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: Dr. M. Chandler, Town of Blacksburg; Mr. F. Gerald, Chairman, Floyd County; Mr. S. Weaver, Treasurer, Town of Christiansburg; Mr. D. Burdette, Radford University; Dr. H. Harvey, City of Radford; Dr. J. Moore, Vice-Chairman, Montgomery County; Mr. T. Owens, Pulaski County; Mrs. A. Perkins, Montgomery County; Mr. J. Sheffey, Pulaski County; Mr. R. Shelor, Town of Floyd; Mr. T. Starnes, City of Radford; Mr. C. Stewart, Town of Pulaski; and J. B. Sutphin, Alternate, for Mr. S. Hall, Virginia Tech.

ABSENT: Mr. T. Garrett, Town of Narrows; Ms. E. Janney, Floyd County; Dr. A.T. Leighton, Town of Blacksburg; Mr. J. Lovely, Town of Rich Creek; Mr. L. Light, Giles County; Mr. J. Phillips, Virginia Tech; Dr. J. Randolph, Town of Blacksburg; Mr. H. Spencer, Giles County; Mr. B. Stipes, Town of Christiansburg; Mr. S. Stewart, Town of Pearisburg; and Mr. J. Weddle, Town of Pulaski.

Chairman Gerald welcomed Dr. Mike Chandler to the Commission as it was his first meeting as a member.

II.    APPROVAL OF APRIL MINUTES

Chairman Gerald asked if there were any questions or additions to the April minutes. Mr. Starnes questioned as to whether Mr. Spencer was absent at the April meeting. Mr. Rundgren noted his comment and will check the records for verification.

Motion: Mr. Starnes moved that the April minutes be approved as presented. Mr. Owen seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

III.    CHAIRMAN�S REPORT

Chairman Gerald welcomed Mr. Neal Noyes to the meeting. Mr. Noyes is the Economic Development Administration representative for Virginia.

Mr. Noyes thanked the Commission for inviting him to attend the meeting and said he was glad to be here.

IV.    REVIEW OF MUTUAL CONCERNS AND COMMISSIONERS� REPORTS

There were none.

V.    PPROVAL OF TREASURER�S REPORT FOR APRIL

Mr. Weaver presented the Treasurer�s Report for April. He asked if there were any questions or additions to the April Report.

Motion: Mr. Burdette moved that the Treasurer�s Report for April be approved as presented. Mr. Sheffey seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

VI.    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR�S REPORT

Mr. Rundgren stated that Jan Reynolds will be taking the minutes this evening as Shirl is ill.

Mr. Rundgren reported on the following items:

Transitional Housing Open House - The City of Radford received a Community Development Block Grant to construct a transitional housing facility for the Women�s Resource Center in Radford. The PDC provides grant administration for the project. The facility consists of eight apartments where abused women and their families can stay and receive assistance as needed. An open house will be held June 26 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with remarks to be made at 5:15 p.m. Please call ahead if you plan to attend.

Grants - The Town of Peaisburg received a grant May 23, 2001 for $110,000 for acquisition of Whitt-Riverbend Park. EDA letters of invitation were received by Pulaski County, the City of Radford, and the Town of Pearisburg for $612,000 for the New River Access Project, by the PDC for $500,000 for the New River Valley Development Revolving Loan Fund and $52,000 for a planning grant for local assistance.

2000 Census Information - A Profile of General Demographic Characteristics were recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The profile contains information on age and household type, occupancy, and tenure. It is available on the Census�s web site at and will available on the PDC�s web site in the near future. Mr. Rundgren noted that the Town of Blacksburg�s population for the 20-24 year old age group is approximately 16,000, a large portion of the Town�s population. Ms. Perkins stated that she heard that the average age of people in Southwest Virginia was 45 and that the average age in Montgomery County was 22.

Competitiveness Center Proposed Schedule - The schedule is as follows: July 15 - Advertise for bids, August 15 - proposals due, September 28 - begin construction. Mr. Sheffey asked for the time frame on the project. Mr. Rundgren stated that it would take a year to complete construction.

New Markets Initiative - This is an investors tax credit and the Town of Blacksburg, except the Toms Creek Basin, is the only jurisdiction in the New River Valley region that qualifies for this funding. There was discussion as to why Blacksburg was the only one chosen. Mr. Rundgren stated that it was a result of the student population. Mr. Starnes inquired as to the criteria for receiving the credits and why Radford did not qualify. Mr. Rundgren noted that the program was initiated under the Department of the U.S. Treasury and that he will attend a meeting in early June with Ray Daffner, ARC representative, and Montgomery County, Town of Blacksburg, and Virginia Tech representatives to further explore the program.

EDA National Conference - This year it will be held in Washington, D.C., May 29-31. The brochure for the conference has a picture of the Competitiveness Center which was sent throughout the United States.

Transportation - The Bikeway/Walkway Plan has been completed. It includes locality information, canoe trail/blueway concepts, and Millennium Trail and American heritage River designations. The VDOT Public Hearings are set for July 11 at the Salem Civic Center beginning at 9:00 a.m.

New River Roundtable Kickoff Meeting - For development of a strategic plan for water quality and quantity in the New River Watershed. It is sponsored by the New River Watershed Conservation and is tentatively scheduled for August at New River Community College.

VII. PUBLIC ADDRESS

There was none.

VIII. OLD BUSINESS

Review of Commissioners Suggestions for CEDS Goals and Objectives from April Meeting

Mr. Rundgren reviewed the goals and strategies that the Commission prioritized at the April Commission meeting and noted the number of votes received for each goal. He reported that the consensus seemed to focus on a well-educated, well-trained workforce.

Mr. C. Stewart stated that Echo Star acknowledged the New River Valley for having a good workforce and is looking at moving more of their technological work to this area. The result is that the well-educated and well-trained workforce does provide a good impact on the economy in the area.

Mr. Rundgren then referred to the list of revised goals and strategies in their packet and noted that the items in blue were the new ones they determined at the last meeting. He asked for questions, comments, or concerns relating to the goals and strategies.

Mr. Chandler asked if the goal of strengthening the economic position of downtown commercial districts was an ongoing focus of the PDC. Mr. Rundgren noted that the PDC is now assisting the Town of Pulaski in reviving their downtown through the DJOTS initiative. In addition, the PDC assisted the Town of Narrows in developing the Giles Business Incubator to revitalize their downtown. He reported that when the opportunity presents itself then it becomes a focus of the PDC. Mr. Rundgren mentioned the Vision 2020 document where the goals and strategies originated as well as a celebration for its accomplishments that will take place in the future. He asked the members to think about how they would like to celebrate.

Mr. Chandler inquired as to what extent the goals were linked to the jurisdictions comprehensive plans.

Mr. Rundgren stated that the Commission does not go through all of the jurisdictions comprehensive plans but asks for input on projects from each administrator or town/city manager.

Mr. Chandler noted that it was a critical factor to make the connection from the local to regional level as well as how to make Vision 2020 happen.

Mr. Rundgren stated that the Commission deals with both aspects. The New River Valley Commerce Park involves one project in one area (Pulaski County) with 15 participating localities. Mr. Noyes advised the Commission of the New River Access project that involves one project in three areas, within three jurisdictions. All of these are regional projects that have been accomplished locally.

Mr. Chandler noted that the jurisdictions need to further explore the impacts of projects rather than just implementing them first and find out the results later.

The Commission agreed to accept the new goals and strategies for the update to the CEDS.

Dr. Harvey presented information on a new concept, a regional advanced placement high school, which would focus on education for the academic achievers who want to further their education and need challenges that regular high schools do not offer. Dr. Harvey reported the enrollment in high schools in the New River Valley, the Magnet School, and the Governor�s School. She noted that it was the point of delivery and distance learning that would motivate the students. She also reported that it would not create a dual society, that it would be an elite school that students may choose to attend. It would be a new fast paced learning experience. Dr. Harvey reported on the number of high school graduates that were recommended for Developmental Studies at New River Community College. In 1996, 221 students took placement tests to enter the College and of those 35% were recommended for both Developmental English and Math. In 2000, 203 students took similar tests and 53% were recommended for both Developmental English and Math. She stated this was unacceptable and needs to be improved. Dr. Harvey asked the Commission to think about this new concept in the near future.

Mr. Rundgren reported that with the declining budgets to pay teacher�s salaries and the retirement of significant numbers of teachers as well as the instructors who are needed to teach technology make

it important to address these issues now. This advanced placement high school would provide a well-educated, well-trained workforce, which happened to be the number one goal for the Commission. The ultimate question being how to deliver education to produce the workforce we desire.

Mr. Burdette stated that it was a great idea and that Radford University�s numbers were similar to the Community College.

Mr. Chandler pointed out that you also have to look at the opposite side noting that there are numerous people in the New River Valley that do not even possess a high school degree or certification. The education of these people also needs to be addressed.

Mr. Rundgren noted that once students graduate they do not stay in the New River Valley and that we need to provide opportunities to keep them here, such as DJOTS. The New River Valley produces the technological workforce and then does not reap the rewards.

Mr. Rundgren thanked Dr. Harvey for her informative presentation and asked the Commission to think about rebuilding the educational system.

IX. NEW BUSINESS

A. Review of CEDS Project Criteria List

Mr. Rundgren reviewed the CEDS project criteria list and asked for any questions or comments. He noted that they are the same as last year.

Dr. Moore asked what were protected populations. Mr. Rundgren stated that it was similar to the transitional housing facility in Raford. Dr. Moore inquired as to if mental institutions were also included in this category. Mr. Rundgren assumed they were included.

Mr. Rundgren reported that the Growth Area Relationship criteria is no longer used by the EDA but it remains a criteria as he believes it is still an important concept.

B.    Review of Nominated Projects

Mr. Rundgren reviewed a list of nominated projects for the CEDS update. He discussed each and asked for questions or comments. Ms. Perkins asked what exactly was a pocket park referring to the New River Pocket Park. Mr. Rundgren stated that it was a small scale park facility. The Commissioners then offered a couple of additional projects.

The Commission agreed to accept these nominated projects for incorporation into the CEDS update.

C. Distribution of FY 02 Budget for Consideration at June Meeting

Mr. Rundgren reviewed the draft FY02 budget stating that it looks deceiving because the

Commission has three large contractual agreements worth $1 million. The Commission is still short on matching funds and will continue to explore additional projects. Mr. Rundgren also noted that VDOT increased their funds while DCHCD decreased their contribution.

X.    COMMONWEALTH INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS

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

1.    Implementation of Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program - Department of Conservation & Recreation

2.    Coastal 2000 Program

3.    Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Program

4.    FY2001 Pollution Prevention Initiatives for States

5.    Water Quality Cooperative Agreement

(Projects 2-5 submitted by Department of Environmental Quality)

B. Regular Project Review

There are no projects.

C. Environmental Project Review

1.    Capital Outlay Project, Pearisburg AH Office - Department of Transportation

2.    Virginia Tech Athletic Fields, VA Tech - Department of Environmental Quality

Chairman Gerald asked if anyone wished to discuss any of the projects separately.

Motion: Mr. Sheffey moved that all of the projects be found not in conflict with regional plans, policies, and goals. Mr. Owens seconded the motion with Dr. Harvey requesting that all comments in relation to the Virginia Tech Athletic Fields be submitted to the appropriate agency.

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

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