HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/20/2017 - Minutes The Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County
Roanoke County Administration Center
4t1' Floor Training Room
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke,Virginia 24018
Minutes
Wednesday,December 20,2017
The Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County,Virginia met this day at the
Roanoke County Administration Center.
Members Present
Chairman-Steve Musselwhite
Vice Chairman-Woody Windley
Greg.Apostolou
Max Beyer
Kirtesh Patel
Leon McGhee
Kyle Richardson
Steve Anderson
Ssunny Shah
Jill Loope, Secretary-Treasurer
Ruth Ellen Kuhnel, Counsel
Glenna Ratcliffe,Recording Clerk
Members Absent
None
Guest
Evan Malone,Financial Analyst; Frank Smith,President& CEO of Roanoke Broadband
Authority
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Steve Musselwhite determined.a quorum was established and called the meeting to
order at 9:00 a.m.
REQUEST TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
ITEMS
None
{
Page 2
December 20,2017
Economic Development Authority Minutes
APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 15, 2017 MINUTES
A motion was made by Max Beyer and second by Kirtesh Patel to approve the minutes of the
November 15, 2017 meeting as written. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote -
FINANCE REPORT
Evan Malone, Financial Analyst, reviewed the information provided on the condensed financial
report for four months ending November 30, 2017and reviewed activities for the month of
November.
The financial report was accepted and approved by consensus.
BRIEFING
Ms. Loope introduced Frank Smith, President and CEO of Roanoke Valley Broadband
Authority, who gave a presentation on the Authority's progress. Mr. Smith provided an
introduction of the RVBA and reviewed the value chain for the Authority and the community.
He stated the Authority was created for the community by the community to serve the
underserved. A copy of the presentation is attached for review.
Ms. Loope pointed out the EDA adopted a resolution in support of the RVBA October 16, 2014.
In response to a query by Greg Apostolou regarding the use of Optical Cable's products,Mr.
Smith stated that Optical Cable is used for the last mile to buildings. He also stated they would
like to work with Cox Communications but there is currently no interconnection.
After further discussion, Ms. Loope thanked Mr. Smith for his presentation.
CLOSED MEETING
At 9:43 a.m.,Kirtesh Patel moved to go into closed session,pursuant to the Code of Virginia
Section 2.2-3711 A(5)Discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the
expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of
the business' or industry's interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community. The
motion was seconded by Ssunny Shah and carried by the following recorded vote.
Page 3
December 20,2017
Economic Development Authority Minutes
AYES: Kirtesh Patel,Woody Windley, Ssunny Shah,Steve Anderson,Max Beyer, Greg
Apostolou, Leon McGhee,Kyle Richardson, and Woody Windley
NAYS: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
The closed meeting was held from 9:43 a.m. until 10:01 a.m.
Certifying the closed meeting was held in conformity with the Code of Virginia
WHEREAS,the Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened
a closed meeting on December 20,2017 pursuant to an affirmation-recorded vote and in
accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
WHEREAS,the public business matters addressed in the closed meeting were exempt from the
open meeting requirements,pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 A(5) discussion concerning a
prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no
previous announcement has been made of the business' or industry's interest in locating or
expanding its facilities in the community. Section §2.2-3712(D)of the Code of Virginia
requires a certification by the Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County, Virginia,
that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with the Virginia Code.
NOW THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,that the Economic Development Authority of
Roanoke County, Virginia,hereby certifies that,to the best of each members knowledge only
such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were
heard, discussed or considered by the Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County,
Virginia
At 10:01 a.m., Ssunny Shah moved to return to open session and adopt the certification, seconded by
Woody Windley. The motion was filed and carried by unanimous voice vote.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Ms. Loope gave an update on the following activities and projects:
The Economic Development Department received an EDGE Grant from American Electric
Power Company in the amount of $15,000 to be used for website redesign and technology
overhaul.
The Economic Development Department recently received re-accreditation by the IEDC, noting
he department has been accredited for 13 years. A press release will be issued soon.
Page 4
December 20,2017
Economic Development Authority Minutes
In response to a query by Greg Apostolou, Ms. Loope stated Lidl Grocery has stopped
construction in multiple locations across the county, not just Roanoke County. The company
will not comment on their current or future status at this time.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled January 17, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. in the 4th Floor Training Room of
the Roanoke County Administration Building. However, Steve Musselwhite stated he would be
out of town on that date. The meeting will be rescheduled as this is the Annual Meeting. A
tentative date of January 24th is being considered.
ADJOURMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Loope,
Secretary-Treasurer