The Commission took the following actions at its Executive Committee Meeting on June 20, 2013:

Workshop Items:

Coastal Zone Program – Coastal Resiliency Final Report

Mr. Benjamin McFarlane, HRPDC Regional Planner provided an overview of the final report, titled Coastal Resiliency: Adapting to Climate Change in Hampton Roads,  which summarizes the findings and activities funded in part by a PDC competitive grant from the VCZMP. The report describes the current state of the science on sea level rise and how it will affect Hampton Roads, how local governments can incorporate planning for sea level rise into their local plans and policies and how new practices can help local governments cope with uncertainty in planning. The report also serves to document the HRPDC’s coordination and public outreach efforts related to climate change, sea level rise, and flooding. Updated sea level rise inundation maps, which utilize the best elevation data currently available, are also included. 

2013 Hurricane Forecast

 Mr. Curtis Brown, Emergency Management Administrator for the HRPDC, provided an overview of NOAA's prediction and community preparedness efforts being conducted via Ready Hampton Roads for what is forecasted to be an active or extremely active 2013 Hurricane Season.  Next month, the Commission will be provided with an in-depth presentation on hurricane preparedness planning by the Regional Catastrophic Planning Team (RCPT) with regard to response and recovery logistics.

askHRgreen.org Survey Results

The Environmental Education Committees facilitated by the HRPDC have been rebranded under the umbrella brand of askHRgreen.org with a comprehensive website and media plan which has been implemented. This year, phase two of the marketing research was completed.  Ms. Margaret Cahoon of Cahoon & Cross provided an overview of the findings, which indicate progress is being made in raising awareness and changing behaviors.  There is still a gap in linking behaviors to environmental impacts and that will be part of the focus of the next phase of the campaign.

Chesapeake Bay Local Government Advisory Committee Update

Ms. Whitney Katchmark, HRPDC Principal Water Resources Planner, provided a brief update on the response to the letter of concern sent to Governor McDonnell from the Hampton Roads appointees to the Chesapeake Bay LGAC.  LGAC member Debbie Ritter, City of Chesapeake, reiterated disappointment in the state’s response to issues of regional concern.

Regional Strategic Plan Update

On February 21, 2013 at the HRPDC’s Annual Retreat, staff was authorized to develop a process for creating a Regional Strategic Plan. Additionally, Section 15.2-4209 of the Code of Virginia, the Regional Cooperation Act, requires, among other duties, that a Planning District Commission “prepare a regional strategic plan for the guidance of the district.” Ms. Jai McBride, Principal Regional Planner reviewed background and changes to the original methodology.  Following the May 16, 2013 Hampton Roads Reality Check meeting, an alternative approach for completing this task was developed. Ms. McBride stressed the importance of engaging the elected officials and the citizens of this region to first establish the region’s core values which will guide the strategic planning process.

Public Comments: 

Mr. Ellis James, Norfolk, made Commissioners aware of a new study linking poor air quality and autism.  He also expressed his concerns regarding the possibility of off-shore drilling and its impact to marine life, the environment and the economy.

Minutes:  The minutes of the April 18, 2013 HRPDC Quarterly 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 2013 HRPDC Budget Amendment
• Consultant Services Contracts – Continuing Services Agreements for Water Resources Projects

• Consultant Services Contract Task Order – Sanitary Sewer Overflow Reporting System (SSORS)

• Consultant Services Contract Task Order – Permit Administration and Review System (PARS)

• Consultant Services Contract – Special Legal Consultant on Stormwater Matters

• Coastal Zone Program – Coastal Resiliency Final Report

• Coastal Zone Management Program – FY 2013 and FY 2014 Grants
  

New Business:

Chairman Shepperd directed staff to gather information on local recycling efforts as well as researching pesticide use in the region and its impact on honey bees.

Ms. Ritter brought up the issue of land use and military installations.  It was suggested that the Commission receive a briefing from the Hampton Roads Military Federal Facilities Alliance on this topic.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.