Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - March 28, 2025

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on March 28, 2025 (note: the agenda and minutes list the date as April 1, 2025; the date used here follows the provided instruction). The meeting covered a Virginia Tech housing update, an affordable housing fee waiver, design review of Midtown Townhomes, and the FY2025/2026 budget introduction. The meeting also included a closed session and subsequent resolution.

Discussion Items

• Follow-Up Discussion: Virginia Tech Housing Information – Town Manager Marc Verniel briefed Council on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors’ decision regarding the Student Life Village Master Plan and Slusher Hall. Housing & Community Connections Manager Kim Thurlow presented a GIS analysis showing a decline in owner-occupied parcels across all neighborhoods, raising concerns about dis-appropriation of growth. Extensive Council discussion on Virginia Tech housing policies, rental markets, and overall housing followed.

• Availability Fee Waiver for Affordable Housing – Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer discussed revisions to the availability fee waiver, offering more flexibility for water and sewer fees. Kim Thurlow added that waivers would be considered on a case-by-case basis, require affordable housing to be in place for a minimum of 15 years, and need Council authorization. A draft document was provided for review.

• Design Review of Midtown Townhomes (PR#2 and PR#5) – Planning and Building Director Andrew Warren highlighted the design review process and building materials (finishes, doors, shutters, paint, brick). Discussion focused on material desirability. Ian Friend, applicant representative, responded to Council concerns.

• FY2025/2026 Budget Introduction – Town Manager Marc Verniel provided a broad overview, noting moderate increases in water and sewer fees due to electricity and equipment maintenance costs. The budget funds employee salary increases, benefits, and new positions. Expenditures and revenues for General Fund, Utility Fund, and Transit Fund were summarized. A public hearing is set for May 13, 2025, with a Council vote on May 27, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Closed Meeting – Vice Mayor Sutphin moved to adjourn to a closed meeting under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(8) for procurement legal advice.
• Resolution 4-A-25 – Council reconvened and adopted a resolution certifying the propriety of the closed meeting. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (7-0). No additional actions were taken on the substantive items; they were for discussion only.