Two joint public hearings were held, followed by council action deferring one request and approving the second.
A rezoning request by Barbara Hise for property on Stafford Drive brought out a large contingency of area property owners concerned about further development until road improvements to Route 114 and/or installation of a traffic light were completed. Neighbors also expressed concern over the width of Stafford Drive, indicating that any cars meeting large vehicles created additional safety concerns. This was stated as being a common occurrence due to dirt being stored by the nearby Peppers Ferry Villas development project, as well as school buses and delivery trucks.
The property is currently scheduled as Residential and Conservation, meant to limit development, in the future land use map of the Christiansburg Comprehensive Plan. This was determined due to steep slopes on the property, and became the basis of council's deferring a decision until a concept plan is provided by the proposed developer. Engineering firm consultant Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates also represented Robert Fralin of HouseSmart Homes, whose New River Village extension project was recently rejected by council (see related
Roanoke Times article) due to ongoing safety concerns relative to development along Route 114.
One area property owner stated that when he moved to Stafford Drive, he could see seven other homes. Today, he can see over 200 houses. It was noted by the property owner requesting the rezoning that the area may be experiencing some sewer related issues, and the development would provide a means for addressing those issues with little immediate cost to the town.
Concurrently, town staff and the council's street committee has been working on a project to obtain the right-of-way from property owners in order to widen Stafford Drive, reported by another citizen as being less than 18' in some areas. Whether the development project moves forward or not, this presents area residents with an opportunity to address one safety concern -- yet requires 100% participation by property owners granting the necessary portion of land -- in order to move forward with a paving project.
The second joint public hearing requested a conditional use permit for a property located at 665 Stafford Drive, to allow a contractor to build a garage for storing home improvement equipment on his property. Council approved this request with four provisions. Two council members voted in support of the request while noting dismay that no one was present to answer questions about the project.
An audit report was presented to council and was prompted due to changes in accounting standards now required by law. This audit produced an unqualified rating, indicating the highest management standards were evident. The town treasurer and staff were commended for their excellent internal controls. It was pointed out that at some time in the not too distant future -- due to the rapid growth of the town and increasing complexity required for good fiscal management -- council may wish to consider bringing a financial planner on staff. This would not eliminate the need for certified audits, which are required by law.
Council voted to proceed with the sale of two lots in the Christiansburg Industrial Park, one graded lot and another to be used for a build-to-suit tenant.
Council entered into a closed meeting to discuss a prospective business, and no action was taken after they returned to open session.
The town manager reported that plans were underway for council to participate in Legislative Day in Richmond, meeting with state representatives, on February 7, 2008.
Council was asked to approve the bills, including those which become due between now and January 10, 2008, noting the first meeting of the year (Jan. 1) had been canceled. Of the bills being paid, this included a payment to the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce's Tourism Development Commission (TDC) in the amount of $43,917.
The town's Annual Report was distributed to council members, who were asked to review its details and bring any questions back to the town manager's attention.
The next regularly scheduled Christiansburg Town Council meeting will be held on
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 7:30 pm.