Blacksburg Town Council Work Session – March 14, 2025

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on March 14, 2025 (note: the agenda and minutes reference March 18, 2025, creating a date discrepancy). The session covered a presentation on the Downtown Action Plan, a review of three ordinances consolidating erosion and stormwater management regulations, a preview of the FY 2025/26 operating budget, and additional discussions on issues related to Virginia Tech housing and DEI policies. No public hearings were held; the meeting began at 11:00 a.m. and adjourned at 11:59 p.m.

Retail Strategies Presentation

• Jenn Gregory of Downtown Strategies (a division of Retail Strategies) presented a five-year Downtown Action Plan for Blacksburg. The plan offers recommendations based on the Town’s strengths, local business preferences, and “pain points” identified through resident survey results.

Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for April 8, 2025 – Consolidation of Erosion and Stormwater Management Regulations

• Engineering Director Carolyn Howard presented three ordinances (2061(A), 2061(B), 2061(C)) that would repeal existing code sections and adopt a new consolidated Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance aligning with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s model. Council had no questions.

Preview of FY 2025/26 Operating Budget

• Town Manager Marc Verniel provided an overview of the recommended budget, noting that its final release has been postponed to April due to staffing issues. He summarized expenditures and revenues for the General Fund, Utility Fund, and Transit Fund, and highlighted proposed fee increases for Water and Sewer Services, Meter Fees, and Solid Waste and Recycling Services. A schedule of upcoming work sessions was provided. The budget public hearing is set for May 13, 2025, with a Council vote scheduled for May 27, 2025.

Additional Discussions

• Virginia Tech Board of Visitors: Town Manager Verniel informed Council that the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors would meet the following week to discuss a proposed resolution eliminating the Student Life Village on campus. Council members expressed concerns about the sufficiency of on-campus housing if the resolution passes.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Resolution: Verniel noted that an additional resolution regarding DEI has been introduced in response to a recent Presidential Executive Order, similar to one passed at the University of Virginia eliminating DEI departments.
• Electronic Advertising for Public Hearings: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer discussed using electronic advertising with Cardinal News for Town public hearing notices. Council agreed to the recommendation.

Key Outcomes

• Council expressed support for the Downtown Action Plan (no formal vote).
• Council had no questions on the three consolidation ordinances; they will proceed to a public hearing on April 8, 2025.
• Council received the budget preview and will continue review in upcoming work sessions.
• Council agreed to use electronic advertising via Cardinal News for public hearing notices.
• No formal votes were taken during the work session.