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NEW RIVER VALLEY PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION
Minutes of the Commission Meeting
held on July 27, 2000
New River Valley Competitiveness Center, Fairlawn
7:30 p.m.I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
Chairman Gerald asked that each of the members introduce themselves as the Commission has so many new members. This is the first meeting of the expanded Commission, (including two representatives from Virginia Tech, and one representative from each Radford University, Floyd, Pearisburg, Narrows, and Rich Creek). Chairman Gerald called the meeting to order with 16 members present.
PRESENT: Mr. F. Gerald, Chairman, Floyd County; Mr. Tom Garrett, Town of Narrows; Mr. S. Hall, Virginia Tech; Dr. H. Harvey, City of Radford; Mrs. E. Janney, Floyd County; Mr. L. Light, Giles County; Mr. J. Morgan, Pulaski County; Mrs. A. Perkins, Montgomery County; Dr. J. Randolph, Town of Blacksburg; Mr. J. Sheffey, Pulaski County; Mr. R. Lewis, Alternate, Town of Floyd; Mr. T. Starnes, Radford; Mr. S. Stewart; Town of Pearisburg; Mr. B. Stipes, Town of Christiansburg; Mr. J. Weddle, Town of Pulaski; and Mr. S. Weaver, Treasurer, Town of Christiansburg.
ABSENT: Mr. D. Burdette, Radford University; Mr. G. Eaton, Town of Rich Creek; Dr. A.T. Leighton, Town of Blacksburg; Dr. J. Moore, Vice Chairman, Montgomery County; Mr. J. Phillips, Virginia Tech; Mr. H. Spencer, Giles County; and Mr. C. Stewart, Town of Pulaski.
II. APPROVAL OF JUNE MINUTES
Mr. Gerald asked if there were any questions or additions to the June minutes.
Motion: Mr. Weaver moved that the June minutes be approved as presented. Mr. Starnes seconded the motion.
Action: Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Gerald stated that he would like to move up item A under New Business.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Vital Signs Presentation by Dr. Terri Cornwell
Dr. Terri Cornwell, Hollins University, made a presentation about Vital Signs, Community Indicators for the New Century Region. Through numerous public meetings, discussion sessions, and extensive data analysis on topics such as population, community, education, economy, health, and environment, the document, Vital Signs, was published. The data discusses regional strengths, regional concerns, "subregional" issues, and highlights some of the many programs working toward positive change in the indicators. The publication focuses on sustainable development. Discussion with members followed. Mr. Gerald thanked Dr. Cornwell for her presentation.
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III. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Mr. Gerald stated he had nothing to report.
IV. REVIEW OF MUTUAL CONCERNS AND COMMISSIONER'S REPORTS
Mr. Morgan reviewed his written report on the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) meeting. He encouraged members of the Commission to participate in the activities of the VAPDC.
Mr. Sheffey asked if there was any discussion of PDCs merging as had been discussed a few year ago. Mr. Morgan stated that they are not focusing on regional commissions taking the guiding role.
V. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR JUNE
Mr. Weaver asked if there were any questions or additions to the June Treasurer�s Report. Mr. Rundgren stated that office space and advertising were overspent because of the Workforce Investment Board expenditures, and they will be adjusted accordingly.
Motion: Mr. Starnes moved that the Treasurer's Report be approved with the adjustment to the budget. Mr. Sheffey seconded the motion.
Action: Motion carried unanimously.
VI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR�S REPORT
Mr. Rundgren reported on the following items.
Grants
He reported on Congressman Boucher�s announcement of the Rural Development direct loan and loan guarantee for $4,086.000 for the acquisition and construction of the Commerce Park. He also reported that the Commission has prepared an application for Community Development Block Grant support of the development of the Floyd Industrial Park.
New River Access Project
Since the Commission agreed to be the applicant for an Access Project to be funded by the Economic Development Administration. Monthly meetings have been held and participants include the State Park, Game Commission, and Corps of Engineers, along with other local and state agencies. The project seems to focused upon Radford, the New River Industrial Park and Whitt Park for access and an educational and visitor materials production.
VAPDC
Mr. Rundgren reported that during the VAPDC summer meeting, Mr. Morgan received the Association�s highest award, the Baker Award for his extensive participation with planning district commissions and regional projects throughout his administrative career.
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Mr. Rundgren reviewed the Session entitled Taking Stock: A Self Assessment for PDC�s. He noted that it is an extensive process of reviewing the work of a commission and the relationships it develops. The Roanoke PDC has just finished the program.
Workforce Investment Act Administration
Workforce Investment Act staff have been hired: Director, Ronnie Martin; Assistant Director, Clay Stein; and Executive Secretary, Missy Bray. The Board developed a budget for FY 00-01 in the amount of $235,000.00.
Glen Alton Land - Giles County
Mr. Rundgren reported on a meeting he had with Randy Jamison related to the acquisition of this property by the US Forest Service. The Forest Service will be trying to get input as to the most desirable use of the property in October. They will be seeking local government input as well on ways that the property may assist in the development of tourism in the region.
Transportation
Mr. Rundgren stated that he would like to extend his thanks to Bob Asbury who made a presentation of the regional transportation needs at the VDOT primary/interstate hearing. He noted that there seems to be differing views of Senate Bill 33.
Small Area Transportation Plans
Mr. Rundgren stated that Pearisburg, Narrows, and Blacksburg/Christiansburg Plans are underway, with Pulaski and Radford just getting started
VII. PUBLIC ADDRESS
Mr. Gerald stated that there was no one in the audience to address an agenda item.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
A. WIA Update
Covered under Director�s Report
IX. NEW BUSINESS
B. Fiscal Crisis in our Local Government, Hampton Roads PDC Tax Tape
Discussion of Local Taxes
The Commissioners viewed the third in a series of tapes from Hampton Roads PDC concerning their views of a fiscal crisis in local governments.
Discussion followed concerning some alternatives to deal with local taxes. Mr. Morgan stated that the General Assembly should be approached to look at sharing State taxes with local governments.
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X. COMMONWEALTH INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS
A. Continuation or Renewal Projects (Signed-off by the staff)
Mr. Gerald stated there were no continuation/renewal projects.
B. Regular Project Review
1. Floyd Individual Development Account Program - Floyd County
Motion: Mr. Starnes moved that the project be found not in conflict with regional plans, policies, or goals. Mr. Weddle seconded the motion.
Action: Motion carried unanimously.
C. Environmental Project Review
1. Football Practice Fields - VPI & SU
2. Modification of VPDES Permit - Floyd-Floyd County PSA
Motion: Mr. Sheffey moved that these 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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Fred Gerald, Chairman
New River Valley Planning District Commission
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