City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · June 27, 2023
Minutes
June 27, 2023 Council Meeting
A meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on June 27, 2023 in
Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:00 PM with Mayor LC Jones presiding. Other
Council Members present included Kathy Lawson, Aaron Rawls, Lawrence Mitchell and Tammy
Pearson. Staff present included City Manager Leon Towarnicki, Clerk of Council Karen Roberts,
City Attorney Dan Siegel, Finance Director Mandy McGhee, Public Information Officer Kendall
Davis, Water Resources Director Mandy Muse, and Deputy Police Chief Chad Rhoads.
Vice Mayor Rawls 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 Lawson and seconded by
Council Member Pearson with the following 4-0 recorded vote: Vice Mayor Rawls, aye; Council
Member Pearson, aye; Council Member Mitchell, aye; and Council Member Lawson, aye.
Council convened in Closed Session to discuss the following matters: (A) Discussion,
consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; Appointment to Boards
and Commissions, as authorized by Subsection 1, (B) 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, and (C) 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 City of Martinsville would be adversely
affected, as authorized by Subsection 6. Mayor Jones joined closed session later.
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 and seconded by Vice Mayor Rawls with the following recorded vote:
Mayor Jones, aye; Vice Mayor Rawls, aye; Council Member Lawson, aye; Council Member
Mitchell, aye; and Council Member Pearson, aye.
Council Member Lawson made a motion to appoint Lucy Treado to the Arts and Cultural
Committee (VMNH) for a 3-year term ending March 31, 2026; Council Member Pearson seconded
the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
No other action was taken out of closed session.
Pledge to the flag and invocation were led by Council Member Pearson. Mayor Jones
welcomed everyone to the meeting and advised that agendas could be found in the back of the
room and on the City website.
Approve minutes from the May 10, 2023 Work Session, May 16, 2023 Work Session, May
17, 2023 Work Session, May 22, 2023 Work Session, May 23 Council Meeting, June 12, 2023
Neighborhood Meeting, and June 13, 2023 Council Meeting – Council Member Lawson made a
motion to approve the minutes as presented; Vice Mayor Rawls seconded the motion with all
June 27, 2023 Council Meeting
Council Members voting in favor.
Recognize City employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the period April 1 – June
30, 2023 – City Manager Towarnicki recognized employees who received service awards and
thanked them for their years of service to the city.
Hear an update from Brad Kinkema of the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA
regarding their Facility Strategy and Design project – Kinkema presented a PowerPoint to update
Council on the Facility Strategy and Design Project detailing the site plan, the addition of a
splash pad and plaza, the early learning center, outdoor sports courts and playground including
pickleball, soccer, and lacrosse practice, and the proposed floor plans. Kinkema said they do
not plan to increase member rates to finance the new facility, but they hope to have more
members join. The YMCA does not turn people away due to inability to pay, financial assistance
is offered. 53% of the 3200 members have their membership paid for by a third party. Kinkema
said they plan to sell the current building strategically so that it’ll be a benefit to the
neighborhood and community. They have held a “listening” session but did not hear much
concern about the relocation of the YMCA or the closing of the Family Dollar store. Council
Member Mitchell questioned the traffic pattern; Kinkema said that was reviewed and they did
not see any major concern. Kinkema would like the City to support this project with a $1million
gift to ensure this project moves forward.
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Hear an update from Virginia Career Works – Natalie Hodge shared updates on Virginia
Career Works. Hodge said it is commonly mistaken as the “unemployment office” but says it’s
a space focusing on employment instead of unemployment with opportunities beyond
employment including training and creating new employment experiences. They partner with
other organizations including Southern Area Agency on Aging, Career Coaches and Staff, the
Virginia Employment team and many others. Hodge encourages residents to visit the office if
they need assistance. There are several program subsidiaries for employers in the area to hire
someone in a training role. The Work Force Grant will pay a percentage of the employee’s salary
to get a hands-on experience with an employer and the employer can see if the employee would
be a good fit before officially hiring them. Hodge said they work with larger employers like Drake
Extrusions and Monogram to smaller “Mom and Pop” shops. There is a resource room available
to residents who need a computer, copies, etc.
Hear an update on expenditure of funds the City received through the American Rescue Plan
Act of 2021 – City Manager Towarnicki presented a PowerPoint and updated Council on the
ARPA funding including expenditures from July 2021 to May 2023, earmarks remaining from
prior Council approval, and remaining estimated available funding. The funding must be
committed by December 2024 and paid out by December 2026. Towarnicki thanked the Finance
Department, stating that there is a lot of work that goes into recording and reporting of these
funds.
June 27, 2023 Council Meeting
Consider approval on first reading Ordinance 2023-1 amending Section 21-103 of the
Martinsville City Code to reflect an increase in the cigarette tax from $0.30 per pack, to $0.40
per pack effective September 1, 2023 and Ordinance 2023-2 amending Section 21-117 of the
Martinsville City Code to reflect an increase in the transient lodging tax from two (2) percent to
seven (7) percent effective September 1, 2023 – City Manager Towarnicki summarized
Ordinances 2023-1 for the cigarette tax and 2023-2 lodging tax and explained the action
required. Council Member Lawson pointed out that Council did receive an email opposing the
increase on the cigarette tax from a lobbyist group. Towarnicki stated that $0.40 is the highest
the City can go on the cigarette tax. Council Member Lawson made a motion to approve both
ordinances on first reading; Council Member Pearson seconded the motion with the following 5-
0 roll call vote: Council Member Lawson, aye; Council Member Mitchell, aye; Mayor Jones, aye;
Council Member Pearson, aye; and Vice Mayor Rawls, aye.
June 27, 2023 Council Meeting
Business from the Floor – Resident of Childress Drive expressed concern about road work
on Forest Street and a pothole with a steel plate in the road. The resident said that Smith Lake
Road should have been repaired better and they need more police patrolling at night with an
increase in crime in the area. City Manager Towarnicki detailed the repairs made to Smith Lake
Road, stating that estimates to repave would have cost the entire paving budget for the year so
with the amount of traffic on that road, it was decided to do chip and seal which is used often
in surrounding counties on secondary roads. VDOT concurred that would be a suitable solution
for that location. Towarnicki said if there is a steel plate on the road, then there is probably
ongoing work being done by the gas company. Towarnicki said they would look into why it’s
taking so long to repair.
Comments by members of City Council – Council Member Mitchell thanked Brad Kinkema
for the YMCA presentation and believes it will be a great development. Council Member Pearson
said there are a lot of “listening” sessions and suggested that he combine and share ideas with
the organization handling the park rehabilitation. Pearson wished residents a happy July 4
holiday. Council Member Lawson shared that Tuesday is the July 4 holiday so flags will be out
Uptown. The Martinsville Mustangs will play Thursday along with several nights over the next
two weeks; Lawson encouraged resident to attend the games and stated that they recently had
a record number of attendees. Lawson asked about MiNET services provided to Martinsville
students set to expire in 2024. When students graduate, are the households sent a letter about
the cost to continue the service at the city rate and are new students offered the opportunity to
June 27, 2023 Council Meeting
receive those services? School Superintendent Tally said he believes so. Vice Mayor Rawls
thanked Kinkema also, stating that the YMCA project is monumental along with the services
that will be provided; Rawls also mentioned the opportunity to beautify an entry way to the City.
Rawls said there are a lot of exciting projects ongoing. Council Member Lawson questioned the
service station on the corner and asked Kinkema to take into consideration the future of that
building. Council Member Mitchell reminded residents that July 2 is the 57th Anniversary of
the Civil Rights Act; it’s been 57 years since this act was passed and the country is a better
place for it. Mayor Jones thanked everyone for coming out and extended congratulations to
those who received service awards. Thanks to the Public Works, Electric Department, and the
Public Information Officer for working hard to address issues recently caused by severe weather.
Comments by City Manager – City Manager Towarnicki shared that Tuesday is July 4 so the
City Municipal Building will be closed. On Monday July 3, some offices will be closed including
the courts but as of now, the building overall will be open. Towarnicki invited Assistant Deputy
Chief Police Chad Rhoads to address the City ordinance on fireworks. Rhoads reminded
residents that fireworks are illegal by ordinance in the City of Martinsville and officers will
enforce that ordinance. He asked the public to be careful and respectful, use common sense,
monitor children and consider pets during the holidays. Firing a gun in the City limits is also
illegal and enforceable.
There being no further business, Council Member Pearson made a motion to adjourn. The
meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council LC Jones, Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
5:30pm Closed Session 7:00pm Regular Session
Tuesday June 27, 2023
5:30 pm –Closed Session
Items to be considered in Closed Session, in accordance with the Code of Virginia, Title 2.2, Chapter 37—
Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3711(A)—Closed Meetings, the following:
A. Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; Appointment to Boards
and Commissions, as authorized by Subsection 1.
B. 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.
C. 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 City of Martinsville would be adversely affected, as
authorized by Subsection 6.
7:00 pm - Regular Session
Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Council Member Pearson
1. Approve minutes from the May 10, 2023 Work Session, May 16, 2023 Work Session, May 17, 2023 Work
Session, May 22, 2023 Work Session, May 23 Council Meeting, June 12, 2023 Neighborhood Meeting, and
June 13, 2023 Council Meeting. (5 mins)
2. Recognize City employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the period April 1 – June 30, 2023. (5 mins)
3. Hear an update from Brad Kinkema of the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA regarding their Facility
Strategy & Design project. (10 mins)
4. Hear an update from Virginia Career Works. (10 mins)
5. Hear an update on expenditure of funds the City received through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. (15
mins)
6. Consider approval on first reading Ordinance 2023-1 amending Section 21-103 of the Martinsville City Code
to reflect an increase in the cigarette tax from $0.30 per pack, to $0.40 per pack effective September 1, 2023.
(5 mins)
7. Consider approval on first reading Ordinance 2023-2 amending Section 21-117 of the Martinsville City Code
to reflect an increase in the transient lodging tax from two (2) percent to seven (7) percent effective September
1, 2023. (5 mins)
8. 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 June 26, 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.
9. Comments by members of City Council. (5 mins)
10. Comments by City Manager. (5 mins)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: June 27, 2023
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes
Summary: None
Attachments: May 10, 2023 Work Session
May 16, 2023 Work Session
May 17, 2023 Work Session
May 22, 2023 Work Session
May 23 Council Meeting
June 12, 2023 Neighborhood Meeting
June 13, 2023 Council Meeting
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: June 27, 2023
Item No: 2
Department: Human Resources
Issue: Recognize City Employees who are eligible for Service Awards for the
period April 1 – June 30, 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 APRIL 1 – JUNE 30, 2023
First Name Last Name Location YOS
JASON VAUGHAN POLICE DEPT 10
JORDAN COOPER ELECTRIC 10
TIMOTHY AGEE ELECTRIC 25
RONALD NANCE UTILITY BILLING 35
JAMES BLANKENSHIP ELECTRIC 35
Attachment: None
Recommendation: The Mayor will read the list.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: June 27, 2023
Item No: 3
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear an update from Brad Kinkema of the Martinsville-Henry
County Family YMCA regarding their Facility Strategy & Design project.
Summary: MHC Family YMCA Executive Director Brad Kinkema will provide
an overview of the planning process related to the YMCA’s Facility Strategy &
Design project
Attachments: None. Information will be presented at the meeting.
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes and potential
consideration for City participation in the project.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: June 27, 2023
Item No: 4
Department: City Manager
Issue: Hear an update from Virginia Career Works
Summary: Staff from Virginia Career Works will be attending Council’s June
27 meeting and will provide an update on operations, programs, and services
th
offered at VCW.
Attachments: None. Information will be presented at the meeting.
Recommendations: Presented for information purposes, no action by Council
is needed.
Date: June 27, 2023
Item No: 5
Department: City Manager/Finance
Issue: Hear an update on expenditure of funds the City received
through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Summary: Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the City of Martinsville
has received a total of $15,463,451. Half of the funds were received in June, 2021 and
the remaining half in June, 2022. City staff have participated in a number of webinars
and training sessions regarding appropriate use of funds and the required schedule for
use of the funding. At several previous Council meetings, discussions have occurred
regarding potential usage of ARPA funding and a number of earmarks have been
approved.
At Council’s meeting on June 27, staff will provide an update on expenditures that have
occurred to date, projected remaining usage of funds based on approved projects and
earmarks, and remaining funds to be considered for future use.
Attachments: None, information will be presented at the meeting.
Recommendations: Council can discuss options for potential usage of
remaining funds.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: June 27, 2023
Item No: 6
Department: City Manager
Issue: Consider approval on first reading Ordinance 2023-1 amending
Section 21-103 of the Martinsville City Code to reflect an increase in the cigarette
tax from $0.30 per pack, to $0.40 per pack effective September 1, 2023.
Summary: During review of the FY24 City budget, Council voted to increase
the cigarette tax from $0.30 per pack to $0.40 per pack. It was noted that due to
the logistics of implementing the tax change, the effective date will need to be
September 1, 2023 at the earliest.
Attachments: Ordinance 2023-1
Recommendations: Approval on first reading, with roll call vote.
City of Martinsville, Virginia
Ordinance No. 2023-1
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, in Regular
Session held on June 27, 2023, that Section 21-103 of the Code of the City of
Martinsville be, and is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 21-103. Tax levied.
There is hereby levied and imposed by the city upon each and every sale of cigarettes
after midnight of August 31, 2023, a tax equivalent to forty cents ($0.40) for each pack of
cigarettes sold within the city. The amount of such tax shall be paid by the seller, if not
previously paid, in the manner and at the time provided for in this article.
*********
Attest:
________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council
July 11, 2023 September 1, 2023
Date Adopted Date Effective
City Council
Agenda Summary
Date: June 27, 2023
Item No: 7
Department: City Manager
Issue: Consider approval on first reading Ordinance 2023-2 amending
Section 21-117 of the Martinsville City Code to reflect an increase in the transient
lodging tax from two (2) percent to seven (7) percent effective September 1, 2023.
Summary: During review of the FY24 City budget, Council voted to increase
the lodging tax from 2% to 7%. It was noted that due to the logistics of
implementing the tax change, the effective date will need to be September 1, 2023
at the earliest.
Attachments: Ordinance 2023-2
Recommendations: Approval on first reading, with roll call vote.
City of Martinsville, Virginia
Ordinance No. 2023-2
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, in Regular
Session held on June 27, 2023, that Section 21-117 of the Code of the City of
Martinsville be, and is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 21-117. – Levy of tax.
There is hereby levied and imposed on each transient a tax equivalent to seven (7)
percent of the total amount paid for lodging after midnight of August 31, 2023, by or for
any such transient, to any hotel.
*********
Attest:
________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council
July 11, 2023 September 1, 2023
Date Adopted Date Effective
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