Martinsville city public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will consider a resolution to donate city‑owned real property to the Economic Development Authority. The meeting also includes a public hearing on an E‑911 appropriation ordinance and another on First Piedmont refuse fees, both on first reading. Additional items are the second‑reading approval of FY25 school appropriations and the first‑reading repeal of Section 2.4 of the city code.

• Resolution authorizing donation of city‑owned real property to the Economic Development Authority
• FY25 School Appropriations – second reading
• E‑911 Appropriation Ordinance – public hearing, first reading
• First Piedmont Refuse Fees – public hearing, first reading
• Ordinance repealing Section 2.4 of the City Code – first reading

Tree Board

The Martinsville Tree Board will meet to continue its discussion of a rewrite of the city’s tree ordinance. No decisions or votes are indicated on the agenda.

• Continued discussion on new tree ordinance rewrite

CPMT

The CPMT will consider a joint new business item covering the Henry‑Martinsville Utilization Management/Review Policy, with voting and discussion scheduled. It will also vote to replace Rachel Kancherla with Emily Gunter as the alternate on the CSU FAPT Representation. Additional agenda items include approval of consent agenda reports and CSA funding reports.

• Remove Genia Daniels and add Debra Green as primary and Monica Whitacre as alternate (FAPT Private Provider‑Intercept)
• Remove Rachel Kancherla and add Emily Gunter as alternate on CSU FAPT Representation
• Vote on Henry‑Martinsville Utilization Management/Review Policy presented at October meeting
• Approve consent agenda items: October 23, 2025 meeting minutes and CSA Pool Reimbursement Report for both Martinsville and Henry County
• Approve CSA funding reports and funding requests

The council approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda by unanimous vote. It changed the FAPT Intercept representatives, kept the current quarterly reporting policy for IEP private day special education services, and replaced a CSU FAPT representative. Finally, CSA funding requests were approved unanimously.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved changes to Intercept FAPT representatives (unanimous)
• Voted to keep quarterly reporting for IEP private day special education services (unanimous)
• Approved removal of Rachel Kancherla and addition of Emily Gunter as CSU FAPT alternate (unanimous)
• Approved CSA funding requests (unanimous)

Tree Board

The Martinsville Tree Board will meet on November 20, 2025. The board will review GIC’s ongoing audit of the existing code and discuss the city’s tree ordinance with the Green Infrastructure Center. No decisions are noted; the agenda lists discussion items only.

• Review of GIC’s ongoing audit of the existing code
• Discussion of the Martinsville tree ordinance with the Green Infrastructure Center (GIC)

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will hold a work session on facility conditions and housing, followed by a regular session to consider the 2026 legislative agenda, FY25 and FY26 appropriations, and a public hearing on school funding.

• Discuss and consider FY25 and FY26 Appropriations Ordinance on Second Reading
• Hold a public hearing for FY25 School's Appropriations on First Reading
• Discuss and consider Adoption of 2026 Legislative Agenda
• Discuss and consider Resolution for Aaron Lofts Affordable Housing Project
• Discuss and consider RFP for Temporary Structures for Courts

City Council

The City Council will conduct a tour of the Albert Harris Community followed by a meeting at Albert Harris Elementary School Library. The session focuses on reviewing prior inspection concerns and hearing citizen comments.

• Tour of Albert Harris Community (Precinct 6)
• Review of prior inspections concerns
• Public comment period for citizens

Youth Advisory Committee

The Martinsville Youth Advisory Committee will meet to review the Uptown Trick-or-Treat event, discuss the Big Chair Christmas decoration, and plan for the Project Hope and Lean In Girls programs.

• Review of Uptown Trick-or-Treat Event
• Discussion of Big Chair Christmas Decoration
• Project Hope Planning
• Consideration of Lean In Girls Program
• Discussion of North Pole Jingle Involvement

General

The Martinsville City Council will discuss a motion to move into a closed session to consult legal counsel about actual or probable litigation. After the closed session, the council will reconvene to certify the closed session and take any necessary actions resulting from it. The meeting otherwise follows standard procedural items.

• Motion to go into closed session for litigation consultation (2.2-3711(A7))
• Closed session discussion of legal matters affecting the city
• Motion to certify the closed session and act on any outcomes

The Martinsville City Council voted unanimously to enter a closed session and later certified that only matters allowed by state law were discussed. After receiving legal counsel advice on conflict‑of‑interest issues, the council approved the certification 5‑0 and then adjourned the meeting at 7:25 PM.

• Motion to enter closed session approved 4-0 (Mei motion, Rawls second)
• Certification that only permitted matters were discussed approved 5-0 (Lawson motion, Rawls second)
• Council adjourned the meeting at 7:25 PM (Lawson motion)

General

The Martinsville City Council will hold a special meeting on November 5, 2025. At the request of the NAACP Martinsville Chapter, council members will discuss and consider sponsoring the NAACP Freedom Fund Scholarship Gala. No other agenda items are listed.

• Consider sponsorship of NAACP Freedom Fund Scholarship Gala (requested by NAACP Martinsville Chapter)

The council considered two motions to fund the NAACP Freedom Fund Scholarship Gala. Both the $2,500 and $500 funding proposals failed after tie votes of 2-2-0. No financial support was approved for the scholarship event.

• Motion to authorize $2,500 for NAACP scholarship gala – failed (2-2-0)
• Motion to authorize $500 for NAACP scholarship gala – failed (2-2-0)

Tree Board

The Martinsville Tree Board will meet to review fall planting on Fayette Street and discuss street trees, the tree ordinance, and the city arborist. The agenda also includes discussions on future activities, the mission statement, and climate change.

• Review of Fall Planting on Fayette
• Discussion on Street Trees
• Discussion on Tree Ordinance
• Discussion on City Arborist
• Discussion on Climate Change

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the FY25 and FY26 Appropriations Ordinance. The body will also consider rezoning ordinances and a property transfer for a housing project. A work session is scheduled to discuss a Comprehensive Plan Update with the Berkley Group.

• Public hearing for FY25 and FY26 Appropriations Ordinance
• Discussion and consideration of rezoning ordinances
• Proposed transfer of property at Beaver and Fayette Streets to West Piedmont Planning District Commission for housing
• Appointments to Community Criminal Justice Board
• Comprehensive Plan Update presentation by Berkley Group

The council approved the October 14 meeting minutes on the consent agenda. It confirmed appointments to the Community Criminal Justice Board. It also approved all rezoning ordinances on second reading, each with a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Approved October 14, 2025 meeting minutes (consent agenda) – vote 5-0
• Approved appointments to the Community Criminal Justice Board – vote 5-0
• Approved rezoning ordinances on second reading – vote 5-0

General

The Martinsville City Council is hosting a community meeting to discuss neighborhood concerns and review prior inspection issues. The event includes a tour of Druid Hills Precinct 5 and a public comment period.

• Community meeting on neighborhood concerns
• Review of prior inspection concerns
• Public comment period
• Tour of Druid Hills Precinct 5

CPMT

The Martinsville City and Henry County Community Policy and Management Team will discuss social service reports and funding. The body will hold closed sessions to review specific foster care, group home, and special education cases, including those with monthly costs exceeding $6,500 and $7,000.

• Emergency approved contract for All Around Achievers
• Review of Therapeutic Foster Care placements over $6,500/month
• Review of cases with expenditures over $7,000/month
• Henry-Martinsville Utilization Management/Review Policy for IEP services
• Removal of Fran Brooks as a Martinsville CPMT alternate

Charter Review Committee

The Martinsville Charter Review Committee will consider the final draft of the city charter and related materials to be presented to the City Council. It will also approve the minutes from the September 11, 2025 meeting. The committee will discuss how to present the draft to the council.

• Approve meeting minutes from 9/11/25
• Review final draft and materials for Council
• Discuss Council presentation

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding rezoning ordinances and the donation of city-owned real property to the Economic Development Authority. The body will also discuss a GO Virginia grant request for BRIC Vision 2025 and appointments to the Economic Development Authority Board.

• Public hearing on resolution to donate city-owned real property to the Economic Development Authority
• Public hearings for rezoning ordinances
• Discussion of BRIC Vision 2025 GO Virginia Grant Request
• Appointments to the Economic Development Authority Board
• Closed session regarding Baldwin Building status and EDA Board interviews

The council unanimously reappointed Jim Frith and Michael Scales to the Economic Development Authority board for four‑year terms. It approved the donation of a 3.661‑acre city‑owned parcel to the Economic Development Authority. The council also approved an in‑kind match for the BRIC Vision 2025 grant and adopted rezoning ordinances for Commonwealth Boulevard, Five Points neighborhood, and 100 South Jackson Street. All votes were 5‑0.

• Reappointed Jim Frith and Michael Scales to Economic Development Authority board (5-0)
• Approved donation of 3.661‑acre city property to Economic Development Authority (5-0)
• Approved in‑kind support for BRIC Vision 2025 grant (5-0)
• Approved 2025 holiday schedule extra days before Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve (5-0)
• Approved rezoning ordinance for Commonwealth Boulevard properties (5-0)
• Approved rezoning ordinance for Five Points neighborhood (5-0)
• Approved rezoning ordinance for 100 South Jackson Street (5-0)

CPMT

The Community Policy and Management Team will approve its consent agenda, including meeting minutes and a CSA pool reimbursement report. Members will discuss old business items such as accounts payable registers and the 866 report on promoting safe and stable families. In joint new business, the team will add Savannah Hairston as an alternate for FAPT representation and consider new FY26‑FY27 contracts with Harbor Point Health and Virginia Home for Boys & Girls. The meeting also includes closed‑session reviews of high‑cost foster care and education cases and approval of CSA funding reports and requests.

• Approve consent agenda items: August 28, 2025 meeting minutes and CSA pool reimbursement report
• Add Savannah Hairston as an alternate for FAPT representation for both jurisdictions
• Consider new FY26‑FY27 contracts with Harbor Point Health and Virginia Home for Boys & Girls
• Approve CSA funding reports and funding requests

City Council

The City Council will consider the conveyance of property at 1020 E. Church St. and the creation of a Youth Advisory Committee. The meeting includes a joint closed session with the EDA to discuss property acquisitions, including the Martinsville YMCA, and the National Guard Armory.

• Public hearing and vote on land conveyance of 1020 E. Church St.
• Proposed resolution to create the Youth Advisory Committee
• Discussion of sponsorship match for a Virginia 250 Dodge Charger
• Closed session regarding potential acquisition of the Martinsville YMCA
• Closed session regarding the National Guard Armory and Retail Strategies Engagement

The council voted unanimously to open and then close a public hearing and to approve the conveyance of 1020 E. Church St for a sum of $1. It also approved a $5,000 city match for the Virginia 2050 Car Project and adopted a resolution to create a Youth Advisory Committee. All actions were approved by a 5-0 vote.

• Approved $5,000 contribution to Virginia 2050 Car Project (5-0)
• Approved opening of public hearing for land conveyance of 1020 E. Church St (5-0)
• Approved closing of public hearing for land conveyance of 1020 E. Church St (5-0)
• Approved conveyance of 1020 E. Church St for $1 (5-0)
• Adopted resolution creating Youth Advisory Committee (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider authorizing General Obligation and Electric Utility Revenue Bonds to fund upgrades to the city’s electric utility system. A public hearing will be held to gather input on this bond issuance. Additional items include a CDBG grant application hearing, a property transfer request for 922 Boden Street, and updates on the ARPA program and library.

• Public hearing on authorizing General Obligation and Electric Utility Revenue Bonds for electric utility facility improvements
• Public hearing for citizen input on City and United Way Community Block Development Grant (CDBG) application
• Discussion of transfer of 922 Boden Street property to West Piedmont Planning District Commission for single‑family home development
• Adoption of PPEA Guidelines and Standards resolution
• ARPA presentation and updates

The council approved a settlement agreement to resolve the retirees litigation with a 4‑1 vote. It also approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation and revenue bonds for the city’s electric utility system, with supporting public‑hearing motions passing unanimously. The council adopted the consent agenda, extended the Charter Review Committee term to Dec. 31 2025, and approved public‑hearing procedures for a Community Block Development Grant application. A motion to recess and convene as the Martinsville Redevelopment and Housing Authority regarding a property transfer at 922 Boden Street was also approved unanimously.

• Approved settlement agreement for retirees litigation (4-1)
• Approved consent agenda and charter review committee term extension (5-0)
• Approved opening public hearing on electric utility bond issuance (5-0)
• Approved closing public hearing on electric utility bond issuance (5-0)
• Approved resolution authorizing electric utility general obligation and revenue bonds (5-0)
• Approved opening public hearing for United Way CDBG application (5-0)
• Approved closing public hearing for United Way CDBG application (5-0)
• Approved motion to recess and convene as Redevelopment and Housing Authority (5-0)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will approve the minutes from the September 4 meeting. It will consider the charter's format and organization, review the proposed 2025 charter amendments, and discuss the final draft to be presented to City Council. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Approval of meeting minutes from 9/4/25
• Consideration of charter format and organization
• Review of the 2025 city charter amendments
• Discussion of final draft for council

Charter Review Committee

The Martinsville Charter Review Committee met on September 4, 2025. The committee will approve the minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting, review the Reader’s Guide, consider the charter’s format and organization, and discuss the upcoming City Council presentation.

• Approve meeting minutes from 8/27/25
• Review and discuss Reader’s Guide
• Consider charter format and organization
• Discuss City Council presentation

The Charter Review Committee approved the August 27, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. Review of the citizen-friendly Reader’s Guide was postponed pending further revisions. The committee adopted multiple charter edits, clarified language, and requested the City Council consider term extensions and set a presentation date of October 28, 2025.

• Approved the August 27, 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0 vote)
• Postponed further review of the Reader’s Guide pending revisions
• Adopted charter language revisions: updated boundary provision, added internet/telecom services, added utility poles, clarified nuisance notice delivery, and changed “shall” to “may” with a five‑year cycle
• Consolidated City Council compensation authority into Chapter 6 §7
• Updated terminology: “building inspector” to “building official,” “him” to “them,” and “working prisoners” to “incarcerated persons”
• Requested City Council consider term extensions and set a presentation date of October 28, 2025; scheduled stakeholder comment meetings for September 11 and October 16, 2025

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will meet to review proposed revisions to the city charter. The body will also discuss feedback received from city departments and constitutional officers.

• Consideration of proposed charter revisions
• Discussion of feedback from city departments and constitutional officers

The committee approved the August 20 meeting minutes by a 3‑0 vote. Members agreed to seek City Council input on the City Manager notice clause and employment terms, and to consult the Council on the City Attorney provisions. They decided to remove redundant compensation sections, add headings throughout the charter, and distribute the draft to city departments and other stakeholders with a two‑week feedback deadline. Staff was tasked with compiling a contact list for the outreach.

• Approved August 20 minutes (3-0 vote)
• Agreed to seek City Council input on City Manager notice clause and employment terms
• Agreed to consult City Council on City Attorney employment provisions
• Recommended removing Chapter 6 §§1‑2 (redundant compensation sections)
• Recommended removing all repealed sections from the proposed charter
• Added section titles throughout the charter where headings were absent
• Tasked staff with compiling a list of contacts for outreach
• Set a two‑week deadline for stakeholder feedback on the draft charter

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will consider several resolutions, including participation in proposed settlements of opioid‑related claims against multiple pharmaceutical companies and the Sackler family. Council members will also hold a public hearing and discuss the second reading of budget appropriations for debt service, school capital projects, and streets funds. Additional items include appointments to the Board of Appeals and a request for grant match funding for Lifepak 35 cardiac monitors.

• Approve City participation in proposed settlements of opioid‑related claims against Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun, Zydus and related entities
• Approve City participation in the proposed direct settlement of opioid‑related claims against the Sackler family
• Hold a public hearing and consider the second reading of budget appropriations for debt service, school capital projects, and streets funds
• Discuss and consider appointment to the Board of Appeals
• Discuss and consider a request to apply for grant match funding for Lifepak 35 cardiac monitors

The council voted to raise the interim city manager's salary to $150,000 and authorized Sands Anderson to prepare a contract. It also approved releasing an investigatory report to the Commonwealth Attorney and authorizing legal briefings, while rejecting a request to release the full city manager report. Public hearings were opened and then closed for the second reading of budget appropriations.

• Approved release of investigatory report to Commonwealth Attorney (5-0)
• Authorized Sands Anderson to brief interim city manager on employee issues (4-0-1)
• Rejected release of full City Manager Aretha R. Ferrell‑Benavides report to public (2-2-1)
• Approved $150,000 salary increase for interim city manager and contract preparation (4-0-1)
• Approved opening public hearing for second reading of budget appropriations (5-0)
• Approved closing public hearing for second reading of budget appropriations (5-0)
• Certified closed‑session matters as per Code of Virginia (5-0)

Charter Review Committee

The Martinsville Charter Review Committee will meet on August 20, 2025. The committee will approve the minutes from the August 13, 2025 meeting, consider the proposed charter revisions, and discuss a follow‑up meeting with the City Council.

• Approval of meeting minutes from 8/13/25
• Consideration of proposed charter revisions
• Discussion of City Council follow‑up meeting

The Charter Review Committee approved the August 13, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0 vote. Members decided to strike the charter’s metes and bounds section and replace it with a reference to the City Comprehensive Plan and GIS. They also agreed to reorganize city powers into subheadings. Staff was tasked with compiling revisions and uploading the latest draft to SharePoint before the next meeting.

• Approved August 13, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Decided to strike the metes and bounds section and reference the City Comprehensive Plan and GIS
• Agreed to create subheadings grouping similar city powers
• Tasked staff to compile revisions and unresolved items for Council direction
• Tasked staff to upload the latest charter draft to SharePoint for committee access

City Council

The City Council will meet for a community session featuring a tour of Precinct 4. The body will review prior inspection concerns and hear comments from citizens.

• Neighborhood tour of Northside (Precinct 4) starting at Martinsville High School

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will meet to review proposed revisions to charter language. The committee will also consider the approval of meeting minutes from August 6, 2025.

• Review of Charter Language Revisions
• Approval of August 6, 2025 meeting minutes

The Charter Review Committee approved revisions to Chapter 1 §2, removed Chapter 6 §11, moved the vacancy provision from Chapter 13 §1 to Chapter 6, and added a new provision in Chapter 10 §2 on school‑board member removal. The committee also approved the August 6, 2025 meeting minutes by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved revisions to Chapter 1 §2 (Redevelopment and Housing Authority) with minor edits
• Removed Chapter 6 §11 due to duplicitous language
• Moved vacancy provision from Chapter 13 §1 to Chapter 6 (Constitutional Officers)
• Added new provision in Chapter 10 §2 on removal of school board members
• Approved meeting minutes from 8/6/2025 (3-0 vote)

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will review several items, including a rezoning ordinance request for First Presbyterian Church and a street abandonment ordinance for 1009 E. Church Street. The council will also discuss matching fund commitments for a regional generator project, a purchase request for 605 Fourth St., and the sunsetting of the Emergency Housing and Community Support Commission. Additional agenda items cover rescheduling the September 9 council meeting and a grant application by the Arts and Cultural Committee.

• Request for rezoning ordinance – First Presbyterian Church
• Request for street abandonment ordinance – 1009 E. Church Street
• Approval of 5% matching funds for West Piedmont Planning District Commission regional generator project
• Piedmont Community Services' request to purchase 605 Fourth St.
• Sunsetting of Emergency Housing and Community Support Commission

The council approved Rob Fincher as the interim city manager by a 5‑0 vote. It also passed a resolution removing City Manager Aretha R. Ferrell‑Benavides, suspending her duties and setting a 60‑day notice period, with a 3‑2 vote. Additional actions included approving the consent agenda, the first reading of the budget, rescheduling the September council meeting, and several ordinances on rezoning, street abandonment, and grant funding.

• Appointed Rob Fincher as interim city manager (5-0)
• Removed City Manager Aretha R. Ferrell‑Benavides, suspended duties, 60‑day notice (3-2)
• Approved consent agenda minutes for July 7, 22, 23 (5-0)
• Approved first reading of budget appropriations for debt service, school capital projects, streets (5-0)
• Rescheduled September 9 council meeting to September 16 (5-0)
• Approved rezoning ordinance for First Presbyterian Church (5-0)
• Approved street abandonment ordinance for 1009 E. Church Street (5-0)
• Approved Arts and Cultural Committee's Harvest PUP grant request (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will meet in a closed session to discuss the City Attorney and City Manager positions, contracts, and performance. The session also includes consultations on litigation and an employment law investigation. The council may take action on these items upon returning to open session.

• Discussion of City Attorney and City Manager positions, contracts, and performance
• Consultation on current, ongoing, and threatened litigation
• Review of an employment law investigation
• Consultation regarding the City Manager Contract

The council approved a motion to terminate City Manager Aretha R. Ferrell‑Benavides by a 4‑1 vote. It also approved authorizing the law firm Sands Anderson to supply investigation facts to the Commonwealth Attorney with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. Earlier, the council entered and certified a closed‑session meeting on legal and employment matters with 5‑0 votes.

• Entered closed session to discuss legal and employment matters (5-0)
• Certified that only authorized matters were discussed in closed session (5-0)
• Terminated City Manager Aretha R. Ferrell‑Benavides (4-1)
• Authorized Sands Anderson to provide investigation facts to Commonwealth Attorney (5-0)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and review revisions to the city charter language.

• Approval of meeting minutes from 4/3/25 through 7/30/25
• Review of Charter Language Revisions

The committee approved the minutes for the period April 3 through July 30, 2025 with a unanimous vote. It adopted several specific wording changes to the city charter, including rephrasing, adding clarifying language, and reorganizing sections. The committee also agreed to ask the City Council for clarification on one charter provision.

• Approved minutes for 4/3/25‑7/30/25 (4‑0 vote)
• Approved rephrasing of Chapter 1, §2(2) sentence
• Approved use of “may” instead of “to” in Chapter 1, §2(25)
• Approved revised language in Chapter 2, §2 referencing the Code of Virginia special elections
• Added phrase “prior to January 1” to Chapter 2, §5
• Approved consolidation of §2(a‑i) in Chapter 5 into a unified paragraph
• Approved relocation of constitutional officer references to a new “Constitutional Officers” chapter
• Agreed to request clarification from City Council on language in Chapter 1, §2(24)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee is meeting to consider language revisions for six chapters of the city charter. These chapters cover zoning, schools, bond issues, budget, general provisions, and authorization.

• Language revision for Chapter 9 (Zoning)
• Language revision for Chapter 10 (Schools)
• Language revision for Chapter 11 (Bond Issue)
• Language revision for Chapter 12 (Budget, Accounting and Audit)
• Language revision for Chapters 13 and 14 (General Provisions and Authorization)

The committee approved AI‑recommended language changes for Chapters 9 through 14 of the city charter, including zoning, schools, bond issuance, budget, and general provisions. Minor edits were made to remove outdated language and adjust fine limits. Several items were sent to City Council for further input, and members divided remaining work for the next phase.

• Approved AI‑recommended revisions to Chapter 9 (Zoning) §1(a‑g) with minor edits
• Approved AI‑recommended revision to Chapter 10 (Schools) §1
• Approved AI‑recommended revisions to Chapter 11 (Bond Issue) §§1‑6 and proposed adding language to §3 and reviewing §6
• Approved AI‑recommended revisions to Chapter 12 (Budget, Accounting and Audit) §§1‑3, removing an outdated deadline
• Approved AI‑recommended revisions to Chapter 13 (General Provisions) §§1‑5 and changed fine limit in §7
• Removed §1 from Chapter 14 (Authorization) and moved §§2‑3 to the City Council chapter
• Decided to seek City Council input on trust‑fund thresholds, sheriff’s language, and council authority provisions
• Agreed to divide remaining sections among members and gather feedback for the next revision phase

General

The Martinsville City Council will hold a special meeting on July 23, 2025, beginning with a closed‑session portion. In closed session, members will discuss personnel matters for the City Attorney and City Manager and receive legal briefings on ongoing litigation, including opioid‑related cases. After reconvening in open session, the council will consider a resolution to approve the city’s participation in a proposed settlement of opioid‑related claims against Henry Schein, Inc., General Injectables & Vaccines, Inc., and Insource, Inc.

• Motion to enter closed session under Virginia Code 2.2‑3711 A(1) and A(7)
• Closed‑session discussion of City Attorney and City Manager contracts and performance
• Legal briefings on current and ongoing litigation, including opioid litigation
• Resolution to approve participation in the proposed opioid settlement against Henry Schein, Inc., General Injectables & Vaccines, Inc., and Insource, Inc.
• Return to open session and certification of closed session

The council approved the city’s participation in a proposed opioid‑related settlement (5‑0). It allocated $20,000 from the General Fund for a forensic audit by Brown Edwards (4‑1). The City Manager was placed on administrative leave with pay (4‑1) and Chief Robert Fincher was appointed Acting City Manager effective immediately (5‑0).

• Approved participation in opioid settlement resolution (5-0)
• Allocated $20,000 for forensic audit to Brown Edwards (4-1)
• Placed City Manager on administrative leave with pay (4-1)
• Appointed Chief Robert Fincher as Acting City Manager (5-0)

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will hold public hearings on a rezoning request and a street abandonment request. It will discuss and consider a Refuse Ordinance, financing for an electric department transformer, and funding for emergency repairs to the wastewater treatment plant. Additional items include applications for Project Hope grants and setting dates for future community and closed‑session meetings.

• Public hearing on rezoning request
• Public hearing on street abandonment request
• Consideration of Refuse Ordinance
• Financing for Electric Department transformer
• Funding resolution for wastewater treatment plant emergency repairs

Council members approved the June 24 and 26, 2025 meeting minutes and the 2025 Appropriation Resolution, each by a 5‑0 vote. They also approved a public hearing, ordinance and right‑of‑way abandonment for First Presbyterian Church and East Church Street, again unanimously. The council appointed new members to the School Board, Planning Commission and Board of Appeals, and authorized several Project Hope grant applications, all with 5‑0 votes except the Board of Appeals appointment (3‑2). Finally, a change to the City Manager’s salary to $215,000 and an increase in deferred compensation were adopted by a 3‑2 vote.

• Approved June 24 & 26, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved 2025 Appropriation Resolution (5-0)
• Approved ordinance and rezoning for First Presbyterian Church (5-0)
• Approved right-of-way abandonment on East Church St (5-0)
• Appointed Michael Williamson to School Board (term to 6/30/2028) (5-0)
• Appointed Brandon Martin to Planning Commission (term to 12/31/2030) (5-0)
• Appointed Wayne Draper to Board of Appeals (term to 12/31/2030) (3-2)
• Approved change to City Manager’s salary to $215,000 and deferred compensation increase (3-2)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will discuss the timeline for proposed charter amendments and the process for submitting them to the legislature. It will consider revising the language of Chapter 6 concerning City Officers. It will also review language changes for Chapter 7 (Department of Law) and Chapter 8 (City Planning).

• Discussion of timeline for charter amendments and legislative submission
• Consideration of language revision for Chapter 6 (City Officers)
• Consideration of language revision for Chapter 7 (Department of Law)
• Consideration of language revision for Chapter 8 (City Planning)

The Charter Review Committee approved AI‑suggested language revisions to multiple charter sections, including gender‑neutral edits in Chapter 6 and updates in Chapters 7 and 8. It retained original wording for Chapters 7 §§ 1‑2 and will run Chapter 8 § 3 through AI again. The committee scheduled its next meeting for July 23 at 5 PM and tasked staff to research state law on removal language. It also agreed to revisit the charter amendment timeline before the September deadline.

• Approved AI‑suggested revisions to §§ 5‑6 (Chapter 6) with gender‑neutral edits
• Approved revisions to §§ 6‑10 (Chapter 6) with minor wording adjustments
• Approved AI‑suggested edits to § 3(a‑g) (Chapter 7) with minor word changes
• Retained original language for §§ 1‑2 (Chapter 7) pending future discussion
• Approved AI‑suggested revisions to §§ 1‑4 (Chapter 8); will re‑run § 3 through AI again
• Agreed to meet again on July 23 at 5 PM
• Tasked Ms. Hernandez to research state law on “immediate removal from office” in § 9(c)
• Decided to revisit charter amendment timeline before September deadline

General

The Martinsville City Council will open the emergency special meeting, consider a motion to enter closed session, hold a closed‑session interview of prospective school‑board candidates, and then discuss a resolution to postpone the July 8 regular council meeting to July 22. The agenda notes the change is intended to allow notice, livestreaming, and full council participation while chambers undergo maintenance.

• Motion to go into closed session
• Closed‑session interviews of prospective school‑board candidates
• Certification of closed session
• Resolution to move the July 8 regular council meeting to July 22

The council first approved Michael Williamson's appointment to the School Board for a term ending June 30, 2028, then unanimously rescinded that appointment after legal counsel's recommendation. The council also approved moving the July 8 regular meeting to July 22 and certified that the closed‑session discussion was limited to permitted matters.

• Entered closed session (3-0 vote)
• Certified closed‑session matters as permitted (4-0 vote)
• Approved Michael Williamson appointment to School Board (4-0 vote)
• Rescinded Michael Williamson appointment (4-0 vote)
• Approved resolution to move July 8 meeting to July 22 (4-0 vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 6 PM (motion passed)

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority will hold a closed session to discuss a prospective business or industry and the acquisition or disposition of real property. The regular session includes updates on incentive grants and the Uptown Partnerships Building Tour. The board will also review its by-laws regarding the appointment of a Treasurer.

• Closed session on prospective business or industry expansion
• Closed session on acquisition or disposition of real property
• Update on Incentive Grant/Incentive Consultant
• Update on Uptown Partnerships Building Tour and Inventory
• Review of By-Laws regarding the role of Secretary-Treasurer

Charter Review Committee

The Martinsville Charter Review Committee will meet to discuss and consider revisions to specific chapters of the city charter, including the sections on the City Manager, City Officers, the Department of Law, and City Planning.

• Consideration of language revision for Chapter 5 (The City Manager)
• Consideration of language revision for Chapter 6 (City Officers)
• Consideration of language revision for Chapter 7 (Department of Law)
• Consideration of language revision for Chapter 8 (City Planning)

The Charter Review Committee approved AI‑recommended revisions to Chapter 5, including updates to §2(b), §2(c‑i) with gender‑neutral language, and a unified paragraph for §2(a‑i). It also approved a restructured version of Chapter 3 §2 and agreed to retain the word “may” in Chapter 4 §2 while adding a Code of Virginia reference. Further discussion on Chapter 6 sections and the amendment process will continue at the next meeting.

• Approved AI‑recommended revisions to Chapter 5 §2(b) with manual edits
• Approved AI‑suggested gender‑neutral revisions to Chapter 5 §2(c‑i)
• Approved unified paragraph revision for Chapter 5 §2(a‑i)
• Approved restructured version of Chapter 3 §2
• Agreed to retain “may” in Chapter 4 §2 and add Code of Virginia reference

CPMT

The Martinsville City and Henry County Community Policy and Management Team will approve consent agenda items and review closed‑session case reviews. The joint new business includes consideration of new FY26‑FY27 contracts with multiple service providers, an audit policy change to be voted on, and a chair change effective July 1, 2025. The board will also approve CSA funding reports and requests.

• New contracts for FY26‑FY27 with providers such as Acewall Scholars, National Counseling Group, Elk Hill Farm, Inc, and others
• Audit policy change presented in May and scheduled for a vote in June
• CPMT chair change effective 7/1/2025, with CSU becoming Chair and rotating co‑chair
• Approval of consent agenda items (May 29, 2025 meeting minutes and CSA Pool Reimbursement Report)
• Approval of CSA funding reports and funding requests

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing for School Board nominations and consider the second reading of FY25 Appropriations. The body will also discuss a contract with Moseley Inc. for the Martinsville Courts Facility and a lease option for 1 Ellsworth.

• Public hearing for School Board nominations
• Second reading of FY25 Appropriations
• Contracting with Moseley Inc. for Martinsville Courts Facility Condition Assessment and Design Services
• Finalization of 1 Ellsworth Lease Option
• Ordinance authorizing bonuses for qualifying employees of certain state-supported local agencies

The City Council approved the FY25 appropriations on second reading with a 3‑2 vote. The council also authorized Sands Anderson to hire an auditor and to prepare an Economic Development Authority MOU, each approved unanimously. Additional actions approved unanimously included a $108,000 contract with Moseley Inc. for a court‑condition assessment, a lease payment option for 1 Ellsworth, and an ordinance allowing bonuses for qualifying state‑supported agency employees. The council accepted the resignation of a Planning Commission member with a 5‑0 vote.

• Adopt FY25 appropriations on second reading (3-2)
• Authorize Sands Anderson to hire auditor (5-0)
• Authorize Sands Anderson to prepare Economic Development Authority MOU (5-0)
• Approve $108,000 contract with Moseley Inc. for court‑condition assessment (5-0)
• Approve Lease Alternative Payment Option 4 for 1 Ellsworth (5-0)
• Adopt ordinance authorizing bonuses payable from state funds (5-0)
• Accept resignation from Planning Commission (5-0)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will consider proposed language revisions to Chapter 2 (City Council) and Chapter 3 (Ordinances) of the city charter. The committee will discuss whether to adopt the revised language. No additional items are on the agenda.

• Consideration of language revision to Chapter 2 (City Council)
• Consideration of language revision to Chapter 3 (Ordinances)

The Charter Review Committee approved AI‑suggested language changes to several sections of the city charter, including Chapters 2, 3 and 5. It also assigned staff to research compliance issues in Chapter 4. No vote tallies were recorded.

• Approved AI‑suggested revisions to §§6‑7 in Chapter 2 (City Council)
• Approved AI‑suggested revision to §8 in Chapter 2
• Approved AI‑suggested revisions to §§2‑4 in Chapter 3 (Ordinances)
• Approved AI‑suggested revisions to §§1 and 2(a) in Chapter 5 (City Manager)
• Tasked Ms. Hernandez with reviewing §1 in Chapter 3 for state‑law alignment
• Tasked Mr. Hall with reviewing Code of Virginia provisions related to Chapter 4 courts
• Agreed to verify authority for the city to pay a judge’s salary in Chapter 4 §1 (research pending)
• Agreed to confirm whether Chapter 4 §2 is based on state law (research pending)

Charter Review Committee

The Martinsville Charter Review Committee will meet to discuss and deliberate on proposed revisions to the city charter, specifically focusing on the powers of the city and the structure of city government.

• Deliberation on revisions to the powers of the city
• Consideration of revisions to Chapter 2 (City Council)
• Consideration of revisions to Chapter 3 (Ordinances)
• Discussion of recommendations for changes to the swearing-in process

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will meet to discuss setting a public hearing for school board appointments, reappointing a library board member, and considering an extension to negotiate the YMCA property. The meeting includes proclamations and a presentation on new software.

• Extension of option to negotiate YMCA property acquisition
• Public hearing for FY25 Appropriations
• Reappointment to Blue Ridge Library Governing Board
• Setting public hearing for School Board appointments
• Presentation on Munis Software 'Tyler Connect 2025'

The council unanimously adopted the consent agenda and set a public hearing for June 24 to receive citizen nominations for the school board. It reappointed Yleulhaldi Rose to the Blue Ridge Library board, appointed William Pearson to the Planning Commission, and appointed Tonya Scales, Derek Broga, and Conrad Knight to the Board of Appeals. The council also approved a 90‑day extension to negotiate the acquisition of the existing YMCA property. FY25 appropriations were advanced with an amendment to substitute the reading date with today’s meeting date.

• Adopted consent agenda (5-0)
• Set public hearing for June 24 on school board nominations (5-0)
• Reappointed Yleulhaldi Rose to Blue Ridge Library board (term to 12/31/29) (5-0)
• Appointed William Pearson to Planning Commission (term to 12/31/2029) (5-0)
• Appointed Tonya Scales, Derek Broga, Conrad Knight to Board of Appeals (term to 12/31/2030) (5-0)
• Approved 90‑day extension to negotiate YMCA property acquisition (5-0)
• Approved FY25 appropriations amendment substituting reading date with today’s meeting date (4-1)
• Opened public hearing floor (5-0)

Charter Review Committee

The Martinsville Charter Review Committee will meet on June 4, 2025 in Room 208 of the Municipal Building. The committee will consider the powers of the city as part of its charter review. No other agenda items are listed.

The committee approved the combined versions of Powers 12–16 and Powers 17–18. It also approved AI‑suggested revisions to Powers 19–23 and 25–36, with specific wording changes and consolidations. Several items, including Power 28, Power 37, and Chapter 6, were set to be revisited or drafted at a later date. The revised draft for Power 38 was to be shared with the Housing Authority for review.

• Approved combined Powers 12–16 (unanimous)
• Approved combined Powers 17–18 (unanimous)
• Approved AI‑suggested revisions to Powers 19–23 (unanimous)
• Approved AI‑suggested revisions to Powers 25–36 with minor adjustments (unanimous)
• Changed phrase in Power 25 to "may provide care" (unanimous)
• Requested Ms. Seymour draft alternative version for Power 28 (unanimous)
• Combined Power 29 with Power 10 (unanimous)
• Consolidated Powers 30 and 31 under "Public Safety" heading (unanimous)

Tree Board

The Tree Board will meet to discuss a planting schedule for Fayette Street and the creation of a tree palette. The agenda also includes a presentation and discussion with the Green Infrastructure Center.

• Fayette Street planting schedule
• Creation and implementation of a tree palette
• Presentation by the Green Infrastructure Center

The Martinsville Tree Board approved four action items: exploring partnerships with local schools to plant trees, sharing detailed canopy maps with the client, investigating flooding concerns on College and Bridge Streets for potential mitigation, and scheduling a follow‑up meeting with the Green Infrastructure Center. No vote tallies were recorded.

• Approved exploring partnerships with local schools for tree planting
• Approved sharing detailed tree canopy maps and analysis with the client
• Approved investigating College/Bridge Street flooding concerns and tree‑planting mitigation
• Approved scheduling a follow‑up meeting with the Green Infrastructure Center

CPMT

The Martinsville and Henry County Community Policy and Management Teams will approve their consent agendas, including April 24, 2025 meeting minutes and CSA pool reimbursement reports. They will discuss and adopt new contracts for fiscal years 2026‑2027 covering a long list of service providers such as Judge Rotenburg Educational Center, People Places, and Cumberland Hospital, and consider an audit policy change. The meetings also include closed‑session reviews of foster care and therapeutic placement expenditures and approval of CSA funding reports and requests.

• Approve consent agenda items: April 24, 2025 meeting minutes and CSA pool reimbursement report
• Review therapeutic foster care placement expenditures over $6,500 per month
• Adopt FY26‑FY27 contracts for providers including Judge Rotenburg Educational Center, People Places, and Cumberland Hospital
• Consider audit policy change
• Approve CSA funding reports and funding requests

The Community Policy and Management Team unanimously approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda. It then approved 31 new contracts for FY26‑FY27, as well as the CSA funding requests. The board entered a closed session to discuss case matters, returned to open session, and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous vote)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous vote)
• Approved 31 new FY26‑FY27 contracts (unanimous vote)
• Approved CSA funding requests (unanimous vote)
• Entered closed session to discuss case reviews (unanimous vote)
• Returned to open session (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will meet to examine the powers of the city and review Chapter 2 (City Council) and Chapter 3 (Ordinances) of the city charter. The committee will also discuss recommendations to change the swearing-in oath of office. No other business is listed.

• Consideration of the Powers of the City
• Review of the City Charter, Chapter 2 (City Council)
• Review of the City Charter, Chapter 3 (Ordinances)
• Discussion of recommendations for changes to the swearing-in oath of office

The committee approved revised language for Power 8 and the second AI‑suggested revision for Power 9, then combined Powers 9 and 10. It also approved updates to Power 11, Powers 12‑16, and Powers 17‑18, directing staff to consolidate those sections. Outdated references to the telegraph were removed and “fiber optic” was added. Staff were tasked with research and cross‑walking the powers against state law.

• Approved revision to Power 8
• Approved second AI revision to Power 9 and combined Powers 9 and 10
• Approved revision to Power 11
• Approved Powers 12–16 and directed staff to develop a combined version
• Approved Powers 17 and 18 and recommended combining them
• Removed “telegraph” reference and added “fiber optic”
• Tasked Ms. Hernandez to research state code on burial provisions
• Tasked Ms. Hernandez to cross‑walk all powers with the Code of Virginia

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will discuss several items at its special meeting. They will set a date for a June community meeting and consider appointing a member to the Transportation Safety Commission. The council will discuss conveying a combined 2.487‑acre city parcel and a 4.236‑acre Martinsville Housing Authority parcel to Mid-Atlantic Broadband. They will also take the second reading of the FY 2025‑2026 Budget Ordinance.

• Appointment to the Transportation Safety Commission
• Set date for June community meeting
• Convey combined 2.487‑acre city parcel and 4.236‑acre housing authority parcel to Mid-Atlantic Broadband
• Second reading of FY 2025‑2026 Budget Ordinance
• Transportation Safety Commission update presentation

The council appointed TJ Slaughter to the Transportation Safety Commission for a three‑year term ending Dec. 31, 2029, voting 5‑0. Council members also approved the conveyance of a combined 2.487‑acre city parcel and a 4.236‑acre Martinsville Housing Authority parcel to Mid‑Atlantic Broadband, voting 5‑0. The amended FY 2025‑2026 budget ordinance, effective July 1, 2025, was adopted with a 3‑2 vote.

• Appointed TJ Slaughter to Transportation Safety Commission (5‑0)
• Approved conveyance of 2.487‑acre city parcel and 4.236‑acre housing parcel to Mid‑Atlantic Broadband (5‑0)
• Adopted amended FY 2025‑2026 budget ordinance, effective July 1 2025 (3‑2)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will meet to discuss a community feedback form. The committee will also consider revisions to the language regarding the powers of the city.

• Discussion of Community Feedback Form
• Consideration of language revision for Powers of the City

The committee approved language revisions to Sections 1 and 2 of the City Charter, covering Powers 1–7 and 24. Ms. Hernandez will draft a community feedback form and circulate it for review. The committee set a deadline for the survey in mid‑to‑late June and scheduled a follow‑up meeting on May 28 to continue the review.

• Approved revisions to Charter §§ 1 and 2 (Powers 1–7 and 24)
• Tasked Ms. Hernandez with drafting the community feedback form
• Recommended survey deadline of mid‑to‑late June
• Scheduled next review meeting for Wednesday, May 28

City Council

The City Council will consider the proposed budget ordinance and real estate tax rate for fiscal year 2025-2026. The meeting also includes a workshop with the Charter Review Committee and discussions on a refuse ordinance and staff lease options.

• Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance first reading
• Proposed Real Estate Tax Rate for FY 25-26
• Refuse Ordinance
• Temporary Lease Options for City Staff
• Action on confidential legal memorandum regarding ongoing opioid litigation

The council approved the FY 2025‑26 budget ordinance (city and schools) on its first reading with a 3‑2 vote. It also approved a 4.5% levy increase (rate $0.7533) with a 3‑2 vote. A motion to dismiss the Milan Farmer and Henry Shine Act passed unanimously. Several items, including the Refuse Ordinance and temporary lease options, were tabled until the June 10 meeting.

• Approved FY 2025‑26 budget ordinance (city and schools) first reading (3:2 vote)
• Approved 4.5% levy increase, rate $0.7533 (3:2 vote)
• Approved dismissal of Milan Farmer and Henry Shine Act (5:0 vote)
• Tabled Refuse Ordinance to June 10 meeting (5:0 vote)
• Tabled temporary lease options for city staff to June 10 meeting (5:0 vote)
• Approved consent agenda items (April 22 & 29 minutes) (5:0 vote)
• Approved motion to table March 17, 2025 meeting minutes (5:0 vote)
• Withdrawn motion to table overall budget (5:0 vote)

General

The City Council will hold public hearings and discussions regarding the proposed budgets for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. This includes a review of the City Schools' proposed budget and the first reading of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance.

• Public hearing on Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
• Public hearing on City Schools' Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
• First reading of Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance
• Budget Workshop

The council opened and closed a public hearing on the City Schools’ proposed FY 2025-2026 budget, then tentatively approved that budget on first reading. A separate public hearing on the overall FY 2025-2026 budget was also opened and closed. The council voted to table the final vote on the overall budget and adjourned the meeting at 7:45 PM.

• Opened public hearing on City Schools’ proposed budget (approved 5-0)
• Closed public hearing on City Schools’ proposed budget (approved 5-0)
• Tentatively approved City Schools’ proposed budget FY 2025-2026 on first reading (approved 5-0)
• Opened public hearing on overall proposed FY 2025-2026 budget (approved 5-0)
• Closed public hearing on overall proposed FY 2025-2026 budget (approved 5-0)
• Tabled vote on overall proposed FY 2025-2026 budget (approved 5-0)
• Council adjourned meeting at 7:45 PM

General

The City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss and consider the proposed real estate tax rate for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The meeting also includes a budget workshop.

• Public hearing on Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Real Estate Tax Rate
• Budget Workshop

The council approved opening and closing the public hearing on the real estate tax rate by a 5‑0 vote. It then voted 5‑0 to postpone adoption of the FY 25‑26 tax rate until the May 13 meeting for further analysis and community input. No changes were made to the revenue rate during the budget workshop.

• Open public hearing on tax rate approved (5-0)
• Close public hearing on tax rate approved (5-0)
• Postpone adoption of tax rate until May 13 approved (5-0)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee is meeting to discuss potential language revisions regarding the powers of the city. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Consideration of language revision regarding Powers of the City

The committee agreed to finalize edits to their draft presentation and scheduled Ms. Hernandez to upload the final version to the agenda request form on May 8. They plan to present the draft to City Council on May 13. The item on revising the Charter’s Powers language was deferred to the next meeting.

• Committee members agreed to finalize edits to their assigned sections of the presentation
• Kaylin Hernandez will upload the final presentation to the agenda request form on May 8
• Committee will present the draft to City Council on May 13
• Consideration of language revision for the Charter’s Powers section deferred

City Council

The City Council is holding a community budget presentation for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Residents are invited to attend the presentation at the Council Chambers.

• FY 25-26 Community Budget Presentation

Tree Board

The Martinsville Tree Board will meet on May 5, 2025. The board will review the recent tree giveaway and discuss plans for fall planting, fundraising for future giveaway events, upcoming Arbor Day and Earth Day celebrations, and the Tree Palette.

• Review of recent tree giveaway
• Discussion of fall planting plans
• Discussion of fundraising opportunities for future tree giveaway events
• Discussion of planning for Arbor Day and Earth Day celebrations
• Discussion of the Tree Palette

The board reviewed the recent tree giveaway, noting that redbuds, serviceberry and persimmon were most popular and that many recipient addresses were untraceable. They discussed Phase 2 of the Strategic Tree Canopy Plan, including additional outreach, workshops by GIC, a social‑media account, and a fall planting before November. The board noted that Crouch did not respond to the vendor request, Snow Creek was identified as a new vendor, and Zach from city purchasing posted a bid, but no vendor was selected. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Charter Review Committee

The Martinsville Charter Review Committee will meet on May 1, 2025. The committee will consider a revision of the charter language concerning the powers of the city. No other business items are listed.

• Consideration of language revision regarding the powers of the city

The Charter Review Committee decided to begin reviewing the “Powers of the City” section of the charter. Ms. Hernandez will group the 37 enumerated powers into five sections and send the list to Mr. Teague, who will assign portions to committee members. Members will then review the AI‑generated language and propose revisions. All working documents are now stored on a centralized SharePoint site.

• Approved beginning review of the “Powers of the City” section
• Ms. Hernandez to group the 37 powers into five sections (task assigned)
• Ms. Hernandez to send grouped list to Mr. Teague for member assignment (task assigned)
• Members to review AI‑generated language and propose revisions (task assigned)

General

The City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the proposed FY 25-26 budget and receive departmental briefings. The session includes a public hearing and a vote on a land conveyance for a parcel on 302 Clearview Dr.

• Public hearing and potential approval of land conveyance for 302 Clearview Dr.
• Presentation of the proposed FY 25-26 Budget
• Discussion of building relocation options
• Discussion of fund allocation for the Commonwealth Waterline development
• Departmental briefings from Police, Fire, Public Works, Electric, and Neighborhood Services

The Martinsville City Council voted unanimously to approve the conveyance of the parcel at 302 Clearview Dr. It also approved exercising the 1 Ellsworth lease option and allocating funds for the Commonwealth Waterline project. All three actions passed with a 5‑0 vote. Additional procedural motions to recess, open, and close the public hearing were also approved unanimously.

• Approved land conveyance of 302 Clearview Dr. (5-0)
• Approved exercise of 1 Ellsworth lease option (5-0)
• Approved allocation of funds for Commonwealth Waterline (5-0)
• Approved motion to recess and reconvene as Martinsville City Council (5-0)
• Approved motion to open public hearing as City Council (5-0)
• Approved motion to close public hearing as City Council (5-0)

CPMT

The Martinsville City and Henry County Community Policy and Management Teams will consider and approve new contracts for FY26‑FY27 with five counseling service providers. They will also vote on personnel changes for the CPMT, including replacing a primary member and removing a private provider. Additional agenda items include approval of consent agendas, CSA funding reports, and review of policy, long‑range plans, and service‑gap surveys.

• Remove Edena Reese‑Atmore as primary CPMT member and add Richard Stanfield
• Remove Kim Stroop as a private provider for FAPT
• Approve new FY26‑FY27 contracts with Brambleton Assessment & Counseling, DePaul, Mountain View Counseling, Piedmont United Family Services, and Strategic Therapy Associates
• Approve CSA funding reports and funding requests
• Review and approve consent agenda items (meeting minutes and CSA pool reimbursement reports) for both Martinsville and Henry County

The Community Policy and Management Team approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda, removed Edena Reese‑Atmore as primary member and added Richard Stanfield, and removed private provider Kim Stroop. The board unanimously approved five new FY26‑FY27 contracts with Brambleton Assessment & Counseling, DePaul, Mountain View Counseling, Piedmont United Family Services, and Strategic Therapy Associates. The team also submitted the CSA service gap survey and approved the presented CSA funding requests.

• Agenda approved (unanimous vote)
• Consent agenda approved (unanimous vote)
• Edena Reese‑Atmore removed; Richard Stanfield added as primary CPMT member (unanimous vote)
• Kim Stroop removed as private provider for FAPT (unanimous vote)
• Approved five new FY26‑FY27 contracts with Brambleton Assessment & Counseling, DePaul, Mountain View Counseling, Piedmont United Family Services, and Strategic Therapy Associates (unanimous vote)
• CSA service gap survey submitted as completed (unanimous vote)
• CSA funding requests approved (unanimous vote)

City Council

The City Council is meeting to receive budget presentations from city departments and recaps from outside agencies. The session includes time for council discussion and deliberation regarding these items.

• Department budget presentations
• Outside agencies recap

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will discuss several new business items, including options for relocating a city building, a lease option at 1 Ellsworth, funding for the Commonwealth waterline, a lease‑purchase financing agreement with Bank of America Public Capital Corp, and an update to the Joint Dispatch Center by‑laws. The council will also review the receipt and expense of the Operation Ceasefire grant and approve FY 25‑26 capital project proposals.

• Discuss and consider building relocation options
• Discuss and consider 1 Ellsworth lease option
• Discuss and consider allocation of funds for development of the Commonwealth waterline
• Discuss and consider approval of resolution approving lease purchase financing with Bank of America Public Capital Corp – direct bank loan to acquire equipment
• Discuss and consider approval of receipt and expense for the awarded Operation Ceasefire grant

The Martinsville City Council approved the April 1, 7 and 14 meeting minutes and the February 28 retreat minutes, each by a 5‑0 vote. It also approved a lease‑purchase financing resolution with Bank of America, an update to the Joint Dispatch Center bylaws, and the receipt and expense of the Operation Ceasefire grant, all by unanimous 5‑0 votes. A decision on building relocation options was deferred for future consideration.

• Approved April 1, 7, 14, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved February 28, 2025 retreat meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved lease‑purchase financing resolution with Bank of America (5-0)
• Approved update to Joint Dispatch Center bylaws (5-0)
• Approved receipt and expense of Operation Ceasefire grant (5-0)
• Deferred decision on building relocation options

General

The meeting reviewed the final flyer, tree staging, station staffing, timing, and materials for the Earth Day Tree Celebration on April 22. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded; the discussion focused on planning details.

General

The City Council will hold a special meeting to review budget presentations from Constitutional Offices and Courts. Members will also discuss a lease option for Ellsworth and a second reading of an ordinance regarding tax rate exemptions.

• Budget presentations by Constitutional Offices and Courts
• Discussion of Ellsworth Lease Option
• Second reading of ordinance adjusting Elderly and Disabled Tax Rate Exemption

The council approved a second‑reading ordinance adjusting the elderly and disabled tax‑rate exemption, effective Jan. 1 2025, with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. It also voted 5‑0 to close City Hall on Good Friday and to place that item on the agenda. A public hearing on the MidAtlantic Broadband land disposition was scheduled for April 29 at 6 PM, also approved 5‑0. Discussion of the 1 Ellsworth lease options was postponed to the April 22 regular session.

• Adopted elderly and disabled tax exemption ordinance (5-0)
• Approved City Hall closure for Good Friday (5-0)
• Added City Hall closure agenda item (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearing on MidAtlantic Broadband land disposition (5-0)
• Postponed discussion of 1 Ellsworth lease options to April 22

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will meet to consider a reorganization of Martinsville's city charter. The committee will also discuss the use of artificial intelligence and related city powers. No formal decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Consideration of City Charter Reorganization
• Discussion of the Use of Artificial Intelligence and City Powers

The Charter Review Committee agreed to revisit and revise the review timeline collaboratively. Members approved using AI tools to edit Chapter 1 (Incorporation and Powers). Ms. Hernandez was tasked with inputting the chapter into ChatGPT, reviewing the suggested edits, and reporting the results at the next meeting.

• Agreed to revisit and revise the charter review timeline collaboratively
• Approved testing AI-suggested edits on Chapter 1, Incorporation and Powers
• Assigned Ms. Hernandez to input Chapter 1 into ChatGPT, review edits, and share results at next meeting

Tree Board

The Tree Board is meeting to consider the creation of a City Tree Palette and a Tree Ordinance. Members will also discuss plans for Arbor Day festivities and an Earth Day tree giveaway.

• Creation of a City Tree Palette and Tree Ordinance
• Earth Day tree giveaway
• Arbor Day festivities
• Field visit to assess tree conditions

The Tree Board approved the March and April meeting minutes unanimously (5-0 each). Members agreed to schedule a field trip to assess four trees on Hunting Ridge. The board decided to table the tree ordinance and tree palette discussion until the May 5 meeting. A meeting with GIC and VMNH was set for April 14 at 12 pm in Room 208.

• Approved March meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved April meeting minutes (5-0)
• Plan field trip to assess four trees on Hunting Ridge (Greg to visit)
• Create flyer for Earth Day Tree Giveaway (Anna to draft, pending GIC/VMNH approval)
• Provide unloading assistance for Earth Day Tree Giveaway (Kendall to drive, board to help)
• Table tree ordinance and tree palette discussion to May 5 meeting
• Schedule meeting with GIC and VMNH on April 14 at 12 pm, Room 208

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority will review the status of an incentives study and a PUP grant. The body will also consider planning a 2025 Economic Development Summit and a member planning retreat. An executive session is scheduled to discuss prospective businesses and real property acquisition.

• Hiring of Economic Development Director
• Potential Economic Development Summit in August/September 2025
• Status of PUP Grant and Harvest Foundation fiscal agent
• Status of Incentives Study and timeline
• Executive session on prospective business expansion and real property acquisition

General

The City Council will hold a special session to review the Martinsville City Schools' budget and conduct a revenue workshop. Members will also discuss the first reading of an ordinance regarding tax rate exemptions for elderly and disabled individuals.

• Presentation of City Schools' Budget
• Revenue Workshop
• First reading of an ordinance adjusting Elderly and Disabled Tax Rate Exemption

The Martinsville City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to adjust the elderly and disabled tax rate exemption, creating four tiers of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% with a $35,000 income cap. The motion was made by Vice Mayor Kathy Lawson and seconded by Councilman Mei. No other substantive actions were taken; the meeting was later adjourned.

• Approved first reading of elderly & disabled tax exemption ordinance (motion by Vice Mayor Kathy Lawson, seconded by Councilman Mei)
• Adjourned meeting at 8 PM (motion by Mayor Jones)

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee is meeting to introduce members and review the committee's purpose and charge. The body will discuss the City of Danville's charter review process and consider the process for revising the city charter.

• Introduction of Charter Review Committee members
• Review of committee purpose and charge
• Discussion of City of Danville charter review process
• Consideration of city charter revision process

The committee established a working timeline for the charter review from April through August 2025, including steps for readability improvements and public input. Members agreed to create a short informational video or podcast to explain the charter and the review process. The next meeting was scheduled for April 10 at 5:00 PM.

• Adopted working timeline for charter review (April–August 2025)
• Approved creation of short informational video/podcast snippet
• Scheduled next meeting for April 10, 5:00 PM

General

The Martinsville City Council will meet to set dates for budget and real estate tax rate public hearings, discuss a proposed budget, and consider resolutions for opioid abatement funds and retiree health insurance.

• Setting Budget Public Hearing Dates for May 8th and May 20th
• Setting Real Estate Tax Rate Decrease Public Hearing Date for May 13th
• Discussing Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) Individual Distribution and Gold Standard funds
• Discussing Resolution for Pre-65 Retirees in the Health Insurance plan
• Receiving Presentation of the City Manager's Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget

The council adopted an Elderly and Disabled Tax Relief ordinance establishing a graduated income‑tax exemption schedule. It also approved using Opioid Abatement Authority grant funds to hire a Kinship Navigator serving Henry County and Martinsville. Additional actions included setting budget hearing dates, approving a health‑insurance enrollment resolution for pre‑65 retirees, and adopting the March 25, 2025 meeting minutes while tabling the March 17 minutes.

• Approved Elderly and Disabled Tax Relief ordinance (5‑0 vote)
• Approved application for Opioid Abatement Authority grant to fund Kinship Navigator (5‑0 vote)
• Approved budget public hearing dates: May 8 first reading, May 20 second reading (5‑0 vote)
• Approved health‑insurance enrollment resolution for pre‑65 retirees (5‑0 vote)
• Tabled March 17, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0 vote)
• Approved March 25, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0 vote)

CPMT

The Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) will consider and vote on CSA funding requests for both Martinsville City and Henry County. The meeting also includes approval of consent agenda items, old and new business, and closed‑session reviews of specific child‑welfare cases. A joint new‑business item will remove Emily Gunter as a DSS FAPT representative. The session will adjourn and set the next meeting date.

• Approve CSA funding requests (Item XX)
• Approve CSA funding reports (Item IX)
• Approve consent agenda items: February 27, 2025 meeting minutes and CSA Pool Reimbursement Report
• Joint new business: virtual audit entrance conference with Annette Larkin‑OCS
• Remove Emily Gunter as a DSS FAPT representative

The Community Policy and Management Team unanimously approved a contract with My Path Forward. They also unanimously removed Emily Gunter as the DSS FAPT representative and approved the CSA funding requests. All agenda and consent agenda items were approved by unanimous vote.

• Approved agenda with amendments (unanimous vote)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous vote)
• Removed Emily Gunter as DSS FAPT representative (unanimous vote)
• Approved contract with My Path Forward (unanimous vote)
• Approved CSA funding requests as presented (unanimous vote)

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will hold a closed session to discuss the possible Commonwealth Boulevard Waterline Extension. A joint work session with the Planning Commission will brief the Comprehensive Plan kickoff by the Berkley Group. In the regular session, the council will consider several items including approval of March 13, 2025 meeting minutes, designation of ARPA funds for revenue loss, a budget calendar, a reimbursement resolution for capital equipment, and an ordinance amendment to real‑property tax exemptions.

• Closed session discussion of possible Commonwealth Boulevard Waterline Extension
• Work session kickoff of the Comprehensive Plan by Berkley Group
• Approval of March 13, 2025 meeting minutes
• Designation of ARPA funds to address revenue loss
• Ordinance amendment to change real‑property tax exemptions

The Martinsville City Council unanimously approved redesignating approved ARPA projects as revenue loss replacements to meet Treasury reporting requirements. The council also approved a reimbursement resolution for capital equipment financing, an appropriation for reassessment consulting services, and the March 13 meeting minutes. A joint opioid abatement funding request was tabled until April 1, 2025, and an ordinance to amend real‑property tax exemptions was presented for future consideration.

• Entered closed session to discuss waterline extension (5-0)
• Adjourned closed session and certified scope of discussion (5-0-0)
• Approved March 13, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved redesignation of ARPA funds as revenue loss replacements (5-0)
• Approved reimbursement resolution for capital equipment financing (5-0-0)
• Approved appropriation for 2025 reassessment consulting services (5-0-0)
• Tabled joint opioid abatement authority application resolution until April 1, 2025
• Presented ordinance to amend real‑property tax exemptions (no vote)

City Council

The City Council will host a series of presentations from various outside agencies and organizations. These entities will present to the council in scheduled time slots between 5:10 PM and 7:40 PM.

• WPBHC/ Warming Center presentation
• Martinsville-Henry County SPCA presentation
• Martinsville-Henry County EDC presentation
• Virginia Legal Aid Society presentation
• Blue Ridge Regional Library presentation

City Council

The City Council will meet in a closed session to discuss personnel matters. The session focuses on the City Manager and City Attorney positions.

• Closed session regarding prospective candidates, appointments, or salaries for City Manager and City Attorney

City Council

The Martinsville City Council meeting includes closed‑session discussions on a prospective business expansion, real‑property acquisition, and personnel matters for the City Manager and City Attorney. A work session will present the Blue Ridge Outdoor Recreation & Park Design Plan and a Park Improvement Study. In the regular session, council members will consider the 2025 tax rate and several consent‑agenda items.

• Closed‑session discussion of a prospective business or industry expansion (2.2‑3711 A(5))
• Closed‑session discussion of acquisition or disposition of public real property (2.2‑3711 A(3) and A(6))
• Closed‑session personnel discussion regarding the City Manager and City Attorney positions (2.2‑3711 A(1))
• Presentation of the Blue Ridge Outdoor Recreation & Park Design Plan
• Discussion of the 2025 tax rate

General

The City Council is meeting for a retreat to discuss governance principles, financial briefings, and the development of a two-year work plan. The session includes a review of the city's vision, mission, and values statements.

• Briefing on city finances and the budget
• Closed session regarding the City Attorney and City Manager
• Identification of priorities for the next two years
• Review and potential revision of Strategic Policy Targets

CPMT

The Community Policy and Management Team will consider and approve consent agenda items, including meeting minutes and CSA pool reimbursement reports for both Martinsville and Henry County. The meeting includes closed‑session reviews of foster‑care, IEP, group‑home, and therapeutic placement cases with expenditures exceeding $6,500 or $7,000 per month. The agenda also calls for approval of CSA funding reports and new funding requests.

• Approve consent agenda items (January 30, 2025 minutes and CSA Pool Reimbursement Report) for Martinsville and Henry County
• Review therapeutic foster care placement expenditures over $6,500 per month
• Review case expenditures over $7,000 per month
• Approve CSA funding reports
• Approve CSA funding requests

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will meet on Feb 25, 2025 to discuss several consent‑agenda items, including the FY24 appropriations and a resolution to create a charter‑review committee. Staff will brief the council on the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Outdoor Recreation Plan and on grant policy. A closed‑session will address litigation matters related to the Retirees, Baig, and Mook lawsuits. The meeting will also include a public hearing and routine reports.

• Consider FY24 Appropriations (consent agenda)
• Consider Resolution Establishing Charter Review Committee (consent agenda)
• Discuss Request for ATL Grant Reappropriation (consent agenda)
• Briefing on Foothills of the Blue Ridge Outdoor Recreation Plan
• Closed‑session litigation briefing concerning Retirees, Baig, and Mook lawsuits

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will hold a community meeting with presentations on crime statistics, a refuse ordinance briefing, and a community development overview. The meeting also includes a neighborhood tour update and a period for citizen comments. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Police Department presentation on neighborhood crime statistics
• Public Works briefing on the refuse ordinance
• Community Development & Neighborhood Services presentation (See, Click, Fix)
• Neighborhood tour update
• Citizen comment period

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will consider several items in its regular session, including a reading of the Refuse Ordinance, adoption of council rules, and a resolution to create a Charter Review Committee. The council will also address appointments to the Land Bank Authority and the charter review committee. Executive session items include a courthouse evaluation and remediation plan related to show‑cause litigation. The meeting also includes a briefing on outside agencies and a citizen request for YMCA support.

• Second reading of the Refuse Ordinance (Regular Session item a)
• Adoption of Rules of Council (Regular Session item b)
• Approval of Resolution 2025-1 to create a Charter Review Committee (Regular Session item c)
• Appointment of members to the Martinsville Land Bank Authority (Executive Session item c)
• Consideration of a courthouse evaluation and remediation plan in show‑cause litigation (Executive Session item a)

City Council

The Martinsville City Council may achieve a quorum for a special meeting on February 4, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building, Council Chambers. The meeting will discuss the proposed Refuse Ordinance and the locations of trash receptacles, as previously considered on January 14, 2025. No council action is anticipated, and the public is invited to share feedback.

• Discussion of the proposed Refuse Ordinance
• Discussion of trash receptacle locations
• Community invited to provide feedback
• Possible quorum creates a special council meeting
• No council action expected

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority will elect officers and set strategic priorities. The body will hold an executive session to discuss a prospective business or industry and the acquisition or disposition of real property. Members will also consider dates for joint meetings with City Council and a potential Economic Development Summit.

• Election of officers
• Strategic priority setting and goal-alignment
• Executive session regarding prospective business or industry expansion
• Executive session regarding acquisition or disposition of real property
• Discussion of a potential Economic Development Summit

CPMT

The Martinsville and Henry County Community Policy and Management Teams will meet to approve consent agenda items, discuss old and new business, and hold closed sessions for case reviews. Joint new business includes approving a new contract for Storms Counseling Services, updating the 2025 CSA calendar, and changing the DSS FAPT primary representative. The boards will also approve CSA funding reports and funding requests. Public comment and procedural items are scheduled throughout the meeting.

• New Contract Approval – Storms Counseling Services
• Approve CSA funding reports (Martinsville)
• Approve CSA funding requests (Henry County)
• Remove Jaimee Powell as DSS FAPT primary representative; appoint Lauren Wright
• 2025 CSA Calendar

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will meet to discuss several real estate and utility agreements. The session includes a second reading of a refuse ordinance and a presentation of the Parks Plan by the Citizens Advisory Board.

• V.M. Draper/Tanyard Purchase Agreement
• Exclusive Option for Negotiation of YMCA Acquisition
• Second reading of Refuse Ordinance
• Administrative signing of Electric Master Agreements
• Termination of Solar Development Power Purchase Agreement

City Council

The Martinsville City Council will hold a closed executive session, followed by a work session to approve past meeting minutes and set a retreat date for February 28th and March 1st. The regular session will include a briefing on the 2025 budget calendar and a public hearing on a refuse ordinance.

• Approval of December 17, 2024 and January 2, 2025 meeting minutes
• Setting Council retreat date for February 28th & March 1st
• Rescheduling March 11th meeting to March 13th
• Briefing on 2025 Budget Calendar
• First reading of Refuse Ordinance

Arts & Cultural Committee

The Arts & Cultural Committee will approve the minutes from the December 13, 2024 meeting. It will review the 2024 Annual Report. Members will discuss tentative dates, locations, partnership opportunities, and potential grant funding for community events in 2025.

• Approve minutes from the December 13, 2024 meeting
• Review the 2024 Annual Report
• Determine tentative dates for 2025 community events
• Identify possible locations for 2025 events
• Discuss partnerships and potential grant funding for 2025 events

Architectural Review Board

The Martinsville Architectural Review Board will meet on January 9, 2025. The board will approve the minutes from the November 14, 2024 meeting. A public hearing will be held on an application by Carol Sue Cardwell to replace the roof and cedar siding at 506 E Church Street. The project requires a Certificate of Appropriateness because it is located in the Historic District.

• Public hearing: Certificate of Appropriateness application for roof and cedar siding replacement at 506 E Church Street (Applicant: Carol Sue Cardwell)
• Approval of meeting minutes from November 14, 2024

City Council

The City Council is meeting to swear in members and elect leadership for the new term. The body will nominate and appoint a Mayor and Vice Mayor and discuss the regular meeting schedule.

• Oath of office for Kathy Lawson, Rayshaun Gravely, and Julian Mei
• Nomination and oath of office for Mayor
• Nomination and oath of office for Vice Mayor/Vice-Chairman
• Discussion to establish regular meeting schedule