The first item on the Christiansburg Town Council agenda for March 3rd was relative to a rezoning of 0.704 acres at 2880 Roanoke Street. This matter was discussed by the Planning Commission yesterday and council is expected to take action on the matter during the March 17 regular meeting.
Two adjacent property owners addressed stormwater retention concerns, pointing out this is the fourth time area property has been rezoned to allow expanding storage rental facilities. Larry Martin stated that had the property owner submitted plans as one project, soil and erosion control standards would have been applied. He noted with the construction of a motor cycle dealership and two churches in the last five years, stormwater runoff is now creating problems at his residence. He also said that rezoning would allow the storage facility, or any other use included in the B-3 General Business area. Another neighbor, John Thomas, concurred with these comments stating his yard flooded frequently. The request was being made by MEH LLC, but no representative was present to comment before council.
A Conditional Use Permit for 245 First Street (across from Cook's Clean Center), was requested to allow residential units on the first floor of an existing property. Currently, the second floor has apartments and this item was also addressed at the Monday Planning Commission meeting and will be voted on by council on March 17. See a related blog or view the video recording provided by a citizen.
Committee members from Virginia Tech's Student Government Association presented information about "The Big Event" scheduled for April 18th. Community projects are being sought, with volunteers coordinated by the SGA. Notices were left for the counter at Town Hall and were included in this month's water/sewer bills. March 27 is the registration deadline for individuals or organizations interested in a volunteer team helping with a special project.
Shane Guynn of Christiansburg High School introduced four student athletes who qualified for an upcoming national indoor track event in New York City. Because the competition is outside of the Virginia High School League calendar, no funding is provided to allow the students to travel and participate. The group needs an additional $700 by next week. The Mayor indicated some individual council members may choose to support this event; however, it was not included in the town's budget so no public monies could be provided. Council members Ernie Wade and Mike Barber invited Mr. Guynn to attend Thursday's Christiansburg Kiwanis meeting to make a pitch there, as well.
Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting future funding of the Peppers Ferry Road construction project, using Federal Stimulus funds given to the Commonwealth. It was noted this project was shovel ready and had been waiting on the drawing board for funds for over two decades.
Councilman Barber presented the Finance Committee's recommendation to hire a Treasurer/Finance Director, advertising the position immediately so that a hire can be made prior to the current Treasurer's planned retirement. Since the committee's meeting, requirements had shifted somewhat and denoted 5-7 years experience in public administration budgeting and CPA licensure. Council agreed to advertise and begin the search, following the same basic process used when filling the Police Chief's position in 2007 (another council appointed position). The Town Charter will have to be updated if the new incumbent is solely responsible for annual budget preparation, rather than the Town Manager. A statewide search will be done, as well as posting the job opportunity on the town's website, and local interest is expected.
The Street Committee recommended the relocation/vacation of a lot line between the Harless Extension to Cambria Street, creating two lots on Huckleberry Street for property owner Charles Burnette. This was approved by unanimous vote.
Two Public Hearings were scheduled for April 7, including a Conditional Use Permit for Pathways Christian Academy at 1515 Roanoke Street (the old Hill's store), and a rezoning for 20 Midway Place (Rt 460 near Corning) to move from I-2 Industrial to B-3 General Business.
Council members were given a copy of a business plan for the Christiansburg Aquatic Center, noting that business technology edits were not included. Their comments and questions were requested for inclusion in the document's final revision.
Council's next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30 pm in the municipal building, 100 East Main Street.