Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - October 18, 2022

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on October 18, 2022, at 11 a.m. to discuss four items: a rezoning ordinance scheduled for a public hearing, architectural drawings for a Midtown parcel, a proposed paid Rescue Squad Chief position and EMS cost recovery, and an update on town project priorities. The meeting was attended by all council members and adjourned at 1:11 p.m.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 1994 (Rezoning at 1800 Whipple Drive): Town Planner Kinsey O’Shea reviewed the revised rezoning request for 3.08 acres from Transitional Residential to Planned Residential Zoning and the criteria used for evaluation. Applicant representative Steve Semones of Balzer & Associates explained changes made and answered questions. Council discussed a proposed walkway, public utility easements, and solar panel orientation.
• Midtown Parcel DC #4 Architectural Drawings: Planning Director Anne McClung provided an update and displayed new renderings of the building compared to the previous version. The Town Manager will send a letter of compliance to the applicant after minor site landscaping revisions are made.
• Rescue Squad Chief and EMS Cost Recovery Update: Town Manager Marc Verniel discussed a proposal for a paid Rescue Chief position to work with the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad Board of Directors, citing increased administrative duties. The position would include enhanced hazardous duty retirement benefits, requiring Council approval. Verniel also outlined a potential EMS cost recovery program with compassionate billing, possibly in coordination with Montgomery County.
• Town Project Priorities Update: Verniel reviewed strategic goals, Virginia Tech growth, and improvement priorities from the Town Council retreat, including community wellbeing, affordable housing, zoning, and land use changes. He noted items underway and those needing further attention, and staff will move forward with additional council input.

Key Outcomes

• Council discussed the rezoning ordinance and will hold a public hearing on November 8, 2022.
• The Town Manager will send a compliance letter for Midtown Parcel DC #4 after landscaping revisions.
• The Rescue Chief position proposal and EMS cost recovery program were presented for Council consideration; no formal vote was taken.