Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Town Council Candidate Forum was held on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Blacksburg Municipal Building. Co-sponsored by the Montgomery County-Radford City-Floyd County NAACP and the League of Women Voters – Montgomery County, the forum featured all four candidates running for Town Council: incumbents Jerry Ford and Michael Sutphin, and challengers Rick Johnson and Liam Watson (a write-in candidate). The forum was moderated by Peggy Layne. Questions came from the audience and were screened for duplication. Public Comments & Testimony - Audience members submitted written questions, which were read by the moderator. Topics included development and overdevelopment, the Virginia Tech partnership, climate change, taxes, affordable child care, support for LGBTQ+ residents, and housing for seniors. Discussion Items - Top Priorities: Candidates shared their top priorities for Blacksburg. Michael Sutphin emphasized infrastructure investments (downtown revitalization, trails, transit, utilities), affordable housing, and sustainability. Liam Watson listed planning (mixed-use development), parks (expanding trails and facilities), and people (engaging underrepresented groups, especially students). Jerry Ford focused on good governance (pausing public hearings before votes), equitable growth (updating zoning ordinances), and quality of life (upgrading recreation facilities). Rick Johnson made affordable housing his top priority, calling for citizen involvement in development decisions and rebuilding trust in Town Council. - Managing Development: Candidates addressed concerns about overdevelopment, traffic, and changes to town character. Liam Watson argued that affordable housing does not necessarily increase traffic and that expanding bike/pedestrian infrastructure and free transit helps. Jerry Ford called for a comprehensive overhaul of the zoning ordinance, last updated in the 1990s. Rick Johnson cited the Glade Springs development as a model where citizens worked with the developer to reduce density and increase affordable units. Michael Sutphin noted that Town Council had already passed a resolution in 2019 to stop large student housing projects and now needs to focus on other housing types. - Virginia Tech Partnership: Candidates discussed the university’s growth and the need for a more equal partnership. Jerry Ford suggested using the lever of enlightened self-interest, noting that Virginia Tech struggles with recruiting employees due to housing costs. Rick Johnson argued that the town has not effectively communicated its demands to the university’s highest levels. Michael Sutphin pointed to existing liaison committees and said tough conversations have occurred, such as over off-campus housing in 2019. Liam Watson proposed that Virginia Tech should make payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT), similar to William & Mary’s $750,000 annual payment to Williamsburg. - Climate Change and Sustainability: Candidates outlined approaches. Rick Johnson emphasized transitioning to electric or hybrid vehicles and protecting water quality. Michael Sutphin called for a comprehensive approach including municipal solar arrays, local food systems, energy-efficient building practices, and smart growth. Liam Watson highlighted the role of bike/pedestrian infrastructure and tightening sustainability guidelines for development. Jerry Ford noted limitations on stormwater management but suggested studying stricter standards, using rezonings to negotiate better environmental practices, and pushing for authority to limit single-use plastics. - Taxes: Candidates responded to the 2023 reassessment (average 30% increase) and the council’s decision to keep the tax rate flat. Michael Sutphin defended the decision, citing inflationary cost increases and the risk of having to raise the rate again soon. Liam Watson supported tax relief for low- and middle-income families and suggested exploring less regressive taxes. Jerry Ford added that the town avoided a temporary rate cut that would have required a hike the next year; he also proposed investigating a two-tiered property tax (lower for primary residences, higher for second homes). Rick Johnson strongly criticized the 30% increase, saying it compounds affordability problems and proposed phasing the increase over three years. - Affordable Child Care: Candidates generally supported town action within legal limits. Jerry Ford noted the town funds Interfaith Child Care and used ARPA money for child care initiatives. Rick Johnson suggested partnering with the YMCA. Michael Sutphin pointed to existing agency funding, ARPA investments, and zoning incentives. Liam Watson said the town’s hands are largely tied under the Dillon Rule and deferred to the county and school board, but noted the high child poverty rate in the 9th Congressional District. - Support for LGBTQ+ Community: Candidates condemned attacks on trans people and expressed support. Jerry Ford proposed a council resolution and suggested using purchasing power to require contractors to meet non-discrimination standards. Rick Johnson called for cooperation with the school board and educational initiatives. Michael Sutphin detailed his long history of LGBTQ advocacy, noting the town already protects employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and has passed resolutions supporting state law changes. Liam Watson endorsed school board candidates Ed Gittry and Derek Roundtree and called for forceful denunciation of bullying. - Senior Housing: Candidates addressed the shortage of housing for seniors. Rick Johnson proposed requiring 10% of new developments be affordable and suggested the town buy small rental properties. Michael Sutphin highlighted the 2021 housing study showing 5,500 income-restricted units needed in the region, and noted tools like zoning changes, incentives, and down payment assistance. Liam Watson cited the town’s HOME program and the Grissom Lane senior rentals, urging expansion. Jerry Ford pointed to the affordable housing development fund and the community land trust as new tools to create permanently affordable senior housing. Key Outcomes - The forum was an informational session; no votes or official decisions were made. Candidates presented their platforms and answered audience questions. - The moderator reminded attendees that early voting is available at the registrar’s office in Christiansburg, and Election Day is November 7, 2023. - The League of Women Voters and NAACP will host a similar forum for Christiansburg Town Council on October 12, 2023. - Candidates emphasized the importance of voter participation and encouraged residents to vote.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on October 3, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Council discussed year-end budget resolutions, school zone traffic enforcement, a Habitat for Humanity development agreement, funding for bike infrastructure, and a public art update. Council also considered participation in an amicus brief regarding the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Discussion Items - Year End Budget Resolutions Briefing: Finance Director Susan Kaiser presented three proposed year-end resolutions to transfer outstanding purchase orders, transfer funds between Capital Projects, transfer remaining funds back to fund balances, and transfer unexpended General Fund appropriations to the Capital Improvement Program. Kaiser reviewed revenue projections, unexpended appropriations, and fund project recommendations. - School Zone Traffic Enforcement: Blacksburg Police Chief Brewster and Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer briefed Council on a proposed photo speed enforcement program for school zones, initially targeting the Prices Fork and Toms Creek areas. The Town would partner with a vendor to issue citations and collect fines to deter speeding. Council expressed interest in learning more and moving forward with gathering additional information. - Habitat for Humanity Development Agreement: Housing and Community Connections Manager Matt Hanratty reviewed key points of the proposed ARPA Development Agreement with Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley. The agreement would allow for eleven affordable homes in the New River Home Trust, with the developer responsible for ensuring affordability and energy efficiency. The tentative groundbreaking is spring 2025. (Councilmember Sutphin disqualified himself from this item from 11:32 a.m. to 11:43 a.m.) - Funding to Support Improved Bike Infrastructure: Sustainability Manager Carol Davis presented federal funding through the Energy Efficient Community Block Grant for potential projects, such as bike lane marking improvements. Davis will bring the proposal to the Corridor Committee for feedback and add it to the Let’s Talk Blacksburg community forum for public engagement. - Public Art Update: Planning Director Anne McClung updated Council on the Public Arts Committee, which has created bylaws, brainstormed project ideas, and provided input on private projects. The Committee’s first project will be decorating utility and traffic signal boxes. Sustainability Manager Carol Davis also introduced the Draper Road Community Coloring Book, a temporary art outline for children to color downtown, aimed at attracting families and engaging the community. - Council/Staff Exchange: Town Council and the Town Attorney discussed the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) litigation and potential participation in an amicus brief to be filed with other Virginia localities. Council was in favor of participating. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to gather more information on photo speed enforcement in school zones. - The Habitat for Humanity development agreement is moving forward with a target groundbreaking in spring 2025, pending final approval. - Staff will seek community feedback on bike infrastructure funding through the Corridor Committee and Let’s Talk Blacksburg. - The Public Arts Committee will proceed with decorating utility and signal boxes as its first project. - Council supported participating in the RGGI amicus brief.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting was brief, lasting until 6:34 p.m., with a unanimous consent agenda approval and council announcements. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes (September 12, 2023) – Approved. - Resolution 9-C-23 – Supporting VDOT Revenue Sharing Applications for FY 2027 and 2028, authorizing a local official to execute agreements, and acknowledging local funding commitment. Adopted. - Resolution 9-D-23 – Adding the position of Senior Project Manager to the Town’s Employee Pay Plan System. Adopted. - Contract for Professional Engineering Services – Related to Meadowbrook Drive Trail Design; authorized acceptance by the Town Manager. Council Announcements - Vice Mayor Susan Anderson reminded citizens of upcoming League of Women Voters candidate forums: September 28 (Montgomery County Commonwealth’s attorney and sheriff), October 5 (Blacksburg Town Council, in the council chambers), and October 12 (Christiansburg Town Council). - Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith announced the College Avenue Kickoff event on Friday, September 29, sponsored by the Blacksburg Partnership, featuring activities, a beer tent, and encouragement to patronize local restaurants, highlighting the street redesign. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Motion by Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Sutphin, passed unanimously on a roll call vote (7-0). All items approved/adopted as listed. - No public hearings were held; the next scheduled public hearings are on October 10, 2023. - No citizen comments were made, and no unfinished or new business was discussed. - The meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on September 19, 2023, from 11:01 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. Council reviewed upcoming public hearings scheduled for October 10, 2023, discussed architectural review for the Midtown DC-2 development, and received an update on VDOT Revenue Sharing priorities. Disclosures and abstentions were noted for specific agenda items. Discussion Items - Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for October 10, 2023 - Ordinances 2035 and 2033 (Airport Road): Town Planner Kinsey O'Shea presented a proposed rezoning of approximately 1.1 acres from Low Density Residential to Planned Residential and vacation of approximately 0.22 acres of Town-owned right-of-way. The applicant, Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley, plans to develop 11 income-restricted townhomes within a community land trust to ensure permanent affordability. Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates was available for questions but none were asked. Councilmember Sutphin disqualified himself from these items, and Councilmember Ford abstained. - Ordinances 2036 and 2037 (Rimrock Road / Research Center Drive): Assistant Planning Director Kali Casper provided an overview of requests to vacate approximately 0.47 acres of Town-owned right-of-way known as Rimrock Drive and a public utility and sidewalk easement at 2600 Research Center Drive, to allow the applicant to expand the Blue Ridge Cancer Center building and add parking. - CUP 23-0003 (501 South Main Street): A Conditional Use Permit request for hotel use and additional height in the Downtown Commercial Zoning District. Planning Director Anne McClung presented handouts on the proposed AC Hotel by Marriott to be located on Midtown DC Parcel 2. Steve Semones provided a conceptual landscaping preview of the patio area and visuals of the hotel. - Architectural Review of Midtown DC-2 - The architectural review was part of the CUP discussion, with planning staff presenting conceptual designs for the hotel parcel. - Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Sharing - Housing and Community Relations Manager Matt Hanratty reviewed VDOT Revenue Sharing priorities, explaining how the program funds roadway improvements, arterial trails, and maintenance. Examples of proposed projects and a timeline were provided. No questions were raised by Council. - Council/Staff Exchange - Council and staff discussed formation of a committee for the St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall, the acquisition of additional land on Brush Mountain for bikes and walking trails, and upcoming retirements among Town staff positions. Key Outcomes - Disqualification and Abstention: Councilmember Sutphin disqualified himself from Agenda items A and B (Airport Road ordinances) after reading a disclosure statement. Councilmember Ford noted his abstention from those same items. No votes were taken on public hearing items as they were only under review. - No Formal Decisions: The work session was for discussion and review only; no binding votes occurred. The public hearings for all items were scheduled for the October 10, 2023 Town Council meeting. - Future Steps: The St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall committee will meet within a few weeks. Job postings for retiring staff will be issued in the coming weeks. Land acquisition for Brush Mountain trails will proceed.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on September 12, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, a public hearing on a lease renewal for a water tank, and citizen comments regarding speeding on Lansdowne Street. Councilmember Jerry Ford was absent. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from August 15, August 22, and September 5, 2023, were approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2033: Introduced to vacate a portion of public right-of-way at Airport Road; public hearing scheduled for October 10, 2023. - Ordinance 2035: Introduced to rezone 1.10± acres at 1200 block of Airport Road from Low Density Residential to Planned Residential Zoning; public hearing scheduled for October 10, 2023. - Ordinance 2036: Introduced to vacate a portion of public right-of-way at Rimrock Road; public hearing scheduled for October 10, 2023. - Ordinance 2037: Introduced to vacate a public utility and sidewalk easement at 2600 Research Center Drive; public hearing scheduled for October 10, 2023. - Resolution 9-A-23: Adopted establishing a written policy for participation in council meetings through electronic communication. - Resolution 9-B-23: Adopted transferring $1,500,000 between Water and Sewer Fund capital projects. - Contract for Prices Fork Road Interchange Study: Authorized the Town Manager to sign the contract. - CUP 23-0003: Scheduled a public hearing for October 10, 2023, for a conditional use permit request for hotel use and additional height at 501 South Main Street. - All consent agenda items were approved by a roll call vote of 6-0 (Bush, Colliver, Hager-Smith, Mattingly, Sutphin, Anderson voting yes; Ford absent). Public Hearings - Ordinance 2023 – Lease of Space on North Main Street Water Tank to New River Valley Unwired Ventures, LLC: Deputy Town Manager Christopher Lawrence presented the staff report, explaining that the lease renews for one year with an option to extend for an additional year. The wireless company is winding down its business as fiber-optic investments have become more successful. No public comment was offered. The council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance (6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Roberts, 312 Lansdowne Street, spoke on behalf of himself and neighbors, urging the council to direct staff to expedite the installation of speed humps on Lansdowne Street. He described a history of dangerous speeding, including a 313-foot skid mark from a hit-and-run, and near misses involving children and deer. He noted that the neighborhood is largely supportive, with no opposition from three-quarters of the residents contacted. - Lisa Graves, 320 Lansdowne Street, echoed the speeding concerns, stating she has witnessed cars traveling approximately 70 mph on the 25 mph street, particularly after student move-in. She requested speed bumps for the safety of children, elderly adults, and animals. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, introducing several ordinances and resolutions for future public hearings. - Ordinance 2023 was approved, authorizing the lease renewal to New River Valley Unwired Ventures for up to two years. - Citizen comments on Lansdowne Street speeding were heard; no formal action was taken, but council may refer the matter to staff for review. - Council announcements included upcoming League of Women Voters candidate forums, the farmers market community soup dinner, and the Hokie Half marathon road closures.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on September 5, 2023, at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. The meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. and adjourned at 11:33 a.m. Present were Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith, Vice Mayor Susan Anderson, Councilmembers John Bush, Susan Mattingly, and Michael Sutphin. Councilmembers Lauren Colliver and Jerry Ford, Jr. were absent. Town Manager Marc A. Verniel, Town Attorney Lawrence S. Spencer, Jr., and Town Clerk Lorraine S. Spaulding were also present. Discussion Items Emergency Medical Services Revenue Recovery Update Blacksburg Rescue Chief David English provided an update on the proposed EMS revenue recovery program. The County is finalizing the contract for billing services with the selected vendor. Once that contract is complete, the Town will be ready to introduce its revenue recovery ordinance. The tentative start date for the program is January 2024. Update to Written Policy Regarding Participation in Electronic Council Meetings Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer reminded Council that the Town has a policy on electronic participation in meetings, which has never been used. He presented a draft document with minor updates for Council to review. Proposed Transfer of $1,500,000 Between Water and Sewer Fund to Capital Projects Fund for Cedar Run Sewer Line Replacement Deputy Town Manager Chris Lawrence reminded Council of two sewer projects ready to start construction, with an expected eighteen-month timeline. The budgeted cost was lower than the proposed bids, so a transfer of $1,500,000 from the Water and Sewer Fund is necessary to fund the construction contract. Professional Services Contract for Prices Fork Interchange Study Deputy Town Manager Chris Lawrence reviewed the proposed interchange study, which will assess pedestrian and bicycle access along the Prices Fork corridor. The project will ultimately be a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) project, but the Town must complete the design and proposed improvements before VDOT can consider accepting it into their 2024 cycle. Key Outcomes - The Town will introduce an EMS revenue recovery ordinance after the County finalizes the billing services contract, with a target start date of January 2024. - Council will review the draft policy updates for electronic meeting participation. - A $1,500,000 fund transfer from the Water and Sewer Fund to the Capital Projects Fund was discussed as necessary for the Cedar Run Sewer Line Replacement project. - The Town will proceed with a professional services contract for the Prices Fork Interchange Study to prepare for VDOT submission in the 2024 cycle.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held a regular meeting on September 5, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The commission approved a consent agenda, conducted two public hearings on right-of-way vacations and a rezoning for affordable housing, and heard citizen comments. All votes were unanimous 7-0. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (August 1, 2023): Approved 7-0 without discussion. Public Hearings ROW 23-0001 – Vacation of Town-Owned Right-of-Way at 2600 Research Center Drive - Request: Vacate approximately 20,439 square feet of Rimrock Drive right-of-way to allow expansion of Blue Ridge Cancer Care building and parking lot. Applicant: Balzer & Associates on behalf of Snyder-Hunt Company, LLP. - Staff Presentation: Matthew Sampa reviewed criteria and recommended four conditions (dedication of perimeter public utility easement, easements for private utilities, sidewalk easement, vacation of interior lot lines). Value of right-of-way estimated at $226,000. - Applicant Presentation: Gretchen Merix addressed utility encroachments and noted a Memorandum of Understanding with the adjacent Montessori school regarding parking. - Public Comment: None. - Motion: Approved 7-0 with staff conditions. RZN 23-0002/ORD 2035 – Rezone 1.1 Acres at 1200 Block Airport Road for Habitat for Humanity Townhomes & ROW 23-0002/ORD 2033 – Vacation of 0.22 Acres of Town Right-of-Way - Request: Rezone from R-4 Low Density Residential to PR Planned Residential to allow 11 affordable townhomes (33 bedrooms) for households earning 30%–80% Area Median Income. Units will be part of the New River Home Trust using ARPA funds. The associated right-of-way vacation would vacate two unbuilt "paper streets" (Virginia Street and Airport Drive). - Staff Presentation: Kinsey O'Shea detailed the proposal, density (10 units/acre, 30 bedrooms/acre), exceptions requested (units not required to face street or parking; no recreation amenity due to nearby Dehart Park), and proffers including income restrictions, land trust transfer, and sustainability standards. The right-of-way vacation would allow one additional unit. - Applicant Presentation: Steve Semones (Balzer & Associates) and a Habitat for Humanity representative described two neighborhood meetings, a village green design, and a 10-foot trail connection to Dehart Park. They addressed stormwater, buffer planting limitations (evergreen shrubs in PUE), and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. - Public Comment: - Troy Brown (owner of adjacent properties at 501/503 Dehart St and 102 Airport Rd): Opposed the right-of-way vacation, claiming entitlement to half of the vacated right-of-way under standard protocol. Expressed concerns about drainage on his property, removal of bushes without consent, dumpster proximity to the park, and density being too high for the area. - Sharóne Tomer (608 Rose Avenue): Supported the project, stating the density is appropriate and the design (green space, park connection) fits the neighborhood. - Connor Will (VT student, Rhizome Living Learning Community): Supported the project for providing needed affordable housing and praised the green space and park connection; asked about potential amenities. - Applicant Rebuttal: Semones noted correspondence between Brown and the Town Attorney regarding the right-of-way claim, stated density is necessary for affordability, and explained that bushes removed are in the right-of-way but offered to work with Brown on replanting. He clarified that the occupancy standard matches R-4 district (family plus two unrelated individuals). - Motion for RZN 23-0002: Approved 7-0 with all applicant proffers and two requested exceptions. Commissioner Latanya Walker suggested considering paths to the dumpster for accessibility. - Motion for ROW 23-0002: Approved 7-0 with staff conditions. Vice Chair Mel Jones noted they must follow the Town Attorney's advice. Citizen Comment - Troy Brown reiterated frustration that Habitat for Humanity never contacted him directly about the project, despite his adjacent properties. He urged better communication in the future. Unfinished Business - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Not met. - Historic or Design Review Board: Nothing to report. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Joel Herbein reported on recent meetings, noting ongoing discussions about solar energy regulations (maximum acreage for solar, minimum project size, boundary restrictions). New Business - Chair’s Report: None. - Planning Director’s Report: Kali Casper reminded commissioners about the election of officers per bylaws. - Town Council Report: No report (Jerry Ford Jr. absent). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0. - ROW 23-0001 (Research Center Drive) approved 7-0 with four staff conditions. - RZN 23-0002 (Airport Road rezoning) approved 7-0 with all proffers and exceptions. - ROW 23-0002 (Airport Road right-of-way vacation) approved 7-0 with five staff conditions. - Meeting adjourned at 7:39 PM.

The Blacksburg Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers at the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The meeting lasted approximately 13 minutes, adjourning at 6:43 p.m. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, heard citizen comments on housing affordability, development impacts, and museum operations, and extended the operating agreement with the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation for one year. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes: Approved minutes from August 1 and August 8, 2023. - Housing & Urban Development Citizens Participation Plan: Approved the plan as presented. - Resolution 8-A-23: Adopted a resolution to approve two bank franchise tax refunds. - Resolution 8-B-23: Adopted a resolution extending the operating agreement with the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation (BMCF) for a one-year term to allow time for review and consultation. - Special Warranty Deed: Authorized the Town Manager to accept a 0.07‑acre property near Harding Road. Public Comments & Testimony - Charles Saunders (1160 Draper Road) expressed frustration with housing affordability, stating that after two years of searching he has been outbid on homes that are often purchased for student housing or short‑term rentals. He raised concerns about zoning enforcement, citing properties that advertise accessory apartments in single‑family zones, and offered to volunteer to help the town cross‑check rental listings against town records. He requested that the town enforce zoning rules and allow him to assist. - Deborah Olsen (402 Lansdowne Street) acknowledged the downsides of local development (traffic, loss of greenspace) but noted that high‑density student housing contributes significantly to the town’s tax base, citing research by a Virginia Tech professor. She questioned why the town raised taxes precipitously this year given the expanded tax base from development. - Christine King (Montgomery County resident) thanked several council members for their advocacy regarding the St. Luke’s & Odd Fellows Hall. She asked that the next executive director of the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation be culturally knowledgeable, unbiased, professionally competent, and follow American museum standards. She also noted that under the current acting director the museum’s collections went without insurance for two years. Council Announcements - Resolution 8-B-23 Reading: Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith read aloud Resolution 8‑B‑23, which extends the operating agreement with the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation for one year. She stated that it is wise to continue dialogue with the foundation and that a consensus can be reached after a year of working together. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously on a roll‑call vote (7‑0). - Resolution 8‑B‑23 was adopted as part of the consent agenda. - No public hearings, unfinished business, or new business were considered. - The meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on August 15, 2023, at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. The meeting covered five agenda items: a review of an upcoming public hearing, a museum operating agreement, a basin study request for proposal, a planning projects update, and a regional housing trust fund update. The session adjourned at 12:15 p.m. Discussion Items - Review of Public Hearing (September 12, 2023): Town Manager Marc Verniel noted that Ordinance 2023, authorizing a lease of space on the North Main Street Water Tank to New River Valley Unwired Ventures, LLC, had been discussed at the August 1st work session. No further questions were raised by Council. - Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation Operating Agreement: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer provided a handout with multiple options. The current agreement was expiring that month. One option was a one-year renewal to allow Council to engage in conversations with the museum. Council requested that a one-year extension, with several revisions, be prepared. - Tom’s Creek Basin Study Request for Proposal: Planning Director Anne McClung reviewed prior discussions and the proposed planning study. Important components included a dedicated residential area with varied housing styles, open space preservation, viewshed protection, and recreational trails/facilities. Staff planned to highlight these in the RFP. The estimated study timeframe is 18 to 24 months. - Planning Projects Update: Town Manager Marc Verniel provided an overview of ongoing planning projects, including the Downtown Northwest Zoning District, New Small Lot Zoning District, sign ordinance updates, and Planned Residential District revisions. All are expected to be completed within the next two years. - Regional Housing Trust Fund Update: Housing & Community Connections Manager Matt Hanratty reviewed the New River Valley Housing Trust Fund, explaining its purpose and benefits. The Town’s strategy is to establish clear, simple funding and program priorities in the formative years, then evaluate and expand later. Funding priorities include affordable housing projects identified in the NRV Regional Housing Study of 2020. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the session was a work session for discussion and direction. - Council directed staff to prepare a one-year extension of the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation operating agreement with several revisions. - Staff will proceed with issuing the Request for Proposal for the Tom’s Creek Basin Study. - The planning projects update and housing trust fund update were informational; no specific action was requested.