City Council

AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA Council Chambers – Municipal Building 7:00pm Regular Session Closed Session after Regular Session Tuesday December 14, 2021 7:00 pm - Regular Session Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Rev. Charles Whitfield, Pastor, First Baptist Church East Martinsville, Martinsville, VA. 1. Approve minutes from the November 4, 2021, November 9, 2021 and the November 16, 2021 Council Meetings. (5 mins) 2. Consider adoption of a joint Resolution with Henry County recognizing the work of Dr. Mark Crabtree and The Piedmont Virginia Dental Health Foundation in establishing and operating the Community Dental Clinic. (15 mins) 3. Conduct a public hearing on a Special Use Permit request from Smith Wholesale, Inc. to allow for the operation of an office and self-storage facility on property located at 204 Broad Street. (10 mins) 4. Consider reading and presenting a proclamation recognizing the 70th anniversary of the Martinsville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. (5 mins) 5. Hear a report from Robinson Farmer Cox Associates on the City’s FY21 audit. (15 mins) 6. Consider a request from Martinsville City Schools to appropriate $694,212 to various School budget categories to cover capital needs and anticipated reductions in state funding. (10 mins) 7. Conduct a public hearing for the purpose of transferring certain properties owned by the City of Martinsville to the Martinsville Redevelopment and Housing Authority as part of the Five Points Housing Project. (10 mins) 8. Consider approval of projects listed for the City’s 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) list. (20 mins) 9. The City annually determines its legislative priorities. Attached is the City’s proposed 2022 Legislative Agenda for consideration for approval. (20 mins) 10. Consider approval of consent agenda. (5 mins) 11. 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 Monday December 13. 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. 12. Comments by members of City Council. (5 minutes) 13. Comments by City Manager and City Attorney. (5 minutes) 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. Discussion or consideration of the investment of public funds where competition or bargaining is involved, where, if made public initially, the financial interest of the governmental unit would be adversely affected, as authorized by Subsection 6. 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.  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: December 14, 2021 Item No: 1. Department: Clerk of Council Issue: Consider approval of minutes Summary: None Attachments: November 4, 2021 Council Minutes November 9, 2021 Council Minutes November 16, 2021 Council Minutes Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: December 14, 2021 Item No: 2. Department: City Council Issue: Consider adoption of a joint Resolution with Henry County recognizing the work of Dr. Mark Crabtree and The Piedmont Virginia Dental Health Foundation in establishing and operating the Community Dental Clinic. Summary: Through the leadership of Dr. Mark Crabtree along with co- founders Dr. Edward Snyder and Ms. Ann Huffman, The Piedmont Virginia Dental Health Foundation was created to implement a plan for the formation of a community dental health clinic to serve those in need of services. The clinic opened in Uptown Martinsville in 2006 and over the past 16 years has provided more than $12.6 million in dental services to low income and uninsured adults and children. Staff includes local dentists who volunteer their time and 4th year students from the VCU School of Dentistry who live in the area while working at the clinic. An estimated 1,400 students have participated in the program, helping provide needed dental services to over 57,000 patients since the clinic started. It was recently announced that management of the clinic is transitioning over to the Martinsville Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness. The Henry County Board of Supervisors will also be considering adoption of this Resolution at their December 14 meeting. Attachment: Resolution Recommendation: Adopt Joint Resolution (motion, second, voice vote).  JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE HENRY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MARTINSVILLE CITY COUNCIL WHEREAS, after the loss of thousands of textile and furniture jobs in the community, many residents had no funds for dental care. The West Piedmont Health District, the Harvest Foundation and the Martinsville/Henry County Dental Advisory Committee developed a plan for an indigent dental clinic; and WHEREAS, The Piedmont Virginia Dental Health Foundation was created to implement the plan for the clinic. Dr. Mark Crabtree is the founder and president of the Foundation and Dr. Edward Snyder of Snyder Orthodontics and Ms. Ann Huffman of Martinsville Smiles are co-founders; and WHEREAS, The Clinic opened in Uptown Martinsville in 2006 with funds from government agencies, grants from private foundations and donations from businesses and individuals; and WHEREAS, Dr. Crabtree hired a staff, including a dentist who supervised patient care. Local dentists volunteered at the Clinic and Dr. Crabtree arranged with the VCU School of Dentistry to have fourth-year students come to Martinsville to provide care to Clinic patients. The students stayed in housing provided by the Foundation. An estimated 1,400 students have treated patients, giving students practical experience and exposing them to the quality of life in a small community and public health careers; and WHEREAS, over 16 years, the Community Dental Clinic has provided more than $12.6 million in dental services to low- income and uninsured adults and children. There have been more than 57,000 patient visits, reducing visits to the hospital and under Dr. Crabtree’s leadership, the Dental Health Foundation has raised approximately $4 million from our community to operate the Clinic; WHEREAS, With the transition to the Martinsville Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness, the Dental Clinic will offer wider access to care, expanded services to Medicaid patients and long-term financial stability for dental care for low income residents; and WHEREAS, under the leadership of Dr. Crabtree, the Martinsville-Henry County community has demonstrated its compassion for the less fortunate and its generous nature. In addition to Dr. Crabtree, the Board of Directors of the Dental Foundation includes Dr. Snyder, Ms. Huffman, Dr. Paul Eason, Gene Teague, Lisa Fultz, Jermaine Shelton. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT JOINTLY RESOLVED on this 14th day of December, 2021, that the Henry County Board of Supervisors and Martinsville City Council do hereby recognize the work of Dr. Mark Crabtree and the Dental Foundation Board in bringing quality dental care to thousands in need in the Martinsville and Henry County communities through The Piedmont Virginia Dental Health Foundation, and we express our sincere gratitude for the hard work, effort, and commitment to seeing this work continue through the Martinsville Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Jim Adams, Chairman Kathy Lawson, Mayor Henry County Board of Supervisors City of Martinsville  City Council Agenda Summary Date: December 14, 2021 Item No: 3. Department: Community Development Issue: Conduct a public hearing on a Special Use Permit request from Smith Wholesale, Inc to allow for the operation of an office and self-storage facility on property located at 204 Broad Street. Summary: The applicant, Smith Wholesale, Inc., purchased the property (previously known as home to the Martinsville Bulletin Corporation) from BH Media Group Holdings, Inc. in August 2021. The applicant has rehabilitation and modernization plans for the existing building that will allow for the expansion of their current business. The approval of this request will allow the applicants to implement indoor self-storage facilities in addition to office space. The property is 1.99 acres and includes an approximate 50,000 square foot warehouse intended for commercial use. The applicants also own all adjoining properties. The property is located at 204 Broad Street and is currently zoned C-C, Corridor Commercial. The Corridor Commercial District is intended to provide for large-scale retail, and other commercial uses, while emphasizing efficient and convenient access at a lower density than is found in C-N and C-UB zoning districts. Office spaces and self-service facilities are permitted uses in the Corridor Commercial district with issuance of a Special Use Permit by Martinsville City Council. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on November 18, 2021 regarding the matter and no public comments were received at the hearing nor submitted in writing to staff. Attachments: Information from the Community Development Office Recommendations: Conduct the public hearing on the Special Use Permit request. Staff recommends approval of the SUP subject to any conditions or modifications Council deems appropriate (none suggested by staff; motion, second and voice vote). Martinsville City Council Public Hearing December 14, 2021 Application for Special Use Permit Application of Smith Wholesale, Inc. Applicant and Owner, requesting a Special Use Permit, with possible conditions, to allow for the operation of an office and self-storage facility, on property located at 204 Broad Street and currently zoned C-C, Corridor Commercial District. Self-storage facilities are permitted uses in C-C zoning districts by issuance of a Special Use Permit by Martinsville City Council. Background • The applicants purchased the property in August 2021. • The applicants intend to expand their current business by rehabilitating and modernizing the existing building. • The property consists of 1.99 acres and includes an approximate 50,000 square foot warehouse intended for commercial uses. • The applicant also own all the adjoining properties. Staff Analysis • The property is located in the Corridor Commercial (C-C) District. • The C-C District is intended to provide for large scale retail, and other commercial uses at a lower density than is found in zones C-N and C-UB. • Uses typically found in the C-C District include regional and community shopping centers, big- box development on individual lots, and automobile sales and service establishments. • The C-C District emphasizes efficient and convenient automobile access and circulation for City residents. • There were no public comments received at the advertised public hearing nor comments submitted in writing to staff. Recommendation of the Planning Commission The Planning Commission finds that the requested Special Use Permit will NOT be a substantial detriment to adjacent properties and will instead promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the public and help to implement the City’s adopted Comprehensive Plan for the orderly future development of the City. Therefore, the Planning Commission recommends APPROVAL, by a vote of 6-0-1- 0, of the requested Special Use Permit for property located at 204 Broad Street in the City of Martinsville. Questions?  Transmittal of Planning Commission Action Date: November 29, 2021 To: Leon Towarnicki, City Manager CC: Mark McCaskill, Director of Community Development Kris Bridges, Zoning Administrator From: Hannah L. Powell, Community Development Specialist RE: Special Use Permit Request – 204 Broad Street BACKGROUND: The applicant, Smith Wholesale, Inc., purchased the property (previously known as home to the Martinsville Bulletin Corporation) from BH Media Group Holdings, Inc. in August 2021. The applicant has rehabilitation and modernization plans for the existing building that will allow for the expansion of their current business. The approval of this request will allow the applicants to implement indoor self-storage facilities in addition to office space. The property consists of 1.99 acres and includes an approximate 50,000 square foot warehouse intended for commercial use. The applicants also own all adjoining properties. A public hearing was held before the Martinsville Planning Commission on the evening of November 18, 2021 in which all parties in interest were given the opportunity to be heard. There were no public comments received at the advertised public hearing nor submitted in writing to staff. Department of Community Development, 55 W. Church Street Martinsville VA 24112, 276-403-5156 STAFF ANALYSIS: The property in question is located within the Corridor Commercial (C-C) District of the City of Martinsville. The C-C zoning district provides for large-scale retail and other commercial type uses at a lower density than found in the C-N and C-UB zoning districts. Parcels located in the C-C District are primarily found along major city streets, emphasizing efficient travel and circulation for City residents. Uses typically found in the C-C District include but are not limited to shopping centers, big-box development on individual lots, and vehicle sales/service establishments. Office spaces and self-service facilities are permitted uses in the Corridor Commercial district with issuance of a Special Use Permit by Martinsville City Council. RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION: The Planning Commission recommends, by a vote of 6-0-1-0 (J. Hairston absent), that the City Council of Martinsville consider and APPROVE the requested Special Use Permit to allow for the operation of self-storage facilities on property located at 204 Broad Street. SUGGESTED MOTIONS: (APPROVE) I make a motion to recommend approval of the Special Use Permit for property located at 204 Broad Street, finding that the requested Special Use Permit will promote the public health, safety, prosperity, convenience and general welfare of the public. OR (DENY) I make a motion to recommend denial of the Special Use Permit for property located at 204 Broad Street, finding that the requested Special Use Permit will not promote the public health, safety, prosperity, convenience and general welfare of the public. OR (DELAY ACTION) I make a motion to delay action on this request until City Council can be provided with more information to effectively make a recommendation. Department of Community Development, 55 W. Church Street Martinsville VA 24112, 276-403-5156 Date: November 2, 2021 To: Martinsville Planning Commission CC: Mark McCaskill, Community Development Director Kris Bridges, Zoning Administrator From: Hannah L. Powell, Community Development Specialist RE: Special Use Permit Request – 204 Broad Street SUBJECT: APPLICATION for SPECIAL USE PERMIT - Application of Smith Wholesale, Inc, Applicant and Owner, requesting a Special Use Permit with possible conditions, to allow for the operation of an office and self-storage facility, on property located at 204 Broad Street and currently zoned C-C, Corridor Commercial District. Self-storage facilities are permitted uses in C-C zoning districts by issuance of a Special Use Permit by Martinsville City Council (Map ID 32(01)M/12R, Account # 000073000). BACKGROUND: The applicant, Smith Wholesale, Inc., purchased the property (previously known as home to the Martinsville Bulletin Corporation) from BH Media Group Holdings, Inc. in August 2021. The applicant has rehabilitation and modernization plans for the existing building that will allow for the expansion of their current business. The approval of this request will allow the applicants to implement indoor self-storage facilities in addition to office space. The property is 1.99 acres and includes an approximate 50,000 square foot warehouse intended for commercial use. The applicants also own all adjoining properties. Department of Community Development, 55 W. Church Street Martinsville VA 24112, 276-403-5156 The property is located at 204 Broad Street and is currently zoned C-C, Corridor Commercial. The Corridor Commercial District is intended to provide for large-scale retail, and other commercial uses, while emphasizing efficient and convenient access at a lower density than is found in C-N and C-UB zoning districts. Office spaces and self- service facilities are permitted uses in the Corridor Commercial district with issuance of a Special Use Permit by Martinsville City Council. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission consider and recommend APPROVAL of the requested Special Use Permit to allow for an office and self-service facility use for property located at 204 Broad Street. SUGGESTED MOTIONS: (APPROVE) I make a motion to recommend approval of the Special Use Permit for property located at 204 Broad Street, finding that the requested Special Use Permit will promote the public health, safety, prosperity, convenience and general welfare of the public. OR (DENY) I make a motion to recommend denial of the Special Use Permit for property located at 204 Broad Street, finding that the requested Special Use Permit will not promote the public health, safety, prosperity, convenience and general welfare of the public. OR (DELAY ACTION) I make a motion to delay action on this request until the Planning Commission can be provided with more information to effectively make a recommendation. NEXT STEPS: Assuming the Planning Commission acts on this item at their November 18, 2021 meeting, a public hearing will then be held before City Council on December 14, 2021 where they will ultimately approve or deny the Special Use Permit request. Attachments: Application Materials Department of Community Development, 55 W. Church Street Martinsville VA 24112, 276-403-5156  City Council Agenda Summary Date: December 14, 2021 Item No: 4. Department: City Council Issue: Consider reading and presenting a proclamation recognizing the 70 anniversary of the Martinsville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta th Sorority. Summary: A representative of the Martinsville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will attend Council’s meeting to accept the proclamation and make brief remarks. Attachments: Proclamation Recommendations: Mayor to read and present the proclamation.  PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTINSVILLE ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913, at Howard University by 22 college-educated, African American women whose focus was on education and assistance to people in need; and WHEREAS, today, this public service organization has more than 250,000 members and more than 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters nationally and internationally, including the Martinsville Alumnae Chapter; and WHEREAS, the Martinsville Alumnae Chapter was chartered as the Delta Lambda Chapter on November 27, 1951, by 11 Sorority members; and WHEREAS, in realizing the mission of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Martinsville Alumnae Chapter has organized an extensive array of public service initiatives that align with the organization’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness; and WHEREAS, these programs include Community Food Drives with such partners as the Salvation Army, Grace Network and Henry-Martinsville Department of Social Services, financial literacy workshops with Carter Bank & Trust, annual book donations to preschoolers at Clearview Early Learning Center, and in partnership with the West Piedmont Health District, distributed information in the community to dispel myths and inaccurate information about the COVID vaccine and the pandemic; the chapter also provides college scholarships to each of the local high schools annually; and WHEREAS, on November 27, the Martinsville Alumnae Chapter celebrated 70 years of promoting sisterhood and public service in the community; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kathy Lawson, Mayor of the City of Martinsville, do hereby recognize November 27, 2021, as the “70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTINSVILLE ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED” in Martinsville, and commend its observance to all citizens. Kathy Lawson, Mayor  City Council Agenda Summary Date: December 14, 2021 Item No: 5. Department: Finance Issue: Hear a report from Robinson Farmer Cox Associates on the City’s FY21 audit. Summary: Representatives from RFC Associates will be here for the December 14th Council meeting to review the City’s FY21 audit. Attachments: None Recommendations: Presented for information purposes. No action by Council is needed.  City Council Agenda Summary Date: December 14, 2021 Item No: 6. Department: Finance Issue: Consider a request from Martinsville City Schools to appropriate $694,212 to various School budget categories to cover capital needs and anticipated reductions in state funding. Summary: A request has been received from Martinsville City Schools to appropriate a total of $694,212 to a variety of school budget line items to cover capital needs and anticipated reductions in state funding due to an enrollment decline. $272,860 is requested to be allocated to the School’s Capital Fund and $421,352 is to offset anticipated state funding reductions due to a decline in enrollment. The attached memo from City Schools outlines additional details. Attachments: Memo dated November 30, 2021 from City Schools. Recommendations: After review and consideration of additional information, the recommendation is to appropriate $222,860 from fund balance to school capital for the projects noted with the exception of the $50,000 HVAC replacement at the High School gym. An ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund) application has been submitted for that project and if denied, an appropriation for that specific project can be placed on Council’s consent agenda at a later date for consideration. Appropriation of the requested $421,353 to cover anticipated state funding reductions due to enrollment decline is not recommended at this time for a variety of reasons - the amount is anticipated, but not yet realized; the School system typically underspends its annual budget and it is quite possible savings in the budget may be realized over the course of the year to compensate for a funding reduction; it would be preferable to make this decision deeper into the fiscal year once enrollment and funding numbers are more certain; and last, the City is ultimately responsible for covering school costs. Budget adjustments (transfers and/or appropriations) are made as the fiscal year ends to fully balance. Nevertheless, the anticipated reduction is good information for planning purposes.  City Council Agenda Summary Date: December 14, 2021 Item No: 7 Department: City Attorney Issue: Conduct a public hearing for the purpose of transferring certain properties owned by the City of Martinsville to the Martinsville Redevelopment and Housing Authority as part of the Five Points Housing Project. Summary: The Five Points housing project bordered by West Church, Massey, Endless, and Emanuel Streets consists of a number of small lots acquired over the years by both the City and the Martinsville Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The MRHA is overseeing this project, so all the lots should be titled under MRHA. The lots affected are tax map numbers 31(02)M/26 27, 31(02)M/28, 31(02)M/31, 31(02)M/32, and 31(02)M/41, all currently owned by the City, to be transferred to the Martinsville Redevelopment and Housing Authority. A public hearing is required before transfer. Attachments: None Recommended Action: Conduct a public hearing for the purpose noted. Motion to authorize the City Manager to transfer the lots to MRHA, and to execute any necessary consolidation or subdivision deeds. Adopt motion on roll-call vote.  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: December 14, 2021 Item No: 8. Department: Community Development Issue: Consider approval of projects listed for the City’s 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. At prior Council meetings, the project list was discussed in detail. Staff is recommending several additions (underlined) to the list and those recommendations have been made in the draft document. Attachment: 2022 Draft CEDS projects for Martinsville. Recommendation: Discuss any additional changes to the CEDS document and vote to approve (voice vote). Revitalization of Uptown Business Incentivize small businesses (exterior and interior makeover/elevator) EDA $900,000 $900,000 District--City of Martinsville Recommendations from Uptown Partnership include: a leashold matching grant program up to $5,000, increase façade amount and change percentaage match to 75/25 from current 50/50 Revitalization of Uptown Business Construct/ retrofit condos/apartments in Uptown EDA $1,000,000 $2,000,000 District--City of Martinsville Recommendations from Uptown Partnership Include: DHCD $300,000 The corner of Church and Broad Streets are a good location for some VHDA $500,000 moderately sized mixed use appartment buildings. City $200,000 In addition development of full alleyway activation plan to include other alleys in Uptown. Neighborhood Revitalization Project Housing rehab; creation of community space CDBG $1,200,000 $1,800,000 West End/Pine Hall Road Local $600,000 Neighborhood in Martinsville Community Development Project - Purchase blighted properties on Starling Avenue and HUD/NSP $700,000 $1,000,000 CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central adaptively reuse HTC $300,000 Business District--City of Martinsville Southside Community Park Upgrade existing four (4) fields to accommodate youth and DCR $200,000 $3,000,000 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. New bathrooms at Southside Community Park. VTC $750,000 Other $1,300,000 Community Development Project - Purchase blighted properties, prepare site for development Brownfield $400,000 $825,000 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 - Rives Road Site Development- full site development EDA $1,400,000 $1,400,000 CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central including A & E, site grading Business District--City of Martinsville Community Development Projects-- Further develop lots- at Clearview Business Park EDA $750,000 $750,000 City of Martinsville to prepare for companies- Parcels 2 & 4 Community Development Project Recruit manufacturers of Clean Energy Components to EDA $100,000 $100,000 City of Martinsville Martinsville Area and Enterprise Zone Community Development Project - Upgrade, widen, and landscape Beaver Street from MAP-21 $800,000 $850,000 CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Fayette Street to Memorial Blvd - City of Martinsville VHDA $50,000 Business District--City of Martinsville Community Development Project - Prepare City-owned site at corner of Fayette & Beaver Sts EDA $300,000 $3,500,000 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 - Write arts & cultural plan for Arts & Cultural District NEA $100,000 $300,000 CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Additional elements could include, public art, an Uptown sculpture trail, and City $100,000 Business District--City of additional funding for the creation of new murals and the maintenance ARC $100,000 Martinsville of existing murals. Close collaboration with Piedmont Arts and the FAHI Museum are key to success. Community Development Project - Enhance Fayette Area Business District facades/greenscape/ CDBG $1,000,000 $2,045,000 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 - Purchase blighted properties - prepare site for redevelop- Brownfield $900,000 $1,900,000 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 - Work with partners to develop an amphitheater on Depot NEA $50,000 $100,000 CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Street ARC $50,000 Business District--City of Martinsville Community Development Project - Acquire and redevelop properties along commercial corridor ARC $250,000 $3,250,000 CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central for reuse CDBG $2,000,000 Business District--City of EDA $1,000,000 Martinsville Community Development Project - Develop new (or redevelop existing) location in Uptown IRF $600,000 $1,100,000 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 - Commonwealth Corridor Enhancement & Pedestrian VDOT $1,000,000 $1,500,000 CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central linkages to Uptown & Fayette Street CDBG $500,000 Business District--City of Martinsville Community Development Project - Purchase of West Church Street and/or Fayette Street property, IRF $500,000 $1,000,000 CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central complete feasibility study, adaptive reuse CDBG $500,000 Business District--City of Martinsville Community Development Project - Purchase of Main Street property, complete feasibility study, IRF $500,000 $1,000,000 CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central adaptive reuse CDBG $500,000 Business District--City of Martinsville MINet Fiber Optic Expansion-- Citywide expansion of MINet Martinsville fiber optic and EDA $2,000,000 $20,500,000 City of Martinsville wireless system to reach businesses and homes. Add additional Other $11,000,000 resources to customer service and marketing. Local $7,500,000 Community Development Project - Upgrades to the concession, seating, and restroom areas at ARC $200,000 $1,700,000 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-- Construct Outdoor Education Pavilion in rear of VMNH, to EDA $50,000 $150,000 City of Martinsville include exhibits interpreting eastern North American DCR $50,000 forest ecology Local $50,000 Wilson Park Upgrading-- Connection of outdoor education pavilion in rear of VMNH with EDA $600,000 $2,000,000 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-- Upgrade nine (9) existing parks (Baldwin, Beaver Creek, DCR $300,000 $1,900,000 City of Martinsville Jackson Street, West End, J. Russel Mason, Chatham Heights, ARC $300,000 Cole & Carol St, Victor A. Lester, Spruce St.) to improve EDA $400,000 accessibility and safety. This would include new lighting where Local $900,000 necessary, concession stands, age-appropriate playground  equipment and new playing surfaces. Baldwin Park has the potential to convert existing tennis courts into basketball courts. Also, increased resources for basketball court maintenance at parks with basketball courts. Additionally, create attitional "pocket parks" throughout the City. Community Development Project Write a Small Business Development Strategic Plan for the City EDA $150,000 $450,000 - Small Business Development of Martinsville. Strategic plan will contain actionable items ARC $150,000 Strategic Plan - for the development of and scaling up of small businesses in Local $150,000 City of Martinsville the City of Martinsville including coplementing the roles of existing partners and organizations The resulting strategic plan could focus on Single Site Retail/ Service Incubator model that accomodates booths, counters and pop-up space. A closely related concept is the "incubator without walls" that focuses on a "boot camp" style of intense days of entrepreneurial training with a mini grant at the end. A third concept is an "Entrepreneurship Village" that would involve several small structurs placed along Fayeet Street across from New College Institute. Community Development Project - A grant program guided by the Small Business Development EDA $100,000 $300,000 - 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 A good target market for the grant program would be for Minority Entrepreneurship Development. This could take the form of small "jump start" grants and a low interest loan program for minority business development. Community Development Project - Partnering with the "Move to Martinsville" group to EDA $100,000 $250,000 Move to Martinsville -- City of place strategic marketing pieces in other geographic ARC $50,000 Martinsville markets to communicate the quality of live, value and Local $100,000 opportunity to increase the number of people who move to Martinsville from other regions. Additionally Uptown should be branded as a "Center for Entrepreneurship" that facilitates the attraction of new entrepreneurs, the support of existing business. The brand should bridge Uptown and the West End. Community Development Project - Revitalization of Amy Avenue in the City of Martinsville CDBG $500,000 $1,000,000 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 - Redevelopment of 100 Block W. Church Street including ARC $400,000 $1,200,000 100 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 - Develop and maintian a vacant buildings inventory for Uptown CDBG $75,000 $100,000 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 Signage, landscaping and other physical improvements EDA $50,000 $150,000 - 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 Develop a design study for Uptown Martinsville that may EDA $75,000 $200,000 - Uptown Martinsville Design Study result in design guidelines, façade guidelines and other ARC $75,000 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. Neighborhood entrance signs throughout the City would be a complementary addition to this program. Community Development Project Develop a community orchard, garden and/or similar EDA $20,000 $60,000 - 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. Public Works Project Assess the entire City and add curb and gutter where practicable and feasible in EDA $1,000,000 $3,000,000 - Curb and Gutter - Citywide areas currently lacking curb and gutter. ARC $1,000,000 VDOT $1,000,000 Public Works Project Needed stormwater projects Citywide. EDA $1,000,000 $3,000,000 - Stormwater Projects Citywide ARC $1,000,000 City of Martinsville VDOT $1,000,000 Community Development Project - Creation of design guidelines that could apply to Uptown and Historic Districts EDA $30,000 $90,000 Design Guidelines to improve the quality of development and redevelopment. ARC $30,000 Local $30,000 Community Development Project Update the incentive package for enterprise zones, tourism zone, arts and cultural EDA $100,000 $200,000 - Update the incentive package district and other zones in order to incentivize entrepreneurship, technology and Local $100,000 City of Martinsville business development.  City Council Agenda Summary Date: December 14, 2021 Item No: 9. Department: City Attorney Issue: Consider approval the City’s 2022 Legislative Agenda. Summary: The City annually determines its legislative priorities. Attached is the City’s proposed 2022 Legislative Agenda for consideration for approval. Pre-filing for specific legislation is early in December, 2021. The attached Legislative Agenda has been considered at previous Council meetings and incorporates changes suggested by Council and/or staff. Attachments: 2022 Legislative Agenda Draft Final Version Recommendations: Discussion, possible amendment, and approval.  The City of Martinsville appreciates the efforts its legislators undertake at both the state and federal level on behalf of its citizens. Listed below are the City’s priorities requested of its legislative delegation in 20221. Virginia General Assembly Transportation 1. In the short term, upgrade those portions of Route 220 overlaying I-73 to interstate standards. Any construction or upgrades to the I-73 corridor should begin on those sections passing through Henry County. 2. Continue to place priority on Route 58 improvements, particularly the section between Stuart and Hillsville, Virginia. Commented [EM1]: Council discussed this at the last 3. Increase VDOT funding for road construction and repaving. meting but decided to leave unchanged. Education 1. City Council endorses the concept asserted by Sen. Bill Stanley that the Virginia Constitution and United States Supreme Court precedent requires statewide parity in state funding for school construction, maintenance and operations. 2. City Council endorses the agenda proposed by the Martinsville City School System and also endorses the educational priorities adopted by Henry County, on behalf of its school system. 3. Oppose the imposition of unaided education mandates and in the event of revenue cuts by the Commonwealth opposes targeted cuts by the Commonwealth, instead preferring local decision making authority on where to make any such cuts. 4. Recognizing its potential to promote economic development within our community and region, continue support for the development and funding of the New College Institute in its current location in Uptown Martinsville; urge that any funding reductions to New College Institute, if considered, be minimized to the greatest extent possible; and support all partnership initiatives by The New College Institute with other institutions of higher learning. 5. Request the Commonwealth to fully fund the expenditures imposed upon local school systems by implementing the Standards of Quality. 6. Encourage the Commonwealth to continue or increase the current levels of financial support provided to Patrick & Henry Community College. Commented [EM2]: Reflects name change. 7. Request the Commonwealth to provide incentives for consolidation of school systems. 8. Continue to support funding for school resource officers and ensure that decisions regarding usage of resource officers in schools remain as a local choice/option. Economic Development 1. Maintain current levels of funding for economic development incentives, including but not limited to the Governor’s Opportunity Fund. 2. Enhance the authority granted to localities to address and eliminate blighted properties, and the formation of interstate compacts to allow expedited recourse against out-of-state property owners. 3. Increase funding levels for the Virginia Museum of Natural History. 1 4. Request enhanced state and federal financial assistance for localities which exceed the average state unemployment rate by 150% for a period of five consecutive years. 5. Support continued tourism awareness initiatives in the Martinsville-Henry County region. 6. Expand local authority to designate Enterprise Zones and establish incentives. 7. Oppose efforts by Henry County PSA to reopen the Lower Smith River Wastewater Treatment Plant, absent a regional study concluding that such is in the best interests of Martinsville-Henry County taxpayers, customer base, economic needs and state environmental policy. 8. Expand grants and resources available to fiscally stressed localities, and to business development entities in such localities, to aid in the encouragement or development of small and entrepreneurial businesses. 9. Support the Virginia Grocery Investment Fund, as a public-private initiative to improve nutrition and access to quality food, and enhance economic development by encouraging the development of grocery stores in neighborhoods where none exist. Governance Commented [EM3]: Council discussed potential 1. Adopt the recommendations of the Virginia Commission on Local Government in its 2018 legislation allowing for custody of pets to parties who would best care for them. No action was taken. Annexation Moratorium Study, and urge the General Assembly to enact those recommendations in the 2019 2022 Session. 2. Amend Code of Virginia 51.1-155.2 to allow Constitutional Offices, abolished by reversion of any city to town status, to take early VRS retirement, free of penalty. Commented [EM4]: This was previously introduced in 3. Urge the General Assembly to conform the state tax code to the 2018 changes in the Federal 2020, and failed. Suggest deletion. income tax code. 4. Require full funding for HB 599 funds, in fulfillment of the Commonwealth’s commitment to cities in return for their acquiescence in the annexation moratorium. 5. Require that the Commonwealth fully fund its obligations to the Virginia Retirement System, and refrain from borrowing from VRS funds. 6. Request the elimination of “local aid to the Commonwealth” in the state budget; local aid artificially inflates state revenues by shifting responsibility for cuts in vital services onto localities. 7. Elimination of all unfunded mandates from the Commonwealth to localities. 8. Oppose any elimination or alteration of local revenue streams, and specifically oppose any amendment to the current manner in which the Business Occupation and Licensing Tax and the Machinery and Tools Tax are levied, unless a replacement revenue stream, not subject to biennial appropriation, is guaranteed by the Commonwealth. 9. Preserve intact local authority to regulate zoning, land use, and regulation of the installation of wireless communication equipment. 10. Request at a minimum, level funding for operational requirements of the Henry-Martinsville Department of Social Services. 11. Request that the General Assembly leaves intact the fire programs fund and the rescue squad assistance funds and not use these funds as a way to balance the state budget. 12. Request that the Commonwealth fully fund its obligations to constitutional officers. 13. Oppose any attempt to curtail the doctrine of sovereign immunity for localities. 14. Oppose any attempt to permit collective bargaining for state and local government employees. 15. Oppose any amendment of the existing burden of proof or process in local tax appeals cases. 16. Request authority to refund erroneously paid taxes at an interest rate which differs from that imposed on delinquencies, and to refund taxes erroneously paid through the fault of the taxpayer at no interest. 17. Support VML’s endorsement of a JLARC study of assigning a proportional share of lottery sales revenue to the localities generating such sales. 2  18. Require the Commonwealth to fund 100% of the per-diem costs of housing state inmates in local jails. 19. Support all state efforts to provide aid and support services to fiscally stressed localities, but oppose any attempts to interfere with localities’ right to solve their own financial problems locally. 20. Support the alteration of award criteria in the “REACH Virginia” and all other VHDA programs to a per-capita income-based model. 21. Request that any legislation adopted by the General Assembly concerning the decriminalization of marijuana include local authority to regulate commercial distribution and use. Commented [EM5]: Council discussed this at the last meeting, but no action was taken. United States Congress Commented [EM6]: The Chamber has discussed advocating a national review of supply chain challenges, and 1. Request the addition of the urban center of micropolitan statistical areas to the eligibility list of incentivizing a return of business and manufacturing to the US. “Entitlement Cities.” 2. Oppose any effort to impose additional taxation or regulation of electrical power generation by coal or natural gas. 3. Urge the Federal Highway Commission to adopt the CTB’s designated route for I-73, or alternatively to preserve the current record of decision in the event the CTB’s route is rejected. 4. In the short term, upgrade those portions of Route 220 overlaying I-73 to interstate standards. 5. Request $3.752M in funds for the redevelopment of brownfields located within the City. extending from the former American Furniture and Sara Lee sites, along Aaron Street, to Rives Road. 6. Request $6.25M in funds for the elimination and redevelopment of blighted areas in the city. 7. Request legislation to provide special federal incentives to businesses locating in regions which have experienced job losses in excess of 5% of the total workforce and/or declines in median incomes since the adoption of NAFTA, WTO or GATT. Target such areas for increased federal funding in education or workforce retraining. 8. Extend high speed broadband service throughout southern Virginia. Commented [EM7]: Perhaps amend to suggest passage of 9. Request enhanced state and federal financial assistance for localities which exceed the average broadband expansion under an infrastructure bill? state unemployment rate by 150% for a period of five consecutive years. 10. Oppose the elimination or reduction of the federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit. Staff Designations City Council empowers the following staff members to speak on its behalf and in its best interests to the Virginia General Assembly and United States Congress, its members and committees: City Attorney Eric Monday City Manager Leon Towarnicki Other department heads as appointed by the City Manager In addition, Council designates Two Capitols Consulting as its lobbyist. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", First line: 0" 3  City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: December 14, 2021 Item No: 10 Department: Finance Issue: Consider approval of the consent agenda Summary: The attachment amends the FY22 budget with appropriations in the following fund: FY22 General: $ 50,805 – Grant; Miscellaneous Attachments: Consent Agenda – 12-14-2021 Recommendations: Approve  BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 12/14/2021 ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT FY2022 General Fund 01100903 432316 Permits - Court Reporter Fee's 805 01211070 506104 Circuit Court - Non-Capital Equipment 805 Traffic Cones for Court 01101917 405555 Brownfields Grant - VBAF 50,000 01812253 503140 Professional Services-Engineering 5,000 01812253 503168 Professional Service - Lead Paint Assessment 7,000 01812253 503166 Professional Service - Asbestos Removal 38,000 VBAF - Lester Street Warehouse Project Total General Fund: 50,805 50,805