The February 5th Christiansburg Town Council meeting was fairly routine and relatively short.
A Public Hearing was held, with no speakers present, on council's intent to sell a lot in the Christiansburg Industrial Park to an existing business already in operation there, allowing its expansion. This lot was being subdivided, with the residual parcel representing the only remaining lot for sale in the park. The vote to proceed with the sale was unanimous.
The Citizens Hearing included an invitation reminder by Kevin Conner to an information meeting about the planned extension of the Huckleberry Trail, to be held at the Rec Center the following day.
Council approved a resolution for Kathy Mantz, a long time employee of several iterations of the local chamber, to be presented during a subsequent chamber reception.
Discussion regarding late fees on water and sewer bills continued, with council directing legal counsel to draft a change to the existing ordinance to allow a one-time waiver, upon complaint, when the customer demonstrates an excellent payment history and extenuating circumstances (non-delivery of bill, short-term absence, etc.) were presented.
Councilman Huppert updated council on the Central Business District committee (Huppert and Councilman Wade) planning on four summer car cruise-in events. Each event will be held on a Saturday and will run from 2 pm until 9 pm along Main Street and the dates are May 17, June 14, July 12 and August 23. The June date includes the "grand re-opening" of the historic downtown business area with special events including a 5K race, Fun Run, children's activity area (similar as to what the town provides at its July 4th fireworks celebration) and music venues, all coordinated by the town's Parks & Recreation Department. The August 23rd date will be coordinated by the Montgomery Museum & Lewis Miller Art Center as part of their annual "Heritage Festival" with extended activities. All four events will showcase vintage or classic cars for the enjoyment of auto enthusiasts. The town's Police Department and maintenance crews will provide safety and logistical support as well.
The application of another taxi service and its drivers was approved, and payment of the bills included the annual fee paid for the "Two Town Trolley" which provides town residents with alternate public transportation between the County Government Center to the New River Valley Mall and on into Blacksburg.
The next meeting of the Chrisitiansburg Town Council will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 7:30 pm in council chambers.