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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/17/2019 - Minutes The Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County Roanoke County Administration Center 4TH Floor Training Room,,5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke,Virginia 24018 Minutes Wednesday,April 17,2019,the Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the Roanoke County Administration Center Members Present Steve Musselwhite, Chairman Greg Apostolou Kyle Richardson (arrived at 9:30). Max Beyer Michael Cagle Steve Anderson Ruth Ellen Kuhnel, Counsel Jill Loope, Secretary-Treasurer Glenna Ratcliffe, Recording Clerk Members Absent - Woody Windley Kirtesh Patel Ssunny Shah Guest Rebecca.Owens, Assistant County Administrator;Laurie Gearheart, Acting Director of Finance; Jay Brenchick, Economic Development Manager; Evan Malone, Financial Analyst with the Department of Finance CALL TO ORDER Chairman Steve Musselwhite called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.; however, was unable to establish a quorum at this time. Chairman Musselwhite questioned if a member could attend an EDA meeting by telephone, conference call or other electronic means. In response to Chairman Musselwhite's query, Ms. - Kuhnel, EDA Counsel, stated this would require an amendment to the By-Laws as this is not an option in the current By-Laws. Chairman Musselwhite asked.if Ms: Kuhnel would review this option and bring the amendment to the next meeting for discussion and/or adoption of a resolution to.include attending a meeting by telephone,conference call or other electronic means. Page2of6 April 17,2019 Economic Development Authority Minutes REQUEST TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA ITEMS Because of the absence of a quorum,the order of the agenda was amended allowing Jay Brenchick to provide a PowerPoint presentation updating the Board on Workforce Development Initiatives. Mr. Brenchick reviewed programs including Get2KnowNoke, Virginia Career Works, Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VEDP)and the Department of Labor and Industry Apprenticeship Program. These programs are provided through partnerships with Hollins University,Virginia Tech,"V WCC, Roanoke College,Roanoke Regional Partnership, the Department of Labor and Industry and Roanoke County Public Schools. The Roanoke Regional Partnership recently launched Get2KnowNoke.com, a professional development resource for job seekers. Divided into Work, Play,and Live sections,the site uses real people and businesses:throughout the region to tell our community's story. Get2KnowNoke.com is specifically designed for job seekers who understand that you're not just climbing the ladder, you're choosing a community to call home. Erin Burcham, Roanoke Regional Partnership Director of Talent Solutions, along with partners with the same goals are working to attract and develop talent. (See attached flyer) Hollins University,through the Institute for Entrepreneurial Learning (IEL), fosters creative and innovative thinking across all disciplines. One of the distinguishing attributes of IEL is that students in all majors and minors at Hollins can take advantage of professional alliances within the Roanoke Valley's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The.Advancement Foundation, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, RAMP (Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program), Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, and Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center are among the organizations participatin g. Through the Hire Hollins Event,the University is pushing for unique and different programs to further workforce development efforts. This program connects students and businesses with an entire day committed to helping students and businesses understand each other; a time for employer-talent showcase featuring a mix of mentoring,networking and;recruiting. Roanoke College plans similar programs as Hollins University and Virginia Tech. Virginia Western,Community College begins a course (GIG)to enable you to "bootstrap"your way into successful business rather than undertaking significant financial risk. This course will help you learn to identify problems, find solutions and make customer connections and is designed for those who like short term work and short-term contracts such as marketing, B &B ventures and Uber(short term jobs). (See attached Flyer) NOTE: Mr. Richardson arrived"at the meeting at 9:30 and the Chairman was able to confirm a quorum at this time. Page 3 of 6 April 17,2019 Economic Development Authority Minutes Virginia Career Works: Blue Ridge Region handles recruitment, screening and funding resources for businesses. Federal grants are available to defray cost related to apprenticeships. GoVA funding is available for regional student career fairs and for a comprehensive CTE study. Roanoke County Public Schools—Career and Technical Education..Programs include the business leader's visitation program and career fairs, future professionals program(all high schools), and three registered apprenticeship showcases(rolling out system-wide and regionally), teacher recertification program, and a new Certified nursing Assistant Program. Mr. Brenchick reviewed the Registered Apprenticeships. (See attached PowerPoint Presentation) Mr. Beyer questioned if there is a program for Veterans. Mr. Brenchick stated representatives cover Richmond, Harrisonburg and Roanoke. A Career fair was held on April 16th by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce. Kyle Richardson stated school systems should look at models in Switzerland as they begin career education at an early age to determine interest and talent in anticipation of their workforce interest. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 20,2019 MINUTES On motion by Max Beyer to approve the minutes of February 20, 2019 as presented, seconded by Steve Anderson,the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. FINANCE REPORT Evan Malone,Financial Analyst for the Department of Finance,reviewed the information provided on the financial report for the month ending March 31,2019. On motion by Mike Cagle to accept and approve the financial report as presented, seconded by Kyle Richardson, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Evan Malone presented and reviewed the FY 2020 Budget. On motion by Greg Apostolou to accept and approve the proposed budget, seconded by Mike Cagle, the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. OLD BUSINESS Consideration of Amendments to the Authority's Fee Schedule and Rules and Procedures for Revenue bond Applications. In October of 2018,the EDA adopted a Fee Schedule and Rules and Procedures for Revenue Bond Applications. In a subsequent meeting, the adopted fee was reduced (as is allowed on a case-by case basis)to 1/16 of 1%at the request of Richfield Living. After reviewing the Fee Schedule and Rules and Procedures adopted confirming an application fee of$1,200 and an administrative fee Page 4 of 6 April 17,2019 Economic Development Authority Minutes of 1/8 of 1% annual amount to be applied to the principal amount of bonds outstanding,members felt it would be advantageous to take another look at the process and requested the Director of Finance to provide more detailed information related to boundaries and IRB Fee comparisons of surrounding jurisdictions. (See attached chart). Acting Director of Finance Lori Gearheart presented a chart outlining more detailed information regarding the IRB Fee comparisons of surrounding jurisdictions and fee applied by other jurisdictions such as closing fees and one-time administrative fees. The annual administrative fee for Roanoke County is 1/8 of 1%,the maximum allowed by the state code;however,the EDA could lower this fee on a case-by-case basis. Ms.Owens stated the current policy provides flexibility; however, neighboring jurisdictions have a fee structure of 1/16 of 1%. She stated an amended policy could be brought back before the Board for approval if this is something the Board would like to consider. Ms. Kuhnel, Counsel to the EDA, pointed out the fees listed on the chart for the surrounding jurisdictions do not reflect the negotiated deal and the County does not want to appear to favor certain companies when a deal is negotiated. In response to a query by Mr. Richardson,Ms. Owens stated revenues are generated from this fee; however, less is realized during the first year. Mr. Mussselwhite pointed out that less revenue is made on a 501(C) 3 business because they pay less taxes; therefore, less comes back to the County. Companies such as Richfield 501(c) 3 pay less taxes and also have more need of County services such as Fire and Rescue. Steve Anderson asked if this would be economy driven. Wouldn't companies know the rate is flexible? It was pointed out that 1/8 of 1% is not competitive with the market. After discussion, Ms. Owens stated the Policy amendment will be brought back to the next meeting. Mr. Musselwhite asked to bring back to the Board for consideration a rate amendment of 1/16 of 1%which is competitive with the City of Roanoke. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES Ms. Loope gave the following updates: Joint Meeting with the EDA and Board of Supervisors There will be a joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors on June 12,2018 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. All EDA Members should be in attendance. Also, the Airport Commission has a work session with the Board that day so staff will notify the EDA of their specific time on the agenda, which could be later than 3:00 p.m. Page 5 of 6 April 17,2019 Economic Development Authority Minutes Richfield Living ground breaking There will be a ground breaking for Richfield Living on May 1st at 10 am. This announcement will be forwarded to members as they are encouraged to attend. William Byrd Apartments Ms. Loope stated Hall & Associates have been chosen as the leasing agent for the William Byrd Apartments,"The Billy Byrd"in Vinton. The grand opening date is scheduled for May 7,2019. Rosie's Gaming Emporium Rosie's Gaming Emporium in Vinton with areas for retail, dining and satellite wagering is scheduled to open prior to Kentucky Derby Day, the date and time to be announced soon. There will be a VIP opening for staff The Bank of Botetourt Bank of Botetourt is pleased to announce they are opening a limited service office at Springwood Park, 3232 Electric Road. The Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for Friday,June 7 at 9 am. The Metis Building The 165,000 SF facility,the former Allstate building,was purchased in April of 2017 by Metis, a local leader in insurance and risk management services,to accommodate the company's growth and is a significant advancement for Roanoke County's economy. Metis has grown from a staff of 25 to more than 125 employees in the last ten years, and the new multi-tenant building provides an opportunity for the company to continue their growth in a highly visible, high demand corridor of Roanoke County. The redevelopment project represents a more than $6 million investment and a projected employment of 250 people by 2019 and up to 600 people at full occupancy. A grand opening is scheduled for June 24th at 11 am. Re-Imagine Oak Grove The draft plan reveal for Re-imagine Oak Grove is scheduled for Thursday, May 2 from 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Ms. Loope stated hopefully all of the area plans including Hollins and 419 should be adopted by the end of the year. Page 6 of 6 April 17,2019 Economic Development Authority Minutes Greg Apostolou asked about the merger of.Economic Development and Community Development Departments. Ms.Loope stated this will be discussed at the joint meeting with EDA and the Board of Supervisors on June 12th. ADJOURNMENT On motion by Mr. Cagle and second by Mr. Shah, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Jill Loope Secretary-Treasurer