Blacksburg Town Council Meeting – June 14, 2022

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on June 14, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included the graduation of the 2022 Citizens Institute, adoption of a consent agenda, two public hearings, and a detailed report on the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Town Council minutes from May 24, 2022, and June 7, 2022.
• Scheduled a public hearing for July 12, 2022, on a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a day care center at 1017 Progress Street N.W.
• Introduced Ordinance 1992 to withdraw land from the Agricultural and Forestal District and scheduled a public hearing for July 12, 2022.
• Adopted Resolution 6-A-22, writing off uncollectible water, sewer, refuse service receivables, meals taxes, business licenses, and real estate taxes.
• Introduced Ordinance 1987 amending Town Code § 13-106 regarding mass outdoor social gathering permits and a new party registration process, with a public hearing on July 12, 2022.
• Adopted Resolution 6-B-22, re-referring to the Planning Commission proposed zoning ordinance amendments for the Accessory Apartment Permit Program.
• Introduced Ordinance 1991 vacating public utility easements at 513 & 515 Georgia Street, with a public hearing on July 12, 2022.
• Adopted Resolution 6-C-22 approving a new Employee Pay Plan System. Councilmember Mattingly disclosed her spouse's employment with the town but participated under Virginia Code exception.
• All consent agenda items passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided comments during the Citizen Comments period.

Discussion Items

• 2022 Citizens Institute Graduation Ceremony: Mayor Hager-Smith congratulated 14 graduates and noted the program’s return after a two-year hiatus. Certificates were presented.
• Conditional Use Permit for Fine Arts Studio (1513 Boxwood Drive): The applicant, Jonathan Rew, sought approval for an 800-square-foot detached woodworking studio for custom canoe and kayak paddles. Staff presented details: no additional customers or employees, building set back 70–90 feet from property lines, insulated construction for noise mitigation. The Planning Commission recommended approval 5‑0. No public comment or rebuttal. Council unanimously approved Resolution 6-D-22.
• Ordinance 1989 – Sale of Town Property on South Point Drive: Approximately 3.9737 acres of surplus land from the 2005 VDOT agreement would be sold to Bill Ellenbogen for $1.125 million (appraised value), with a one-year assignable option. Proceeds must be used for open space or recreation at the remaining site. A sewer project must be completed before development; estimated completion spring 2023. No public comment. Council unanimously approved the ordinance.
• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Report: Assistant to the Town Manager Matt Hanratty presented the process and findings for allocating the town’s $13.3 million in ARPA funds (expenditure deadline end of 2026). The public survey (over 1,500 responses) identified top priorities: support for most vulnerable residents, affordable housing, and water/sewer infrastructure. Staff narrowed 57 initial projects to 11 recommended projects including: 414 North Main Street (small business/retail co-op), community gardens, Huckleberry Trail improvements, Meadowbrook Greenway Trail expansion, North Main Trail, infill sidewalks, Sojourn Center hospice design, affordable housing fund, food security partnerships, and child-care workforce strengthening. Council discussed contingency (unspent funds would go to Huckleberry Trail) and the need for temporary downtown restrooms. Two councilmembers filed disqualifications: Bush (employment with Community Housing Partners – abstained on housing fund vote) and Sutphin (Sojourn Center board member – abstained on Sojourn vote).

Key Outcomes

• CUP for Fine Arts Studio (Resolution 6-D-22): Approved unanimously (6‑0).
• Ordinance 1989 (Sale of South Point Drive property): Approved unanimously (6‑0).
• ARPA Report Acceptance: Council accepted the overall report with the exception of Sojourn Center and Housing Trust Fund recommendations (motion passed unanimously, 6‑0).
• Sojourn Center ARPA Funding: Motion to accept the recommendation passed 5‑0 (Councilmember Bush abstained).
• Housing Trust Fund ARPA Funding: Motion to accept the recommendation passed 5‑0 (Councilmember Sutphin abstained).
• Council Announcements: Town Manager Verniel announced Todd Brewster as the next Blacksburg Police Chief (effective July 1, 2022) and the ribbon-cutting for the new police station (William H. Brown Building) on June 22, 2022. Councilmember Sutphin recognized June as Pride Month. Vice Mayor Anderson promoted Summer Solstice events on June 18th and other summer activities.