Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. Commissioners approved the consent agenda, received staff and Town Council reports, and heard no public comments or public hearing testimony. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda by voice vote, with all in favor and none opposed, including the October 6, 2026 Planning Commission meeting minutes. - Scheduled a public hearing for December 1, 2026, on Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) 57, which addresses marijuana uses and vape sales. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period, and no public hearings were held. Discussion Items - Unfinished Business: The Historic or Design Review Board representative was not present. A commissioner who listened to the Montgomery County Planning Commission reported that the county commission discussed marijuana/vape sales zoning similar to Blacksburg, a special use permit compliance matter for Altamond's Campground near Floyd County (where improvements had been made since the 1980s), and a cell tower fixture. The commissioner noted the challenge of reviewing land adjacent to unzoned Floyd County, including the absence of Floyd County GIS data. - Additional Commissioner Item: A commissioner asked about a fence on library property next to a house. The Town Council representative responded that a resident had raised the issue, John Boyer of Public Works determined the wooden fence is on library property, and staff are working on the matter. - Planning Director's Report: Nick Baker, filling in for Andrew and Kenzie, announced a Planning Commission work session on November 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Blacksburg Motor Company's conference room one. Topics will include the marijuana/vape use ordinance review (with staff updates and a use matrix developed with legal), a Recode Blacksburg technical report follow-up, and a development project update. Baker also reminded the commission that the Blacksburg Horizon Survey, the comprehensive plan update survey, is open to the public until December 18, 2026, through the Let's Talk Blacksburg website; the current public engagement round has ended, and the next round will begin next year. - Chair's Report: The chair offered no formal report but encouraged public participation in the comprehensive planning process, describing it as the backbone of what the commission and Town Council implement and noting it will shape Blacksburg over the next 10, 15, 20, 50, and 100 years. - Town Council Report: The Town Council representative reported that Town Council did not hold its normal work session because of a special election to fill two Town Council seats for one-year terms. At the prior business meeting, Council held a public hearing on updating the town charter to reflect current boundaries. Boundaries had not been surveyed since 1973; the update was administrative, and the General Assembly must approve the charter change. The town's delegate and state senator agreed to carry the legislation. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the October 6, 2026 meeting minutes and the December 1, 2026 public hearing on ZOA 57. - Scheduled the next Planning Commission work session for November 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.; the next regular meeting is December 1, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. - The Blacksburg Horizon Survey remains open until December 18, 2026, and the next public engagement round will resume next year.

The Blacksburg Town Council held its regular meeting on October 27, 2026, with all council members present. The council approved routine minutes, held one public hearing on a town charter boundary amendment, and heard extended citizen comments about the town's Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) program. Council reports and announcements covered regional boards, upcoming events, transit ridership, and the town's comprehensive plan update. Consent Agenda - The council approved the Town Council minutes from October 6, 2026 and October 13, 2026 by unanimous vote. Public Hearing: Charter Boundary Amendment - Staff presented Resolution 10-D-26, a request to the Virginia General Assembly to amend Blacksburg Town Charter Section 1.02 to update the town's corporate boundaries. The change reflects an updated boundary survey completed in 2025 that corrected the 1973 boundary survey; the new boundary had already been adopted after public hearings by both the Town Council and the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors in 2025. Staff described the amendment as administrative. - No members of the public commented during the hearing. - The council discussed the matter briefly and approved Resolution 10-D-26 unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Jessica Latasti, a Montgomery County resident who identified with Blacksburg, said she filed a FOIA request for the town's Flock Safety contract and read contract language allowing Flock to access, use, preserve, or disclose data if legally required or based on a good-faith belief, plus a broad license for aggregated data. She asked the council to review the contract and remove the cameras. - Laura Brown, a Blacksburg resident, said organizing to deflock was a continuation of work for at-risk community members. She cited federal overreach concerns from Minneapolis, stated that 153 municipalities had discontinued Flock contracts as of September 2026, including Christiansburg, and argued that the problem is what happens to data in the cloud under corporate ownership. She called on the town to abandon the Flock partnership. - Dee Dee Reagan, who lives on Harding Avenue, said a Flock camera about 100 feet from her house appeared to be pointed toward her front yard, porch, and driveway. She cited the Fourth Amendment and mosaic theory and asked council members to consider how they would feel if a camera were pointed at their homes. - Connie Fitzsimmons, now living in Montgomery County's District A, read a list of Virginia counties and municipalities that have ended, suspended, or declined to continue Flock/ALPR contracts, including Montgomery County's suspension in September and nearby municipalities such as Christiansburg, Lynchburg, and Martinsville. - Dale Wimmerley, a Blacksburg resident speaking for the NRV Indivisible leadership team, said the group is concerned about possible election interference around the November 3 election and asked council members to publicly and loudly condemn any serious election interference, use press statements, and stand with residents in protest if it occurs. - A Radford-area resident said she avoids shopping in Blacksburg because she feels watched, and also raised concerns about handicap parking access and a preference for police foot patrols over camera surveillance. - Layla Dobis, a Radford resident who comes to Blacksburg for medical appointments, demanded no Flock cameras, no mass surveillance, and removal of installed cameras, saying the surveillance feels Orwellian and makes people avoid entering town. - Wade Correll, a Radford resident, said he does not want Americans spied on, questioned whether the public can trust technology company executives, and argued that such systems do not prevent crimes. He urged the council to vote down the surveillance systems. - Leslie Harwood, a Blacksburg resident, asked why the council had not already addressed the issue, citing Montgomery County's discontinuation, Arlington County's removal of 41 cameras over public trust, and Henrico County's termination. She called on the council to lead a public conversation rather than wait for the contract to expire. - An additional speaker detailed what he described as Flock's accuracy failures, citing a 71% inaccuracy rate in Rosefield, California, and multiple incidents in which misread license plates led to wrongful stops or arrests. - Nina Jaworski, a Blacksburg resident, said her son and other middle and high school students are uncomfortable with the cameras, questioned why the cameras are painted black, and said the constant surveillance sends a message that residents are guilty until proven innocent. Discussion Items - After citizen comments, the presiding council member thanked speakers and said the town is listening. He outlined current safeguards: Virginia state law limits ALPR use to specific law enforcement purposes, retains data for 21 days unless tied to an investigation, and restricts sharing. Blacksburg has shortened retention to 7 days, limited searches to violent crimes, missing persons, stolen vehicles, and active threats, and ended automatic data sharing with other agencies except Virginia Tech Police. The town has also declined data requests that do not meet its standards. He said the General Assembly will likely revisit ALPR in 2027. - Blacksburg Police Chief John Claire said he lives near a Flock camera and takes the concerns seriously. He said his focus is protecting Blacksburg's 50,000 residents and sometimes 110,000 visitors, especially during high-intensity events. The police department is exploring options with direct end-to-end control, town-owned equipment, and no off-site cloud storage, while avoiding a gap in capabilities. - A council member described the tension between concerns about Flock's for-profit cloud surveillance network and reasonable uses of ALPR, such as tracking an active shooter entering town or finding a trafficking victim. The council member said the town should explore alternative vendors without cloud storage where the town owns and controls the system end to end. Council Reports - The Planning Commission liaison reported on a work session about a future ordinance regulating cannabis facility locations and operations; staff will return in November with more information and the matter may come to council next year. - The New River Valley Passenger Rail Station Authority is targeting the third quarter of 2027, ideally before Virginia Tech's fall semester, with construction schedule risk cited as the main concern; the Radford overnight facility is progressing. - Other reports covered a tourism board update, Montgomery County's 250th anniversary celebration, the Montgomery County Economic Development Council, the New River Valley Agency on Aging, and a Public Arts Committee tour of Roanoke's public art. Council Announcements - Council members promoted the grand opening of The Local, Saturday downtown trick-or-treating, and the Blacksburg Holiday Parade during the Winter Lights festival on December 4, 2026. - Residents were reminded to vote before November 3, 2026, with information on three ballot amendments available in the lobby. - The town is beginning work on its comprehensive plan update, branded as Blacksburg Horizons; surveys and maps will accept input until December 18, with planning staff at the farmers market October 28 and October 31. - Blacksburg Transit received the inaugural Hill Spencer Ridership Award, moved just over 4.7 million passengers in 2025 (a 26% increase), and is recognized as the fifth largest transit system in Virginia. - The November 3 work session is canceled because it is Election Day; the next regular meeting is Tuesday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m., and the next work session is November 17. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously: minutes from October 6 and October 13, 2026. - Resolution 10-D-26 approved unanimously, authorizing the town to request a General Assembly amendment to Town Charter Section 1.02 for updated corporate boundaries. - No vote was taken on Flock Safety or ALPR; council members and the police chief said they will continue evaluating alternatives, including vendors with town-owned equipment and no off-site cloud storage. - The council noted current ALPR safeguards in Blacksburg and anticipates state legislative action on ALPR in 2027.

Introductory paragraph: The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on October 16, 2026, at the Blacksburg Motor Company. The agenda included an FY25 audit presentation, review of public hearings scheduled for October 27 and November 10, 2026, and a land development projects update. Note: The agenda lists the meeting date as October 20, 2026, while the provided date is October 16, 2026. Discussion Items - FY25 Audit Presentation: No discussion or decisions are available from the transcript, which only contains the fragment 'And I've got more.' - Review of Public Hearing Scheduled for October 27, 2026: Resolution 10-D-26 regarding an amendment to Blacksburg Town Charter Section 1.02 on corporate boundaries. No discussion recorded. - Review of Public Hearing Scheduled for November 10, 2026: Ordinance 2123 authorizing lease of space on the Alleghany Street Water Tank to Virginia Tech. No discussion recorded. - Land Development Projects Update: No discussion recorded. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, or directives were recorded in the available materials.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on October 13, 2026, at the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The meeting featured unanimous approval of a consent agenda, three public hearings on code amendments, citizen comments regarding a denied sewer backup insurance claim, appointments to a town board, and various council reports and community announcements. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes: Approved minutes from the September 1, 8, and 15, 2026 meetings. - Resolution 10-B-26: Approved a resolution supporting the town's participation in the Virginia Main Street Program. - Resolution 10-C-26: Approved a resolution re-referring proposed zoning ordinance amendments to regulate the retail sales of marijuana, tobacco, and hemp products to the Planning Commission. - Charter Amendment: Scheduled a public hearing for October 27, 2026, on a resolution to amend the town's corporate boundaries (Town Charter Section 1.02). - Ordinance 2123 (Water Tank Lease): Introduced an ordinance authorizing a lease of space on the Alleghany Street Water Tank to Virginia Tech and scheduled a public hearing for November 10, 2026. The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0). Public Hearings - Ordinance 2073 (Homestay Update): Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer presented housekeeping updates to align the town code with state law. Changes included revised ownership and registration requirements and a reduction of the penalty from a $1,000 criminal fine to a $500 civil penalty. No public comment was offered. The council approved the ordinance unanimously (7-0). - Ordinance 2117 (Meals Tax Update): Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer presented amendments to update definitions (e.g., including food trucks, breweries, and caterers), align exemptions with state law, and establish an escalating penalty for late payments (up to 25%). No public comment was offered. The council approved the ordinance unanimously (7-0). - Ordinance 2121 (Utility Easement): Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer presented an ordinance authorizing a 40-year utility easement over town property to Appalachian Power Company (AEP) to connect solar panels installed at Blacksburg Transit to the grid. It was reported the solar panel installation was approximately 50% complete. No public comment was offered. The council approved the ordinance unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Five members of the Blacksburg Church of Christ (BCOC) at 610 Palmer Drive addressed the council regarding a sewage backup on July 4, 2026, following a heavy rain. - Randall Burch (trustee/elder) presented evidence, including a check from the town for a similar 2017 backup, arguing the town had prior knowledge of root issues in the sewer main. He requested the council appoint a committee to review the claim, which was denied by the town's insurer (VRSA), detailing over $40,000 in damages. - Paul and Sandy Leichner, and Drew Taylor described the financial burden on the modest congregation, the extensive damage from raw sewage (including in the finished basement and nursery), and the church's community outreach programs. Drew Taylor described the scene as "hundreds of gallons of sewage" backing up into the building. - Mayor Sutphin acknowledged the severity of the situation and committed to reviewing the submitted materials with town staff. Appointments - The council unanimously approved appointments to the reconstituted Police Towing Advisory Board: Captain J. Teubert (Blacksburg Police Department), Buddy Mason (All Call Towing), Arthur Balarzs (Auto Repair), Johnnie Self (Campus Automotive), and Arthur Shaheen (Citizen Advisor). Council Reports & Announcements - Councilmember Goodhart reported the Blacksburg Farmers Market achieved 200,000 social media views, hosted 262 participants at an apple tasting, and announced upcoming events (garden-themed book swap, author talk with Diane Flint, Double SNAP match on October 17). - Councilmember Campbell promoted the grand opening of "The Local" retail incubator on October 14. - Vice Mayor Anderson reported on the Virginia Municipal League Annual Conference, the Montgomery County Liaison Committee meeting (September 23), the New River Valley Regional Commission meeting (September 24), and the inaugural Virginia Tech Student Summit (September 25), expressing hope it becomes an annual event. - Mayor Sutphin reviewed recent proclamations for Welcoming Week, Hispanic Heritage Month, and National Service Dog Month. - Councilmember Colliver reminded the public that early voting is active, including Sunday hours on October 18, 2026, and noted the voter registration deadline is October 23, 2026. - Vice Mayor Anderson alerted the public to three Virginia constitutional amendments on the ballot covering reproductive justice, marriage equality, and restoring voting rights for felons, directing attendees to informational pamphlets in the lobby. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda (minutes, Main Street program, marijuana/tobacco zoning referral, charter amendment public hearing, water tank lease public hearing) unanimously (7-0). - Adopted Ordinance 2073 (Homestay updates and $500 civil penalty) unanimously (7-0). - Adopted Ordinance 2117 (Meals tax definitions and escalating late penalty up to 25%) unanimously (7-0). - Adopted Ordinance 2121 (Utility easement for AEP solar connection) unanimously (7-0). - Agreed to review the sewer backup claim from Blacksburg Church of Christ with town staff. - Approved appointments to the Police Towing Advisory Board unanimously (7-0).

The League of Women Voters and the NAACP hosted a candidate forum for the Blacksburg Town Council special election. Candidates Leslie C. Harwood and Joel Ayer Goodhart, vying for two open seats to complete a term ending in December 2027, answered audience questions on their priorities, experiences, and local issues. Candidates' Opening Statements - Leslie C. Harwood: A 26-year resident and former Virginia Tech student, Harwood stated she was motivated to run by a perceived breakdown of trust between residents and town government. Her campaign focuses on restoring trust through transparency, proactive communication, and better utilizing community resources (including Virginia Tech) to solve local challenges. - Joel Ayer Goodhart: A current appointed council member, Goodhart highlighted his year of experience on the council. His priorities include seeing the Recode Blacksburg zoning code reform through to completion, expanding transportation options (citing his work leading a local elementary school bike bus), and improving financial transparency for the town. Priorities for the Upcoming Year - Goodhart: His primary priority is zoning code reform to address the affordable housing crisis, noting the zoning code is 30 years out of date. He also prioritized expanding transportation options (pedestrian safety, bike infrastructure) and implementing new financial tracking software for transparency. - Harwood: Framed her 11 platform priorities as a single process centered on transparency and communication. She emphasized restoring resident trust in local government, strengthening the town-Virginia Tech partnership, strategic long-term planning, and converting good ideas into actionable results. Experience and Committee Appointment Process - Harwood: Shared her experience applying for a town committee and being informed her application was not presented to the council for consideration. She raised concerns that an inside connection (a letter of recommendation from a council member) was needed to be considered. She argued the appointment process needs to be clearly explained and equitable. - Goodhart: Cited his service on the Planning Commission, Parks and Rec Advisory Committee, Friends of the Farmers Market, Housing and Community Development Committee, and his current role on council as preparation for the full term. Pedestrian Safety - Goodhart: Advocated for safer crosswalks, though he noted flashing beacons cost approximately $15,000 each, making them difficult to install at every intersection. He suggested lower-cost traffic calming measures to change driver behavior. - Harwood: Emphasized using her program management experience to convene subject matter experts (e.g., from Virginia Tech) to evaluate the specific problems and recommend the best solutions before committing to a plan. Affordable Housing - Harwood: Argued that zoning decisions from decades ago are a primary barrier. She stressed that Blacksburg must take the initiative on housing solutions before the state government mandates action, and wants the town to become a model for addressing affordability by leveraging local expertise. - Goodhart: Discussed the Legacy on Maine project, noting it required over a dozen funding sources and that over 100 people opposed it when it was approved. He argued that council must grapple with difficult land use decisions to allow for more "missing middle" housing, infill, and mixed-use development. Community Engagement and Council Meeting Structure - Harwood: Proposed ideas from community members: adding a sign outside the municipal building advertising upcoming agenda items, hosting engaging presentations before council meetings (e.g., from local museums), and moving work sessions from midday to the evening after regular meetings to increase public participation. - Goodhart: Directed residents to the Citizens Alert system and Let's Talk Blacksburg website to stay informed. He expressed openness to the idea of speakers at meetings. Low Candidate Turnout - Harwood: Expressed disappointment, viewing the low number of candidates as a symptom of a feeling among residents that their voices do not matter. She is working with student interns to create a guide for future candidates to lower the barrier to entry. - Goodhart: Noted that the special election is for a one-year term, which is a significant disincentive compared to a four-year term, explaining the lack of additional candidates. Local Businesses (Recognition and Minority-Owned) - Both candidates expressed strong support for recognizing long-standing local businesses. - Harwood: Stressed the need for a better support system for small and minority-owned businesses, noting a business owner told her the process of starting up was very difficult and they did not feel supported by staff. - Goodhart: Tied business growth to zoning, advocating for more mixed-use space and supporting the Local at 414 business incubator to create opportunities. License Plate Readers / Flock Cameras - Harwood: Opposes the continued use of Flock cameras. She stated the risks to privacy outweigh the benefits, citing documented cases of unauthorized use. She criticized the lack of a dedicated public discussion in Blacksburg on the issue. - Goodhart: Expressed a deeply conflicted position. He stated he dislikes Flock as a company (a "for-profit mass surveillance network"). However, he outlined specific scenarios where automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology is critical for law enforcement (active shooter, recovering a stolen car with children, protective order monitoring). He supports seeking an on-premises ALPR vendor over Flock's cloud model and recommends waiting until the Flock contract ends in March 2027 to see if new regulations provide guardrails. Student Growth and Traffic - Goodhart: Argued for accommodating student growth near campus to reduce traffic, and for reducing car dependency by creating walkable, bikeable neighborhoods with access to daily needs. - Harwood: Emphasized that Virginia Tech and Blacksburg growth are intertwined. She called for moving away from an "us vs. them" mentality and establishing joint long-term planning to manage the impacts on transportation and public safety. Annexation - Goodhart: Expressed caution, citing the long-term financial costs of maintaining expanded infrastructure (roads, pipes) and citing Roanoke City's budget cuts resulting from sprawl as a warning. - Harwood: Prefers a case-by-case approach. She does not support annexing land simply to increase the tax base, preferring to focus on revitalizing vacant and dilapidated properties downtown to generate revenue. Income Inequality and Housing Supply - Goodhart: Connected income inequality to the housing shortage. He stated the region needs about 5,000 units of housing but only 300 are currently planned. He cited the ADU ordinance he worked on (with approximately 15-16 ADUs built) as a successful example of creating starter housing stock. - Harwood: Reiterated the need to proactively learn from other communities and take initiative on housing before the state forces changes upon localities. Key Outcomes - The forum presented two distinct visions: Harwood centered her campaign on systemic reform of transparency, trust, and community engagement processes, while Goodhart leveraged his appointed incumbency, focusing legislative priorities on zoning, transportation, and financial prudence. - Strong disagreements emerged on the use of Flock cameras, the fairness of the town's committee appointment process, and the best methods for increasing community engagement. - The moderators concluded the forum by urging citizens to vote in the upcoming special election.

This meeting consisted solely of a public notice regarding town council members' potential attendance at the 2026 Virginia Municipal League Annual Conference from October 11–13, 2026. The notice explicitly stated that this was not a scheduled meeting where any business would be transacted. No minutes were recorded, and the only available transcript fragment ("And I've got more.") provides no substantive discussion, votes, or decisions.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held its regular monthly meeting on October 6, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Chair Mel Jones presided. Commissioners Brian Britt, Michael Ermann, Mel Jones, Blaine Keesee, and Susanna Rinehart were present. Director Andrew Warren and Planning Technician Kasey Thomsen were also present. Commissioners Jerry Ford and Latanya Walker were absent. The meeting was brief, adjourning at 6:34 PM to proceed with a scheduled work session on the ReCode Blacksburg technical report. Consent Calendar - The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the September 1, 2026 meeting. Susanna Rinehart made the motion, seconded by Brian Britt. The motion passed 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public hearings were scheduled and no public comments were made. Discussion Items - Planning Director's Report: Andrew Warren reminded commissioners to complete and promote the Blacksburg Horizons Comprehensive Plan survey, noting upcoming outreach at the farmers market. - Marijuana and Vaping Regulations: Warren informed the Commission that the previous referring resolution from Town Council regarding marijuana and vape sales zoning regulations had expired. He anticipated a new referring resolution from Council at its October 13, 2026 meeting, with Commission discussion to begin at the October 20 work session. - Committee Reports: The Zoning Ordinance Review Committee had not met, the Historic or Design Review Board had nothing to report, and no report was given from the Montgomery County Planning Commission. Chair Jones had no report. - Town Council Report: Town Council representative Jerry Ford was not in attendance to provide a report. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The consent agenda was approved unanimously. - ReCode Blacksburg Work Session: The regular meeting adjourned at 6:34 PM to move to the first-floor conference room for a work session. The session featured a presentation from the town's consultant, Chris Jennette of Camiros, LTD, on the technical report for ReCode Blacksburg. - Upcoming Schedule: The next work session is scheduled for October 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM, where discussion on the marijuana and vape zoning regulations is expected to begin. The next regular meeting is November 3, 2026.

In a work session held on October 2, 2026 (noting that the meeting agenda and minutes list the date as October 6, 2026), the Blacksburg Town Council received updates on the ReCode Blacksburg project, a Virginia Main Street Program application, and discussed several administrative matters. Councilmembers Jerry Ford, Jr. and Andrew Kassoff were absent. The session adjourned to a closed meeting for real property acquisition and legal counsel discussions. Discussion Items ReCode Blacksburg Update Chris Jeanette and Mitch Perona of Camiros presented the Phase One technical report and schedule for the Town’s comprehensive modernization of its zoning and subdivision ordinances. The goal is to create a unified development code that aligns with the Comprehensive Plan and community priorities, replacing separate zoning and subdivision regulations that have not had a full review in about 30 years. The presentation outlined proposed updates to zoning districts, permitted uses, development and parking standards, housing options, landscaping, signage, administrative procedures, and planned development processes to improve clarity, consistency, and flexibility. The project will proceed to ordinance drafting and public engagement, with a draft anticipated in summer 2027 and adoption targeted for late 2027 to early 2028, subject to public input and legislative changes. Virginia Main Street Program Application Business Relations Manager Angie Marcolini provided an update on Downtown Blacksburg initiatives, including the Town’s plans to apply for Virginia Main Street’s Exploring Main Street tier, which would provide access to grants, technical assistance, and program support. She highlighted façade grant awards totaling more than $77,000, upcoming downtown improvements, and coordinated marketing and event planning efforts. Council/Staff Discussion Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer announced that a renewed resolution regarding retail marijuana regulations will appear on an upcoming agenda. He also noted that the police towing contract is nearing expiration and the Police Towing Board will need to be reconvened to address the contract and appointments. Mayor Michael Sutphin presented Beth Valentine’s application for the Board of Zoning Appeals, noting she was the only applicant during the previous appointment round, but her application was received too close to the new appointments to be considered. He highlighted her relevant qualifications and asked Council for their thoughts on her potential appointment. Key Outcomes - The Council voted to adjourn to a Closed Meeting at 12:13 p.m. for discussions under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711 (A)(3) (potential acquisition of real property in central Blacksburg) and (A)(8) (legal counsel regarding alley access). The motion, moved by Vice Mayor Anderson and seconded by Councilmember Colliver, passed on a roll call vote (Anderson, Campbell, Colliver, Goodhart, Sutphin yes; Ford and Kassoff absent). - Council reconvened to Open Meeting at 1:04 p.m. and unanimously adopted Resolution 10-A-26 certifying the propriety of the Closed Meeting (moved by Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Colliver, passed 5-0; Ford and Kassoff absent).

This work session covered a countywide Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) study, three ordinances scheduled for public hearing, a Capital Improvement Program (CIP)/budget preview, and required FOIA training. The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as September 15, 2026, while this summary uses the specified date of September 11, 2026; that discrepancy is noted. The supplied raw transcript contains only the fragment "And I've got more." and added no substantive detail. Present were Mayor Michael Sutphin, Vice Mayor Susan Anderson, Councilmembers Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford Jr., and Joel Goodhart; Town Manager Marc Verniel; Town Attorney Lawrence S. Spencer (arrived late); and Town Clerk Lorraine S. Spaulding. Councilmember Darryl Campbell and Councilmember Andrew Kassoff were absent. Fire/Emergency Medical Services Study Presentation - Consultant Frank Edwards of Mission CIT presented the county's comprehensive Fire & EMS study, initiated about a year ago and described as the county's first countywide analysis treating all town and rural departments as a unified system. - The study addresses declining volunteerism, particularly in rural areas, and aims to develop a fair funding model that equitably distributes costs among the county and towns while addressing the growing reliance on paid Fire & EMS staff. Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for October 13, 2026 - Ordinance 2073 (Homestay): Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer summarized the ordinance, which updates the Town's Homestay regulations to align with state law changes and establishes civil, rather than criminal, penalties. He noted the revised Homestay penalties had been previously addressed by Council. - Ordinance 2117 (Meals Tax): Spencer explained the ordinance updates the meals tax code to clarify definitions and exemptions and adds a cumulative penalty of up to 25% for late payments. - Ordinance 2121 (Utility Easement): Spencer described the ordinance authorizing a utility easement over Town property near the Blacksburg Transit Building to Appalachian Power Company (AEP). Sustainability Manager Carol Davis added that the project will include installation of a new pole to support AEP equipment. Capital Improvement Program / Budget Preview - Town Manager Marc Verniel provided a preview of the FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program, focusing on economic conditions, revenues, service costs, and long-term financial planning. - Staff noted that CIP priorities and assumptions will be refined before a recommended CIP is presented to Council. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Training - Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer provided the state-mandated FOIA training for Town Council members. Council/Staff Discussion and Key Outcomes - Mayor Sutphin reviewed the upcoming regular meeting scheduled for September 22 and noted there were no items on the agenda; Council agreed to cancel that meeting. - No formal votes were recorded; the work session adjourned at 1:03 p.m.