HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/15/2012 - Minutes The Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke,Virginia 24018
Minutes
Wednesday, August 15,2012,9:00 A.M.
Members Present
Chairman-Bill Branch
Woody Windley
Kirtesh Patel
Sunny Shah
Tommy Wood
Steve Musselwhite, Vice-Chairman, (Via Conference Call)
Counsel, Paul Mahoney
Secretary-Treasurer, Jill Loope
Recording Clerk, Glenna Ratcliffe
Members Absent
Greg Apostolou
Paul Henkel
Guest
Brian Carter, Finance Manager
The Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being their regularly scheduled monthly
meeting.
Call to order
Chairman, Billy Branch, called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
Introduction of New Member
Jill Loope introduced Mr. Thomas (Tommy) A. Wood, who was appointed to the Board on June
12, 2012 and will represent the Vinton Magisterial District. Mr. Wood was welcomed by each
member.
Minutes
A motion was made by Woody Windley and seconded by Sunny Shah to approve the minutes of
May 22 as written. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bill Branch,Steve Musselwhite,Kirtesh Patel,Woody Windley and Ssunny Shah
NAYS: NONE
ABSTENTION: Tommy Wood
ABSENT: Greg Apostolou and Paul Henkel
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Minutes
Finance Report
Brian Carter, Manager of Finance, presented two financial reports, one for the year ending June
31 and for the period ending July 31. Mr. Carter stated the end-of-year figures could change as
the 2012 audit is not complete; however, he does not anticipate any changes. He stated the cash
balance is currently$645,479.97.
A motion was made by Kirtesh Patel and seconded by Sunny Shah, to accept the financial report.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES: Bill Branch,Steve Musselwhite,Kirtesh Patel,Woody Windley and Ssunny Shah
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAIN: Tommy Wood
ABSENT: Greg Apostolou and Paul Henkel
Ms. Loope advised in a future meeting, she would have the Finance Manager give an in-depth
overview of the finances of the Board so that they would have a clear view of the revenue
sources as well as the expenditures. Mr. Carter stated he would be happy to give that
presentation.
CLOSED MEETING
At 9:20 a.m., Kirtesh Patel moved to go into closed session, seconded by Woody Windley,
Pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 A(29) discussion regarding the terms of
scope of a public contract where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the
bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, more specifically a performance
agreement between Roanoke County, Roanoke County Economic Development Authority and
Virginia Blue Ridge, LLC.
A motion was made by Woody Windley and seconded by Ssunny Shah to approve the Virginia
Blue Ridge LLC Performance Agreement as presented, and to authorize the Chairman to sign the
agreement on behalf of the EDA. Further, it was determined that the final details of the
agreement will be worked out between Virginia Blue Ridge LLC and Roanoke County and
presented in final form for the Chairman's signature. The motion carried as follows:
AYES: Bill Branch Kirtesh Patel,Woody Windley,Tommy Wood and Ssunny Shah
ABSTAIN: Steve Musselwhite
NAYS: NONE
ABSENT: Greg Apostolou and Paul Henkel
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Economic Development Authority
Minutes
The closed meeting was held from 9:20 a.m. until 9:50 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 August 15, 2012 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 (29), in that such matters entailed a
discussion regarding the terms of scope of a public contract where discussion in an open session
would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, more
specifically a performance agreement between Roanoke County, Roanoke County Economic
Development Authority and Virginia Blue Ridge, LLC. 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 9:50 a.m., Kirtesh Patel moved to return to open session and adopt the certification, seconded by
Sunny Shah. The motion was filed and carried by unanimous voice vote.
UPDATES
Transient Tax Increase: Ms. Loope apprised the board of the upcoming public hearing
regarding the increase in the transient occupancy tax from 5%-7%. The tax increase is to be
dedicated for use by the Convention and Visitor's Bureau to market the Roanoke Valley as a
tourism destination and would go into effect January 1, 2013.
Downtown Vinton Facade Grant: Ms. Loope advised she is currently working with the Town
of Vinton to expand the boundaries of the Downtown Vinton Façade Grant Program. She stated
the fund will soon be fully funded to include a 50-50 match contribution by Roanoke County and
the Town of Vinton, each contributing $10,000. The fund currently has a total of$15,000;
however, Vinton has been invoiced for the remaining $5,000 so the total amount in the fund will
be$20,000. Staff is in agreement with the recommendation to expand the boundaries of the
program.
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Virginia Tech's Catawba Sustainabilty Center: Ms. Loope gave a brief overview of the
Catawba Sustainability Center and explained that the new Locavore Directory (buy local, eat
local) will soon be available for distribution by area businesses. She stated a new manager was
recently hired for the CSC, Mr. Josh Neese. Mr. Neese will oversee all aspects of the
university's work related to the center and will manage the center operations and work closely
with individuals who utilize the center to help them achieve their business, research and/or
educational goals. She advised Roanoke County contributed $50,000 to the Center during the
2012 budget year.
Workforce Development Awards Dinner: Ms. Loope advised members of the upcoming
Workforce Development Awards Dinner to be held September 27, 2012. The annual Workforce
Development Awards publicly recognizes and thanks those who have contributed most
significantly to the system and its success. She stated the Department would be purchasing a
table for the dinner and invited each member to attend.
Reports and Inquiries of Board Members
None
Adjournment
Billy Branch, Chairman, adjourned the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
Next Scheduled Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting is September 19, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Loope
Secretary-Treasurer