City Council

Name: City Council — Martinsville, VA
Start: 2023-01-24
End: 2023-01-24
Location: Martinsville, VA

Regular Meeting

Martinsville, VA · January 24, 2023

Minutes

January 24, 2023 Council Meeting The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on January 24, 2023 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:00 PM with Mayor LC Jones presiding. Other Council Members present included Kathy Lawson, Chad Martin, Aaron Rawls and Tammy Pearson. Staff present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts, Utilities Director Durwin Joyce, and Police Chief Rob Fincher. Mayor Jones called the meeting to order and advised Council would go into Closed Session beginning at 6:00 PM. In accordance with the Code of Virginia, Title 2.2 Chapter 37, Freedom of Information Act and upon a motion by Council Member Lawson and seconded by Council Member Pearson with the following 4-0 recorded vote: Vice Mayor Rawls, aye; Council Member Pearson, aye; Mayor Jones, aye; and Council Member Lawson, aye. Council Member Martin was not in attendance for the vote but joined during Closed Session. Council convened in Closed Session to discuss the following matters: (A) Appointments to boards and commissions, as authorized by Subsection 1; and (B) 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. 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 Member Lawson; seconded by Council Member Pearson with the following 5-0 recorded vote in favor to return to Open Session: Vice Mayor Rawls, aye; Council Member Martin, aye; Council Member Pearson, aye; Council Member Lawson, aye; and Mayor Jones, aye. Out of Closed Session, Council Member Lawson made a motion to appoint Kerri Bradley to the Architectural Review Board for a 3-year term ending March 31, 2026; Council Member Pearson seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. Vice Mayor Rawls made a motion to recommend the Circuit Court appoint Michael Greene to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a 5-year term ending January 24, 2028; Council Member Pearson seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. Council Member Lawson made a motion to appoint Tom Conroy to the Transportation Safety Committee for an unexpired 4-year term ending December 31, 2026; Council Member Pearson seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. Council Member Pearson made a motion to appoint William Galyean to the Transportation Safety Committee for an unexpired 4-year term ending December 31, 2026; Council Member Lawson seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. Mayor Jones called the meeting to order and lead the pledge to the American Flag. Invocation was offered by Dr. C. Lee Haywood of Agape Bible Christian Fellowship, 38 Corse Avenue Martinsville. Jones welcomed everyone to the meeting, stating printed agendas could be found in the back of the room and on the City website for those watching from home. January 24, 2023 Council Meeting Read a Proclamation acknowledging February, 2023 as Black History Month – Council Member Martin read the proclamation which was presented to Duane Waller. Conduct a public hearing on a request from the owner of property located at 632 Fayette Street, to appeal a decision of the Architectural Review Board denying a demolition requests for the residential structure at that location – City Manager Towarnicki explained that the property owner has decided to withdraw her request for appeal. Hear information related to the establishment of a new commission titled “Emergency Housing and Community Support Commission” – Vice Mayor Rawls read the resolution. Vice Mayor Rawls made a motion to approve the resolution; Council Member Lawson seconded the resolution with all Council Members voting in favor. Lawson asked to amend the information to allow four individuals to serve a 2-year term and three individuals serve a 1-year term and to remove the City residency requirements. All Council Members voted in favor of the change. Rawls nominated Barbara Seymour, Stephanie Cheryl, Cindy Frank and Amy Rice for 2-year terms ending January 24, 2025. Lawson seconded the motion. Martin asked if Council would allow interested residents to come to Council and express their interest in serving on the board. Homeless people can think outside the box and are critical thinkers and he feels that it would be positive to have a homeless person on the committee to share a first-hand experience. Martin also mentioned Keith Owens, Ariel Johnson and others that work hand-in-hand with the homeless in the area. Mayor Jones said there will be more space but they would like to move January 24, 2023 Council Meeting forward with the names they currently have. Lawson moved that the committee would meet twice a month. All Council Members voted in favor. Pearson made a motion to nominate Sandy Hines, Haley Roberson, and Charmain Thornton to the commission for a 1-year term ending January 24, 2024; Lawson seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. Consider approval of an electric rate increase effective February 1, 2023 – Utilities Director Durwin Joyce summarized the need for the rate increase and the totals expected from this increase. Joyce said he understands that Council would prefer the 7% increase now (instead of 8% as discussed at the last meeting) and another 7% in July. Additionally, Joyce noted that the equivalent of a 7% increase could be accomplished by an adjustment in the PCA from 0.01438 cents/kWh to 0.02268 cents/kWh. Martin said there was a misconception by residents that someone in the City was getting a pay raise from this increase and asked Joyce to explain what is going on nationally and statewide that is causing this need for a rate increase. Joyce explained that around 2010 is when transmission rates started to increase. Increases in 2018 and 2020 were related to transmission rates. Everything that’s gone on since COVID, with supply chain issues, staffing, etc. and an increase in natural gas prices, has caused energy to become more expensive. Increased gas prices are the main reason for the increase now. Mayor Jones asked if the Electric Department is looking at things to do for the residents to prevent these increases from becoming a trend. Joyce said the battery project will make a difference, and the solar project going online in 2024 will also help. He doesn’t expect transmission rates to ease up and there is not much they can do to prevent those increases over the next 2 years. The City has been trying to get a solar site since 2015 which would be beneficial. Rawls mentioned that there January 24, 2023 Council Meeting are options and the City is looking into those; we have a community that is on a fixed income so everyone will be upset about an increase. AEP rates are still considerably higher than the City rates even with the full increase and the City always has the power back on in our community very quickly. Rawls mentioned weatherization program opportunities. He is trying to reach out to that group to potentially cut utilities. Joyce said there have always been weatherization programs so if people were thinking of doing upgrades, now is the time with so many incentives. Electric Department page on the City website has links and information on how to save energy. Rawls mentioned upgrades such as replacement windows and a new heat pump could save significantly. Lawson said there are programs in the community for lower- income families to apply for heating and fuel assistance. Senior citizens can get a discount on the utility bill by completing a form and presenting proof of age. Pearson said communication is vital and asked if information can be provided in utility bills. Vice Mayor Rawls made a motion to approve the Resolution for a change in the PCA equivalent to a 7% increase effective February 1, Council Member Lawson seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor. January 24, 2023 Council Meeting Consider approval of the 2023 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) list – City Manager Towarnicki summarized the CEDS list and the changes made as requested by Council at a previous work session. Council Member Lawson made the motion to approve the CEDS list, Council Member Martin seconded the motion. Mayor Jones asked about the Southside Park and ARPA funds allocated to that, he would think that the other parks would hold just as much significance as Southside Park. Towarnicki explained that $3 million has been allocated for Southside Park but that project would not use that total and could be dropped back to $1million. Council Member Martin explained that 40% of the funds must be spent in communities of color or lower income. The City did apply for a grant through USDA to help facilitate a public process to see what improvements need to be made to all City parks. They hope to get those projects started soon with community meetings and discussions about parks and what residents want to see. Council Member Pearson asked about the YMCA and the Boys January 24, 2023 Council Meeting and Girls Club. Towarnicki said he would look into that. All Council Members voted in favor. January 24, 2023 Council Meeting Consider approval of the consent agenda – Council Member Lawson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented; Rawls seconded the motion. Lawson asked about what the school construction grant entitlement program is. Towarnicki will look into that further and will convey information to Council. All Council Members voted favor. January 24, 2023 Council Meeting Business from the Floor – Ural Harris of 217 Stuart Street expressed concern over the property assessment and stated that it is not fair. If a house is sold for more than it is valued, then it raises the assessment of other houses in that area. Tax rates need to go back to where it is revenue neutral. New Council Members have already broken their promise to not raise taxes; they said they had a plan and would make cuts. Harris asked if the tax rate increase will be used to balance the budget? Officials had said before reversion was cancelled that there was plenty of money, where is that money now? Harris doesn’t agree with the reversion process and stated that Council did not proceed correctly with that. Harris asked Pearson why she went from letting citizens voice opinions on reversion, to allowing only three Council Members to decide without citizen input. Harris mention Rawls who made the statement that the reason he killed reversion was because City employees would not know where they stood. His statement affecting 25-50 employees should not have determined reversion or not for the City. Harris said Lawson had mentioned that County had treated the City like a red-headed stepchild for years. The City has no leverage so the County has no incentive to negotiate. These misdeeds by the City and the County should be revealed to the public especially with the electric increase and property assessment being an almost 50% increase. Bobby Price of 101 East Main Street says that the Uptown issue with homeless is healing and it’s noticed. Price pointed out Chief Fincher and the Police Department’s actions. He said there is an increasing network of business owners coming together to help with the homeless situation and it seems to be improving. He wants to let the public know that the City is getting back to where they were and there is a noticeable difference in the number of homeless in the area. Price thanked Council for their efforts. Leroy Hairston said he is appalled but with each meeting, everyone will have an opinion. It takes everyone to pull together and network to make the City what it is. We cannot change the world but the world can change us. He appreciates how things are getting better and he knows it will take time. Hairston apologized if he upset anyone but he stands his ground. A couple of January 24, 2023 Council Meeting weeks ago, the garbage truck came to his house and he picked up more trash after the truck was gone. He called and complained about it. He pays a garbage collection fee but people should take pride in their work and in their community. Hairston encourages everyone to come together. It’s time for changes to be made but it will be gradual. Michael Green of 402 Oakdale Street is new to the City. He relocated here in 2018 and fell in love with Martinsville. Green asked about the budget and funds for the redevelopment of City parks. Green asked if there was an engineering department that takes a look at each park, assesses the need, puts it out to bid and hires contractors to do the work? Were any reserve funds not used sent back to the City to be applied to the budget or moved forward for the next city budget? Towarnicki explained that the engineering department currently consists of 1 person and that the Engineer’s position is vacant. A percentage of the ARPA money was set aside for parks. Not every park has been assessed at this time. The City has a Park Plan that was done 10-12 years ago that looked at everything but a lot has changed in that time. Council Members observe the parks during neighborhood tours and consider concerns expressed by citizens about parks that need work or if there is a park no longer needed. There is a grant in the works that will include public meetings where citizens can voice opinions about various parks in the City. Green asked if any of this potential work would be executed in 2023? Towarnicki explained that yes, it would be; he expects the neighborhood meetings to begin in the Spring and work should begin later this fall. Green says Martinsville has incredible potential for growth and is a major hub for southwestern Virginia. Comments by City Council – Council Member Pearson asked Police Chief Fincher to explain the partnership with the State Police and Governor Younkins. Fincher explained the Blue Line Initiative was a way to reduce crime using State ARPA funds. One project has allowed Martinsville to bring State Troopers into the City limits. There has been more success from the troopers that citizens didn’t see; Troopers assisted Martinsville officers by going through outstanding warrant files. By utilizing the State Police resources, the City was able to arrest several violent offenders and others that were charged with drug distribution. This partnership allowed the City officers to go into other jurisdictions and across state lines to serve warrants. Partnership initiative will be ongoing through the end of the year. Council Member Martin referred to Mr. Green’s point about Martinsville being an amazing area; people say that Martinsville is a retirement community and it comes across as a negative statement but Martin explained that no one comes to retire in a community that is crime ridden or not a beautiful place to live. Martin suggested a group be formed to hear various ideas about improving Martinsville. Ted Talk talks about the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, but connections. Martin would like the opportunity to discuss with business owners about how the City can present a position in a way that someone wants to work it. Martin said the biggest indicator of your health is your area code; 20% of your health is genetics, 80% is where you live. Martin would like to see the EPA mapping tool presented at a February meeting. Council Member January 24, 2023 Council Meeting Lawson thanked everyone who’s reached out to them with the homeless situation in Uptown. All Council Members have been overwhelmed with calls and emails voicing concerns about property reassessments. Last year was the inflated rate on autos and Council was able to come up with a solution; she feels certain that adjustments could be made towards these property reassessments. Thank you to the citizens for understanding and being receptive. Vice Mayor Rawls said the assessment was partly related to lack of housing in Martinsville; no one likes their assessments to go up but it’s a cool indicator for the future of Martinsville. Martinsville is a place where people want to live and baby boomers are the wealthiest of the population; we want them in Martinsville along with retirees. Anyone with ideas please reach out to Council Members. Rawls gave a shout out to Police Chief Fincher for listening to the citizens, sharing that Fincher is unbelievably responsive to the situation Uptown. When Fincher stepped up, people noticed and Rawls thanked those on the frontline for that. At the end of the day, everyone wants a vibrant City. Rawls thanked Gene Teague for sharing his budget expertise with him. Mayor Jones thanked residents for voicing opinions and he thanked Police Chief Fincher and the Police Department for the work they are doing Uptown. He will be working with City Manager Towarnicki this week to put together a list of resources before the next council meeting. He wants to get the Commissioner of Revenue to talk about assessments at the next meeting. Everyone is in this together and it helps to have people from other areas to bring in expertise. All comments are welcome. Comments by the City Manager – none There being no further business, Council Member Lawson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30pm. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council LC Jones, Mayor

Agenda

AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA Council Chambers – Municipal Building 6:00pm Closed Session 7:00pm Regular Session Tuesday January 24, 2023 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. 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. 7:00 pm - Regular Session Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Dr. C. Lee Haywood, Agape Bible Christian Fellowship, located at 38 Corse Avenue, Martinsville. 1. Read a Proclamation acknowledging February, 2023 as Black History Month. (5 mins) 2. Conduct a public hearing on a request from the owner of property located at 632 Fayette Street, to appeal a decision of the Architectural Review Board denying a demolition requests for the residential structure at that location. (10 mins) 3. Hear information related to the establishment of a new commission titled “Emergency Housing & Community Support Commission”. (10 mins) 4. Consider approval of an electric rate increase effective February 1, 2023. (10 mins) 5. Consider approval of the 2023 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) list. (10 mins) 6. Consider approval of the consent agenda. (5 mins) 7. 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 January 23, 2023. 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. 8. Comments by members of City Council. (5 mins) 9. Comments by City Manager. (5 mins) City Council Agenda Summary Date: January 24, 2023 Item No: 1. Department: City Council Issue: Read a Proclamation acknowledging February, 2023 as Black History Month. Summary: Since 1976, the month of February has been observed as Black History Month. A Proclamation is attached acknowledging this and bringing awareness to the importance of African American history and culture in our community. Attachments: Proclamation Recommendations: No action by Council needed - the Mayor will read the Proclamation. Proclamation RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY, 2023 AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN THE CITY OF MARTINSIVLLE WHEREAS, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, distinguished African American author, editor, scholar, and historian who is known as the “Father of Black History” founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History) in September, 1915, and Negro History Week in 1926, which became Black History Month in 1976, intended to encourage further research and publishing regarding African American heritage; and WHEREAS, Americans of African descent have made valuable and lasting contributions to our country, our state, and our local community, achieving exceptional success in all aspects of society including business, education, politics, science, arts ; and WHEREAS, in 1976 Black History Month was adopted to honor and affirm the importance of the history of African Americans and to focus on the stories and teachings of those who helped build our nation, advance the cause of civil rights and strengthen families and communities; and WHEREAS, the City of Martinsville continues to work toward building an inclusive community that lives up to the American ideal of equality of educational, social, and economic opportunity for all our citizens; NOW, THEREFORE, I, LC Jones, Mayor, and members of Martinsville City Council do hereby proclaim the month of February, 2023 as Black History Month in the City of Martinsville and we urge all citizens to join in celebrating the significance of African American culture in its past, present, and future. __________________________ LC Jones, Mayor City Council Agenda Summary Date: January 24, 2023 Item No: 2. Department: Community Development Issue: Conduct a public hearing on a request from the owner of property located at 632 Fayette Street, to appeal a decision of the Architectural Review Board denying a demolition request for the residential structure at that location. Summary: In December, 2021, the owner of the residential property located at 632 Fayette Street applied for a demolition permit and was advised the matter would need to be taken up by the Architectural Review Board since the structure is in the City’s Historic District. The owner has determined that demolition is a less expensive option than repairing/restoring the structure. The owner declined to pursue the matter at that time. Later in August, 2022, the owner submitted a second demolition application and noted she had been unable to sell the house on Craigslist. The matter was considered by the ARB and the demolition request was denied noting there was lack of a bonafide attempt to sell the house and required the owner to list the property with a local agent for a minimum of 6 months. Demolition would be considered as an option after that if the property had not been sold. Inspections has determined the property is not condemnable at this time. Section XXI.C.II of the Zoning Ordinance, “Appeal of Architectural Review Board Decision” allows ARB decisions to be appealed to City Council. Attachments: Map showing location of the property. Recommendations: Conduct the public hearing. Staff supports the findings of the ARB. 632 fayette street City Council Agenda Summary Date: January 24, 2023 Item No: 3. Department: Issue: Hear information related to the establishment of a new commission titled “Emergency Housing & Community Support Commission.” Summary: At the January 10 Council Meeting, there was discussion about establishing a new City commission titled Emergency Housing & Community Support Commission, and it was noted proposed details of the Commission would be brought back at the January 24 meeting. Attached is draft information regarding the Commission - membership, terms, meetings, and function. Attachments: Draft Boards & Commissions document; resolution. Recommendations: Review the information, discuss, and make changes as needed. Once consensus is reached on the Commission details, adoption of a resolution formally creating the Commission is recommended (motion, second and voice vote) EMERGENCY HOUSING & COMMUNITY SUPPORT COMMISSION EMERGENCY HOUSING & COMMUNITY SUPPORT COMMISSION – Established by the authority granted in VA §15.2-1107, the Commission advises Council on matters of community need with respect to housing, human services, related agencies, the performance and outcomes of related efforts, and other matters as relevant. The commission is expected to inform Council of pertinent issues in a timely manner and make recommendations based on community impact. The Commission consists of seven members serving two-year terms. The Commission meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm or at other times as determined by Commission membership. RESIDENCY – Must be a Martinsville City resident qualified by knowledge and experience to make decisions on questions of community social needs. TERMS: Each member serves a two-year term. CONTACT: City Manager’s office, 403-5185, P.O. Box 1112, Martinsville, VA 24114 Name & Address Initial Appointment Term Expires Full Term NOTE: If a Board or Commission does not specify number of terms a person can serve, then the number of terms defaults to three terms per a policy adopted by City Council December 11, 1990. (per city attorney 4/26/11) Two exceptions (1) if no one is interested (2) no one qualified has applied, then the person holding the position can serve another term if Council chooses. Council Members City Manager LC Jones, Mayor Leon E. Towarnicki Aaron Rawls, Vice-Mayor Clerk of Council Kathy Lawson Karen Roberts Chad Martin Tammy Pearson RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE EMERGENCY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT COMMISSION WHEREAS, in an effort to become more fully informed of housing issues in Martinsville, particularly lack of housing options related to homeless individuals needing care, human services, counseling and related services; and WHEREAS, recognizing the lack of a consistent, consolidated, and cohesive community effort to address housing and human services needs and a desire of local government to serve as a catalyst for finding meaningful solutions, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Martinsville City Council on this 24th day of January, 2023, that under the authority granted by VA §15.2-1107, it hereby establishes a new commission titled Emergency Housing & Community Support Commission, the purpose of which will be to advise Council on matters of community need with respect to housing, human services, related agencies, the performance and outcomes of related efforts, and other related matters as may be relevant. ******* _________________________________ _____________________________________ LC Jones, Mayor ATTEST: Clerk of Council 55 West Church Street, P. O. Box 1112, Martinsville, VA 24114-1112 276-403-5180 Fax: 276-403-5280 www.martinsville-va.gov City Council Agenda Summary Date: January 24, 2023 Item No: 4. Department: Electric Issue: Consider approval of an electric rate increase effective February 1, 2023. Summary: At Council’s January 10 meeting, staff presented information regarding the need for a City electric rate increase. With recent financial information available (FY22 audit), a Cost of Service analysis has been completed indicating the need for an increase in the City’s electric rate to cover rising costs of energy, transmission, and distribution. Information was presented at the January 10 meeting regarding a proposed 8% electric rate increase effective February 1, followed by a second estimated increase of 6% effective July 1, 2023. The exact amount of the second increase will be determined during the budget process. The proposed rate increase is intended to go into effect on February 1 and will apply to all bills rendered on or after that date. Attachments: PowerPoint presentation, resolution Recommendations: Staff recommends adoption of the resolution (motion, second, voice vote) approving an 8% across the board electric rate increase for all bills rendered on or after February 1, 2023. City of Martinsville Electric Department Cost of Service Overview and Proposed Rate Increase  COS indicates a 14% rate increase is needed  Proposed 8% increase for all rates effective 2/1/2023  Additional 6% (+/- w/exact % TBD) effective 7/1/2023  Specific rates should be adjusted to reflect cost of service  Adjusting rates would lead to some customers seeing less of an increase and others more  Study based on FY 21 data, additional costs have developed in FY 22 and 23  Latest block power purchase prices for CY 24-25 have increased which will result in an additional increase of $1.2 million annually Transmission Charge Impact to Overall Rates: Martinsville $30.00 $25.00 $22 $20 $21 $20.00 $17 $15 $/MWh $15.00 $11 $10 $12 $10.00 $8 $6 $5.00 $4 $0.00 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Net Transmission Charges Transmission Charges w/o Credits from Resources Capacity Charge Impact to Overall Rates: Martinsville $16 $14 $12 $10 $9 $9 $/MWh $8 $7 $6 $6 $4 $5 $4 $5 $4 $3 $2 $0 2015-20162016-20172017-20182018-20192019-20202020-20212021-20222022-20232023-2024 Net Capacity Charges Capacity Charges w/o Credits from Resources Rising transmission costs have been the primary driver of cost increases Beginning in January 2022 energy prices have also risen, tracking natural gas prices Residential bill of 1000 KWh would increase from $128.64 to $139.85 $1,542,380 annual increase in revenues based on 159,799 MWh sold $1.2 million loss in FY 22, most occurring after January Cash reserves have decreased in the last few years to $307,121. Cash reserve policy suggests a balance of Line Average Annual Present Rates Revised Rates Increase No. Rate Class Consumers kWh Base FA Total Base FA Total Base FA Total (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) (m) 1 Residential Electric Serivce 6,606 78,616,656 $8,686,571 $1,226,420 $9,912,991 $9,470,212 $1,226,420 $10,696,631 $783,641 $0 $783,641 9.0% 0.0% 7.9% 2 Sanctuary Worship Service 60 2,489,423 $247,109 $38,835 $285,944 $270,467 $38,835 $309,302 $23,358 $0 $23,358 9.5% 0.0% 8.2% 3 Small General Service 709 9,399,822 $1,079,968 $146,637 $1,226,605 $1,178,666 $146,637 $1,325,303 $98,698 $0 $98,698 9.1% 0.0% 8.0% 4 Medium General Service 204 20,706,559 $2,357,171 $323,022 $2,680,193 $2,574,474 $323,022 $2,897,497 $217,304 $0 $217,304 9.2% 0.0% 8.1% 5 Medium General Service Time-Of-Da 6 161,680 $16,336 $2,522 $18,858 $17,858 $2,522 $20,380 $1,522 $0 $1,522 9.3% 0.0% 8.1% 6 Large General Service 18 21,177,935 $1,982,245 $330,376 $2,312,621 $2,169,671 $330,376 $2,500,047 $187,426 $0 $187,426 9.5% 0.0% 8.1% 7 Large Power Service 1 12,945,600 $947,355 $201,951 $1,149,307 $1,038,841 $201,951 $1,240,793 $91,486 $0 $91,486 9.7% 0.0% 8.0% 8 Public Authority (Schools) 16 4,529,546 $505,432 $70,661 $576,093 $551,089 $70,661 $621,750 $45,658 $0 $45,658 9.0% 0.0% 7.9% 9 Public Authority (Other) 112 8,508,595 $837,677 $132,734 $970,411 $914,425 $132,734 $1,047,159 $76,748 $0 $76,748 9.2% 0.0% 7.9% 10 Commonwealth of Virginia 2 91,804 $13,428 $1,432 $14,860 $14,644 $1,432 $16,076 $1,216 $0 $1,216 9.1% 0.0% 8.2% 11 Outdoor Lighting 1,016 270,240 $193,945 $0 $193,945 $209,196 $0 $209,196 $15,251 $0 $15,251 7.9% 0.0% 7.9% 12 Street Lighting 3,493 881,280 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 13 Total System 12,243 159,779,140 $16,867,236 $2,474,591 $19,341,827 $18,409,544 $2,474,591 $20,884,135 $1,542,308 $0 $1,542,308 9.1% 0.0% 8.0% Estimated Virginia Residential Electric Rates Summer, Fall of 2022 for 1000 kWhs Municipals Investor-owned utilities Electric cooperatives1 $110 Bristol VA Utilities Authority - $110.24* Front Royal - $114.82 HEC - $116.39* A & N - $117.86** SVEC - $117.87 Manassas - $119.23 Community - $119.29 Salem - $119.65 $120 Wakefield - $120.41 Elkton - $123.15 Rappahannock - $123.67** Prince George - $124.70 Radford - $125.68 Martinsville - $128.64 Kentucky Utilities - $129.43 $130 NOVEC - $130.26 Mecklenburg - $132.31 Blackstone - $134.38 Northern Neck - $136.92** Dominion - $136.942 CVEC - $138.62 Southside - $139.31** $140 Dominion - $140.113 Virginia Tech - $140.45 (10-1-22) BARC - $140.58 Bedford - $141.11 Franklin - $141.30 Richlands - $142.62 Culpeper - $143.04 APCO - $147.984 $150 Danville - $151.00 APCO - $157.985 $160 $170 Craig-Botetourt - $171.82 Council Members City Manager LC Jones, Mayor Leon E. Towarnicki Aaron Rawls, Vice-Mayor Clerk of Council Kathy Lawson Karen Roberts Chad Martin Tammy Pearson RESOLUTION APPROVING AN OVERALL 8% ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2023 WHEREAS, in recognition of increases in costs associated with energy, transmission, and distribution, all related to operations of the City of Martinsville’s Electric Department; and WHEREAS, after a review of the latest Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the City and completion of a Cost of Service Study to determine if electric rate adjustments are necessary to sufficiently recover costs associated with providing electric service to the City’s customers, it was determined that an approximate 14% increase is needed to maintain rates sufficient to recover costs; and WHEREAS, in an effort to lessen the impact of the rate adjustment to citizens and customers, the recommendation is for an 8% adjustment effective February 1, 2023 with the remaining estimated 6% occurring July 1, 2023 after consideration during FY24 budget discussions; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Martinsville City Council on this 24th day of January, 2023, that it hereby approves an overall 8% electric rate increase effective February 1, 2023 with the understanding that an additional estimated 6% increase will be considered during FY24 budget deliberations. ******* _________________________________ _____________________________________ LC Jones, Mayor ATTEST: Clerk of Council 55 West Church Street, P. O. Box 1112, Martinsville, VA 24114-1112 276-403-5180 Fax: 276-403-5280 www.martinsville-va.gov City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: January 24, 2023 Item No: 5. Department: Community Development Issue: Consider approval of the 2023 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, jurisdictions should determine their respective project priority list in order to meet the necessary deadline for the 2023 document update. Attachment: Draft 2023 CEDS project list Recommendation: Approval, subject to any changes Council desires to make. (motion, second, voice vote). WEST PIEDMONT COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY PRIORITY PROJECTS April 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024 ANTICIPATED LOCALITY PROJECT NAME / DESCRIPTION PRIORITY TYPE STATUS COST BENEFITS / OUTCOMES Revitalization of Uptown Business District - Incentivize small businesses (exterior and interior makeover/elevator) Recommendations from Uptown Partnership include: a leasehold matching Urgent Economic Planning Phase $900,000 200 Jobs grant program up to $5,000, increase façade amount and change percentage match to 75/25 Martinsville from current 50/50 Revitalization of Uptown Business District - Construct/ retrofit condos/apartments in Uptown Recommendations from Uptown Partnership Include: The corner of Church and Broad Streets 1 Housing Planning Phase $2,000,000 50 jobs are a good location for some moderately sized mixed use apartment buildings. In addition Martinsville development of full alleyway activation plan to include other alleys in Uptown. Neighborhood Revitalization Project West End/Pine Hall Road Neighborhood - Housing rehab; 2 Community Idea $1,800,000 TBD Martinsville creation of community space Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - 3 Housing Idea $1,000,000 TBD Martinsville Purchase blighted properties on Starling Avenue and adaptively reuse Community Development Project - West Church St Corridor - Purchase vacant property at 100 Urgent Housing Planning Phase $200,000 TBD Martinsville South Jackson St. for future housing development - CDBG and/or VHDA Community Development Project - Support planning and construction of new 1 Community Planning Phase $18,000,000 TBD Martinsville YMCA/Community Center at 706 North Memorial Blvd Southside Community Park Upgrading - Upgrade existing four (4) fields to accommodate youth and collegiate softball and baseball tournaments. This would include new lighting where Urgent Community Planning Phase $3,000,000 TBD necessary, upgrade concession stand and new sports surfaces. New bathrooms at Southside Martinsville Community Park. Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - Rives Long-term Economic Idea $1,400,000 150 jobs Martinsville Road Site Development- full site development including A & E, site grading Community Development Projects - Further develop lots- at Clearview Business Park to prepare 1 Economic Planning Phase $750,000 150 jobs Martinsville for companies- Parcels 2 & 4 Community Development Project - Recruit manufacturers of Clean Energy Components to 3 Economic Idea $100,000 TBD Martinsville Martinsville Area and Enterprise Zone Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - Upgrade, widen, and landscape Beaver Street from Fayette Street to Memorial Blvd - City of 2 Infrastructure Idea $850,000 TBD Martinsville Martinsville Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - 2 Housing Idea $3,500,000 TBD Prepare City-owned site at corner of Fayette & Beaver Streets for residential, educational or Martinsville commercial development - Martinsville Area and Central Business District Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - Write arts & cultural plan for Arts & Cultural District Additional elements could include, public art, an Uptown sculpture trail, and additional funding for the creation of new murals and the 1 Tourism Idea $300,000 TBD maintenance of existing murals. Close collaboration with Piedmont Arts and the FAHI Museum Martinsville are key to success. Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - 1 Community Planning Phase $2,045,000 TBD Enhance Fayette Area Business District facades/greenscape/ economic revitalization - Fayette Martinsville Street from Moss Street to Memorial Blvd. Planning stipend for Citizens Design - CIRD Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - Purchase blighted properties - prepare site for redevelop- ment (202 Cleveland Avenue) - City Urgent Economic Idea $1,900,000 TBD Martinsville of Martinsville Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - Work 3 Tourism Idea $100,000 TBD Martinsville with partners to develop an amphitheater on Depot Street Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - Urgent Economic Idea $3,250,000 300 Jobs Martinsville Acquire and redevelop properties along commercial corridor for reuse Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - Develop new (or redevelop existing) location in Uptown Martinsville or adjacent areas to serve 2 Tourism Idea $1,100,000 TBD Martinsville as community music venue. Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - 1 Infrastructure Planning Phase $1,500,000 TBD Martinsville Commonwealth Corridor Enhancement & Pedestrian linkages to Uptown & Fayette Street Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - Purchase of West Church Street and/or Fayette Street property, complete feasibility study, 2 Economic Idea $1,000,000 TBD Martinsville adaptive reuse Community Development Project - CDBG - Martinsville Area & Central Business District - Urgent Economic Planning Phase $1,000,000 TBD Martinsville Purchase of Main Street property, complete feasibility study, adaptive reuse MINet Fiber Optic Expansion - Citywide expansion of MINet Martinsville fiber optic and wireless system to reach businesses and homes. Add additional resources to customer service Urgent Infrastructure Planning Phase $20,500,000 TBD Martinsville and marketing. Virginia Museum of Natural History - Construct Outdoor Education Pavilion in rear of VMNH, to 1 Tourism Planning Phase $150,000 TBD Martinsville include exhibits interpreting eastern North American forest ecology Wilson Park Upgrading - Connection of outdoor education pavilion in rear of VMNH with a bridge, crossing over Oakdale Avenue, along with a 1,000 foot canopy loop into the grand old 1 Tourism Planning Phase $2,000,000 TBD Martinsville trees in the park. Community Parks Upgrading - Upgrade nine (9) existing parks (Baldwin, Beaver Creek, Jackson Street, West End, J. Russel Mason, Chatham Heights, Cole & Carol St, Victor A. Lester, Spruce St.) to improve accessibility and safety. This would include new lighting where necessary, 2 Community Idea $1,900,000 TBD 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 Martinsville additional "pocket parks" throughout the City. Community Development Project - Small Business Development Strategic Plan - Write a Small Business Development Strategic Plan for the City of Martinsville. Strategic plan will contain actionable items for the development of and scaling up of small businesses in the City of Martinsville including complementing the roles of existing partners and organizations. The Urgent Economic Idea $450,000 TBD resulting strategic plan could focus on Single Site Retail/ Service Incubator model that accommodates booths, counters and pop-up space. A closely concept is the "incubator without walls" that focuses on a "boot camp" style of related intense days of entrepreneurial training with a mini grant at the end. A third concept is an "Entrepreneurship Village" that would Martinsville involve several small structures placed along Fayette Street across from New College Institute. Community Development Project - Small Business Scale-up Grant Program - A grant program guided by the Small Business Development Strategic Plan to assist small businesses in growing, Urgent Economic Idea $300,000 TBD expanding and scaling up within the City of Martinsville A good target market for the grant program would be for Minority Entrepreneurship Development. This could take the form of Martinsville small "jump start" grants and a low interest loan program for minority business development. Community Development Project - Move to Martinsville - Partnering with the "Move to Martinsville" group to place strategic marketing pieces in other geographic markets to communicate the quality of live, value and opportunity to increase the number of people who 1 Economic Funding Phase $250,000 TBD 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 Martinsville existing business. The brand should bridge Uptown and the West End. Community Development Project - Amy Avenue - Revitalization of Amy Avenue in the City of Martinsville to include owner occupied rehabilitation, new single family housing and new multi- 3 Housing Planning Phase $1,000,000 TBD Martinsville family housing. In addition curb and gutter improvements should be included. Community Development Project - 100 Block W Church St. - Redevelopment of 100 Block W. Church Street including parcels fronting W Market Street and Moss street into Workforce 2 Housing Idea $1,200,000 TBD Martinsville Housing. Community Development Project - Vacant Buildings Inventory Uptown - Develop and maintain a vacant buildings inventory for Uptown and if time/resources permitting other parts of the city. The purpose of the inventory is baseline data so that incentives and/or enforcement can be 1 Economic Planning Phase $100,000 TBD discussed to encourage property owners to pursue highest and best use of Uptown properties. A major goal of the buildings inventory will be to identify deficiencies including but not limited Martinsville to broken windows, peeling paint etc. Community Development Project - Entrance Corridor Beautification and Revitalization - Signage, landscaping and other physical improvements to the major entrance corridors to the City of Martinsville These entrance corridors are typically found in the "Entrance Corridor 1 Tourism Idea $150,000 TBD Martinsville Overlay" located on the City of Martinsville's Zoning Map Community Development Project - Uptown Martinsville Design Study and Uptown entrance corridors - Develop a design study for Uptown Martinsville that may result in design guidelines, façade guidelines and other design guidance to be considered by City Council. In addition, the Urgent Economic Idea $200,000 TBD physical enhancement and beautification of entrance corridors into Uptown Martinsville may be pursued. Neighborhood entrance signs throughout the City would be a complementary Martinsville addition to this program. Community Development Project - Fruit Part at West End Park - Develop a community orchard, garden and/or similar facility at West End Park in the City of Martinsville. The purpose of this 2 Community Idea $60,000 TBD enhancement to the park would be to allow resident/citizen access to locally grown fruits and Martinsville vegetables. Public Works Project - Curb and Gutter - Assess the entire City and add curb and gutter where 2 Infrastructure Idea $3,000,000 TBD Martinsville practicable and feasible in areas currently lacking curb and gutter. 1 Infrastructure Idea $3,000,000 TBD Martinsville Public Works Project - Stormwater Projects Citywide - Needed stormwater projects Citywide. Community Development Project - Design Guidelines - Creation of design guidelines that could apply to Uptown and Historic Districts to improve the quality of development and Urgent Economic Idea $90,000 TBD Martinsville redevelopment. Community Development Project - Update the incentive package - Update the incentive package for enterprise zones, tourism zone, arts and cultural district and other zones in order to Urgent Economic Idea $200,000 TBD Martinsville incentivize entrepreneurship, technology and business development. LOCALITY PRIORITY TYPE STATUS Franklin County Urgent Infrastrucure Idea Henry County 1 Planning Planning Phase Patrick County 2 Workforce Funding Phase Pittsylvania County 3 Broadband Shovel Ready Danville Long-term Transportation In Progress Martinsville Housing Under Construction Boones Mill Economic Completed Chatham Community Gretna Agricultural Hurt Tourism Ridgeway Rocky Mount Stuart Regional City Council Agenda Summary Meeting Date: January 24, 2023 Item No: 6. Department: Finance Issue: Consider approval of the consent agenda Summary: The attachment amends the FY23 budget with appropriations in the following fund: FY23 General Fund: $ 568,906 – Federal Funds $ 13,427 – Grant – State Funds Capital Fund: $ 289,479 – School Construction Grant Attachments: Consent Agenda – 1-24-2023 Recommendations: Approve BUDGET ADDITIONS FOR 01/24/2023 ORG OBJECT DESCRIPTION DEBIT CREDIT FY23 General Fund 01102926 442308 ARPA 2023 Fund Revenue 568,906 01311085 508255 ARPA 2023 Fund Expense 568,906 Police Department - Categorical Federal Funds 01101918 443312 JAG/LLEBG - Police Department 13,427 01311085 506061 PD - Weapons/Ammunition 6,165 01311085 505500 PD - Travel 7,262 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Total General Fund 568,906 568,906 FY23 - Capital - School Construction 16101917 416601 Capital- Categorical State- School Construction 289,479 16579369 508217 School Project - School Construction Grant 289,479 School Construction Grant Program Entitlement* Total Capital - School Construction Grant $ - - * FY2023 School Construction Grant Program Entitlement; allocation for Martinsville City Public Schools is $1,519,768, will be received in (21) installments during FY23.

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