Items often discussed on this blog were threaded throughout portions of Tuesday's Christiansburg Town Council meeting.
New council member Henry Showalter asked that official minutes from the Sept. 2 meeting be revised to reflect more fully the information provided relative to moving town elections from May to November. (While not discussed at the council meeting, there is an effort underway to obtain signatures necessary for having this matter placed on the ballot as a referendum for town voters to determine.)
A presentation on building a new court house was provided to bring council up to date with this project, with county officials seeking direction as regards parking requirements so design work could progress. Questions about handicap parking access and possible loss of on-street parking along East Main, impacting adjacent businesses, was touched on with the current focus being phase one of this initiative. This includes a new four-story building, a two level structure providing secure parking for 64 courthouse employees and approximately 190 public parking spaces (existing and proposed new parking structure), jail access and the control plant. Even more parking could be provided in the future via two properties under contract slated for execution in October, and the nearby county Health & Human Services Building on Pepper Street. The second phase of the project would include remodeling the existing courthouse as a public safety building and jail improvements (aligned with needs after the new regional jail in Glenvar is open).
Town parking requirements are based upon a building's square footage and as interpreted by the Town Manager. Related ordinances or developing one specific to parking garages or structures will appear on future agendas of the Planning Commission and Town Council. The current timeline for phase one is to complete design work by year end, with the construction bid going out in late spring 2009 with estimated completion within two years.
The bi-annual report from the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce on the Tourism Development Council (TDC) initiative showed increases to lodging tax revenues by all partnering agencies. Council was advised the TDC grant application continued to be available online and was provided with an executive summary of the recently completed tourism research and strategic plan.
A tourism website has been established and the chamber's Blacksburg & Christiansburg Visitor's Center was recognized with the Shining Example award by the Southeast Tourism Society. That group has over 850 members in 12 states, and the local chamber competed with 560 other organizations for this award. The focus of the TDC over the next six months will be to encourage travelers who can visit the NRV by driving here on one tank of gas or less, and educating the public about the benefits tourism revenue provides local economies.
The town's Parks & Recreation Department presented information on the scheduling for 2010 Dixie Youth League baseball tournaments in Christiansburg, bringing an estimated $1.4 million direct benefit to the local economy. This return on investment is approximately equivalent to the annual P&R budget today. The Harkrader Sports Complex has seen a positive trend in hosting events thus far, growing from first year numbers of 13 events for 139 teams in 2007, to 27 events hosting 309 teams in 2008.
The town's attorney was asked to provide an opinion on whether appointments to the Planning Commission would fall under employment rules allowing closed sessions, or if these were instead advisory positions and therefore not subject to being decided upon behind closed doors. It was reiterated that whatever process was used -- a recommendation from its commission members or other council members, or interviews -- the final decision on appointments is made by Town Council.
An unidentified business licensed by the town was discussed as regards an estimated $50,000 in uncollected and unpaid cigarette taxes, and again the town's attorney was directed to provide council with a report on their options for collecting this arrearage.
Council agreed to immediately move the public notice bulletin board from an alcove to an area adjacent to the front entrance, while it explores costs related to installing one outside so public meeting information is available regardless of whether the building is open or closed.
The Street Committee reported meeting with the Police Chief and defining the 3-hour downtown parking limit, effective November 1, 2008, being applied at town square, along Franklin Street from First to Commerce streets, and all of Main Street from the town hall to approximately Phelgar Street. This will require additional staffing, whether a sworn officer or other, and will provide for strict enforcement of handicap spaces as well. Legally compliant and visually aesthetic signage and costs will be discussed at the committee's next meeting, Tuesday, October 7th at 6:30 pm in town hall. These meetings are also open to the public.
Three Public Hearings were scheduled for October 7th, all relative to the Robin Hood Estates subdivision under development, off of Depot Street at Roanoke Street. These items are for vacating a street, stormwater management pond and sewer pump station.
Councilman Ernie Wade asked the Planning Commission be directed to review how other jurisdictions handle zoning decisions and related Public Hearings. Several council members agreed the process could be improved, eliminating recesses during regular council meetings and allowing time between hearing the request or proposed recommendation. Council indicated a desire to have time between receiving a recommendation and public input before taking action at the same meeting. (The Town Manager noted, perhaps without any intended irony, that this information could be obtained by simply viewing the web sites of any given locality.)
The next regular meeting of the Christiansburg Town Council will be Tuesday, October 7th at 7:30 pm.