Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on January 14, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. All council members were present. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, public hearings on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and a postponed rezoning, citizen comments, and an appointment. Consent Calendar The consent agenda was approved unanimously (8-0) and included: - Approval of minutes from December 3, 10, and 17, 2024. - Resolution 1-A-25: Transfer appropriations from prior fiscal year encumbrances. - Resolution 1-B-25: Transfer funds between capital projects and funds. - Ordinance 2062: Introduce rezoning of 2.80 acres at 801 North Main Street from General Commercial and R-5 to Planned Residential; public hearing scheduled for February 11, 2025. - Ordinance 2063: Introduce vacation of ±2,000 sq ft of alley right-of-way; public hearing February 11, 2025. - Conditional Use Permit request to use an alley for non-single-unit dwellings; public hearing February 11, 2025. - Ordinance 2072: Introduce regional tourism agreement; public hearing February 11, 2025. - Ordinance 2074: Introduce acceptance and lease of property at 2700 Meadowbrook Drive; public hearing February 11, 2025. - Confirmation of Blacksburg Fire and Rescue Squad Officers for 2025. Public Hearings Item A (Postponed): Ordinance 2068 rezoning 1.59 acres at 402 Clay Street from R-5 to Planned Residential was rescheduled from January 14 to February 11, 2025, by unanimous vote. Item B: Recommended Capital Improvement Program (CIP) FY2025/2026–2029/2030 Town Manager Marc Verniel presented the five-year CIP, totaling nearly $170 million across 133 projects. Key highlights included: - Progress Street parking deck reduced from $25–30M to $7M (over-under design). - Draper Road streetscape improvements at $10M. - Restoration of St. Luke & Odd Fellows Hall at $187,000. - Athletic fields renovation, trail completions, downtown restroom ($250,000), and bus replacements (including electric buses). Public comment: - Jody Booze-Daniels (909 Allendale Ct) urged equal stewardship for St. Luke & Odd Fellows Hall compared to other historic properties. - Heather Nicholson (Montgomery County) and Christine King (Montgomery County) expressed appreciation for the proposed funding. - Waverly Evans (205 Franklin Dr) questioned the $9M Draper Road cost and suggested alternatives for the downtown restroom (e.g., portable trailers). Council will consider final approval of the CIP at the January 28, 2025 meeting. Citizen Comments - Renee Kuhlman (500 Stonegate Dr) opposed the 801 North Main Street development, citing traffic congestion on Kabrich Street and Main Street. She challenged the adequacy of the $147,000 per floor affordable housing contribution and urged stricter regulations. - Waverly Evans (205 Franklin Dr) identified the developer as LV Collective (via an LLC incorporated eight months ago in Delaware) and questioned whether the project would include affordable units. He noted that 43% of Blacksburg’s population lives at or below the poverty line (19,000 people) and urged consideration of local needs. Appointments Matthew Wright was unanimously appointed to the Blacksburg Recreation Advisory Board. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 8-0. - Ordinance 2068 (402 Clay Street rezoning) rescheduled to February 11, 2025. - CIP public hearing completed; final vote set for January 28, 2025. - Matthew Wright appointed to Recreation Advisory Board. - The meeting adjourned at 7:03 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on January 3, 2025, at the Blacksburg Motor Company. The meeting covered nine agenda items and a council/staff exchange, focusing on infrastructure funding, capital planning, downtown development, affordable housing, sustainability, land use, and governance processes. No formal votes were taken; discussions aimed to provide guidance for future actions. Discussion Items - Passenger Rail Station Authority Funding Discussion: Kevin Byrd of the New River Valley Regional Commission reviewed local funding obligations for the proposed Christiansburg rail station. Contributions are based on locality size and anticipated use, with Blacksburg facing a larger share. Byrd provided a handout detailing financial obligations for each locality and plans for parking and bus services. - Capital Improvement Program FY2025/2026–2029/2030: Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty highlighted revenue and expenditure projections and detailed each CIP project by department. Town Manager Marc Verniel offered to answer questions, but Council had none. - Year-End Budget Resolutions: Interim Finance Director Steve Ross summarized the upcoming year-end budget resolutions. - Downtown Northwest District Update: Planning Director Andrew Warren noted the district was identified in the 2019 Downtown Strategic Plan. The proposed "floating" Downtown Northwest Zoning Ordinance Amendment would provide more detailed design standards than the underlying Downtown Commercial zoning. Council discussed building heights recommended by the Planning Commission and requested a tour to the top floor of the Gilbert Place building to observe the subject area. - Potential Affordable Housing Fee Waiver Ordinance Revisions: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer discussed revisions to the existing availability fee waiver to offer more flexibility, requiring Council approval. The item is slated to appear on a future consent agenda. - 2025 General Assembly Legislation: Sustainability Perspectives: Sustainability Manager Carol Davis gave an overview of renewable energy and building efficiency legislative initiatives of interest to the Town, including policy priorities from the Virginia Energy and Sustainability Peer Network (26 localities). More information will emerge as the General Assembly progresses. - Additional Discussion of Ordinance 2068 (Rezoning 402 Clay Street): Housing and Community Connections Manager Kim Thurlow reviewed the VHDA Reach Loan as a funding source for the affordable housing proffer accompanying the rezoning. She explained annual income verification, onsite monitoring every three years, and a lease addendum, and provided a value comparison of the Town’s potential investment relative to other affordable housing projects in the New River Valley. - Boards and Commissions Appointment Process Discussion: Mayor Hager-Smith presented a proposed protocol for appointments and a revised statement of interest. Council was in overall agreement with the proposals. - Donation of Land at 2700 Meadowbrook Drive: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer explained the proposed donation of approximately 5 acres from Friends of the Huckleberry, Inc. Under the proposal, Friends may sub-lease the single-family home on the property to generate funds for advancing public trails in Blacksburg. Council/Staff Exchange - Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty updated Council on recent snow removal efforts, noting focus on bike and pedestrian areas. Planning Director Andrew Warren added that Code Inspector Kevin Dunn had canvassed areas reminding citizens of snow removal initiatives. Key Outcomes - Council requested a tour of the top floor of Gilbert Place to further assess building heights for the Downtown Northwest District. - Council expressed general agreement with the proposed boards and commissions appointment protocol and revised statement of interest. - The affordable housing fee waiver revisions are expected to be placed on a future consent agenda for Council approval. - The land donation from Friends of the Huckleberry remains under consideration, with a sub-lease concept for trail funding. The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

This work session of the Blacksburg Town Council was held at Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. Councilmembers present: Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith, Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin, and Councilmembers Susan Anderson, Jerry Ford Jr., Susan Mattingly, and Liam Watson. Councilmember Lauren Colliver was absent. Councilmember Watson left the meeting at approximately 11:59 a.m. Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting as December 17, 2024, but the user-provided date is December 16, 2024; this summary uses the latter per instructions. Tourism Agreement Update - Christopher Lawrence, Deputy County Administrator, presented the proposed Regional Tourism Program, a cooperative effort among Montgomery County, Blacksburg, and Christiansburg to market the area. The program would operate under a three-year contract with multiple renewal options. Review of Public Hearing Scheduled for January 14, 2024 - Town Planner Matthew Sampa reviewed Ordinance 2068, which would rezone 1.59 ± acres at 402 Clay Street from R-5 Transitional Residential to Planned Residential (PR). This would allow construction of two 3-story multifamily buildings with up to 72 bedrooms. Twenty percent of the units would be income-restricted to households earning less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). Heritage Tree Preservation Discussion/Briefing - Sustainability Manager Carol Davis presented examples of tree preservation ordinances from other Virginia localities and noted a 2009 county tree cover status report showing declining tree cover in Montgomery County and Blacksburg. Council directed staff to develop a voluntary tree preservation program for future consideration. Recommended Capital Improvement Program - Town Manager Marc Verniel reviewed the proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP), highlighting a significant change: reduction in scale of the Progress Street parking garage to a smaller over/under deck and allocation of funds for major athletic field improvements. Verniel reported that the financial projections stay within normal revenue growth. Due to time constraints, only General Fund projects were presented; enterprise fund projects will be discussed at a future work session. Historic Property Maintenance Update - Public Works Director John Boyer presented a slideshow of town-owned historic properties, summarizing maintenance activities over the past decade and outlining future plans for each property. Council/Staff Exchange - Mayor Hager-Smith discussed open positions on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and recent proposed changes to the appointment process for boards and committees. Councilmember Anderson suggested filling a single position on the Parks and Recreation Board. Council overall agreed with the proposed appointment process for Council-appointed boards and committees. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to develop a voluntary heritage tree preservation program. - Council agreed to fill one open position on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and endorsed the proposed appointment process for boards and committees. - No formal votes were taken during this work session.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on December 11, 2024, in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. Vice Mayor chaired the meeting in the mayor's absence. Councilmembers Anderson, Oliver, Ford, Mattingley, Zetfin, and Watson were present; Egar Smith was absent. The meeting covered consent agenda approvals, a public hearing on animal and fowl code amendments, citizen comments, and appointments. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from November 12, 19, and 26, 2024. - Scheduled a public hearing for January 14, 2025, on the Recommended Capital Improvement Program FY2025/2026–2029/2030. - Introduced Ordinance 2068 (rezoning 1.59± acres at 402 Clay Street from R-5 Transitional Residential to Planned Residential) and scheduled the public hearing for January 14, 2025. - Authorized the Town Manager to sign a contract for design-build services at 414 North Main Street. - Approved a contract for Blacksburg Transit renovations, additions, and a new fuel/wash facility. - Approved Resolution 12-A-24, referring to the Planning Commission a proposed amendment to Section 5-701 of the Subdivision Ordinance regarding sanitary sewer construction and design. - Authorized the Town Manager to sign an agreement for affordable housing with Community Housing Partners Corporation (Councilmember Zetfin abstained). Public Hearings - Ordinance 2067 – Animals and Fowl Code Amendment: Larry Spencer presented three unrelated changes: (1) repeal of Section 5-105 (prohibition on hogs) because the zoning ordinance already regulates farm animals; (2) an exception for ownership of a falcon, hawk, or owl if permitted by state code; (3) clarification that electronic leashes do not satisfy the leash-law requirement for a physical leash. No public comment was offered. Council unanimously approved the ordinance (6-0). Citizen Comments - Charles Shade (401 Claremont Drive) expressed frustration over abandoned bicycles at the farmers market, stating they had occupied parking spaces for more than six months, creating an eyesore and safety hazard. He noted that staff had not resolved the issue despite his six months of inquiry. Vice Mayor responded that a written policy had been signed off the previous week and would be shared. Shade requested the policy be emailed to him. Appointments - Joann Sutphin and Bob Pack were appointed to the Cemetery Trustee Advisory Board. The motion passed unanimously. Council Announcements - Vice Mayor paid tribute to Nikki Giovanni, a poet, activist, and Virginia Tech faculty member who recently passed, acknowledging her impact on the community. - Councilmembers thanked participants and organizers of the Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony. - Announced a gift-wrapping party for the Angel Tree at the Blacksburg Police Department on December 17, 2024. - Encouraged support for local small businesses. - Noted the next council work session on December 17, 2024, and that the regular meeting scheduled for December 24, 2024, was canceled. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items and Ordinance 2067 were approved. - Appointments to the Cemetery Trustee Advisory Board were confirmed. - No unfinished or new business was discussed. - The meeting was adjourned. Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on December 10, 2024, but the instruction specifies December 11, 2024.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Municipal Building. The meeting included a consent agenda, two public hearings, citizen comment, and updates on pending business. Key decisions involved approving the rezoning for a 42-unit affordable housing apartment development on Clay Street and recommending adoption of a new Downtown Northwest zoning district with a maximum building height of 120 feet. The meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of November 5, 2024, Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously (8-0). - 801 North Main Street PRD Development: The public hearing scheduled for December 3, 2024, was cancelled and rescheduled for January 7, 2025. This covers a rezoning, alley vacation, and conditional use permit for an 8-story multifamily building with ground-floor commercial and townhomes. Public Comments & Testimony - Shannon Slusser (1600 Greenwood Drive): Expressed concern during citizen comment about the proposed Downtown Northwest zoning district, stating that the density and building heights (up to 120 feet) would detract from the town's small-town charm and mountain views. She questioned the need for high-density student housing and urged reconsideration of the height provisions. - Andrew Jessup (representing property owners at 208 and 112 Turner Street): During the Downtown Northwest zoning public hearing, noted that the current draft is significantly different from the 2022 version and that the Town Council’s referral limited the commission’s review to height only. He requested that the Planning Commission ask the Town Council to allow a broader discussion of all ordinance changes, as reduced building envelope and minimum acreage requirements (3.5 acres) may diminish incentives for property owners to adopt the overlay. He highlighted that half the district is owned by the town or Virginia Tech, making contiguous parcels difficult to assemble. Discussion Items - RZN-24-3: Clay Street Apartments (402 Clay Street SE): A request to rezone 1.59 acres from R-5 Transitional Residential to PR Planned Residential for two three-story apartment buildings (42 units, 72 bedrooms). The applicant requested two exceptions: eliminate the 20% open space requirement and allow buildings to face inward toward the parking lot instead of Clay Street. Staff presented details on density (45.5 bedrooms/acre), 20% affordable units (9 units for households earning ≤80% AMI), parking ratio (0.96 spaces/bedroom), and stormwater plans. Applicant Steve Semones (Balzer & Associates) addressed revisions from earlier feedback, including bike spaces, trail-crossing signage, and a commitment to ADA sidewalk if grading permits. Discussion centered on: - Parking lot proximity to Clay Street and the internal driveway alignment. Commissioner Ermann questioned the design, noting the parking lot abuts the road and buildings face inward, contrary to pedestrian-friendly principles. He suggested better screening or reorienting buildings. Planning Director Andrew Warren clarified the commission could deny the exceptions but not redesign the plan. - Traffic safety at the trail crossing: Commissioners requested a four-way stop rather than just car stop signs to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Applicant agreed to add stop signs on the trail as well. - Affordable housing: Developer Ian Fran explained funding through VHDA’s multifamily program, which requires 20% of units at ≤80% AMI. Based on experience with another project (parking overflow), he preferred a parking ratio of about 1.0 to avoid issues. - ZOA 60: Downtown Northwest Zoning District: An amendment to create a new overlay district bounded by North Main Street, Turner Street, and Prices Fork Road. Staff reviewed the history, including the 2019 Downtown Strategic Plan, prior height recommendations (75–125 feet), and a June 2024 Town Council referral to study height. The commission studied six visual impact models and conducted a site visit. The final recommendation sets maximum height at 120 feet, with a 60-foot limit within 50 feet of the back of curb along North Main Street and a 450-foot segment of Turner Street NW. The St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall setback (35 feet within 50 feet) remains. Discussion included: - Commissioner Keesee advocated for a diagonal public open space at the principal corner of Main and Turner, hoping future rezoning could create a pattern for the intersection. - Commissioner Ford noted existing modest angled-cut corners at Main and Roanoke Streets as precedents. - Commissioner Jones emphasized the district’s potential for architecturally significant, high-density development, particularly student housing, which could generate revenue for distinctive design. - Commissioner Rinehart highlighted the importance of creative public spaces, citing post-COVID examples like Draper Road. Key Outcomes - RZN-24-3 Clay Street Apartments: Approved 6-2 (Commissioners Ford and Ermann dissenting). The motion included granting both requested exceptions. Commissioner Jones urged adding evergreen screening near Clay Street and the trail. No conditions were added to the motion, but the applicant heard concerns and may adjust parking and landscaping before Town Council review. - ZOA 60 Downtown Northwest District: Recommended for adoption 7-1 (Commissioner Ford dissenting). The recommendation includes the 120-foot height maximum as described. The matter now proceeds to Town Council for final action. The Town Council may choose to revisit other ordinance changes if requested.

On December 2, 2024, the Blacksburg Town Council held a work session from 11:00 a.m. to 1:04 p.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. The meeting covered four main agenda items: the Council Boards and Committees appointment process, a consolidated ordinance briefing on erosion and sediment control and stormwater management, a presentation from the Blacksburg Police Department, and a review of the recommended Capital Improvement Program for FY2025/2026 through 2029/2030. All items were for discussion and no formal votes were taken. Council Boards and Committees Appointment Process - Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith distributed a draft protocol for a more formal board and committee appointment process, developed with Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin. Council was asked to review and provide feedback at an upcoming work session. Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Consolidated Ordinance Briefing - Engineering Director Carolyn Howard and Town Engineer Kafi Howard outlined the proposed ordinance, recommending a 5,000-square-foot land disturbance threshold for Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Quantity Control, and a 10,000-square-foot threshold for Stormwater Quality Control compliance. - For offsite nutrient credits, staff recommended decreasing the pollutant removal threshold from 10 lbs to 5 lbs. Council raised concerns about this recommendation, noting that it would require approval from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality after local adoption. Blacksburg Police Department Presentation - Police Chief Todd Brewster presented on police operations, explaining differences in staffing between typical weekends and football game weekends, with a focus on the downtown area due to increased foot traffic and overcrowding in restaurants and bars. - In response to a question from Mayor Hager-Smith about homelessness, Chief Brewster noted that BPD has a co-response liaison from New River Valley Community Services working alongside a designated officer, which has been helpful in assisting homeless individuals. Review of Recommended Capital Improvement Program FY2025/2026 through 2029/2030 - Town Manager Marc Verniel discussed key issues, including the choice between a proposed parking garage and a proposed recreation center and facilities upgrade. Council was advised to continue reviewing the CIP notebook and plan to discuss it further at the December 17th work session. Council/Staff Exchange - Councilmember Susan Anderson suggested reviewing the Town Council Handbook over the holidays, noting that there are policies that need to be followed. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes were taken. The Board and Committee appointment process will be revisited after Council provides feedback. The CIP discussion will continue at the December 17, 2024 work session.

Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. with Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin presiding due to Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith's absence. All six council members were present. The meeting covered a consent agenda with five items, citizen comments, and the introduction of the recommended Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Consent Calendar - Approved the Town Council minutes of November 5, 2024. - Authorized the Town Manager to accept professional construction, engineering, and inspection services for the Meadowbrook Drive Trail. - Approved the 2025 Police Towing Contractor Agreement. - Approved Resolution 11-B-24: Amendments to the Town Sanitary Sewer Specifications. - Resolution 11-C-24 (transferring $3,786,354 between ARPA Fund projects) was moved separately after Vice Mayor Sutphin read a disqualification statement due to a conflict of interest (benefit to CHP's Legacy Project, located at 448 Depot Street, Christiansburg, VA). The resolution was approved on a roll call vote of 5-0-1, with Sutphin abstaining. Public Comments & Testimony - Zach Weiss of 1711 Whipple Drive addressed the council. He began by expressing thanks for electronic recycling, then delivered a lengthy commentary comparing the energy used to roast Thanksgiving turkeys (estimated 46 million turkeys, 8 kWh each, totaling $55.2 million annually) to the energy used by Israel in its military operations in Gaza since October 7, 2023. He questioned whether Americans should celebrate Thanksgiving given the ethical and energy implications, urging a choice between peace and conflict. He concluded with a "Happy Thanksgiving." Discussion Items - Introduction of Recommended Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Town Manager Marc Verniel presented the five-year CIP, the first step in the town's budget process. The plan includes 133 projects totaling approximately $170 million, with $68 million in the general fund. Key highlights: - Reduced parking structure on Progress Street from $24 million to $7 million (over-under deck). - $1.5 million for athletic field improvements (youth and adult softball). - Draper Road Streetscape permanent improvements. - St. Luke and Oddfellows Hall Restoration: $187,000, based on stakeholder recommendations. - Meadowbrook Trail Phase 2: $250,000 (Phase 1 fully funded by ARPA funds via consent item E). - Continued funding for Brush Mountain Trail System expansion. - Skate park expansion. - Transportation projects: Smart Scale funding for Transportation Change Improvement, design money for Glade Road, Clay Street sidewalk/roadway improvements, Mount Tabor Road sidewalk, priority sidewalk infill projects (now town-funded), roadway and trail paving. - Water/sewer: Northside Pump Station Force Main Relocation, Harding Avenue sewer shed 2A, North Main Street water tank backup pump, Laurel Ridge water line replacement. - Stormwater: Countryside stormwater improvements, Draper Road/Miller Street box culvert replacement. - Transit: Bus replacements with electric buses and charging infrastructure, ITS system. - Maintenance funds for roads, buildings, water/sewer, stormwater, and equipment depreciation for police, fire, and rescue. - Public hearing on the CIP scheduled for January 14, 2025, with a vote expected two weeks later. Council had no questions. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved with separate vote on Item E. - CIP introduced; no action taken. - Councilmembers Susan Anderson and Susan Mattingly announced upcoming community events: the 12th Annual Women's Conference in Roanoke, farmers market hours, free parking downtown for Small Business Week, and the Winter Lights Holiday Parade and Festival on December 6, 2024 (parade at 7:30 p.m., tree lighting at 6 p.m., Santa at 5:45 p.m., inclement weather date December 7). - Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

On November 19, 2024, the Blacksburg Town Council held a work session at the Blacksburg Municipal Building, 300 S. Main St. Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith, Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin, and Councilmembers Susan Anderson, Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford Jr., Susan Mattingly, and Liam Watson were present. Also in attendance were Town Manager Marc Verniel, Town Attorney Lawrence S. Spencer, and Town Clerk Lorraine S. Spaulding. No members were absent. The meeting adjourned at 1:14 p.m. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Project Update - Community Foundation - Childcare: Jessica Wirgau and Margaret Hurst of the Community Foundation explained early childhood education goals in Montgomery County and efforts to grow and retain the profession. They described using incentive programs and adding education initiatives at local colleges to make the field more readily available to the community. - Live, Work, Eat, Grow - Food Security: Laina Schneider of Live, Work, Eat, Grow (LWEG) provided an overview of collaborative efforts to improve food accessibility for Blacksburg residents. Schneider explained that LWEG has partnered with organizations throughout the New River Valley, including Montgomery County Christmas Store and Interfaith Food Pantry, and has added initiatives with Friends of the Farmers Market and Micah's Backpack to serve the community more efficiently. - Town Capital Project Update: Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty explained budget implications from the removal of the Glade Springs Crossing Development as an ARPA project, noting the funds will now need to be re-allocated. The current plan is to move those funds to other ARPA projects, including Legacy, Meadowbrook Place, North Main trail, the retail incubator, and the Huckleberry Trail paving. Review of Public Hearing Scheduled for December 10, 2024: Ordinance 2067 Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer reviewed the proposed ordinance. Ordinance 2067 will repeal Town Code § 5-105 related to the keeping of hogs because the Zoning Ordinance already regulates this topic. It will also amend Town Code to exempt falcons, hawks, and owls from dangerous animal status, as possession of these birds is regulated by the state. The amendment to Town Code § 5-200 clarifies that electronic leashes cannot be used as a substitute for physical leashes. Town Speed Limit Initiative Town Planner Maeve Gould gave Council an overview of guidelines for reduced speed limits throughout Town. Working with Blacksburg Transit, Public Works, Engineering, and the Police Department, the Downtown and nearby areas were identified as having the most need due to high bicycle and pedestrian volume, high vehicular volume, many businesses, crossings, and narrower streets. The goal is to begin this initiative in the spring of 2025. Town of Blacksburg Sanitary Sewer System Standards and Specifications Town Engineer Shawn Veltman reviewed proposed changes to the Sanitary Sewer System Standards and Specifications related to grinder pumps, macerating toilets, and ejector pumps. Veltman explained that providing developers with the option to use these systems, subject to reasonable conditions, can benefit both the Town and the developer. Capital Project Priorities Town Manager Marc Verniel explained that staff is currently assembling the recommended Capital Improvement Program (CIP). He noted that a multi-story parking garage in the Progress Street parking lot is listed in the current CIP as a top priority at a cost of over $24 million. He added that recent community survey results and citizen feedback at Town Council meetings have indicated a need to invest in youth and adult athletic facilities. Verniel offered the option of doing both: a smaller over-under parking deck and significant improvements to recreation facilities. Council overall was in agreement with this new option. Verniel indicated that staff would reflect the results of the discussion in the upcoming recommended CIP. Council/Staff Exchange Mayor Hager-Smith asked that staff begin gathering information related to police response to noise complaints and sleeping in public. These topics will be addressed at a later work session. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or binding decisions were taken at this work session. - Council reached consensus on the capital project priorities option of pursuing both a smaller over-under parking deck and significant recreation facility improvements. - Staff was directed to reflect the capital project discussion in the upcoming recommended CIP. - Staff was asked to gather information on police responses to noise complaints and sleeping in public for a future work session. - The meeting was adjourned at 1:14 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on November 19, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:03 p.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company. Council reviewed upcoming public hearings, received informational reports on lead inventory, transit planning, community survey results, and a budget briefing. No votes were taken; most items were discussions or updates. Council also discussed holding a Small Business Week instead of a single Saturday. Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for November 12, 2024 - Ordinance 2030 (EMS Transport Fee): Blacksburg Rescue Chief David English explained that the ordinance would authorize charges for emergency medical services vehicles. The fee is intended as a revenue recovery program to cover increasing costs and call volume. Surrounding localities already have such a system. English noted the program could cover roughly 40% of Rescue’s budget. - Ordinance 2053 (Small Lot Development in R-4 District): Assistant Planning Director Kinsey O’Shea provided an overview. The ordinance would create a Small Lot Development Option in the R-4 Low Density Residential Zoning District, permitting lots between 3,000 and 7,499 square feet for single-family, two-family, and townhouse dwellings. The option includes site development standards, occupancy regulations, and design standards to ensure compatibility with the existing district. - Ordinance 2064 (Tax Exemptions for Elderly and Disabled): Deputy Town Manager and Interim Finance Director Steve Ross explained that the ordinance would increase the income limit from $68,000 to $70,000 and the asset limit from $200,000 to $205,000 for qualifying tax exemptions. - Ordinance 2065 (Lease at VT Transit Center): Blacksburg Transit Director Brian Booth reviewed a proposed 40-year lease with Virginia Tech for space in the new Transit Center, including images of floor space breakdown. The term length is required by Federal Transit Authority regulations. Lead Inventory Report Engineering Director Carolyn Howard provided an overview of the recent Lead Inventory Study conducted town-wide. The EPA requires an inventory of all town-owned lead service lines 2 inches or less in diameter. Customer-owned lines were available for self-reporting. Staff will develop a Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program, if needed, no later than October 2027, with replacements completed by October 2037. Blacksburg Transit Strategic Plan Brian Booth reviewed the executive summary of the BT Strategic Plan, developed based on Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation guidelines, serving as a blueprint for planning and operations. Community Input Survey Results Housing and Community Connections Manager Kim Thurlow presented results from a survey on citizen priorities for Downtown and Parks and Recreation. The survey indicated that citizens overall felt the Town’s recreation facilities could be improved. Budget Briefing Town Manager Marc Verniel updated Council on the budget status. The top three finance positions (Finance Director, Assistant Finance Director, Budget Analyst) are open; a consultant has been hired to support day-to-day operations. Funding from the Glade Spring Crossing development will not move forward, freeing $2 million in ARPA funding for reallocation to other ARPA projects. Council/Staff Exchange Councilmember Susan Mattingly proposed holding a Small Business Week instead of the traditional Small Business Saturday, citing that Virginia Tech’s football game on the last Saturday of November may affect local business sales. Council agreed that a Small Business Week would be a positive alternative.