Exactly 24 hours ago (Mon. Oct 6 at 2:37 pm EST), the agenda for tonight's Christiansburg Town Council meeting was released to the public -- presumably at the same approximate time it was provided to elected officials. Council packets would include additional supporting materials necessary for well informed preparation of making motions or votes on key matters. If the agenda or related documents create any questions, council -- and the public -- have little time to obtain additional information. In Christiansburg, this appears to be acceptable. The agenda:
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Council’s intention to adopt an ordinance in regards to disposition of 0.02 acres of Town property located on Sherwood Drive (tax parcel 498–((17))–C).
2. Council’s intention to adopt an ordinance in regards to a request to vacate a 8,157 square foot portion of Robin Hood Drive right-of-way (adjoining tax parcels 498–((17))–24 and 25).
3. Council’s intention to adopt an ordinance in regards to a request to vacate a storm water management easement located on the northern side of Robin Hood Drive (on tax parcel 498–((17))–24).
Note: Typically, only the above listed information is provided before citizens are asked for comments at Public Hearings. Relative to the above, public records show adjoining property owners have long expressed numerous concerns, including public safety and convenience as regards additional neighborhood traffic or the potential for increased severity and extent of flooding already experienced in the area. It could be expected, as per State Code, parties who have expressed concerns in the past would have been made aware of these related Public Hearings either by personal contact or prominent notices published in local media outlets. Public Hearing notices are not; however, provided via the Town's web site. For more details, see the Planning Commission and/or Town Council minutes now available to the public.
REGULAR MEETING
Approval of Minutes.
CITIZENS HEARINGS 1. Erik Olsen of Blacksburg Transit – Update on Mass Transit Survey Project.
2. Any other speakers
DISCUSSIONS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Council action on the street vacation request, Phase I, Robin hood Estates.
2. Council action on the stormwater management easement vacation request, Robin hood Estates.
3. Council action on the disposition of public property, sewer pump station lot, Robin hood Estates.
4. Resolution of Recognition for former Councilman Steve Huppert.
5. Discussion regarding town elections.
6. Discussion regarding liaison luncheons.
7. Tourism Development Council marketing report.
8. Safety requirements for lightweight vehicles.
9. Letter of Support for Huckleberry Trail Extension.
10. Planning Commission procedure on Public Hearing requests.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
1. Bills
2. Progress Report
So check out the Town's fireman parade downtown at 7 pm, forego the presidential debate, and watch your council members in action tonight, beginning at 7:30 pm.