The Commission took the following actions at its Quarterly Commission Meeting on July 18, 2013:

Workshop Items:

FY 2014 Budget—Staff Performance Compensation

Chairman Shepperd provided an overview of the local government salary adjustments survey compiled by staff, which covers FY 09-14.  Based on the survey, the Personnel and Budget Committee recommends a 2.0% performance raise for HRPDC staff. 

Housing Program

 Ms. Shernita Bethea provided an update on regional housing program initiatives.  The regional program has become even more vital since many localities have suspended their closing cost assistance programs, thus increasing demand for regional resources.  Also included in the update was a status update on the Housing Portal, activities of the Hampton Roads Housing Consortium, expansion of services and coverage area of the Disability Services Board and a new Housing 2020 initiative.

Regional Sewer Consolidation Study

Glen Elmers with HDR, consultants on the study, and Ted Henifin, General Manager for HRSD provided a status report on the consideration of consolidation of regional sewer assets.  The study has found that significant cost savings could be realized by the ratepayers by consolidating sanitary sewer assets, an estimated $1 billion.  While details regarding asset and debt transfer, as well as governance still remain to be worked out, localities will begin consideration of consolidation this summer, with a final decision needed by February 2014.  This decision impacts both local and regional work on the State Order by Consent and HRSD’s Consent Decree with EPA.

Nominating Committee Appointments

Chairman Shepperd appointed the following individuals to the Nominating Committee:

The Chair and Vice Chair must come from separate subdivisions and be elected officials. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer must be voted on an annual basis, but need not be elected officials and may succeed themselves.  The Chairman requested that anyone unable to serve designate someone else from their locality to participate.

Public Comments: 

Mr. Ellis James, Norfolk, urged Commissioners and those present to be aware of the elderly and the homeless during these times of extreme heat.  He also referenced issues surrounding Craney Island, coal and safe shipping.

Minutes:  The minutes of the June 20, 2013 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:

• FY 2014 Budget – Staff Performance Compensation
• Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia Board of Directors Appointment
• Industrial Stormwater General Permit Comments
• Coastal Zone Program – Coastal Resiliency Final Report

The Hampton Roads Hazard Mitigation Plan was pulled from the Consent Agenda to allow localities more time to review the document and will be placed on the agenda for September. 

Other Items:

There will be no meeting in August.  The next meeting will be held on September 19, 2013.

Executive Director, Dwight Farmer mentioned recent discussions with counterparts in Richmond and Petersburg regarding the potential for a mega-region as discussed at the HRPDC Annual Retreat.  Key staff and officials will meet in coming months to discuss potential benefits of such an approach.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.