Christiansburg Town Council heard four Joint Public Hearings at Monday's meeting, which appeared to be changes to zoning which would then allow Conditional Use Permits to be granted.
Nininger Investments LLC requested an amendment to the town’s Zoning regulations to allow a janitorial and exterminating service in the B-3 district. This would still require a related Conditional Use Permit to give special permission for a Bug Man business at 945 Radford Street. The owner stated they had been in business in the Roanoke area since 1994 and would hire three full time employees for the Christiansburg office. Storage of chemicals would be limited to no more than 100 gallons of concentrate and the building had previously housed a small engine repair shop. The property is located within a quarter mile of Industrial zoning and there were no comments or letters from neighboring property owners stated during this hearing.
The second request was for a rezoning by Gary Harris for property at 1225 Murray Street, with a related Conditional Use Permit to allow a family day home serving up to 12 children. This also received no comments from anyone other than the applicants. Council is expected to take action on both of these items at their Nov. 18 meeting.
Councilman Ernie Wade asked approval of minutes from the previous meeting be amended to include changes on how the Planning Commission makes recommendations to council, eliminating recesses during regular meetings. As decided at council’s Oct. 7 meeting, Joint Hearings or Public Hearings will be held during one council meeting and any action or votes will be taken no sooner than their next regularly scheduled meeting.
During the Citizens Hearings portion of the meeting, Tracy Roberts addressed council as regards issues with the town’s sign ordinance. A business owner who has made significant investment to property owned on Radford Road, she had been granted a temporary sign permit over year ago and subsequently filed applications before ordering and installation of permanent signage. Ms. Roberts indicated her understanding had been the town's requirements were exceeded, yet had to suspend work when the Planning Department subsequently indicated the setback was insufficient. Ms. Roberts provided all council members with related documentation. Mayor Richard Ballengee then asked if her concerns were now resolved, and she replied “No, they are not.” Councilman Mike Barber said he'll visit the site and review the materials provided, and asked the matter be resolved at the next meeting.
Buck Woodyard and over a dozen other residents of Slate Creek addressed council as regards a petition seeking action by council to correct problems on undeveloped lots in their subdivision. Town Manager Lance Terpenny indicated he had referred the matter to council’s attorney, Jim Guynn, but had not yet received a reply. He stated the only applicable local ordinances were as regards junk and debris, and the state’s erosion and sediment control laws. Neither of these remedy the complaint. Both the town manager and Mayor Ballengee had been in contact with the property developer, Radford Homes, on at least two occasions.
Council member Ann Carter stated, “This is a pretty bad eyesore. With the economic downturn, who knows how long it will remain.” Mr. Woodyard indicated problems had existed for over 18 months and the town manager reiterated as long as any activity occurred within a six month period, it had to be considered an active construction site even if only “one board is moved, one stake placed in the ground, or one nail hammered.” It was noted this conforms with U.S. Building Code, and state and local requirements do not extend those regulations.
David Smith, of Quality Inn of Christiansburg, then spoke in opposition of council capping room occupancy tax contributions. Mr. Smith pointed out that members of his industry had asked the town to increase this tax by 1% to provide for tourism and marketing funding, but the town had instead raised it to 2%, setting a 7% total occupancy tax rate. He attributed tourism efforts to date as having a positive impact on occupancy and tax collections, and stated cutting it now was “equivalent to cutting off your nose to spite your face.” He went on to say he believed tourism efforts should not be duplicated and that the additional 1% the town had added should provide for the town’s own marketing needs. “Given the current economic conditions, this is a poor idea which betrays the intent and is shortsighted,” Mr. Smith concluded.
An update on the town’s revamped web site was provided by Councilman Brad Stipes who apologized for missing the September 1 target launch. “Every effort has been made to move this forward, and it’s been a learning experience,” Mr. Stipes said. He indicated more town resources were being applied to expedite the $50,000 project. A revised target date is anticipated within 30 days and Councilman Barber said, “I’m pleased with what I’ve seen so far. Before, we’ve not openly embraced this as it should have been, and the goal is to get it right this time.”
Councilman Stipes updated council on a grant application for funds to extend the Huckleberry Trail which had been resubmitted. A decision is expected in March 2009. He indicated the grant was requesting $657,000 and was submitted by Montgomery County, receiving support from the Friends of the Huckleberry and several citizens or businesses. A trail system extending from the recreation facility and into the downtown area is included in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
Council voted unanimously to reduce funding to the regional tourism initiative to 85% of 1%, as discussed when adopting the budget for fiscal year 2008-2009. Effective July 1, 2005, council had earmarked 1% of the 7% tax for tourism development in partnership with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Blacksburg and Montgomery County. An average of approximately $125,000 a year has been distributed and this vote reduces that amount by about $19,000 annually, depending on occupancy taxes collected. After Council member Jim VanHoosier asked that a plan for using this money be provided (and being told there wasn't one), Councilman Wade asked the motion be amended to specify these funds be used only to market Christiansburg. Mayor Ballengee stated he had been impressed with the last Tourism Development Council presentation.
A closed meeting to discuss or consider acquisition of real property for a public purpose, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, was held. No actions were subsequently voted on.
Another item was added to the list of Public Hearings already scheduled for Nov. 18, realtive to revising the Town’s erosion control policy to bring it in compliance with State Code minimum requirements.
Council closed the meeting by discussing annual employee appreciation and holiday gifts, agreeing with the town manager's recommendation of $50 gift certificates. A bid will go out for these. Additional paid time off was rejected for Friday, Dec. 26, after noting several departments had to work regardless of holidays and personnel were already provided with annual leave which could be used.
Council’s next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 pm.