02-01
NEW RIVER VALLEY PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION
Minutes of the Commission Meeting
held on August 23, 2001
New River Valley Competitiveness Center, Fairlawn, 7:30 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chairman Gerald called the meeting to order with 13 members present.
PRESENT: Mr. F. Gerald, Chairman, Floyd County; Mr. S. Weaver, Treasurer, Town of Christiansburg; Mr. D. Burdette, Radford University; Mr. T. Garrett, Town of Narrows; Dr. H. Harvey, City of Radford; Ms. E. Janney, Floyd County; Dr. A.T. Leighton, Town of Blacksburg; Mr. L. Light, Giles County; Mr. T. Owen, Pulaski County; Mr. J. Sheffey, Pulaski County; Mr. T. Starnes, City of Radford; Mr. B. Stipes, Town of Christiansburg; J. B. Sutphin, Alternate for Mr. S. Hall, Virginia Tech.
ABSENT: Dr. M. Chandler, Town of Blacksburg; Mr. J. Lovely, Town of Rich Creek; Mrs. A. Perkins, Montgomery County; Mr. J. Phillips, Virginia Tech; Dr. J. Randolph, Town of Blacksburg; Mr. R. Shelor, Town of Floyd; Mr. H. Spencer, Giles County; Mr. C. Stewart, Town of Pulaski; Mr. S. Stewart, Town of Pearisburg; and Mr. J. Weddle, Town of Pulaski.
Chairman Gerald welcomed everyone to the Commission meeting and expressed his sympathy to the family of Jim Moore who passed away. Flowers were sent to the family on behalf of the Commission.
II. APPROVAL OF JUNE MINUTES
Chairman Gerald asked if there were any questions or additions to the June minutes.
Motion: Mr. Starnes moved that the June minutes be approved as presented. Mr. Owen seconded the motion.
Action: Motion carried unanimously.
III. CHAIRMAN�S REPORT
Chairman Gerald had no items to report.
IV. REVIEW OF MUTUAL CONCERNS AND COMMISSIONERS� REPORTS
There were none.
02-02
V. APPROVAL OF TREASURER�S REPORT FOR JUNE & JULY
Mr. Weaver presented the Treasurer�s Reports for June and July. He asked if there were any questions or additions to the reports.
Mr. Burdette asked if cash flow was going to be discussed. Mr. Rundgren said he would address it in the Director�s report.
Motion: Mr. Light moved that the Treasurer�s Reports for June and July be approved as presented. Mr. Sheffey seconded the motion.
Action: Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Rundgren stated that the large difference between the June and July administrative budget is due to end of the year versus beginning of the year. The New River Access Project and WIA have raised the budget considerably. The main problem with such a large budget is that large amounts are paid out, but the reimbursement process is very slow.
VI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR�S REPORT
Mr. Rundgren reported on the following items:
1. Transitional Housing Open House - July 31 marked the opening. Bill Shelton, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development who is in charge of community development block grant funds for the building was in attendance. Janet McNew, PDC staff, was recognized and thanked for administering the grant.
2. Grants - EDA invitation for grants. Pulaski Tech Center and Montgomery multi-tenant facility have been offered the opportunity to apply for funds in the amount of $600,000 and $700,000 respectively.
3. Grant Offer - FEMA through VA Department of Emergency Management has offered a grant of $53,090, match required $13,272. Applications due September 15. Mr. Sheffey asked how the money will be used. Mr. Rundgren stated that flooding and hazardous materials will be studied. Mr. Starnes asked what will be used for match. Mr. Rundgren stated that the Pulaski Town flood study for $11,000 will cover most of it along with a portion from LEPC and PDC. Mr. Garrett asked whose salary it would pay and who would be involved. Mr. Rundgren stated that 3 of the PDC staff will be conducting the study. At this point the members voted on submitting the application.
Motion: Mr. Starnes moved that Mr. Rundgren proceed with signing and submitting the application. Mr. Sheffey seconded the motion.
Action: Motion carried unanimously.
02-03
4. Competitiveness Center Groundbreaking, Phase 2 - The groundbreaking will be held on Thursday, September 20th at 3:00 p.m. EDA Assistant Secretary has been invited. Mr. Starnes asked when bids open. Mr. Rundgren stated sometime shortly before the 20th.
5. Regional Competitiveness Program - Re-certification for participating in the program will begin September 5th with a briefing on the elements of re-certification. Dr. Harvey asked if Mr. Rundgren knew that re-certification would be an issue when the program first began. Mr. Rundgren said that he was aware of that a process would be involved.
6. New River Roundtable Kick-off Meeting - The meeting was held on August 14 at NRCC to talk about the development of a strategic plan for water quality and quantity in the NR watershed.
7. Recognition - The PDC received a letter from the Town of Blacksburg Police Department recognizing PDC staff Lydeana Martin and Shawn Utt for their excellent presentation of a table-top exercise involving a major hazmat incident in the heart of downtown Blacksburg. The PDC was also recognized in the Economic Development Digest.
8. Roanoke River Basin Commission - Mrs. Janney and Mr. Gerald attended the Basin Commission meeting on July 26th where a major topic as the size of the membership; it was pointed out that the Roanoke and New River Valley pdc�s should have more than 1 representative. Mr. Rundgren presented the comments.
9. Transportation - Bob Asbury, Radford Town Manager, presented the PDC�s regional comments at VDOT�s pre-allocation hearing in Salem on July 11th. The Salem district focus group will meet early October to discuss statewide plan/intermodal policy and long-range vision.
VII. PUBLIC ADDRESS
There was none.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Workforce Education and Training Study Committee
Dr. Harvey stated that the PDC facilitated a meeting with school superintendents and county administrators. Participants were given a brief presentation on economic development projects around the region and were told of the Commission�s emphasis on developing a well-education, well-trained workforce. Participants were then asked to prioritize the needs of public education in the region. Lists were compiled and reviewed, then each participant was asked to vote on their top four priorities. There was discussion of the importance of the Magnet School; how education has changed; the funding process, head count versus per capita income; and the concept of distance learning.
02-04
Mr. Starnes asked what will be the next step. Mr. Rundgren stated that hopefully the educators and administrators can work together to create regional alternative schooling for those people who do not pass the SOL�s. Mr. Garrett asked if the idea is to educate or have a workable work force. Mr. Rundgren stated that focusing on SOL test results does not prepare individuals for the work force. He stated that the Magnet School has demonstrated the need for this type of education.
Dr. Harvey stated that the next meeting will focus on all suggestions at first meeting, setting priorities and discussing where to get funding.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Report on Cash Flow Issues
Mr. Rundgren reported that cash flow has become an issue because the WIA project is such a high dollar project and reimbursement procedures are not timely. Although SunTrust would be willing to set up a line of credit, the interest payments have not been budgeted. One solution for next year may be to put Competitiveness money into a project pot to serve as cash flow for a number of projects which in turn would help the Commission�s cash flow.
B. Adoption of the Appalachian Regional Commission Project Package
Mr. Rundgren stated that to date only one project has been received to be included in the ARC package. However, if any other projects are received, they are understood to be included.
Motion: Mr. Starnes moved for approval of the ARC Project Package. Mr. Stipes seconded the motion.
Action: Motion carried, Ms. Perkins voting no.
X. COMMONWEALTH INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS
A. Continuation or Renewal Projects (Signed-off by the staff)
- first 8 submitted by Department of Environmental Quality1. FY 2002 Water Quality Management Planning Program
2. FY 2002 106 Ground Water Protection Program
3. FY 2002 & 2003 Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program
4. FY 2002 & 2003 Underground Storage Tank Program
5. FY 2002 & 2003 Hazardous Waste Management Program
6. FY 2002 105 Air Pollution Control Program
7. FY 2002 106 Water Pollution Control Program
8. FY 2002 VA Coastal Zone Management
9. Rural Business Enterprise Grant Funds -
New Enterprises Fund10. Mid-Atlantic Technical/Administrative Assistance Project -
Institute for Local Self Reliance
02-05
.B. Regular Project Review
Mr. Rundgren stated that he would like to add the project, New River Canoe Trail Guide Book submitted by the PDC.
1. Meadows Subdivision Phase II Road/Storm Water Improvements
- Pearisburg Community Dev. Corp2. Giles County Water Distribution System Improvements -
Giles County3. Individual Development Account Program -
Pulaski County4. Home Electronic Monitoring - Montgomery County
5. New River Canoe Trail Guide Book - NRVPDC
Mr. Gerald asked if anyone wished to review any of the projects separately.
Motion: Mr. Weaver moved that all of the projects be found not in conflict with regional plan, policies, or goals. Mr. Starnes seconded the motion.
Action: Motion carried unanimously.
C. Environmental Project Reviews
1. Draft Post-Closure Care Permit for RAAP
- RAAP2. Bridge Replacement Over Peak Creek -
VDOT3. Modification of VPDES Permit -
RAAP4. Career Services Building -
VPI & SU5. Reissuance of VPDES Permit -
Pulaski County PSA6. New Student Union Facility -
Radford UniversityChairman Gerald asked if anyone wished to discuss any of the projects separately.
Motion: Mr. Burdette moved that all of the projects be found not in conflict with regional plans, policies, and goals. Mr. Weaver seconded the motion.
Action: Motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business, there was a consensus that the meeting be adjourned.
____________________
Fred Gerald, Chairman
New River Valley Planning District Commission
If you have any questions or comments regarding this page, please e-mail [email protected]
Last Edited: 9/18/01