Civic Issues

Anti-monotony standard for subdivisions

The board began discussing Martinsville's residential zones and subdivision rules to see if changes are needed to encourage more housing. Commissioners agreed to study Chapter 14 of the zoning code and resume the conversation in November.

Historic Downtown District request — 23 E. Washington St.

Two downtown businesses got sign approvals within the Historic Downtown District's size and design rules. The RootFolk Society's photography studio at 23 E. Washington St. will mount gold floating letters into the mortar, preserving the historic brick.

Historic downtown building remodel and business signage

Two downtown building facades got the go-ahead: First Christian Church at 89 S. Main and an office facade at 59 N. Jefferson. Both fit the historic downtown district's remodel review.

Zoning hearing covering HEA 1001

City officials reviewed House Enrolled Act 1001, a new state law designed to speed up housing construction and remove local roadblocks like certain building requirements. The law requires municipalities to review their development ordinances and report housing data to the state.

SR 44 Sun Energy Farms PUD subdivision (Forestar)

The City Council rejected the rezoning the Forestar solar-farm subdivision needed, and the plat docket died with it. The developer can't refile for a year, so this stretch of SR 44 stays as-is for now.

Sewer Bill Adjustments

Two property owners received sewer bill credits — one on East Gray Street and one on South Home Avenue.

Street paving project bids

The four blocks around the courthouse square are getting milled and repaved, with the city splitting the $228,780 cost with Morgan County. The city's $114,390 share comes from the stormwater fund.

Ethics, Nepotism and Council Procedure Resolutions

Four new rules are in the works: a policy on buying meals with city funds, updated council meeting procedures, required ethics training, and nepotism/conflict-of-interest procedures. All come back October 26.

489 E. Walnut St. unsafe building

The city is buying a run-down former church and living quarters for $1 plus about $1,500 in back taxes and plans to demolish it, possibly with grant funding.

Maple Hills subdivision rezone (159 lots on SR 252/44)

Councilors raised concerns that the Maple Hills subdivision nearly passed before the fire chief caught a code problem, prompting calls for better checks and balances and a plan commission workshop on September 22.

City Financial Health Report

Commission member Dair Grant gave a report on the MET, Martinsville's public transit service.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan

The board heard that Duke Energy donated and permanently installed cornhole boards at the park, and crews removed graffiti and repainted the Mulberry Street shelter with anti-graffiti paint. Small upgrades that improve the park experience.

Traffic study at Ohio and Ruth Rusie Drive

The traffic study at Ohio and Ruth Rusie Drive that the RDC ordered for $3,900 has been ordered and work is underway, with a site walkthrough planned after the meeting.

Park department staffing and salary ordinance

The park board sets pay for everyone who works at Martinsville's parks — from lifeguards and concession workers up to the superintendent. The 2027 plan keeps seasonal pay modest ($13-$18.25/hour) and full-time staff get health insurance, retirement contributions, sick-day buyback, and longevity pay. It shapes who the park department can attract and retain.

Attorney's report from Joseph Gaunt

City redevelopment attorney Joseph Gaunt was scheduled to give his regular legal update. In past meetings his reports have covered TIF-related matters.

M.E.T. theatre management transfer to Arts Council

The theater the city took over is still losing money each month and needed another $10,000 to keep going through the holidays. Operators promised a full budget by December, and are chasing sponsorships, grants, and bigger crowds to break even.

2025 Annual Report on TIF spending and projects

Monthly financial reports on the city's tax-increment financing (TIF) districts and GO Bond funds were scheduled for review. These reports show how redevelopment dollars are being collected and spent.

TIF district additions deferred to June

The mayor and city attorney discussed creating new TIF districts, which set aside future property tax growth in an area to pay for improvements there. Properties are also being reviewed as part of the effort.

TIF revenue and No Pass Through decision

The commission reviewed the annual report on Martinsville Consolidated TIF #1, which shows about $76 million of assessed value captured from other taxing units. Members voted to keep that revenue — "No Pass Through" — meaning schools, the county, and the city won't get that property tax back, though the TIF funds are slated for infrastructure like sewers, roads, and sidewalks.

2027 Salary Ordinances

Both 2027 pay plans passed. Board of Works members now get $350/month, other appointed boards $125/month, and police and fire chiefs were aligned to the pay matrix.

Trick-or-Treating Street Closures

A resident asked to close East Washington Street between Sycamore and North Second for trick-or-treating on October 31. The board liked the idea but wants the organizer present to answer questions about traffic control and neighbors' access before approving it.

Home for the Holidays Christmas Parade Route

Legendary Hills Lift Station Bids

The city is building an access drive to the Lower Legendary Hills lift station, a piece of sewer infrastructure on the city's south side. Bid opening was on the agenda.

Flock Camera Agreement

Council paid for two more years of the Flock camera system after Chief Manley explained safeguards, 30-day data retention, and its role in solving recent homicides and shootings.

OCRA Stormwater Grant Application

The city is chasing a $750,000 state grant to fix undersized, flooding storm sewers on six streets, putting up about $2.7 million locally. Third try for this grant — the priority statement helps score points.

2027 City Budget

The 2027 budget is 4% leaner than last year and expects to rebuild cash reserves, with full state approval. It passed 6-1 on second reading.

Downtown speed limits

A councilor asked about slowing traffic around the square after a near-miss, suggesting a 15 mph limit. Deputy Chief Brown will deploy the speed trailer to collect data.

Tulip Drive Real Estate Purchase

The city has been maintaining Tulip Drive for years without owning it. The council bought it from the landowner for $7,500, in line with appraisals.

Humane society animal control contract

A councilor asked whether the city is still getting animal control service under its $30,000 annual contract with the humane society, given reports the shelter is overcrowded and the county hasn't been paying.

Downtown lease for clerk-treasurer's office

The city will keep renting the lower level at 60 East Morgan Street for the clerk-treasurer's office, but at a lower price — $3,400 a month for a year starting October 1. That's real savings on rent for taxpayers.

Levee project lawsuit settlement

FEMA approved the city's levee, triggering a 90-day public comment period. By early next year, property owners can ask their banks and insurers to remove flood insurance requirements.

Traffic study ordered

The agenda notes a traffic study has been ordered, though no discussion appears in the recording.

SR 44 Water & Sewer Extension design expansion

Mayor Costin updated the commission on running water and sewer lines to the new subdivision between State Road 44 and State Road 252. That infrastructure is a prerequisite for new homes and growth there.

Sunrise Yoga venue selection

The board was set to decide where the Sunrise Yoga program will be held. Program location can affect accessibility and park usage.

Park maintenance equipment and pond conditions

Updates were scheduled on the mower and the pond — the basics that keep parks usable and looking decent.

Comprehensive Plan update discussion

Commissioner Richard Durnal flagged that some rezoning petitions this year don't match the future land use map, which hasn't been updated in about four years. The commission agreed to raise it at the joint training session instead of a separate executive meeting.

Joint training session with City Council and BZA

The commission wants a strong turnout for a late-September joint training meeting with the City Council and Board of Zoning Appeals, led by a retiring state planning expert. Members say it's the last chance to learn from her before she retires in November.

Downtown street closures for Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Spectacular

Downtown streets will close December 5-6 for the Bobby Helms Christmas festival and tree lighting, including a Santa barn delivered Saturday morning. Residents and businesses along Morgan, Jefferson and Pike Streets should expect closures from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and notice from the organizers at least 48 hours ahead.

Penny rounding procedures

New procedures let cash transactions be rounded to the nearest penny, reflecting the phase-out of penny distribution.

Cashless and electronic payment procedures

The city now has formal procedures for accepting electronic and cashless payments, making paying for city services easier.

65 W. Morgan St. unsafe structure

Bricks falling out, windows open, holes in the walls — neighbors are dealing with a deteriorating building that anyone can enter. The board gave the owner 30 days to board it up or the city steps in and liens the property.

Unsafe and blighted properties across Martinsville

The board is tracking several properties with roof damage, garage issues, and broken windows, and is using certified letters to push owners toward repairs. So far no demolition or fine orders have been issued — the approach is still voluntary compliance.

599 E. Morgan St. restaurant grease trap and roof

A restaurant's grease trap concrete is caving in over a cavity, and the roof remains unrepaired after years of broken promises. A sinkhole has opened in the parking lot. The board is sending a deadline letter before considering stronger orders.

Citywide ordinance code cleanup

Housekeeping legislation: Chapter 66, Article 2, Section 37 of the city code would be wiped out because Chapter 38 already covers the same ground. No effect on most residents.

North Sycamore Street parking and pedestrian safety

Parking on both sides of Sycamore between Harrison and Cunningham has gotten dangerous, with kids crossing between cars. The police chief will be asked to review it and report back.

Downtown parking and one-way street conversions

The amended April 13 minutes lock in the police chief's Phase I list of downtown streets to be converted to one-way with one-side parking, covering Harrison, Pike, Walnut, Jackson, Washington, and 5th Streets.

Hampton tort claim

Martinsville joined a national settlement with six regional drug distributors and dispenser companies over their role in the opioid crisis. How much money the city could receive isn't known yet, and signing on released claims against these defendants.

School district capacity concerns

Commissioner Rick Heacock raised the loss of two of three city elementary schools within a year and suggested a technical advisory committee to get input from police, fire, and the MSD of Martinsville Schools on large developments.

Traffic and access safety at SR 44 entrance

The development dropped its original SR 252 entrance (a dangerous hill and curve) in favor of the existing Faith Church curb cut on SR 44. INDOT will require an updated traffic study and possibly turn lanes, with the fire department having input on the boulevard design.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements

The treatment plant's grit removal and ultraviolet disinfection equipment is about 20 years old and has been down for a while. This contract funds the engineering design and permitting now so a contractor can start construction when disinfection season ends October 31.