Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - December 2, 2024

On December 2, 2024, the Blacksburg Town Council held a work session from 11:00 a.m. to 1:04 p.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. The meeting covered four main agenda items: the Council Boards and Committees appointment process, a consolidated ordinance briefing on erosion and sediment control and stormwater management, a presentation from the Blacksburg Police Department, and a review of the recommended Capital Improvement Program for FY2025/2026 through 2029/2030. All items were for discussion and no formal votes were taken.

Council Boards and Committees Appointment Process

• Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith distributed a draft protocol for a more formal board and committee appointment process, developed with Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin. Council was asked to review and provide feedback at an upcoming work session.

Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Consolidated Ordinance Briefing

• Engineering Director Carolyn Howard and Town Engineer Kafi Howard outlined the proposed ordinance, recommending a 5,000-square-foot land disturbance threshold for Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Quantity Control, and a 10,000-square-foot threshold for Stormwater Quality Control compliance.
• For offsite nutrient credits, staff recommended decreasing the pollutant removal threshold from 10 lbs to 5 lbs. Council raised concerns about this recommendation, noting that it would require approval from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality after local adoption.

Blacksburg Police Department Presentation

• Police Chief Todd Brewster presented on police operations, explaining differences in staffing between typical weekends and football game weekends, with a focus on the downtown area due to increased foot traffic and overcrowding in restaurants and bars.
• In response to a question from Mayor Hager-Smith about homelessness, Chief Brewster noted that BPD has a co-response liaison from New River Valley Community Services working alongside a designated officer, which has been helpful in assisting homeless individuals.

Review of Recommended Capital Improvement Program FY2025/2026 through 2029/2030

• Town Manager Marc Verniel discussed key issues, including the choice between a proposed parking garage and a proposed recreation center and facilities upgrade. Council was advised to continue reviewing the CIP notebook and plan to discuss it further at the December 17th work session.

Council/Staff Exchange

• Councilmember Susan Anderson suggested reviewing the Town Council Handbook over the holidays, noting that there are policies that need to be followed.

Key Outcomes

• No decisions or votes were taken. The Board and Committee appointment process will be revisited after Council provides feedback. The CIP discussion will continue at the December 17, 2024 work session.