Martinsville City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Alderman Harley Craig attended remotely via Zoom. Chris Davidson was absent.
Public Comment
During public comment, Dan Kibler presented a brief update on usage of the city’s website. Kibler reported that the site has attracted approximately 7,500 visitors with a total of 19,800 page views in the last six months. He also highlighted several of the site’s most-used features, including more than 1,100 visits to the online utility payment portal and nearly 200 clicks through to the city’s online ordinance library and the Martinsville Ag Fair site.
Kibler also reported that a Facebook post promoting the city’s Porch Pride Contest reached more than 3,500 people and generated 19 shares. Four contest entries were received, with two submitted through the website and two by email.
Community Solar
Good Energy, LP Senior Energy Consultant Jerod McMorris and Ampion Community Partnerships Executive Brian Buzby spoke to the council via Zoom meeting. McMorris said member communities had asked Good Energy to evaluate community solar options. McMorris said Good Energy evaluated multiple community solar providers before recommending Ampion.
The U.S. Department of Energy defines community solar as any solar project or purchasing program, within a geographic area, in which the benefits flow to multiple customers such as individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other groups. In most cases, customers benefit from energy generated by solar panels at an off-site array.
Ampion’s Brian Buzby explained that Ampion is a software and services provider to developers of renewable energy resources with over 40 developer clients. Illinois operates an incentive program that encourages development of community solar projects, allowing a portion of their value to be returned to subscribers through bill credits.
Alderman Harley Craig asked, “What’s the catch?”
Mr. Buzby said that there is no catch. Ampion offers a residential program and a commercial agreement where the city can save an additional 10% on city-owned facilities. An emphasis is required from the state on making sure those benefits get to low to moderate income residents.
Subscribers receive a monetary discount credit on their bill. The discount percentage for low to moderate income residents is 20%. Ampion works with the utility to make sure those benefits are passed on to subscribers. Buzby noted that community solar subscribers cannot be combined with on-site solar.
The council agreed to review materials that Ampion would be sending to residents and businesses.
Gas Infrastructure
Mayor Lovell updated the council about the ongoing gas infrastructure upgrades to support the improvements at iD Castings. He mentioned that Todd and Chris have been replacing various parts as needed, but noted also that the expenses add up quickly. The council approved the expenses.
Daycare Center Lease
The council voted to move forward with leasing the former gas department building to Taylor Manuel for $1 per month, contingent upon approval of a formal lease agreement drafted with the city attorney.
Mayor Lovell said the reduced lease rate is intended to encourage the establishment of a daycare, which council members have previously identified as a community need. He said the city would provide the building “as is” and would not pay for renovations or improvements.
Under the proposed arrangement, Manuel would be responsible for renovations, utilities and business insurance. The lease is also expected to address ownership of improvements made to the property should the business cease operating.
During discussion, council members questioned whether leasing city property to a for-profit business for a nominal amount was appropriate. Lovell responded that the incentive was designed specifically to help establish childcare services while allowing the city to retain ownership and oversight of the property.
Payroll Ordinance
The council approved the Payroll Ordinance for the 2027 fiscal year. Mayor Lovell explained that there were no changes to the pay rates for employees this year.
Cumberland Street
The City received bids from Ne-Co Asphalt Co. and Howell Construction for the MFT resurfacing of Cumberland Street from York Street to Washington Street. The Council approved the $79,000 bid from Ne-Co Asphalt Co., noting that the City will have approximately $20,000 in reserve.
Alderman Chris Perry said, “that’s an awful lot of money to just do one block.” Chip and seal was dismissed as an alternative, with some council members calling it a “band-aid on top of a band-aid.”
Officer Tim Wilson asked when the work was scheduled to be done, reminding the mayor about the Block Party to be held on August 28 and 29. Lovell said that it was to be done later this summer.
Updates and Council Comments
Splash Pad
Mayor Lovell said the contractor must have the splash pad substantially complete by Sept. 16 before contractual penalties begin. He said that means the water, lighting and major features must be operational, although minor landscaping may remain unfinished.
Lovell said materials for the associated sewer improvements had recently arrived.
Installation will begin with two new manholes, followed by relocation of a fire hydrant. Once that work is complete, construction of the beach volleyball court can begin.
Water Department Truck
Council member Ashley Wilhoit asked about the status of replacement Water Department truck. Collector Jana Spires said the city has been assigned a new claims representative after the previous adjuster left the insurance company.
Spires said that a check for the truck itself has been received, but noted that there was a dispute over the contents of the vehicle which were damaged in the fire. Spires said she had forwarded between $13,000 and $14,000 worth of quotes and photos of the burnt contents to the previous agent.
Sidewalks
Sidewalk improvements continue, with the mayor asking alderman Perry about the ginkgo tree in his yard. Streets and Alleys Supervisor Jesse Snearley expressed concerns that in fixing the sidewalk, the roots of the tree would be damaged, and the tree could die. The mayor noted that the City would replace the tree with one or more of the new trees it already has ready to plant.
Mobile Homes
The council also discussed ongoing enforcement of the city’s mobile home ordinance. Mayor Lovell addressed the one Travis Hill had mentioned in an earlier meeting, and said the concrete slab meets the city’s requirements for placement of the mobile home.
It was also noted that the City is expecting checks for recent damages to sidewalks and a stop sign. The mayor noted that the responsible party was not disputing the issue. One mobile home owner who had been warned about the requirement for skirting claimed that the former mayor had “told them they could take their time.”
Martinsville on the Move Grant
Martinsville on the Move previously planned to award a $20,000 grant to the City for tear down of the Lipscomb house. Instead the Fire Department took care of that demolition. Lovell noted that Martinsville on the Move redistributed those funds to purchase:
- two new mowers
- sand for the volleyball court
- rock for a walking path
- picnic tables and benches
Downtown Buildings
Chris Perry expressed concern about several vacant downtown buildings that continue to deteriorate. He especially noted that one can see through the windows that ceiling tiles in the former Sadie’s Restaurant have fallen.
Perry questioned the beautification efforts while several vacant buildings continue to deteriorate. Mayor Lovell said that’s a problem that every other small old town has, and can’t do much about as long as property taxes are paid.
Additional Actions
The council also approved the following actions:
- Minutes of the regular meeting held June 10, 2026
- Minutes of the Budget and Finance Committee meeting held on May 15, 2026.
- Payment of bills.
The next regular Martinsville City Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at City Hall. An Appropriations Public Hearing will be held before the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
