Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - June 7, 2022

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Vice Mayor Susan Anderson presided in the absence of Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith. Council reviewed several items scheduled for public hearing on June 14, 2022, and discussed multiple policy and planning matters including the 2022/2023 Pay Plan, HUD Consolidated Plan, Midtown architectural design, accessory apartment zoning, Community Land Trust operating agreement, and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for June 14, 2022

• Fine Arts Studio Conditional Use Permit (1513 Boxwood Drive): Zoning Administrator Paul Patterson reviewed the request for an expedited conditional use permit to establish a 20’ x 40’ (800 square foot) detached woodworking shop for custom canoe and kayak paddles.
• Sale of Town Property on South Point Drive: Town Manager Marc Verniel reviewed the terms for the sale of approximately 3.9737 acres of town-owned property on South Point Drive via Ordinance 1989.

2022/2023 Pay Plan Review

Human Resources Manager Teresa Harless presented a proposal to replace the existing broad band pay plan with a step pay plan system. The new system would allow the town to stay current with market rates and provide annual step increases based on performance evaluations. A key feature is establishing a minimum pay rate of $15.00 per hour for town employees. Council will consider approval at a regular meeting.

2022-2026 HUD Consolidated Plan and 2022 Annual Action Plan

Assistant to the Town Manager Matt Hanratty reviewed the purpose and goals of the plans, which focus on providing affordable housing across the New River Valley and supporting community development initiatives in Blacksburg. He showed examples of recent construction projects. Councilmember Sutphin noted his potential abstention from discussion due to his employment with Community Housing Partners.

Review of Revised Midtown Architectural Design for Parcel DC #5

Planning Director Anne McClung updated council on requested changes from the Midtown developers, including a reduction in balconies, parking along Church Street, different building materials, and density changes. She provided slides comparing new and previous renderings.

Referring Resolution on Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Accessory Apartments

Planning Director Anne McClung provided an update on a previously referred (April 2021) zoning ordinance amendment to permit detached accessory dwelling units and make minor revisions to the existing program. The item will go to Planning Commission for further review.

Community Land Trust Operating Agreement

Assistant to the Town Manager Matt Hanratty discussed a proposed three-party operating agreement between Community Housing Partners (CHP), the Town of Blacksburg, and Montgomery County. CHP would serve as the lead entity, administering the New River Home Trust program with separate accounting cost controls. Two staff members from each locality would serve on a sub-committee. Councilmember Sutphin, an employee of CHP, stepped away during discussion and returned later.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Follow-up

Matt Hanratty provided a summary of the $13.32 million in ARPA funds allocated to the town. A cross-departmental committee and local community partners evaluated ideas and priorities, resulting in a proposed plan. If accepted by council at the regular meeting on June 14, staff will begin implementation, including timeline, costs, and reporting processes.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; the work session served as a discussion and review forum.
• Items scheduled for public hearing on June 14, 2022, were reviewed: the Fine Arts Studio CUP and the South Point Drive property sale.
• The pay plan, HUD Consolidated Plan, Midtown design changes, accessory apartment zoning, Community Land Trust agreement, and ARPA plan will be considered for action at future regular council meetings.
• Councilmember Sutphin recused himself from portions of the HUD and Community Land Trust discussions due to his employment with Community Housing Partners.

Note: The raw transcription was not provided; the summary is based on the agenda and minutes.