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NEW RIVER VALLEY PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION

Minutes of the Commission Meeting

held on January 25, 2001

New River Valley Competitiveness Center, Fairlawn 7:30 p.m.

I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL

Chairman Gerald called the meeting to order with 14 members present.

PRESENT: Mr. F. Gerald, Chairman, Floyd County; Mr. D. Burdette, Radford University; Mr. T. Garrett, Town of Narrows; Dr. H. Harvey, City of Radford;; Mr. L. Light, Giles County; Mr. T. Owen, Pulaski County; Mrs. A. Perkins, Montgomery County; Mr. J. Phillips, Virginia Tech; Mr. J. Sheffey, Pulaski County; Mr. R. Shelor, Town of Floyd; Mr. C. Stewart, Town of Pulaski; Mr. S. Stewart, Town of Pearisburg; Mr. B. Stipes, Town of Christiansburg; and Mr. S. Weaver, Treasurer, Town of Christiansburg.

ABSENT: Mr. J. Lovely, Town of Rich Creek; Mr. S. Hall, Virginia Tech; Mrs. E. Janney, Floyd County; Dr. A.T. Leighton, Town of Blacksburg; Dr. J. Moore, Vice Chairman, Montgomery County; Dr. J. Randolph, Town of Blacksburg; Mr. H. Spencer, Giles County; Mr. T. Starnes, Radford; and Mr. J. Weddle, Town of Pulaski.

II. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER MINUTES

Chairman Gerald asked if there were any questions or additions to the December minutes.

Dr. Harvey asked that the comment "If they do not attend class, we drop them which lowers their welfare" be omitted; she did not recall making such a statement.

Motion: Mr. Sheffey moved that the December minutes be approved as corrected. Mr. Owen seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Weaver stated that the Executive Committee reviewed the Director�s request to replace the Commission�s Chevrolet station wagon which has approximately 213,000 miles. The Executive Committee recommends authorization for the Director to purchase a replacement vehicle not to exceed $22,000, and have the ability to finance if needed.

Motion: Mr. Weaver moved that the Director be authorized to purchase a replacement vehicle and to finance if needed. Mr. Stipes seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

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III. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Chairman Gerald stated that Congressman Boucher announced that federal grant funds in the amount of $1,000,000 had been awarded to assist in the development of the Floyd Industrial Park.

IV. REVIEW OF MUTUAL CONCERNS AND COMMISSIONER'S REPORTS

Mr. Sheffey asked if the Commission will write a letter of support to the General Assembly to maintain general funding of the $10,000 funding appropriated to Virginia�s PDCs. Mr. Rundgren then read a resolution of support which was provided to the Commissioners.

Motion: Mr. Sheffey moved that the resolution of support be adopted. Mr. Burdette seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Gerald asked if the letter had been sent to jurisdictions concerning the cell tower situation. Mr. Rundgren stated that he understands that Pulaski County has been reviewing the tower situation and is going to be talking with Floyd County; and Montgomery County along with Blacksburg and Christiansburg are also reviewing the subject.

V. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR DECEMBER

Mr. Weaver presented the Treasurer�s Report for December.

Mr. C. Stewart asked if the payments for a new vehicle will be shown in the travel category. Mr. Rundgren stated that they would.

Motion: Mr. Weaver moved that December Treasurer's Report be approved. Mr. Light seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

VI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR�S REPORT

Mr. Rundgren reported on the following items.

Grants - Congressman Boucher announced $148,000 in federal grant funds to assist in the renovation of the Jacksonville Center in addition to the Floyd Industrial Park funding of $1,000,000, and Phase II Commerce Park funding of $1,000,000.

VAPDC Winter Conference - The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions will hold their winter meeting on February 7 in Richmond at the Jefferson Hotel.

Core Based Statistical Areas Report - Office of Management and Budget has established a micropolitan statistical area which is a core based statistical area associated with at least one urban cluster that has a population of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000. Montgomery County would qualify for this status. It could mean the OMB could combine statistics and funding could be spread over a larger area. At this point we don�t really know what the affects might be.

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Transportation Planning - Small urban plans being done in Narrows, Pearisburg, and Blacksburg-Christiansburg.

Staff Change - Patrick Burton, Transportation, has resigned to take a regional planner position with Mount Rogers Planning District Commission. We are now seeking his replacement.

Regional Jail - As of February, the Commission staff should be relieved of recordkeeping duties for the Jail.

VII. PUBLIC ADDRESS

Mr. Gerald stated that there was no one in the audience to address an agenda item.

VIII. OLD BUSINESS

A. Approval of FY 99-00 Audit

Mr. Weaver stated that this item was tabled at the December meeting for further review.

Motion: Mr. Weaver moved to accept the FY 99-00 Audit. Dr. Burdette seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

IX. NEW BUSINESS

A. Discussion of ARC Re-authorization

Mr. Rundgren stated that ARCs re-authorization expires the end of September. Congress is looking at how to re-authorize.

Mr. Sheffey suggested providing legislators with a list of ARC funded projects in the New River Valley over the past several years.

B. Response to 2001 DDAA Conference

Mr. Rundgren stated that if anyone was interested in attending the conference on March 18-20, please let him know.

X. COMMONWEALTH INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS

A. Continuation or Renewal Projects (Signed-off by the staff)

There are no continuation projects.

B. Regular Project Review

1. New River Healthcare Complex - New River Healthcare Complex, Inc.

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Mr. Gerald asked if anyone had any questions or comments on this project.

Motion: Mr. Weaver moved that the project be found not in conflict with regional plans, policies, or goals. Mr. Light seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

C. Environmental Project Review

1. Bioinformatics Building - VPI&SU

Mr. Gerald asked if anyone wanted to discuss this project.

Motion: Mr. Weaver moved that the project be found not in conflict with regional plans, policies, or goals. Mr. Sheffey seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned by unanimous approval.

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