Doing Business in Nelson County

Nelson County Economic Development Authority
February 5, 2009

Present:
Steve Crandall
Emily Pelton
Greg Kelly
Alphonso Taylor
Natt Hall

Absent:
Erwin Berry
Bennett Saunders

There was no public comment.

Chairperson Steve Crandall called the meeting to order.

Motion:  To approve the January 2009 meeting minutes. Hall-Taylor (4-0) (Emily Pelton was absent for this vote.)

Maureen Kelley reported that the Broadband Management Team has reviewed the final
 report and identified several issues to be resolved.  She noted that the 
 consultants will be completing the report and will present it to 
the Board of Supervisors in March.

Maureen Kelley reported that the Local Food Hub organizing group plan to 
proceed with the project utilizing private donations and grant funding.
 She noted that they will be back in touch with the EDA with a revised plan.

Maureen Kelley distributed the draft Rockfish Valley 
Transit Survey for review and approval.  The survey will be distributed to 
the public, WPOA and WPI via several sources and will be used to determine 
public interest in the proposed plan.  Members approved the survey with 
minor clarifying changes.

Maureen Kelley distributed both 
the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center and the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development 
reports.  Members tabled discussion for review of the materials.

The EDA agreed by consensus to begin the planning for the May Business appreciation event.

Public Comment
Allen Hale, Board of Supervisors’ Chairperson, said that the 
Supervisors have been very impressed with the ongoing work of the EDA; 
then brought them up to date on several ongoing county issues:

  – Courthouse Project – contract awarded at approximately $3 million less
 than the estimates.  The county is hoping to break ground in April.  Steve 
Crandall asked whether the contractor could be encouraged to use local
 contractors whenever possible.  Mr. Hale agreed to meet with the contractor 
to convey the county’s interest in utilizing local companies.
  – Solid Waste Collection Sites – looks very hopeful that the Cove Valley 
Recreation Center will negotiate a sale to the county.
  – Budget – all levels of government facing decreased revenues.  The county 
is facing approximately a half-million dollar shortfall not including the 
school system, which is looking at approximately an $800,000 shortfall in 
funding.
  Greg Kelly suggested that the EDA,  School System and County consider 
sharing the expense for a grant writer to identify and obtain grant funding.
 Mr. Hale said that he would ask county staff to prepare a report for the
 board on the specifics of doing so.
  – Mr. Hale said that he would like to see the county find a way to 
encourage residents to buy locally whenever possible.
 Greg Kelly suggested that the EDA begin work on a system to promote local
 products.

Motion: That the EDA work to 
create a “buy local” marketing and distribution system to include
 web-based assets and schedule of events plus a marketing plan and budget.
 The motion included establishment of a committee of Greg Kelly, Natt Hall, Emily Pelton and Maureen Kelley to work on the project.
Kelly-Hall (5-0)

Motion:  To end regular session and move into closed session to discuss a business prospect not yet announced under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act 2.2-3700. Hall-Pelton (5-0)  Roll Call Vote – Steve Crandall, aye; Emily Pelton, aye; Greg Kelly, aye; Alphonso Taylor, aye; Natt Hall, aye.

Motion:  To end closed session. Hall-Pelton (5-0)  Roll Call Vote – Steve Crandall, aye; Emily Pelton, aye; Greg Kelly, aye; Alphonso Taylor, aye; Natt Hall, aye.

Motion:  To return to regular session. Hall-Pelton (5-0)  Roll Call Vote – Steve Crandall, aye; Emily Pelton, aye; Greg Kelly, aye; Alphonso Taylor, aye; Natt Hall, aye.

Motion:  To adopt the following resolution:  Be it hereby resolved, the Economic Development Authority of Nelson County does hereby return to regular session having only discussed a business prospect not yet announced.
Hall-Pelton (5-0)  Roll Call Vote – Steve Crandall, aye; Emily Pelton, aye; Greg Kelly, aye; Alphonso Taylor, aye; Natt Hall, aye.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Meeting notes attributed to Rural Nelson, Inc.