Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - March 4, 2025

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on March 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company (400 South Main Street). All seven council members were present. Town Manager Marc Verniel introduced the new Finance Director, Jeff Lazenby, at the start of the meeting.

Discussion Items

Laurel Ridge Water System Follow-Up: Water Resources Manager Lori Lester described the Laurel Ridge water system, acquired by the town in the 1970s. She explained the 75% surcharge on non-resident users and noted that repairs for non-compliant pipe sizes and inaccessible maintenance access are in the town's Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Employee Rules and Regulations Update: Human Resources Manager Teresa Harless presented proposed revisions to employee rules and regulations, primarily to comply with state and federal mandates with some housekeeping edits. If approved, the revisions would take effect on April 1, 2025.

Follow-Up Discussion on Consolidation of Erosion and Stormwater Management Regulations: Engineering Director Carolyn Howard detailed three ordinances (2061A, B, and C) that would repeal existing stormwater and erosion control codes and adopt a consolidated program based on the Virginia DEQ model ordinance. Existing fees would be carried forward.

Key Outcomes

• Council discussed all three agenda items but took no votes on them during the work session.
• Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty summarized two upcoming capital projects (Lucas Drive Sanitary Sewer replacement and Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project) to be presented at the next regular council meeting.
• The work session adjourned at 11:44 a.m. Council then entered a Closed Meeting for consultation with legal counsel regarding a proposed public alley vacation. Council reconvened in open session at 11:59 a.m. and unanimously adopted Resolution 3-A-25, certifying the propriety of the Closed Meeting (motion by Vice Mayor Sutphin, second by Councilmember Anderson; roll call vote 7-0).