Signs of a soft economy were not apparent at the first Christiansburg Town Council meeting of 2010.
A rezoning request by F&B Land for one phase of a future housing project was approved, and will allow up to nearly 90 new homes adjacent to the county's Christiansburg Middle School.
Council also approved a related conditional use permit to allow construction of 48 one-bedroom rental units for persons aged 62 and older. Each apartment will be limited to a maximum of 540 square feet, and the complex will be served by a community center and connected to future walking trails which will be constructed by the final phase of this overall multi-phased development.
The Citizens Hearing portion of the meeting brought out several speakers who addressed concerns about on-street parking during the recent snow storm which subsequently impeded snow removal and created driving hazards. Another speaker expressed concerns about signs being down for several months and tree limbs that had blocked traffic signs.
Council also unanimously approved new rates and policies for Sunset Cemetery effective immediately, and agreed to review these changes in one year. The Town was gifted substantial assets from the private corporation and assumed operational responsibilities effective Jan. 2008. Sales prices of burial plots are being increased, along with grave opening and closing costs, bringing the town fees to a mid-point with other cemeteries in the area.
In discussing the motion to put the new rates into effect, Councilman Ernie Wade asked whether there was any way to discourage non-residents from buying lots in Sunset Cemetery. "Those people over in Radford might want to buy here because it's a better deal, but should Christiansburg residents pay for non-residents on down the road?" Wade asked.
Councilwoman Ann Carter, a former trustee of the cemetery corporation, pointed out it had been estimated Sunset could serve the needs of the community for the next 100 years. "My parents, grandparents and great grandparents are buried there. I wouldn't want my grandchildren, who don't live here in Christiansburg, to be told "no" and that they couldn't be buried with their other family members," she said. Councilman Jim Vanhoozier pointed out the Cemetery Committee had faced a "steep learning curve" but that he could support the proposed new policies and fees.
Council held a closed meeting to discuss a Falling Branch Corporate Park prospect and an appointment to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission. After returning to open session and certifying the closed meeting, council took no action on either matter. The vacancy on the Planning Commission occurred Dec. 1 and the appointment was advertised that month. The Planning Commission must have a minimum of five members, but no more than 15. Historically, six appointees have served (plus one member liaison appointed by council).
In approving payment of the bills, council members indicated there weren't as many questions due to the new format introduced by Treasurer Valerie Tweedie. Discussion about accepting credit or debit cards for water and sewer or property taxes is continuing, and it was noted these features exclude online payments via computers.
Four public hearings were scheduled for Feb. 2, including a rezoning and conditional use permit for the former Tekoa building on Depot Street, rezoning 3301 Roanoke Street from A1-Agricultural to B3-Business, and another conditional use permit for property on Melody Drive which was rezoned Dec. 15 for construction of 17 patio-style homes, also adjacent to the middle school.
Council is planning to visit state legislators in Richmond, including a dinner with Montgomery County and Blacksburg Town Council on Feb. 11.
The Town Manager's report included details about the response to the snowstorm, noting the 12 to 14 hour shifts employees worked. "We have people who know how to get this job done," he stated. During that time period, it was estimated emergency personnel received approximately 400 calls.
Council's next regularly scheduled meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 pm in the municipal building at 100 East Main Street.