Mayor Costin called the meeting Martinsville Common Council to order on Monday, April 12, 2021. Tabernacle Christian School Principal Kenny Roll, led the prayer, followed by Mayor Costin leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
ATTENDANCE
THOSE MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
- Kenny Costin, Mayor
- Phil Deckard, District 1
- Ben Mahan, District 2
- Josh Ferran, District 3
- Suzie Lipps, District 4
- Phil Deckard II, District 5
- Ann Miller, Councilwoman-at-Large
- Kris Fuller, Councilman-at-Large
- Dale Coffey, City Attorney
- Rebecca Tumey, Clerk – Treasurer
- Ben Merida, Deputy Clerk
A quorum was declared present.
MINUTES
Mayor Costin presented the Minutes of Monday, March 22, 2021. to the Council. A motion to accept and allow the Minutes was made by Councilman Phil Deckard Sr. Councilman Phil Deckard II seconded the motion. The Motion passes d-0.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Proclamation – Mayor Costin declared April 12th through April 18th as Tabernacle Christian School Eagles Girls Basketball Team Week. The team recently won the 2020 – 2021 State basketball championship.
Swearing-In – Mayor Costin recognized and swore in John Richards as Chief of Police. Mayor Costin then recognized and swore in Kenny Murphy as Deputy Police Chief.
STAFF REPORTS / UPDATES
IPEP / Safety Program– Deputy Clerk Ben Merida presented an update to the council on the City’s Safety Program.
A motion to recess the Council meeting was made by Councilwoman Ann Miller. Councilman Kris Fuller seconded the motion. The Motion passed 6-0.
PUBLIC HEARING
Resolution 2021-624/ Tax Abatement, Artesian Group – City Attorney Dale Coffey and Morgan County Economic Development Director Mike Dellinger presented the request. Mayor Costin called for Public Comment. Business owner and citizen John Badger appeared and voiced his support of the request. Mayor Costin called twice more for Public Comment. No additional comments were made.
Ordinance 2021-0006 / Appropriating Bond Proceeds of the Martinsville Redevelopment Authority – Mayor Costin called three times for Public Comment. Hearing none, Mayor Costin asked for a motion to close the Public Hearings.
A motion to close the Public Hearings and reconvene the Council meeting was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II. Making the second was Councilman Kris Fuller. The Motion passed 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2021-624 / Tax Abatement, Artesian Group – A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilman Kris Fuller. Councilwoman Ann Miller seconded the motion. The Motion passed 6-0.
Ordinance 2021-0003 / Additional Appropriation – A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilman Kris Fuller. Councilwoman Ann Miller seconded the motion. The Motion passed 6-0.
Ordinance 2021-0006 / Appropriating Bond Proceeds of the Martinsville Redevelopment Authority – A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II. Making the second was Councilwoman Suzie Lipps. The Motion passed 6-0.
Resolution 2021-625 / American Rescue Act Monies / Fund 199 – A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II. Councilman Kris Fuller seconded the motion. The Motion passed 6-0.
CLAIMS
Mayor Costin presented the Claims. A motion to accept and allow the Claims was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II, with Councilwoman Ann Miller making the second. The Motion passed 6-0.
COUNCIL COMMENT
Comments regarding the Gateway at Morton Avenue and Main Street resulted in a Sub-Committee being formed to restore the original panels. The Sub-Committee members are Councilwoman Suzie Lipps and Councilmen Phil Deckard II and Ben Mahan.
Councilman Kris Fuller announced his resignation from the Council effective May 1, 2021. Fuller is moving outside of City limits.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Citizen Marianne Schnell asked about the status of the investigation on the plumes at Harman Motive (area of For Bare Feet) and Twigg Corporation. Gary Oakes, Department of Planning and Engineering gave an update.
Mayor Costin commented on the Showalter Project.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Costin declared the meeting adjourned.