Blacksburg Town Council Work Session

December 19, 2023

This work session covered the annual audit report, a presentation from the New River Valley Regional Commission, a discussion on street ownership changes, review of upcoming public hearings, and the Capital Improvement Program. The meeting also included a closed session for real property acquisition and ended with a resolution certifying that session.

Discussion Items

1. Audit Presentation for Year Ended June 30, 2023

   • Chris Banta of Brown, Edwards & Company presented the audit results, commending staff and noting the Town's positive net position. He provided an overview of financial statements.

2. New River Valley Regional Commission Presentation

   • Kevin Byrd presented the Public Health Task Force After Action report, highlighting accomplishments such as the first drive-through COVID testing and COVID call center, as well as the business continuity team's work.

3. Discussion of Proposed Action to Delete Certain Streets from Town Ownership and Maintenance

   • Engineering Director Randy Formica reviewed the Urban Maintenance Inventory System and proposed removing Rimrock Drive from Town maintenance.

4. Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for January 9, 2024

   • a. Ordinance 2045: Finance Director Susan Kaiser discussed the Glade Spring Crossing agreements requiring a budget amendment to appropriate $927,000 in bond proceeds for the Water/Sewer Capital Improvement Fund and $800,000 for the Stormwater Capital Improvement Fund.
   • b. Ordinance 2046: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer summarized a proposed one-year lease (with one-year renewal option) of office space at 141 Jackson Street to the New River Land Trust for equipment storage.

5. Review of Recommended Capital Improvement Program FY2024/2025 through 2028/2029

   • Town Manager Marc Verniel reviewed the CIP, noting it stays within normal revenue growth. Council inquired about adjusting project priorities, which Verniel indicated could be addressed.

Key Outcomes

• The Town Council received the audit report and the Regional Commission presentation with no formal action required at this work session.
• Council discussed the proposed street deletion of Rimrock Drive.
• Council reviewed the upcoming public hearing items and the CIP.
• The Council adjourned to a closed session at 12:34 p.m. to discuss potential real property acquisition.
• Upon reconvening at 12:58 p.m., Vice Mayor Anderson moved to adopt Resolution 12-B-23 certifying the closed meeting's propriety; the motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (Anderson, Bush, Colliver, Ford, Hager-Smith, Mattingly, Sutphin voting yes; none voted no).