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 25th Anniversary of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission.
Robert Crum provided the Executive Director’s report of personal and agency accomplishments, which included:
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:
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 1st. 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.
Public Comments:
The following items were approved under the Consent Agenda:
Chairman Wright noted future meeting topics and other items of interest included in the packet. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.