Much of the Martinsville City Council’s work sessions and regular sessions on June 14 were filled with discussions surrounding city committees and boards, plus the appointment of new members for many of them. This also included the announcement of several candidates for the upcoming two vacant school board seats.
The current school board chairman, Yvonne Givens, may be considered for re-appointment to the board. Michael Kirby, Kathy Carter and Tony Jones are three new members being considered as the seats for Givens and Cody Williams will expire on June 30. Interviews for the board seats begin at 9 a.m. on June 25.
The council also appointed 17 people to boards and commissions.
“In my earlier time in this council, we were pulling teeth to get people to serve on these boards and commissions. I think you can see the positive turn that is taking place in the city,” council member Tammy Pearson said, adding there were too many applicants for all the seats.
“The volunteers and our citizens are what make the city great,” she said, thanking those who were interested and adding that she looks forward to working with those who were appointed.
Two people appointed to the Architectural Review Board – Jess Jarrett and Jonathan Martin. Five were appointed to the Arts and Cultural committee board – Tracie Heavner, Shane Pinkston, Karen Despot, Kathleen McEvoy, and Jessica Dillon.
Martinsville Sheriff Steve Draper joined the Dan River Alcohol Safety Action Program. The terms for all of these committee members will expire on June 14, 2027.
The Planning Commission received two new members, DeShanta Hairston and Mack Evans. The Patrick Henry & Community College Board welcomed Pamela Allen. All three of these terms expire on June 14, 2028.
Cindy Frank and Billie White were appointed to the Children Services Act. The Emergency Housing & Community Support Commission welcomed Richard Harris, Ariel Johnson, and Craig McCloskey. The Pittsylvania County Community Action Agency Board welcomed Lydia Martin. All these appointments were given a term expiring on June 14, 2026.
Each board has its own requirements for appointments, and interviews are conducted to choose which citizens will fulfill the roles.
“We still have some interviews scheduled for a few remaining seats on some of these,” said vice mayor Aaron Rawls. More announcements will be made at the next council meeting on June 25.
Along with appointments, the council officially approved the Special Use Request for 1048 Independence Drive, which will allow artist Tony Williams to have a live/work art studio at the location.
In other matters, the council:
* Recognized the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s 65th anniversary.
* Recognized Patrick & Henry Community College softball team for winning nationals.
* Recognized National Flag Day
