Martinsville city public meetings in 2022

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting to review and discuss draft definitions and a draft Zoning Map. The body will also consider general amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and approve the 2023 meeting schedule.

• Review of draft definitions for Zoning Ordinance amendments
• Review of draft Zoning Map
• Approval of 2023 meeting schedule

Architectural Review Board

The Architectural Review Board is meeting to consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for a property on East Main Street. The board will also approve the 2023 meeting schedule and previous meeting minutes.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for MHC Historical Society roof addition at 1 East Main Street
• Approval of 2023 Meeting Schedule

City Council

The City Council will hear a report on the FY22 audit and discuss the proposed 2023 Legislative Agenda. The body is also considering a resolution to support the Virginia 250 Celebration to become eligible for grants.

• FY22 audit report from Robinson Farmer Cox Associates
• Resolution supporting the Virginia 250 Celebration
• Discussion of 2023 Legislative Agenda priorities
• 2023 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) list
• Proclamations for retiring Fire Chief Ted Anderson and Police Chief Eddie Cassady

City Council voted to terminate City Attorney Eric Monday's contract effective January 2, 2023. The council also approved a contract extension for Mustangs Management and adopted a resolution supporting the Virginia 250 Celebration.

• Terminated City Attorney Eric Monday's contract effective Jan 2, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved 3-year contract addendum for Next P.L.A.N. Athletics/Mustangs Management (3-1)
• Adopted resolution supporting the Virginia 250 Celebration (Unanimous)
• Approved FY22 audit report from Robinson Farmer Cox Associates
• Reappointed Imogene Draper and Bernadette Moore to Arts and Cultural Committee
• Appointed Pamela Allen to Patrick and Henry Community College Board
• Reappointed Veraine Randolph to Anchor Group Home Commission
• Appointed Jennifer Bowles to West Piedmont Planning District Board (3-0, 1 abstention)

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board met to conduct a risk limiting audit. The board also approved the agenda and the minutes from November 9 and 14, 2022.

• Approved agenda
• Approved minutes of November 9 and 14, 2022
• Conducted risk limiting audit

City Council

Council approved a contract to develop the BB&T building into apartments and restaurant space and authorized a $5.2M sewer construction contract for Jones Creek. The City also purchased a property on E. Commonwealth Boulevard for $150,000 to secure event parking.

• Approved BB&T building Contract of Sale & Development Agreement (3-2)
• Approved resolution supporting Uptown Partnership Main Street application (5-0)
• Approved $150,000 purchase of 447 E. Commonwealth Boulevard (5-0)
• Approved Jones Creek sewer construction contract (4-1, 1 abstention)
• Approved $1,000 donation to Southern Area Agency on Aging for fuel oil assistance (4-0)
• Approved modifications to City Attorney’s employment contract (4-1)
• Approved modifications to City Manager’s employment contract (4-1)
• Approved October 25, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Council

The City Council is conducting a neighborhood tour and community meeting for the Southside area. The session includes a review of property inspection concerns and a crime statistics update from the Police Department.

• Report of 356 inspections in Southside area with 224 violations cited
• Review of 90 grass and 89 trash violations
• Report of 45 inoperable vehicle violations
• Status update on 7 utility releases awaiting demolition
• Police Department update on neighborhood crime statistics

City Council conducted a neighborhood tour and held a public meeting to discuss property maintenance, crime, and infrastructure. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during these events.

• Planned Smith Lake Road repaving for spring following a successful rebid
• Police Department to deploy speed trailers on Emmett, Spring, Woodrow, and Short Streets to determine enforcement timing
• Mayor Lawson suggested adding cat-related concerns to the legislative agenda

City Council

City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the transfer of various city-owned properties to the Martinsville Land Bank Authority to increase development flexibility. The body will also hear a presentation on the operation of a local drug court and consider budget amendments.

• Public hearing for transferring city properties to Land Bank Authority, including the Armory Property at 315 W Comm. Blvd valued at $2,892,200
• FY23 General Fund budget amendments: $15,660 for Forfeited Assets and $13,427 for a State Grant
• FY23 Capital Fund (School Construction) budget amendment: $289,480 for a State Grant
• Presentation by Piedmont Community Services on the start-up and operation of a local drug court
• Proclamation recognizing November 1, 2022, as Extra Mile Day 2022

Council approved the transfer of specific city-owned properties to the Martinsville Land Bank Authority. The body also voted to seek guidance from the Virginia Conflict of Interest Council regarding a city employment policy. Other actions included approving the consent agenda and previous meeting minutes.

• Approved transfer of city-owned properties to Land Bank Authority (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from October 11, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Directed administration to contact Virginia Conflict of Interest Council regarding employee policy (4-1)
• Denied motion to exclude L.C. Jones from new employment policy (1-3, 1 abstention)
• Denied motion to remove employee policy Section 7.8.1E (died for lack of second)

City Council

The City Council will discuss reappropriating unspent FY22 funds to FY23 and the potential sale of a vacant lot to The Lester Group. The body will also hear public input on the future of the Paradise Inn and consider transferring various city-owned properties to the Land Bank Authority.

• Reappropriation of $3,634,857 in unspent FY22 funds to FY23
• Proposed sale of vacant lot at 228 Amy Avenue to The Lester Group for $4,000
• Public input on the future of the Paradise Inn at 802 W. Fayette Street
• Proposed public hearing to transfer city-owned properties to the Martinsville Land Bank Authority
• Update on operations and programs at New College Institute

City Council

The City Council will receive public comments regarding the potential demolition of the Paradise Inn at 802 W. Fayette Street. The body will also review a recap of the West End neighborhood tour and consider budget appropriations for forfeited assets.

• Public input on possible demolition of Paradise Inn at 802 W. Fayette Street
• Budget appropriation of $3,319 for FY22 General Fund (Forfeited Assets)
• Budget appropriation of $502 for FY23 General Fund (Forfeited Assets)
• Proclamation for the 20th anniversary of The Harvest Foundation
• Overview of September 26, 2022 West End neighborhood tour

City Council

The City Council will conduct a community meeting regarding the Westside area. The session includes an update on a neighborhood tour, a review of prior inspection concerns, and a period for citizen comments.

• 87 nuisance ordinance violation notices issued since July 25th
• 248 total inspections conducted from 74 complaints
• 49 property maintenance or special consultation inspections performed
• 1 demolition permit issued

City Council

City Council will consider a resolution to set the personal property tax relief allocation for qualifying vehicles for tax year 2022. The meeting also includes operational updates on the local hospital, public transit, and utility systems.

• Proposed 36.82% tax relief for qualifying vehicles valued between $1,001 and $20,000
• Operational update from Sovah Health regarding the Martinsville hospital facility
• Ridership and route update for the PART public bus system
• Update on the City's new utility outage call-in system
• Update on the Martinsville Mustangs 2022 Coastal Plain League season

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the Martinsville Historic District 2022 Update. The body will also receive operational and safety updates from Sovah Health, the 911 Center, and City Schools.

• Public hearing on the Martinsville Historic District 2022 Update
• Request for City funding for a United Way housing eviction prevention program
• Update on 988 system from 911 Center Director Tierra Dillard
• Report on enforcement of §15.5-21 of the City Code regarding property maintenance violations
• School safety and security update from Director T. J. Slaughter

City Council

The City Council is conducting a neighborhood community meeting and tour of the Druid Hills/Uptown area. The session includes a review of property maintenance and inspection concerns. Residents may provide comments and questions to the council.

• Report of 30 Nuisance Ordinance notices of violation issued since June 27
• Report of 58 nuisance inspections performed
• Report of 16 Property Maintenance/Special Consult Inspections
• Status update on 3 demolitions awaiting final inspection
• Breakdown of concerns including 26 grass-related and 4 debris and trash issues

City Council

The City Council will consider a request to fund portions of one-time stipends for 911 and DSS employees. The meeting also includes information regarding city street paving schedules and an update on the solar energy project at the former Lynwood golf course.

• Request to fund $44,653 in total stipends for 911 ($8,300) and DSS ($36,353) employees
• Presentation on city street paving, funding, and criteria by Public Works
• Update on the solar energy project at the former Lynwood golf course site
• Recognition of City Employees for Service Awards from April 1 – June 30, 2022

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting the 2021 West Piedmont Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan to qualify for assistance grants. The meeting also includes an update on the contract between the City and the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA regarding parks and recreation programming.

• Adoption of the 2021 update of the West Piedmont Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Update on the City/YMCA contract for city parks & recreation programs
• Overview of the June 27, 2022 Northside neighborhood tour and meeting
• Approval of minutes from May 23, May 24, and June 14, 2022 meetings

City Council

City Council is holding a neighborhood tour and community meeting to review inspection concerns in the Northside/Chatham Heights area. The session includes an update on the tour and a period for citizen comments and questions.

• Review of 51 Nuisance Ordinance notices of violation issued since May
• Report of 22 Property Maintenance/Special Consult Inspections
• Status of 1 demolition awaiting final inspection
• Report of 96 total inspections including 45 non-valid complaints

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing to receive names for two Martinsville City School Board vacancies. The body is also considering a memorandum of understanding for Bird scooter operations and a tax refund for a local business.

• Public hearing for two Martinsville City School Board appointments (terms ending June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025)
• Proposed $13,481.54 BPOL tax refund for a local business for tax year 2020
• Proposed Memorandum of Understanding for Bird scooters including a $0.10 per ride revenue-share to the City
• Proposed resolution to accept ownership of the former National Guard Armory on Commonwealth Boulevard
• Proposed resolution to change the membership policy for the Arts & Cultural Committee

City Council

City Council will consider the second reading of Budget Ordinance 2022-U-2 for the 2023 fiscal year. The proposed budget includes a 7% increase in refuse collection fees while maintaining other tax rates and fees at FY22 levels. Council will also discuss school board appointments and a neighborhood tour recap.

• Budget Ordinance 2022-U-2: Proposed FY23 budget with a 7% increase in refuse collection fees
• Proposed 80% assessment ratio for tangible personal property for FY23
• Proposed $350,000 reduction in school funding
• Public hearing for Martinsville City School Board appointments proposed for June 14, 2022
• Consent agenda item: $32,218 appropriation for ARP Homeless Children Grant

City Council

The City Council is conducting a neighborhood tour and community meeting for the Westside area. The session includes a review of prior inspection concerns and a public comment period for citizens.

• Report of 111 Nuisance Ordinance notices of violation issued since April 25
• Report of 150 total inspections including 39 non-valid complaints
• 9 Property Maintenance issues inspected, condemned, or issued notices
• 1 demolition permit issued
• Breakdown of concerns including 79 for grass and 22 for trash

City Council

The City Council is meeting for a work session to discuss the upcoming FY23 budget.

• FY23 budget work session

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing on the FY22-23 Budget and consider approval of Budget Ordinance 2022-U-2. Additionally, council members will consider a second reading of Ordinance 2022-3 regarding the use of electric scooters in the Uptown area.

• Public hearing on the City’s FY22-23 Budget
• First reading of Budget Ordinance 2022-U-2
• Second reading of Ordinance 2022-3 regarding electric scooter use
• Proclamation for National Police Week 2022 and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day
• Proclamation for the 50th anniversary of Piedmont Community Services

City Council

The City Council is conducting work sessions to review the upcoming FY23 budget. These sessions include reviews of city departments, constitutionals, and outside agencies.

• Budget review for Outside Agencies including 911, Library, and Social Services
• Budget request review for the Public Defender’s Office
• Budget review for City Departments & Constitutionals

City Council

The City Council is conducting two work sessions to review the upcoming FY23 budget. Discussions include city departments, constitutional officers, and outside agencies such as 911, the Library, and Social Services.

• FY23 budget work session regarding Outside Agencies
• Public Defender’s Office request to address Council
• Review of City Departments & Constitutionals

City Council

The City Council will review the proposed FY23 budget and discuss the use of ARPA funds for Uptown renewal. The body is also considering a resolution to hire a private collection attorney for delinquent taxes and an ordinance regarding electric scooters.

• Proposed FY23 City budget presentation
• Resolution to employ a private collection attorney for delinquent taxes
• Ordinance 2022-3 regarding the use of electric scooters
• Public Hearing on the 2021 Martinsville-Henry County Solid Waste Management Plan update
• Discussion on ARPA funds for Uptown renewal

City Council

The City Council is meeting in the Southside area to tour the neighborhood and hear citizen comments. The session includes a review of property maintenance and inspection concerns.

• Review of 1,611 Nuisance Ordinance inspections since October 21, 2019
• Report of 571 notices issued with violations cited
• Report of 187 property maintenance inspections
• Report of 46 demolition permits issued
• Review of specific complaints including 264 for grass and 150 for trash

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public input session regarding the potential use of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds. The body will also hold a public hearing concerning properties to be included in the Rental Inspection Program.

• Public input session on American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds
• Public hearing on properties for the Rental Inspection Program
• Proclamation for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge art winners (prizes of $500, $200, and $150)
• Proclamation recognizing the 75th anniversary of Martinsville Speedway
• Proclamation for Martinsville High School football coach Bobby Martin

City Council

The City Council will consider ordinances regarding disguise restrictions and uncut grass height. The meeting also includes discussions on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and the City's Strategic Plan.

• Ordinance 2022-1: Repealing city disguise and mask restrictions
• Ordinance 2022-2: Amending allowable height of uncut grass to ten inches
• Discussion regarding potential use of ARPA funds
• Review and possible update to the City’s Strategic Plan
• Proposed schedule for the FY22-23 budget process

City Council

The City Council is meeting for a special session to consider the second reading of Ordinance No. 2022-U-1. This ordinance authorizes a contested reversion process following a report from the Commission on Local Government and the refusal of Henry County to honor a previous settlement agreement.

• Second reading of Ordinance No. 2022-U-1 authorizing contested reversion

City Council

The City Council will review a budget amendment for the General Fund and receive operational updates from the Electric Department and the Department of Social Services. The meeting includes a closed session for board appointments and legal consultations.

• Proposed FY22 General Fund appropriation of $78,775 from prior year accumulated funds
• Update on the Henry-Martinsville Department of Social Services CarePortal Project
• Operations and projects update from Electric Department Director Durwin Joyce
• Recognition of 10 city employees for service awards ranging from 5 to 20 years