Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - August 29, 2025

Note: This summary is based on meeting materials dated September 2, 2025, but the instruction specified the meeting date as August 29, 2025. The discrepancy is noted.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on (date per instruction) August 29, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:14 p.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith was absent; Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin presided. Councilmembers Susan Anderson, Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford, Jr., Susan Mattingly, and Liam Watson were present. The agenda included three items: VDOT Revenue Sharing Resolution, Eheart Cycle Track update, and Capital Project Priorities follow-up. Additionally, staff discussed cellular lease renewals and a meeting date change.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were listed on the agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments or testimony were recorded.

Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Sharing Resolution of Support

• Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty presented the VDOT revenue sharing program. VDOT has changed its timeline for award funding, requiring the Town to apply earlier than in the past. Hanratty highlighted proposed projects, design elements, scheduling, and local match obligations. A resolution for Council's consideration will be brought to the next regular meeting.

Eheart Cycle Track Update

• Hanratty reviewed plans for the east and west side of Eheart Street cycle track, part of the Midtown Rezoning amendments from 2019 and 2020. The track will be a protected space for bicyclists, providing a continuous connection between Midtown and the Huckleberry Trail. The western portion is funded by Town CIP funds, and the eastern portion by VDOT revenue sharing grant funds. Hanratty shared slides; no questions were raised.

Capital Project Priorities Follow-Up Discussion

• Town Manager Marc Verniel explained the procedure for setting priorities in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Priorities are set at the Town Council Retreat every two years after elections, with periodic progress reports and community feedback. Adjustments can be made annually. Current priorities include Progress Street Over-Under Parking Deck, Athletic Field Improvements, and the new Indoor Recreation Facility. All agreed to continue the discussion over the next few weeks.

Staff/Council Discussion

• Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer advised on two cellular lease agreement renewals at 1710 North Main Street. He recommended using a contractor for future negotiations and identified a firm. Spencer also noted that the November 11 regular meeting should be moved to November 12 due to the Veterans Day holiday. Manager Verniel asked about an upcoming CUP request for Camp Use, but no questions were raised.

Key Outcomes

• A resolution for VDOT revenue sharing will be presented at the next regular meeting.
• Council agreed to continue discussion on capital project priorities over the next few weeks.
• The Town will use a contractor for cellular lease negotiations.
• The November 11 regular meeting will be rescheduled to November 12.
• No formal votes were taken at this work session.