Blacksburg Town Council Meeting - January 13, 2026

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on January 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting began with the ceremonial administration of oaths for newly elected and returning members: Mayor Michael Sutphin, and Councilmembers Susan Anderson, Darryl Campbell, and Lauren Colliver. Darryl Campbell was recognized as the first Jamaican Caribbean American and second person of color to serve on the council. Councilmember Susan Anderson was elected Vice Mayor. The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Public hearings were held on property acquisition on Brush Mountain, a dance hall permit at 130 Jackson Street, the five-year Capital Improvement Program, and the process to fill two vacant council seats. Citizen comments covered traffic safety, environmental concerns, and accessibility. Council appointments for 2026 were also approved.

Consent Calendar

• Town Council Minutes from December 2 and December 9, 2025, were approved.
• Farmers Market License Renewal was authorized.
• Resolution 1-B-26, authorizing a petition for writ of special election, was adopted.
• Resolution 1-C-26, setting forth the Town of Blacksburg’s 2026 legislative priorities, was adopted.
• Ordinance 2108, vacating public utility easements at 3503 and 3511 Holiday Lane, was introduced and a public hearing scheduled for February 10, 2026.
• CUP-25-5, for general office use in the Old Town Residential district at 207 W Roanoke Street, was scheduled for a public hearing on February 10, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

On the Capital Improvement Program:

• Emilio Santini (607 Progress St.) asked about the Mount Tabor sidewalk extension and suggested it be considered sooner.
• Anna Marie Chase (1304 Highland Cir.) raised concerns about stormwater and drainage notifications and requested more attention to water/sewer infrastructure.
• Charles Schade (401 Clairmont Dr.) thanked staff for the CIP but criticized the postponement of Clay Street sidewalk/road improvements from 2027 to 2029 and the cost increase from $3 million to $8 million. He urged prioritizing the project for pedestrian safety and continuity.
• Katelyn Jacobs (213 Craig St.) asked if a light rail could be considered for future transit investments, noting higher upfront costs but longer-lasting rolling stock and potential property value increases.

On Council Vacancies:

• Edward Hokanson (209 Orchard View Ln.) requested that Council appoint Rick Johnson and Pete Macedo.
• Elaine Jenkins (202 Mateer Cir.) expressed disappointment with the selection process, criticizing lack of transparency and perceived political motivation.
• Rick Johnson (904 Willard Dr.) argued he was the rightful successor following the election fraud conviction of former Councilmember Watson, and accused Council of disregarding fairness and ethics.
• Chris Caldwell (2105 Meadowbrook Dr.) asked that Council consider Rick Johnson.
• Dawn Geitzen (708 Airport Rd.) spoke in support of Rick Johnson.
• Joel Goodhart (902 North Dr.) thanked Council for the nomination and outlined his focus on housing affordability, road safety, and community resilience.
• Katelyn Jacobs (213 Craig St.) spoke in favor of Joel Goodhart, citing his thoughtful, issue-focused approach and long-term vision.
• Charles Schade noted that Joel Goodhart had been an official candidate and that both candidates seeking the seat had not run in the most recent election; he expressed support for Goodhart.
• Steve Gillespie (201 Fairfax Rd.) supported Goodhart.
• Emilio Santini supported Goodhart, calling him honest, sincere, and trustworthy.
• Anna Marie Chase criticized the process as predetermined, saying public comment was tokenism.
• Corey Scott (3695 Hamilton Ct.) spoke in favor of Goodhart, citing his passion.
• Joann Dean (608 Kentwood Dr.) asked Council to reconsider Rick Johnson.

During Citizen Comments:

• Emilio Santini praised Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty and Lieutenant Sedrick Hayes for rapidly implementing speed enforcement on Progress Street after his request.
• Gabrielle Spennacchio-Parker (1322 Brightwood Ct.) detailed violations at the Radford Army Arsenal, including an unpermitted hazardous waste impoundment and leaks, and asked the Town Council to acknowledge the health risks and revisit a 2017 resolution for accountability.
• Katelyn Jacobs requested temporary safety measures on North Main Street for bicyclists, noting the unsafe road and bumpy sidewalk.
• Steve Gillespie agreed with concerns about the Radford Arsenal.
• Pete Macedo (502 Lee St.) raised accessibility issues for people with disabilities and urged Council to improve representation and listen to those with limitations.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2107 – Brush Mountain Property Acquisition and Open-Space Easement: Town Manager Marc Verniel presented the Stone Cutters Hollow property, part of Heritage Park, acquired with New River Land Trust. The town will accept the property and convey an open-space easement to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. No public comments. Council approved unanimously.
• Resolution 1-D-26 – Dance Hall Conditional Use Permit (CUP-25-3): Zoning Administrator Paul Patterson presented the request for a dance hall at 130 Jackson Street (former Blue Ridge Axe Throwing). Planning Commission recommended approval 7-0 with conditions. Applicant Melanie Velis described plans for a restaurant (dining before 10 p.m., max 188) and dance hall (after 10 p.m., max 292, 21+). Conditions include no pyrotechnics, exterior safety lighting, security cameras, and an approved sign permit. No public comments. Council approved unanimously, with Councilmember Ford expressing excitement for a long-awaited dance hall in Blacksburg.
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) FY2026/2027-2030/2031: Verniel presented a five-year plan covering 114 projects totaling $182.3 million ($64 million bonded). Key projects include Draper Road Streetscape, Progress Street parking deck, athletic field upgrades, pedestrian safety improvements, Clay Street sidewalk, transit bus replacements, and stormwater repairs. Public comments were heard (see above). Council deferred action to the January 27, 2026 meeting, after further discussion at the January 20 work session.
• Council Vacancies: Mayor Sutphin announced candidates Joel Goodhart and Andrew Kassoff for interim appointment to two vacancies created by his resignation (to become mayor) and Liam Watson’s resignation. The January 13 meeting served as the public hearing; final appointment will be on January 27, 2026, with a special election in November 2026. Public comments were heard (see above). Council will discuss comments at the January 20 work session.

Key Outcomes

• Election of Vice Mayor: Susan Anderson was elected Vice Mayor on a motion by Councilmember Ford (seconded by Colliver). Roll call: Campbell, Colliver, Ford, Sutphin voted yes; Anderson abstained.
• Consent Agenda Approved: Unanimous roll call (Colliver, Ford, Sutphin, Anderson, Campbell).
• Ordinance 2107 Approved: Unanimous roll call (Ford, Sutphin, Anderson, Campbell, Colliver).
• Resolution 1-D-26 Approved: Unanimous roll call (Sutphin, Anderson, Campbell, Colliver, Ford).
• CIP Action Deferred: To January 27, 2026 meeting.
• Council Vacancy Appointments Deferred: To January 27, 2026 meeting, after a work session on January 20.
• Town Council Membership Appointments for 2026 Approved: Unanimous roll call (Anderson, Campbell, Colliver, Ford, Sutphin). Appointments listed for each council member to various boards and committees.