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September 14, 2004 <br /> <br /> Mr. Collins introduced Dr. Allen Williams, the new director of Martinsville <br /> Uptown Revitalization Association. <br /> <br /> City Treasurer Pat Conrad reviewed current city collection procedures for <br /> real estate and personal property taxes. Ms. Conrad requested council's support <br /> for costs of the collections process and consideration of an ordinance adopting <br /> an additional procedure relative to collections. Council also discussed the <br /> property maintenance procedures for clearing non-maintained properties and city <br /> attorney's fees as related to the treasurer's land sales. The ordinance will be <br /> added to the September 28 agenda for a first reading. <br /> <br /> Mr. Collins presented recommendations regarding the proposed merger of <br />city Leisure Services with Henry County's Parks & Recreation Department. The <br />city manager recommended the city pursue shared programs, but decline to <br />merge the two departments. Mr. Collins cited a diluted level of service and other <br />reasons cited in staff reports as determining factors. Mr. Ferrill stated that his <br />opinion is that the city should tell the county it wants to do more, and while now is <br />not the time to enter a joint operation, both should pursue merged programs. <br />Mayor Cobbe expressed his disappointment that staff cited many reasons for not <br />merging departments but did not specifically cite reasons in favor of merging <br />programs. The city manager reiterated the staff's position that the merger not be <br />pursued, but that the two departments should work together to develop joint <br />programs. The item will not be placed on the agenda for the September 28 <br />meeting. <br /> <br /> <br />