The Regional Board Room, 723 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, Virginia
 

1.     Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 10:40 a.m.
 
2.     Approval of Agenda
The Board approved the agenda.
 
3.     Employee Recognition
 The Board recognized Sam Belfield, Jim Hummer, Keith Nichols, Mike Kimbrel, and Camelia Ravanbakht for their years of outstanding service to the HRTPO.
 
WORKSHOP AGENDA
 
4.     Commonwealth Transportation Board Members Comments and Updates
Mr. Malbon noted that at this month’s CTB meeting, a limited access enhancement was approved for the  I-64/264 Interchange project. Also, work is continuing on the public-private partnership (P3) process to ensure accountability and transparency to the initiatives. Development of the prioritization elements for HB2 is in progress.  Mr. Malbon announced that the I-95 Express project in Northern Virginia is set to open in December of this year ahead of schedule and under budget.
 
5.     Virginia Department of Transportation Comments and Updates
Mr. Utterback announced that an update on the High Rise Bridge project will be presented at the November HRTPO Board meeting. It was noted that the I-264 resurfacing project is nearing completion as well as two additional resurfacing projects along the I-64 corridor that will be completed by the end of 2015.
 
6.     Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Comments and Updates
Ms. Mitchell stated that the DRPT is conducting public hearings around the State on updates to their SYIP. It was also mentioned that due to changes in the calculation of formula funds there has been a revenue reduction which was offset by having the CTB transfer funds from the capital to the operating budget. Ms. Mitchell suggested that all grantees budget conservatively next year in anticipation of additional reductions in revenue. Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) applied for and did not receive a TIGER Grant for the Norfolk Naval Base project. The Richmond-Washington High Speed Rail Tier II EIS is in the scoping phase with public meetings planned for November 4, 6, 12, and 13.  The meetings will be held primarily in Northern Virginia.   Lastly, the Department is working with CSX and Amtrack to improve the on time status of the peninsula passenger rail service. 
 
7.     Military Liaisons Comments and Updates
Captain Clark announced that the area around Naval Station Norfolk will be congested this weekend due to the Fleet Fest event and extended an invitation for all to attend.
 
Lt. Colonel Huber had no comments or updates.
 
 
 
8.     FY 2014 Audited Financial Report
Ms. Leslie F. Roberts of Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP briefed the HRTPO Board on the outcome of the FY 2014 audited financial report.  It was noted that the audit went smoothly and that the organization cooperated fully.  It was concluded that: No significant deficiencies, material weaknesses, compliance matters, internal control issues were found and that the organization “presented fairly.” This item was included in the meeting agenda for approval under item #16-D.
 
9.     HRTPO Legislative Ad-hoc Committee Report
Dr. Camelia Ravanbakht briefed the HRTPO Board on the Legislative Ad-hoc Committee Report. The first of two resolutions in the report outlined (13) priorities for inclusion in the 2015 legislative agenda. The second resolution urges Congress to pass a long-term surface transportation funding authorization act that ensures the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. This item was included in the meeting agenda for approval under item #16-E.
 
10. Six-Year Improvement Program Status Report and HRTPO Priority Projects
Mr. Mike Kimbrel presented the board with the status report on the mid-year revision of the current FY 2015-2020 Six-Year Improvement Program.  The Board was also briefed on the HRTPO Priority Projects for the next (FY 2016-2021) SYIP.  This item was included in the meeting agenda for approval under item #16-F.
 
11. USDOT Request for Public-Private Partnership (P3) Project Proposals
Mr. Kimbrel briefed the board on the Public-private partnership (P3) projects that are recommended by the HRTPO staff and the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC). There were four projects identified as potential P3 candidates for the USDOT program.  This item was included in the meeting agenda for approval under item #16-G.
 
12. U.S. Route 460 Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: VDOT
Ms. Angel Deem, Location Studies Program Manager from VDOT Environmental Division, briefed the Board on the Draft Supplemental EIS pertaining to the U.S. Route 460 Corridor Improvements Project.  A variety of build alternatives were presented along with the process status and next steps. The next public hearing on the Draft Supplemental EIS Report is scheduled for Windsor High School in Windsor, Virginia on October 27, 2014.
 
13. Hampton Roads Congestion Management Process: System Performance and Mitigation Report
Mr. Keith Nichols briefed the Board on the CMP Report. The report provides a thorough assessment of the roadway system in Hampton Roads.  This item was included in the meeting agenda for approval under item #16-I.
 
ACTION ITEMS AGENDA
 
14. Public Comment Period (limit 3 minutes per individual)
A citizen from Portsmouth suggested that a dedicated funding source for transit is long overdue and stated that the P3 process is flawed.
 
A citizen from Virginia Beach supported the use of HRTF monies for roads, bridges, and tunnels, and not for transit. She does not support the use of an alternate to cast a vote for any of the HRTAC Chief Elected Officers (CEO).
 
A citizen from Newport News stated that the third crossing should not be a priority to reduce congestion and does not meet the criteria for HRTF projects.  Also, the only way to reduce congestion across the region is to increase capacity at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT).
 
A citizen from Norfolk stated that an expansion of the HRBT is not the proper direction and supports a third crossing project.
 
15. Submitted Public Comments
There was one submitted public comment.
 
16. Approval of Consent Items
The HRTPO Board approved the Consent Agenda items.
 
17. Election of HRTPO Board Officers
HRTPO Board elections were held and McKinley Price (NN) agreed to serve as Chair, Linda T. Johnson (SU) agreed to serve as Vice-Chair, and Dr. Camelia Ravanbakht (HRTPO) agreed to serve as Secretary.
 
18. HRTPO Board Three-Month Tentative Schedule
This item was for informational purposes only.
 
19. Correspondence of Interest
This item was for informational purposes only.
 
20. For Your Information
This item was for informational purposes only.
 
21. Old/New Business
Dr. Ravanbakht announced that the HRTAC meeting will be held at 12:30 in the Regional Board Room.
 
ADJOURNMENT