Blacksburg Town Council Meeting - June 12, 2024

The Blacksburg Town Council met on June 12, 2024, to act on a consent agenda, conduct two public hearings, receive citizen comments, make an appointment, and address unfinished business. All items on the consent agenda were approved, including the introduction of several ordinances for future public hearings. Public hearings on photo speed monitoring devices and the Harding Avenue project were passed unanimously. Citizen comments raised concerns about the St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall operating agreement, the process for withdrawing land from an Agricultural and Forestal District, water fluoridation, and weed abatement policies.

Consent Calendar

• Town Council Minutes: Approved minutes from May 7 and May 14, 2024.
• Ordinance 2051: Introduced an ordinance to amend a rezoning of 33.87 acres at 520 Patrick Henry Drive; public hearing scheduled for July 9, 2024.
• Ordinance 2052: Introduced an ordinance authorizing withdrawal of land from the Agricultural and Forestal District at 701 Bishop Road; public hearing scheduled for July 9, 2024.
• Ordinance 2054: Introduced an ordinance to repeal Town Code sections on industrial cost recovery charges; public hearing scheduled for July 9, 2024.
• Ordinance 2055: Introduced an ordinance to vacate a portion of public right-of-way on Progress Street; public hearing scheduled for July 9, 2024.
• Resolution 6-B-24: Approved writing off the Town’s uncollectible water, sewer, refuse, stormwater receivables, and real estate taxes.
• Resolution 6-C-24: Approved referring to the Planning Commission a proposed zoning amendment to create an alternative small lot residential development option in the R-4 district.
• Item H (CDBG Plan): Approved an amendment to the 2022-2026 Consolidated Plan and 2024 Action Plan for HOME and Community Development Block Grant programs. Vice Mayor Sutphin abstained due to a conflict of interest (employment with Community Housing Partners).
• Fireworks Permit: Approved a permit for the Independence Day celebration on July 4, 2024, at 9:30 p.m. on Patrick Henry Drive.
• Design-Build Contract: Approved a contract for design-build services at 414 North Main Street.

All consent items except Item H were approved unanimously on a roll call vote. Item H was voted separately and passed with Sutphin abstaining.

Public Hearings

Ordinance 2056: Photo Speed Monitoring Devices in School Crossing Zones

Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer presented the ordinance, noting that speed enforcement cameras would address speeding in school zones. The ordinance authorizes a $100 civil penalty. No public comment was offered. Council unanimously approved the ordinance.

Resolution 6-A-24: Acquisition of Property for Harding Avenue Stormwater and Pedestrian Project

Town Attorney Spencer explained that the resolution authorizes acquisition of easements and allows for eminent domain if needed. One citizen, Zach Weiss of 1003 S. Main Street, voiced concerns about tree replanting after construction. Council unanimously approved the resolution.

Citizen Comments

• Jody Booze-Daniels (909 Allendale Road) and Christine King (Montgomery County) spoke about the St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall. Booze-Daniels requested that the operating agreement be reviewed annually, include accountability metrics, ensure equal funding for both museum sites, and require a culturally competent executive director. King raised concerns about fundraising efforts.
• Robin McCarley (940 Coalwood Way) expressed concerns about the process for Ordinance 2052 (AFD withdrawal), arguing that the Planning Commission based its unanimous recommendation on a flawed legal interpretation by staff. McCarley requested a deferral of the ordinance.
• Gabrielle Spennacchio-Parker (2428 Ridge Road) presented a slideshow arguing against water fluoridation, citing constitutional rights, health risks, and historical misuse. She also referenced a past comment by Vice Mayor Sutphin about fluoridation complaints being "annoying."
• Dan Conners (1240 Treetop Ridge Road) questioned the process for undoing a subdivision if a deed restriction is later enforced, asking who would pay and what the process would be.
• Zach Weiss (1003 South Main Street) proposed adding a requirement to replace non-native weeds with native species as part of weed abatement enforcement, suggesting community service or financial incentives instead of fines.

Appointment

• Council appointed Engineering Director Carolyn Howard to the Blacksburg-VPI Sanitation Authority. A motion passed unanimously.

Unfinished Business

• Mayor Hager-Smith read a statement addressing misbehavior at a prior council meeting. She condemned an incident where a protester urinated on the floor of the men's restroom, stating the act was cowardly and targeted the town custodian. She urged protesters to act more constructively.

Council Announcements

• Vice Mayor Sutphin reminded the public that June is Pride Month and listed community events including a drag show, movie, trivia, karaoke, pub crawl, hike, and yoga, organized by Community Pride in Blacksburg.
• Councilmember Mattingly announced the Summer Solstice Festival on Saturday, June 15, at Draper and Lee Street, featuring food, music, a 5K run, and beach yoga.
• Councilmember Anderson announced the Farmers Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, Friday night concerts begin June 14, free classic movies at the Lyric, and an art exhibition at Squire Student Center.

Key Outcomes

• All consent items, resolutions, and appointments were approved unanimously (with one abstention on Item H).
• Ordinance 2056 (photo speed enforcement) and Resolution 6-A-24 (Harding Avenue property acquisition) were passed without opposition.
• Several ordinances were introduced for public hearings on July 9, 2024.
• No formal action was taken on citizen comment topics.