Blacksburg Town Council Work Session – December 6, 2022

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:21 p.m. The meeting included an audit presentation for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, reviews of upcoming public hearings, updates on transit safety, affordable housing applications, signage modifications, a towing contract, and the capital improvement plan. All council members were present; Councilmember Sutphin temporarily abstained from the affordable housing discussion.

Audit Presentation for Year Ended June 30, 2022

• Chris Banta of Brown, Edwards & Company, L.L.P. presented the annual audit of the Town’s financial statements. He noted that the Town’s largest liability was unspent ARPA funds, and the net position was positive. Banta commended Council and staff for excellent financial reporting.

Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for January 10, 2023

CUP 22-0005: Conditional Use Permit for Increased Height at 310 Midtown Way

• Town Planner Kinsey O’Shea reviewed a request to exceed the 60-foot height limit to a maximum of 73 feet for a proposed Embassy Suites hotel on DC Parcel 6, bordered by Midtown Way, Church Street, and Eheart Street. The public hearing is set for January 10, 2023.

Ordinance 2002: Small-Scale Alcohol Production Facilities

• Planning Director Anne McClung summarized a zoning text amendment to define and regulate small-scale alcohol production facilities (e.g., tasting rooms, retail sales) not part of a restaurant. The amendment adds standards and maximum production limits. The public hearing is scheduled for January 10, 2023.

Blacksburg Transit Safety Plan

• Blacksburg Transit Director Brian Booth outlined required changes to the Safety Plan, including strategies to minimize exposure to infectious diseases and updates developed in cooperation with frontline employees. Minor revisions were discussed with operators during the October Safety Meeting.

Affordable Housing Fund Applications

• Housing and Community Connections Manager Matt Hanratty presented three applications: a Habitat for Humanity project at 1200 Airport Road, the Glade Springs Crossing project, and the Community Housing Partners project at Stroubles Ridge. All awards are contingent on final approval and compliance with zoning and housing policies. Councilmember Sutphin abstained from discussion and stepped away from the meeting from approximately 12:15 p.m. to 12:25 p.m.

North End Signage District Proffer Modification

• Planning Director Anne McClung explained a requested modification due to visibility issues from a parking deck construction. The proposal moves signs from above the door to the top of the building on Prices Fork Road. Carrie Woodrig of the Virginia Tech Foundation addressed Council and offered to answer questions.

Police Towing Contract Update

• Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer provided information about the Police Towing Advisory Board, which will update the agreement governing requested towing.

Review of Financial Indicators, Revenue, Expenditures and Recommended Capital Improvement Plan

• Finance Director Susan Kaiser highlighted the Town’s FY2022 Financial Indicators as the first step in reviewing the recommended Capital Improvement Program. Town Manager Marc Verniel provided an overview of the plan, focusing on downtown, public safety, property maintenance, transportation, and parks and recreation projects. Continued discussion will occur at the January 3, 2023 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken. The council received reports and provided input. The public hearings for CUP 22-0005 and Ordinance 2002 will proceed on January 10, 2023. Discussion on the Capital Improvement Plan will continue on January 3, 2023.