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HomeMy WebLinkAbout96-21• Pul~sski • V I R G I N I A RESOLUTION 96-21 REQUESTING THE APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW RIVER VALLEY PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION AS PULASHI TOWN COUNCIL'S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE NEW CENTURY COUNCIL WHEREAS, The Pulaski Town Council has received an invitation from the New Century Council to become a Partner Organization; and, WHEREAS, The Town Council shares the same concerns as expressed by the New River Valley Planning District Commission regarding becoming a Partner Organization; and, WHEREAS, The Pulaski .',own Council has reviewed the actions of the New River Valley Planning Iistrict Commission relative to the New Century Council and is in full agreement with the direction that the Commission is taking. NOW THEREFORE, Be it resolved by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, that the Town Council endorses the letter from the Planning District Commission to the New Century Council dated June 27, 1996 (copy attached); and that Town Council should and hereby appoints the Commission as its liaison representative to the New Century Council for all future activities. This resolution is effective upon adoption and is adopted by~recorded vote of the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, on this 28th day of June, 1996 as follows: Dr. John Johnston ~ .. Bettye H. Steger <- - ~ , Lane R Penn ~ W. Edgar Hale . Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. AYe Roy K D'Ardenne Aye :: E. G. Black Absent Alma H. Holston went BY: W. H. der, Jr., Vice ayor ATTEST: • ~.~..~ ~. Ruth A Harrell, Clerk of Cqunc~ QF PULASKI • PAST OFFI~E;~QX-bbO.+ PULASKI, VIRGINIA 24301 • TELEPHONE 540480-1000 • FAX 540 • E ~~~ June 20, 1996 Mr. Thomas R. Brock, 7r., Chairman New Century Council P.O. Box 18084 Roanoke, VA 24014 Dear Mr. Brock: Thank you for the offer to become a Partner Organization with the New Century Council. As you are aware, the Commission and its staff have devoted a great number of hours assisting the Council in the formulation of its Vision. Let me assure you that Elie Planning District Commission endorses the seven vision areas as described in your letter. The vision areas represent the direction that the Commission has taken since its formation in 1969 by the region's localities. Since receiving your invitation, the Commission has devoted a significant portion of its last three meetings reviewing and discussing the organizational structure and Bylaws of the Mew Century Council to determine how they relate to the popular perception of the Council as a supportive organization with the ability to enhance the resources and support for existing organizations and programs. After discussions with representatives of the New Century Council Board and Committee Chairpersons, it appears that the Council will not be pursuing all of the 150 strategies as contained in the Vision document, only those having a significant level of support. One of the principle concerns that the commission has with the New Century Council's Bylaws is that there is no indication of a process to achieve a consensus on which strategies are to be pursued. The bylaws speak directly to the implementation of ALL of the strategies. In summary, the Commission has struggled with the following aspects of the New Century Council's Bylaws and is requesting that they be revised: 1. The committee structure and responsibilities as contained in the Bylaws. In detailing the committee structure and responsibilities, the Council is asking the Commission, and other partner organizations, to direct time and energy to the oversight of other organizations, which directly diminishes the efforts directed toward the implementation of projects aimed at achieving various visions in the New River Valley and ultimately throughout the New Century Region. 1 • 2. A number of strategies are based on achieving specific projects in specific localities rather than on the establishment of vision POLICY which is universal to the region. This seems divisive and could result in the unfruitful investment of resources. Few of the Visions encourage action by the private sector in either partnerships or in all private actions to achieve Visions. There needs to be a formal process to require Council committees to focus on universally accepted policy, strategies, and not on implementation of local or sub-New Century Region projects. Local issues should be referred to local governments, commissions, organizations, etc for follow-up action. 3. The lack of organizational and membership accountability indicatedun the Bylaws. • ,The Bylaws reveal that the number of Directors shall be eighteen, but can be increased or decreased, provided that the number shall be at least one. The minimum number of directors needs to be increased to assure that there is a significant representation on the board to make decisions on behalf of the region. In addition, there has been no provision for an annual audit of financial activities. The Planning District Commission's review of the Bylaws indicate a lack of accountability of the organization and its membership. The Planning District Commission is very aware of the importance of working in larger regions where specific circumstances offer enhanced benefits. If the Board of Directors is willing to develop an organization which addresses the above concerns and presents a clear mission and supporting organizational framework: which do not conflict with the certifications which are required for participation in various state or federal programs, and without conflicting with the resources which would otherwise be available to the citizens of the New River Valley • the Planning District Commission stands ready to assist the Board of Directors of the New Century Council in becoming a stronger voice in achieving regional goals. With the changes noted above, the Planning District Commission is willing to entertain another offer to become formally associated with the New Century Council _ 2 ___ _v _ ~v __. • The New Century Council needs to accurately reflect in its organizational documentation its corporate role and design its structure to achieve that role to allow the Commission to be an active participant in the organization. In the mean time, the Commission will continue to address implementation of projects important to the New River Valley which also may further the visions of the Council. In addition, the Commission will continue to work with the Council as peer organisations as may be mutually beneficial to the region. The Planning District Commission would consider being a liaison member of the New Century Council representing the New River Valley localities to provide a more regionai approach to participation in the Council. Thank you for the opportunity to provide this input. We appreciate the efforts you are making to develop a stronger Western Virginia. Sincerely, Joe Shelley Chairman • cc: NRV Officers, New Century Council Board of Directors Dr. Edwin Barnes Ron Chaffin Ken Anderson Bev Fitzpatrick NRV Localities • 3 __... -~