The HRPDC took the following actions at its quarterly Commission meeting on April 16, 2015:

Workshop Items:

Chesapeake 55 & Better Comprehensive Plan: Mr. John Skirven, CEO of Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia and Dr. Wanda Barnard-Baily, Deputy City Manager of the City of Chesapeake presented an overview of their work in developing strategies for the city’s aging population.  Their research identified the top concerns among seniors in the focal areas of housing, transportation, health care, financial safety and security and quality of life.  Currently, 25% of Chesapeake residents are over age 55, with an anticipated doubling of that percentage by 2040.

Fiscal Year 2016 Draft 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 7.8% total decrease.  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.

Update on Sea Level Rise Efforts:   Regional Planner, Ben McFarlane updated the Commission on the work of the regional Recurrent Flooding and Sea Level Rise Committee, progress on the Dutch Dialogues initiative, the National Disaster Resilience Competition, which includes Chesapeake and Norfolk, the USGS Land Subsidence Study, which will be funded by the PDC, staff involvement in the ODU Intergovernmental Pilot Project, as well as state efforts.

Legislative Update:  Public Information and Community Affairs Administrator, Julia Hillegass briefed the Commission on significant legislation from the 2015 General Assembly session.  There was significant activity in water resources and water quality, economic development and housing.

Regular Agenda

Public Comments:  
Mr. Ellis James of Norfolk expressed his concerns regarding water supply issues in Virginia and across the country.  

The following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:

• Minutes:  The Minutes of the March 19, 2015 Executive Committee Meeting
• Treasurer’s Report
• Fiscal Year 2016 Draft Budget
• 2015 CDBG Regional Priorities
• Boardroom Audio—FY15 Budget Amendment

Chairman Wright noted future meeting topics and other items of interest included in the packet.

Meeting Schedule:  The May meeting of the PDC will be cancelled so that the TPO can have their annual retreat.

Mayors Price and Wright presented CAOs Brenda Garton of Gloucester and Selena Cuffee-Glenn of Suffolk with Resolutions of Appreciation for their years of service to the region and the PDC.  

Closed Session:  The boards of both the PDC and TPO met jointly in closed session to discuss personnel matters.  Robert Crum has been hired as the new Executive Director of the PDC/TPO.

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.