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.
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.
All consent items passed unanimously (7‑0).
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).
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:
Council asked no questions; the budget introduction was received as information.
The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
Will the council come to order and will the clerk please call the roll. Anderson, present. Campbell? Oliver. Here. Board? Here. Good heart? Here. Castle. Present. Sutton. Here. Will the Vice Mayor please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation. Under God. Before we continue on with our consent agenda tonight, I have another proclamation. So I'll just go ahead and read this out for everyone. So whereas Women's History Month provides an opportunity for communities across the nation to recognize, celebrate, and reflect upon the achievements, leadership, and contributions of women who have shaped our society, strengthened our institutions, and enriched our communities. And whereas women of every race, background, and profession have played vital roles in advancing education, science, public service, civil rights, business, the arts, and civic life while advocating for greater opportunity, equality, and justice, and whereas the national observance of Women's History Month grew from earlier efforts to recognize women's contributions, expanding from a week-long observance in 1980 to a month-long national recognition that encourages education, reflection, and celebration. And whereas the town of Blacksburg is home to institutions, organizations, and residents who continue this tradition by hosting educational, artistic, and community building programs that highlight the experiences and contributions of women. And whereas throughout March, the women's community center at Virginia Tech, student organizations and campus partners are presenting a series of events, including workshops, discussions, creative programs, and opportunities for dialogue and reflection, including a special conversation with scholar and activist Angela Davis on March 20th. And whereas these activities and the many contributions of women in our community offer meaningful opportunities for residents to learn from one another, honor the past, and continue building a stronger and more inclusive future for the town of Blacksburg. Now, therefore, I am Michael Sutfin, mayor of the town of Blacksburg, do hereby proclaim March 2026 as women's history month in the town of Blacksburg, and encourage all residents to observe the month through participation in programs, conversations, and events that recognize the achievements of women and the vital role they play in our community. So that is our latest proclamation. So we'll continue on with our regularly scheduled program. A, which is the town council minutes for February 12th, February 17th, and February 24th, which we'll be approving tonight. Adopting the real estate tax rate and appropriating funds for the fiscal year. Next item C is ordinance 2114, an ordinance amending the Blacksburg Town Code sections 18400, 2206, and 24602 to increase fees for water and sewer services and solid waste and recycling fees. These are the goals that we recently went over and um updated at our most recent uh town retreat and the work session following that. So what is the council's pleasure on the consent agenda? I move approval of the consent agenda. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Uh saying none, will the clerk please call the roll? Campbell. Aye. Oliver. Aye. Ford? Aye. Goodhart? Aye. Cassell. Sutfin? Aye. Anderson. Aye.