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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/21/2010 - Minutes tc, The Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke,Virginia 24018 Minutes Wednesday,July 21,2010, 9:00 A.M. Members Present Chairman-Bill Branch, Chair Steve Musselwhite, Vice-Chair Greg Apostolou Woody Windley Alan"Cap"Robinson Secretary-Treasurer, Doug Chittum Recording Clerk, Glenna Ratcliffe Members Absent Carole Brackman Anthony Conner Guest • Paul Mahoney, Staff Counsel Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance Elizabeth Atkinson, Manager of Finance Jill Loope,Assistant Director of Economic Development Clay Goodman, County Administrator The Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the Roanoke County Administration Center,this being their regular monthly meeting Call to order Chairman, Billy Branch, called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. Minutes A motion was made by Cap Robinson and seconded by Steve Musselwhite, to approve as read the minutes of May 19, 2010. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Finance Report Elizabeth Atkinson, Finance Manager, presented the preliminary financial report for the period ending June 30. She reported the equity in pooled cash to be:$633,000. The financial report was accepted as presented. Yi Page 2 July 21,2010 - Economic Development Authority Minutes Briefings County Administrator Comments Clay Goodman, County Administrator, was present. Mr. Goodman stated he felt he already knew most everyone due to prior positions in the Roanoke Valley. He stated he could see the EDA being more involved in activities as the economy improves and looks forward to working together and positioning for days ahead. In response to a query from Mr. Robinson, Mr. Goodman stated the multi-gym center is currently operating well in excess of operational costs. He stated the downturn is the fact that the gym is new. The gym currently has over 4,000 members. He stated the debt service was not included in the three-year business plan for the facility. Joint EDA/BOS Work Session/Economic Development Strategy Doug Chittum stated currently there is no adopted Economic Development Strategy. He further stated the County Administrator, Mr. Goodman, asked that a strategy be put together by the Economic Development Staff. As a result of his request, Mr. Chittum stated he and Ms. Loope had been working on the strategy and also had been looking at other jurisdictions and the strategies they have adopted. He stated they looked with particular interest at the recent strategy put together for Botetourt County which was prepared with the assistance of a consultant and questioned what role this person could have in the Roanoke process; what other communities are doing, their results, realities of these initiatives. After discussion, Mr. Goodman stated he was not opposed to hiring a consultant but wanted to be assured that the end result was a good product and worth the money. He felt that without a plan, goals could not be achieved. Mr. Musselwhite stated he felt it worthwhile to hire a consultant but it should be done once and done right. He also stated there should be clear expectations regarding the role of the EDA. He also asked if the presentation of the aforementioned consultant be forwarded to the Board. Mr. Windley suggested that possibly the consultant be hired to review the draft strategy put together by county staff. Mr. Chittum felt this would be a good time to put together a joint work session including the Board of Supervisors and the Economic Development Authority in an effort to discuss the strategy as well as the role of the EDA. Mr. Goodman expressed his view of a strategy as a roadmap, to be positioned correctly as the economy began to recover. Questions such as "what should be targeted and what is the best fit for our community".... Greg Apostolou felt it a good idea to meet with the Board and to develop Board identity in the County. After discussion, it was decided that staff would meet with the Board of Supervisors followed by a joint meeting with the EDA and Board of Supervisors. Change of Use Incentive Grant Mr. Chittum reviewed the Change of use Incentive Grant Program Guidelines. (copy attached) The Glebe Mr. Chittum apprised the members of the recent bankruptcy of The Glebe. He reiterated the Board or County of Roanoke has no financial standing in this bankruptcy and no taxpayer funds were used or are at risk in the transaction. The EDA acted solely as a pass through entity as required by State law for the issuance of the privately placed bonds. Paul Mahoney, County Attorney, stated this was accurate. Reports and inquiries of Board Members Paul Mahoney apprised the board of an upcoming public hearing to be help August 10, 2010 regarding CDAs. Some discussion ensued regarding the appointment process of CDAs. Mr. Mahoney stated this is a difficult issue that generates a lot of citizen interest, both opposition and support. None Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 a.m. Res.ectfully submitted, E. ':. gl.� • um Secretary 1