Did you know the Town of Christiansburg provides two annual clean up periods -- one each spring and one in the fall? Do you know when the spring one is scheduled or what is allowed to be placed at the roadside for free pick up?
Did you know the Town of Christiansburg is burying overhead utility lines and putting in new sidewalks on one side of East Main, from Town Hall to Town Square? Do you know how this work is being funded, who is doing it, or when it is expected to be complete? Did you know certain downtown sidewalks were closed due to this work, or where to find parking when construction equipment takes up all the on-street spaces?
Do you know where to look to find out about recreation programs and registration deadlines? Do you ever get emails or see publications about senior programs or how to sign up for activities conducted at the Town's Rec Center? Know how to go about renting facilities or what fees are charged, and when special events are scheduled?
Did you know the Town Council asked its appointed Planning Commission to prepare a report on historic district overlays two years ago, and that a citizen survey was just concluded?
Did you know the Council and Planning Commission are discussing the number one citizen request (sidewalks) and how open space is computed for new subdivisions today? You can bet engineering firms and major developers will be present -- but will citizens be able to attend?
Did you know that more than a dozen Conditional Use Permits were approved over the last year? How can you tell if these "conditions" have been fulfilled for those approved plans, much less any others which have been granted in the past?
These are just a few examples of the types of notices citizens should expect to see posted at Town Hall, should they visit to pay a bill or on some other matter.
This information could be put out well in advance, with timely reminders, through traditional media outlets (television, newspapers, online resources and the town's own website). This is the practice for both Blacksburg and Montgomery County, which also provide citizens with the means to watch public meetings on cable, as well as frequent email alerts which citizens can opt in to. It is also a rudimentary tool Christiansburg's new (yet to open) Aquatic Center is already launching.
Maybe, even after the current election cycle has concluded, Town Council will get serious about using the tools available and remain focused on truly developing "a town of well informed and effectively engaged citizens." It appears some staff members "get it" and are leading the way.