Christiansburg's Town Council meeting on June 16 began with a moment of silence in memory of
Joshua Boley, a town employee killed while working on a weed-cutting project. The meeting lasted just one hour.
Two new Patrol Officers were sworn in and the Christiansburg Kiwanis presented a $5000 donation for program support of children's recreational activities.
Five citizens addressed council during the Citizens Hearing portion of the meeting. Residents whose homes were flooded with sewage presented Powerpoint proof of damages and impacts, including video clips of a "T" connector that they believe will continue to allow such incidents to occur in the future.
Pictures showed urban flooding dating back to 2006 which had been reported to the town, and included others shots of a tree that had been blocking one of three culverts since May 15.
Two other speakers stated the rains that invaded and overwhelmed sewer and stormwater managements systems were insufficient and pleaded with council to take immediate steps to address the causes. "Others pay the price for the decisions council makes," said one speaker. The Mayor expressed how sorry the town was for these situations.
The Street Committee then presented two recommendations for subdivisions. One would allow 18 lots and duplexes on Agee Street (area of Wades Lane and near Radford Road) and was approved by all members except Michael Barber (Henry Showalter absent). The second was for property on Reading Road, creating two new lots. This is related to the Halmont Homes property transfer to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, adjacent to the Kiwanis Park in back of the County Government Center.
Council approved a June 27 "5K Race & Fun Run" to benefit the CHS Cross Country and Track team, which will be staffed by Kiwanis volunteers. The route will follow the same path as last year's successful event, with registration beginning at 6:30 am and the event concluding by about 11 am. The Police Department will provide escorts for road safety.
The Town Manager's Report included representatives from the Aquatic Center's construction and architectural firms. They continue to target the month of October for an opening date, yet have experienced material delays relative to design changes which expanded the facility to 50 meters, bleachers and diving decks. The architect stated he was "pleased with the progress" and "very proud of the facility," while noting they were behind schedule. The architect stated that even with design changes, the project "continues to beat the budget" which was stated as being $14.8 million. Council asked that if an October opening date looks as if it will be missed, to notify them early.
An August 17 meeting with the county, Town of Blacksburg and Christiansburg for the joint 911 services project is expected.
Council recognized this was the last meeting
Roanoke Times reporter Lerone Graham would be covering before his reassignment, and thanked him for his objective and positive work.
Town Council's next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7 at 7:30 pm, and will include several Public Hearings.