By Julia B. Hillegass
Pubic Information & Community Affairs Administrator

The Commission took the following actions at the Quarterly Commission Meeting on January 20, 2011:

Public Comments: Mr. Bob Burnley with Wise Energy for Virginia reiterated his concern that the Cypress Creek Power Plant may increase nitrogen deposits which will impact water quality, making Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts and TMDL compliance more difficult.

Minutes:  The minutes of the December 15, 2010 HRPDC Executive Committee Meeting were approved as part of the consent agenda.

Treasurer’s Report: Approved as part of the consent agenda.

Regional Reviews:  Approved as part of the consent agenda.

Regular Agenda:

Chesapeake Bay TMDL:  Ms. Whitney Katchmark, HRPDC Principal Water Resources Planner, presented initial staff analysis on the potential next steps in the TMDL process. The Commission approved a resolution requesting the Governor and the General Assembly to support legislation to achieve the goals of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL by developing state programs to implement the most cost-effective methods of reducing nutrient and sediment loads, as well as committing sufficient financial resources for Bay water quality.  Staff was authorized to develop a regional framework for the Phase II Watershed Improvement Plan and to establish a steering committee of source sector representatives to assist in that process.

2011 Economic Forecast:  Chief Economist, Greg Grootendorst presented the 2011 Economic Forecast.  Of note, using the broadest definition of unemployment, The GDP would have to grow by 5% in order to decrease unemployment by 1%.  Two-thirds of GDP is made up of Personal Consumption Expenditures, which are on a slight upswing.  While tourism did not take as hard a hit as other economic sectors, a dramatic upswing is unlikely.  Total US trade has taken a significant cut.  The overall US savings rate is slightly up from the most recent recession, but the future of the saving rate is unclear.  Recent job gains in the region have come primarily in the science and technical services, retail and leisure, and hospitality sectors.  Most of the leading indicators are positive for 2011, with 2012 still uncertain.

HRPDC Bylaws Amendment:  It has been proposed that the meeting date of the HRPDC be officially changed to the third Thursday of each month.  This would be a change to Article IV.1 of the bylaws.  Today’s action constitutes the required first reading.

HRPDC Meeting Schedule:  The Annual Retreat for the HRPDC was scheduled for Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 9:30 in the HRPDC Board Room.
 
Action Items:  Staff has submitted tentative agenda items for the next quarter so that board members can be aware of upcoming topics.  It is hoped that this effort will assist them in getting any background materials they may need, as well as coordinating necessary briefings from local staff.

New Business:  The city of Franklin has requested assistance in preparing an update to their Comprehensive Plan.  The Commission authorized the Executive Director to execute a contract with the city of Franklin.