At Tuesday’s Christiansburg Town Council meeting, the $36 million budget for 2009-2010 was adopted as presented by the Finance Committee. Councilman Henry Showalter voted against the motion, stating he could not support automatic employee step increases when funds to balance the budget were being taken from the town’s reserves.
Councilman Ernie Wade also voted against the budget and said its approval did not mean funds included for public transportation would be allocated. A date to continue discussions for expanding public transportation options within the town has not yet been scheduled. Blacksburg Transit indicated it would need four months lead time to purchase buses for Christiansburg before any service can begin.
Council reviewed proposed fee increases relative to development and construction, without discussion. Initially, these increases had been proposed to cover costs associated with site plan or subdivision reviews. These fees had not been changed since the first town manager, John Lemley, was working on his final budget prior to retiring in 1996. No speakers were present to oppose these increases, which passed by unanimous vote.
The regional water authority had increased water and sewer fees 4.76%, and these costs were passed on to town customers who will see an increase of $0.07 per 1000 gallons after July 1. The town subsidizes over $900,000 of water and sewer costs for its citizens from the General Fund each year. Council also set aside another $375,000 in reserves for future purchase of fire and rescue trucks, building inspection software and construction of an emergency services building in the Peppers Ferry area.
The budget also provides for five new positions, in addition to a revised Treasurer/Finance Director to be appointed by council. Council took less than 30 minutes to address its business agenda, with nearly three hours of comments being made by citizens beginning at 7:30 pm.
Numerous residents returned to council chambers yet again to continue their opposition to a proposed rezoning for 21 acres adjacent to New River Village. Their issues focused around safety with neighborhood residents disparaging “hypothetical promises” and a lack of sufficient entrances and exits serving over 200 homes. The developer, Housesmart Construction, was proffering only 20 homes would be started before a three-quarter mile widening project on Pepper Ferry is completed. That project is slated to be finished by October, 2010, with additional improvements remaining on VDOT drawing boards due to a lack of funding.
After those are completed, citizens pointed out the single exit for the development would then require crossing five lanes of roadway without a traffic signal. Several speakers expressed concern that changing Sage Lane to a through-way would impact property values, with others saying stating they had paid a premium price for their homes because they were in a cul-de-sac. Several parents said the proposed design discounted the fact that topography created sloped backyards difficult for young children to play in. The absence of sidewalks, paved stroller or bike friendly pathways, street lights or public parks meant pedestrians and children were left to use small, flat front yards with walkers pushed towards the center of streets. Most driveways in the development were not built to accomodate more than a single vehicle, so parking on both sides of the 30' pavement reduced traffic to virtually one lane at some times. A representative from the developer's engineering firm, Balzer & Associates, stated this was a positive in that it actually provided a traffic calming effect. Town Manager Lance Terpenny stated that it was “our intent to provide more than one entrance” when approving new subdivisions.
Town Council is provided a means of requiring these amenities through its Zoning Code, and candidates have run on platforms declaring they have or will "maintain the integrity of neighborhoods" -- yet these features are rarely found in newer developments.
The Christiansburg Planning Commission has twice approved this project. Council denied it in November 2007 and the developer withdrew his application this February. Subsequently, a new plat sheet with has been submitted to the town, but one resident opposed it because it would place a right-of-way 12’ from one corner of her house.
Council is expected to vote on this rezoning application at its June 2 regular meeting.
Several other speakers addressed council about storm water damage from recent rains which overwhelmed drainage systems, some of which were designed over 20 years ago. Several homeowners along Independence Boulevard saw their finished basements flooded with raw sewage. Significant property damage from most areas of the town was reported, both by council members and residents, due to flash flooding, clogged culverts and sewage backups.
Councilman Mike Barber also saw the passage of his proposed bicycle safety equipment ordinance. Aligned with State Code, cyclists under the age of 14 will be required to wear protective helmets when riding bicycles on public roads effective July 1. This extends mandatory protection adopted by council earlier this year requiring moped operators and passengers to wear helmets.
Council reappointed former member Scott Weaver to the New River Valley Planning District Commission and the Town Manager reported that construction of the aquatic center was progressing. A date is being determined for a meeting between council, the Town of Blacksburg and the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors relative to a joint 911 study which is expected in July or August. The Mayor reported that council will schedule a retreat in mid-August. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 pm.