The HRPDC conducted its Annual Retreat on May 15, 2014.  The following summarizes the discussions:

A moment of silence was held to recognize the loss of HRPDC staff member Richard Case.

Public Comments:
 

• Mr. Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky updated Commissioners on a recent public meeting in Portsmouth regarding Medicaid expansion in Virginia.  He urged leaders to contact Delegate Chris Jones to ensure coverage for all.

• Mr. Ellis James of Norfolk also encouraged local elected officials to pay close attention to the Medicaid expansion issue.  Mr. James stressed being mindful of children and the elderly as we approach warmer weather and encouraged implementation of community cooling centers for those in need.  He then expressed his concerns regarding water supply issues in Virginia, as well as air quality monitoring in the region, relative to coal transport in the region.

Chairman Wright opened the 2014 Commission Retreat encouraging participants to come to the table with a regional perspective on discussions of issues of importance.

Deputy Executive Director, Randy Keaton provided an overview of the PDC’s core programs in Economics, Emergency Management, Housing, Public Information & Community Affairs, Regional Planning and Water Resources.

Dwight Farmer, Executive Director then explained the format for the retreat and set up the first discussion question which charged participants to identify top priorities for the PDC and develop suggested steps for addressing each.  The results are summarized in the table below:

The afternoon session of the Retreat was devoted to improving the utility of the PDC meetings.  These suggestions will be synthesized by staff and categorized into immediate, tactical actions and more long-term strategic actions and will be presented for consideration at the July Commission meeting.

Vice-Chairman Haulman and the Executive Director commended staff and participants for a very engaging and productive session.  There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.