Town of Blackstone

The council discussed various public infrastructure and safety concerns, including pedestrian and vehicle safety near the railroad trestle, the functionality of downtown pedestrian crossing signals, and the trimming of overhanging tree branches. The fire chief provided updates on departmental training, a new car fire simulation prop, the acquisition of confined space training tunnels, and upcoming blood drives. Financial proceedings included the approval of accounts payable, a detailed discussion regarding the emergency repair of a generator at the raw water intake, and the appropriation of funds from airport fuel sales for an engineering report and site study. Additionally, the council reviewed issues related to the Jack Branch sewer trunk line and potential lining improvements.

The council conducted a public hearing regarding the Taylor Bottom phase one community development block grant project, discussing inflation-related cost increases, the selection of new community liaisons, and the ongoing primary line replacement work. Additionally, representatives from Virginia Union University presented information regarding a new culinary arts and hospitality management certificate program to be hosted at the Armory, detailing course offerings, enrollment processes, cost structures, and plans for student internship and job placement assistance.

The meeting focused on various infrastructure and budget topics. Discussion points included the status of a raw water line project supported by USDA loan funding and state grants, as well as the progress of a sewer force main project. The board reviewed bids and explored options for managing project costs and potential construction challenges related to subsurface rock. Additionally, the committee discussed the town budget, including employee salary increases, health insurance cost impacts, and grant allocations for building projects. Policy considerations for first-floor residential-commercial mixed-use developments were also addressed.

The committee discussed a cash handling and procedures policy, a food truck ordinance, and a burn ordinance. The committee decided to keep the existing food truck ordinance as is. For the burn ordinance, they reviewed language regarding the use of commercially manufactured and masonry fire pits, safety requirements, and allowed fuels, with the goal of presenting a recommendation at the next council meeting. The committee also touched upon the topic of meals tax exemptions for a new business in town that sells prepared meals.

The committee meeting addressed cash handling policies and included a motion to move into a closed session to discuss security-related matters and safety measures for governmental facilities and information technology systems.