MEETING OF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON REGIONAL COMMISSION

June 15, 2015, 6:00 p.m. The Robert C. Gibbons Conference Room

406 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia

AGENDA 6:00 p.m. 1. Call GWRC Meeting to Order – Chairman Chris Yakabouski 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Determination of Quorum – Executive Director Tim Ware 4. Approval of GWRC Agenda (ACTION ITEM) 5. Approval of Minutes of GWRC Meeting of May 18, 2015 (ACTION ITEM) 6. Public Involvement

Comments and questions from members of the public are welcome at this time.

7. Draft Financial Report 8. Executive Director’s Report 9. Old Business (if any) 10. New Business

a.) State Water Resources Plan and Water Supply Planning – Ms. Tammy Stephenson, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ)

b.) Fredericksburg Regional Tourism – Ms. Karen Hedelt,

Fredericksburg Department of Economic Development and Tourism

c.) Approval of Resolution No. 15-13, Approving the Slate of

Officers in Fiscal Year 2016 – Mr. Tim Ware (ACTION ITEM)

d.) Approval of Resolution No. 15-14, Recognizing the Dedicated Service of Chris Yakabouski – Mr. Tim Ware (ACTION ITEM)

11. Closed Session 12. New Business (cont.)

e.) Approval of Resolution No. 15-15, Approving the Fiscal Year 2016 GWRC Budget – Mr. Tim Ware (ACTION ITEM)

f.) Other New Business (if any)

6:50 p.m. 12. Adjourn GWRC Meeting/Next GWRC meeting: July 20, 2015

5.) Approval of Minutes of GWRC Meeting of May 18, 2015

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON REGIONAL COMMISSION

May 18, 2015

The Robert C. Gibbons Conference Room 406 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg Virginia

MEMBERS PRESENT AND VOTING: Vice-Chair – Jim Howard, King George County; City of Fredericksburg: Matt Kelly & Billy Withers; Caroline County: Jeff Black; King George County: Dale Sisson; Spotsylvania County: Paul Trampe; Stafford County: Laura Sellers & Gary Snellings MEMBERS ABSENT: Jeff Sili – Caroline County; & Chris Yakabouski – Spotsylvania County OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Mr. Mark Slauter, DEM; Mr. Eldon James; & Mr. Kevin Page, DRPT STAFF: Tim Ware, Executive Director; Lloyd Robinson, FAMPO; Marti Donley, FAMPO; Diana Utz, Daniel Reese, FAMPO & JoAnna Roberson, GWRC CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Howard called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with a quorum present, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF GWRC MEETING AGENDA Upon motion by Mr. Kelly and seconded by Mr. Sisson, with all in consensus, the agenda for the May 18th meeting was approved as submitted. APPROVAL OF GWRC MEETING MINUTES (April 20, 2015) - (Action Item) Upon motion by Mr. Sisson and seconded by Mr. Black, and all others in consensus, the minutes from the April 20th meeting were approved as submitted. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT - None FINANCIAL REPORT Mr. Ware relayed that the Financial Report is included in tonight’s agenda packet. Mr. Ware advised that GWRC’s total assets are $421,431.45 and the total liabilities are $183,451.65. Mr. Ware stated that GWRC is financially sound at this time and showing positive balances.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Ware advised that a presentation was made at the University of Mary Washington and there was interest in the Commission establishing a regional mayors & chairs meeting. Mr. Ware stated that the meeting agenda and meeting times are being finalized and that the regional meeting will be held at GWRC. Mr. Ware advised the Commission that next month is the time of the year for elections of new officers so this will be an agenda item for the June meeting. Mr. Ware relayed that the Commission is applying for a Broadband regional planning grant. If approved, this grant will be a maximum of $75,000 but would require local matches from the Planning District 16 localities. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS:

a.) Stream & Rain Gauge Network for the Upper Rappahannock Basin – Mr. Mark Slauter, Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Mr. Eldon James was in attendance at tonight’s meeting. Mr. James gave a brief re-cap of changes that have occurred to the Rappahannock River over the last five years. Mr. James advised that as a result of serious flooding in Floyd County five years ago that the Virginia Department of Emergency Management developed a stream and rain gauge network system. Mr. James stated that with his discussion with the Rappahannock River Basin Commission that the committee has expressed interest in this process coming to this area as well. Mr. James advised that seven localities would comprise a stream and rain gauge network system being implemented here and these localities are the City of Fredericksburg and the Counties of: Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania & Stafford. Mr. James relayed that the costs for this project includes 50% corporate funding; 25% funding from the Commonwealth; & 25% funding from each of the seven localities. Mr. James advised that each locality’s portion of expenses would equate to $12,214. Mr. James stated that to date, the City of Fredericksburg has not replied back as to whether they would fund their locality portion; however, it was per request from the City Manager that this meeting be scheduled and presented to GWRC which is why it is on tonight’s agenda. Mr. James stated that Culpeper just supported the request with a 7-0 vote; Fauquier has already endorsed; Orange is still awaiting a decision; Rappahannock has already endorsed; Spotsylvania has not replied back to date; & Stafford has indicated it fully supports. Mr. Mark Slauter with Virginia Department of Emergency Management gave a presentation to the Commission. Mr. Slauter advised that across the state, there are 64 individual location sites included in the master report that depict where flooding occurs. Mr. Slauter stated that the system they have implemented for Floyd County will be universal state-wide. Their study also depicts water quality features, flash-flood forecasting, up-river sensors, etc. Mr. Slauter advised that their system currently

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provides 24/7 updates to the National Weather Service so immediate responses are sent out to residents in a specific locality when potential flooding could occur. In closing, Mr. Slauter advised that the status and review for a Rappahannock River Basin Gauge project would include the following: Installation & maintenance of 13 gauge locations Total project implementation cost would be approximately $190,000 Radio path analysis completed to finalize site selections and specific equipment needs 2015 General Assembly has approved the first year of funding for the 2-year project (the first year’s funding from the General Assembly is $42,750). VDEM is contributing 20% of the cost There was committee consensus from the Commission members that this type of stream and rain gauge system is drastically needed in this region and asked that Mr. James continue with his efforts to obtain regional consent and financial support to ensure that this project moves forward.

b.) GWRC Resolution No. 15-11, Accepting Grant from Virginia Department of Forestry to Develop Alternative Future Development Scenarios to Represent the Range of Potential Policy Approaches to Forest Land Retention – Mr. Tim Ware

Mr. Ware advised the Department of Forestry will conduct a study in the Rappahannock River Watershed that will assess growth trends throughout the region and evaluate spatial variability of a forest’s ecosystem service value. Future development scenarios within each locality will be studied and the Commission will be allocated $14,257 to complete the work.

Upon motion by Mr. Sisson and seconded by Mr. Kelly with all in consensus, Resolution No. 15-11 was unanimously adopted by the GWRC Commission. (Note: Ms. Sellers advised that there is a typo on the Resolution whereby the date is incorrect and should be changed to reflect May 18, 2015 – Mr. Ware advised that this would be corrected accordingly).

c.) GWRC Resolution No. 15-12, Respectfully Requesting that the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) Place Caroline & King George Counties in Category D of the Factor Weighting Frameworks for Project Ratings Under the New House Bill 2 Project Rating System – Mr. Tim Ware

Mr. Ware advised that Resolution No. 15-12 came as a result of discussion from the Commission at last month’s meeting in regard to the assigned category rating that both Caroline and King George counties had received in regard to the HB2 project rating system. Preliminary ratings had placed both localities under a Category C classification. It was requested that this be reviewed and consideration be given to place both Caroline & King George Counties under a Category D rating and this Resolution be forwarded accordingly to the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

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Upon motion by Mr. Sisson and seconded by Mr. Black, Resolution No. 15-12 was unanimously adopted. (Note: Ms. Sellers advised that there is a typo on the Resolution whereby the date is incorrect and should be changed to reflect May 18, 2015 – Mr. Ware advised that this would be corrected accordingly).

d.) GWRC 2016 Preliminary Budget – Mr. Tim Ware

Mr. Ware advised that he was submitting the draft GWRC 2016 budget for review by the Commission and that this document would be finalized for approval at the upcoming June meeting. Mr. Ware stated that the total budget of $2,017,421 represents a $549,011 decrease from the previous fiscal year’s budget. Mr. Ware stated that these figures are based on the per capita request of $0.6433 from the local governmental contributions. Mr. Ware advised that after satisfying the local match requirements and program support that the agency will have a surplus of $88,281.

Mr. Ware stated that staffing will remain at 10 full-time employees and 2 part-time employees. Mr. Ware advised that this year’s budget considerations include a 3% cost of living raise to the employees and this impact to the budget will be $22,329.

In regard to GWRideconnect, Mr. Ware stated that a budget decrease of $446,868 will be realized. This decrease is the result of the I-95 Marketing campaign that has been completed and the way in which CMAQ resources are accounted for within the GWRC budget. Mr. Ware stated that the annual DRPT grant will remain the same as this past year.

Mr. Ware advised that the FAMPO funding will decrease by $86,339 and it is anticipated that $63,227 can be carried over to FY2017. Mr. Ware stated that the planning services revenue will be decreased by $15,804 and with this cost-savings measure in place from FY2014, the department can continue to be self-sustaining.

Mr. Ware stated that GWRC currently participates and will continue to be included within Stafford County’s Health Insurance plan. Mr. Ware advised that an approximate 16% increase in insurance premiums will be incurred for FY2016. Mr. Ware stated that the fringe benefit and indirect cost will be increased by $29,000 for FY2016.

Mr. Sisson asked that Mr. Ware provide the Commission members with a break-down for the last 5 to 10 years of employee cost-of-living annual raise increases that have been awarded to the staff at GWRC. Mr. Sisson stated that he felt that in years past, the Commission has not always been able to award a cost-of-living raise and that overall he felt that GWRC had been lacking in this area and he thinks we do need to be fair to the employees.

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Mr. Snellings also asked Mr. Ware if the cost-of-living increase that is proposed for this year also includes a cost-of-living percentage factored in as well for his own salary. Mr. Ware stated that it did not. Mr. Snellings asked when Mr. Ware last received a cost-of-living increase and Mr. Ware advised that he has not been awarded one since being hired. Mr. Snellings recommended that the final budget request also include a 3% cost-of-living factored in for Mr. Ware’s salary as well and this was unanimously supported.

e.) DC2RVA High-Speed Rail Update Presentation – Mr. Kevin Page, Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation

Mr. Page, with the Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation, gave an update on the status of the DC2RVA high-speed rail project. Mr. Page stated that the goal of the DC2RVA project is to improve the rail infrastructure and to devise a service development plan that will ultimately reduce rail travel time, improve the on-time performance, & to accommodate at least 8 future higher speed round trips from Washington, DC to Richmond.

Mr. Page stated that the NEPA Tier I Program development included the ideas and concepts of what this new plan would look like. Currently, the project is in the Tier II phase which is the now build phase of the project. Within this phase, the project snapshot focuses on a 123-mile corridor which will be the northernmost segment of the SEHSR corridor that will connect to the northeast corridor. This study includes the preliminary engineering and environmental reviews, the ridership & revenue reviews, improvements to station areas, and increased service frequency.

Mr. Page advised that improvements have occurred from the initial concepts that include the following: construction of additional main line tracks & crossovers; station improvements; improvements to grade crossings; improvements to sidings & signals; & straightening of curves on the existing rail tracks. Mr. Page stated that these improvements will apply to freight as well as commuting travel and will encompass a 90 mile capacity.

Mr. Page stated that currently the project is at a 30% design build level and the next step is to go out to the build phase. Mr. Page stated that the schedule for this project is aggressive and the scoping, purpose & need; alternatives; screening; public outreach; draft EIS; & final EIS will be submitted for a record of decision in FY2017.

Mr. Page stated that the service goals of the project are to build a corridor that runs effectively; that is reliable; that is safe; that decreases travel time; & that provides more train frequency routes. Mr. Page advised that operability is dead-center and is the focal point within the process. In defining the alternatives, the design options encompassed the following upgrades to include: rail alignments, new or improved stations, & road/rail crossing improvements. The service options of improvement will include more frequency of service; more schedules; & more station stops.

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Mr. Page advised that beginning in June the public meetings are scheduled to occur. Beginning on Monday, June 1st, the meeting will be held in Alexandria; on Tuesday, June 2nd in Fredericksburg; & on Wednesday, June 3rd in Richmond. Mr. Page stated that the same format for each public meeting will be presented at each session and will be an open-house format. The meetings will run from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. each night and whether you come at 5 or 7:30, each one that attends will hear the same presentation and see the same displays, etc.

f.) GWRC Strategic Planning Discussion – Mr. Tim Ware

Mr. Ware advised that the Commission discussed strategic regional planning efforts several months ago. Mr. Ware stated that the Commission asked that he compile a list of potential areas whereby regional coordination and cooperation could occur. Mr. Ware stated that he met with the City Manager and the County Administrators in April and they asked that the Commission review the list of potential areas where regionalism could occur and then bring these back to them for review. Mr. Ware also suggested that at future GWRC meetings that perhaps brief presentations can be given to the Commission on how the region works together now or if they do not work together – i.e. bring in the tourism directors from each locality to speak, etc.

Mr. Kelly stated that he felt the list provided for review was good and well thought out; however, he thinks this challenge will become more realistic and provide more opportunities regionally if the Commission picks 3-4 items from the list that it would like to focus on.

After discussion and consensus from the Commission, it was decided that the following four items were their recommendations for Mr. Ware to discuss with the City Manager & County Administrators at the next meeting. The topics to pursue are: regional fire & rescue; regional procurement opportunities; regional solid waste; & regional tourism. There was considerable interest and discussion on especially pursuing a regional tourism calendar that would be available for tourists. Even though the “hub” of tourism occurs in Fredericksburg, having information available for what also is occurring & scheduled a short drive away from Fredericksburg to the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania & Stafford is just a better overall “selling” point for attracting tourists to the area.

Mr. Ware stated that interest has also been expressed in having an annual elected officials dinner meeting that was previously held here in the past. Mr. Ware stated that this is already in the works and this event will occur this year in the Fall of 2015.

Adjourn The GWRC meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. The next GWRC meeting is June 15, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Timothy Ware, Executive Director (Draft minutes prepared by JoAnna Roberson)

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7.) Draft Financial Report

Balance Sheet

George Washington Regional Commission

Run Date:

Run Time:

Page 1 of 2

6/9/15

11:23:04 am

Period From : 07/01/14 to 05/31/15

Assets:

10300 Union First Market Bank Operating 8,321.66

10400 Petty Cash 75.00

10800 Union First Market MMA 33,500.61

11100 Accounts Receivable 131,004.99

15400 Furniture,fixtures&equipment 304,915.26

15450 Accum Depr-Furn, Fix & Equip -156,591.87

$321,225.65Total Assets:

Liabilities:

20000 Accounts Payable 14,739.11

21000 Payroll Liability-Leave Balances 44,020.78

25700 Short-Term Liability-LOC 81,183.57

27710 Loan Payable-StellarOne 42,983.61

$182,927.07Total Liabilities:

Projects

30000 Unrestricted Net Assets 16,414.52

31015 FTA 5303 FY2015 -19,070.83

31200 FHWA PL -7,480.94

31400 FHWA RSTP Projects -42.90

31500 USHUD (HMIS) -5,234.13

31501 HMIS Conversion 25,000.00

31550 Continuum of Care -19,243.99

31551 VDHA match 1,000.00

31600 FHWA SPR (Rural Transportation) -15,297.74

31700 CMAQ- -3,011.31

31814 CZM TechAssist 2014 861.38

31815 CZM T/A FY 2015 -4,236.50

32000 Caroline Co. Analysis -0.21

34000 DHCD Planning 71,721.00

34100 VDRPT-RideShare -26,905.99

34102 I-95 Bus StartUp 1.16

34103 AdVANtage Self-Insurance Pool 4,204.76

36001 Strmwtr Mgmt Trang 753.00

37000 Local Allocations 112,803.00

37900 HMIS Local 1,493.00

38016 Legislative Liaison pass thru 4,571.25

$138,298.53Total Projects

Net Difference to be Reconciled $0.05

Total Adjustment $0.04

Balance Sheet

George Washington Regional Commission

Run Date:

Run Time:

Page 2 of 2

6/9/15

11:23:04 am

Period From : 07/01/14 to 05/31/15

Reconciling Items .......

641,065.11

641,065.12

Paid Salaries are

Timesheets show

0.00Leave accrued this year

203,395.09

203,395.09

392,060.50

Fringe allocated

Fringe Pool is

Difference

Difference

Difference

Total adjustments

0.01

0.00

0.03

$0.04

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

392,060.47 Indirect Pool is

Indirect Allocated

$0.01Unreconciled Balance

Code & Description Budget

Agencywide Line Item Revenues and Expenditures

Current

Period: 07/01/2014 05/31/2015to

YTD

06/09/2015Run Date:

11:28:27 amRun Time:

Page 1 of 1

Un/Ovr % Bud

Without Indirect Detail

George Washington Regional Commission

Revenues

45100 REV-Federal Contracts/Fees 1,471,398.00 29,885.41 1,116,335.59 355,062.41 75.87%

45200 REV-State Contracts/Fees 783,674.00 16,717.22 271,529.69 512,144.31 34.65%

45300 REV-Local Government Contract 216,360.00 0.00 3,343.00 213,017.00 1.55%

45301 Local Revenues-Caroline County 0.00 0.00 18,730.00 -18,730.00 0.00%

45302 Local Revenues King George Co 0.00 0.00 15,753.00 -15,753.00 0.00%

45303 Local Revenues Spotsylvania Count 0.00 0.00 80,108.00 -80,108.00 0.00%

45304 Local Revues Stafford County 0.00 0.00 85,378.00 -85,378.00 0.00%

45305 Local Revenues City of Fredericks 0.00 0.00 16,740.00 -16,740.00 0.00%

45500 REV-HMIS User Fees 2,500.00 0.00 2,805.00 -305.00 112.20%

45501 HMIS Conversion 0.00 0.00 25,000.00 -25,000.00 0.00%

45700 REV-Other Income 95,000.00 0.00 0.00 95,000.00 0.00%

Revenues 2,568,932.00 46,602.63 1,635,722.28 933,209.72 63.67%

Expenses

50000 Salaries 437,122.00 61,904.03 476,910.89 -39,788.89 109.10%

50500 Fringe Benefits 284,951.00 13,605.74 144,736.76 140,214.24 50.79%

59700 Indirect Costs 441,024.00 36,033.53 392,060.50 48,963.50 88.90%

67550 Temporary Help-Contract Staff 0.00 8,000.00 8,000.00 -8,000.00 0.00%

67560 Consulting Services 408,800.00 7,032.05 142,487.80 266,312.20 34.86%

81100 Supplies Expense 5,000.00 0.00 2,573.00 2,427.00 51.46%

81600 Equipment, Rental, & Maintenance 0.00 0.00 16,166.45 -16,166.45 0.00%

81750 Public Relations 0.00 452.10 7,572.87 -7,572.87 0.00%

81751 Van Pool Assistance 25,000.00 450.00 450.00 24,550.00 1.80%

81752 Leased Spaces 0.00 2,730.00 31,040.00 -31,040.00 0.00%

81760 RideShare Van Subsidies/GRH 15,000.00 2,250.00 11,400.00 3,600.00 76.00%

81766 GRH Local 25,000.00 0.00 0.00 25,000.00 0.00%

81770 RideShare Marketing 184,651.00 8,249.42 113,779.78 70,871.22 61.62%

81778 I95 VanStartSave 50,000.00 0.00 22,500.00 27,500.00 45.00%

81779 I-95 Bus Start-Up 170,000.00 0.00 137,228.84 32,771.16 80.72%

83000 Travel/Training 0.00 800.30 2,731.57 -2,731.57 0.00%

83100 Travel 9,000.00 292.00 2,352.53 6,647.47 26.14%

83200 Conference, Convention, & Meetin 2,373.00 980.98 4,411.10 -2,038.10 185.89%

85300 Membership Dues-Organization 0.00 110.00 2,007.43 -2,007.43 0.00%

85900 Pass-Thru 95,000.00 0.00 0.00 95,000.00 0.00%

93010 Legislative Liaison Income 0.00 0.00 -37,250.00 37,250.00 0.00%

93020 Legislative Consultant Expenses 0.00 3,393.75 32,678.75 -32,678.75 0.00%

Expenses 2,152,921.00 146,283.90 1,513,838.27 639,082.73 70.32%

Agency Balance 416,011.00 -99,681.27 121,884.01

10a.) State Water Resources Plan and Water Supply Planning

State Water Resources Plan and

Water Supply Planning

George Washington Regional Commission

June 15, 2015

Presentation Topics

Local and Regional Water

Supply Plans

State Water Resources Plan

Cumulative Impact Analysis

Challenges and Recommendations Path Forward

How Did We Get Here?

1999-2002 Drought Water Supply Plan Development;

Compliance Collaborative effort – locality, region, state Continuous Comprehensive Planning

Process Informs the permitting process

State Water Resources Plan

SWRP includes information from all water supply plans, as well as information from other sources

For the first time, we can analyze the expected cumulative impacts of future water demands on streamflows and groundwater resources

DEQ will follow up with localities whose projected demand is anticipated to impact beneficial uses

VA Population and Water Demand Trends

What the SWRP Tells Us

Approximately 450 MGD water needed to meet 2040 projected demand

Plans predict that approximately 77% will be from surface water

Concentration of Demands: 97% of surface water withdrawals are predicted to occur in 25% of stream reaches

Challenges and Recommendations

Understanding the Impact of Unpermitted Water Withdrawals o82% total surface water withdrawn excluded

from permitting (2013) oNot subject to permit conditions that require

conservation during times of low flow

Surface Water Withdrawals: Quantifying Potential Impacts

Four Metrics: o August Low Flow –

Biodiversity o 7Q10 – Water Quality

Impacts/Waste Assimilative Capacity

o Change in Drought of Record Flow – Safe Yield

o Withdrawal as Percentage of September Drought Warning – Overall System Stress 8

Stream reach considered at risk based on exceedance of screening thresholds

Projected Change in Daily Withdrawal from Surface Waters in

Non-tidal Watersheds

Presenter

Presentation Notes

.

Challenges and Recommendations

Quantifying Current and Future Risks to Groundwater Availability Outside of Current Groundwater Management Areas

Groundwater Withdrawals • 23% of total water demand is expected to come from GW • 75% of GW demand outside established GWMA

Challenges and Recommendations Gaps in Water Withdrawal Reporting, Differences

in Reporting Thresholds between WSP and VWWR Regulations; Lack of Adequate Data

644.63

420.72

43.68

797.18

456.62

84.06

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

CWS SSU_LG AG

VWWR Reported Withdrawals2008-2012 Average (MGD)

WSP Reported Use 2010(MGD)

Challenges and Recommendations

Reservoir Site Development Understanding the Impact of Consumptive

Use on Water Supply Promoting Increased Conservation to

Reduce Long-Term and Short-Term Demand

Critical Infrastructure Deficiencies Seal Level Rise, Changes in Precipitation

Patterns, and Land Subsidence Source Water Protection

Challenges and Recommendations

Water Supply Planning in GWRC

Caroline County Major water sources include groundwater wells, the Rappahannock River, the Pamunkey River, and Lake Caroline. Population and demand are projected to increase through the planning period. The County and Town of Bowling Green may experience a combined average daily deficit of 0.256 MGD by the year 2030. Alternative water supply sources listed in the plan include GW development, interconnection with other localities, and an intake on the Rappahannock River.

Fredericksburg The major source of water is purchased water. Population and demand are projected to increase through the planning period. Existing water sources are expected to meet projected demands.

King George County Major water sources are the Rappahannock River and groundwater wells.

Population and demand are projected to increase through the planning period. A deficit of 1.5 to 2.0 MGD is estimated in the year 2030 for the CWS and a deficit of 1.0 to 1.5 MGD is estimated in the year 2030 for SSU_SM in the County. Alternative water sources identified include wastewater reuse, interconnection with a neighboring locality, reservoir development, and an intake on the Rappahannock River.

Spotsylvania County Major water supply sources include the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers, Motts Run and Ni River reservoirs, and groundwater wells. Population and demand are projected to increase through the planning period. Existing water sources are expected to meet projected demands.

Stafford County Major water sources include Abel Lake, Smith Lake, and groundwater wells. Population and demand are projected to increase through the planning period. A deficit of 14.7 MGD is anticipated in 2015. Plans to address the projected shortfall of municipal supply include the completion of the Rocky Pen Run Reservoir project and pursuing other surface water and groundwater alternatives as needed.

Next Steps SWRP - public comments under review DEQ will : meet with localities, planning regions, and

stakeholders to examine cumulative impact analysis

collaborate with localities and planning regions to develop a strategy to obtain additional data and complete outstanding items as listed in the final compliance package

Tammy Stephenson, Program Coordinator Water Supply Planning Program

540-562-6828 tammy.stephenson@deq.virginia.gov

10b.) Fredericksburg Regional Tourism

Report to the George Washington Regional Commission June 18, 2015

Our goal is to increase travel-related taxable sales from businesses.

Streams from lodging, restaurant, retail, admissions, gasoline sales and personal property, real estate

How do we get more travel-related sales? More visitors. Visitors spending more money. Use existing resources for higher benefit. Add product—hotels, restaurants, attractions, tours, etcetera. Seek private sector investment.

Civic efforts since the 1940’s Chamber program in the 1950’s City program from the late 60’s State meals tax legislation in the 1980’s with tourism set aside Stafford joined in a visitor guide project in 1984 Added advertising and brochure distribution Spotsylvania joined the partnership in 1987 Shared marketing since ’87 First MOU in ’07. Current MOU in place until 2017. Longwoods International study focused regional marketing in 2004 Timeless brand accepted Group tourism has been regional since 2006

The study determined the effectiveness of existing marketing Perceived strengths : affordable, sightseeing, good place for adults to

visit, worry free Perceived weaknesses: Entertainment, sports and recreation,

luxurious, unique Defined the most accepting demographics to Fredericksburg’s product Identified markets with the most potential for success for future efforts ◦ Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Richmond, Tidewater Virginia, Raleigh-

Durham, Pittsburgh, New York City

Due to budget constraints, new research has not been done since 2004. This is a weakness in the current program. We currently utilize state research as our basis for marketing decisions.

Developed after the Longwoods study was completed Intended to span all eras of the area’s history including the present Evokes the suspension of everyday cares Carries to a variety of travelers: heritage tourism, arts and cultural,

culinary, ecotourism, sports and more

Consumer (individual visitors) ◦ Website ◦ Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etcetera) ◦ Advertising (completely electronic media in FY15) ◦ Visitor centers ◦ Golf travel packaging ◦ Events support ◦ Out of home placement (Metro displays)

Group Tours (buses primarily) ◦ Tour operators ◦ Group leaders

Meetings and Conventions ◦ Associations ◦ Government ◦ SMERF (social, military, education, religious, fraternal)

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Funding 2007 - $708,100 Funding 2008 – $657,100 (down 7% from previous year)

Funding 2009 - $551,768 (down 16% from previous year) Funding 2010 - $535,658 (down 3% from previous year)

Funding 2011 - $453,000 FY 12 through 16 level at $513,000

Annual funding reduction since 2007 – 36% Equalized financial support with all three jurisdictions contributing $171,000. Shrunken contributions leave GRTP in a poor competitive status.

Current Status FY 2010 & 2011

Advertising, Marketing ◦ Electronic media ◦ Blog writing, posting to various social media ◦ Welcome center advertising and visitor guide placement

Professional Services ◦ Development of the design of the visitor guide and other printed materials ◦ Website development and management ◦ Agency public relations efforts

Printing visitor guide, Civil War brochure, group sales publications, etcetera Research, Smith Travel Data Brochure distribution services Postage Group tourism marketing

We no longer jointly invest in photography, additional research or in-market promotions

*Data reported from June 1, 2014 – May 30, 2015

Organic visitation up 31.1%

ROI as of April 2015 is $26.49 for every $1 spent

From January through April in 2015, there were 101,847 organic sessions. This is 79.8% more than 2014, 128% more than 2013, and 119.5% more than 2012.

Fredericksburg maintains the following channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube

Posts are made to Facebook and Twitter daily and Instagram weekly

Content shared includes upcoming events, the latest blog posts, new openings, recent coverage and general things to do and attractions

The hashtag #VisitFred is leveraged across channels

Locality’s in kind responsibilities remain constant: ◦ Stafford continues work in leading the regional golf cooperative, Grapes

and Grains Initiative ◦ Spotsylvania manages advertising response and brochure distribution and

participates in the Grapes and Grains partnership ◦ Fredericksburg manages the advertising and marketing program, the

coordination with the advertising agency and GRTP budget. Newly involved in Grapes and Grains.

◦ Group Tourism via three Fredericksburg Staff Members will continue ◦ Fredericksburg staff liaison with Virginia Tourism Corporation greatly

enhances media attention to our entire area and facilitates heightened presence on Virginia.org

In Kind Support Unchanged

Current Status FY 2015 and 16

Current hotel inventory ◦ Substantial inventory of aging properties throughout the region ◦ Lower price point affects per diem rates ◦ Inferior properties affect visitor experience and web reviews

Preservation and heritage tourism sites are falling behind Tri-jurisdiction tourism partnership budget is stagnant;

purchasing power shrinking Additional tourism partnership prospects can boost the budget

but cause further dilution of marketing focus Additional tourism product (raceway, sports fields, potential

baseball stadium) could lead to a demand for a new focus on tourism sports marketing that could further impact budget

Support fresh tourism marketing research and a competitive market study.

Help identify sources and advocate for tourism funding Continue to be a source of data and research capability for

tourism-related business recruitment Lobby for state transportation improvements with a clear

means of continued funding. Advocate for reverse VRE trains, investment in track

capacity and frequency of service as justified by demand

10c.) Approval of Resolution No. 15-13, Approving the Slate of Officers for Fiscal Year 2016

George Washington Regional Commission 406 Princess Anne Street

Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 (540) 373-2890

Fax (540) 899-4808 www.gwregion.org

Tim Ware

Executive Director

RESOLUTION NO. 15-13

APPROVING THE SLATE OF OFFICERS TO SERVE IN FISCAL YEAR 2016

WHEREAS, the George Washington Regional Commission (“the Commission”) is the Planning District Commission serving the City of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties, known together as Planning District 16, and WHEREAS, the Commission is governed by a ten-member Board that includes a Chairman, First Vice Chairman, Second Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, which collectively constitute the Commission’s Executive Committee, and; WHEREAS, the Commission’s By Laws include a provision for the annual rotation among the member localities that determines which locality shall fill each of the officer’s positions, such that the locality represented by the outgoing Secretary shall then fill the Treasurer’s seat, the locality of the outgoing Treasurer shall then fill the Second Vice Chairman’s seat and so forth, with the locality of the outgoing Chairman then filling the Secretary’s seat. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the George Washington Regional Commission that it hereby approves the following slate to serve as the Executive Committee in Fiscal Year 2016:

James B. Howard, King George County – Chairman Jeffery S. Black, Caroline County – First Vice Chairman Matthew Kelly, City of Fredericksburg – Second Vice Chairman Gary Snellings, Stafford County – Treasurer Chris Yakabouski, Spotsylvania County – Secretary Adopted by the George Washington Regional Commission at its duly called meeting of June 15, 2015 in the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, a quorum being present. ___________________________________________ June 15, 2015 Gary Snellings, Secretary

CAROLINE COUNTY CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG KING GEORGE COUNTY SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY STAFFORD COUNTY

10d.) Approval of Resolution No. 15-14, Recognizing the Dedicated Service of Chris Yakabouski

George Washington Regional Commission

406 Princess Anne Street Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401

(540) 373-2890 Fax (540) 899-4808 www.gwregion.org

Tim Ware Executive Director

RESOLUTION NO. 15-14

RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATED SERVICE OF CHRIS YAKABOUSKI

WHEREAS, the George Washington Regional Commission (“the Commission”) is the Planning District Commission serving the City of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties, known together as Planning District 16, and WHEREAS, Mr. Chris Yakabouski served as Chairman of the Commission from June 2014 to July 2015 and; WHEREAS, Mr. Yakabouski carried out his responsibilities with great diligence and dedication. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the George Washington Regional Commission expresses its deepest appreciation and most sincere thanks to Mr. Chris Yakabouski for his dedicated service as the Commission’s Chairman. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission authorizes that a Plaque of Appreciation be presented to Mr. Chris Yakabouski as a token of its esteem appreciation for his dedicated service. Adopted by the George Washington Regional Commission at its duly called meeting of June 15, 2015 in the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, a quorum being present. ___________________________________________ June 15, 2015 Gary Snellings, Secretary

CAROLINE COUNTY CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG KING GEORGE COUNTY SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY STAFFORD COUNTY

12e.) Approval of Resolution No. 15-15, Approving the Fiscal Year 2016 GWRC Budget

George Washington Regional Commission 406 Princess Anne Street

Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 (540) 373-2890

Fax (540) 899-4808 www.gwregion.org

Tim Ware Executive Director

CAROLINE COUNTY CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG KING GEORGE COUNTY SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY STAFFORD COUNTY

RESOLUTION NO. 15-15

APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2016 GEORGE WASHINGTON REGIONAL COMMISSION BUDGET

WHEREAS, the George Washington Regional Commission (“the Commission”) is the Planning District Commission serving the City of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties, known together as Planning District 16, and WHEREAS, the Commission and its sister agency, the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, carry out a program of work on behalf of its members and in cooperation with its federal, state and local partners, and; WHEREAS, the Commission prepares an annual budget containing revenue summary and expenditure plan to fund and carry out its work program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the George Washington Regional Commission that it hereby approves the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget, which is attached hereto and which shall be included in the minutes of the Commission meeting of June 15, 2015. Adopted by the George Washington Regional Commission at its Executive Committee Meeting of June 15, 2015 in the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, a quorum being present. June 15, 2015 ____________________________________________ Gary Snellings, Secretary

GEORGE WASHINGTON REGIONAL COMMISSION ANALYSIS OF EMPLOYEE SALARY INCREASES

FY 2009- 2014

FY 2009 2.0% COLA FY 2010 NONE FY 2011 NONE FY 2012 $500 ONE-TIME PAYMENT FY 2013 2% COLA + 5% VRS Increase FY 2014 1% COLA (7/1/13) 1% COLA (4/1/14) FY 2015 NONE FY 2016 PROPOSED 3% COLA