Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held a regular meeting on November 5, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Vice Chair Mel Jones presided. The meeting lasted approximately 8 minutes, with a consent agenda, one citizen comment, and brief reports. No public hearings were held as the sole scheduled hearing was canceled and rescheduled. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the October 1, 2024, meeting were approved unanimously. - Clay Street Apartments PRD (RZN-24-3): A rezoning request from R-5 Transitional Residential to PR Planned Residential at 402 Clay Street SE. The public hearing was scheduled for December 3, 2024. - Zoning Ordinance Amendment 60 (ORD 2001): An amendment to create a new Downtown Northwest zoning district (bounded by North Main Street, Turner Street, and Prices Fork Road). The public hearing was scheduled for December 3, 2024. - 801 North Main Street PRD Development (RZN-24-2, ROW-24-2, CUP-24-3): A rezoning, alley vacation, and conditional use permit request for an 8-story mixed-use building and townhomes. The November 5, 2024, public hearing was canceled and rescheduled for December 3, 2024. - Vote: All consent items were approved 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Zachery Weiss of 1711 Whipple Drive thanked the Planning Commission for their service and urged building a “bridge of unity” through divisive issues, referencing the election and proposing a metaphorical political marriage to foster unity. Discussion Items No substantive discussion items were deliberated beyond the consent agenda and reports. Reports - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Had not met. - Historic or Design Review Board: Nothing to report. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Commissioner Michael Ermann noted he was the intended October attendee but did not attend; he will review recordings online. - Planning Director’s Report: Andrew Warren announced a walking tour of the Downtown Northwest area will be organized as a public meeting, with potential coordination with the Virginia Tech Foundation to access the top of the Gilbert Street building for better views. Staff will reach out to commissioners to finalize a date. - Town Council Report: None. Key Outcomes - All four consent agenda items were approved (7-0 vote). - The public hearing for 801 North Main Street PRD was canceled and rescheduled for December 3, 2024. - Public hearings for Clay Street Apartments PRD and ZOA 60 were scheduled for December 3, 2024. - The meeting adjourned at 6:38 PM.

On October 22, 2024, the Blacksburg Town Council held a work session at 6:00 PM followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 PM at the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The work session included a briefing on a proposed donation of the "Central Park" property at the Midtown development. The regular meeting featured the unanimous approval of the consent agenda, a citizen comment requesting live streaming of council activities, council announcements, and a closed meeting regarding the potential disposition of town-owned real property in central Blacksburg. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes (October 1, 2024): Approved unanimously. - Contract for Professional Engineering Services (Clay Street Improvements): Authorized the Town Manager to sign the contract. - Resolution 10-B-24: A resolution authorizing the acceptance of real property located on Midtown Way (the donated "Central Park" parcel). Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Zach Weiss (1117 Whipple Drive) expressed interest in the council livestreaming their day-to-day activities to improve transparency and communication, especially with younger residents. He suggested creating a Twitch account to host a "Town of Blacksburg show." Work Session Briefing - The work session (6:00 PM) featured a briefing by Town Manager Marc Verniel and Planning Director Andrew Warren on the proposed donation of "Central Park," a just-over-three-acre parcel at the Midtown development. The developer plans to install benches made from a tree on the original property. After questions, council expressed agreement with accepting the property. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approval: Motion by Vice Mayor Sutphin, seconded by Councilmember Anderson. Passed 7-0 (all council members voted yes). - Property Acceptance: Council authorized acceptance of the Midtown Way real property (Central Park) via Resolution 10-B-24, part of the consent agenda. - Closed Meeting: Council voted unanimously to adjourn to a closed meeting (7-0) pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(3) to discuss potential disposition of town-owned real property in central Blacksburg. After reconvening at 6:51 PM, Council unanimously adopted Resolution 10-C-24 certifying the propriety of the closed meeting. - Next Meetings: Work session on November 5, 2024, at Blacksburg Motor Company Conference Room; Regular meeting on November 12, 2024.

This public notice announced that two or more members of Blacksburg Town Council may attend the 2024 Virginia Municipal League Annual Conference in Virginia Beach from October 13 to 15, 2024. The notice stated that no business would be transacted. However, the meeting date provided for this summary is October 8, 2024, which differs from the conference dates in the agenda. No minutes were available, and the only transcript excerpt was "And I've got more." indicating incomplete records. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or actions were taken as this was a notice of potential quorum at a conference, not a formal business meeting.

The Blacksburg Town Council held its regular meeting on October 8, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda, a public hearing on a sanitary sewer easement vacation, citizen comments, and updates on the ongoing boil water advisory. All consent agenda items and the public hearing ordinance were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes: Approved the minutes from September 17 and September 24, 2024. - Ordinance 2030 (EMS Transport Charges): Introduced and scheduled for public hearing on November 12, 2024. - Ordinance 2053 (Small Lots Amendments in R-4 District): Introduced and scheduled for public hearing on November 12, 2024. - Ordinance 2064 (Tax Exemptions for Elderly and Disabled): Introduced and scheduled for public hearing on November 12, 2024. - Ordinance 2065 (VT Transit Center Lease): Introduced and scheduled for public hearing on November 12, 2024. - Resolution 10-A-24 (Re-referral of Downtown Northwest Zoning District): Approved. - HOME Consortium Cooperation Agreement: Authorized the Town Manager to sign. Public Hearings Ordinance 2060 – Vacation of Sanitary Sewer Easement at 107 Lucas Drive - Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer explained that the ordinance would vacate an existing easement and relocate a pipe to better align with the new easement, including creek stabilization to address erosion. - Public Comment: Zachary Weiss of 1711 Whipple Drive asked about erosion prevention measures and the return of easement area to the landowner. - Action: Vice Mayor Sutphin moved, Councilmember Anderson seconded, and the ordinance passed unanimously (7-0). Citizen Comments - Zachary Weiss addressed the council regarding the boil water advisory, noting an alleged price increase of at least 1% for a gallon of water. He humorously requested that the town provide residents with a voucher for a “Borg jug” (a blackout rage gallon jug) to meet hydration needs, and he listed numerous puns on the term “Borg.” Discussion Items Boil Water Advisory Update (Unfinished Business) - Town Manager Marc Verniel reported that the boil water notice for Montgomery County had been lifted in some areas on October 8, 2024, and was projected to be fully lifted for Blacksburg and remaining parts of Christiansburg by Friday, October 11, 2024. He explained the flushing and sanitization process, noting that staff had worked 24/7 since the previous Monday. He also thanked the town, county, and water authority staff for their efforts. Council members praised the complex, coordinated response. Council Announcements - Councilmember Susan Anderson reminded residents of a community meeting at the St. Luke & Odd Fellows Hall on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. to gather public input on draft plans for the building. - Councilmember Jerry Ford Jr. encouraged early voting, noting that Election Day is in November, and highlighted the importance of civic participation. - Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith announced that the regular work session scheduled for October 15, 2024, was canceled due to the Virginia Municipal League conference. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (7-0). - Ordinance 2060 (easement vacation) approved unanimously (7-0). - Boil water advisory expected to be lifted by October 11, 2024, with updates to be posted on town social media and the county GIS website. - The next regular council meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held a regular meeting on October 1, 2024 at 6:30 pm in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. Vice Chair Mel Jones presided. The meeting featured a consent agenda with no public hearings or citizen comments. The Commission approved the consent agenda unanimously and received informational updates on property development and upcoming work. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (September 3, 2024): The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without discussion. - 801 North Main Street PRD Development: The Commission scheduled a public hearing for November 5, 2024, for a rezoning request (from GC General Commercial and R-5 Transitional Residential to PR Planned Residential), a companion request to vacate a town-owned alley right-of-way (approx. 2,000 square feet), and a conditional use permit to allow alley access for 22 townhomes. All three items (RZN-24-2, ROW-24-2, CUP-24-3) were advanced together. Discussion Items - Historic or Design Review Board Update: Commissioner Michael Ermann reported that the Board held informal discussions with the new owners of the Main and Lee property at 201 S. Main Street. The property, which had been abandoned mid-construction after a previous approval, was repossessed and purchased by the owners of the Kent Square parking lot. Preliminary conversations explored possible uses for the site, including the potential relocation of the existing "For the Birds" building. Ermann noted the discussions were very preliminary. - Planning Director's Report: Andrew Warren, Planning and Building Director, reminded the Commission that the Toms Creek Basin survey closes on Friday, October 4, 2024, and encouraged all to participate. He previewed the upcoming Planning Commission Work Session on October 15, 2024, which will include review of the 801 North Main Street rezoning, right-of-way vacation, and conditional use permit, as well as information on the downtown northwest zoning ordinance amendment. - Montgomery County Planning Commission Update: Commissioner Tim Colley reported that the Montgomery County Planning Commission did not discuss anything relevant to Blacksburg. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved by a vote of 7-0 (all present: B. Britt, T. Colley, M. Ermann, J. Ford Jr., M. Jones, B. Keesee, L. Walker; absent: A. Kassoff, S. Rinehart). - A public hearing for the 801 North Main Street PRD development was scheduled for November 5, 2024. - The meeting adjourned at 6:38 pm.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session at the Blacksburg Motor Company (400 S. Main St.) on the morning of the meeting date. Attendees included Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith, Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin, Councilmembers Susan Anderson, Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford Jr., and Liam Watson; Councilmember Susan Mattingly was absent. Also attending were Town Manager Marc Verniel, Town Attorney Lawrence S. Spencer, and Town Clerk Lorraine S. Spaulding. The session included a briefing on a boil water notice, three formal agenda items, and a staff exchange. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was adjourned at 12:43 p.m. Note: The official agenda and minutes list the meeting date as October 1, 2024, while the meeting timestamp provided with the source material is September 27, 2024; the summary below reflects the agenda and minutes content. Boil Water Notice Briefing - Town Manager Marc Verniel and Engineering Director Carolyn Howard provided an overview of a boil water notice issued by the Virginia Department of Health. - The notice advises residents to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking as a safety precaution due to historic flooding on the New River. - Town staff is coordinating with the County and surrounding localities to sanitize and flush the water systems in Blacksburg; the notice is expected to remain in effect for several days. Emergency Medical Services Revenue Recovery Update - Blacksburg Rescue Chief David English described a proposed ordinance to establish a fee for EMS medical transportation. - English reported that surrounding localities already have this fee system in place and have had it for several years. - He argued that the revenue recovery program is needed to cover increasing costs and a growing call volume. - He stated that the program could cover roughly 40% of the Rescue budget. Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Consolidated Ordinance Briefing - Engineering Director Carolyn Howard outlined a proposed ordinance consolidating stormwater ordinance provisions with erosion and sediment control provisions. - Howard reviewed the most significant changes, including areas where the Town would adopt stricter regulations than state law requires. Proposed Lease of Space at Transit Center to Virginia Tech - Blacksburg Transit Director Brian Booth reviewed a proposed lease with Virginia Tech for various spaces in the new Transit Center. - Booth provided images and explained the breakdown of the floor space. - The lease term is proposed as 40 years, as required by Federal Transit Authority regulations. Potential Town Code Amendment Regarding Keeping of Certain Animals - Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer outlined several potential amendments to Town Code. - One proposal would repeal sections related to keeping hogs, because the Zoning Ordinance already addresses this in the Agriculture regulations. - Another proposal would remove code portions related to falcons, since the state heavily regulates them. Council/Staff Exchange - Town Manager Marc Verniel updated Council on staffing changes in the Finance Department following the retirement of Susan Kaiser. - Deputy Town Manager Steve Ross will serve as acting Finance Director until a permanent director is hired. - The Town has hired a consultant to assist Mr. Ross in the interim. Key Outcomes - No formal votes, resolutions, or ordinances were adopted at the work session; it was an informational briefing. - Council received updates and will consider future action on the EMS fee ordinance, the consolidated erosion/sediment and stormwater ordinance, the Transit Center lease, and animal keeping code amendments. - The boil water notice remains in effect, with staff continuing coordination on water system flushing and sanitizing.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on September 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda, a public hearing on a special exception for agricultural pets, citizen comments, and council announcements. The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 p.m. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes (September 10, 2024): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 9-A-24: Adopted, approving the Blacksburg Transit Title VI Program. Public Hearing: Special Exception for Agriculture at 301 Royal Lane (EXP-24-1) - Item: Resolution 9-B-24, a request by Anthony Grafsky to permit agricultural use (one pig and two goats as pets) on a one-acre lot in the RR-1 zoning district, which requires lots over two acres for agriculture. - Staff Presentation: Town Planner Matthew Sampa noted the lot is one acre, inconsistent with the two-acre standard. Town code section 5-105 restricts pigs to agricultural or forestal districts, creating a discrepancy with the zoning ordinance. Staff recommended four conditions: only the existing animals, specific enclosure location, expiration of the exception after 10 years, and effectiveness upon resolution adoption. - Planning Commission Recommendation: 3-2 vote in favor, with two abstentions. - Applicant Statement: Anthony Grafsky introduced the animals (Brutus the pig, LJ and Ziggy the goats) as family pets, rescued from euthanasia or slaughter. He described their care, enclosure, and minimal impact. - Public Comment: Two neighbors spoke in support: Bruce Herman (300 Layman Court) attested to no noise or smell, and Lisa Sedlak (303 Royal Lane) praised the animals' behavior and communication from the Grafskys. Both urged approval. - Council Discussion: Council members expressed mixed feelings but noted strong neighbor support, narrow conditions (existing animals only), and the need for future zoning reform. Concerns about precedent and code violations were raised, but most found the exception reasonable given the circumstances. - Vote: Motion to approve Resolution 9-B-24 passed unanimously (6-0). Citizen Comments - Zach Weiss (1711 Whipple Drive): Advocated for incentivizing electronic recycling, citing environmental and ethical reasons (conflict minerals in electronics). He urged the town to promote refurbished devices and repair culture. - Lisa Sedlak (303 Royal Lane): Thanked town staff for addressing speeding on Farmview Drive near her home. - Rita Brame (16 Blocks Magazine): Expressed dismay over the removal of the outdoor piano on Draper Road, arguing it was a significant public art piece removed without community input. She shared public comments and criticized the process. - Hart Fowler (16 Blocks Magazine): Voiced concerns about lack of care for public art, alleged that the piano was damaged after removal by the town, and questioned the transparency of decisions made by committees. He filed a FOIA request on related communications. Council Announcements - Councilmember Mattingly and Anderson reminded citizens of upcoming events: early voting available (register by October 15), Blues Brews and Barbecue festival on Saturday, and a replacement piano for Draper Road is on its way (the fourth piano, as outdoor pianos have limited lifespan). - Councilmember Anderson noted early voting at the registrar's office and that the Blacksburg Rec Center will have an early voting location from October 21.

Note on Date Discrepancy: The agenda and minutes list this meeting as occurring on September 17, 2024. However, the provided metadata specifies a date of September 12, 2024. This summary uses the metadata date but notes the discrepancy. Discussion Items - New River Valley Regional Commission Office Relocation: Kevin Byrd, Executive Director of the New River Valley Regional Commission, requested financial support from the Town to relocate their office from Pulaski to Christiansburg. The plan involves purchasing a former bank building requiring minimal renovations. Costs for purchase and remodeling would be allocated among New River Valley regions. Town Manager Marc Verniel recommended paying in installments. Council expressed support for the purchase. - Zoning Special Exception Request for Agricultural Use (301 Royal Lane): Town Planner Matthew Sampa presented a request from Anthony Grafsky for a special exception to keep three farm animals (one pig, two goats) as pets at his residence. The site layout shows an enclosed area. If granted, Council would need to amend a section of the Town Code. A public hearing is scheduled for September 24, 2024. - Small Lot Zoning Ordinance Amendment Discussion: Planning Director Andrew Warren highlighted the housing shortage, citing a 2021 study. He presented a map of potential properties in the R-4 district that could be affected if the amendment is adopted. Town staff planned a community meeting the following week, sending postcards to affected property owners. - Blacksburg Transit Title VI Plan: Blacksburg Transit Director Brian Booth described the Title VI Program, which Blacksburg Transit must submit to the Federal Transit Administration every three years to demonstrate compliance with the Civil Rights Act. - Review of Public Hearing Scheduled for October 8, 2024 – Ordinance 2060: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer explained the proposed ordinance to vacate a sanitary sewer easement at 107 Lucas Drive. The relocation of a pipe not in an easement area requires vacating part of the existing easement to align with the new pipe location. - Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Training: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer provided the state-mandated FOIA training for Town Council members. Key Outcomes - Council agreed to support the New River Valley Regional Commission’s office purchase, with Town Manager Marc Verniel recommending installment payments. - A public hearing on the special exception for farm animals at 301 Royal Lane was set for September 24, 2024. - The small lot zoning amendment discussion will continue with a community meeting to gather resident input. - The Blacksburg Transit Title VI Plan was presented for information; no vote was taken. - Ordinance 2060 will be the subject of a public hearing on October 8, 2024. - FOIA training was completed as required. - The meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held its regular meeting on September 10, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Council approved the consent agenda, received citizen comments on several topics, reappointed Lawrence Spencer to the New River Valley Passenger Rail Station Authority, and discussed the removal of a public piano on Draper Road. The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the August 20 and August 27, 2024, Town Council minutes. - Approved a Professional Services Contract Change Order. - Introduced Ordinance 2060 to vacate a sanitary sewer easement at 107 Lucas Drive and scheduled a public hearing for October 8, 2024. Motion passed 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Zach Weiss (1711 Whipple Drive) advocated for incentivizing electronic recycling, citing waste reduction and ethical resource use. - Christopher Tuck (Montgomery County, former Board of Supervisors member) expressed concerns about Virginia Tech's on-campus student housing plans reducing tax revenue from off-campus apartments. He suggested building a connector road from Fox Ridge to Virginia Tech to encourage high-density development. He noted Fox Ridge has 88% occupancy. - Gabrielle Spennacchio-Parker (2428 Ridge Road) voiced opposition to water fluoridation, citing an NTP study showing neurotoxic effects on children at 1.5 ppm and previous studies linking fluoride to cancer. She noted federal MCL is 4 ppm and SMCL is 2 ppm. - Rita Brame (16 Blocks Magazine) voiced discontent over the removal of the outdoor piano on Draper Road and pointed out that Blacksburg lacks a public arts policy and procedures. - Hart Fowler (16 Blocks Magazine) contested the claim that the piano was damaged during Draper Road construction, asserted it was moved to a cemetery lot, and criticized the lack of reports and transparency. He implied the removal was due to disagreement with the piano's content. Discussion Items - Appointment: Mayor Hager-Smith presented the reappointment of Lawrence Spencer to the New River Valley Passenger Rail Station Authority. Council approved unanimously (6-0). - Piano Project (New Business): Councilmember Watson requested clarification about the removed piano. Councilmember Anderson provided a detailed history of the “Piano Project” led by the Downtown Revitalization Committee since 2015, summarizing the placement, vandalism, and volunteer efforts. She noted that all public piano placements require prior town approval. - Council Announcements: - Councilmember Ford reported that the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority signed an agreement with Norfolk Southern for a new train station in Cambria (Christiansburg), expected completion by 2027. - Councilmember Watson noted the Housing and Community Development Board began discussions on addressing homelessness. He reminded citizens that early voting begins September 20. - Councilmember Colliver highlighted free online support services for small businesses through the Blacksburg Partnership. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved (6-0). - Appointment of Lawrence Spencer approved (6-0). - No public hearings were held. - Council acknowledged citizen concerns about the piano and public art policy; no formal action taken. - Upcoming meetings: Work session September 17 at 11:00 a.m.; Regular meeting September 24 at 6:30 p.m.