Christiansburg Town Council met on Tuesday, Feb. 3, beginning with two joint public hearings. The first item relative to approximately 171 acres along Buffalo Drive and Mud Pike Road, near Christiansburg Middle School, received no additional comments.
A second rezoning request by Albert Land, LP, with proffers for property on the northern side of Peppers Ferry at the end of Sage Lane stimulated over two hours of comments from nearly 100 people, with speakers either strongly supporting or opposing the measure. Council is expected to take action on this request at its next meeting on Feb. 17.
Before the Citizen Hearings opened, the Mayor stated he had instructed the Central Business District Committee to design a tourism plan and bring recommendations back to council. This committee is comprised of council members Henry Showalter and Ernie Wade. This is relative to council’s November 2007 vote to retain 15% of the town’s contributions to the regional tourism initiative. This represents approximately $20,000 per year. The regional effort was proposed in 2004 by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, with funding provided by a 1% increase to local lodging taxes effective 2005. Christiansburg increased this tax by 2% and the county began collecting this tax in 2006. The regional tourism initiative is managed by the Tourism Development Council, which is comprised of funding partners including the town, Montgomery County and the Town of Blacksburg, in conjunction with the chamber. Virginia Tech opted out.
Three residents of the Villas of Peppers Ferry addressed council, expressing their support of the proposed Huckleberry Trail extension. This community has pledged $25,000 in funding support, contingent upon approval of the related grant submitted for this project by Montgomery County and Friends of the Huckleberry.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit for property on Walters Drive owned by Radford & Company, to allow two four-unit apartment buildings (residential) for property zoned B-3 General Business. After a motion to deny the commission’s recommendation was made by Jim Van Hoozier and seconded by Ann Carter, discussion raised concerns about a lack of transitional uses between single-family homes and rental units. Van Hoozier stated he did not see this proposed project as being a good fit for the neighborhood and Carter expressed concerns about adequate parking for eight 3-bedroom apartments. Mike Barber concurred with the logic but warned that opponents may “win the battle but lose the war” because any B-3 development may be perceived as being even less desirable. Council denied the conditional use permit by unanimous vote.
Citizen Lisa Lucas Gardner thanked the Mayor for his letter, indicating her request to have the United States flag located in Town Square illuminated was being responded to. She also expressed concern about the town not having a whistleblower protection policy, indicating she would continue to communicate concerns shared with her about wasteful town practices. Mayor Ballengee pointed out the town’s participation in the Virginia Municipal League’s “Go Green” program was helping to eliminate waste and any employees should feel comfortable in addressing any concerns to him, failing to recognize the very reason people went to Gardner instead of town administrators.
Citizen Carol Lindstrom thanked council for the launching of the town’s renovated website, asking each of them to give it tender care so it grew in content and was kept current.
Council voted to extend the Water & Wastewater agreements with Montgomery County and its Public Service Authority (PSA) an additional 18 to 24 months. The county is expected to conclude a related study and the extension by the town aligns the timelines of these initiatives.
A Joint 911 study has been underway and council was asked to approve a Memorandum of Understanding, committing the town to a $5000 contribution to hire a consultant (total cost $20,000). The consultant may well become the Director of this new authority, if this moves forward. The funds are to study the feasibility of forming a new joint venture for emergency communications and an additional $20,000 is expected for the 2009-2010 fiscal year if the study concludes the town would benefit from being a participant (total feasibility project cost $100,000 = $20,000 consultant + $80,000 in 2009-10 funding). Other partners include the Town of Blacksburg, Montgomery County and Virginia Tech. The City of Radford and Radford University have also been approached but have not committed.
Brad Stipes received a certificate of appreciation from the New River Valley Planning District Commission. Presented by Council member Showalter, Stipes was commended for his outstanding service and support of the region for nearly a decade. Showalter will complete Stipes’ unexpired term on the NRV PDC.
Council discussed exploring creating a Financial Director position, in response to feedback received in the town’s last two annual audits. Finance Committee members, including the Mayor, Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Barber and Carter were scheduled to met in closed session on Feb. 4th with the town’s attorney and auditors. They will bring back a recommendation on whether to proceed on establishing this new role.
Annual taxi cab business licenses for drivers were granted, future public hearing dates set, and bills approved for payment. This included maintenance payments to VDOT for nearly three new lane miles accepted by the town from new developments over the last year.
A pilot program for residents to purchase an additional water meter for $150 was approved. The town's total cost is $110. Meters will have a one-time cost to residents who will responsible for taking them to Town Hall annually for reading. Sewer fee adjustments will be applied to the resident’s bill, and reflect water that was used for gardening or lawn care, rather than going into the sewer system and being treated. Note sewer expenses exceed water expenses, and the town's water and sewer fees are subsidized (in that actual costs exceed fees charged for these services).
The Town Manager reported that as part of the “Go Green” energy conservation project, the Public Works Department was establishing a new take-home vehicle plan. On call employees serve on a rotating basis and had identified improvements, reducing take-home vehicles from 21 to 6. This represents a 30% reduction. A curbside recycling study was distributed to council for their review. Options will be discussed by council at a future meeting.
Council's next regularly scheduled meeting is set for Tuesday, Feb. 17.