Here’s the rundown of council meetings for the week of March 23.

No public hearings are scheduled for this week. However, all three council meetings allot time for “Citizen Comments.”

Monday: Radford City Council to address energy supply congestion

At its regular meeting on Monday at 7 p.m., the Radford City Council is slated to pass a resolution authorizing the city utility director to take action to reduce the risk of energy supply congestion. The resolution specifies that the utility director’s actions are subject to the city manager’s approval and must stay within certain financial parameters.

The council will also designate April as Environmental Awareness Month and Distracted Driving Awareness Month; April 12-18 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week and Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week; April 22 as Earth Day; and April 24 as Arbor Day. 

Monday’s council meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Radford City Office at 10 Robertson Street. 

Tuesday: Blacksburg Town Council to initiate zoning amendments to regulate where marijuana, tobacco and hemp can be sold.

At its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m., the Blacksburg Town Council will approve a resolution to start the process of amending the town zoning ordinance to regulate retail sales of marijuana, tobacco and hemp products. The resolution refers zoning amendments to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation.

If Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs the bill passed by the General Assembly to legalize the sale of cannabis, recreational marijuana sales to people 21 years of age or older will start on Jan. 1, 2027. The bill specifically preserves local zoning authority. However, Blacksburg’s current zoning ordinance does not include regulations governing retail sales locations of marijuana.

Likewise, Blacksburg does not have specific local regulations designating where tobacco and hemp products, including vapes, can be sold. However, Virginia Code § 15.2-912.4 permits localities to regulate retail sales locations of tobacco products.

The council meeting is open to the public and will be held in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building at 300 South Main Street.

Tuesday: Christiansburg Town Council to hear four presentations and consider the Public Arts Advisory Board’s art plan

The Christiansburg Town Council regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. will include a presentation on the town manager’s recommended budget, as well as updates on services provided by the YMCA at Virginia Tech, Brain Injury Services and Children’s Trust (NRVCAC). 

The council will also take action on adopting the Public Arts Advisory Board’s art plan. In addition, the council will schedule public meetings for a report on the Community Development Block Grant and for vacating a 120-foot portion of unimproved right-of-way through property at 201 Radford Street NW. 

Finally, the council will recognize March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day; April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day; April 6-12 as National Public Health Week; April 12-18 as National Public Safety Telecommunicator Safey Week; and the month of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

Tuesday’s town council meeting will be preceded by the Central Business District Committee’s regular meeting from 5-6:30 p.m. Both meetings are open to the public and will be held at the Christiansburg Town Hall at 100 E. Main Street.