Torrence Shane Childers

The meeting agenda included discussion of bills, the first reading of Proposed Budget 2026-2027, and various New Business items. Key discussions involved Ordinance 26003 (1st Reading of Proposed Budget 2026-2027), recommendations for negotiating terms related to RFQ 2026-001 for the N. Shelby Street Streetscape & Placemaking Project, and recommendations for issuing a contract related to RFP 2026-001 for Landscape Maintenance. A Public Hearing was held to solicit comments regarding an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance for a parcel at 404 N. Mountain St, rezoning it from Residential 1A (R-1A) to Residential 1D (R-1D) and including a variance to reduce front setbacks. Old Business included the second reading of Ordinance 26002 concerning the same zoning map change. The Council also entered and returned from an Executive Session to discuss contract negotiation related to the possible purchase of property.

The agenda for the meeting included the discussion of bills, followed by new business featuring the first reading of Ordinance 26002, which proposes an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Blacksburg Code regarding a property rezoning and variance request. Old business addressed the second reading of Ordinance 26001 concerning special property tax assessments for rehabilitated properties (Bailey Bill). A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the FY26-27 Budget Workshop, covering projected revenues and expenditures for Administration, Police, Streets & Parks, Fire, Water, ARPA, Hospitality, and Victim's Assistance funds. The meeting concluded with an executive session for contract negotiation.

This master plan provides a strategic framework for revitalizing the town's public spaces by improving streetscapes to be vibrant, attractive, and functional while reflecting its unique character. Key focus areas include enhancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, developing public spaces and placemaking, integrating green spaces and sustainability, implementing aesthetic enhancements, and ensuring safety and accessibility. The plan aims to foster a stronger sense of community, promote economic development, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, alongside recommendations for retail retention, public art, addressing abandoned buildings, and wayfinding signage.

The meeting included discussion of bills, a presentation, and new business items such as a Planning & Zoning Commission vacancy appointment, an engineering contract award for a Comprehensive Water System Assessment, and a GovDeals property/equipment sale. The Administrator's update covered topics such as grant funding for the Town's Streetscape Project, grant submissions for another phase of the project, and a grant award for a comprehensive System Assessment Plan for the Town's water system. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters in the Police Department and contract negotiation regarding a possible land lease for a town parking lot.

The meeting included a Cherokee250 Committee update, discussion of the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, sidewalk repair on W. Cherokee St., and a Planning & Zoning Commission Vacancy. The second reading of Ordinance 25002, amending the Business License Ordinance, was addressed. The Administrator's Update included information on RFQ requests for a water main replacement project, funding for the Streetscape Masterplan, grant submissions for the Streetscape project, public input on the CDBG Streetscape grant application, the Peach Festival Parade, the Iron City Festival, a water line extension project, police and fire department calls for service, and the Town's FY26 budget.