Blacksburg Town Council Work Session – September 12, 2024

Note on Date Discrepancy: The agenda and minutes list this meeting as occurring on September 17, 2024. However, the provided metadata specifies a date of September 12, 2024. This summary uses the metadata date but notes the discrepancy.

Discussion Items

• New River Valley Regional Commission Office Relocation: Kevin Byrd, Executive Director of the New River Valley Regional Commission, requested financial support from the Town to relocate their office from Pulaski to Christiansburg. The plan involves purchasing a former bank building requiring minimal renovations. Costs for purchase and remodeling would be allocated among New River Valley regions. Town Manager Marc Verniel recommended paying in installments. Council expressed support for the purchase.

• Zoning Special Exception Request for Agricultural Use (301 Royal Lane): Town Planner Matthew Sampa presented a request from Anthony Grafsky for a special exception to keep three farm animals (one pig, two goats) as pets at his residence. The site layout shows an enclosed area. If granted, Council would need to amend a section of the Town Code. A public hearing is scheduled for September 24, 2024.

• Small Lot Zoning Ordinance Amendment Discussion: Planning Director Andrew Warren highlighted the housing shortage, citing a 2021 study. He presented a map of potential properties in the R-4 district that could be affected if the amendment is adopted. Town staff planned a community meeting the following week, sending postcards to affected property owners.

• Blacksburg Transit Title VI Plan: Blacksburg Transit Director Brian Booth described the Title VI Program, which Blacksburg Transit must submit to the Federal Transit Administration every three years to demonstrate compliance with the Civil Rights Act.

• Review of Public Hearing Scheduled for October 8, 2024 – Ordinance 2060: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer explained the proposed ordinance to vacate a sanitary sewer easement at 107 Lucas Drive. The relocation of a pipe not in an easement area requires vacating part of the existing easement to align with the new pipe location.

• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Training: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer provided the state-mandated FOIA training for Town Council members.

Key Outcomes

• Council agreed to support the New River Valley Regional Commission’s office purchase, with Town Manager Marc Verniel recommending installment payments.
• A public hearing on the special exception for farm animals at 301 Royal Lane was set for September 24, 2024.
• The small lot zoning amendment discussion will continue with a community meeting to gather resident input.
• The Blacksburg Transit Title VI Plan was presented for information; no vote was taken.
• Ordinance 2060 will be the subject of a public hearing on October 8, 2024.
• FOIA training was completed as required.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.