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 15 members present.

PRESENT: Mr. F. Gerald, Chairman, Floyd County; Dr. J. Moore, Vice-Chairman, Montgomery County; Mr. S. Weaver, Treasurer, Town of Christiansburg; Mr. D. Burdette, Radford University; Dr. H. Harvey, City of Radford; Ms. E. Janney, Floyd County; Dr. A.T. Leighton, Town of Blacksburg; Mr. L. Light, Giles County; Mrs. A. Perkins, Montgomery County; Dr. J. Randolph, Town of Blacksburg; Mr. J. Sheffey, Pulaski County; Mr. T. Starnes, City of Radford; Mr. C. Stewart, Town of Pulaski; Mr. S. Stewart, Town of Pearisburg; and J. B. Sutphin, Alternate for Mr. S. Hall, Virginia Tech.

ABSENT: Dr. M. Chandler, Town of Blacksburg; Mr. T. Garrett, Town of Narrows; Mr. J. Lovely, Town of Rich Creek; Mr. T. Owen, Pulaski County; Mr. J. Phillips, Virginia Tech; Mr. R. Shelor, Town of Floyd; Mr. H. Spencer, Giles County; Mr. B. Stipes, Town of Christiansburg; and Mr. J. Weddle, Town of Pulaski.

Chairman Gerald welcomed everyone to the Commission meeting.

II.    APPROVAL OF MAY MINUTES

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

Motion: Mr. Moore moved that the May minutes be approved as presented. Mr. Sheffey 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

Mr. Burdette, Commissioner from Radford University, presented information on the St Albans property and the agreement that Radford University has with Carilion. The University will get the St Albans property if the University can meet the conditions established by Carilion and Carilion can establish another facility to meet its needs.

The University plans to utilize the facilities and land as:

Business and technology park to meet the needs of companies which are working with the University.

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Location of the new College of Information Science and Technology.

Research and Corporate Facilities

Economic Development center. The Business Assistance Center is located at the facility, including the Virginia Economic Bridge. The Center is focusing on entrepreneurial development, support for partnering corporations. The Universoity is considering the development of a hotel and conference center and utilizing the river front property.

The fact that there are 44 acres of undeveloped land associated with the property offers the University a great deal of opportunity.

The outcomes associated with the utilization of the property by the University include assisting in the creation of 7,000 new jobs, economic growth in the region, and some 1,700 students in business activities.

V. APPROVAL OF TREASURER�S REPORT FOR MAY

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

Motion: Mr. Starnes moved that the Treasurer�s Report for May be approved as presented. Dr. Randolph seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

VI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR�S REPORT

Mr. Rundgren stated that Patrick Burton will be taking the minutes of the meeting.

Mr. Rundgren reported on the following items:

Transitional Housing Open House - The open house at the Transitional Housing Project had to be delayed. The new date is July 31 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.

Regional Competitiveness Program - Each of the Regional Partnerships will be required to participate in a Re-certification Process. That process is under development by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The New River Valley Partnership will not be required to be Re-certified until 2003. By September, DHCD plans to have the process defined.

An additional check finds that the eastern half of the City of Radford is eligible for the New Markets Initiative, along with the Town of Blacksburg.

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New River Roundtable Kickoff Meeting - For development of a strategic plan for water quality and quantity in the New River Watershed. It is scheduled for August 14, 2001 at Rooker Hall, New River Community College from 5 to 8 P.M.

Mr. Rundgren reviewed a proposal for the creation of a Permanent Roanoke River Basin Commission. A public hearing will be held on July 26^th at the Clearbrook School in Roanoke County at 7 P.M. There was considerable discussion of the formation of a commission. It was agreed that the Commission should be represented and that Montgomery and Floyd counties be made aware of the hearing.

The Cougar Trail Study and recommendations were reviewed. It was noted that the Transportation Program Public Meeting is scheduled for July 11, at 9 A.M. at the Salem Civic Center.

VII. PUBLIC ADDRESS

There was none.

VIII. OLD BUSINESS

A. Workforce and Education and Training Study Committee Appointments

Mr. Rundgren reviewed a recommendation from the Executive Committee as to the membership of the Committee. Those members are: Dr. Harvey, Mr. Burdette, Dr. Chandler, Dr. Randolph, Mr. Starnes, and Mr. Sheffey. The Committee is to recommend the goals and strategies that need to be addressed to maintaining a well-educated, well-trained workforce.

B. Update on Eligibility for New Markets Initiative

Covered in the Director�s Report

IX. NEW BUSINESS

A. Adoption of the 2001 - 2002 Budget

Mr. Rundgren reported for the Executive Committee, reviewing the proposed budget and sources of anticipated revenues. He emphasized that the budget looks very large this year, however the Commission�s budget is about the same as in years past and there still is a shortage of non federal funds to match the basic grant programs. The majority of the budget increase is due to the inclusion of funds for the construction of the New River Access Project and the addition of the Workforce Investment Board staff and fiscal agent responsibilities. These new activities are stretching the Commission�s ability to cash flow all of the projects. The majority of the income is realized as reimbursements of previously made expenditures.

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Dr. Randolph recommended that the Executive Director look into the possibility of establishing a line of credit at a bank and charging the interest costs to the various programs. Mr. Sheffey suggested that the Virginia Employment Commission be contacted to see if they can make advances on anticipated expenses.

Motion: Mr. Starnes moved that the Draft Budget be approved as the initial budget for FY 01-02, recognizing that there will be numerous changes throughout the year. Mr. Sheffey seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

B. Adoption of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

The final draft of the CEDS update was included in the packet. Chairman Gerald asked if there was any discussion. Mr. Starnes asked that the cost of the conference center be shown as $5,000,000. Mr. Light pointed out that the Pearisburg construction dates should be 2010 instead of 2110. Mr. Rundgren said that both changes will be made before the document is submitted.

Motion: Mr. Starnes moved approval of the Annual Update to the CEDS as amended. Dr. Leighton seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried, Ms. Perkins voting no.

C. Consideration of Canceling the July Meeting

Based upon the public hearing for the Roanoke River and other reasons, there was a consensus that the July meeting be canceled.

X. COMMONWEALTH INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS

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

No Projects.

B. Regular Project Review

1. Addition to the Radford City Library

Mr. Rundgren reported that the funding source which required the project review will not support construction.

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Motion: Mr. Weaver moved that the Addition to the Radford Library be found not in conflict with regional plan, policies, or goals; even though the particular source is not available, other funding is being sought. Mr. Starnes seconded the motion.

Action: Motion carried unanimously.

C. Environmental Project Reviews

1. Little Reed Island Creek Watershed - Department of Agriculture

2. Electric Service Virginia Tech - Department of Environmental Quality

3. Multi-purpose Livestock Arena - Department of Environmental Quality

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

Motion: Mr. Stewart moved that all of the projects be found not in conflict with regional plans, policies, and goals. Mr. Sheffey 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

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