City Council
Regular MeetingMartinsville, VA · August 8, 2023
Minutes
August 8, 2023 Council Meeting
A meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia was held on August 8, 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 Interim City Manager Glen Adams, Clerk of Council Karen
Roberts, Steve Durbin, Attorney for Sands Anderson participating by phone, Finance Director
Mandy McGhee, Public Information Officer Kendall Davis, Fire Chief Dan Howell, and Police
Chief Rob Fincher.
Mayor Jones called the meeting to order. Pledge to the flag and invocation were led by
Council Member Lawson. 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 July 25, 2023 Council Meeting and the August 3, 2023 Closed Session
– 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 awareness discussion to educate the community on the process to foster a child or
support children in need. There is a strong need for foster parents – Mayor Jones explained to
the public that the City Council does not endorse Intercept Health which is one of four
organizations that work with the Department of Social Services. Representatives Robin, Kyle
and Hailey shared a PowerPoint outlining statistics, details on how foster care works,
qualifications for foster parents, and how people can get involved and support the program.
Intercept Health is looking for opportunities to share the need and ways to connect with local
businesses and organizations. In Martinsville, there are only 10 children in foster care versus
167 in Henry County ranging in age from 0-21 years old with an average age of 9-10 years old.
Teens are especially difficult to find homes for. Lawson suggested a DSS coordinator attend the
next Council meeting and provide an update. Treatment foster care is for children with mental
health diagnosis, a history of trauma, or other medical concerns so there is a higher level of
need and the foster parents are given additional training. There is a huge push for kinship care
in Virginia where the child will be placed with a family member.
August 8, 2023 Council Meeting
August 8, 2023 Council Meeting
Consider requested use of the National Guard Armory by I Won’t Stop Family, LLC – Interim
City Manager Glen Adams reminded Council that the Mayor and former City Manager were
approached by a representative of I Won’t Stop Family, LLC. Adams feels this would be a good
use for the Armory and does not feel that it will have any negative impact on the current RFP or
on the facilities. Chris Draper, Owner of the organization says he’s kept up with the Armory for
two years in hopes that he could utilize the location for his organization. The organization
specializes in basketball skills for local youth development. He’s felt “called” to help local youth
and started training at the YMCA. He enjoys watching the children grow, earn scholarships and
teaching them life lessons to keep them out of trouble. He understands that the use of the
Armory is temporary. Youth sports helped guide him and give him life skills and that’s what he
hopes to pass on to local youth. Some of the children he started training 12 years ago, have
returned to help him train children today. Council Member Lawson asked if Draper had a plan
of where to go next. Draper said he does have other locations available but not as convenient
as the Armory is. His plan is to eventually build his own training facility. He trains children from
Patrick County, Danville, Martinsville and Henry County and one of his students from Danville
is currently ranked #5 in the nation. Council Member Lawson made a motion to approve the
agreement. Vice Mayor Rawls seconded the motion with all Council Members in favor.
August 8, 2023 Council Meeting
Consider reallocation of approved FY24 Capital Funds for Water Treatment Facility – Interim
City Manager Glen Adams explained the need for the reallocation approval for a sludge collector
at the Water Plant. Two other water projects approved with the budget exceed the amount
needed but were not ready for repair quit yet and the sludge collector is considered priority over
those projects. Council Member Lawson made a motion to reallocate the requested funds,
Council Member Pearson seconded the motion with all Council Members voting in favor.
Presentation of information regarding marketing campaigns and the Public Information
Office – Public Information Officer Kendall Davis provided a PowerPoint explaining his plan to
improve marketing for Martinsville and how Martinsville can learn from Danville’s Public
Information Department and Economic Development Marketing coordinator actions. Davis
explained Danville’s team structure and position responsibilities, use of marketing agencies
including the rebranding campaign and the Schoolfield District campaign, utilizing rolls for
effective outreach to include a Public Information Officer, Communications/Media Specialist,
and Marketing Agency. Davis explained enhancing results with a media specialist and impactful
marketing campaign results. Vice Mayor Rawls gave kudos to Davis for taking this research on
himself and providing Council with great information. Council Member Lawson said the PIO in
Danville is amazing to learn from.
August 8, 2023 Council Meeting
Business from the Floor – no one
Comments by members of City Council – Council Member Mitchell participated on a ZOOM
call with the Virginia Municipal League General Laws Committee on July 27 and several good
topics were discussed including gaming machines. The Paradise Inn is scheduled for demolition
next week and there will be a ceremony tomorrow for the public to attend. Council Member
Pearson said she has questions about gaming machines and which ones are legal and illegal.
August 8, 2023 Council Meeting
Police Chief Rob Fincher said gaming machines and whether they are legal or not is confusing;
the topic is currently in front of the Court of Appeals. Due to the City Code, there should be no
gaming machines operating in the City, any machines offering a payout would be operating
against City Code although there are several in question. Pearson said Council attended a
productive meeting with Uptown Partnership, CPEG and the Chamber of Commerce. Uptown
Partnership is moving forward to achieve the highest tier of Main Street certification. Council
Member Lawson attended the VML meeting by ZOOM and will report at the next meeting. On
August 9, Refuse Temple will provide free haircuts for students before school starts. Uptown
Martinsville currently has a contest on their website to create an Uptown mascot. Lawson offered
compliments to the Public Works Department and Electric Department for their continued
support and assistance with local businesses. School starts next week so Lawson reminded
residents to be careful and watch for school buses. Lawson said in Saturday’s Martinsville
Bulletin, there was a public notice about FEMA funding and emergency food and shelter
programs; she feels that would fit in well with the housing coalition. Vice Mayor Rawls thanked
those who have stepped up and taken responsibilities to improve Martinsville and recognized
several employees and citizens by name. Mayor Jones also thanked Davis for what he’s doing
for the City. On August 26 there will be a Worship on the Lawn program to bring communities
together sponsored by the Knights of Worship at the soccer complex at 5:00pm
Comments by Interim City Manager – Interim City Manager Glen Adams discussed the park
upgrades committee meetings scheduled for August 24 and August 29; anyone with questions
can reach out to Hannah in Community Development. Adams says he has met some of the
nicest people in Martinsville and he feels that we need to focus on the people and their love for
others in the community. Community Development Director interviews will be Thursday, the
Public Works Director posting will close tomorrow, and the Civil Engineer position will close in
two weeks. The City has good staff and there is a lot to be done. Staff is working hard to fill in
the gaps; Adams appreciates their work and he is learning a lot
There being no further business, Council Member Lawson made a motion to adjourn. The
meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Karen Roberts, Clerk of Council LC Jones, Mayor
Agenda
AGENDA--CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA
Council Chambers – Municipal Building
7:00pm Regular Session
Tuesday August 8, 2023
7:00 pm - Regular Session
Pledge to the American Flag and Invocation by Council Member Lawson
1. Approve minutes from July 25, 2023 Council Meeting and the August 3, 2023 Closed
Session. (5 mins)
2. Hear an awareness discussion to educate the community on the process to foster a child or
support children in need. There is a strong need for foster parents. (15 mins)
3. Consider requested use of the National Guard Armory by I Won’t Stop Family, LLC. (10
mins)
4. Consider reallocation of approved FY24 Capital Funds for Water Treatment Facility. (10
mins)
5. Consider requested use of the national Guard Armory by I Won’t Stop Family, LLC. (10
mins)
6. 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 August 7, 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.
7. Comments by members of City Council. (5 mins)
8. Comments by City Manager. (5 mins)
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: August 8, 2023
Item No: 1.
Department: Clerk of Council
Issue: Consider approval of minutes
Summary: None
Attachments: July 25, 2023 Council Meeting
August 3, 2023 Closed Session
Recommendations: Motion to approve minutes as presented.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: August 8, 2023
Item No: 2.
Department: City Manager / Mayor
Issue: Fostering a Child – By Intercept Health
Summary: Hear an awareness discussion to educate the community on the process to foster a
child or support children in need. There is a strong need for foster parents.
Attachments: Intercept Health information paper
Recommendations: Allow Intercept Health to discuss the issue.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: August 8, 2023
Item No: 3.
Department: City Manager
Issue: Requested use of the National Guard Armory by I Won’t Stop Family,
LLC
Summary: The Mayor and former City Manager Leon Towarnicki were approached by Mr.
Chris Draper, the Owner of I Won’t Stop Family, LLC, a regional organization that specializes in
basketball skills development. He would like to use the NG Armory to conduct their
development classes. Please see the attached document provided by Mr. Chris Draper.
They plan to keep the facilities clean and are willing to make payments that support the rental
and cost of utilities. At this writing I do not have an estimate on utility cost. Additionally, they
plan to keep the facility clean.
I do not believe their activities will have a negative impact on our current RFP or on the
facilities.
Attachments: Proposal NG Armory.
Recommendations: Approve the use of the NG Armory by I Won’t Stop Family, LLC, to
support area youth. Charge a monthly fee for the rental of the facility and then they are
responsible for utilities and keeping it clean.
I Won’t Stop Family, LLC is an organization that specializes in youth basketball
skills development and is the only company of its kind in Martinsville, VA. We have
identified a need for grass roots instruction focused on the minute disciplines of the game
of basketball.
Current operations are held at Fairway Baptist Church located on Fairystone Park
Highway. Our current location is not a gymnasium and is extremely small. We would love
to utilize The Armory as it would allow us to better service the area of Martinsville. We
understand this location would be temporary, as it is our ultimate goal to build a stand-
alone facility or stabilize a location to service the community.
The Armory would give our countless Martinsville kids easier access with the ability
to reach even more children within our area. It also provides a central location for our
clients who come from the areas of Patrick, Franklin, Pittsylvania and Henry County as
well as Danville City.
For over five years we have provided a family atmosphere to over 250 clients and
75 clients a week. We offer private, semiprivate, group, vertimax, shooting machine and
team sessions and would love to offer open basketball runs for all age groups. We
operate Mon-Fri from 4-9PM and Saturday from 10AM-3PM. We do not expect a handout
and will pay the city rent and or utilities for using the gymnasium itself. Many of our kids
have obtained countless awards, national and state rankings, and scholarships as a
result.
Awards and accolades are awesome, but we love pouring into our kids. I Won’t
Stop Family uses basketball as a vehicle to teach youth important life skills that lead to
success on and off the court. Of course, we teach them how to compete to win against
others. But in doing so, they also learn how to accept defeat and remain confident
enough to keep pushing forward. Basketball is a team sport, kids get to interact with
others, both on their team and the opposing side. They learn how to cooperate with their
team and build a sense of camaraderie. Getting good at basketball or anything doesn’t
happen overnight. Every skill taught develops a level of patience within our kids.
Developing skills to be successful take time and patience. Kids who are patient with
themselves and keep persevering will succeed outside of basketball. There is always a
fear of failure, but basketball teaches dealing with that fear to emphasize effort over
ability. Nothing great comes out of anything easy and getting good at basketball requires
hard work. Kids and young adults need to learn the value of hard work and determination
if they want to succeed. Basketball can be very demanding not only physically but
mentally and emotionally. Emotional and mental stability is not a life lesson you can pick
up through lecture but through basketball kids learn to maintain stability in all aspects. I
highly suggest our basketball skills training because it’s an activity our kids enjoy and
can continue to learn valuable life lessons.
City Council
Agenda Summary
Meeting Date: August 8, 2023
Item No: 4.
Department: Water Resources Department
Issue: Consider Reallocation of Approved FY24 Capital Funds for Water Treatment Facility
Summary: The Water Resources Department is seeking permission to reallocate funds that
were approved in the FY24 Water Fund Budget to the sludge collector installation project.
The current sludge collection system has ceased to function, increasing the levels of organics and the
likelihood of disinfection byproducts in the drinking water system. Therefore, it is believed that the
sludge collector installation takes priority over the approved capital requests to prevent a reduction in the
quality of water distributed to Martinsville’s citizens.
The FY24 Water Budget included $500,000 for roof and basin repairs. The city is requesting Council’s
permission to delay the roof and basin repair while the preliminary engineering reports are performed for
the project to move forward.
The sludge Collectors equipment was approved to purchase in FY23 budget. The project’s installation
plan included using existing maintenance staff to install the equipment, presented an advantage and
significant cost savings. The equipment was delivered in May 2023, the existing staff member is no
longer able to perform the installation due to unforeseen circumstances.
Since the City has lost the experienced maintenance staff, the 1-year manufacturer warranty on the
equipment, and complexity of the installation, the need to determine the cost to install, which is why the
RFP was issued on June 5, 2023. The only proposal received was in the amount of $495,000.
The City is seeking approval to commit the $500,000 that was approved in the FY24 Capital Budget for
structural repairs of the Water Treatment facility to the Sludge Collector Install Project located at the
Water Plant. Understanding that the roof and basin repairs will not be able to occur this fiscal year due to
the reallocation, the Water Resources Department plans to seek outside funding sources to complete a
treatment plant upgrade project that will address the structural issues and improve the safety,
functionality, and treatment processes of the facility.
Since we are requesting to reallocate the use of the funds for another project, there is no budget
adjustment needed since we are not increasing the Water Fund budget.
Attachments: None
Recommendations: Approval to reallocate funds already approved in FY24 Water Budget
Get email alerts for Martinsville
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.