Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - November 19, 2024

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on November 19, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:03 p.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company. Council reviewed upcoming public hearings, received informational reports on lead inventory, transit planning, community survey results, and a budget briefing. No votes were taken; most items were discussions or updates. Council also discussed holding a Small Business Week instead of a single Saturday.

Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for November 12, 2024

• Ordinance 2030 (EMS Transport Fee): Blacksburg Rescue Chief David English explained that the ordinance would authorize charges for emergency medical services vehicles. The fee is intended as a revenue recovery program to cover increasing costs and call volume. Surrounding localities already have such a system. English noted the program could cover roughly 40% of Rescue’s budget.
• Ordinance 2053 (Small Lot Development in R-4 District): Assistant Planning Director Kinsey O’Shea provided an overview. The ordinance would create a Small Lot Development Option in the R-4 Low Density Residential Zoning District, permitting lots between 3,000 and 7,499 square feet for single-family, two-family, and townhouse dwellings. The option includes site development standards, occupancy regulations, and design standards to ensure compatibility with the existing district.
• Ordinance 2064 (Tax Exemptions for Elderly and Disabled): Deputy Town Manager and Interim Finance Director Steve Ross explained that the ordinance would increase the income limit from $68,000 to $70,000 and the asset limit from $200,000 to $205,000 for qualifying tax exemptions.
• Ordinance 2065 (Lease at VT Transit Center): Blacksburg Transit Director Brian Booth reviewed a proposed 40-year lease with Virginia Tech for space in the new Transit Center, including images of floor space breakdown. The term length is required by Federal Transit Authority regulations.

Lead Inventory Report

Engineering Director Carolyn Howard provided an overview of the recent Lead Inventory Study conducted town-wide. The EPA requires an inventory of all town-owned lead service lines 2 inches or less in diameter. Customer-owned lines were available for self-reporting. Staff will develop a Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program, if needed, no later than October 2027, with replacements completed by October 2037.

Blacksburg Transit Strategic Plan

Brian Booth reviewed the executive summary of the BT Strategic Plan, developed based on Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation guidelines, serving as a blueprint for planning and operations.

Community Input Survey Results

Housing and Community Connections Manager Kim Thurlow presented results from a survey on citizen priorities for Downtown and Parks and Recreation. The survey indicated that citizens overall felt the Town’s recreation facilities could be improved.

Budget Briefing

Town Manager Marc Verniel updated Council on the budget status. The top three finance positions (Finance Director, Assistant Finance Director, Budget Analyst) are open; a consultant has been hired to support day-to-day operations. Funding from the Glade Spring Crossing development will not move forward, freeing $2 million in ARPA funding for reallocation to other ARPA projects.

Council/Staff Exchange

Councilmember Susan Mattingly proposed holding a Small Business Week instead of the traditional Small Business Saturday, citing that Virginia Tech’s football game on the last Saturday of November may affect local business sales. Council agreed that a Small Business Week would be a positive alternative.