The HRPDC took the following actions at its quarterly Commission meeting on
April 17, 2014:

Workshop Items:

Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Funding Update:  John Sadler, Senior Regional Homeland Security Planner, provided background on the federal UASI program.  Hampton Roads was designated as a high risk urban area in FY 2007 and received funding to enhance regional preparedness to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism.  The work group received funding until 2012, at which time Hampton Roads was removed from the UASI program.   The region continued a cross discipline coordination team via the Urban Area Work Group (UAWG) to close identified capability gaps.  Recently, Hampton Roads was reinstated as a high-risk urban area and was allocated $1 million.  This amount is insufficient to sustain the regional capabilities needed and the UAWG is working to identify regional long-term solutions to the funding gaps.

Sea Level Rise Pilot Project:  Ray Toll, representing Old Dominion University, briefed the Commission on a potential regional sea level rise pilot project focusing on military vulnerability.  The effort would have full level government involvement, as well as potential modeling, exercises and needs assessment.  This effort will be aligned with the recently established HRPDC special committee.

Draft FY 15 Budget:  CFO, Nancy Collins provided an overview of the proposed budget for next fiscal year, detailing overall pass-thru activity, operations and reserves.  It should be noted that the proposed budget reflects a 31% total decrease, due in large part to significant changes in pass-thru activity.   The Personnel and Budget Committee will meet in coming months to make any recommendations on salary increases and those recommendations will be brought back before the Commission for final approval.

Town of Smithfield Membership:  Peter Stephenson, Smithfield Town Manager, informed the Commission that Council is considering adopting a resolution requesting membership as allowed for all towns with populations greater than 3,500.  Mr. Farmer will be attending a Council committee meeting this month to answer any questions and provide information regarding the benefits of membership.  It is anticipated that a formal vote will come to the Commission in May or June, with a July 1 effective date. 

Regular Agenda

Public Comments:  
•    Dr. Gail Mottola, Executive Director of Let’s Open Doors implored Commissioners to support retrofits for door handles to improve accessibility in public buildings and area businesses.
•    Mr. Ellis James of Norfolk expressed his concerns regarding water supply issues in Virginia, as well as air quality monitoring in the region.
 
The following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:
•    Minutes:  The Minutes of the March 20, 2014 Executive Committee Meeting
•    Treasurer’s Report
•    Regional Reviews
•    Fiscal Year 2015 Draft Budget

Chairman Wright noted future meeting topics and the Project Status Reports included in the packet.

Meeting Schedule:  The May meeting schedule will be amended such that the TPO will meet from 9:30-11:00 am and the PDC will have a retreat from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.  Lunch will be included for Commissioners.

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.