Thomas Hager

The primary focus of this multi-day meeting was the Canvass for the November 4, 2025, General Election. The board commenced the Canvass on November 4, reviewing and confirming the Statement of Results and results tapes for the three precincts, and checking documentation and signatures with precinct chiefs before recessing. The meeting reconvened on November 5 to begin processing provisional ballots (excluding those for no ID). The final session on November 12 involved processing the second round of provisional ballots and SDRs, which led to the certification of the election results. There was no old business discussed.

The agenda for the City Council meeting includes two public hearings concerning a Zoning Change Request for a property on Glendale Road and a Conditional Use Permit Request for a mural installation on South Main Street. The Consent Agenda covers approval of the September 2025 Financial Reports, CPMT Appointment and Removal, and approvals for various grant submissions. Old Business items focus heavily on the Water System, including status updates, financing presentation, grant funding for backup generators, and resolutions for project reimbursements and USDA grant submissions. Further Old Business discussions involve updates on the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, the Citywide Public Sidewalk Repair Initiative, and the Rex Theater Revitalization project, including a grant submission. Other Old Business items include the Hospital-Glendale Stormwater Project overview and a proposed ordinance regarding building code violations. New Business includes a request to submit a T-Mobile Grant for the Galax Skate Park, a request to change the name of the Industrial Development Authority, discussions regarding the Guynn Public Parking Lot and Bus Stop, and a request to initiate consideration of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment. The agenda concludes with communications and a scheduled Closed Session to discuss real property acquisition or disposition.

Key discussion topics for this City Council meeting included three public hearings concerning Zoning Change Requests for RX Fire Effects, LLC and SML Auctioneers, LLC, and consideration of an amendment to the FY25 Galax City Budget. Old business involved an update on EV Charging Stations Locations and Grant Status, CPMT Board Vacancies, and a request from the Health Department regarding carryover funds. New business focused on discussions regarding flooding issues within the city and the potential sale of properties with delinquent real estate taxes. The agenda concluded with a scheduled closed session to discuss property acquisition/disposition, downtown property donation offers, consultation with legal counsel, potential ordinance changes, and the award of a public contract.

The Galax City Electoral Board meeting included discussions about the General Registrar's performance review, final plans for the poll workers' training session, and finalizing the setup of polling places.

The City Council meeting included recognition of the Galax High School Swim Teams. A public hearing was conducted regarding an ordinance related to retail locations of tobacco, vape, and hemp products near schools and child day cares, and the council voted to adopt the ordinance. Another public hearing addressed a zoning district change request for a property on Kenbrook Drive, which the council approved. Additionally, the council held a public hearing and approved an ordinance authorizing one-time bonuses for Galax DSS employees. The council also reviewed and adopted the FY2026 City Budget, including tax rates and water and sewer rates, and the School Budget.