Blacksburg Town Council Work Session – May 16, 2023

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 12:49 p.m. Vice Mayor Susan Anderson and Councilmembers John Bush, Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford Jr., Susan Mattingly, and Michael Sutphin were present; Mayor Hager-Smith was absent. Town Manager Marc Verniel, Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer Jr., and Town Clerk Lorraine Spaulding also attended. The session reviewed upcoming public hearings, an EMS revenue recovery proposal, two Glade Spring Crossing agreements, and a planning projects update. No formal votes were taken.

Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for June 13, 2023

• Ordinance 2018 (Inoperable Vehicle Civil Penalties): Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer presented a slideshow explaining proposed amendments to Town Code Section 14-107. The ordinance would update civil penalties and make the inoperable vehicle violation process easier to administer.
• Ordinance 2024 (Residential Parking Permits): Attorney Spencer stated that the amendment to Town Code Section 12-606 arose from recent changes to accessory apartments; the amendment would update language related to residential parking permits.
• Special Exception for Parking at 1284 North Main Street: Assistant Planning Director Kali Casper presented the proposal to expand parking and construct a building in phases. A total of 12 parking spaces currently exist in front of the building and would remain; the applicant is requesting 23 additional parking spaces in front of the building line. The special exception request is being made due to the parking at the front of the building.

Emergency Medical Services Revenue Recovery

Rescue Chief David English presented a slideshow on implementing an EMS Revenue Recovery program. The program would obtain reimbursement for emergency medical transport costs from Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance policies. English explained why the revenue recovery option would be beneficial and how it could be developed in partnership with Montgomery County using a third-party billing vendor. Councilmember Sutphin stepped away at approximately 11:56 a.m. and returned at approximately 12:22 p.m.

Regional Stormwater Management System Agreement

Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer described planned sewer upgrades and public benefits related to an agreement between the Town of Blacksburg and Glade Spring Crossing, LLC. He provided an overview of key points, including cost-sharing percentages and overall expected costs.

Cost Sharing Agreement: Glade Spring Crossing Forcemain Replacement and Gravity Sewer Extension

Town Attorney Spencer reviewed prior stormwater issues at the site and key project concepts. He explained the public benefits as well as construction and repair responsibilities under the cost-sharing agreement.

Planning Projects Update

Town Manager Marc Verniel gave a brief overview of planning projects currently in process: the Downtown Northwest Zoning District, a Small Lot Zoning/Subdivision Ordinance, Planned Residential District Zoning Review/Changes, the Toms Creek Basin Planning Study, and the Sign Ordinance Update.

Key Outcomes

• Council reviewed Ordinance 2018, Ordinance 2024, and the special exception request for 1284 North Main Street; these are scheduled for the June 13, 2023 public hearings.
• No formal votes or final decisions were taken during the work session.
• The EMS revenue recovery program was discussed as a partnership with Montgomery County using a third-party billing vendor.
• The stormwater and sewer agreements with Glade Spring Crossing, LLC were reviewed.
• The work session adjourned at 12:49 p.m.