Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on April 14, 2026, at 6:31 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a public hearing on the FY2027 recommended budget package, and a closed session for performance evaluations. No public comments were received. The meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:51 p.m. and reconvened at 8:20 p.m. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes: Approved unanimously for March 17, 2026, and March 24, 2026. - Purchase of 305 Ardmore Street Property: Authorized the Town Manager to sign the Purchase Agreement. - EXP-26-1 (Special Exception for Parking at 1315 Rugby Lane): Scheduled a public hearing for May 12, 2026. - Ordinance 2085 (Special Flood Hazard Area Overlay District Regulations): Introduced the ordinance and scheduled a public hearing for May 12, 2026. Public Hearings - FY2027 Recommended Budget Package (Ordinances 2113 and 2114): - Town Manager Marc Verniel presented the budget, totaling $125.7 million (16% overall increase; 5.8% operating increase). - Utility rate changes: water and sewer +6%, solid waste +7%, stormwater unchanged; average monthly utility bill increase of $8.40 (5.98%). Property tax rate unchanged. - No public comments were offered. - Mayor Sutphin read a Statement of Complete Disqualification regarding Ordinance 2113, citing his employment with Community Housing Partners, which receives appropriations in certain sections. He stated he will abstain from voting on those portions at the April 28, 2026 meeting. - Action on both ordinances is scheduled for April 28, 2026. Council Announcements - No announcements were made. Closed Meeting & Resolution - The Council voted unanimously to adjourn to a closed meeting under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) for performance evaluations of the Town Manager, Town Clerk, and Town Attorney. - After reconvening, Resolution 4-A-26 certifying the propriety of the closed meeting was adopted unanimously.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held its regular meeting on April 7, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Commissioners present: Brian Britt, Tim Colley, Michael Ermann, Jerry Ford Jr., Mel Jones, Blaine Keesee, Susanna Rinehart, Latanya Walker. The meeting covered a consent agenda, two public hearings (a special exception for hotel parking and floodplain ordinance revisions), committee reports, and administrative updates. Consent Calendar - Approved the March 3, 2026 Planning Commission minutes by a vote of 8-0. Public Hearings EXP-26-1: Special Exception for Parking at Rugby Lane Hotel - Staff Presentation: Caroline Collins presented a request from applicant Jake Harding (Westwood Professional Services) to allow 17 of 102 parking spaces in front of the front building line at 1315 Rugby Lane. The parcel is a flag lot with frontage on Country Club Drive; all access will be from Rugby Lane. Staff recommended four conditions, including preserving the vegetated area along Country Club Drive, maintaining a landscaped planting area to screen parking, and limiting spaces to 17. - Applicant Presentation: Jake Harding explained the need to meet parking requirements and noted preservation of existing white pines. During Q&A, the Commission discussed replacing dead trees with evergreen species, and the motion incorporated a modification to require evergreen trees. - Public Comment: None. - Motion: Blaine Keesee moved to approve with staff conditions and the modification for evergreen tree replacement. Susanna Rinehart seconded. Vote: 7-1 (Michael Ermann dissented). ORD 2085: Floodplain Overlay District Revisions - Staff Presentation: Carolyn Howard (Engineering and GIS Director) presented amendments to Sections 2103 and 5120, repeal of existing Article III Division 24, and adoption of new sections. Changes are required by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and to clarify floodplain permit submittal requirements. Key updates include: changing terminology (e.g., "100-year storm" to "1% annual chance storm"), allowing recreational vehicles up to 180 days, specifying minimum finished floor elevation of +1.5 feet above base flood elevation, and removing a commercial zoning exemption for local streams. A forthcoming watershed study will establish base flood elevations for downtown and provide town-wide drainage recommendations. - Public Comment: None. - Motion: Susanna Rinehart moved to approve the ordinance; Latanya Walker seconded. Vote: 8-0. Unfinished Business - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Chair Jones reported the committee has not met. - Historic or Design Review Board: Michael Ermann had nothing to report. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Tim Colley reported on discussions about a Bed and Breakfast, Mini-Storage use, and adoption of the Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan. New Business - Chair's Report: None. - Planning Director's Report: Andrew Warren reminded commissioners of the upcoming Planning Commissioner Dinner and Training on April 22, 2026, at the Montgomery County Government Center. - Town Council Report: Jerry Ford noted the Town Council discussed the Town of Blacksburg budget at its last work session. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda (8-0). - Approved special exception EXP-26-1 with modified condition (7-1). - Approved Ordinance 2085 for floodplain overlay district revisions (8-0). - No public comments received. - Meeting adjourned at 6:52 PM.

Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as April 7, 2026, but the provided instruction specifies April 2, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date. The Town Council held a work session on April 2, 2026, at the Blacksburg Motor Company. Mayor Michael Sutphin, Vice Mayor Susan Anderson, Councilmembers Darryl Campbell, Jerry Ford Jr., Joel Goodhart, and Andrew Kassoff were present. Councilmember Lauren Colliver was absent. The meeting included discussion of a letter to Virginia Tech, CDBG/HOME programs, Blacksburg Transit strategic plan, and the FY2027 operating budget. The meeting adjourned at 1:11 p.m. Discussion Items - Letter to Virginia Tech Board of Visitors: Mayor Sutphin initiated a discussion about drafting a letter regarding the Board's proposed resolution to eliminate Living-Learning Communities on campus. After thorough discussion, the Council agreed to send a letter requesting that the Board defer this action. - CDBG & HOME Program Overview & Annual Action Plan: Housing and Community Connections Manager Kim Thurow presented slides providing an overview of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Thurow shared updates on current and past projects, reviewed objectives and priorities, and answered Council questions. - Blacksburg Transit Strategic Plan Service Improvements: Director Brian Booth presented the BT Strategic Plan as a long-term, flexible framework. He highlighted completed short-term successes including new facilities, route enhancements, and charging infrastructure. Community feedback informed plans for a limited North Main expansion that avoids the Woodbine neighborhood. Booth noted that a significant electric bus battery recall will delay any service expansion until at least late 2027, though future upgrades are expected to improve performance. Anticipated growth, including increased university enrollment, will require additional buses. - FY2027 Operating Budget: Agency Funding Requests: Town Manager Marc Verniel initiated discussion of agency funding requests and reviewed the annual process. Council thoroughly reviewed the requests and made minor adjustments. Verniel added that Council will have an additional opportunity to review the recommended budget at the next work session on April 21st. - Staff/Council Discussion on Salary Increase: Town Manager Marc Verniel followed up on the salary increase for Mayor and Council, discussed at the Council Retreat. Overall agreement was reached to increase the Mayor's salary to $16,200 per year and Council salaries to $13,200 per year. The increase will be part of the budget and take effect on January 1st. Key Outcomes - Council agreed to send a letter to the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors urging deferral of the proposal to eliminate Living-Learning Communities. - Council reviewed and made minor adjustments to FY2027 agency funding requests, with further review scheduled for April 21. - Council agreed to salary increases: Mayor to $16,200 per year, Council members to $13,200 per year, effective January 1st, to be included in the budget.

Note: The provided agenda and minutes indicate the meeting occurred on March 3, 2026, but the instructions specify to use March 26, 2026; this summary uses the instructed date. The Town Council held a work session from 11:00 a.m. to 12:48 p.m., followed by a closed meeting from 12:48 p.m. to 1:03 p.m., covering updates on camera technology, downtown parking management, strategic goals, and a closed session for real property acquisition. Camera Technology - Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty reviewed the Town's non-police camera systems, which are used for accountability, investigations, traffic monitoring, crash review, and safety. Public Works uses pavement cameras for road conditions; Parks and Recreation cameras monitor equipment and patron safety at community, aquatic, and golf centers; Fire and Rescue have cameras on vehicles and at their pharmacy; and Blacksburg Transit buses have interior and exterior cameras. - Police Chief John Clair reviewed police-related cameras, including those downtown, in buildings, vehicles, and body-worn units. These cameras support public safety, emergency response, investigations, staff security, and evidence collection. Dash cameras capture audio/video and aid training, while body cameras document interactions and support court proceedings. - Council was informed that all Flock camera footage is deleted after 21 days, and Flock cameras do not use facial recognition or collect traffic speed data. Downtown Parking Management - Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty presented an overview of downtown parking, highlighting the lack of evening turnover during Virginia Tech's fall and spring semesters. - To address this, extending enforcement hours from Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., was recommended, with free parking during winter break and relaxed hours in the summer. - A transition to a pay-by-plate mobile payment system was proposed, potentially using a hybrid approach that retains pay station kiosks while eliminating single-space meters. The change would improve user convenience, reduce operational costs, and provide better data and analytics on parking demand and usage. - Next steps include engaging Downtown Blacksburg Inc., evaluating mobile options, determining the preferred approach, developing a communications plan, and targeting implementation in Summer 2026. Town Council Strategic Goals - Mayor Sutphin distributed the Town Council Strategic Goals for Council review, noting only minor edits had been made. He reviewed the revisions with Council and asked for additional input. - Council members expressed general agreement with the proposed updates. The item will be placed on an upcoming agenda for further consideration. Closed Meeting - Councilmember Anderson moved to adjourn to a Closed Meeting pursuant to the acquisition of real property exemption permitted by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(3) for discussion of the potential acquisition of real property in south Blacksburg for a public purpose, since discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the Town's bargaining position/negotiating strategy. The motion carried. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on the camera technology or downtown parking management items; they were presented for discussion and information. - The Town Council Strategic Goals will be placed on a future agenda for formal consideration. - Resolution 3-A-26, certifying the propriety of the closed meeting, was adopted unanimously on a roll call vote (Anderson, Campbell, Colliver, Ford, Goodhart, Kassoff, and Sutphin voted yes; none voted no; none absent).

This regular meeting of the Blacksburg Town Council on March 24, 2026, began at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The council approved a consent agenda, heard citizen comments on FY2027 agency funding requests and immigration enforcement, appointed Michael Harvey to the NRV Regional Commission, and received a mayoral statement on local ICE policies. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes (March 3 and March 10, 2026): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 3-C-26 (Referring to the Planning Commission proposed zoning amendments to regulate retail sales of marijuana, tobacco, and hemp products): Approved. - Resolution 3-D-26 (Reclassification of Code Inspector to Code Compliance Coordinator position): Approved. - The consent agenda passed 7–0 (all members voting yes). Public Comments & Testimony FY2027 Agency Funding Requests Thirteen speakers requested continued or new funding for various community organizations. All expressed support for their respective agencies and urged council consideration. No council vote was taken during these comments; the requests will be considered in the FY2027 budget process. - Susan Hansen (Blacksburg Master Chorale): Requested $2,500 for scholarships, noting that 85% of membership is in Blacksburg and that funds support both adult and children’s chorale members. - Wendy Baldwin (Imagination Library of Montgomery County): Reported 2,228 children currently enrolled and 43,500 books mailed in two years. Highlighted a positive effect on caregivers and a May 30 fundraising festival. - Deborah Kennedy (ACCE Program, NRCC Educational Foundation): Requested $50,000 for tuition support, noting the program’s ninth year, 117 completed applications, and that 80% of NRCC students remain in the region. - Ferne Moschella (New River Land Trust): Thanked the town for support and highlighted 59,000 acres conserved, 16 miles of Brush Mountain trails, and a planned carbon sequestration project with The Nature Conservancy. - Betsy Kibler (Blacksburg Community Band): Described the all-volunteer band’s eight concerts per year, $12,000–$15,000 in annual expenses, and a scholarship fund. Expressed a “pipe dream” of owning a rehearsal/concert hall. - Patrick Malone (Wonder Universe): Sought to re-establish partnership; reported the museum serves 7,500–10,000 Blacksburg residents annually (40% of visitors) and provides reduced-cost admission through Museums for All. - Scott Bailey (Blacksburg Refugee Partnership): Requested funds for resettlement costs and legal fees, citing uncertainty due to federal reviews of refugee families. Noted support for 15 families, including six female members of an elite Afghan military unit. This was the organization’s first funding request to the town. - Debbie Edwards (Friends of the Farmers Market): Emphasized community gathering, SNAP/VA FreshMatch ($28,000 in tokens in 2025), 40 small businesses supported, and a slight revenue loss in 2025 due to economic uncertainty and weather. - Karim Kahn (Literacy NRV): Stated 8% of Blacksburg adults read below a third-grade level and 16% speak a language other than English at home. Requested continued support for free adult literacy programs. - Karim Khan (Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library): Thanked the town for support, reported a quarter-million checkouts in 2025 at Blacksburg Library, 3,727 new library cards, and 12,000 programming attendees. Announced a 94% positive customer satisfaction rating. - Raymond Parks (New River Valley Agency on Aging): Requested a 5% increase for meals and transportation to meet growing demand. Services include home-delivered meals, transportation, care coordination, and Medicare counseling. - Sharon Shipling (Friends of St. Luke Odd Fellows and Household of Ruth): Described the 1905 Oddfellows Hall, a historic segregated community structure, and efforts to preserve and share its history through education and digital preservation. - Susan Gardner (Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance): Reported that RAMP has supported 66 companies, raised nearly $50 million, and created 950 jobs. Requested continued support to retain talent and capital in the region. - Laina Schneider (Live, Work, Eat, Grow): Noted 124 garden plots across four community gardens (including a new one at Heritage Park) and a solar greenhouse. Requested $20,000 for maintenance, staff, and tool upkeep. - Sherry Wyatt (Montgomery Museum of Art and History): Highlighted student art exhibits, the Junior Appalachian Musicians program, and preparations for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. 38% of members have Blacksburg addresses. - Ann Cassell (Blacksburg Partnership): Requested funds for retail strategies overhaul, a “Blacksburg 101” program for new students and families, and continued advocacy for NRV passenger rail service. - John Walker (Cayambis Institute): (Minutes mention a request; transcript does not include full remarks but the minutes note he spoke in support of the organization’s funding request.) Other Comments (ICE Enforcement) Six speakers urged the council to adopt policies limiting local cooperation with ICE enforcement. They requested: 1) prohibition of concealed identities/unmarked vehicles, 2) codifying bans on 287(g) agreements, 3) preventing town agencies from collecting or sharing citizenship information, and 4) barring ICE from using town property for operations. Speakers included: - Matt Hudson (VT student): Distributed a document on behalf of VT Migrant Defense and urged adoption of the four demands. - Tiffany Suárez (VT student): Voiced support for the demands, saying the community needs safeguards. - Ms. Martinez (VT student): Shared personal family fears of deportation and urged the council to protect neighbors. - Lora Brown (town resident): Emphasized need for a local ICE policy and solidarity with the Blacksburg Refugee Partnership and Literacy NRV. - Rose Griffith (Blacksburg resident): Stressed safety concerns for students, noting her employer already implemented an ICE policy. - Carolyn Jones (VT student): Supported the demands, referencing stories of ICE detentions in neighboring states. - Baylor Williams (Blacksburg resident): Urged the council to “stand up for what is right” regarding ICE enforcement and described the fear in the community. Discussion Items Mayor’s Statement on ICE Enforcement Mayor Sutphin read a prepared statement addressing the four demands raised by citizens: 1. Officer identification: The Blacksburg Police Department (BPD) already requires clearly identifiable uniforms and body-worn cameras; pending state legislation would restrict face coverings. 2. 287(g) agreements: BPD does not participate in 287(g) and does not enforce federal civil immigration law; officers cannot detain based on immigration status. 3. Collection and sharing of information: BPD does not inquire about citizenship or immigration status; will not participate in the federal homeland security task force established by executive order. 4. Use of town property: The town has not received requests for staging locations and will not honor such requests without a court order; the town does not operate a jail. The mayor emphasized that BPD is a locally controlled agency committed to public safety and that the council will continue to monitor state developments and engage with the community. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 7–0, including minutes, zoning referral for marijuana/tobacco/hemp regulation, and reclassification of a code inspector position. - Appointment of Michael Harvey: Approved unanimously to the NRV Regional Commission, term ending June 30, 2027, filling a vacancy after the previous representative stepped down. - Council Announcements: Vice Mayor Anderson thanked attendees of the Dialogue on Race event and noted that the Lyric Theatre is now showing movies. Upcoming meetings: Work Session April 7 at Blacksburg Motor Company, Regular Meeting April 14 in chambers. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Note: The FY2027 agency funding requests were heard but not voted on; they will be considered during the town’s budget process.

Note: The agenda and minutes provided list the meeting date as March 17, 2026, but the user-specified date for this summary is March 13, 2026. This summary uses the specified date. The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on March 13, 2026, at the Blacksburg Motor Company (400 South Main Street) from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 12:43 p.m. The meeting featured a presentation and discussion on housing affordability led by the New River Valley Homebuilders Association, followed by a review of the proposed FY2027 Operating Budget. All council members were present, along with the Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Town Clerk. No public comments were received, and no votes were taken; the session was informational. Discussion Items New River Valley Homebuilders Association Housing Presentation & Discussion - Steve Semones, speaking on behalf of the New River Valley Homebuilders Association, presented an overview of housing affordability challenges in Blacksburg and across Virginia. He identified key drivers: rising construction costs, higher interest rates, expensive land, and regulatory requirements that can add approximately $94,000 per home. He noted that home prices have risen roughly 55% while supply lags due to a reduction in builders since the 2008–2009 recession, limited land availability, and long approval timelines. - Semones discussed policy responses including state legislation, Blacksburg’s Small Lot Ordinance, zoning incentives, and Community Land Trusts. He indicated that these efforts aim to reduce costs and encourage denser, more affordable housing, though some face funding and implementation limits. - The council discussed the presentation; no formal action was taken. Review of FY2027 Operating Budget - Town Manager Marc Verniel presented the proposed Town budget, which exceeds $125 million. He explained that the budget is guided by strategic goals and strong financial management practices to maintain high bond ratings. - Key drivers include inflation, personnel costs, capital projects, and new positions. About half of the budget is allocated to salaries. Revenue comes largely from local taxes—especially meals, sales, and lodging taxes—with real estate taxes making up approximately 30% of the General Fund. - Verniel noted that the Town has remained financially resilient in past recessions due to the stabilizing effect of Virginia Tech, and it manages downturns by reducing expenses and slowing capital spending. A shift to more frequent property reassessments is expected to improve revenue predictability. - Council discussed the budget components but took no vote. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions or votes were recorded. The information presented will inform future council deliberations on housing policy and the FY2027 budget adoption. - The work session adjourned at 12:43 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council met on March 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Mayor Michael Sutphin presided, and all seven councilmembers were present. The meeting opened with a Women’s History Month proclamation. Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, three public hearings, and an appointment, and received the introduction of the FY2027 Recommended Operating Budget. Women’s History Month Proclamation Mayor Sutphin read a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Women’s History Month in Blacksburg, encouraging residents to participate in programs and events recognizing women’s achievements. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes – Approved minutes from February 12, 17, and 24, 2026. - Ordinance 2113 – Introduced an ordinance adopting the FY2027 budget, setting the real estate tax rate, and appropriating funds. A public hearing was scheduled for April 14, 2026. - Ordinance 2114 – Introduced an ordinance to increase water/sewer and solid waste/recycling fees. A public hearing was scheduled for April 14, 2026. - Town Council Strategic Goals – Approved the updated goals. All consent items passed unanimously (7‑0). Public Hearings & Testimony 1. Ordinance 2110 – Gigabeam Networks Fiber Optic Franchise Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer presented a ten‑year franchise (with two five‑year renewal options) allowing Gigabeam Networks LLC to construct, maintain, and operate a fiber‑optic network in town right‑of‑way. A short conduit run on Meadowbrook Drive requires the franchise. The company’s chief strategic officer, Eric Workman, expressed support, noting the project will expand internet access to underserved areas of Montgomery County. Council approved the ordinance unanimously (7‑0). 2. Ordinance 2112 – Lease of Bennett House to SEEDS, Inc. Town Manager Marc Verniel presented a five‑year, nominal‑rent lease for the Bennett House property at 303 Wilson Street (in Wong Park) to SEEDS, Inc. for a nature‑center operation. SEEDS will relocate from the Price House. Mike Rozenwig, SEEDS director, thanked council for 17 years of support and noted the organization’s 31st year. Council approved unanimously (7‑0). 3. Resolution 3‑B‑26 – Conditional Use Permit for VCOM at 1701 Kraft Drive Town Planner Nicholas Baker presented a request by the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) to convert an existing office building and add a 16,200‑square‑foot two‑story expansion for medical education, laboratories, and lecture halls. The project includes improved pedestrian and bike access, a 10‑foot‑wide multi‑use trail, a walking path to the VUE Apartments, and two monument signs. Staff recommended approval with two conditions (conformity with the concept plan and installation of the walking path). The Planning Commission had recommended approval 6‑0. No public comments were offered. The applicant, Steve Semones of Westwood Professional Services, expressed excitement. Council approved the resolution unanimously (7‑0). Discussion Items Introduction of FY2027 Recommended Operating Budget Town Manager Marc Verniel presented the FY2027 budget overview. The total budget is $125 million (a 16% increase inclusive of capital projects; a 5.8% increase for operations). Key points: - General Fund: $58 million, 6% increase; real estate tax rate remains at $0.26 per $100 of assessed value. - Revenue growth projected across all major categories. - Notable capital expenditures: $5 million for bus replacement and charging infrastructure, new countywide digital radio system, $1.8 million for sidewalk construction, $900,000 for stormwater, $800,000 for pedestrian safety improvements, parking lot at Meadowbrook/Glade Road, and operating funds for the downtown retail incubator. - Personnel: 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment effective July 1, plus a 2% step increase (based on performance) on January 1, 2027. Health insurance rates rising 7% (first increase in four years); VRS retirement contribution increasing 15%. - New positions: four in Police Department (one sworn sergeant, one communications/FOIA officer, one public liaison supervisor, one parking enforcement officer); eight full‑time transit operators; two transit dispatchers. - Utility rate increases: water 6%, sewer 6%, solid waste/recycling 7% (about $2.30/month), stormwater unchanged. Average customer monthly utility bill increase about $8.40. These fees help maintain financial policies and fund capital replacements. - Budget documents available online and at town hall/library. Public hearing set for April 14, 2026, with adoption scheduled for April 28, 2026. Council asked no questions; the budget introduction was received as information. Key Outcomes - Votes: All five roll‑call votes were unanimous (7‑0). - Appointment: Andrew Warren was appointed to the New River Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board for a term ending December 31, 2026 (unanimous). - Next Steps: - Public hearings on the FY2027 budget and utility fee ordinances on April 14, 2026. - Town Council work session on March 17, 2026, at Blacksburg Motor Company. - Next regular meeting March 24, 2026. - Council Announcements: Mayor Sutphin encouraged citizens to apply for board and committee openings; Vice Mayor Anderson reminded of the Dialogue on Race event on March 14, 2026, at Christiansburg Middle School. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission met on March 3, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Municipal Building. The meeting lasted approximately three minutes and consisted primarily of consent items and a brief report from the Montgomery County Planning Commission. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (February 3, 2026): Approved unanimously. - 2025 Annual Report: Approved unanimously. - ORD 2085 – Floodplain Overlay District Revisions: Scheduled a public hearing for April 7, 2026. - EXP-26-1 – Special Exception Request for parking in front of the front building line for Rugby Lane Hotel at 1315 Rugby Lane: Scheduled a public hearing for April 7, 2026. The consent agenda was moved by Jerry Ford Jr., seconded by Latanya Walker, and passed 8-0 with all commissioners present voting in favor. Discussion Items - Montgomery County Planning Commission Report (Jerry Ford Jr.): Mr. Ford reported on the February 11, 2026, meeting of the Montgomery County Planning Commission. Key items included: - A short-term rental request scheduled for the next month, located on Harding Road just outside town limits near Windsor Hills. - A special use permit master plan amendment for a site further down Harding Road (former bug shop area), which includes storage and property management uses. - The "Montgomery Matters" comprehensive plan: the final draft had been sent to the planning commission and board of supervisors for last-minute comments, with a goal to complete the process by the end of the fiscal year (June 2026). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 8-0. - Public hearings scheduled for April 7, 2026: Floodplain Overlay District revisions and the Rugby Lane Hotel special exception request. - Next meetings: Work session on March 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM; regular meeting on April 7, 2026, at 6:30 PM. - Meeting adjourned at 6:33 PM.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on February 24, 2026, at the Blacksburg Municipal Building. Mayor Michael Sutphin presided, with all seven council members present. The meeting lasted approximately five minutes and included approval of the consent agenda, one appointment, and council announcements. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the January 27, February 3, and February 10, 2026 meetings. - Approved an amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement with the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation and the Virginia Tech Foundation. - Both items were approved unanimously on a roll call vote (7–0). Public Comments & Testimony - None. Appointments - The council unanimously appointed Matthew Hanratty to the New River Valley Housing Fund Board for a term expiring June 30, 2027. The motion carried 7–0. Council Announcements - Vice Mayor Susan Anderson reminded residents of an open house at the Patrick Henry Community Center that evening until 8 p.m., where Blacksburg Transit is exploring a possible extension of bus service to North Main Street. - Mayor Sutphin congratulated Blacksburg native Rick Devens (transcription notes the name as "Devons") on appearing in the 50th season of Survivor. Sutphin mentioned that both he and Devens are graduates of Virginia Tech's Department of Communication. - Mayor Sutphin also highlighted a new pamphlet created by staff to help form or restart neighborhood associations, noting that the town will cover copying costs and facility rental for the first meeting. - Councilmember Jerry Ford, Jr. thanked Montgomery County Sheriff C.H. “Hank” Partin for his service to the community and wished him well on his upcoming retirement. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda and the appointment were approved without opposition. - The next town council work session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company Conference Room. - The next regular town council meeting will be Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers.