Hampton Federal Area Development Authority

Meeting Minutes September 11, 2017 ~ Lawson Conference Room MEMBERS PRESENT: Wallace Arnold, Scott Arnott, Charlene Clark, Paula Hogg, Stevie Hunt, William Lewis, Scott Seymour STAFF PRESENT: Bruce Sturk (Executive Director), Patricia Melochick (City Attorney), Annette Oakley (Clerk) COUNCIL LIAISON: Teresa Schmidt GUESTS PRESENT: Laura Sandford (EDA), Rick Dwyer (HRMFFA), Laura Bateman (Bateman Consulting), Charlotte Hurd (Senator Warner’s Office), Mike Yaskowsky (Economic Development), Bruce Hoogstraten (NAST), Chris Jacobson (Guest), Tim Mason Brown (Guest) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Clark called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. and welcomed everyone. Chair Clark asked Ms. Oakley to call the roll. APPROVAL OF Chair Clark stated the May 8, 2017 draft minutes were distributed for review and if MINUTES: there are no changes or corrections, called for a motion to approve. ACTION: A motion was made by Scott Arnott to approve the minutes and seconded by William Lewis. A roll call vote was taken, which resulted as follows: Ayes: Arnott, Clark, Hogg, Hunt, Lewis, Seymour Nays: None Absent: Arnold, Garvey, Hinshaw Abstain: None Note: Wallace Arnold joined the meeting at 1:10 p.m. REPORTS & Local Federal Area Updates BRIEFINGS:  Farmer Veteran’s Coalition: Chair Clark introduced Chris Jacobson and Tim Mason Brown and gave a brief background on the Farmer Veteran’s Coalition (FVC) Program. Mr. Jacobson and Mr. Brown gave a brief presentation on the program and on an upcoming event at The American Theatre on November 10, 2017. Copy of the presentation is on file. Mr. Arnold stated there is opportunity for significant HVAMC and FVC ‘marrying’. Mr. Jacobson stated this is what the Farm VETCO does; finds candidates to join with a farmer. Mr. Arnott inquired about Mr. Jacobson’s mention of ‘take on a vet’. Mr. Jacobson stated it basically means identifying and qualifying a vet whose has interest, has specific basic criteria to go onto to be a farmer, and possibly even inherit/buy the farm. Mr. Lewis inquired if this is going on all around the county. Mr. Jacobson responded yes. Mr. Lewis mentioned that New Jersey is having the same problems of generations not wanting to farm anymore. Mr. Jacobson stated the HFADA will have opportunity to meet some of the vets at the upcoming event. Mr. Lewis inquired how Mr. Jacobson sees the HFADA’s role. Mr. Jacobson responded the Authority can sponsor a vet, for example. He would like to have conversations with the City Manager and stated there are USDA funds that the City of Hampton could take advantage of due to the large veteran community in Hampton Roads. He also mentioned there may be open spaces in the area for green houses. Chair Clark inquired about a letter of support that the HFADA can provide. Mr. Jacobson responded yes and gave some key links for information. He stated a letter of support or endorsement to the Executive Director on areas outlining coordination and other areas to be explored; nothing binding. Mr. Seymour inquired if Mr. Jacobson talked to the Military Affairs Committee (MAC). Mr. Jacobson responded that is next; they wanted to present to the HFADA first. Mr. Sturk mentioned there is a MAC meeting tomorrow night and he can mention the program to them. Ms. Bateman mentioned grant opportunities through the General Assembly, called ‘Community Wealth Building’ program. She stated the green house idea could be a great concept for a grant and she will provide Mr. Jacobson with more information. Mr. Arnold suggested we could get a push to have a USDA office at the HVAMC and house this program at the VA. Mr. Jacobson agreed and stated if this program is successful, the City of Hampton could make the mark, as we are at the hub of veteran resources. Chair Clark thanked Mr. Jacobson and Mr. Mason for their presentation. Mr. Sturk mentioned he is on the VA Board with Vice Mayor Curtis and can mention this program at their next meeting. Mr. Arnold stated he will make it a mission to try to get out more information on the program as well.  Hampton VA Medical Center (HVAMC): Mr. Sturk stated the quarterly VA Community Engagement Board meets September 28th. He also mentioned the new VA Director, Ron Johnson, is now on board. He stated Mr. Johnson has the same passion, concern and care for the HVAMC and veterans, as did Mr. Dunfee. Mr. Sturk will take Mr. Johnson on a tour of the city and show him the area. He stated the HVAMC continues to grow and expand.  Langley Air Force Base: Mr. Sturk gave an update on LAFB activities: o P-4 Partnership: Mr. Sturk stated they continue P-4 activities. He reported LAFB wants to have open green space for athletic fields and for public use at Big Bethel Reservoir, which is also located near the Civil War Site/Trail. LAFB wants to partner with the City of Hampton on maintenance for the proposed athletic fields. This would be similar to the Police Fire Range partnership. LAFB is currently interviewing for a permanent employee (civilian) who will run the P-4 Program for them. o Clear Zone - Mr. Sturk displayed the Clear Zone Map and stated we have expanded the project to include the REPI (Readiness Environmental Protection Integration) Program and have started Phase II of the land acquisitions with LAFB. The City Council has allocated $250,000, which was matched by the State, and LAFB brings in another $500,000, which 2  gives us near $1M in funding for Phase II. Mr. Sturk stated we have acquired Lot 14a since the last meeting, and 4R and 7R are willing sellers and 1R & 2R are Hampton University properties. Mr. Seymour inquired if we have had feedback from the base leadership. Mr. Sturk stated yes, due to positive progress, LAFB stepped up to join our efforts because we had moved so aggressively on the clear zone properties. Ms. Schmidt inquired if the properties marked ‘APZ 1’ are considered Phase II. Mr. Sturk stated its part of Phase II; some properties are outside of ‘the box’. For example, LAFB looked at properties that are environmentally impacted, in the flight approach zone, etc. and the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone, which is outside of the APZ zones. She inquired about property 3R. Mr. Sturk stated once we buy a property in this zone, we sign a contract that there will be no development; no future use.  Military Affairs Committee (MAC) - Mr. Sturk stated the MAC quarterly meeting is scheduled tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. He reported the Veteran’s Stand-down, which has been a successful event in past years, will be held in November timeframe at Y.H. Thomas. On April 6, 2018 the Month of the Military Child – ‘Little Heroes at Home’ will be held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. He also reported on the Adopt-an-Airman Program, stating there will be a reunion reception following the MAC meeting tomorrow evening, with pizza, soda and snacks for the airmen and families. He stated over 100 airmen and families are now in the program.  Fort Monroe/National Park Service (NPS) – Mr. Sturk stated the next Fort Monroe Authority (FMA) Board meeting will be September 21st. He stated the National Park Service hired additional park rangers during the summer months and Terry Brown now has three permanent staff. He is also developing special programs at the fort. NPS is awaiting the final transfer of land, which is located on the Chesapeake Bay side. He stated FMA is bringing in new residents and new businesses to Fort Monroe and continue to do good work.  National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) – Mr. Sturk stated the 100th Anniversary Gala was held in July and was a great success. He stated on October 21st NASA Langley Research will open doors for the public, with a bus tour from 8:30-4:30pm. He encouraged all to attend. Mr. Sturk mentioned the Hampton NASA is one of ten research centers that continue to get funding for growth, redevelop and demolishing old facilities. He stated the Measurement Systems Lab is coming along and there will be a ribbon cutting at the end of this month for the new Katherine Johnson Computational Lab. Ms. Bateman mentioned this Friday, September 15th, there will be a Fort Monroe Reunion sponsored by The Casemate and Fort Monroe Foundation. Mr. Arnold provided a flyer (copy on file), and stated the event starts at 6:00 pm at The Chapel and continues to The Casemate Museum. Governor’s Office Update: Mr. Sturk stated Julie Gifford could not be here today, but reported that Admiral John Harvey retired as Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs. The new Secretary is now in place, Secretary Carlos Hopkins, who is an Army Reservists in the Virginia Army Reserves. Hampton Roads Military Federal Facilities Alliance (HRMFFA) – Mr. Dwyer reported the following items: 3   Budget Updates – The President signed the Continuing Resolution on Friday, which will be atleast through December 8th. This includes raising the debt ceiling, as well as $15B for Hurricane Harvey Relief.  BRAC – Senate will debate today their version of the National Defense Authorization Act. A big topic is Senators McCain and Reed amendment to authorize a BRAC round in 2019. The amendment will address getting rid of the BRAC Commission; it would just be DoD’s recommendation going to The President and then to Congress. He stated some concerns are that DoD has identified 20-30% in excess infrastructure and the BRAC process and cost. Legislative Update: Ms. Bateman reported great news regarding the State match on REPI Phase II, as well as looking for a more permanent funding source for ongoing property acquisitions in the APZ. Ms. Bateman stated the departments of Virginia State government are preparing to submit their budgets to the Governor. She stated we should know the contents by October-November timeframe. NASA Aerospace Support Team (NAST) – Mr. Hoogstraten also mentioned the NASA Centennial event and that 1300-1400 people were in attendance at the Gala. The City of Hampton gave funds towards the Gala and NASA also raised $150,000; many funds were raised from the community, businesses and contractors. He also mentioned the NASA Open House in October. Mr. Hoogstraten stated a new NASA administrator has been nominated, Representative Jim Brightenstein from Oklahoma, who is a third year Congressman and retired Naval Aviator. He mentioned Congressman Knight, from California, introduced The Aeronautics Research Bill, which increases aeronautics research by over $100M. He mentioned the HFADA wrote a letter of support, as did others, such as HRMFFA. NAST is working on legislative priorities for next year. Senator Warner’s Office – Ms. Hurd reported the Senator’s Woman Conference will be held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on October 21st and is free. She encouraged all to attend and get the word out. Mr. Sturk mentioned a project, spear-headed by Mike Yazkowsky and LCLA, was an outdoor volleyball court established for the airmen that live on the base. He was able to get 100 tons of sand donated towards the court. Contractors who assisted with the project were Pembroke Construction, Hudgins, Wolf and Savars. There will be a photo op upcoming, as this is great community outreach. He thanked Mr. Yaz for his efforts. UNFINISHED No Report BUSINESS: OTHER BUSINESS: No Report NEW BUSINESS: No Report ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chair Clark adjourned the meeting. Submitted by, Patrick Garvey Secretary/Treasurer /mao 4