The Commission took the following actions at the Quarterly Commission Meeting on April 19, 2012:

Public Comments:  Mr. Ellis W. James of Norfolk encouraged localities to express opposition to coal fired power plants in the area due to their impacts on air and water quality in Hampton Roads.

Minutes:  The minutes of the March 15, 2012 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.

Other items approved under the Consent Agenda:

Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail (SECSPT) MOA:  The SECSPT is an interstate blueway connecting Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.  The MOA was developed in order to specify the responsibilities of the project partners in the four participating states.

Amendment No. 1 to the Regional Solid Waste Plan for Southeastern Virginia:  The amendment modifies the list of permitted and proposed facilities, as well as better characterizes operations of the Waste-To-Energy (WTE) facility.  In addition, the amendment clarifies the solid waste throughput of the WTE to more accurately reflect design certification and actual operation.

Resolution: Designating April 23 – 28, 2012 as Affordable Housing Awareness Week

Final Report for the Hampton Roads Watershed Roundtable: This report has been prepared to document the activities of the regional watershed roundtable to date and to recommend a course of action for the group moving forward.

City of Poquoson Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan:  At the request of the City of Poquoson, the HRPDC intends to submit a grant application to FEMA to update the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations 44, Title 201.6.

Regular Agenda:

FY 2013 Draft Budget:  Ms. Nancy Collins, CFO, presented the draft budget for next fiscal year.  Key items of note include a 10% overall decrease in the budget, while allowing for a potential 2% merit increase for staff which will be voted on separately in June.  This is so that PDC staff can be in alignment with what localities are able to provide to their staffs.  Additionally, it was noted that the HRPDC has a 25% overhead rate and operating expenses are 8% of the total budget.  Commissioners expressed appreciation for submitting a budget that was less than previous years and noted that we were the only regional entity to do so.

FY 2013 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP):  Chairman Shepperd reviewed key items in the UPWP and applauded the variety and amount of work being conducted by staff.  During discussion of this item, Ms. Jones (JC) suggested adding private sector representation on the soon to be formed Regional Steering Committee for the Housing and Transportation Study.  The UPWP was approved with the recommendations.

HRSD Regional Consolidation of Sanitary Sewer Assets:  Mr. Ted Henifin, HRSD General Manager briefed the Commission on the need for a study to evaluate the costs and benefits of regionalization of sanitary sewer assets, stressing the overriding consideration should be for area ratepayers.  Mr. Henifin’s presentation can be viewed on the HRPDC website.

Chesapeake Bay TMDL:  Phase II WIP Comments:  Principal Water Engineer, Ms. Whitney Katchmark, provided a review of the key comments and issues associated with the Phase II WIP.  A draft letter was approved for the Chairman’s signature.  Any edits from the technical committee will also be circulated to the Commission for further review and approval.  Ms. Katchmark’s presentation can be viewed on the website and the draft letter is included in the agenda note for this item.

Chairman Shepperd reviewed the three-month tentative schedule of topics, noting that the May HRPDC meeting will be cancelled to allow ample time for the HRTPO retreat.  He also reviewed Project Status Reports and Advisory Committee Summaries, including an additional PSR attachment and item of correspondence.

Mr. Thomas Smigiel introduced Norfolk’s newest Commissioner; Ms. Angelia Williams.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.