Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:21 p.m. The meeting included an audit presentation for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, reviews of upcoming public hearings, updates on transit safety, affordable housing applications, signage modifications, a towing contract, and the capital improvement plan. All council members were present; Councilmember Sutphin temporarily abstained from the affordable housing discussion. Audit Presentation for Year Ended June 30, 2022 - Chris Banta of Brown, Edwards & Company, L.L.P. presented the annual audit of the Town’s financial statements. He noted that the Town’s largest liability was unspent ARPA funds, and the net position was positive. Banta commended Council and staff for excellent financial reporting. Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for January 10, 2023 CUP 22-0005: Conditional Use Permit for Increased Height at 310 Midtown Way - Town Planner Kinsey O’Shea reviewed a request to exceed the 60-foot height limit to a maximum of 73 feet for a proposed Embassy Suites hotel on DC Parcel 6, bordered by Midtown Way, Church Street, and Eheart Street. The public hearing is set for January 10, 2023. Ordinance 2002: Small-Scale Alcohol Production Facilities - Planning Director Anne McClung summarized a zoning text amendment to define and regulate small-scale alcohol production facilities (e.g., tasting rooms, retail sales) not part of a restaurant. The amendment adds standards and maximum production limits. The public hearing is scheduled for January 10, 2023. Blacksburg Transit Safety Plan - Blacksburg Transit Director Brian Booth outlined required changes to the Safety Plan, including strategies to minimize exposure to infectious diseases and updates developed in cooperation with frontline employees. Minor revisions were discussed with operators during the October Safety Meeting. Affordable Housing Fund Applications - Housing and Community Connections Manager Matt Hanratty presented three applications: a Habitat for Humanity project at 1200 Airport Road, the Glade Springs Crossing project, and the Community Housing Partners project at Stroubles Ridge. All awards are contingent on final approval and compliance with zoning and housing policies. Councilmember Sutphin abstained from discussion and stepped away from the meeting from approximately 12:15 p.m. to 12:25 p.m. North End Signage District Proffer Modification - Planning Director Anne McClung explained a requested modification due to visibility issues from a parking deck construction. The proposal moves signs from above the door to the top of the building on Prices Fork Road. Carrie Woodrig of the Virginia Tech Foundation addressed Council and offered to answer questions. Police Towing Contract Update - Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer provided information about the Police Towing Advisory Board, which will update the agreement governing requested towing. Review of Financial Indicators, Revenue, Expenditures and Recommended Capital Improvement Plan - Finance Director Susan Kaiser highlighted the Town’s FY2022 Financial Indicators as the first step in reviewing the recommended Capital Improvement Program. Town Manager Marc Verniel provided an overview of the plan, focusing on downtown, public safety, property maintenance, transportation, and parks and recreation projects. Continued discussion will occur at the January 3, 2023 meeting. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The council received reports and provided input. The public hearings for CUP 22-0005 and Ordinance 2002 will proceed on January 10, 2023. Discussion on the Capital Improvement Plan will continue on January 3, 2023.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held a regular meeting on December 6, 2022, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Chair Andy Kassoff presided. All seven commissioners were present except M. Jones. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM. Consent Calendar - ZOA 42/ORD 2002 (Small-Scale Alcohol Production Facilities): Public hearing canceled and rescheduled to January 3, 2023. - RZN 22-0003/ORD 2003 (Amendment to Planned Commercial Zoning at 1055 Plantation Road): Public hearing canceled and rescheduled to February 7, 2023. - CUP 22-0006 (Mini-Warehouse Use at 1055 Plantation Road): Public hearing canceled and rescheduled to February 7, 2023. All items were approved 7-0. Public Hearings A. CUP 22-0005 – Additional Height at 310 Midtown Way - Staff Presentation (Kinsey O’Shea): The request sought a conditional use permit to increase the maximum building height of a proposed hotel in the Midtown development from 60 feet to 73 feet in the Downtown Commercial (DC) zoning district. Staff recommended conditions including enhanced streetscape measures (wider sidewalks, planters, additional landscaping) and that the height not exceed 73 feet. - Applicant Presentation (John Neel, Foresight Design Services; Miller Caldwell, Caldwell Architects): The actual building design is approximately 71 feet 8 inches; the 73-foot allowance provides flexibility during construction. The proposal includes 137 guest rooms on six floors, 74 parking spaces (69 required), and design features such as a ground-floor lobby, conference rooms, pool, and bar. The applicant agreed to extend the wider sidewalk along Church Street. - Public Comment: None. - Motion and Vote: Commissioner Joel Herbein moved to approve CUP 22-0005 with all staff-recommended conditions. The motion passed 7-0. B. ZOA 60/ORD 2001 – Downtown Northwest Zoning District - Staff Presentation (Anne McClung): The amendment creates a new optional, incentive-based zoning district for the triangle bounded by North Main Street, Turner Street, and Prices Fork Road, implementing the Downtown Strategic Plan. Key provisions include a minimum parcel size of 3.5 acres for rezoning, building heights from 75 to 125 feet (stepping back from Main Street), form-based standards (build-to lines, stepbacks, transparency requirements), limitations on surface parking, and allowance for drive-throughs with urban design standards. The district does not change existing zoning; property owners must apply for rezoning. Town Council will pause after receiving the Planning Commission’s recommendation. - Public Comment: - Jeff Mitchell (representing 208 Turner Street LLC): Enthusiastically supported the vision but requested changes: remove or lower the 3.5-acre minimum parcel size, reconsider the 300-foot street frontage requirement, and develop more detailed open space and street dedication requirements. He expressed concern that the current structure could create “winners and losers” among property owners and that the district appears to incentivize only student housing, lacking incentives for commercial development. - Joe Gatto (CORE Spaces): Supported the district’s aims but argued the 3.5-acre minimum is too high and could hinder development; proposed lowering it to 1.5 acres or eliminating it. Also suggested that building stepbacks could occur closer to Main Street without compromising pedestrian experience. - Emilio Santini (Progress Street resident): In favor of the district and lowering the minimum acreage to 1.5 acres, believing it would benefit the town by creating less traffic and better urban form. - Motion and Discussion: - First Motion: Commissioner Joel Herbein moved to approve ZOA 60/ORD 2001 as presented by staff. The motion passed 4-3 (Walker, Kassoff, Herbein, Colley in favor; Ford, Rinehart, Watson opposed). Commissioner Jerry Ford expressed concerns about the 125-foot height limit. Commissioner Tim Colley cited the need for further evaluation of the parcel size. - Second Motion: Commissioner Jerry Ford moved to request that Town Council and staff further evaluate specific standards, including the minimum acreage for rezoning, maximum building height, required road frontage, and ways to incentivize commercial development, based on comments made during the public hearing. The motion passed 7-0. Citizen Comment No public comments were made. Unfinished Business - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Chair Kassoff reported the committee reviewed ZOA 42 (Small-Scale Alcohol) and will next review accessory apartments in January 2023. - Historic or Design Review Board: No recent meetings. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Commissioner Joel Herbein reported the commission met twice in November, recommending approval of a mixed-use development on Peppers Ferry Road, a travel center on Tyler Road and Mud Pike, and a major plan for an inert debris landfill on Walton Road. New Business - Chair’s Report: None. - Planning Director’s Report: None. - Town Council Report: Commissioner Jerry Ford noted Town Council reviewed financial indicators and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at a work session that day; the Planning Commission will receive a CIP overview at its December 20, 2022 work session. Key Outcomes - CUP 22-0005 approved 7-0, allowing a hotel height up to 73 feet with staff conditions. - ZOA 60/ORD 2001 recommended for approval by a 4-3 vote, with a subsequent 7-0 vote requesting further evaluation of minimum acreage (currently 3.5 acres), building height, road frontage, and commercial development incentives. - Three consent agenda items were canceled and rescheduled for future dates (January 3 and February 7, 2023).

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on November 22, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The main agenda item was the introduction of the recommended Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2023-2028. The meeting included a consent agenda approval and council announcements, with no public hearings or citizen comments. Consent Calendar - Approval of the Town Council minutes from November 8, 2022, and November 15, 2022. The motion was made by Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Sutphin, and approved unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - There were no citizen comments. Discussion Items - Capital Improvement Program Introduction: Town Manager Marc Verniel presented the recommended CIP, a five-year financial plan covering capital maintenance, equipment purchases, and large operating expenditures. The CIP aligns with the Town Council's strategic goals and the comprehensive plan. Key highlights: - 121 total projects recommended over five years, with 14 bonded projects. - Total general fund spending: $47.7 million. - Major general fund projects include the Progress Street parking garage ($16.5 million, later in the period), Draper Road Streetscape ($4.5 million), downtown façade improvement grants, community center renovations, South Point park improvements, and continued funding for the Brush Mountain Trail system. - Transportation projects include Prices Fork Road pedestrian improvements, Clay Street sidewalk, North Main Street intersection improvements at Gibbons Lane, and an interchange modification study for Prices Fork at US 460 (already funded). - Utility projects include stormwater, water, and sewer upgrades. - The largest CIP share is for transit, primarily bus replacements and electric charging infrastructure; the town aims to convert the fleet to electric as funding allows. - Maintenance projects cover facilities, roads, water/sewer, stormwater, equipment replacement, and building system upgrades. - Councilmember Bush asked about the Draper Road Streetscape project, noting the outdoor seating and open space were invaluable during the pandemic. Town Manager Verniel clarified that the project includes both short-term temporary improvements (street furniture, etc.) within the next year and a longer-term full streetscape design and construction after about 4-5 years. Bush expressed appreciation for the project's benefits. Key Outcomes - The council received the CIP introduction and will receive the full CIP documents the following week. - The schedule moving forward: work sessions in December, a public hearing at the first January meeting, and adoption consideration on January 24, 2023. - Council Announcements: Vice Mayor Anderson reminded of "Shop Small Saturday" on November 26 and the Winter Lights celebration on December 2 (including arts & crafts, Santa at the Lyric, holiday tree lighting, and parade). - The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. The meeting focused on two main agenda items: a presentation on the Downtown Northwest Zoning Ordinance Amendment and a review of several public hearing items scheduled for December 13, 2022. No public comments were heard. The meeting was adjourned at 12:52 p.m. Downtown Northwest Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Planning Director Anne McClung provided an overview of the Downtown Northwest Zoning District plan, with planning consultant Chris Janette offering a detailed review of the proposed amendment. McClung explained that the proposed zoning would be a floating zone, meaning it would be optional for property owners. Council members asked questions and shared perspectives on specifics such as drive-thru facilities, density, and height. Review of December 13, 2022 Public Hearings - 2022 Comprehensive Plan Amendment: Town Planner Maeve Gould presented an overview, noting the amendment will better address high-density student housing and include minor housekeeping items such as correcting typographical errors in the Comprehensive Plan. - Ordinance 2000 (Fare Free Blacksburg Transit): Town Manager Marc Verniel explained that this ordinance will establish free fares for Blacksburg Transit service. - Ordinance 2004 (Rescue Chief Amendment): Town Manager Marc Verniel stated the amendment is needed for the transition to a paid rescue chief, clarifying that the rescue chief will be a town employee. - Ordinance 2005 (Competitive Negotiation Threshold): Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer advised that the ordinance increases the procurement threshold for lower-level purchases not requiring competitive negotiation from $60,000 to $80,000. - Ordinance 2006 (Budget Amendment for VDOT and Developer Funds): Town Manager Marc Verniel explained that the ordinance will accept and appropriate $655,849 in VDOT FY19 Revenue Sharing funds, $340,849 in Developer funds, and $201,755 in FY21 Revenue Sharing funds to the General Capital Improvement Fund. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were taken during the work session. The Council reviewed and discussed each item in preparation for the public hearings scheduled for December 13, 2022.

The Blacksburg Town Council held its regular meeting on November 8, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, two public hearings, citizen comments, and council announcements. The most significant item was a controversial rezoning request for 1800 Whipple Drive, which passed on a 5–1 vote after extensive debate and public opposition. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the meeting minutes from October 25 and November 1, 2022. - Resolution 11-A-22: Adopted to transfer appropriations to the FY 2022-2023 operating budget from prior fiscal year encumbrances. - Resolution 11-B-22: Adopted with a correction to the title amount (revised from $574,860 to $573,090) for transfers between the General Fund Capital Projects and Fund Balance and between Water/Sewer Fund Capital Projects and Retained Earnings. - Resolution 11-C-22: Adopted authorizing interdepartmental transfers of unexpended appropriations as of June 30, 2022. - Resolution 11-D-22: Adopted increasing the number of authorized positions for Transit Operations Trainers. - 2022 Comprehensive Plan Amendment: Scheduled a public hearing for December 13, 2022. - Ordinance 2000 (Fare Free Blacksburg Transit): Introduced and public hearing scheduled for December 13, 2022. - Ordinance 2004 (Rescue Chief): Introduced and public hearing scheduled for December 13, 2022. - Ordinance 2005 (Competitive Negotiation): Introduced and public hearing scheduled for December 13, 2022. - Ordinance 2006 (VDOT Revenue Sharing Funds): Introduced and public hearing scheduled for December 13, 2022. The ordinance accepts and appropriates $655,849 in VDOT FY19 revenue sharing, $340,849 in developer funds, and $201,755 in FY21 revenue sharing to the General Capital Improvement Fund. - Contract Approval: Authorized the Town Manager to sign a contract for Municipal Building 3rd floor renovations with Building Specialists. - Blacksburg-VPI Sanitation Authority Contract: Authorized the Town Manager to sign the contract and agreement. - The consent agenda was approved unanimously on a roll call vote after Vice Mayor Anderson noted the correction to Item C. Public Hearings Ordinance 1999 – Sewer Use Standards: - Deputy Town Manager Chris Lawrence presented that the amendments align Town Code with the VPI Authority’s pretreatment rules. - No public comment was offered. - The ordinance was approved unanimously on a roll call vote. Ordinance 1994 – Rezoning of 1800 Whipple Drive (3.08± acres from Transitional Residential to Planned Residential): - Town Planner Kinsey O’Shea presented the staff report, noting the Planning Commission did not recommend approval (vote was 4–4). The proposed development includes six buildings with 33 townhome units, a density of 31 bedrooms per acre, and features such as solar panels, a HERS rating of 55, and off-site public utility easements. - The applicant, represented by Steve Semones of Balzer & Associates, emphasized maximizing usable open space, sustainability features, and the traffic study which found no warranted improvements. - Public comment: Tasia Persson (105 Countryside Court) opposed the development citing noise, traffic, and density concerns, and characterizing it as student housing. Javad Torabinejad raised concerns about density, traffic, and stormwater quality. Greg Novack (105 Countryside Court) urged a traffic circle and noted dangerous intersections. - Applicant rebuttal: Semones defended the stormwater design, noted no objections at the neighborhood meeting, and stated the traffic study showed acceptable levels of service. - Council Discussion: Councilmembers expressed mixed views. Some praised the project’s creative design, open space, and energy efficiency, while others criticized the small setbacks (10–15 feet), minimal private rear yards, and low parking ratio (1.01 per bedroom). Councilmember Anderson voted against the project, citing the lack of private space and concerns that the density would not serve families or young professionals. Councilmember Colliver expressed support but noted regrets; the official minutes record her vote as not included in the roll call (the minutes list only Anderson’s no vote, but the transcript suggests she voted in favor). The discrepancy is noted. - Motion: Councilmember Sutphin moved to approve Ordinance 1994 and the requested subdivision variance, with the understanding that the developer intends to achieve a HERS rating of 55 prior to applying solar panel efficiency. Councilmember Mattingly seconded. - Vote: The motion passed 5–1 (Ford, Hager-Smith, Mattingly, Sutphin, and Bush voted yes; Anderson voted no). Councilmember Colliver’s voting record is unclear from the minutes, though she indicated support during discussion. Citizen Comments - Greg Novack (105 Countryside Court) spoke about overgrown trees and shrubs obstructing sight lines for drivers and pedestrians, especially at the North Main/Givens and North Main/Whipple intersections, and requested the Town address maintenance to improve safety. Council Announcements - Mayor Hager-Smith recognized November 26, 2022, as Small Business Saturday and encouraged residents to shop local during the holiday season. Vice Mayor Anderson reiterated the reminder and also highlighted Winter Lights on December 2, 2022. - The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on November 1, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:23 p.m. All council members were present, along with the town manager, town attorney, and town clerk. The session covered a review of an upcoming public hearing item, a presentation on the Huckleberry Trail Plan, discussions on sidewalk snow removal, police towing contract update, and the Sanitation Authority term contract. Staff also provided an update on year-end resolutions. Discussion Items - Ordinance 1999 (Sewer Use Standards): Town Engineer Randy Formica and Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer provided an overview of the ordinance, which would repeal existing sewer use standards and adopt new sections incorporating the Pretreatment Rules and Regulations of the Blacksburg-Virginia Polytechnic Institute Sanitation Authority dated November 26, 2019. This item was scheduled for a public hearing on November 8, 2022. - Huckleberry Trail Plan Presentation: Kathleen Armstrong and Elijah Sharp of the New River Valley Regional Commission presented a synopsis of the Huckleberry Trail Plan, including a graphic timeline, mapping tools, and opportunity areas along the trail. Council expressed appreciation to the presenters and Friends of the Huckleberry for their work. - Sidewalk Snow Removal Discussion: Matt Hanratty reviewed the Town’s plans for weather events. Plans include updating the Town website to reflect Public Works services and remind citizens of their responsibility to clear sidewalks. Additionally, an option to use a local contractor for snow removal from key pedestrian areas was noted. - Police Towing Contract Update: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer informed Council that the Police Towing Advisory Board will work on updating the agreement governing requested towing. - Sanitation Authority Term Contract Discussion: Deputy Town Manager Chris Lawrence described the Blacksburg-Virginia Polytechnic Institute Sanitation Authority, formed by the Town and Virginia Tech for sewage treatment. The current contract is expiring, and Lawrence recommended that Council authorize the Town Manager to sign the new contract. - Council/Staff Exchange: Town Manager Marc Verniel reviewed year-end resolutions, summarizing fund transfers for projects including street paving, audio/visual equipment for the new police building, replacement of town vehicles, softball field lighting, and the Prices Fork interchange study. Key Outcomes - The public hearing for Ordinance 1999 will proceed on November 8, 2022. - Council discussed the recommendation to authorize the Town Manager to sign the Sanitation Authority term contract; no formal vote was taken. - The Police Towing Advisory Board will begin updating the towing agreement. - Public Works will update the website and consider using a local contractor for sidewalk snow removal.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held a regular meeting on November 1, 2022, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda, a public hearing on the 2022 Comprehensive Plan Amendment, reports from liaison committees, and a closed session to discuss legal matters related to student housing regulation. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from October 4, 2022, were approved. - ZOA 42/ORD 2002: Scheduled a public hearing for December 6, 2022, on an ordinance to create and regulate small-scale alcohol production facilities. - CUP 22-0005: Scheduled a public hearing for December 6, 2022, for a conditional use permit for additional height at 310 Midtown Way. - RZN 22-0003: Scheduled a public hearing for December 6, 2022, for a rezoning amendment at 1055 Plantation Road. - CUP 22-0006: Scheduled a public hearing for December 6, 2022, for a mini-warehouse conditional use permit at 1055 Plantation Road. - ZOA 60/ORD 2001: Canceled the public hearing scheduled for November 1, 2022, and rescheduled it for December 6, 2022, regarding a new Downtown Northwest zoning district. - Vote: The consent agenda was approved 6-0. Public Hearings 2022 Comprehensive Plan Amendment - Staff Presentation: Comprehensive Planner Maeve Gould presented the proposed amendment, which adds text and a map to the Land Use chapter regarding preferred locations for high-density student housing, along with housekeeping items in the Transportation, Land Use, Housing chapters, and the Future Land Use Map. Key background: Virginia Tech announced a goal to increase enrollment by 5,000 students; between 2017 and 2021, Town Council approved approximately 3,500 new bedrooms of student-oriented housing, bringing total multifamily student bedrooms to about 26,300 at full build-out. The amendment is a follow-up to a 2019 Town Council resolution encouraging redevelopment of older student housing at higher densities. - Public Comment: Tasia Persson, 105 Countryside Court, asked whether the amendment provides standards and policies for the location of new high-density student housing, specifically questioning if projects like the Whipple development (previously a 4-4 vote) would be required to locate within designated zones. Staff responded that the proposed map provides policy guidance for where high-density student housing should be located, but each rezoning would still be evaluated on its merits. - Commission Discussion: - Mel Jones moved to approve the amendment as presented, seconded by Joel Herbein. - Jones noted that student housing demand is not fully met and the amendment will help develop high-standard future housing. - Latanya Walker highlighted that the town still has a fairly high occupancy rate. - Jones added that the majority of developments have an extremely low vacancy rate. - Andy Kassoff stated that the amendment sets a high bar for developers and that the town should be prepared for more rezoning proposals. - The commission clarified that "pent-up demand" for new units has been largely met, but overall demand remains complex and varied. - Vote: The motion passed 6-0. Unfinished Business - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Met and will meet again on November 7, 2022, regarding small-scale alcohol production facilities. - Historic or Design Review Board: Tim Colley reported that the board has not met recently. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Joel Herbein reported on recent actions, including approval of a warehouse mini-storage on Cinnabar Road (recommended 8-0), an antique store in Riner, and a tabled major solar array proposal near Eastern Montgomery Elementary School (5 MW capacity, 10,560 panels on about 35 acres). Discussion touched on soil quality and decommissioning concerns. Citizen Comment - No members of the public addressed the commission during citizen comment. New Business - No items were reported under Chair's Report, Planning Director's Report, or Town Council Report. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 6-0, scheduling multiple public hearings for December 6, 2022, and canceling/rescheduling one hearing. - 2022 Comprehensive Plan Amendment: Approved 6-0, providing policy guidance on high-density student housing and incorporating housekeeping edits. - Closed Meeting: The commission adjourned to a closed meeting at 7:14 PM under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(8) to consult with legal counsel on student housing zoning issues. The meeting reconvened and passed a resolution certifying the propriety of the closed session unanimously. - Next Steps: The comprehensive plan amendment will go to Town Council for a work session on November 15, 2022, and a public hearing on December 13, 2022.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on October 25, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. All members were present except John Bush. The meeting lasted approximately 7 minutes and included approval of a consent agenda, appointments to the Police Towing Advisory Board, and council announcements. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Town Council minutes from October 11 and October 18, 2022, were approved. - Resolution 10-B-22: Authorized the execution of an agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation and acknowledged local funding commitments. - Resolution 10-C-22: Adopted an enhanced hazardous duty benefit for EMTs. - Resolution 10-D-22: Added a new Rescue Chief position to the employee pay plan. - Memorandum of Agreement (MOA): Authorized the Town Manager to sign an MOA between the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Town regarding the Rescue Chief position. - Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Authorized the Town Manager to sign an MOU regarding funding between the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Town. - Agreement for Cooperation in Furnishing Police Services: Authorized the Town Manager to sign an interlocal police services agreement. - Vote: Vice Mayor Anderson moved to approve the consent agenda; Councilmember Sutphin seconded. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the citizen comments period. Appointments - Police Towing Advisory Board: Mayor Hager-Smith recommended appointing Johnny Self, Brian Bellars, Clay Dowdy, Eugene Mason, Jason Brons, Jesse Moy, and Brian Rowe (as alternate) to the board. These individuals represent All Call Towing, Campus Automotive, Auto Repair Specialists, and Walnut Springs Auto. Vice Mayor Anderson moved to approve the mayor's recommendations; Councilmember Sutphin seconded. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (6-0). Council Announcements - Vice Mayor Anderson reminded citizens that downtown trick-or-treating will take place on Halloween (Monday) from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a costume contest at 5:30 p.m. on Henderson Lawn (or at The Lyric if inclement weather). She also reminded everyone that early voting is available ahead of Election Day on November 8, 2022. - Councilmember Colliver announced that the Montgomery County–Blacksburg–Christiansburg Local Tourism Authority is participating in an Americans for the Arts economic impact study of arts and cultural events. The study began in August 2022 and will collect survey data at select events through May 2023. Residents who attend arts events may be asked to complete a survey. - Councilmember Mattingly highlighted a new mural at the corner of Draper and College Avenue on the side of Gillie's. The mural was funded by an AARP grant, with the Blacksburg Regional Art Association (BRAA) as fiscal agent, and was painted by local artist Nikki Penn. The mural is on removable metal panels to avoid permanently altering the historically contributing building. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda (including all seven items) was approved unanimously. - The Police Towing Advisory Board appointments were approved unanimously. - No unfinished business or new business was considered. - The meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on October 18, 2022, at 11 a.m. to discuss four items: a rezoning ordinance scheduled for a public hearing, architectural drawings for a Midtown parcel, a proposed paid Rescue Squad Chief position and EMS cost recovery, and an update on town project priorities. The meeting was attended by all council members and adjourned at 1:11 p.m. Discussion Items - Ordinance 1994 (Rezoning at 1800 Whipple Drive): Town Planner Kinsey O’Shea reviewed the revised rezoning request for 3.08 acres from Transitional Residential to Planned Residential Zoning and the criteria used for evaluation. Applicant representative Steve Semones of Balzer & Associates explained changes made and answered questions. Council discussed a proposed walkway, public utility easements, and solar panel orientation. - Midtown Parcel DC 4 Architectural Drawings: Planning Director Anne McClung provided an update and displayed new renderings of the building compared to the previous version. The Town Manager will send a letter of compliance to the applicant after minor site landscaping revisions are made. - Rescue Squad Chief and EMS Cost Recovery Update: Town Manager Marc Verniel discussed a proposal for a paid Rescue Chief position to work with the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad Board of Directors, citing increased administrative duties. The position would include enhanced hazardous duty retirement benefits, requiring Council approval. Verniel also outlined a potential EMS cost recovery program with compassionate billing, possibly in coordination with Montgomery County. - Town Project Priorities Update: Verniel reviewed strategic goals, Virginia Tech growth, and improvement priorities from the Town Council retreat, including community wellbeing, affordable housing, zoning, and land use changes. He noted items underway and those needing further attention, and staff will move forward with additional council input. Key Outcomes - Council discussed the rezoning ordinance and will hold a public hearing on November 8, 2022. - The Town Manager will send a compliance letter for Midtown Parcel DC 4 after landscaping revisions. - The Rescue Chief position proposal and EMS cost recovery program were presented for Council consideration; no formal vote was taken.