Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/20/2010 - Minutes The Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive 1. Roanoke,Virginia 24018 Minutes .: Wednesday,January 20,2010, 9:00 A.M. Members Present Greg Apostolou Woody Windley. Alan"Cap"Robinson Anthony Conner Carole Brackman . . Secretary-Treasurer,Doug Chittum Recording Clerk, Glenna.Ratcliffe Members Absent Bill Branch,Chairman Steve Musselwhite,Vice-Chairman Guest. Jill Loope, Assistant Director of Economic Development Rebecca Owens, Director of Finance Elizabeth Atkinson,.Manager of Finance Consuella Caudill, Vinton Assistant Town Manager Paul Mahoney, County Attorney The Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County,Virginia met this day at the Roanoke County Administration Center,this being their.Annual Meeting. Election of Temporary Vice-Chairman A motion was made by Anthony Conner,Seconded by Carole Brack man, to elect Allan "Cap" Robinson to serve as Acting Vice-Chairman for January 20, 2010 in the absence of Bill Branch and Steve Musselwhite, Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Call to order Mr.Robinson called.the meeting to order-at 9:05; Minutes. A motion was made by Carole Brackman and seconded by Greg Apostolou, to. approve the November 18th minutes as read: The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Page 2 January 20,2010 Economic Development Authority Minutes Finance Report Elizabeth Atkinson, Finance Manager, presented the financial report for the period ending December 31, 2009. She also presented and reviewed the annual audit for the EDA. The EDA audit was presented as a component of the County audit for the first time. The EDA did receive an unqualified opinion. She reported the equity in pooled cash to be $641,296. The Vice-Chair moved the financial report be received and filed. NEW BUSINESS Election of Officers Woody Windley made a motion to keep the same officers that being Bill Branch, Chairman and Steve Musselwhite, Vice Chairman. Greg Apostolou seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote. Downtown Vinton Facade Grant Consuella Caudill, Assistant Vinton Town Manager, was present representing the grant application of Theresa and Edward Mazeiki, owners of property located at 109 W. Lee Avenue. Vinton. Up and Running, Inc. is currently leasing the property. Ms. Caudill reviewed the application and assured members that staff of the Town of Vinton approved the application as presented. The total cost estimate for the work to be completed is $10,494 which includes a 10% contingency. Therefore, the grant requested is $5,000, the maximum amount for one grant. A motion was made by Carole Brockman, seconded by Anthony Conner, to approve the grant in the amount of $5,000. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. BRIEFINGS Economic Development Strategy Mr. Chittum stated the County Administrator has asked the Department of Economic Development to prepare an Economic Development Strategy and suggested the EDA be involved in the process. Mr. Chittum stated the County Administrator requested the document be prepared by staff rather than hiring a consultant. Mr. Chittum stated the document would be basic and serve as an outline for the EDA; who we are, what our resources are, and how we use them to further economic development for the county. This is to be completed by March, 2010. Page 3 January 20,2010 r- , Economic Development Authority Minutes Update on Plantation Road Corridor Plan and Glenvar Community Plan Mr. Chittum stated the county is actively working on the Plantation Road Corridor Plan and the Glenvar Community Plan. As reported earlier, a federal grant is being pursued for improvements to Plantation Road/Hollins area. Meetings are being scheduled with Glenvar residents and the Town of Vinton residents. He stated approximately 180 residents attended the first meeting on the Glenvar Plan. The residents are very interested in improving Route 11/460, an industrial area of the county. Mr. Chittum stated as a result of reviewing areas of concern throughout the county, another problem was being addressed that being "change of use". The Town of Vinton and areas of the county have approximately 280 residential homes located in commercial zoning. New costly regulations have made it very difficult for businesses to locate in these houses. In an effort to promote small business and remove residential property from commercial zoning, the county is putting together a program (grant) to help with"change of use"issues. Once this program is adopted, the EDA will administer the grants. Anthony Conner stated also that potential business owners would be educated regarding the regulations prior to purchasing property for conversion to business. The Building Department has prepared a brochure for"change of use"which should prove beneficial. Community Development Authorities (CDA) Mr. Chittum apprised the Board of the request for the creation of a CDA in Roanoke County. Should the county go forth with this, South Peak is being considered. There is other interest as well. CDA's have the ability to sell bonds, get up-front money to build roads, sewers, etc. The CDA could consist of a five-member governing body with one or more EDA Members, a staff member, a developer and a County Supervisor. Therefore, should this happen, a volunteer to serve on the CDA would be sought. Mr. Chittum pointed out the county(taxpayers) are not responsible for the debt acquired through the CDA. CLOSED SESSION At 10:00 a.m., Woody Windley moved to go into closed session, seconded by Greg Apostolou, pursuant to the COV §2.2-3711.A.1 discussion or consideration of the employment or appointment of legal counsel. The closed meeting was held from 10:00 a.m. until 10:25 a.m. Certifying the closed meeting was held in conformity with the code of Virginia. At 10:25 a.m., Woody Windley moved to return to open session and adopt the certification, seconded by Carol Bradman. Page 4 January 20, 2010 Economic Development Authority Minutes 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, Section 2.2-3711.A.1 discussion or consideration of the employment or appointment off legal counsel. 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 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. On a motion of 5-0 to adopt the Certification or Resolution for a Closed Meeting and carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: Acting Vice-Chairman, Allan "Cap" Robinson, Greg Apostolou, Carole Bradman, Anthony Conner, Woody Windley NAYS: None ABSENT: None Reports and Inquiries of Board Members Hearing none Adiourment Billy Branch, Chairman, adjourned the meeting at 10:15 a.m. Next Scheduled Meeting February 17, 2010 Respectfully submitted, E. ougl hittum Secretary- reasurer