Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

Note: The agenda and minutes indicate this meeting occurred on June 18, 2024, but the user-provided date for this summary is June 24, 2024. The summary below uses the date specified by the user. The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on June 24, 2024, at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 S. Main St., from 11:00 a.m. to 12:42 p.m. All council members were present, along with the town manager, town attorney, and town clerk. The session covered an award presentation, review of upcoming public hearings, infrastructure updates, and a water service request. Discussion Items - VDOT Salem District Locality of the Year Award: Representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation presented the award to the Town, recognizing the Finance, Engineering, and Planning departments for their hard work, project management excellence, and commitment to delivering transportation projects. - Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for July 9, 2024: - Ordinance 2052: Withdrawal of approximately 3 acres from the Agricultural and Forestal District to allow for a proposed subdivision. Interim Planning Director Kali Casper provided the explanation. - Ordinance 2051: Amendment to the 2019 rezoning of 33.87 acres at 520 Patrick Henry Drive. Senior Planner Kinsey O’Shea explained modifications, and Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates addressed council questions. - Ordinance 2055: Vacation of approximately 2.63 acres of Town-owned right-of-way at Progress Street, with dedication of new right-of-way for future roadway realignment as part of the Northside Park subdivision. Kali Casper provided background. - Ordinance 2054: Repeal of outdated Town Code sections 18-407 through 18-417 pertaining to Industrial Cost Recovery Charges, a repealed federal program. Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer explained the proposal. - Harding Avenue Sewer Update: Town Engineer Shawn Veltman reported that Phase 1 is underway. A better route has been found that avoids excavating College Avenue, saving future costs and disruption. The new route runs from the Squires Student Center parking lot through the Armory parking lot, then north on Draper Road to College Avenue. This will also allow relocation of a public sewer line under 204 Draper Road. - Water Line Inventory Process: This item was briefly mentioned during the Council/Staff Exchange. The town manager noted a Lead Inventory Grant related to the process. - Montgomery County PSA Water Service Request: Town Manager Marc Verniel explained that a group of Montgomery County citizens requested an extension to the Montgomery County Public Service Authority (PSA), which in turn requested to connect to the town’s water system. Council agreed to consider the request upon receiving more information. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the work session was informational. - The Town accepted the VDOT Locality of the Year Award. - Council agreed to consider the Montgomery County PSA water service request pending further details. - The public hearings for the four ordinances are scheduled for July 9, 2024, as noted. Council/Staff Exchange Town Manager Marc Verniel, Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer, and council members exchanged information on the Lead Inventory Grant, a new Opioid Settlement, and potential legislation on games of skill.

The Blacksburg Town Council met on June 12, 2024, to act on a consent agenda, conduct two public hearings, receive citizen comments, make an appointment, and address unfinished business. All items on the consent agenda were approved, including the introduction of several ordinances for future public hearings. Public hearings on photo speed monitoring devices and the Harding Avenue project were passed unanimously. Citizen comments raised concerns about the St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall operating agreement, the process for withdrawing land from an Agricultural and Forestal District, water fluoridation, and weed abatement policies. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes: Approved minutes from May 7 and May 14, 2024. - Ordinance 2051: Introduced an ordinance to amend a rezoning of 33.87 acres at 520 Patrick Henry Drive; public hearing scheduled for July 9, 2024. - Ordinance 2052: Introduced an ordinance authorizing withdrawal of land from the Agricultural and Forestal District at 701 Bishop Road; public hearing scheduled for July 9, 2024. - Ordinance 2054: Introduced an ordinance to repeal Town Code sections on industrial cost recovery charges; public hearing scheduled for July 9, 2024. - Ordinance 2055: Introduced an ordinance to vacate a portion of public right-of-way on Progress Street; public hearing scheduled for July 9, 2024. - Resolution 6-B-24: Approved writing off the Town’s uncollectible water, sewer, refuse, stormwater receivables, and real estate taxes. - Resolution 6-C-24: Approved referring to the Planning Commission a proposed zoning amendment to create an alternative small lot residential development option in the R-4 district. - Item H (CDBG Plan): Approved an amendment to the 2022-2026 Consolidated Plan and 2024 Action Plan for HOME and Community Development Block Grant programs. Vice Mayor Sutphin abstained due to a conflict of interest (employment with Community Housing Partners). - Fireworks Permit: Approved a permit for the Independence Day celebration on July 4, 2024, at 9:30 p.m. on Patrick Henry Drive. - Design-Build Contract: Approved a contract for design-build services at 414 North Main Street. All consent items except Item H were approved unanimously on a roll call vote. Item H was voted separately and passed with Sutphin abstaining. Public Hearings Ordinance 2056: Photo Speed Monitoring Devices in School Crossing Zones Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer presented the ordinance, noting that speed enforcement cameras would address speeding in school zones. The ordinance authorizes a $100 civil penalty. No public comment was offered. Council unanimously approved the ordinance. Resolution 6-A-24: Acquisition of Property for Harding Avenue Stormwater and Pedestrian Project Town Attorney Spencer explained that the resolution authorizes acquisition of easements and allows for eminent domain if needed. One citizen, Zach Weiss of 1003 S. Main Street, voiced concerns about tree replanting after construction. Council unanimously approved the resolution. Citizen Comments - Jody Booze-Daniels (909 Allendale Road) and Christine King (Montgomery County) spoke about the St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall. Booze-Daniels requested that the operating agreement be reviewed annually, include accountability metrics, ensure equal funding for both museum sites, and require a culturally competent executive director. King raised concerns about fundraising efforts. - Robin McCarley (940 Coalwood Way) expressed concerns about the process for Ordinance 2052 (AFD withdrawal), arguing that the Planning Commission based its unanimous recommendation on a flawed legal interpretation by staff. McCarley requested a deferral of the ordinance. - Gabrielle Spennacchio-Parker (2428 Ridge Road) presented a slideshow arguing against water fluoridation, citing constitutional rights, health risks, and historical misuse. She also referenced a past comment by Vice Mayor Sutphin about fluoridation complaints being "annoying." - Dan Conners (1240 Treetop Ridge Road) questioned the process for undoing a subdivision if a deed restriction is later enforced, asking who would pay and what the process would be. - Zach Weiss (1003 South Main Street) proposed adding a requirement to replace non-native weeds with native species as part of weed abatement enforcement, suggesting community service or financial incentives instead of fines. Appointment - Council appointed Engineering Director Carolyn Howard to the Blacksburg-VPI Sanitation Authority. A motion passed unanimously. Unfinished Business - Mayor Hager-Smith read a statement addressing misbehavior at a prior council meeting. She condemned an incident where a protester urinated on the floor of the men's restroom, stating the act was cowardly and targeted the town custodian. She urged protesters to act more constructively. Council Announcements - Vice Mayor Sutphin reminded the public that June is Pride Month and listed community events including a drag show, movie, trivia, karaoke, pub crawl, hike, and yoga, organized by Community Pride in Blacksburg. - Councilmember Mattingly announced the Summer Solstice Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Draper and Lee Street, featuring food, music, a 5K run, and beach yoga. - Councilmember Anderson announced the Farmers Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, Friday night concerts begin June 14, free classic movies at the Lyric, and an art exhibition at Squire Student Center. Key Outcomes - All consent items, resolutions, and appointments were approved unanimously (with one abstention on Item H). - Ordinance 2056 (photo speed enforcement) and Resolution 6-A-24 (Harding Avenue property acquisition) were passed without opposition. - Several ordinances were introduced for public hearings on July 9, 2024. - No formal action was taken on citizen comment topics.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on June 4, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:18 p.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 S. Main St. The session included discussions on a Housing and Urban Development grant action plan, a conservation grant at Heritage Park, and the Midtown Architectural Review. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Action Plan and HOME Program Action Plan - Housing and Community Connections Manager Kim Thurlow presented the proposed Consolidated Action Plan Amendment and Annual Action Plan. The amendment involves an administrative swap of funding sources to support the Legacy on Main project and a proposed project in Giles County. Community Conservation Grant at Heritage Park - Sustainability Manager Carol Davis reviewed the ecological restoration project at Heritage Park. Initially, invasive plant species were to be removed from a 2-acre portion. A subsequent Virginia Environmental Endowment Grant approved a 17-acre expansion of the restoration. The projected completion timeline is two years. Midtown Architectural Review - Interim Planning Director Kali Casper provided an overview of the Midtown Development Planned Residential Architectural Review. Council members raised concerns about the building elevations, specifically the appearance of several buildings with exterior sides lacking windows. Project Coordinator Ian Friend of SAS Construction explained the limitations and offered potential design options to address the concerns. Friend agreed to bring updated design options to the next work session. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were taken. Council directed Ian Friend to present updated design options for the Midtown development at the next work session. The meeting adjourned at 12:18 p.m.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held a regular meeting on June 4, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Commissioners: B. Britt, T. Colley, J. Ford Jr., J. Herbein, A. Kassoff, S. Rinehart, L. Walker (7 present). M. Ermann and M. Jones were absent. The meeting covered a consent agenda, four public hearings, and committee reports. Consent Calendar - Approval of May 7, 2024, Minutes: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) 61 – Small Lot Development Option: Public hearing canceled and rescheduled to July 2, 2024, approved unanimously (7-0). Public Hearings A. AFD 24-1 – Withdrawal from Agricultural and Forestal District at 701 Bishop Road Staff presented the request to withdraw 3.036 acres from the AFD for development of three single-family homes. The applicant (Eric Gentry of Gentry Land Surveying) was not present. - Public Comment: Multiple residents from the Colbank Ridge HOA objected, citing concerns about a fourth lot, violation of a 2003 deed restriction limiting frontage on Treetop Ridge Road to three lots, lack of communication with the HOA, and infrastructure capacity. Speakers: Wendy Pennell (HOA president), Walt Koch, Daniel Conners, Robin McCarley, and another resident. - Discussion: Commissioners noted that deed restrictions and HOA covenants are outside the Commission's jurisdiction for AFD withdrawal; the withdrawal only concerns the landowner's right to leave the tax-benefit district. Staff clarified the deed restriction is not applicable to this request. - Outcome: Motion to approve passed 7-0. B. RZN 24-1 – Amendment to Planned Residential District at Old Blacksburg High School (520 Patrick Henry Drive) Staff presented a request to amend the 2019 PRD approval to reduce townhome units from 100 to 70 on the 11-acre Area 2. Changes include architectural revisions, reduced bedroom count (from 319 to 219), increased parking ratio (1.3 per bedroom), reduced occupancy standard (family plus one, no more than two unrelated), and proffer reinstatement (no rentals except under HOA rules). Sewer capacity limits construction to 25 units until improvements are made. - Applicant Presentation (Steve Semones, Balzer & Associates): Highlighted adjustments made since the work session, including removal of optional fourth bedroom, occupancy restrictions to attract families/seniors, and commitment to two parks (one public on town land). - Public Comment: Residents expressed mixed views. Supporters (e.g., Mary Parcher) called the plan an improvement over 2019; opponents raised concerns about sewer capacity, traffic, parking on Grove Avenue, cut-through traffic, stormwater runoff, and the potential for student housing. Speakers: Jim Hardell, Ellen Braaten, Joe Trice, Mary Parcher, Patrice Hart-Schubert, Joel Goodhart, Andrea Dietrick. - Commission Discussion: Commissioners praised density reduction and occupancy changes but noted concerns about traffic study timing (before The Hub opened), lack of sustainable design/energy efficiency commitments, building materials (25% masonry, vinyl), and future traffic impacts. Staff (Shawn Veltman, Town Engineer) clarified the sewer agreement allows only 25 units initially, with plans for I&I abatement and future improvements. The Chairman noted rejecting this amendment would revert to the less favorable 2019 plan. - Outcome: Motion to approve with May 28 proffer statement and requested exceptions passed 5-2 (Britt, Ford, Herbein, Kassoff, Rinehart in favor; Colley, Walker opposed). C. CUP 24-1 – Conditional Use Permit for Drive-In Restaurant (Seven Brew) at 1421 South Main Street Staff presented a request for a drive-through coffee shop on 1.02 acres in GC zoning. The plan includes two service lanes, a bypass lane, 12 parking spaces, bicycle parking, outdoor seating, and a six-foot screening fence. Staff recommended conditions including an accessible walkway from South Main Street (ADA route challenged by grading). The applicant (Steve Semones) argued federal ADA requires accessible connection from public sidewalk, which is feasible only from Ardmore Street due to a 12% grade. - Public Comment: Neighbors and residents opposed, citing noise from idling cars and ordering, traffic congestion on Ardmore Street, emissions, safety near residential windows, and incompatibility with Comprehensive Plan goals for pedestrian-friendly development. Speakers: a neighbor at 1485 S. Main St., Tom Rogers (206 Ardmore St.), Joel Goodhart, Zachary Weiss, Katelyn Jacobs, Alfred Smith. - Commission Discussion: Several commissioners criticized the car-centric design as contrary to the Comprehensive Plan's vision for mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented development on South Main Street. Concerns included off-site stormwater nutrient credits, emissions, adverse impacts on neighboring residences, and failure to provide an accessible route from the bus stop. Commissioner Herbein noted the Future Land Use designates the area as High Intensity, supporting such uses. - Outcome: Motion to approve with staff conditions failed 5-2 (Walker and Herbein voted yes; Britt, Colley, Ford, Kassoff, Rinehart voted no). The conditional use permit was denied. D. ROW 24-1 – Vacation of 114,464 Square Feet of Unbuilt Right-of-Way at Progress Street Staff presented a request to vacate unbuilt ROW at the end of Progress Street and relocate it as part of the approved Northside Park Major Subdivision. The relocation includes a new trail conforming to the Paths to the Future plan. Six staff conditions were recommended, including waterline installation, trail construction before removal of the old trail, and agreements for temporary access roads. - Public Comment: One speaker (Zachary Weiss) suggested planting berry bushes, mint, and fruit trees for permaculture. - Commission Discussion: No discussion. - Outcome: Motion to approve with all staff conditions passed unanimously (7-0). Committee Reports - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Not met. - Historic or Design Review Board: Representative absent. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Did not meet. - No additional items from commissioners. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved minutes and rescheduled ZOA 61 to July 2, 2024 (7-0). - AFD 24-1: Approved withdrawal from AFD (7-0). - RZN 24-1: Approved amendment with conditions (5-2). - CUP 24-1: Denied conditional use permit for drive-in restaurant (5-2). - ROW 24-1: Approved right-of-way vacation (7-0). - The meeting adjourned at 9:53 PM.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on May 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Blacksburg Motor Company building. The session covered a review of a pending public hearing, a behavioral health co-response program update, a zoning ordinance discussion, and a financial quarterly report. A closed meeting was held to discuss legal matters regarding a property acquisition on Harding Avenue, followed by a resolution certifying the closed meeting. Review of Public Hearing Scheduled for June 11, 2024 - Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer offered to answer Council questions regarding Ordinance 2056, which would authorize photo speed monitoring devices in school crossing zones by adding Section 12-114 to the Town Code. Council had no questions. Behavioral Health Co-Response - Patrick Halpern and Joey Thacker from New River Valley Community Services presented on the Marcus Alert System and its implementation in Montgomery County and the Town. They described system developments and state and local components integrating behavioral health with law enforcement. The goal is to reduce reliance on law enforcement in behavioral health emergencies and create a response geared directly toward behavioral health. Zoning Ordinance Discussion - Town Manager Marc Verniel initiated a discussion to gather general Council thoughts on the existing Zoning Ordinance. He noted that staff plans to be proactive and encourage community engagement. Any changes must be based on the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. He provided examples of other localities that made significant zoning changes. Council discussed concerns about housing, office use, and transit and trail systems. March 2024 Financial Quarterly Report - Finance Director Susan Kaiser provided an overview of the Town’s quarterly financial report for the period ending March 30, 2024. Closed Meeting and Resolution - The Council adjourned to a Closed Meeting at 12:44 p.m. under Virginia Code Sections 2.2-3711 (A) (3) and (A) (11) for advice from the Town Attorney on legal issues related to the acquisition of property on Harding Avenue for a public improvement project. - The Council reconvened to an Open Meeting at 1:22 p.m. Vice Mayor Sutphin moved to adopt Resolution 5-B-24 certifying the propriety of the closed meeting. Councilmember Anderson seconded. The motion passed on a roll call vote: Councilmembers Anderson, Ford, Hager-Smith, Mattingly, and Sutphin voted yes; none voted no. Councilmembers Colliver and Watson were absent.

This work session of the Blacksburg Town Council was held on May 15, 2024 (note: the provided agenda and minutes indicate the meeting took place on May 7, 2024). The meeting occurred at Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 S. Main St., from 11:00 a.m. to 12:51 p.m. Council discussed three main agenda items: a presentation on the Toms Creek Basin Planning Study, proposed changes to Blacksburg Transit's substance abuse policy, and a draft ordinance authorizing photo speed monitoring devices in school crossing zones. Additionally, Council and staff exchanged information on priority projects. Toms Creek Basin Planning Study Presentation Consultants Matt Wetl and Justin Carney of Development Strategies, Inc. presented the planning process and framework for the Toms Creek Basin study. They have begun initial analysis and data collection, and have held initial meetings with owners of large properties and a town-appointed stakeholders committee. A community engagement process is planned to solicit feedback from Blacksburg residents. Once data collection is complete, work will develop land use, environmental, infrastructure, and housing policies to balance preservation of rural character with new housing development. Final recommendations are expected in early 2025. Blacksburg Transit Substance Abuse Policy Blacksburg Transit Director Brian Booth reviewed proposed changes to the transit agency's substance abuse policy. Council will review the policy and take formal action at the next regular meeting. Ordinance 2056: Photo Speed Monitoring Devices in School Crossing Zones Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer distributed a draft ordinance (Ordinance 2056) that would add new Section 12-114 to the Town Code to authorize the use of photo speed monitoring devices in school crossing zones. During discussion, Council suggested that funds generated from the speed enforcement could be used for public safety in the community. Council/Staff Exchange Town Manager Marc Verniel updated Council on various priority projects, including the Zoning Ordinance review and the proposed Small Lots and Downtown Northwest district zoning amendments. Additionally, Council requested clarification on the use of Town logos in communications. Key Outcomes No formal votes were taken during this work session. Next steps include: Council will consider the Blacksburg Transit substance abuse policy at the next regular meeting; the Toms Creek Basin study will proceed with community engagement and a final report expected in early 2025; and the speed monitoring ordinance will be further deliberated, with potential earmarking of funds for public safety.

The Blacksburg Town Council held its regular meeting on May 14, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting covered a consent agenda, citizen comments on various topics including a police complaint, a Gaza ceasefire resolution, address identification in a new development, and support for photo speed enforcement, followed by a proclamation and council announcements. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from April 9, April 16, and April 23, 2024. - Introduced Ordinance 2056 to authorize photo speed monitoring devices in school crossing zones, scheduling a public hearing for June 11, 2024. - Approved the Blacksburg Transit Substance Abuse Policy. - Approved Resolution 5-A-24 supporting VDOT's Smart Scale application for FY2026. - Vice Mayor Sutphin moved, Councilmember Anderson seconded; motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - James Earthman (Eggleston) alleged that two Blacksburg police officers violated his civil rights and maliciously prosecuted him for disorderly conduct; the charge was dismissed by a judge. He stated he had emailed council about the grievance. - Susan DeLay (302 Cherokee Drive), representing a group calling itself "The People of Blacksburg," called for a ceasefire resolution on Gaza. She stated the group had collected over 450 digital and at least 50 physical signatures on a petition, but council had not called a vote. She noted that since the initial presentation on March 12, 2024, Palestinian deaths had increased from 31,184 to at least 34,904 and injuries from 72,889 to 78,514. The group then left the chambers to hold a "first people's council" outside. - Dustin Kaufman (Christiansburg resident, postal employee; identified as Dustin Crawford in the transcript) raised concerns about duplicate house numbers in the new West Hill development in Montgomery County, which could cause confusion for emergency services. He requested better communication between developers, the county, and the post office. Town staff indicated they would follow up. - Charles Schade (401 Clairmont Drive) expressed strong support for Ordinance 2056 (photo speed cameras), citing research showing they reduce speeds and crashes. He also expressed distress over the situation in Palestine and encouraged council to find a constructive way to engage. Mayor Hager-Smith responded, noting that council had issued a statement and sent letters to federal and state representatives. - James Hardell (233 Price Street) shared a 2006 article by Charles Krauthammer arguing that Israel has offered a Palestinian state four times and was refused, and criticized ceasefire advocates for not acknowledging the October 7 Hamas attack. - Waverly Evans (205 Franklin Drive) voiced disagreement with prior speakers advocating for a ceasefire, stating he was the person accused of Islamophobia in a previous meeting. He argued that the U.S. has representation while Gaza does not since Hamas was elected, and that the group does not speak for all Blacksburg citizens. Proclamation - Mayor Hager-Smith read a proclamation declaring May 19–25, 2024, as Emergency Medical Services Week, recognizing the contributions of EMS providers. Council Announcements - Councilmember Colliver congratulated high school graduates and noted downtown parking availability. - Councilmember Mattingly announced upcoming improvements (facelift) to the Draper Road area, expected to begin in the coming weeks. - Councilmember Anderson mentioned the Toms Creek Basin stakeholder process, which will study future development possibilities while maintaining rural character; a 12-month process with multiple citizen input opportunities. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (7-0). - Ordinance 2056 introduced and scheduled for public hearing on June 11, 2024. - Proclamation for EMS Week read and acknowledged. - No vote was taken on a Gaza ceasefire resolution; council had previously issued a statement and escalated concerns to federal and state officials. - Staff will follow up on the address duplication issue with Montgomery County and the post office. - Meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m. Note: The speaker who raised address concerns is recorded as Dustin Kaufman in the minutes and as Dustin Crawford in the transcript.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held a work session from 5:00–6:20 pm and a regular meeting from 6:30–6:40 pm on May 7, 2024. The work session featured a presentation on the Toms Creek Basin Planning Study. The regular meeting approved a seven-item consent agenda, including scheduling public hearings for June 4, 2024, and canceling several hearings. One citizen spoke during the citizen comment period. Work Session: Toms Creek Basin Planning Study - The commission held a work session at 5:00 pm in the Blacksburg Motor Company conference room with a presentation from Development Strategies, the consultant team, on the Toms Creek Basin Planning Study. No action was taken. Consent Calendar - Approved the April 2, 2024, Planning Commission minutes (6-0 vote). - RZN-24-1/ORD 2051: Scheduled a public hearing for June 4, 2024, on an amendment to the previous rezoning at the former Old Blacksburg High School site (33.87 acres at 520 Patrick Henry Drive). - CUP-24-1: Scheduled a public hearing for June 4, 2024, on a conditional use permit for a drive-in restaurant at 1421 South Main Street (1.02 acres, GC district). - ROW-24-1/ORD 2055: Scheduled a public hearing for June 4, 2024, on a request to vacate approximately 114,464 square feet of unbuilt right-of-way at the end of Progress Street. (Note: The transcript reported 11,464 square feet, but the agenda and minutes state 114,464 square feet.) - ZOA 61: Canceled the May 7 public hearing and rescheduled it for June 4, 2024, for an amendment to create a Small Lot Development Option in the R-4 district. - AFD 24-1/ORD 2052: Canceled the May 7 public hearing on a request to withdraw 3.036 acres from the Agricultural and Forestal District at 701 Bishop Road. - CUP-23-4: Canceled the May 7 public hearing on a conditional use permit for multi-family residential use on the ground floor at 203 Country Club Drive SW (3.94 acres of an 8.44-acre parcel, GC district). Public Comments - Zachary Weiss of 1003 South Main Street addressed the commission. He urged the town to double the time between mowing on town-owned properties to reduce emissions, benefit wildlife, and allow more time for litter pickup. He also requested that the Planning Commission ask Town Council to pass a ceasefire resolution for Palestine. The assistant planning director noted that his comments would be passed to public works staff. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6-0). - Three public hearings were canceled (ZOA 61, AFD 24-1, CUP-23-4) and three were scheduled for June 4, 2024 (RZN-24-1, CUP-24-1, ROW-24-1). - No other business was conducted; the meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm.

Note: The agenda and minutes indicate the meeting occurred on April 16, 2024, but the assigned date for this summary is April 29, 2024. The Town Council held a work session to discuss the FY24/25 operating budget, a photo speed enforcement program for school zones, the Harding Avenue sidewalk project, and the Prices Fork Interchange bike and pedestrian study. No formal votes were taken; discussions served to guide future action. Discussion Items Follow-Up Discussion of FY24/25 Operating Budget - Town Manager Marc Verniel provided Council with time for continued review and consideration of public input before the April 23rd meeting to adopt the budget package. Photo Speed Enforcement in School Zone Program - Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer reviewed the proposed use of photo speed enforcement for school zones. Chief of Police Todd Brewster reminded Council that the Town would partner with a vendor, who would issue citations and collect fines to help deter speeding in school zones. Council voiced questions and expressed overall interest in moving forward with implementation. Harding Avenue Sidewalk Project Discussion - Interim Engineering Director Kafi Howard reviewed the Harding Avenue project, explaining its goals (addressing stormwater problems) and showing slides of improvements that will also create a sidewalk and bike network. Prices Fork Interchange Bike and Pedestrian Study - Kevin Wills, Senior Project Manager, presented a slideshow outlining vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian challenges at the Prices Fork and U.S. Route 460 Bypass intersection. He gave four options for Council to consider and reviewed public engagement that had taken place. Council expressed overall agreement with the Pedestrian Improvements – Option B+ proposal. The Planning and Engineering Department will continue to update Council as the project progresses. Council/Staff Exchange - Deputy Town Manager Steve Ross provided a brief overview of the Transit Center on the Virginia Tech campus (formally called the Multi Modal Transit Facility). He noted the east loop is now open for training and the west loop will open next month. The tentative opening date for the Transit Center is June 21st, and it will be fully functional for the upcoming school year. Councilmember Lauren Colliver advised of a Community Funding Project she had recently learned about and asked that the Town look into potential funding opportunities for Town projects. Key Outcomes - Council indicated overall interest in moving forward with photo speed enforcement in school zones. - Council agreed on Option B+ for pedestrian improvements at the Prices Fork interchange; staff will continue to update Council. - Budget discussions will continue with a view to adoption at the April 23rd meeting. - The Transit Center's east loop is open for training; full opening is expected by June 21st.