The Commission took the following actions at its Annual Meeting on October 17, 2013:

Closed Session:

In accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and Virginia Code §2.2-3711.A.1, the Commission went into closed meeting status for the purpose of discussing the performance and salary of the Executive Director.  Upon reconvening, the closed meeting was ratified by roll call vote and the Commission voted to extend the Executive Director’s contract with a 2% raise retroactively through June 2014.

Workshop Items:

2014 Legislative Agenda

Public Information & Community Affairs Administrator, Julia Hillegass provided an overview of the draft HRPDC Legislative Agenda which was developed in consultation with the regional advisory committees, VML, VACO, APA and other agencies.  Areas of interest include:

• Uranium Mining
• Virginia Housing Trust Fund
• Emergency Management
• Stormwater & Water Quality
• Federal Facilities
• Higher Education
• Recycling
• Sea Level Rise & Coastal Flooding
• Agriculture Programs
• Collaborative Governing Initiative
• Unfunded Mandates & State Fees

Commission discussion followed regarding including K-12 education as a priority, as well as developing a prioritized list of unfunded mandates which most impact localities.  The Commission will consider this item for further action at the November Executive Committee Meeting.

Economic Impact of the Department of Defense (DoD)

Mr. James Clary, Senior Economist presented the impacts of the defense presence in Hampton Roads.  Of note, there has been much lower defense spending in the region since 2007; however the impact of military personnel earnings has increased due to improved military benefits such as health insurance and education stipends.  Defense contracting has grown in importance for Hampton Roads, particularly in the areas of ship and boat building.  Approximately 39% of employment in the region (both direct and indirect) is derived from the DoD.

FY 2013 Audit Report

Dixon, Hughes, Goodman LLP completed its annual review of the FY 2013 financial statements of the HRPDC.  Chief Financial Officer, Nancy Collins briefed the Commission on their Independent Auditors’ Report which states that they present fairly (formerly known as an Unqualified Opinion), in all material respects the financial position of the HRPDC. There were no material weaknesses or deficiencies in any of the internal controls or processes of the HRPDC financial activity, and all information was free of any material misstatements.

Regular Agenda

Employee Recognition

Employees reaching milestone anniversaries of five, fifteen, twenty, thirty-five and forty-five years were recognized by the Commission for their service to the agency.

Public Comments: 

Mr. Ellis James, Norfolk, endorsed the comments of Commissioners Hunt and Smigiel during discussions of the legislative agenda with regard to unfunded mandates and K-12 education.  In addition, Mr. James encouraged localities to communicate with the elected federal delegation regarding the government shutdown and future implications to Virginia and Hampton Roads.

The following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:

• Minutes:  The minutes of the September 19, 2013 HRPDC Executive Committee Meeting
• Treasurer’s Report
• Regional Reviews
• FY 2013 Audit Report

Other Items

Nominating Report/Election of Officers:

The following slate of officers was elected:

Chairman:      Mayor Kenneth Wright, Portsmouth
Vice Chair:      Mayor Clyde Haulman, Williamsburg
Treasurer:       Mr. James McReynolds, CAO, York Co.
Secretary:       Mr. Dwight Farmer, Executive Director, HRPDC

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.