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<br />April 14, 2009
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<br />encourage biking among children, families, seniors and others. The Mayor read
<br />the following proclamation declaring National Bike Month:
<br />
<br />WHEREAS, for more than a century, the bicycle has been an important part of the lives of many Am:ricans, and today residents of all ages
<br />throughout our great Commonwealth engage in bicycling for transportation, recreation, fitness, and fun; and
<br />WHEREAS, bicycling is the most efficient form of transportation and offers independent mobility for many Virginians traveling between work,
<br />school, and home, and the use of bicycles for transportation benefits all residents of Martinsville by easing traffl: congestion, reducing air pollution,
<br />and saving highway construction dollars; and
<br />WHEREAS, bicycling is recognized as an activity that can reduce the onset of chronic disease and reduce childhood obesity, ani consideration of
<br />bicycling in transportation and land use plalUJing, and in programs such as Safe Routes to School will help create ahealthier and more active
<br />community in Martinsville, Virginia; and
<br />WHEREAS, bicycling offers a mique perspective trom which residents and visitors may discover Virginia's natural beauty, history, and culture, and
<br />a vast network of scenic rural roads and pleasant weather conditions make Virginia a favorite destination for bicycling enthusiasts; and
<br />WHEREAS, the Commonwealth contains more miles of the U.S. Numbered Bicycle Route System thm any other state, and is the only place where
<br />two routes intersect, and Virginia is fortunate to play host to many organized recreational, charitable, and competitive bicycling events, each of which
<br />contributes much to Martinsville's economy; and
<br />WHEREAS, National Bike Month provides an opportlUlity to increase public awareness of the many benefits of bicycling, to promote bicycle safety,
<br />and to encourage bike riding through organized activities including, but not limited to physical education program Bike Smart Basics, city cycling
<br />confidence, ChainGanG "Earn-A-Bike" progranl, club rides, family rides and bike rodeos for children;
<br />NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kathy Lawson do hereby proclaim May 2009 as NATIONAL BIKE MONTH in the City of Martinsville and I call this
<br />observance to the attention of all our citizens.
<br />
<br />At a joint meeting of the Martinsville Council, Henry County Board of
<br />Supervisors, and Henry Martinsville Department of Social Services Board on April
<br />8, 2009, a Memorandum of Understanding was approved by the Henry County
<br />Board of Supervisors and the Henry Martinsville Department of Social Services.
<br />City Council agreed to consider the Memorandum of Understanding at this
<br />meeting after allowing time for public comments.
<br />Mayor Lawson opened the floor for public comment: Deborah France, 416
<br />Swanson St., stated she was against moving DSS to the Athena building as the
<br />Athena building represents the future; Kathy Rogers urged Council to consider
<br />approval of the MOU as it presents a win-win for all involved; Amy Tuttle pointed
<br />out that DSS desperately needs a building and that privacy issues are a real
<br />problem; Dr. Mervyn King pointed out DSS is definitely needed and they need to
<br />move into a place with less economic impact and need to consider shopping
<br />center options-he indicated he would offer office space in the McCollum Ferrell
<br />building he owns free of charge for two years; Ben Meador thanked Council for
<br />efforts in showing there could be cooperation; Rev. James Richardson stated it is
<br />past time to do something about housing DSS and he pointed out several
<br />questions he had regarding amount of the grant funds that may have to be paid
<br />back and what was the role of the EDC and was there advocacy for city and
<br />county regarding the Athena building.
<br />The Mayor then asked for Council member comments: Teague-need to
<br />approach as to what is in best interest of citizens, big concern was loss of revenue
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