Roanoke County public meetings in 2023
26 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council approved several land use actions including a rezoning for property on Mountain Avenue and the vacation of rights-of-way. The council also authorized a lease for the Blue Ridge Zoological Society to operate the Mill Mountain Zoo and amended the City Plan 2040 to include a Climate Action Plan.
- Rezoning of 305 Mountain Avenue, S.W. from Institutional District to Mixed Use Planned United Development District
- Lease of City-owned property to Blue Ridge Zoological Society of Virginia, Inc. for Mill Mountain Zoo operations
- Amendment to the City Plan 2040 to add the Climate Action Plan
- Encroachment permits for Valley Metro bus shelters at Blue Hills Drive
- Acceptance of FY 2023-2024 United Way funding for Bank On Roanoke Valley Program
City Council
The City Council met to authorize a new workforce housing fund and approve a deed amendment for Deschutes Brewery. The body also adopted the 2024 Legislative Program and accepted VDOT State of Good Repair grants.
- Authorization to establish a Workforce Housing Development Fund
- Amendment to the Deed and Escrow Agreement for Deschutes Brewery at 2002 Blue Hills Drive, N. E.
- Acceptance of FY2023 VDOT State of Good Repair Grant Award (UPCs 123117 and 123118)
- Adoption of the Proposed 2024 Legislative Program
- Appointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board, and Human Services Advisory Board
City Council
City Council met for a recessed session to discuss the fiscal context and budget planning for FY25. The body reviewed revenue projections, anticipated expenditures, and the Capital Improvement Program.
- FY25 revenue projections
- High-priority anticipated expenditures
- Capital Improvement Program
- Enterprise operations and charges for services
- Tax discussion
City Council
City Council approved changes to the Roanoke Charter of 1952 regarding election dates and council meetings. The body also decided on several zoning amendments and property restrictions.
- Adopted Resolution No. 42829-112023 to change election dates and council meetings in the Roanoke Charter of 1952
- Approved rezoning of 1027 Patterson Avenue, S. W. to Commercial-Neighborhood District
- Approved Ordinance No. 42823-112023 allowing commercial activity at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
- Approved a change order for the Windsor Road, S. W. Stormwater Capital Improvement Project
- Scheduled a public hearing for December 18, 2023, regarding a property lease to the Blue Ridge Zoological Society of Virginia, Inc.
City Council
The City Council held an informal session to discuss housing inventory and management before convening for a regular meeting. The body approved several budget ordinances and scheduled a public hearing to discuss changes to the City Charter.
- Scheduled public hearing for November 20, 2023, to amend City Charter Sections 10 and 16
- Accepted VDOT Highway Safety Improvement Program Funds (Resolution No. 42815-110623)
- Appropriated funds from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority and National Opioid Settlement
- Acquired real property rights for the Greenway Connection to Riverland Road/Star Trail Parking Lot
- Approved tax refund for Carilion Patient Transportation, LLC
City Council
The City Council met for a recessed session to review the September strategic plan retreat. The body discussed the strategic plan and determined next steps.
- Review of September Council Strategic Plan Retreat
- Strategic plan discussion
City Council
City Council approved several grants, a flood resilience plan, and a lease for a downtown post office. The body also modified a development plan for Blue Hills Village and amended the Enterprise Zone Boundary.
- Adoption of the 2023 Roanoke Flood Resilience Plan
- Lease of 5,709 square feet at 101 Church Avenue, S.W. to the USPS for a post office
- Approval of modified Concept Plan for Blue Hills Village development
- Amendment of the Fee Compendium for the Service Industry Parking Program (SIPP)
- Acceptance of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program and Bulletproof Vest Partnership grants
City Council
The City Council held an informal session and a regular meeting to approve several grants and code amendments. The body also scheduled public hearings for a USPS lease and a property conveyance to Roanoke Southern, LLC.
- Appropriation of State Historic Preservation Fund grant for Historic Fishburn Mansion rehabilitation
- Appropriation of FY2024 DMV Highway Safety Grant for Youth Transportation Safety Campaign
- Proposed public hearing for leasing 5,709 sq ft at 101 Church Avenue, S.W. to USPS
- Proposed public hearing for conveyance of Official Tax Map No. 1420326 to Roanoke Southern, LLC
- Easement execution to Western Virginia Water Authority for a fire service line and water vault
City Council
City Council conducted a strategic planning retreat to review the current Strategic Plan and discuss policy development tools. The session included a tour of ARPA investments and a discussion on the Council Code of Conduct and operational rules.
- Tour of ARPA investments including Habitat homes in Southeast, Market on Melrose, and LEAP in West End
- Review of the current Strategic Plan
- Discussion of Council Code of Conduct and Operational Rules/Procedures
City Council
City Council approved several grants for traffic safety, fire programs, and school resources. The body also decided on rezoning requests for property at 2502 Melrose Avenue, N.W. and sign overlays for Carilion Medical Center. Additionally, Council scheduled a public hearing for October 16 to consider boundary amendments to Enterprise Zone One A.
- Rezoned 2502 Melrose Avenue, N.W. from IPUD(c) to MXPUD for Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, Inc.
- Established a new sign overlay for Carilion Medical Center across multiple properties including McClanahan Street and Jefferson Street
- Accepted a $172,000.00 check from Pathfinders for Greenways for the Bridge Street Trailhead Parking Lot Project
- Accepted DMV Traffic Safety grants for Alcohol, Pedestrian/Bicycle, and Police Traffic Services enforcement
- Adopted amendments to City Code regarding Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Code Enforcement, and the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board
City Council
The City Council decided on several property rezonings, including a portion of Fishburn Park and a school board property. The body also approved grants for road safety and a memorandum of understanding with George Mason University.
- Rezoning of 2424 Brambleton Avenue, S.W. (Fishburn Park) to Mixed Use Planned Unit Development District
- Amendment to City Plan 2040 to vacate public use of a 1.1 acre portion of Fishburn Park
- Rezoning of 3142 Preston Avenue, N.W. to Institutional Planned Unit Development District
- Approval of the sale of 339 Salem Avenue, S.W. (Former HAT Building)
- Acceptance of Safe Streets and Roads for All Discretionary Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation
City Council
The City Council and School Board held a joint meeting to discuss budget work groups and school construction. The Council later approved several grant acceptances and scheduled a public hearing for the sale of the former HAT building.
- Scheduled public hearing for August 21, 2023, to consider the sale of 339 Salem Avenue, S.W.
- Accepted funding for a Drug Prosecutor
- Accepted Rescue Squad Assistance Fund, 2024 Virginia Domestic Violence Victim Fund, and NEA Our Town grants
- Approved encroachment permit for Valley Metro Bus Shelter at 502 19th Street, S.E.
- Scheduled public hearing for September 5, 2023, to amend the HUD Consolidated Plan
City Council
City Council approved funding for capital projects and educational programs. The body also updated parking codes and adopted a concept plan for the Historic Gainsboro Community Hub.
- Authorization of FY 2024 Bond Issuance and Appropriation of Funds for Capital Projects
- Adoption of the Historic Gainsboro Community Hub Concept Plan
- Budget Ordinance No. 42706-071723 for Roanoke City School Board educational programs
- Amendment of City Code regarding parking for garages, surface lots, and mobile pay
- Vacation of drainage and public utility easements (Tax Map Nos. 6021103 and 7110128)
City Council
City Council approved revenue bonds for Virginia Lutheran Homes, Inc. and a tax exemption for PCC Land Company, LLC. The body also scheduled public hearings for two easement vacations and the sale of city-owned property.
- Approved revenue bonds not to exceed $10.5 million for Brandon Oaks expansion at 3804 Brandon Avenue, S. W.
- Approved real estate tax exemption for property owned by PCC Land Company, LLC
- Scheduled public hearing for July 17, 2023, to sell 0.77 acre of city property at 2100 Countryside Road, N. W.
- Scheduled public hearings for July 17, 2023, to vacate easements on Tax Map No. 7110128 and Tax Map No. 6021103
- Adopted resolution supporting the Royalty Affirmation to help curb youth gun violence
City Council
City Council decided on several property and budget matters, including the acquisition of real property rights for a stormwater project on Victoria Street, N.W. The body also approved tax exemptions for PCC Land Company, LLC and the Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP).
- Awarded a 60-year air rights lease for a pedestrian crosswalk over South Jefferson Street, S.W.
- Acquisition of real property rights for Stormwater Drainage Improvement Project on Victoria Street, N.W.
- Approved sale of approximately 1.1 acres and improvements at the former Fishburn Park Caretaker’s Cottage
- Approved tax exemptions for PCC Land Company, LLC and Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP)
- Approved an intergovernmental agreement for the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection
City Council
City Council approved several grant appropriations for brownfields, stormwater restoration, and AARP projects. The body also voted to amend the city's curfew for persons sixteen years of age or younger and authorized upcoming public hearings on tax exemptions and revenue estimates.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 42681-060523 amending the curfew for persons 16 and younger
- Approved Garnand Branch Stream Restoration Project funds from the Department of Environmental Quality
- Authorized public hearings for June 20 regarding tax exemptions for PCC Land Company, LLC and Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Inc.
- Authorized bids for a 60-year air rights lease for a pedestrian crosswalk over South Jefferson Street, S.W.
- Approved appropriation of 2022 opioid settlements
City Council
City Council approved several funding grants and property acquisitions, including stormwater improvements at Cove Road and 22nd Street, N.W. The body also voted to deny a rezoning request for an eating establishment at 2424 Brambleton Avenue, S.W.
- Authorized public hearing for general obligation bonds not to exceed $37,255,000 for FY 2024 Capital Improvement Projects
- Denied rezoning of 1.1 acres at 2424 Brambleton Avenue, S.W. from Recreation and Open Space to Mixed Use Planned Unit Development
- Adopted ordinance for real property rights for Stormwater Drainage Improvement Project at Cove Road and 22nd Street, N.W.
- Approved acceptance of Monsanto Class Action Settlement Funds for PCB contamination
- Granted Cox Communication a Fiber Service Easement
City Council
City Council met to adopt measures for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year Budget effective July 1, 2023. The body voted on appropriations across multiple funds and updated the city's pay plan.
- Reaffirmation of Real Estate Tax Rate (Ordinance No. 42642-050823)
- Adoption of the Fee Compendium (Resolution No. 42643-050823)
- Adoption of annual appropriations for General, Stormwater Utility, Civic Facilities, Parking, Risk Management, School General, School Food Services and Grant funds
- Endorsement of the Capital Improvement Program Update FY 2024-2028
- Adoption of a Pay Plan for city officers and employees including salary adjustments and merit increases
City Council
The City Council approved a five-year plan for Opioid Settlement funds and appointed two trustees to the Roanoke City School Board. The body also adopted the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television FY 2023-2024 budget and an extra-territorial arrest agreement with Virginia Western Community College.
- Approval of a five-year plan for Opioid Settlement funds from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority
- Adoption of the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Proposed FY 2023-2024 Budget
- Authorization of a public hearing on May 15, 2023, regarding the Cox Communication Fiber Service Easement
- Adoption of an Extra-Territorial Arrest Agreement with Virginia Western Community College
- Appointment of two Trustees to the Roanoke City School Board for three-year terms
City Council
The City Council decided on several ordinances including property rezoning and tax payment extensions. The body also heard public comments regarding parking on Edinburgh Street and public transportation.
- Rezoned 2733 and 2739 Orange Avenue, N. E. from Mixed Use to Commercial-General District
- Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 42635-041723 for Roanoke City School Board educational programs
- Extended real estate tax payment deadline to April 14, 2023, waiving penalty and interest
- Approved acquisition of real property rights for FY23 Curb and Gutter Stormwater Drainage project
- Affirmed Architectural Review Board denial of a historical style fence at 529 Day Avenue, S. W.
City Council
City Council held an informal session and a formal meeting to address municipal budgets, property acquisitions, and board appointments. The body approved debt issuance for the Roanoke Economic Development Authority and accepted budget presentations from the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority and Roanoke Regional Airport Commission.
- Authorization to vacate 1.1 acres of Fishburn Park at 2424 Brambleton Avenue, S.W.
- Approval of debt issuance with the Roanoke Economic Development Authority
- Authorization to acquire 0 Aviation Drive, N.W. from LMR Land Company, L.P.
- Authorization of a bus shelter encroachment at 1420 Melrose Avenue, N.W.
- Adoption of Tax Year 2023 Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA) percentage
City Council
City Council approved several grants, property sales, and rezoning requests. The body also authorized the Economic Development Authority to issue debt and renamed Carver Avenue, N. W. to R.R. Wilkinson Avenue, N. W.
- Rezoned 1030 Mecca Street, N. E. to Institutional Planned Unit Development District for a place of worship
- Approved preliminary authorization for the Economic Development Authority to issue debt
- Renamed Carver Avenue, N. W. to R.R. Wilkinson Avenue, N. W.
- Approved sale of 0 Daleton Road, N. E. to TPB Enterprises, LLC
- Accepted Virginia Department of Fire Programs Burn Building Grant
City Council
The City Council met to approve several land and grant agreements and appoint members to various city boards. The body also scheduled two special meetings in March to discuss options for enforcing curfews and protecting youth.
- Scheduled public hearings for March 20 regarding subdivision and easements at 1927 Franklin Road, S.W.
- Approved acquisition of real property rights for stormwater drainage at 1400-1500 24th Street
- Accepted VDOT local revenue sharing funding for drainage improvement projects
- Approved the sale of approximately 1.1 acres including the former Fishburn Park Caretaker’s Cottage
- Adopted amendments to City Code Chapter 21 (Offenses - Miscellaneous) and Chapter 23 (Police)
City Council
City Council approved the Roanoke Virginia Strategic Plan 2023-2024 and settled opioid-related claims. The body also approved several land leases for community and urban gardens at Morningside Park and 13th Street.
- Adoption of Roanoke Virginia Strategic Plan 2023-2024
- Approval of settlement for opioid related claims against multiple distributors
- Lease of land at Morningside Park to Carilion Clinic and Local Environmental Agricultural Project, Inc. (L.E.A.P.)
- Lease renewal for L.E.A.P. at 13th Street and Cleveland Avenue, S.W.
- Acceptance of Virginia ARPA Tourism Recovery Program Grant and VDOT State of Good Repair Grant
City Council
The City Council approved several funding appropriations for justice and infrastructure projects and authorized an economic development performance agreement. The body also decided on multiple property rezoning and alley vacation requests.
- Economic Development Performance Agreement with Riverdale Southeast, LLC
- Rezoning and right-of-way vacation for properties on Orange Avenue, N.E., Daleton Road, N.E., and Manning Road N.E.
- Vacation of an alley between Colonial Avenue, S.W., and the Route 220 on-ramp
- Acceptance of VDOT funding for Huntington Blvd Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk project
- Designation of Census Tracts 6.01 and 6.02 as a Revitalization Area
City Council
The City Council held an organizational meeting to qualify members, appoint Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Cobb, and establish the 2023 meeting schedule. The body also approved a law enforcement equipment grant and readopted the City Code.
- Appointment of Joseph L. Cobb as Vice-Mayor
- Acceptance and appropriation of the DCJS ARPA Law Enforcement Equipment and Technology Grant
- Adoption of Ordinance No. 42532-010323 readopting the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979)
- Closed meeting requests regarding a prospective business and real property lease in the Southeastern area
- Appointment of Jeffrey Powell to the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority