive Indirect CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Fayette Street to Memorial Blvd - City of Martinsville VHDA $50,000 Business District--City of Martinsville Community Development Project - 1/I Prepare City-owned site at corner of Fayette & Beaver Sts EDA $300,000 $3,500,000 Positive Indirect CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central for residential, educational or commercial development - Local $200,000 Business District--City of Martinsville Area and Central Business District CDBG $1,000,000 Martinsville Grants $2,000,000 Community Development Project - 1/II Write arts & cultural plan for Arts & Cultural District NEA $25,000 $82,000 Positive Indirect CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central City $25,000 Business District--City of ARC $32,000 Martinsville Community Development Project - 1/II Enhance Fayette Area Business District facades/greenscape/ CDBG $1,000,000 $2,045,000 Positive Indirect CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central economic revitalization - Fayette Street from Moss Street to Local $1,000,000 Business District--City of Memorial Blvd. Planning stipend for Citizens Design - CIRD CIRD $35,000 Martinsville Match - Ink $10,000 Community Development Project - 1/IV Purchase blighted properties - prepare site for redevelop- Brownfield $900,000 $1,900,000 Unknown 150 - Indirect CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central ment (202 Cleveland Avenue) - City of Martinsville EDA $500,000 Business District--City of City $500,000 Martinsville Community Development Project - 1/III Work with partners to develop an amphitheater on Depot NEA $50,000 $100,000 Positive 5/Indirect CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Street ARC $50,000 Business District--City of Martinsville Community Development Project - 1/III Acquire and redevelop properties along commercial corridor ARC $250,000 $3,250,000 Positive 50 CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central for reuse CDBG $2,000,000 Business District--City of EDA $1,000,000 Martinsville Community Development Project - 1/IV Develop new (or redevelop existing) location in Uptown IRF $600,000 $1,100,000 Positive 5/indirect CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Martinsville or adjacent areas to serve as community ARC $200,000 Business District--City of music venue. HTC $300,000 Martinsville Community Development Project - 1/III Commonwealth Corridor Enhancement & Pedestrian VDOT $1,000,000 $1,500,000 Positive Indirect CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central linkages to Uptown & Fayette Street CDBG $500,000 Business District--City of Martinsville Community Development Project - 1/III Purchase of West Church Street and/or Fayette Street property, IRF $500,000 $1,000,000 Positive 20/Indirect CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central complete feasibility study, adaptive reuse CDBG $500,000 Business District--City of Martinsville Community Development Project - 1/III Purchase of Main Street property, complete feasibility study, IRF $500,000 $1,000,000 Positive 20/Indirect CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central adaptive reuse CDBG $500,000 Business District--City of Martinsville MINet Fiber Optic Expansion-- 1/III Citywide expansion of MINet Martinsville fiber optic and EDA $2,000,000 $20,500,000 NA NA City of Martinsville wireless system to reach businesses and homes Other $11,000,000 Local $7,500,000 Community Development Project - 1/III Upgrades to the concession, seating, and restroom areas at ARC $200,000 $1,700,000 Positive N/A Hooker Field Upgrades-- City of Hooker Field - covered seating, ADA compliant restrooms DRC $500,000 Martinsville expanded press box/concession/office space OTHER $1,000,000 Virginia Museum of Natural History-- 1/II Construct Outdoor Education Pavilion in rear of VMNH, to EDA $50,000 $150,000 Positive NA City of Martinsville include exhibits interpreting eastern North American DCR $50,000 forest ecology Local $50,000 Wilson Park Upgrading-- 1/IV Connection of outdoor education pavilion in rear of VMNH with EDA $600,000 $2,000,000 Positive NA City of Martinsville a bridge, crossing over Oakdale Avenue, along with a 1,000 ARC $800,000 foot canopy loop into the grand old trees in the park. Other $600,000 Community Parks Upgrading-- 1/IV Upgrade nine (9) existing parks (Baldwin, Beaver Creek, DCR $200,000 $1,500,000 Positive NA City of Martinsville Jackson Street, West End, J. Russel Mason, Chatham Heights, ARC $200,000 Cole & Carol St, Victor A. Lester, Spruce St.) to improve EDA $300,000 accessibility and safety. This would include new lighting where Local $800,000 necessary, concession stands, age-appropriate playground equipment and new playing surfaces. Community Development Project 1/IV Write a Small Business Development Strategic Plan for the City EDA $50,000 $125,000 Positive NA - Small Business Development of Martinsville. Strategic plan will contain actionable items ARC $50,000 Strategic Plan - for the development of and scaling up of small businesses in Other $25,000 City of Martinsville the City of Martinsville including coplementing the roles of existing partners and organizations Community Development Project - 1/III A grant program guided by the Small Business Development EDA $100,000 $300,000 Positive NA - Small Business Scale-up Strategic Plan to assist small businesses in growing, expanding ARC $100,000 Grant Program--City of and scaling up within the City of Martinsville Other $100,000 Martinsville Community Development Project - 1/III Partnering with the "Move to Martinsville" group to EDA $50,000 $100,000 Positive N/A Move to Martinsville -- City of place strategic marketing pieces in other geographic ARC $25,000 Martinsville markets to communicate the quality of live, value and OTHER $25,000 opportunity to increase the number of people who move to Martinsville from other regions. Community Development Project - 1/III Revitalization of Amy Avenue in the City of Martinsville CDBG $500,000 $1,000,000 Positive N/A Amy Avenue to include owner occupied rehabilitation, new single family Other/Private $500,000 City of Martinsville housing and new multi-family housing. In addition curb and gutter improvements should be included. Community Development Project - 1/III Redevelopment of 100 Block W. Church Street including ARC $400,000 $1,200,000 Positive N/A 100 Block W Church St.-- City of parcels fronting W Market Street and CDBG $400,000 Martinsville Moss street into Workforce Housing. OTHER $400,000 Community Development Project - 1/III Develop and maintian a vacant buildings inventory for Uptown CDBG $25,000 $50,000 Positive N/A Vacant Buildings Inventory Uptown and if time/resources permitting other parts of the city. Other $25,000 City of The purpose of the inventory is baseline data so that Martinsville incentives and/or enforcement can be discussed to encourage property owners to pursue highest and best use of Uptown properties Community Development Project 1/IV Signage, landscaping and other physical improvements EDA $50,000 $150,000 Positive NA - Entrance Cooridor Beautification to the major entrance corridors to the City of Martinsville ARC $50,000 and Revitalization - These entrance coordors are typically found Other $50,000 City of Martinsville in the "Entrance Corridor Overlay" located on the City of Martinsville's Zoning Map Community Development Project 1/IV Develop a design study for Uptown Martinsville that may EDA $50,000 $150,000 Positive NA - Uptown Martinsville Design Study result in design guidelines, façade guidelines and other ARC $50,000 and Uptown entrance cooridors - design guidance to be considered by City Council. In addition, Other $50,000 City of Martinsville the physical enhancement and beautificationof entrance corridors into Uptown Martinsville may be pursued. Community Development Project 1/IV Develop a community orchard, garden and/or similar EDA $20,000 $60,000 Positive NA - Fruit Part at West End Park facility at West End Park in the City of Martinsville. ARC $20,000 City of Martinsville The purpose of this enhancement to the park would be Other $20,000 to allow resident/citizen access to locally grown fruits and vegetables.  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: November 4, 2021 Item No: 4. Department: City Manager Issue: Hear an update on a number of projects. Summary: City staff will present an update on a variety of projects throughout the City. Several of these projects have been brought to Council previously for action(s) necessary for implementation. Attachment: None – information will be presented at the meeting. Recommendation: This is being presented for information purposes – no action by Council is necessary.