Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held its regular meeting on September 1, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. All seven commissioners were present. There were no public hearings or public comments. Consent Calendar - Approved the Planning Commission minutes from August 4, 2026, by a unanimous vote of 7-0 (motion by Jerry Ford, second by Susanna Rinehart). Discussion Items - Annual Officer Elections: The nominating committee (Brian Britt and Jerry Ford) nominated Mel Jones as Chair, Susanna Rinehart as Vice Chair, and Blaine Keesee as Secretary. No other nominations were made. The slate was approved unanimously (motion by Jerry Ford, second by Michael Ermann). - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Reported that the committee has not met. - Historic or Design Review Board: No report. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Jerry Ford reported on the August 19, 2026 meeting, which featured a presentation from the Virginia Cooperative Extension, welcomed a new member, and conducted a work session on a housing development in eastern Montgomery County and a request to convert land on Prices Fork Road for a wrestling facility. - Planning Director’s Report: Andrew Warren recommended canceling the September 15, 2026 work session due to no pending public hearings; the commission agreed by consensus. He noted that a work session with Camiros regarding the ReCode Blacksburg project will follow the October 6 regular meeting. He also reminded commissioners about the Comprehensive Plan update and encouraged them to take and promote the associated survey. - Town Council Report: Jerry Ford reported that Town Council received final presentations on new community branding, ARPA funding updates, a presentation from the Community Foundation of the NRV on strengthening Blacksburg’s childcare workforce, and a presentation from Live/Eat/Work/Grow on food security programs. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0. - Officer slate (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary) approved 7-0. - September 15 work session cancelled by consensus. - No other formal votes or referrals were made.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on August 31, 2026 per the provided timestamp; the agenda and minutes instead list the date as September 1, 2026. The agenda lists the location as Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street, while the minutes indicate the Blacksburg Municipal Building, 300 S. Main St. The session covered community branding, ARPA-funded program updates, potential town code amendments, meeting recording, and a closed meeting on real property acquisition. Community Branding Update - Ben Muldrow of Arnett Muldrow & Associates presented Blacksburg's new brand system, including updated colors, typography, graphics, and a new brand mark. Brand resources and materials have been developed for the Town and partner organizations. Implementation will begin with digital materials and expand over time to signage, banners, and wayfinding. ARPA Updates Strengthening Blacksburg's Childcare Workforce - Jessica Wirgau of the Community Foundation provided an update on the ARPA childcare project, which has provided significant support to local childcare centers through staffing, professional development, and recruitment initiatives. Enrollment and staffing have improved, but ongoing needs include infant care, affordability, and experienced teachers. The Community Foundation plans to continue supporting childcare through scholarships, training, and provider assistance after ARPA funding ends. Food Security Network - Laina Schnieder of Live, Work, Eat, Grow (LWEG) explained that the Food Security Network used approximately $87,000 in ARPA funding to strengthen collaboration among local food assistance organizations and expand services. More than 5,000 people were served, with programs reporting increased food access, SNAP participation, and operational savings. The network will continue its work through the Thrive Network, with plans to strengthen volunteer support, data collection, and long-term food security efforts. Potential Town Code Amendments - Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer proposed changes to the homestay ordinance for short-term rentals, including moving the regulations into the zoning ordinance and changing violations from criminal to civil penalties. Council discussed ways to strengthen enforcement of unregistered rentals, including defining violations by day or rental stay, but noted challenges in obtaining information from rental platforms. - Spencer also proposed modernizing the meals tax ordinance to address current food service practices, clarify taxable prepared foods, and align exemptions with state law. Council supported exploring additional monthly penalties for late-remitted meals taxes to encourage timely payment while allowing flexibility for hardship cases. - Spencer proposed an update to the Town Charter due to the recent corporate boundaries amendment last fall. The process requires a public hearing and action by the General Assembly. - Spencer proposed a state code change to exempt certain temporary event licenses from unnecessary criminal background checks for municipal staff. Staff will work with state representatives and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) to pursue the amendment. Meeting Recording Discussion - The Council discussed recording work sessions and posting them within 24 hours as a more feasible alternative to live streaming. Concerns included the impact on candid discussion and the potential for comments to be taken out of context. There was general support for maintaining the informal, in-person format of work sessions, while understanding that recording would be ideal for citizens who cannot attend in person. Staff will gather further information regarding recording sessions. Closed Meeting and Resolution 9-A-26 - At 12:48 p.m., Council unanimously voted to adjourn to a Closed Meeting under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(3) for discussion of the potential acquisition of real property in central Blacksburg for a public purpose. The roll call vote was yes: Anderson, Campbell, Colliver, Ford, Goodhart, Kassoff, and Sutphin; none opposed; none absent. - Council reconvened in Open Meeting at 1:18 p.m. Vice Mayor Anderson moved to adopt Resolution 9-A-26, certifying the propriety of the Closed Meeting; Councilmember Ford seconded. The roll call vote was yes: Anderson, Campbell, Ford, Goodhart, Kassoff, and Sutphin; none opposed; Councilmember Colliver was absent after leaving during the closed meeting. Key Outcomes - Received the community branding update; implementation will begin with digital materials and later expand to signage, banners, and wayfinding. - Received ARPA progress updates for childcare workforce and food security; both programs will continue through other funding or organizational structures. - Discussed potential code amendments for homestay regulations, meals tax modernization, Town Charter update, and a state code change on temporary event license background checks; staff will continue work on these items. - Discussed recording work sessions without live streaming; staff will gather additional information. - Voted unanimously to enter a closed meeting and, with Councilmember Colliver absent, unanimously adopted Resolution 9-A-26 certifying the closed meeting.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on August 25, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting was brief, lasting until 6:39 p.m., and featured a light agenda including a consent agenda item, one citizen comment, one appointment vote, and council reports. Councilmembers Darryl Campbell and Jerry Ford, Jr. were absent. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes (August 11, 2026): Approved unanimously on a 5–0 roll call vote (Vice Mayor Anderson moved, Councilmember Colliver seconded; all present members voted yes). Public Comments & Testimony - Matt Connelly (Brush Mountain area resident) attended to observe the meeting process and asked about the procedure for submitting a petition to the Town. Town Attorney Lawrence S. Spencer offered to discuss the process with him after the meeting. Discussion Items - Appointment of Brad St. Clair: Mayor Sutphin presented the appointment of Brad St. Clair as a Jointly Appointed Board Member to the New River Valley Emergency Communications Regional Authority, effective September 1, 2026. St. Clair is retired from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and served as interim director of the authority. The appointment fills the remainder of the term of retired Virginia Tech Chief Kevin Faust and is a joint appointment with Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Montgomery County, and Virginia Tech. The motion to approve passed 5–0 (Vice Mayor Anderson moved, Councilmember Colliver seconded). - Council Reports: - Councilmember Colliver noted an upcoming Fire and Rescue presentation from the Montgomery County Economic Development Authority at a September work session. - Councilmember Kassoff reported on the stormwater advisory group’s progress, including learning from other municipalities and evaluating the stormwater utility fee structure through December. - Councilmember Goodhart updated on a Parks and Recreation survey (to be released in September) designed to gather community input on investments at Winfrey and Kipps soccer/baseball fields and the old Blacksburg High School track. - Vice Mayor Anderson reported on the New River Valley Regional Commission’s upcoming bylaws update and a draft artificial intelligence (AI) use policy for the commission, noting it may serve as a model for other organizations. - Mayor Sutphin reported on the Blacksburg–Virginia Tech Liaison Group (discussed fall semester start and enrollment: 7,480 incoming students) and the Blacksburg Partnership Board of Directors (presentation on midtown development by Ian Friend of SAS Builders; planned “Shop Blacksburg Saturday” event on October 3, 2026). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved (5–0). - Appointment of Brad St. Clair Approved (5–0). - Upcoming Meetings Announced: Work session on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. (Blacksburg Motor Company Conference Room); Regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. (Council Chambers). - The meeting was adjourned at 6:39 p.m.

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting agenda and minutes list the date as August 18, 2026, but the user-provided meeting timestamp is August 14, 2026. The summary below uses the provided date as instructed. The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on August 14, 2026, at the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The session focused on reviewing two upcoming public hearings for conditional use permits and receiving fall semester updates from town staff. No votes were taken; discussions were informational and preparatory. Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for September 8, 2026 - CUP 26-1: Financial Institution with Drive-Through Window in PC Planned Commercial. Town Planner Nicholas Baker presented a proposal for a 2,500-square-foot financial institution with a drive-through on a vacant 1.157-acre lot in the Planned Commercial District. Staff supports the request with conditions limiting the property to bank use and restricting left turns into and out of the site. The Planning Commission recommended approval on August 4. Matt Thomas of Foresight Design provided additional images and answered Council’s questions. - CUP 26-02: General and Medical Office or Fine Arts Studio at 700-706 South Main St. and 105 Eakin St. SW. Baker presented a request for office, medical office, and fine art studio uses on property zoned R-5 Transitional Residential, including construction of a new 1,200-square-foot building and conversion of existing structures. Discussion focused on sidewalk and sewer improvements, removal of the proposed 10 p.m. lighting condition, and flexibility regarding studio/gallery use and hours of public activity. Council considered neighborhood impacts such as traffic, noise, commercialization, trees, and sidewalks, while confirming that residential use would remain permitted on the second floor. Fall Semester Updates - Code Enforcement: Town Code Inspector Kevin Dunn highlighted the consolidation of code enforcement under Planning and Building, proactive efforts to address nuisance, zoning, and property maintenance issues, and the ongoing rental inspection program. - Collaboration with Virginia Tech: Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty explained the Town’s continued collaboration with Virginia Tech through student education, downtown business outreach, and initiatives such as TOB Connects and the Student Advocacy Summit. - Police Department: Blacksburg Police Chief Clair noted the department’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with students and fraternities, prepare for football game logistics, increase downtown and coordinated enforcement, and utilize a countywide mental health co-responder and stratified policing model. Council/Staff Discussion - Mayor Sutphin reviewed with Council the upcoming discussion regarding meeting recordings and the addition of “Council Reports” to meeting agendas. The reports will provide Councilmembers an opportunity to share updates on the boards and committees on which they serve. - Town Manager Marc Verniel noted that a presentation on EMS and Fire Services will be an upcoming meeting item. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions or votes were taken during the work session. - The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m. (local time).

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on August 11, 2026, at the Municipal Building at 300 S. Main St. The meeting was brief, with a consent agenda, two citizen comments, and council announcements. No public hearings or unfinished business were on the agenda. Consent Calendar - Approved Town Council minutes from July 14, 2026, and August 4, 2026. - Scheduled public hearings for September 8, 2026, for CUP 26-01 (a financial institution with a drive-through window in the PC Planned Commercial district) and CUP 26-02 (a general and medical office or fine arts studio at 700–706 South Main St. and 105 Eakin St. SW). - Approved Resolution 8-A-26 requesting cancellation of a Virginia Department of Transportation revenue sharing project. - The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (7–0). Public Comments & Testimony - Peter Spradlin (1010 Montgomery St.) expressed strong opposition to the Flock license plate reader (ALPR) cameras installed throughout town. He cited a randomized control trial in Vallejo, California that found 37% of ALPR hits were misreads, raising concerns about false stops. He also highlighted privacy issues, noting that an LAPD audit found 99.9% of 320 million vehicle photos were not on a hot list, and that Boston Police can store photos indefinitely despite Flock’s 30-day claim. He further argued cybersecurity vulnerabilities, including lack of phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication, as flagged by Congressman Krishnamoorthi and Senator Wyden. Spradlin stated that approximately 23 municipalities have voted to cancel, not renew, reject, or deactivate Flock and urged the council to follow suit. - Leslie Harwood (2826 Wellesley Ct.) voiced concerns about public access to council decision-making. She noted that most substantive discussion occurs at work sessions held during workdays (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), while evening meetings can be very short (the previous meeting lasted about 10 minutes). She requested that work sessions be livestreamed and recorded, and suggested holding work sessions in conjunction with regular evening meetings, citing Montgomery County’s model. Harwood argued that genuine accessibility requires structuring government so working residents can realistically participate. Discussion Items - Council members responded to Harwood’s comments. Mayor Sutphin stated that staff is researching how other localities handle meeting recordings and will present options at the first work session in September, likely recommending recording more meetings. He also noted the ongoing website redesign and a review of the citizen alert system to improve information dissemination. - Vice Mayor Anderson explained that short meetings do not reflect inactivity; council members receive extensive reading packets (available on the town website) and that much of the town’s business is handled by staff, with only decisions requiring council action coming to public hearings. She emphasized that work sessions are open to the public and no decisions are made there. - Councilmember Ford underscored the council’s long-standing commitment to openness and communication, pointing to past retreat goals and initiatives such as the Let’s Talk Blacksburg platform, and encouraged continued efforts to educate the public. - Councilmember Colliver noted that many land-use discussions occur at Planning Commission work sessions (held at 5 p.m.), which are open, well-attended, and thoroughly vet proposals before they reach council. As an example, two CUP items on the consent agenda had been worked through two Planning Commission sessions before being recommended unanimously. - Councilmember Campbell reminded the public that emails, letters, and in-person comments before a public hearing all count as official input, and urged residents to share their views before decisions are made. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (7–0). - Public hearings for CUP 26-01 and CUP 26-02 scheduled for September 8, 2026. - Council will discuss recording work sessions at a September work session; staff will provide options and recommendations. - Meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. Chair Mel Jones called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken: present were Brian Britt, Jerry Ford Jr., Mel Jones, Blaine Keesee, Susanna Rinehart, and Latanya Walker. Andrew Warren (Planning and Building Director), Carolyn Howard (Engineering and GIS Director), Nicholas Baker (Zoning Administrator), and Kasey Thomsen (Planning Technician) were also present. Commissioner Michael Ermann was absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approval of Planning Commission Minutes – July 7, 2026: Jerry Ford Jr. moved to approve the consent agenda; Latanya Walker seconded. The motion passed unanimously (6-0) with no discussion. Public Hearings CUP-26-1 – Financial Institution with a Drive-Through Window at 1800 Prices Fork Road Staff presented that the 1.7-acre vacant lot (zoned Planned Commercial) already had a conditional use permit and rezoning approved in 2023, but the specific use and site layout were not defined. This request defines the use as a financial institution with a drive-through. Changes from the initial proposal included reducing parking from 13 to 11 spaces (meeting zoning), moving all parking behind the front building line, and providing 25% open space (exceeding the 21% minimum). The applicant requested a waiver of cross-access requirements (Section 3164) to allow the entrance on Plantation Road; staff supported the waiver. Staff expressed concern about an awkwardly placed parallel parking space near the southeastern boundary. Staff recommended two conditions: substantial conformance with the July 30, 2026 conceptual plan, and that the property be used only as a financial institution with drive-through. Town engineering also recommended restricting left-turn movements from the site due to insufficient stopping sight distance (22 feet less than required), to be addressed at site plan stage. Applicant John Neel (Foresight Design Services) presented revisions, noting the bank (Community Bank) worked to reduce parking demand and reconfigure the building. He stated that the parallel parking space is not ideal but could not commit to changes at this stage; efforts to improve it would be made during site plan. Regarding the left-turn restriction, Neel suggested that patrons wanting to go left could exit right and then re-enter via The Retreat housing complex a short distance away. No public comments were made. Motion: Brian Britt moved to approve CUP-26-1 with both staff recommended conditions; Susanna Rinehart seconded. Discussion included praise for the applicant's work and the creative parking reconfiguration. Commissioner Jerry Ford Jr. noted the use adds value without increasing noise or traffic. Chair Mel Jones requested that if left turns are restricted, the area be striped for utility use. The motion passed 6-0. CUP-26-2 – General Office, Medical Office, or Fine Arts Studio in R-5 Transitional Residential at 700 and 706 South Main Street and 105 Eakin Street SW Before the hearing, Commissioner Brian Britt read a disqualification statement citing a potential conflict of interest (he owns property behind the subject properties) and left the dais. Staff (Nicholas Baker) presented that the 32,000-square-foot site currently contains three residential structures and two brick garages. The applicant (Bungalow on Main LLC, represented by Gary and Janet Buss) proposes to convert the existing houses to office/medical/fine arts studio use and add a one-story, 1,200-square-foot office building behind 706 S. Main. A new parking area with 21 spaces accessed from Eakin Street is proposed. A stormwater bioretention area is planned between 706 and 700 S. Main. The project requires a sidewalk along Eakin Street per Section 5120. Staff prepared Condition 6 requiring a minimum 4-foot sidewalk along the entire Eakin Street frontage, with a possible exception for the required 4-foot buffer, and allowing the Director of Engineering to determine feasibility based on existing utilities, pavement width, and other conditions. Other conditions included limits on hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.), an interior light on from dusk to 10 p.m., and adherence to all ordinances. The applicant had agreed to work with the town to reroute private sewer laterals that cross the property. One citizen comment expressed concern about tree preservation and screening. Applicant Gary Buss stated that the property (formerly a fraternity house) would be improved, buildings preserved, and the use would be similar to adjacent properties they already operate. He expressed concern about sidewalk construction potentially narrowing Eakin Street (which is 24–25 feet wide) and impacting on-street parking for neighboring businesses. He noted many utilities near the house and a large maple tree that could be affected. Buss stated they are not opposed to a sidewalk but worried about costs of moving utilities. He confirmed they would retain as many trees as possible. During discussion, commissioners clarified that the R-5 zoning allows residential use; approving the CUP does not preclude future reversion to residential (e.g., if the nonconforming fraternity use had been abandoned for two years, it could not revert to that nonconforming use). The site's previous fraternity was not recognized by Virginia Tech. Commissioners noted the applicant's good track record with similar properties nearby. Regarding the sidewalk, several commissioners noted that a sidewalk exists across the street, and if the Eakin Street sidewalk proves infeasible, that may be acceptable. Motion: Jerry Ford Jr. moved to approve CUP-26-2 with all staff recommended conditions; Blaine Keesee seconded. The motion passed 5-0 (Commissioner Britt did not vote). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the designated public comment period. Unfinished Business - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: The committee had not met. - Historic or Design Review Board: No report (Commissioner Ermann absent). - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Commissioner Blaine Keesee reported on the July 15, 2026 meeting. Key items: approval of two cell phone towers (near Carilion Hospital and in Pallet area adjacent to Floyd County line); adoption of a new application process that includes staff review matrices and extended timelines to accommodate external agency reviews (e.g., VDOT); upcoming text amendments based on state code changes. Also, Bob Miller was recognized for 20 years of service on the county planning commission. - Additional Items from Planning Commissioners: None. New Business - Chair’s Report: Chair Mel Jones announced that a nomination committee for the September Planning Commission officer elections (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary) would be formed. Jerry Ford Jr. and Brian Britt volunteered to serve on the nomination committee. - Planning Director’s Report: Andrew Warren confirmed the August 18, 2026 work session is cancelled and replaced with the Planning Commission Retreat at 5:00 p.m. (previously 5:30) at the Blacksburg Motor Company building (400 South Main Street). The retreat agenda includes the Comprehensive Plan update and Recode Blacksburg. Commissioners were invited to suggest additional topics. - Town Council Report: Jerry Ford Jr. reported on the August 4, 2026 Town Council work session, which focused on wastewater system updates. Topics included capacity of the Blacksburg-VPI Sanitation Authority plant, a study showing overall capacity sufficient with administrative re-rating, and one interceptor pipe needing update by 2040. Also discussed were updates to sanitary sewer standards and specifications, and future costs for sewers in the Tom’s Creek Basin. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved 6-0. - CUP-26-1 approved 6-0 with two staff conditions. - CUP-26-2 approved 5-0 (Britt disqualified) with all staff conditions including Condition 6 on sidewalk feasibility. - Nomination committee for officer elections formed (Ford and Britt). - Planning Commission Retreat scheduled for August 18, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company building.

Note: The agenda and minutes for this meeting indicate the meeting date as August 4, 2026, but this summary follows the user-provided date of July 31, 2026. The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session at Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street, from 11 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. (per agenda and minutes). Presentations covered wastewater system updates and the end-of-fiscal-year financial report. Council also discussed recording future work sessions and improving citizen engagement. Discussion Items Wastewater System Updates Blacksburg-VPI Sanitation Authority – Town Engineering Director Carolyn Howard presented a study by CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA) which found that the wastewater treatment plant has sufficient capacity for current and near-term needs and does not require major upgrades at this time. As part of the 2029 permit renewal, the Town can increase the plant’s approved capacity with minor improvements, providing additional flexibility for future growth. Sanitary Sewer Standards and Specifications – Town Engineer Shawn Veltman explained that the comprehensive update to sanitary sewer standards and specifications is nearing completion. The update modernizes material requirements, testing standards, and variance criteria, while revising approximately 40 standard details. A third-party review by Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP (WRA) has been completed, and staff will incorporate the recommendations. The final standards will be presented for adoption by Town Council through a resolution after review and comment by the development community. Toms Creek Basin Sewer Policy Discussion – Town Engineering Director Carolyn Howard presented recommended revisions to the Tom’s Creek Basin sewer policy, proposing a shift away from requiring Septic Tank Effluent Pumping (STEP) systems in all cases due to ongoing maintenance challenges and reliability concerns. Staff recommended allowing gravity sewer systems where technically and economically feasible while retaining STEP systems for appropriate low-density development. Staff also recommended completing a preliminary engineering report to evaluate future development areas within the Tom’s Creek Basin and identify potential infrastructure needs. Council generally supported this approach but emphasized that higher-density development would require significant infrastructure improvements. End of Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Report Jeff Lazenby, Town Finance Director, presented the Town's third-quarter financial update, noting that the Town's financial position remains strong, with revenues meeting expectations and expenditures tracking below budget. Fund balances for the General, Water/Sewer, Stormwater, and Solid Waste funds all meet or exceed established policy requirements. Lazenby also highlighted that, in the coming months, Council will review several key financial items, including the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) update, presentation of the FY25 audit, and the start of the FY27 budget development process. Staff/Council Discussion Following a conversation initiated by Mayor Sutphin, Council agreed to schedule a future discussion, likely in September, on whether to record work sessions. Staff will prepare background information to support the discussion. Council also explored opportunities to improve citizen engagement. Key Outcomes - Council expressed general support for the revised Toms Creek Basin sewer policy but emphasized that higher-density development requires significant infrastructure improvements. - Council agreed to schedule a future discussion (likely September) on recording work sessions; staff will prepare background information. - No formal votes were taken during this work session.

This regular meeting of the Blacksburg Town Council began at 6:30 p.m. and adjourned at 6:41 p.m. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and a public hearing ordinance, heard two citizen comments, and made announcements regarding community events. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from June 23, 2026 and July 7, 2026. - Approved Resolution 7-A-26 setting regular meeting dates for Town Council. - Approved Resolution 7-B-26 transferring $535,000 between stormwater projects. - All items passed on a single motion with a unanimous roll call vote (6 ayes, 0 nays). Public Hearing: Ordinance 2115 – Retail Incubator Master Lease - Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty presented the ordinance authorizing the Town Manager to execute a master lease with 414 LLC for the property at 414 North Main Street. The retail incubator project has been in development since before the pandemic and is planned for a Fall 2026 opening. - No public comment was offered. - Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2115 (6 ayes, 0 nays). Citizen Comments - Roxann Hartman (600 Cambridge Road) expressed concerns about students leaving trash and debris in her neighborhood. Mayor Sutphin stated that a staff member would follow up with her. - Leslie Harwood (1021 Montgomery Street) requested that Town Council work sessions and board/committee meetings be recorded and/or livestreamed to improve transparency. She noted that in 2026, the town held approximately 60 public meetings, work sessions, board meetings, and engagement events, but only 19 (less than one-third) were recorded or made available online. She contrasted this with neighboring localities (Christiansburg and Montgomery County) that already livestream or record many meetings. Mayor Sutphin responded that transparency and accessibility are topics that can be discussed at a future meeting. Council Announcements - Vice Mayor Anderson reminded about the Summer Arts Festival, including a theater production "The Novelist" on July 18-19, a community mural exhibit, and Music on Henderson. - Councilmember Campbell encouraged residents to support local restaurants during Restaurant Week (the week of July 14). - Councilmember Ford congratulated Capone's Jewelry on its 40th anniversary. - The Council announced that the July 21 work session and July 28 regular meeting are canceled. The next work session will be August 4 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company, and the next regular meeting will be August 11 at 6:30 p.m. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2115 (Retail Incubator Master Lease) approved unanimously. - Town staff will follow up with a resident regarding neighborhood trash issues. - Council acknowledged the request for increased meeting transparency and indicated future discussion.

Consent Calendar - Approved the June 2, 2026 Planning Commission minutes (5-0 vote). - Scheduled a public hearing for CUP-26-2 (General Office, Medical Office, and Fine Arts Studio in R-5 Transitional Residential at 700 and 706 South Main Street and 105 Eakin Street SW) for August 4, 2026. - Canceled the July 7 public hearing for CUP-26-1 (Financial Institution with a Drive-Through Window at 1800 Prices Fork Road) and rescheduled it for August 4, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Unfinished Business: No reports were given from the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee (had not met), the Historic or Design Review Board (representative absent), or the Montgomery County Planning Commission (representative absent). - Planning Director’s Report: Andrew Warren noted that in August, the Commission will need to form a nominating committee to prepare for officer elections (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary) at the September annual meeting. He also suggested August 18, 2026, as a potential date for the Commission’s annual retreat. - Town Council Report: Jerry Ford, Jr. reported that the July Town Council Work Session included a two-hour-and-15-minute session, with approximately 1 hour 45 minutes devoted to a refresher on general land use policies and procedures given by the Town Attorney. This session also served as training for two new council members. Key Outcomes - The Consent Agenda was approved unanimously (5-0). - The Planning Commission will appoint a nominating committee in August to prepare for September officer elections. - A potential retreat date of August 18, 2026, was proposed for further discussion.