Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - August 6, 2024

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on August 6, 2024, at the Blacksburg Motor Company. The meeting covered grant appropriations, an operating agreement with the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation, a connectivity study, sewer project updates, ARPA funding strategy, and a retail partnership. No public comments were heard.

Review of Public Hearing scheduled for August 13, 2024

• Ordinance 2058: Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty presented an overview of a $232,335 Community Conservation Program Grant from the Virginia Environmental Endowment to expand ecological restoration at Heritage Park.
• Ordinance 2059: Town Manager Marc Verniel explained a $54,000 Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Grant for law enforcement technology items.

Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation Operating Agreement

• Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer reviewed proposed revisions to the operating agreement, including a change from a one-year to a five-year term. Council agreed the five-year term would be beneficial for attracting long-term staff.

Toms Creek Basin Connectivity Study

• Energy and Environmental Specialist Will Lattea presented the study, which assessed existing transportation in the Toms Creek Basin and proposed improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians. The study was developed by town staff and local planning agencies.

Sanitary Sewer Projects Update

• Town Engineer Shawn Veltman reported on twelve active sewer projects. By December 2024, three CIP projects will be completed and five will be under construction.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Strategy

• Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty outlined projects requiring assignment by December 31, 2024, including using contingency funds and shifting sidewalk infill and Huckleberry Trail to the CIP. Further updates will be provided.

Retail Strategies Partnership

• Jenn Gregory of Retail Strategies described a three-year partnership with the Town and Blacksburg Partnership, focusing on retail recruitment, downtown strategies, and small business support. The team has been touring Blacksburg and meeting stakeholders.

Council/Staff Exchange

• Mayor Hager-Smith noted a statement of interest application for the New River Valley Regional Commission representative. Councilmember Anderson requested postponing the proposed Legislative Day with Virginia Tech students, which Council agreed to.

Key Outcomes

• Council agreed to the five-year term for the Museum and Cultural Foundation operating agreement.
• Council agreed to postpone the Legislative Day with Virginia Tech students.
• No formal votes were taken; items will be addressed at the August 13, 2024 public hearing.