East Central Reporter

City of Martinsville City Council met July 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Roll call was answered by the following council members and elected officials: Chris Davidson, Melinda Lovell, Troy Propst, John Skinner and David Doran with Mike Cribelar absent. Also in attendance were Mayor Herman Davidson, Clerk Marlene Wilhoit and Treasurer Melinda Owen. Employees and citizens in attendance are attached to the back of the minutes.

Before the minutes of the July 11th meeting was to be approved the Mayor ask for a clarification to the topic of conversation concerning sidewalks to the Dollar General store. The Mayor had discussed with the county engineer about using $5000 of the FY18 MFT program be used for sidewalk repair and to replace 2 large culverts (one at Ridgelawn Rd and Mill St and one at 13449 N Cleone Rd) not just to allow sidewalks to the new Dollar General Store.

**Motion by D Doran 2nd by J Skinner to approve minutes from 07-11-18 council meeting along with the clarification.

Upon roll call all council members present voted for the motion. (5)

The treasurer report for May & June combined was presented.

**Motion by D Doran 2nd by M Lovell to approve the treasurer report as presented.

Upon roll call all council members present voted for the motion. (5)

The City Attorney prepared an ordinance concerning use of public funds, property or credit, after request from last meeting of elected officials using city equipment for non-city projects, which caused great discussion on what actually took place building the entrance to Tally automotive and whether or not is was a city project. The Mayor stated that the money incentive was to entice Tally to build in Martinsville rather than another community. Councilman Davidson donated his time to build the entrance to Tally Automotive but used city equipment and employees to help. All materials were billed directly to the City but should have been billed to Tally and then brought to the city for reimbursement. All the work done on State right-of-way was approved before hand or waived. Paperwork should be on file in office. It was stated several times by Alderman Doran that this was not a city project and city employees should not have been helping. Questions were raised if elected officials are insured to be on equipment and as long as they are licensed to operate equipment they should be covered. This brought up the question as if any of the elected officials is actually a licensed back hoe operator. The council would like to see something in writing saying that Tally is responsible for anything that should go wrong with the entrance from here out and Councilman Davidson said he would have no problem getting this from Tally. The next time a project like this comes about council wants everything spelled out and followed. The city will clean and reshape the ditch along City right of way on this property but should not do anything on the property itself.

The attorney will present another ordinance to the effect that no elected officials are to use city equipment for any projects and present at next council meeting.

The sanctuary city resolution recommendation was again addressed. Bob Lovell had presented 3 or 4 copies of resolutions from other communities at an earlier meeting. Council suggested that he and Teresa Reynolds prepare a resolution to have prepared for the next council meeting for a vote.

Nothing has really come about for the sidewalk to the Dollar General store. The Mayor stated he has just been figure crunching to see if anything can come from MFT for sidewalks and also culvert replacements. It was suggested to contact County Highway Engineer to see if an additional MFT program can be drawn up

Zack Tally was not present to address council on business update due to prior engagement.

Kevin McReynolds of Coles County Regional Planning visited with the Mayor and questioned if the city wanted to re-apply for the CDBG grant for the new water tower. The only thing they could find wrong on our last application was the fact that abandoned homes and vacant lots were not separated and marked. Nothing else should need to be done to re-apply unless it would be for additional costs from the water engineer and the updated map. The filing date is in November.

Council was if favor of re-applying.

A list of trees that need to be cut was passed out and council is to see if there are others in their respective wards that need added and also to check for any stumps that need ground out. Council had no complaints of the company that received the bid on the last trees we had cut.

The city will be renting a stump machine from JJet to grind out the stumps themselves.

A letter of thanks was presented to council from Martinsville Heritage Days for our sponsorship of the Lloyd Wood Show.

Correspondence was received from Jason Goble of Francis Associates that the Safe Routes to School is back in action and whether the City wants to apply for either school again. More information will be forthcoming with council in favor.

Public Comments:

Melinda Lovell announced a meeting at Miss Barlow’s set for 8:30AM on the 26th with Clark County Development Organization (CCDO) for planning the Clark County’s 200th birthday in 2019. Anyone is invited to attend.

John Skinner commended the work around town of painting fire hydrants and curbs by the summer helpers and a shout out to all police involved in the recent drug arrests.

Christine Smith asked if concrete chunks could be hauled off from property at 413 N Ferrell Street so she can finish reshaping the ditch. She also ask if the tree stump that is in the ditch could be included on the stump list and Preston Rukes asked if the culvert could be looked at to see if they can get that area on Ferrell Street draining. They have cleaned this lot up and cut down trees to make it look much better.

With no other Public Comments:

**Motion by J Skinner 2nd by C Davidson to adjourn meeting @ 8:25PM.

Upon roll call, all council members present voted for the motion. (5)

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