City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · March 14, 2023
Minutes
March 14, 2023 Council Meeting
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on March
14, 2023 in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:00 PM with Mayor LC Jones presiding.
Other Council Members present included Kathy Lawson, Aaron Rawls and Tammy Pearson.
Staff present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts and Police
Chief Rob Fincher.
Mayor Jones called the meeting to order and advised Council would go into Closed Session
beginning at 5:30 PM. In accordance with the Code of Virginia, Title 2.2 Chapter 37, Freedom
of Information Act and upon a motion by Council Member Pearson and seconded by Council
Member Lawson with the following 4-0 recorded vote: Vice Mayor Rawls, aye; Council Member
Pearson, aye; Mayor Jones, aye; and Council Member Lawson, aye. Council convened in Closed
Session to discuss the following matters: (A) Appointments to boards and commissions, as
authorized by Subsection 1, (B) Interviews of prospective candidates for employment, as
authorized by Subsection 1, (C) Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property
for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an
open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public
body, as authorized by Subsection 3, and (D) 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
Council Member Lawson; seconded by Vice Mayor Rawls with the following 4-0 recorded vote in
favor to return to Open Session: Vice Mayor Rawls, aye; Council Member Pearson, aye; Council
Member Lawson, aye; and Mayor Jones, aye.
Council Member Pearson made a motion to appoint Vice Mayor Rawls to the West Piedmont
Planning District Board of Commissioners for a term coincident with his Council term. Council
Member Lawson seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Council Member Pearson made a motion to appoint Mayor Jones to Virginia First Cities.
Council Member Lawson seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Council Member Pearson made a motion to reappoint Mandy Gordon to the Arts & Cultural
Committee for a 3-year term ending March 31, 2026. Vice Mayor Rawls seconded the motion
with all Council Members voting in favor.
No other action was taken out of closed session.
Mayor Jones called the meeting to order. Mayor Jones lead the pledge to the American flag
and Rev. Lee Hagwood of Agape Bible Christian Fellowship, 38 Corse Avenue in Martinsville,
March 14, 2023 Council Meeting
offered invocation. 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.
Consider a presentation of proclamations – Council Member Lawson read and presented the
proclamation for Natalie LaPrade. Mayor Jones read and presented the proclamation for Jahmal
Jones. Jahmal Jones presented Mayor Jones with a Martinsville track shirt. Vice Mayor Rawls
read and presented the proclamation for Rennie Hairston. Mayor Jones encouraged other youth
in the community to follow the path of these individuals.
Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the period January 1 –
March 31, 2023 – City Manager Towarnicki thanked the staff and recognized those employees
for their service. Mayor Jones thanked the employees and said their commitment does not go
unnoticed.
Here an overview of the March 13, 2023 West End neighborhood tour and meeting – City
Manager Towarnicki summarized the West End neighborhood tour, streets visited and
concerns discussed. Towarnicki explained the City park project and detailed the
neighborhood meeting that ended at 8:15pm,
Approve minutes from the February 27, 2023 Southside Neighborhood Meeting and the
February 28, 2023 Council Meeting – Council Member Lawson made a motion to approve the
minutes as presented; Vice Mayor Rawls seconded the motion with all Council Members voting
in favor.
Hear an update from Joanie Petty, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue
Ridge – Petty said what she’s heard from the new Council is very positive and she’s excited to
share updates on the Boys & Girls Club. She’s worked in Martinsville since 2006 and families
are excited about the upgrades going on in the West End area. She will encourage the families
to reach out to Council and share what they would like to see in the community. Martinsville
is 1 of 5 clubs in the State of Virginia as part of a national organization of 5,000 Clubs. Petty
March 14, 2023 Council Meeting
shared details about how early the local branch reopened after COVID and how that gave them
notoriety and leverage outside of the local area for supporters and funds which in return
allowed them to serve more kids. There are 380 registered members with a wait list. The Boys
& Girls Clubs are in every school in the City of Martinsville and they are seeing previous
students become staff. They have secured 3 of the 4 vans needed through Nelson Automotive.
Petty detailed numerous donations to the Club which allows them to do more with student
participants. Petty explained how citizens can sign-up students and how the waiting list
works. Council Member Pearson said that Petty and her staff fill a wonderful need in the
community by truly nurturing the children in our area. The services provided by the Boys &
Girls Club is far beyond child care and Pearson thanked Petty and her team. Petty explained
the public speaking Youth of the Year program provided at the high school.
Hear information related to the establishment of a new board titled “Citizen Advisory
Board” – Council Member Pearson read the resolution and encouraged residents to apply for
the board. Council Member Lawson made a motion to approve the resolution. Vice Mayor
Rawls seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving names of citizens interested in an
appointment to a partial term on City Council ending December 31, 2024 – Those expressing
interest in the vacant Council seat are: (1) Teresa Spencer of 1506 Mulberry Road - has been
a resident of Martinsville her whole life and would like to be considered for City Council; (2)
Khalil Baker of 110 Kings Row - shared his vision for Martinsville and his desire to serve on
City Council. He is a graduate of Hampton University and new to the area, having moved to
March 14, 2023 Council Meeting
Martinsville eight months ago; (3) Lawrence Mitchell of 700 Second Street - would like to be
considered for Council; and (4) Joseph Martin of 27 East Church Street - is a local business
owner and would like to add his name for consideration for the vacancy on Council also.
Mayor Jones Closed the public hearing. City Manager Towarnicki explained that the Closed
session scheduled for Wednesday March 15 would be to discuss the vacancy and interview
applicants.
Business from the Floor – Leroy Hairston, Jr. of Terry Street is very excited for tonight’s
meeting, he sees progress. Hairston requested that more notice be given for neighborhood
meetings so more residents are able to attend. Council Member Lawson asked Police Chief
Fincher to explain the cameras at the intersection, a concern expressed by Hairston at the
Neighborhood meeting the night before. Fincher explained that the cameras with the solar
panels are not regular cameras, they capture license tag information only and are not for general
surveillance. So far since having those installed, they were able to locate two missing adults and
have been able to solve every hit and run in the area. These cameras are being installed and
funded by Operation Bold Blue Line. Those cameras will be installed near businesses and not
in residential neighborhoods.
Comments by City Council – Council Member Pearson thanked the Martinsville Henry
County Chamber of Commerce for hosting the Fast Track event; she thought it was a great
success and it shows residents that there is a plethora of dedicated businesses here in
Martinsville and Henry County. Pearson asked residents to support local businesses. Shout out
to Martinsville City Schools, the Police Department and others for their booths at Fast Track
and thank you to MiNET for providing internet during the event. Pearson was unable to attend
the neighborhood tour the night before because she was feeling under the weather. Council
Member Lawson shared that this afternoon she attended the ribbon cutting at Biscuitville in
Collinsville. Hazardous waste day is April 22. Lawson congratulated former Council Member
Danny Turner who was presented an award for his dedication to ensure all local veterans were
recognized. Lawson asked City Manager Towarnicki about Memorial Day services, sharing that
she would like to reinstate those events that were cancelled during COVID. There are two new
businesses coming to the Villages shopping center; the old Sears building was sold and she’s
delighted to see progress in that area. Vice Mayor Rawls would love to get some public service
announcements posted about the City. He’s received a number of calls about predatory real
estate investors and feels the residents should be informed. Rawls said Martinsville needs
volunteers; if you are someone who wants to hustle and see changes then a community board
would be a great start. The community development block grant is still ongoing but delayed
because it’s difficult to find workers to commit to doing the work. Mayor Jones thanked the
athletes who were presented proclamations at tonight’s meeting and the schools for what they
continue to produce for the City and Henry County. The applications for the Citizens Advisory
Board is open for anyone wishing to apply. There are plenty of parks throughout the city,
March 14, 2023 Council Meeting
attending those advisory meetings will be helpful to give Council Members insight for what
residents want.
Comments by the City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki said any contractors are welcome
to reach out to his office; lack of committed skilled workers is what’s causing the delay in several
City projects. Jobs are open for bids but the City cannot find qualified contractors to bid on the
work. There will be upcoming budget meetings with department heads with plans to present
the budget to Council during the April 25 meeting. The first reading and public hearing will be
May 9 with final adoption on the budget being May 23. There will be work sessions prior to the
final adoption. Towarnicki mentioned outside agencies who are also invited to the work sessions
and if Council desires other agencies to attend, to let him know. Towarnicki gave the City Water
Department a shout out; he received a letter from the Virginia Department of Health Office of
Drinking Water notifying him that the City had received a gold award for 2022. After 41 years
with the City, Towarnicki announced his retirement effective August 1.
There being no further business, Council Member Lawson made a motion to adjourn the
meeting at 8:20pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
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 March 14, 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. Interviews of prospective candidates for employment, as authorized by Subsection 1.
C. Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the
disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect
the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, as authorized but Subsection 3.
D. 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 Sub section 6
7:00 pm - Regular Session
Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Council Member Pearson
1. Approve minutes from the February 27, 2023 Neighborhood Meeting and February 28, 2023 Council
Meeting. (5 mins)
2. Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the period January 1 – March 31,
2023. (5 mins)
3. Here an overview of the March 13, 2023 West End neighborhood tour and meeting. (10 mins)
4. Conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving names of citizens interested in an appointment to
a partial term on City Council ending December 31, 2024. (10 mins)
5. Hera an update from Joanie Petty, Executive Director of Boys & Girls clubs of the Blue Ridge. (15 mins)
6. Hear information related to the establishment of a new board titled “Citizen Advisory Board”. (15 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 March 13, 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
Meeting Date: March 14, 2023
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes
Summary: None
Attachments: February 27, 2023 Neighborhood Meeting
February 28, 2023 Council Meeting
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: March 14, 2023
Item No: 2.
Department: Human Resources
Issue: Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the
period January 1 – March 31, 2023.
Summary: The Service Award Program is designed to build individual morale and
show appreciation to the long-service employee for their faithful service to the City
of Martinsville.
SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
FIRST QUARTER - FISCAL YEAR 22-23
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1 – MARCH 31, 2023
First Name Last Name Location YOS
JAMIE HALEY PUBLIC WORKS 5
MEGAN STRAIT CITY MANAGER 5
WILLIAM WARNICK POLICE DEPT
10
CLINTON HALL SHERIFF DEPT.
10
JONATHAN COX POLICE DEPT
10
JENNIFER COPLIN CIRCUIT COURT 10
HAROLD PRUITT SEWER MAINTENANCE 10
MATTHEW OLDHAM CENTRAL GARAGE 10
JAMIE CRUISE SHERIFF DEPT.
15
BENJAMIN PETERS POLICE DEPT 15
JOHN KAHLE WATER RESOURCES 15
DANIEL MORRISON ELECTRIC 25
ERIKA HAMILTON CIRCUIT COURT 30
Attachment: None
Recommendation: The Mayor will read the list.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: March 14, 2023
Item No: 3.
Department: City Council
Issue: Hear an overview of the March 13, 2023 West End neighborhood
tour and meeting.
Summary: A recap of the West End neighborhood tour and neighborhood
community meeting held at Albert Harris Elementary School at 710 Smith
Street on Monday, March 13, 2023 will be given.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: This item is being presented for public information
purposes – no action needed by Council.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: March 14, 2023
Item No: 4.
Department: City Council
Issue: Conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving names of
citizens interested in an appointment to a partial term on City Council ending
December 31, 2024.
Summary: With the resignation of former Council member Chad Martin in
February, 2023 due to employment reasons, approximately 22 months remains of
the 4-year term that ends December 31, 2024. At Council’s February 28, 2023
meeting, it was decided to fill the vacant Council seat by appointment as outlined
in the City Charter. Applications from citizens interested in being considered for
appointment are being accepted online and through the City Manager’s office up to
and including March 14th .
Council has also stipulated that any candidates interested in being considered for
appointment must attend the March 14, 2023 Council meeting and declare their
interest during the public hearing Citizens who do so but have not yet submitted
an application should be prepared to complete an application that evening. After
the hearing, Council will publicly read all names to be considered for the seat.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: Conduct the Public Hearing and consider scheduling a
date and time to conduct interviews, and announce the appointment. If a
candidate is selected, consider a swearing in ceremony and having the new
Council member seated for the March 28, 2023 Council meeting.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: March 14, 2023
Item No: 5.
Department: City Council
Issue: Hear an update from Joanie Petty, Executive Director of Boys &
Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge.
Summary: Joanie Petty, Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs of the
Blue Ridge will be attending Council’s meeting to provide a brief update on various
programs and activities being handled by the organization.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: No action by Council needed
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: March 14, 2023
Item No: 6.
Department:
Issue: Hear information related to the establishment of a new board
titled “Citizen Advisory Board”
Summary: At the February 28, 2023 Council Meeting, there was discussion
about establishing a new City board titled Citizen Advisory Board, and it was
noted proposed details of the Board would be brought back at the March 14
meeting.
Attached is draft information regarding the Board - 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 Board details, adoption of a
resolution formally creating the Board is recommended (motion, second, voice
vote)
CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD
CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD – Established by the authority granted in VA §15.2-1107, the Board provides judicious
advice, ideas and feedback from a citizen perspective related to both present and future matters and plans of the
City. The board will serve as a formal, consistent liaison between the Council, City staff and citizens. The board will
study, analyze and formulate well-developed, thoughtful recommendations, insights, and ideas based upon citizen
feedback and discuss/present to Council. The board will act as a two-way sounding board for the Council and
citizens, and be involved in the planning of the current and future state of Martinsville. The board will help
disseminate community information to the citizens to broaden the City’s outreach. The board will meet on the first
and third Thursday of every month at 5:30pm or other ties as deemed by board membership. The board shall
choose a chair and vice-chair.
RESIDENCY – Must be a Martinsville City resident qualified by knowledge and experience to make decisions on
questions of community social needs. The board will be made up of eight adults (ages 18 and up): two from West
End, two from Southside, two from Northside and two from East Martinsville/Druid Hills.
TERMS: Four members will serve a two-year term and four members will serve a three-year term.
CONTACT: City Manager’s office, 403-5185, P.O. Box 1112, Martinsville, VA 24114
Name & Address Initial Term Expires Full Term
Appointment
1
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
Tammy Pearson
RESOLUTION
ESTABLISHING THE CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD
WHEREAS, in an effort to provide advice, ideas, and feedback from a
citizen perspective related to both present and future matters and plans of
the City as well as to serve as a formal, consistent liaison between Council,
staff, and citizens; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the wealth of talent, knowledge, and experience
that exists in our community as well as the interest of many citizens
desiring to become more active and engaged in local government matters;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Martinsville City Council
on this 14th day of March, 2023, that under the authority granted by VA
§15.2-1107, it hereby establishes a new board titled Citizen Advisory Board,
the purpose of which will be to provide feedback to Council on a variety
matters impacting the City and to broaden the City’s outreach.
*******
_________________________________ _____________________________________
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
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