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NEW RIVER VALLEY PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION

Minutes of the Commission Meeting

held on October 26, 2000

Selu Conservancy, Montgomery County 5:30 p.m.

I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL

Chairman Gerald called the meeting to order with 12 members present.

PRESENT: Mr. F. Gerald, Chairman, Floyd County; Mr. D. Burdette, Radford University; Dr. H. Harvey, City of Radford; Dr. A.T. Leighton, Town of Blacksburg; Dr. J. Moore, Vice Chairman, Montgomery County; Mrs. A. Perkins, Montgomery County; Mr. J. Sheffey, Pulaski County; Dr. J. Randolph, Town of Blacksburg; Mr. T. Starnes, Radford; Mr. C. Stewart, Town of Pulaski; Mr. B. Stipes, Town of Christiansburg; and Mr. S. Weaver, Treasurer, Town of Christiansburg;

ABSENT: Mr. J. Lovely, Town of Rich Creek; Mr. T. Garrett, Town of Narrows; Mr. S. Hall, Virginia Tech; Mrs. E. Janney, Floyd County; Mr. L. Light, Giles County; Mr. T. Owen, Pulaski County; Mr. J. Phillips, Virginia Tech; Mr. R. Shelor, Town of Floyd; Mr. H. Spencer, Giles County; Mr. S. Stewart; Town of Pearisburg; and Mr. J. Weddle, Town of Pulaski.

II. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER MINUTES

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

Motion: Mr. Sheffey moved that the September minutes be approved as presented. Dr. Moore seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

III. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Chairman Gerald stated that he had nothing to report.

IV. REVIEW OF MUTUAL CONCERNS AND COMMISSIONER'S REPORTS

There were none.

V. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER

Mr. Weaver presented the Treasurer's Report for September.

Chairman Gerald asked if there were any questions or additions to the September Treasurer's Report.

Motion: Mr. Starnes moved that the September Treasurer's Report be approved. Dr. Randolph seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

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VI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Mr. Rundgren reported on the following items.

Tax Commission - Increase State $'s for operational and capital costs of schools; income tax revenue on population and revenue effort; State fully funds Comprehensive Services Act; equalize taxing authority; service charge on tax exempt property; permanent Commission.

Route 177 - Public meeting held on September 20^th with the main issue being amount of open space; a finish-up meeting of the Rt. 177 committee was held October 19^th.

Recreation Projects - (1) USFS Glen Alton property in-put meeting held on October 17^th, 18^th, 19^th emphasized the following: destination with lodging, trail hub, National Recreation Area Designation; (2) River Access Project; and (3) Regional Tourism Plan.

Transportation - Ken Lantz of VDOT has agreed to continue rural transportation planning; there will be Transportation Enhancement Workshops in Salem on November 16^th at 11:00 a.m. and in Marion on November 15^th at 10:00 a.m.

Staff Changes - Began interviewing for vacant positions; should have someone on board in late November.

VII. PUBLIC ADDRESS

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

VIII. OLD BUSINESS

Mr. Rundgren noted that the Resolution Supporting Christiansburg Institute had been sent.

IX. NEW BUSINESS

A. Setting of November/December Meeting

Mr. Rundgren stated that in past years, the meeting had been set for the second Thursday in December, which this year would be the 14^th. There was consensus that the November/December meeting be scheduled on that date.

B. Consideration of Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail Resolution

Mr. Rundgren stated that the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has set a goal of obtaining TEA-21 funding for the purpose of creating a Birding and Wildlife Trail. The Commission is asked to support this development and encourage local governments and others to submit site nominations for inclusion in this project.

Mr. Sheffey asked if the DGIF had developed a budget and if they have determined how it will impact the area. Mr. Rundgren did not have access to this information. There was a consensus to table this item until the December meeting so that more information can be obtained.

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C. Virginia's Rural Prosperity Commission Workshop

Virginia's Rural Prosperity Commission has asked its staff to convene workshops to gather ideas, projects, and activities to help improve economic conditions in rural Virginia. A workshop will be held at the Competitiveness Center on November 21^st. More information will be sent to interested parties.

D. Progress Report on Glen Alton Recreation Project

Mr. Rundgren stated that he covered this item under the Director's report.

X. COMMONWEALTH INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS

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

Chairman Gerald stated that there were no continuation/renewal projects.

B. Regular Project Review

1. Finance Construction of a 120 Suite Courtyard by Marriott - Associates Commercial Credit Corp.

2. National Performance Track Program, Studies Related to the VA Environmental Excellence Program - Department of Environmental Quality

3. Replacement Waterline Project - Town of Dublin

4. Terry's Originals/Lewis Construction, Inc./Shilo Springs - New Enterprises Fund

Chairman Gerald stated if no one wanted to discuss any of the projects separately, he would entertain a motion to approve the projects.

Motion: Mr. Starnes moved that all of the projects be found not in conflict with regional plans, policies, or goals. Mr. C. Stewart seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

C. Environmental Project Review

1. Acquisition of Heiskell & Wright Properties for Power Plant - VPI & SU

2. Proposed Addition to Cheatham Hall - VPI & SU

3. Geotechnical Laboratory Facility- VPI & SU

Chairman Gerald asked if anyone wanted to discuss any of the environmental projects.

Motion: Mr. Sheffey moved that all of the projects be found not in conflict with regional plans, policies, or goals. Dr. Randolph seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

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

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