Agenda 01/13/2009 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 9, 2008 The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Martinsville, Virginia, was held on December 9, 2008, in Council Chambers, Municipal Building, at 7:30 PM, with Mayor Kathy Lawson presiding. Council Members present included: Mayor Kathy Lawson, Vice Mayor Kimble Reynolds, Gene Teague, Mark Stroud, Sr., and Danny Turner. Staff present included: Clarence Monday, City Manager, Leon Towarnicki, Brenda Prillaman, Eric Monday, Wayne Knox, Scott Coleman, Mike Rogers, and Ruth Easley. Legislators present included: Congressman-elect Tom Perriello, Senator Roscoe Reynolds, Delegate Ward Armstrong and Delegate Don Merricks. Following the invocation by Council Member Mark Stroud, Sr. and Pledge to the American Flag, Mayor Lawson welcomed everyone to the meeting. On a motion by Gene Teague, seconded by Kimble Reynolds, Council approved with a 5-0 vote, the minutes of the November 22, November 24, and November 25,2008 meetings. City Attorney Eric Monday called on legislators present for comments on the City 2009 legislative agenda. Perriello: emphasized he will be a strong federal partner for the city and has a strong commitment to the area; Council asked that he push very aggressively funding for redevelopment of brownfields and blighted areas in the city; commented on alternative energy sources and energy prices; Council asked that he stay in close touch with Dr. Kizner and EDC to assist in making sure education dollars are available in educating young people and our existing and rising workforce as well as recruiting & retaining qualified teachers; comments on rail service and Council asked that he do anything that will strengthen infrastructure; Perriello indicated no decision has been made on locating one of his offices in Martinsville, but it is under consideration. Reynolds: urged Council to give consideration to a federal issue to reinstate funds for service at all employment offices across the state; comments made on transportation funds; he said Council's legislative list looked good and he will do all he can to push the items; comments on state spending on car tax; comments on possibility of a study of structure of local governments; he asked that Council advise legislators of suggestions on what to cut or other possible revenue streams.