Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/20/2011 - Minutes The Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive • Roanoke,Virginia 24018 Minutes Wednesday,April 20,2011, 9:00 A.M. Members Present Billy Branch, Chairman Steve Musselwhite, Vice-Chairman Greg Apostolou Carole Brackman Paul.Henkel Woody Windley Secretary-Treasurer,Doug Chittum Recording.Clerk, Glenna Ratcliffe Members Absent None. Guest Jill Loope,Assistant Director of Economic.Development Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance - Elizabeth Atkinson,Manager of Finance Paul Mahoney, County Attorney The.Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the Roanoke County Administration Center, this being their regularly scheduled meeting. Call to order. Mr. Branch called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Financial Report Elizabeth Atkinson, Finance Manager,presented the financial report ending March 31, 2011. She reported the equity in pooled cash to be $639,907. Ms. Atkinson reviewed the financial activity since the last meeting in January. The financial report was accepted by consensus after a motion by Paul Henkel. Minutes A motion was made by Steve Musselwhite and seconded by Carole Brackman to approve the January 19, 2011 minutes as read. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Page 2 April 20,2011 Economic Development Authority Minutes Briefings Entrepreneurial Center(Housed at Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce) Mr. Chittum updated members on the Entrepreneurial Center as they received funding in the amount of$8,000 from the EDA. He stated the Center held a grand opening on March 29, 2011 which was well attended and stated he received positive feedback. The center has four anchor tenants in place each with a one-year lease; Synergize, Virtual Media Advertising Consulting, Next Generation Web Designer and Jeanie Patterson's Marketing. These new businesses will help other businesses for one hour each month. He stated the Center allows new business entrepreneurs to share resources and ideas, and is viewed as a good program. Rose Properties Agreement Mr. Chittum stated the company is currently in the process of closing on the property and the Performance Agreement is in Indianapolis for signatures. He stated this project will help the Cove Road area as water upgrades are going in as a result of the project. Catawba Sustainability Center Mr. Chittum stated The Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center is an experiential showcase on 377 acres in the Catawba Valley. Historically, the Catawba Sustainability Center was a dairy employing nearby residents to provide meat and dairy products to the staff and patients at the Catawba Sanitarium, now known as the Catawba Hospital. In 1988, the hospital transferred 377 acres of its land holdings to Virginia Tech. A number of current projects are underway and are divided into two different categories: projects that showcase innovative land-management practices; and support for new and expanding agriculture and natural-resource businesses. Some projects include (1)Soil Sensors, which integrates soil sensors and hand-held mobile devises into land-management practices; (2) Medicinal and other plantings resulting in demonstration planting of medicinal plants, floral products, and edibles. (3) A ropes challenging course will offer leadership training. Also, (4) The Catawba Sustainability Center has partnered with Roanoke County, The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the U. S. National Park Service to establish a blue-blazed connector trail to the adjacent Appalachian Trail. This trail will be available for recreational use by the community and a hostel is planned in the future. Mr. Chittum stated if the initiative succeeds, it will be a better use of county-owned property and benefit the entire region. CLOSED MEETING At 9:20 a.m., Steve Musselwhite moved to go into closed session, seconded by Carole Brackman, Pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711.A.5 discussion concerning two prospective businesses or industry's or the expansion of an existing business or industry where Page 3 April 20,2011 Economic Development Authority Minutes no previous announcement has been made of the businesses or industry's interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the county. The closed meeting was held from 9:20 a.m. until 9:40 a.m. Certifying the closed meeting was held in conformity with the code of Virginia. At 9:40 a.m., Steve Musselwhite moved to return to open session and adopt the certification. The motion was seconded by Paul Henkel. WHEREAS, the Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened a closed meeting on the date pursuant to an affirmation-recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act. WHEREAS, Pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711.A.5 discussion concerning two prospective businesses or industry's or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the businesses or industry's interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the county. Sections §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 member's knowledge on • such public business matters as were identified in the motions convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County,Virginia. On a motion of 6-0 to adopt the Certification or Resolution for a Closed Meeting and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Chairman, Bill Branch, Vice Chairman, Steve Musselwhite, Woody Windley, Greg Apostolou, Carole Brockman, and Paul Henkel NAYS: None Mr. Chittum stated he did not have a second item to go before the Board at this time. Reports and Inquiries of Board Members Mr. Chittum responded to a query from Greg Apostolou concerning the South Peak CDA. He stated they have had one meeting to date with a second meeting scheduled Tuesday April 26. A grading plan has been submitted to the county and a building permit had been requested for 40 condominiums located at the upper part of the development. He stated they are marketing the area aggressively. - a• Page 4 April 20,2011 Economic Development Authority Minutes Adiourment Billy Branch, Chairman, adjourned the meeting at 9:50 a.m. Next Scheduled Meeting May 18, 2011 Respectfully submitted, E. Douglas�'i rttum Secretary-Treasurer