Mayor Costin called the meeting Martinsville Common Council to order on Monday, May 10, 2021. Mayor Costin led the prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Costin swore in new Councilman James Wisco as the Council meeting convened.
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
- James Wisco, Councilman-at-Large
- Justin Boren for 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, April 26, 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 passed 7-0.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Costin reminded everyone to speak louder, so that those following on social media could hear. Mayor Costin called Deputy Clerk Ben Merida to speak on HB1437. Merida suggested a workshop be held to discuss the bill. It concerns public meetings and how to allow remote interaction. There was already a workshop planned for Thursday to discuss the environmental fee. A motion to cancel Thursday’s meeting and move it to May 24, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the environmental fee and HB1437 was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II. Councilwoman Ann Miller seconded the motion passed 7-0.
STAFF REPORTS / UPDATES
Gateway Signage at Main Street and Morton Avenue – Council President Pro Tempore Phil Deckard II said he has received the original architectural files and blue- prints from the Engineer that did the original signs. Deckard said to reproduce the signage would cost around $1,050.00. A motion to proceed was made by Councilman Phil Deckard Sr. Councilwoman Suzie Lipps seconded the motion. The Motion passed 7-0.
Police Department / Chief John Richards – Richards asked to move forward with 12 hour shifts for the MPD. Richards said this would create 4 hours of over-time per week per officer. Richards asked that the overtime be allowed to be converted to straight time for the officers that will not be paid out, but the officer could take time off. Richards and Merida will work with City Attorney Dale Coffey to make the proposed changes to the Salary Ordinance, Employee Handbook and Police SOP’s.
NEW BUSINESS
Artesian Group / Annual Compliance Statements – Artesian Group submitted CF-1’s for the Council to consider. A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilwoman Ann Miller. Councilman Jim Wisco made the second. The Motion passed 7-0.
For Bare Feet / Annual Compliance Statements – For Bare Feet submitted their CF-1 for the Council to consider. A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilman Phil Deckard Sr. Councilman Phil Deckard II made the second. The Motion passed 7-0.
CLAIMS
Mayor Costin presented the Claims. A motion to accept and allow the Claims was made by Councilwoman Ann Miller, with Councilman Phil Deckard II making the second. The Motion passed 7-0.
COUNCIL COMMENT
None
PUBLIC COMMENT
Betty Chamberlain, 160 W. Jackson Street appeared to read aloud social media comments regarding the Gateway Signage. Ms. Chamberlain also said she supports our Fire and Police departments. Councilman Phil Deckard Sr. agreed with Ms. Chamberlain.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Costin declared the meeting adjourned.
