Common Council Meeting Minutes – January 23, 2022

Common Council, News

Mayor Costin called the meeting Martinsville Common Council to order on Monday, January 23, 2023. Pastor John Maples of the First Baptist Church led the prayer. Mayor Costin led 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 present.

Councilwoman Ann Miller was absent.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Costin reminded everyone to sign up for RAVE. Mayor Costin shared with the Council the City’s current Sanitation Ordinance and photos of trash pick-ups.  Costin asked the Council to check their calendars for possible dates for a workshop concerning this issue.

MINUTES

Mayor Costin presented the Minutes of Monday, January 9, 2023, to he Council. A motion to accept and allow the Minutes was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II.  Councilman Phil Deckard Sr. seconded the motion. The Minutes were approved 6-0.

STAFF REPORTS

Fire Chief’s Report – Chief Kevin Greene reviewed 2022 for his department. Some of the calls the fire department responded to included: Operation Life Saver, water rescue, medical runs, fire runs, and inspections.

Police Chief’s Report – Chief John Richards reviewed 2022 for his department. Call outs included accidents, property damage, alarms, animal issues, K-9, welfare checks, traffic and warrants. 

Morgan County Economic Development Commission – MCEDC President Mike Dellinger appeared.  Dellinger reported he is receiving inquiries regarding the Rogers Block building.  Dellinger asked the Council if they were interested in redeveloping area.  Councilman Phil Deckard II made the motion to discuss this in an executive session.  Councilwoman Suzie Lipps seconded the motion.  The motion passes 6-0.

NEW BUSINESS

Citizen Representation Appointment to Redevelopment Commission – A motion to retain Dair Grant on RC was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II.  Councilwoman Suzie Lipps seconded the motion.  The motion passes 3-0.

Resolution 2023 – 0035 /Transfer of Funds – Deputy Clerk Ben Merida presented the Resolution to the Council.  Merida explained there has been no activity on the funds for several years and the monies could be transferred to the General Fund.  A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II.  Councilman Jim Wisco seconded the motion.  The motion passes 6-0.

Resolution 2023-0036 / Transfer of Parking Lot – City Attorney Dale Coffey presented the Resolution that will transfer of the parking lot just east of Churches in Mission to the same.  A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II.  Seconding the motion was Councilman Phil Deckard Sr.  The motion passes 6-0.

Agreement as to 55C01-2202-CT-000190 – City Attorney Dale Coffey asked the Council to approve the agreement.  A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II.  Councilman Ben Mahan seconded the motion.  A roll vote was taken: voting “yay” were Wisco, Lipps, Mahan and Deckard II.  Voting “nay” were Ferran and Deckard Sr.  The motion passes 4-2.

First Reading Ordinance 2022-0051/ Additional Appropriations/ 2023 Budget – A motion to suspend the rules and to take action tonight was made by Councilwoman Suzie Lipps.  Seconding the motion was Councilman Jim Wisco.  A motion to accept and allow was made by Councilwoman Suzie Lipps.  Seconding the motion was Councilman Jim Wisco.  The Motion passes 6-0.

CLAIMS

Mayor Costin presented the Claims.  A motion to accept and allow the Claims was made by Councilman Phil Deckard II. Councilman Ben Mahan seconded the motion.  The Motion passes 6-0.

COUNCIL COMMENT – Councilman Phil Deckard II asked about the South Street manholes that are not level with the street.  Department of Planning and Engineering Gary Oakes reported a final inspection with the State will occur in April.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mayor Costin declared the meeting adjourned.