At least two public meetings are on the docket this week.  One has a stated agenda, the other does not.

The Planning Commission will meet Monday, Oct. 6th at 4 pm  at Town Hall.  The agenda includes:

• Review of a CUP granted March 4 for a residence located at 108 Chapel St., zoned B-3 General Business District, allowing sales of small animals including reptiles;
• Continued item to discuss candidates being considered for recommendation to council for appointment to Planning Commission relative to a second vacancy effective Sept. 1;
• Continued item to amend Chapter 3 “Advertising” of the Christiansburg Town Code in regards to provisions for roof, wall, and marquee signage as directed by council May 20;
• Update on continued item in regards to provisions for a Historic District Overlay, as directed by council March 18; 
• Consideration of amendment to Chapter 30 “Zoning” of the Christiansburg Town Code in regards to provisions for parking facilities  continued from Aug. 4 meeting;  
• Consideration for amending town code in regards to provisions for bed and breakfast inns. 

Town Council meets Tuesday Oct. 7 at 7:30 pm, but an agenda is not yet available.   Historically setting a calendar for regular meetings to occur on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, this does little to provide members or the public with information about what will be addressed via the agenda.  This may just meet the letter of the law (FOIA), but falls short of meeting its intent.  All other government bodies in Montgomery County -- the Board of Supervisors, the elected School Board, the Town of Blacksburg, and the various Planning Commissions -- provide agendas for all public meetings a minimum of three days in advance. 

So even if you feel clueless about what may or may not be discussed, put an hour or two aside and come watch your town officials conduct the business of its citizens.  It's easy to do, very informative and well worth your time. 

Buzz in the 'burg is that although Tuesday's Town Council agenda isn't prepared or public, there may be a discussion about having a referendum to move town elections placed on the ballot -- the upcoming and immediate ballot, this Nov. 4th.

This would be a real about face for Christiansburg council because when the topic was initially brought up in January by now-former council member Steve Huppert, a few councilmen were openly opposed to the suggestion, another asked about it being a referendum, and others acted like they could care less.  The Mayor referred the matter to the town's attorney to research and provide a report to council on what would be involved in changing the date.  

Subsequently, having town elections held in November instead of May was discussed during candidate forums and was revisited at council meetings.  It has also been a blog topic for one elected councilman and another local writer (who, incidentally, is reported to have been working to get the necessary signatures to get a referendum before voters because council did not act). 

The Mayor stated his sense was the "consensus" was to wait and see where this lead for Blacksburg, which did make the change, and reiterating a referendum was an option. 

So it will be interesting to hear whether this matter is indeed reappearing before council as an agenda item, giving the public an opportunity to listen to the dialog or hear the attorney's report or other background research which appears to have been occurring in betwixt regular meetings.  A summary of reports on this topic can be found here.

There is an urgent need in Montgomery County, and you can help!

As reported in several media outlets recently, the multiple organizations which help people facing emergencies and the working poor are facing critical needs. 

These religious, non-profit and emergency service agencies coordinate support yet are already seeing record numbers of requests for assistance.  This has depleted the NRV's main food pantry, the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program (MCEAP).  Loss of job, less paying jobs, medical bills, auto maintenance or worse issues crop up, and for many families or individuals prove to be the tipping point. 

This situation is not unique to the NRV and has also been a focus regionally, including the communities of Pulaski, Giles, Botetourt and Roanoke counties.

While most households are feeling the pinch of increased prices from gasoline to insurance costs, or purchasing our own groceries -- most of us don't actually go hungry or miss many meals.  Most of us do not have to stress about how food will get on the table tomorrow.  Unfortunately, more and more of our neighbors do face this challenge, including our senior citizens living on their own and our children.  Many more students in our community look forward to school not to feed their head and learn, rather to get a nutritious meal. 

There are many civic and church based organizations that help out -- but right now, even more help is needed.  Even before heating costs eat up more of what for many is a very limited budget, our community food pantry is bare.

So a "Food Chain Challenge" is underway, beginning Monday, Oct. 6 and running through Friday, Oct. 17.  Area businesses and organizations are being encouraged to challenge a competitor -- as an example, the Christiansburg Recreation Department typically has a food drive each October.  This year, they are challenging the Montgomery County Recreation Department to have the food drive now, and see who can deliver more.  Bank versus bank, church challenging church -- the goal is to not break this "chain" and to re-stock the MCEAP community pantry before winter sets in.  Our local United Way is leading the effort in this "Food Chain Challenge" even as it is currently focused on the annual pledge campaign (another great cause to donate to). 

So as you visit your local grocer this week, pick up a few more items and help support the MCEAP which in turn helps so many other agencies meet needs in our community.  Watch for drop points or  challenge your co-workers and get involved.  Or simply mail a check to MCEAP.  Remember: "There but for the grace of God go I."