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June 18, 2007 Meeting MinutesThe second meeting of the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority (FMFADA), held in the main dining room of the Bay Breeze Community Center, Fort Monroe, Virginia, was called to order at 1:15 p.m. by Chairman Preston Bryant. I. INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME The Chairman announced that the Public Comment Period would be put on the agenda at the beginning of the meeting so that people could make comments before any actions by the FMFADA board. He welcomed everyone to Fort Monroe and thanked the Army for letting us use the facility and providing meeting space. The Chair also welcomed to the table Colonel Jason Evans, Garrison Commander, Fort Monroe, who will be working very closely with the FMFADA as well as Hampton City Councilmen Dr. Charles Sapp and Joe Spencer. He also noted that Dawn Guthrie would be taking minutes and thanked her. Roll Call The following FMFADA members were present: Viola Baskerville, Dr. Alvin Bryant, Preston Bryant, Robert Crouch, Catherine Gilliam, Lynette E. Hammond for Patrick Gottschalk, Robert Harper, Dr. Kanata Jackson, Dr. Mamie Locke, Tommy Thompson, and Jody Wagner. He also recognized new Board Members Dr. Rex Ellis, Dr. Wayne Lett and Mr. Robert Scott and Interim Executive Director Conover Hunt, who were at the table. Absent: Phil Hamilton, Tom Gear, Marty Williams and John Quarstein II. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS A. Oath of Office The Chairman introduced Linda Smith, Clerk of Circuit Court, City of Hampton, who administered the Oath of Office to Dr. Rex Ellis, Dr. Wayne Lett and Mr. Robert Scott. She congratulated the three new members on their appointments as they were welcomed by the audience and the Chair. B. Minutes Senator Locke reported that minutes of the May 21 meeting had been electronically mailed to members and a copy was also placed in packets at the meeting. She asked for corrections or additions to the minutes. There being none, Chairman Bryant moved that the Minutes be accepted; the motion was seconded and unanimously passed. C. Election of Officers VICE CHAIRMAN – The Chairman called for nominations for a new Vice Chairman of the FMFADA. Mr. Crouch nominated Tommy Thompson. The nomination was seconded. There being no other nominations it was moved and seconded the nominations be closed. The motion passed unanimously to elect Tommy Thompson as Vice Chair of the FMFADA. SECRETARY/TREASURER - The Chairman noted that at the last meeting a motion was moved, seconded and voted on that the SECRETARY/ TREASURER office be separated into two positions and since then, there had been discussion that it should remain as one position, as is allowed in the Bylaws. Mr. Thompson moved that the positions be joined as one and that Senator Locke be made SECRETARY/TREASURER. The motion was seconded, and there being no discussion, the board voted unanimously to combine the positions and elect Senator Locke as SECRETARY/TREASURER of the FMFADA. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – Addressing a vacancy on the Executive Committee, Chairman Bryant announced that, if there was no objection, he would appoint Senator Marty Williams on the Executive Committee. There being no objection, the Chairman appointed Senator Marty Williams to the Executive Committee of the FMFADA. III. REPORTS AND BRIEFINGS Executive Director’s Remarks. Conover Hunt, Interim Executive Director reported that the Army has offered FMFADA office space on Fort Monroe. She will get the keys to the Perry House, 43 Ingalls Road, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651, today and noted the public will be welcome and the consultants will have a base to conduct their business. Ms. Hunt will advise when a telephone is installed. Ms. Hunt stated that the Chairman had asked her to assist in soliciting names to be asked to serve on the Historical Preservation Interpretation Advisory Group as called for in the MOA. She asked Dr. Ellis, Mr. Quarstein and Ms. Gilliam to coordinate with Katherine Kilpatrick and colleagues of the National Trust and others nationally, to come up with preliminary names prior to submission to the Chairman and the Governor’s Office. Ms. Hunt also asked if it would be appropriate to invite nominations for this committee to a broader group since the Governor will make four appointments and the FMFADA, in the future, will be asked to make 3 appointments. The Chairman stated that we could receive suggestions now or that others make suggestions directly to Ms. Hunt. There were no immediate suggestions. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS The Chairman stated that written public comment was received from Mr. Whitcomb and Mr. Cornelius and that they would be entered into the record. (Comments attached hereto) The public was called in order according to the sign-up list: Christine Jacques Gergely - representing the United Daughters of Confederacy. Ms. Gergely stated her concerns about past agreements being made without public knowledge and asked FMFADA to be open to the public so no faulty perceptions are made about the Board. She also stated her concern about the building of neighborhoods and houses, requesting that the Commonwealth of Virginia retain the land, leasing it instead. Dr. H.O. Malone - representing Citizens for Fort Monroe National Park. Dr. Malone would like to enter for the record that Chairman Bryant, FADA, did send a letter to Congresswoman Thelma Drake on June 5, 2007, in which he requested a National Park Service Reconnaissance Study be done. Dr. Malone further noted that Congresswoman Drake sent a letter to the Secretary of the Interior on June 8, 2007. He noted the National Park Service received the request and is gearing up to do the Reconnaissance Study and have it completed by the end of the year. In closing he noted that the FADA is now 25 months into the BRAC process and the FMFADA has about two and a half years left before the Governor leaves office and the Governor’s contingent on the board will be replaced. Dr. Malone noted the clock is really running and FMFADA needs to make sure the Reuse Plan will not be reversed by someone else. Ms. Ferraro – Ms. Ferraro noted she had no comments at this time. Mr. Jack Gergely - representing himself. Mr. Gergely noted that three people talking about the Reuse Plan would be briefing today. One is an overview for the Dover Kohl Plan that is still being pushed for approval after the strong discussion at the last meeting. Mr. Gergely felt that is a lopsided plan, it only calls for a subdivided housing community, a very luxury housing community that would discourage use by the public. Mr. Gergely also referenced discussion at the last meeting concerning private clean-up efforts. He now understands why Victor Dover was pushing to get money from the Army for clean up because it takes 10 times the effort to clean up for housing. He noted the cleanup cost for housing is more costly than the clean up is for general public use. Mr. Pete Wells - representing the local Windsurfing Club and marina patrons. Mr. Wells expressed concern that those at the Marina were not being informed of reuse intentions for the Marina. He wondered if there is any consideration in leaving the existing Marina in the Morale, Welfare and Recreation side of the Army. Mr. Wells also requested if there is an addition to the Marina, it be for civilian use. His other concern was for the Windsurfing community and access to Mill Creek noting that he does the windsurfing instruction for the children’s and junior clinics and the Fort Monroe youth program. He stated Mill Creek is the only place they have to get the children into the water either on windsurfers or small sailboats and if it is closed up because of new building, it would be another service to the community that is lost. Mr. Phillip Paul - 1490 A.M., WLRT Radio in Hampton, was representing himself. Mr. Paul asked if there was a reporter present from the Daily Press and it was noted personnel were present. He noted that prior to the meeting he surveyed the audience to see who was represented and concluded that there was a viable team, a lot of special interest groups but very few private citizen. Mr. Paul stated that the conclusion surprised him since the private citizens were the ones who would benefit or not benefit from what he had to say today or in the future. He pointed out a Letter to the Editor in the Editorial Section of the newspaper by Tom Gear on Saturday, June 16, 2007, with scathing remarks and accusations. Mr. Paul hoped some of those points would be addressed during the meeting. There being no other names on the sign in sheet, Chairman Bryant asked if there were others. Mr. Whitcomb asked to speak. Mr. Adrian Whitcomb – representing himself. Mr.Whitcomb noted he is an avid reader of the editorial section of the Daily Press and passed out a copy appearing in the Monday, June 11, 2007, paper commending James City and Isle of Wight for setting aside large tracts of land for the opportunity for future recreation. This article prompted him to write an editorial that appeared on June 16, 2007. As a Hampton native he reflected the tremendous changes in the last 40 years and noted FMFADA had a golden opportunity to designate Fort Monroe as land for a large water front park before property gets too expensive. He urged FMFADA members to consult the public and do the best thing, not to subdivide it for housing but to make it a historical and recreational park for everyone. Editorials are attached. Mr. Allen Melton - President of the Peninsula Concert Band and representing local bands. Mr. Melton surmised there were probably a lot of music enthusiasts present who, like himself, will hate to see the Continental Army Band leave the base. He revealed that there are five or six major performing bands, all community bands, on the Peninsula who would like to organize and even ask guest bands, to continue the Thursday night concerts. If there is to be any kind of reuse park at Fort Monroe, he questioned “What is a park without a band concert?” Mr. Melton asked that FMFADA not forget his band and noted they would learn the 1812 Overture with cannon. He will stay tuned to what FMFADA is doing. The Chairman concluded Public Comments. V. REPORTS AND BRIEFINGS (Continuation) See Attachments. Summaries and printed presentations are included in the Appendices. Next Steps for the Reuse Plan. Chairman Bryant provided a recap of presentations at the meeting in order to prompt a discussion with the FMFADA members on what future actions needs to be taken. He noted the Economic Analysis is preliminary and mainly a commercial and residential real estate analysis. There was not much done on the tax generation potential, there was nothing done on job creation potential, nothing done on income flow, and very little on building uses, noting they are very important for us to better understand in regards to economic sustainability. He noted economic sustainability is the driving force before us. Chairman Bryant also emphasized that the “Draft” Reuse Plan that was before FMFADA is residentially driven and that all three versions are relatively the same. There was concern that we need more information about commercial uses and what may happen to the National Historical Landmark. It was also noted that the plan seemed more design driven than function driven. Concluding that he thought these were some of the things he heard, he remarked it could cost $15 million or more as we do development going forward. Chairman Bryant asked that consultants make revisions of the Reuse Plan with focus less on residential and more on alternatives, explaining we need a baseline for comparison purposes and something that looks more like the current Fort Monroe. Secondly, he requested a version that is more commercially driven, citing job creation, tax flow and economic sustainability of broader enterprise. Noting we have a very good inventory of what the buildings are, his third request was that we have more detail on buildings themselves, how to use them, as well as the level of intensity (the who, how and for what). At this time Secretary Bryant opened the floor for discussion by Board Members. 1. Dr. Bryant reminded members we also heard from the public that FMFADA should consider a National Park and he would address his comment to the Department of Interior. Secretary Bryant reiterated that on June 5, 2007, a letter had been sent to Secretary Drake and she in turn asked for the Reconnaissance Study from the National Park Service They are in the process of preparing to do the study. 2. Mr. Harper referenced Option 1 of the Draft Reuse Plan noting he believes it preserves Fort Monroe as it is today and urged that FMFADA members look at it in detail and understand what it says. He also referenced the corporate and commercial use of the facilities that he believes can be tied in for use with the existing properties. He pointed out that the issue needs support to market the opportunities here at Fort Monroe. He also stressed the attractiveness of the Communication Infrastructure System stating it is so robust that it, itself, will be an attractive asset for businesses, particularly large defense businesses. 3. Secretary Wagner asked what might be permissible for reconfiguring historical buildings for useable corporate businesses. She noted we needed to check on what is permitted early in the process. 4. Dr. Charles Sapp, Hampton City Council, cautioned that we really need to take an inventory of what we have so we can talk with people; he felt there are many that do not know what a Communications Backbone is. He also acknowledged that the comment on permissible reconfiguration of historical buildings was a point well taken. Concluding Dr. Sapp noted that the timeline of February 1, 2008, when the Governor signs off on the Reuse Plan, is really only a few months off and FMFADA really needs to hustle. 5. Ms. Gilliam noted the study is still very preliminary and encouraged that we do our background research. She has worked on planning committees for historic campuses and feels with more historic analysis we will find we can do more inside a building than we might think we can; she liked the referenced analogy of Fort Monroe to a college campus. Ms. Gilliam emphasized the first step is to get a rock solid, thoroughly done, historic preservation plan because as a key element in a larger master plan. 6. Mr. Thompson agreed the process is not going to be simple because there are so many points of view. He agreed an economic feasibility study and an economic analysis are important in what we do, noting that filling the site up with office buildings that may be vacant for 20 years may not be the thing to do. Mr. Thompson emphasized we need to have an accurate assessment of what kind of users are out there. 7. Chairman Bryant: Following up, the Chairman noted they would probably be having recurring side-line discussions with the Hampton Roads Economic Partnership and the Economic Development Partnership. Chairman Bryant emphasized they know what corporate America is looking for and what is out there. 8. Dr. Kanata Jackson agreed with Secretary Bryant’s summary and noted the clock is ticking, stating that some imagination and creativity needs to be brought to Hampton Roads. Chairman Bryant agreed with Dr. Jackson, it is a very good Draft Reuse Plan but we do need to fill in the gaps on economic assessments and varying levels of intensities. VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS. Bylaws Subcommittee. Mr. Thomas Thompson, Chairman of the Bylaws Subcommittee, stated the subcommittee met prior to this meeting and made further revisions. Revisions included:
Although not in the Bylaws, Chairman Thompson noted that in the case of a Board Member/Cabinet Secretary being absent, yet sending a representative, the representative would have the authority to vote during the meeting. There being no required action at this time, Chairman Thompson suggested these revised Bylaws again be circulated among members and voted on at the next meeting. FMFADA Chairman Bryant reiterated that because no action is required today, the Bylaws would be voted on at the next meeting. He noted the website is still not up and running but hoped it would be soon. Bylaws will be available to the public via website as soon as possible or in printed form to those who request a copy. Board Members will be provided copies through e-mail or in hard copy as soon as available. B. Executive Director Search Subcommittee. Chairman Bryant noted that Delegate Phil Hamilton is the Chairman of the Executive Director Search Subcommittee and is in Richmond chairing a legislative meeting. The subcommittee has received some solicitations; however, the job description has not been finalized and the position has not been advertised. Ms. Elizabeth Kersey of the City of Hampton will provide staffing. Secretary Bryant thanked the City of Hampton for making her available and Ms. Kersey personally for her services. C. Discussion and Action of FY08 Operating Budget. Mr. Dan Timberlake, Virginia Deputy Secretary of Finance, provided copies of the FY08 Draft Annual Budget, first presented at the May meeting, and discussed some questioned items. FMFADA did pass an interim budget for funds in May 2007 for ten (10) days in May and the month of June 2007; those funds are being made available for expenses incurred prior to July 1, 2007. Mr. Timberlake explained the budget now before FMFADA is for FY08 funds that run from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008, noting the list remains as shown last month. He explained the $25,000 earmarked in June 2007, for the Executive Director search, was not used and requested that those freed up funds be redirected into the July 2007 budget for the wiring for computers and purchasing of office furniture and furnishings for the new FMFADA office building. Mr. Timberlake also emphasized that more research needed to be done to quantify budget figures, since the budget is the foundation for grant requests for additional Federal funds. Since these new issues appeared, Mr. Timberlake recommended we only vote on the July 2008 budget and wait until more research has been completed to vote next month on the overall FY08 budget. The two items up for action were the adjustment of $25,000 and the adoption of the July 2007 budget only. Chairman Bryant called for a motion that was moved by Mr. Thompson that we vote only on the one month budget of July 2007 and to redirect $25,000 in the June 2007 budget to July 2008 budget for operating expenses. The motion was seconded and there being no discussion, the motion passed unanimously. D. Report on Insurance. Mr. Timberlake remained at the podium to ensure that members understood what was discussed last month concerning insurance. He explained it is an officers’ and director’s liability policy and the Commonwealth is the provider for the insurance that costs from $900 to $1,000 for the year. It provides for $1,000,000 coverage per occurrence, but does not include legal expenses because legal expenses are cover with NEPCAP. There are no major significant exclusions and it is one of the best liability insurance policies you can find. There were no questions or comments following Mr. Timberlake’s report on insurance. E. Action of the Cooperative Agreement between the City of Hampton and the Fort Monroe FADA. (2:34:16) Chairman Bryant advised members that the Cooperation Agreement between the City of Hampton and Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority was before them and up for adoption. It is a straight forward standard document between the City with the City acting as the fiscal agent, doing budget, finance and accounting. The FMFADA will make reports back to the City on the Reuse Plan and there is a 60-day agreement, if either party wants to dissolve the agreement. Secretary Wagner moved that the Cooperative Agreement between the City of Hampton and FMFADA be adopted. The motion was seconded and unanimously passed. Chairman Bryant noted they would proceed with getting signatures. (2:35:29) VII. EXTENDED PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Bryant then asked if there was anyone who wanted to make public comments on any action or discussion presented today. Mr. Jack Gergely suggested that Dover Kohl, in addition to their residential plan, look into the possibility of a commercial plan and a parks and recreational plan and then do an economical analysis of all three, coming up with a joint mixture at the end. Chairman Bryant replied that is the path we are headed down. There being no other comments the Chairman brought the extended public comments to a close. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Secretary Baskerville suggested that a physical tour of the property be arranged so Board Members could better understand the scope of Fort Monroe. Chairman Bryant thought that would be an excellent idea and asked that Ms. Hunt arrange a tour, possibly for the morning of our next meeting. B. Noting the security precautions at Fort Monroe, Ms. Conover Hunt, Interim Executive Director, reminded members to get decals for their automobiles so they would have easier access to the post. Anyone needing paperwork was asked to see her. She also welcomed visitors to the new office. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Bryant thanked Colonel Evans for serving as host, noting that his assistance was very much appreciated. There being no other comments Chairman Bryant adjourned the meeting at 3:50 p.m. ____________________________ The Honorable Mamie E. Locke Secretary APPENDIX I Briefings A. Update on the Homeless Screening Process and HUD. Mr. David Knisely of Garrity and Knisely provided an update on the complex Homeless Screening Process and HUD. He noted there is a preliminary draft timeline in the packet and that he will be working closely with Ms. Hunt and State and City staff in refining the timeline and will discuss it in more detail at the July meeting. The property screening process goes to accommodate for the needs of the homeless and applies to Federal surplus property, not to reversionary property; a subject addressed by Steve Owens at the last meeting. Mr. Knisely stated the screening process has been completed and there is a very good foundation. He said a letter had been sent to the Interim Executive Director anticipating that the FMFADA may want to ask DOD for a 9-month extension. Chairman Bryant asked if the extension would damage our place in the BRAC process. Mr. Knisely reiterated that while other actions do not have to stop, aggressive work will be needed on this item. Mr. Knisely emphasized the importance of next month’s meeting when he would be providing a much more detailed update. Questions and Comments: Mr. Harper asked how we make sure we are talking to the right homeless provider in the area. Mr. Knisely responded that an extensive outreach program was done, two workshops instead of one as required by law, noting that one particular organization with comprehensive knowledge of the needs of the area homeless, was selected. Mr. Knisely noted that the City of Hampton did an impressive job with the screening process. Dr. Bryant noted he was on an advisory board for the City of Hampton on the homeless and that a large percentage (27%) of the homeless in Hampton is veterans. He explained there is a major gap between the homeless, mainly the veterans, and permanent housing. Dr. Bryant encouraged FMFADA to consider the needs of the homeless veterans in the area when planning for the future and noted there would be a Military Affairs Committee meeting on July 9, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. at which time people there would be addressing these kinds of problems. He stressed the point to look out for the needs of our veterans. B. Overview of the Draft Reuse Plan. Mr. Keith Cannady, Chief Planner, City of Hampton and Margaret Flippen, Dover Kohl and Partners, provided a presentation on the Draft Reuse Plan. A CD of the briefing and handout was also placed in member’s packets. The Board was encouraged to review the CD and to ask questions. Overview is on file. Questions and Comments: 1. The Chairman asked what went into the economic analysis and Ms. Flippen explained they split the analysis between two companies: Blount Hunter of Norfolk looked at the current conditions of office, retail and lodging while Zimmerman/Volk performed a more detailed target housing market analysis. The overall analysis was a real estate or conceptual analysis. 2. Ms. Catherine Gilliam asked what was done in regards to a full historic preservation plan by Hanbury Evans. Ms. Flippen explained that they began with documents that currently exist on Fort Monroe, the Integrated Cultural Resource Management Plan as well as the Haram Historical Architectural Review and Maintenance Plan. She noted that the category 1-, 2- and 3-buildings have been preserved in their plan but that they did not go building to building. 3. Dr. Jackson asked at what point in the reuse plan process the concerns from the community were entered into their incorporated overall plan. Ms. Flippen reflected that community concerns were incorporated into their overall plan in many previous meetings and, they see the community input as a continuing process; it is not done yet. She assured Dr. Jackson that every document is marked “Draft” and they would like to continue to get community input. 4. Dr. Lett asked if there were any significant changes since the November 2006 report was made to the Steering Committee and public and this latest revision. Ms. Flippen replied that after November they met with the Hampton FADA several times and received guidance of public community and there is now more added information included on the history of Fort Monroe as a resort destination. She also noted they had met with the Chamberlin owners on what to do with their waterfront property adjacent to their building and their building program. Mr. Cannady concluded by stating detailing was added after receiving more information. 5. Mr. Crouch noted that one of the concerns heard in public comment was that all three of these scenarios are largely residentially based. He wondered if there were fourth and fifth scenarios that included other concepts that were not as residential dependent. Ms. Flippen explained after looking at the existing structures of the buildings they did not want to add a new technology park. The decision for residential was based on the market and they did not want to change the character and fabric of Fort Monroe, so they continued that tradition of town buildings. Mr. Crouch asked as we move forward and possibly entertain other concepts, what Dover Kohl had in their archives that can be used as tools for that broader thinking. Ms. Flippen noted the best resource is the preliminary economic studies that have been done, that they are a strong foundation for the future plan generation and they would be happy to provide as much information as possible. 6. Mr. Cannady noted it was a good point, that Fort Monroe is a community with small buildings, small blocks and small streets so what you want to see is a new neighborhood that reflects that physical ambiance which looks to most people like a residential neighborhood or a college campus. She explained it does not all have to be residential, it can be residential, office and retail uses. The plan is fairly loose on use but fairly strict on the type of development because the goal is to preserve the character of Fort Monroe and the types of buildings that are here. 7. Mr. Harper noted that there are numerous data banks that have various comments of the public’s desire for Fort Monroe and he reminded everyone that the foundation of the plan was a very public process in which input from the community was the basis of the Dover Kohl plan. 8. Secretary Baskerville asked about the economic data and Ms. Flippen replied that the economic data was in a series of appendixes and Appendix E specifically addresses her concerns. C. Reuse Plan: Historic Preservation Considerations (Presentation was handed out at meeting) Mr. Marc Holma, Virginia Department of Historic Resources and the Army Liaison at DHR, spoke on Historic Preservation Considerations, noted his briefing dealt with general preservation principles, then builds up those principles in detail on how the current plan supports the principles or where improvements can be made. Questions and Comments: 1. Mr. Harper noted that part of FMFADA’s responsibility is to look at the sustainability question and determine to the best of our ability, how to sustain these historic buildings. He questioned who would bear the costs, the public, the State or Federal governments or revenue produced by any of the suggestions addressed. 2. Mrs. Gilliam noted that during Mr. Holma’s presentation he had referred to “this and that” happening, referencing his concern about the parking garage. Mr. Holma assured her that their plan is just a “Draft” and that he was referring to general concerns as they are proposed now. Ms. Gilliam also stated that in her employment capacity she is involved in the 106 Process that is a very critical process and she was not sure others were aware of the process. It is her view that everybody has a responsibility to take it as seriously as possible. Mr. Holma agreed. D. Reuse Plan: Economic Sustainability Considerations. (Presentation Attached) Mr. Gary McLaren, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, noted their Director of Research, Mr. Robert McClendon, was also present. The EDP is charged with trying to recruit business, industry and high paying jobs into Virginia. He explained the State of Virginia gets it money through taxes from the people and from the City of Hampton’s standpoint, it is residential driven. Questions and Comments: 1. Dr. Lett questioned if the revenues from State and Federal governments had been calculated in his review of the cost per household to educate a child. Mr. McLaren stated it had not, that it was just a quick review and he had not added the debt for cost of constructing a school either. Mr. McLaren noted he has done extensive reviews in other Virginia localities and the costs have all been between 40 and 60 percent. He reiterated that residential development does not pay its way. 2. Mr. Harper asked if the Virginia Economic Development Partnership has plans to market to corporations outside of Virginia, the opportunities they may have here at Fort Monroe. Mr. McLaren replied they would be more than happy to market the property but until there is a piece of property ready to go, corporate America is not going to spend any time to look at it. 3. Secretary Wagner, for the benefit of FMFADA, asked if Mr. McLaren could give a sense of the kind of things headquarters are looking for when they consider to move. Mr. McLaren stated the transportation factor, ability to get flights in and out of the area, quality of life, education and cultural opportunities were some of those things. He also noted that the shipping accessibility and the fact that we have global ports was another factor to draw a headquarters. Concluding, he referenced a company’s recent move to Richmond who selected the river area verses the suburbs affirming Fort Monroe would be an ideal corporate location. E. Existing Facilities at Fort Monroe: Capital Improvement Plan. (Presentation was handed out at June meeting) The Chairman acknowledged Colonel Evans, Fort Monroe Garrison Commander, and welcomed him as part of the team. Colonel Evans thanked the FMFADA for having the opportunity and privilege of being part of the process. He introduced Mr. Robert Edwards, Director Resource Management & BRAC Team Leader, Fort Monroe and explained his briefing would concern the sustainability and maintenance of Fort Monroe. Questions and Comments: 1. The Chairman asked if there were any big ticket items that would be inherited. Mr. Edwards replied that because of Hurricane Isabel there probably would not be any big items because most have been repaired. The HVAC system would be the biggest continual maintenance item. 2. Dr. Ellis asked who has the responsibility of cleaning up ordnance. The Chairman noted it is the Army’s responsibility and FMFADA is discussing the ongoing issue with the Army. The law prohibits the State from accepting land that is contaminated. |