The Martinsville City Council convened on October 22 to discuss the city’s progress toward obtaining Main Street designation for Uptown and to review updates on the use of remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
The council heard from Spencer Koger, executive director of Uptown Partnership, regarding the city’s involvement in the Advancing Virginia Main Street (VMS) Program. VMS is a preservation-based economic and community development initiative that supports the revitalization of older and historic commercial districts.
“We are mobilizing main streeters right now,” said Koger, explaining the program’s community-wide benefits. Koger noted that achieving the Main Street designation would open up more opportunities for grants and inclusion in the National Main Street Program.
The council also discussed updates on the remaining ARPA funds, which total $1,175,104. These funds must be committed to spend by December 31, 2024. A request was made to allocate $400,000 to upgrade the city’s I.T. infrastructure, including cybersecurity and network systems, as current equipment has reached the end of its life and is no longer supported by suppliers.
In addition, the council reviewed a request for $300,000 in additional funding to complete an upgrade of the SCADA system, which is linked to the water and wastewater treatment plant. As of now, the city has $3,263,030 in ARPA funding that has not been spent or encumbered. All ARPA funds must be spent by December 31, 2026.
Council member Lawrence Mitchell urged residents to get out and vote in the upcoming election, while Council member Tammy Pearson confirmed that over 1,030 citizens had already voted. Pearson encouraged voters to “research the candidates, research where they stand on issues.”
In other business, Greg Maverick, city engineer, updated the council on safety improvements under consideration for the intersection at Massey Street, which has been flagged as a blind intersection. Maverick suggested the installation of a yellow flashing light and signage as the most viable option.
The council also approved the first reading of a public request to abandon the right-of-way at 406 James Street.
In other actions, the council:
– Recognized Bernard Page Brockenbrough for 59 years of service to the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company.
– Acknowledged Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a proclamation, honoring the MLC Cancer Foundation, which was received by Pat Via.
