Mayor Costin called the meeting Martinsville Common Council to order on Monday, February 28, 2022. Pastor Jeff Floyd led the prayer followed 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
- Jim Wisco, Councilman-at-Large
- Dale Coffey, City Attorney
- Rebecca Tumey, Clerk – Treasurer
- Ben Merida, Deputy Clerk
A quorum was declared present.
Clerk-Treasurer Becky Tumey was absent.
MINUTES
Mayor Costin presented the Minutes of Monday, February 14 2022. to the Council. A motion to accept and allow the Minutes was made by Councilwoman Ann Miller. Councilman Phil Deckard Sr. seconded the motion. The Minutes are approved 7-0.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Costin made comments regarding the ORCA grant Stability First was awarded earlier today. Stability First is recovery housing for men. Costin went on to announce Duke Energy will be remediating their property on West Mulberry. Finally, Mayor Costin said he had met with Rob Helms regarding the City’s upcoming Bicentennial. It was agreed there will no additional funds.
Mayor Costin adjourned the Council meeting to open the Public Hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING
A petition to vacate public ways was presented by Morgan County Commissioner Brian Collier, Morgan County Administrator Josh Messmer and Eric Ratts of DLZ. The County requests certain alleys be vacated to accommodate additional expansion around 180 S. Main Street.
Mayor Costin called for comments from the public. Some of those commenting included Andrea Ashbrook, Cassie Craney, Diane Veach, Cecilia Kreff, Betty Chamberlain, Wendy Pryor, Teresa Rinnert, Diane Jennings, Janice Kissler, Gary Oakes, and Jim Burkhart. Messmer and Collier returned to the podium to answer questions. Mayor Costin called an additional three times for comments. Hearing None, the public hearing was closed.
Mayor Costin reconvened the Council meeting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Council Appointee to the Fire Merit Board – This item was tabled until March 14th.
NEW BUSINESS
- Ordinance 2022-0034 / Vacate Mulberry Street – City Attorney Dale Coffey presented the proposed ordinance. As this was the first reading, action will be taken on March 14th.
- Ordinance 2022-0035 / Vacate Mulberry Street (Alley) – City Attorney Dale Coffey presented the proposed ordinance. As this was the first reading, action will be taken on March 14th.
- Ordinance 2022-0036 / Hanna Farms – City Attorney Dale Coffey presented the proposed ordinance. As this was the first reading, action will be taken on March 14th.
- 2021 Annual Financial Report – Deputy Ben Merida asked the Council to acknowledge they have received a copy of the 2021 AFR. This is not to declare if they approve or disapprove, simply that they received a copy. A motion to acknowledge receipt of the AFR was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II. Councilwoman Suzie Lipps seconded the motion. The Motion passes 7-0.
- Declaration of Vehicles Surplus- Superintendent Mac Dunn presented a list of seven vehicles that are surplus. The monies received from the sale of the vehicles will be used to equipment new vehicles. A motion to accept and allow was made by Phil Deckard II. Seconding the motion was Councilwoman Ann Miller. The Motion passes 7-0.
CLAIMS
Mayor Costin presented the Claims. A motion to accept and allow the Claims was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II. Councilman Jim Wisco. seconded the motion. The Motion passes 7-0.
COUNCIL COMMENT
Councilman Phil Deckard Sr. expressed concern over the lost of parking spaces downtown.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Cecelia Kreff is concerned about local businesses.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, Mayor Costin declared the meeting adjourned.
