Chairman Wright welcomed new CAO members Dr. Lydia Pettis Patton from the City of Portsmouth, Mr. Patrick Roberts newly appointed manager with the City of Suffolk and Mr. Marc Collins with the City of Williamsburg.

Secretary of the Commonwealth, Levar Stoney presented a proclamation from Governor McAuliffe commemorating the 25^th Anniversary of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission.

Robert Crum provided the Executive Director’s report of personal and agency accomplishments, which included:

• Meetings with all staff members and CAOs
• Restructuring of the ENVISION Hampton Roads initiative
• HRPDC participation in Africana 2015 at the Virginia Beach oceanfront
• Establishment of a monthly regional roundtable of regional agencies

Nominating Committee Chair, Thomas R. Smigiel, Norfolk City Council reported on the proposed slate of officers:

            Chairman:      Dr. Clyde Haulman, Williamsburg City Council

            Vice Chair:      Dr.  Ella Ward, Chesapeake City Council

            Secretary:       Mr. Robert Crum, HRPDC Executive Director

            Treasurer:     Mr. Marcus Jones, Norfolk City Manager

There being no opposition, the slate was approved unanimously.

The HRPDC took the following actions at its Executive Committee meeting on September 17, 2015:

Workshop Items:

Green Sea Blueway and Greenway Management Plan

Mr. Clay Bernick, City of Virginia Beach provided an overview of this natural resources management plan, which is a partnership between Currituck County, N.C., the City of Chesapeake and the City of Virginia Beach.  By implementing the plan, the partners hope to increase awareness of the Currituck Sound, North Landing River and the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal; increase public access and recreational opportunities; improve water quality; and increase tourism and economic development opportunities.  MOUs will be developed for more detailed plan implementation, which includes the establishment of a non-profit in the future.

askHRgreen.org Campaign Results

Ms. Margaret Cahoon, Cahoon & Cross provided an overview of the recent marketing research, media campaigns, public relations efforts, special promotions, publications and partnerships, as well as new initiatives.  In all, the campaign had a total ROI of 2.61:1, a successful leverage of local resources to increase awareness of the brand and environmental stewardship.

Ozone Standard Update

Mr. Tom Ballou with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality presented data on the region’s progress in ozone air quality.  High ozone days in Hampton Roads have declined significantly since 1999.  The EPA is considering lowering the ozone standard threshold from 75 parts per billion (ppb) to 70-65 ppb.  Virginia has suggested that the standard not dip below 70 ppb.  The EPA is expected to publish the final standard by October 1^st.  All Hampton Roads monitoring sites are currently registering below the proposed standard.  The HRPDC will provide comment on the EPA’s proposal.

Regional Economic Development Strategy

Staff has updated the 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), identifying common objectives and strategies for economic growth in the region.  The CEDS has been transformed into a Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS), which contains updated information and analysis, including transportation projects that have been identified as integral to the region’s growth.  Executive Director, Bob Crum explained the need and provided an overview of the document.

Regular Agenda

Public Comments: 

• Mr. Ellis James of Norfolk expressed his concern with the potential impact of offshore drilling on the region’s natural assets.  He also pointed out the potential of oil train storage on the east coast and the associated risk of such a plan.

The following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:

• Minutes of July 16, 2015 Quarterly Commission Meeting
• Treasurer’s Report of July 2015
• askHRgreen.org Campaign Results
• FY 2016 Budget Amendments
• HRPDC Response to Ozone Concern
• Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund - License Plate Grant
• Consultant Services Contract Task Order – PARS Support
• Consultant Services Contract Task Order – SSORS Support
• Consultant Services Contract Task Order – HR FOG Online Certification Support
• Regional Economic Development Strategy

Chairman Wright noted future meeting topics and other items of interest included in the packet.  There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.