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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/19/2022 - Minutes The Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County In Person Meeting Minutes Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Wednesday, October 19, 2022, the Economic Development Authority and the Planning Commission of Roanoke County, Virginia met for a joint meeting at the Roanoke County Administration Center MEMBERS PRESENT Woody Windley, Chair Michael Cagle, Vice-Chair Greg Apostolou Ssunny Shah Max Beyer Jill Loope, Secretary-Treasurer Peter Lubeck, Counsel ABSENT Kirtesh Patel Kyle Richardson Barry Thompson Steve Anderson PLANNING COMMISSION PRESENT Rick James Jim Woltz Wayne Bower Kelly McMurray GUESTS Nathan McClung, Assistant Planning Director Town of Vinton, Philip Thompson, Planning Director, Megan Cronise, Assistant Director of Planning, Alex Jones, Planner, Catherine Hall, Finance Manager, Joe Zielinski, Economic Development, Marshall Stanley, Economic Development, David Anderson, Timmons Group and Allison Fay, Recording Clerk. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Woody Windley called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and welcomed the Roanoke County Planning Commission and thank them for attending this joint meeting. REQUEST TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA ITEMS No changes. Page 2 of 4 October 19, 2022 Economic Development Authority Minutes APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 MINUTES On motion by Woody Windley to approve the minutes of September 15, 2022, seconded by Ssunny Shah, the motion"carried by unanimous voice vote. FINANCE REPORT Ms. Catherine Hall, Finance Manager reviewed the information provided in the statement of revenues, expenditures and changes in fund balances (unaudited) for the 3 months ended September 30, 2022. Ms. Hall stated there were not many changes and the available cash balance is $493,163 On motion by Greg Apostolou to accept and approve the financial report as presented, seconded by Michael Cagle, the motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS 1. Amendment to Gish Mill Performance Agreement Mr. McClung, Assistant Planning Director with the Town of Vinton, provided a PowerPoint presentation that reviewed the Gish Mill redevelopment project details, timeline of events, and the performance agreement amendment and cost details. He explained to the Board the amendment to the performance agreement was to bridge a funding gap that has developed due to an increase in labor, construction materials and interest rate adjustments. Mr. McClung stated the amended agreement is now valued up to $1,927,500 over a ten-year period. The original agreement was valued up to $1,378,750. Mr. McClung stated the Vinton Town Council voted to approve the amendment to the performance agreement at their Council meeting yesterday. Ms. Loope stated the Town of Vinton owns the structure and there is minimal risk to the County and to the EDA Board. She reminded the board that the EDA serves as the Authority representing the interests of the Town of Vinton and the board would need to vote on both the amended Performance Agreement and the Construction • and Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) Loan Agreements. On motion by Greg Apostolou to approve the Amendment to Gist Mill Performance Agreement; seconded by Michael Cagle, the motion carried unanimously. 2. Authorization to Execute Construction and. Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) loan agreements This item is to assist with construction costs for the Gish Mill project through an IRF loan from the Department of Housing and Community Development It is a DHCD requirement that the loan agreement and related funds are issued through an Economic Development Authority. Page 3 of 4 October 19, 2022 Economic Development Authority Minutes On motion by Michael Cagle to approve the Amendment to the Gish Mill Performance Agreement, seconded by Greg Apostolou, the motion carried unanimously. 9:20 am Mr. McMurray called the Planning Commission to order. 3. Presentation of the Draft Route 460 Land Use and Connectivity Study and joint meeting with the Roanoke County Planning Commission Ms. Megan Cronise, Assistant Director of Planning introduced Dave Anderson with the Timmons Group. She stated that she, Mr. Anderson and Philip Thompson, Planning Director, would be providing the presentation of the Draft Route 460 Land Use and Connectivity Study. The PowerPoint presentation reviewed previous corridor planning, funded projects, goals and process for the study to date, changes resulting from public feedback, recommended improvements and the next steps for the study. Mr. Beyer asked if the 6.5-acre area noted on the plan near the railroad was changed due to negative feedback from residents in the area. He said he feels the County and the Timmons Group may have backed off somewhat and asked how this area will be addressed in the future, noting the potential loss for future economic development opportunities. Mr. Anderson stated the site was low on the public's concern when the property was evaluated because it was not conducive for development due to access and topography concerns. The site is also very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and was just not feasible for industrial development opportunities. Mr. Apostolou asked if the Read Mountain Preserve property was involved in the connectivity study and how the area will be impacted by the project. Ms. Loope explained that the Read Mountain Preserve property that is being acquired from Mr. Bradshaw for preservation and recreation is located on Old Mountain Road, which is not in the study project area. • Ms. Cronise reviewed the location of some of the proposed projects in the corridor including the new fire station and the townhouse and multifamily project at Hunt Ridge. Mr. Thompson reviewed the next steps and discussed that his staff is working on the rezoning for the fire station. Chairman Windley asked if the County was working with the City on any of the items presented. Ms. Cronise stated that the County is working with both the City and Botetourt County and that both are agreeable with the concepts proposed in the plan. The Board and Planning Commission thanked Ms. Cronise and Mr. Anderson for the presentation. Page 4 of 4 October 19, 2022 Economic Development Authority Minutes ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES Ms. Loope announced that this will be Mr. Max Beyer 's last meeting. She thanked Mr. Beyer for his many years of service to the Board and for his many contributions in support of the County's economic development initiatives. She stated that the Board of Supervisors will be appointing a new member, Mr. Don Sowder at the next Board of Supervisors meeting. The Board thanked Mr. Beyer for his service to the EDA. Mr. Beyer stated that he was appointed to the Board in 2011 and feels like it is time to move on to other pursuits. He said he appreciates all the Board members and staff for their support throughout his time on the Board. Ms. Loope stated the new Economic Development Director was starting on Monday October 24th and County Administrator Caywood would be at the next meeting to introduce her. She said she was going to be involved with the transition of the new director and she would be helping out until the January election of EDA officers. REPORTS AN INQUIRIES OF THE BOARD MEMBERS No comments. ADJOURNMENT On motion by Michael Cagle and second by Ssunny Shah, the meeting was adjourned 10:17 a.m. NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING Ms. Loope stated she would notify the Board when the next meeting will be held in December. Respectfully submitted, __4, Jill Loope Secretary-Treasurer