HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/24/2023 - Minutes The Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, May 24, 2023, the Economic Development Authority met at the Roanoke
County Administration Center
Members Present
Woody Windley, Chair
Greg Apostolou
Don Sowder
Kyle Richardson
Ssunny Shaw
Steve Anderson
Michael Cagle
Megan Baker, Secretary-Treasurer
Peter Lubek, Counsel
Absent
Barry Thompson
Kirtesh Patel
Guests
Jessica Beamer, Assistant Director of Finance and Management Services
Karli Foster, Economic Development Specialist, Roanoke County
Phillip Thompson, Planning Director
Marshall Stanley, Economic Development Specialist, Town of Vinton
Pete Peters, Town Manager, Town of Vinton
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Woody Windley called the meeting to order at 9:00 am
REQUEST TO POSTPONE, ADD OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA ITEMS
Megan Baker requested the Authority add an introduction of Karli Foster after the Call to Order
and change New Business to Briefings since no formal action would need to be taken.
APPROVAL OF APRIL 19, 2023 MINUTES
On motion by Michael Cagle to approve minutes of April 19, 2023, seconded by Steve
Anderson; the motion carried by unanimous vote.
APPROVAL OF MAY 3, 2023 MINUTES
On motion by Don Sowder to approve minutes of May 3, 2023, seconded by Michael Cagle, the
motion carried by unanimous vote.
FINANCE REPORT
1. Financial Report through April 30, 2023
Jessica Beemer, Assistant Director of Finance and Management Services, reviewed the
statements of revenues, expenditures, and changes in the fund balances ending April 30,
2023. The current available cash balance is $609,379.
On motion by Steve Anderson to accept and approve the financial report as presented,
seconded by Ssunny Shaw, the motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Town of Vinton grant programs
Marshall Stanley presented an overview of changes the Town of Vinton would like to make
to its Change of Use and Downtown Facade Grant Programs. They would like to expand the
geographic boundary to include portions of the Walnut Avenue corridor and portions of the
western side of S. Poplar Street from Jefferson Avenue to E. Madison Avenue for the
Downtown Façade Grant Program. They would also like to augment the Change of Use
Grant Program to also allow already commercial-use properties to qualify, as well, to allow
eligible funds to be used for engineering costs.
The EDA supports these changes. Megan Baker shared that the County will review its grant
programs as well.
2. Retail Study
Megan Baker presented an overview of the retail study. The Department is working with
Roanoke City and Salem to pursue a retail study. The study would provide a better
understanding of the retail landscape and create and implement a retail recruitment plan.
CLOSED SESSION
The present Authority Directors unanimously voted to meet in closed session, pursuant to
Section 2.2-3711(A)(5) of the Code of Virginia, to discuss the expansion of two existing
businesses or industries that are located in the County of Roanoke, where no previous
announcement has been made of the business's or industry's interest in expanding its facilities
in the community. Specifically, these business expansions are anticipated to take place in the
Catawba and Hollins Magisterial Districts.
Upon return to open meeting, the directors unanimously certified, pursuant to Section 2.2-
3712(D) of the Code of Virginia, that in the closed session just concluded, nothing was
discussed except the matter or matters which were identified in the motion to convene in closed
session, and that only those matters lawfully permitted to be discussed under the Virginia
Freedom of Information Act were discussed.
REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF THE BOARD MEMBERS
Greg Apastolou updated the Board on various business topics including Southern Team
Hyundai in Hollins is under construction and that Hollins University is tearing down apartments.
He also shared that the Hardees located on Williamson Road is currently vacant and available.
Don Sowder shared that the BMW dealership has moved locations.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Ssunny Shaw, and seconded by Michael Cagle, the meeting was adjourned at
10:12 a.m.
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING
Megan Baker stated the next meeting would be June 21, 2023
Respectfully Submitted,
Megan Baker
Secretary-Treasurer