Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes September 4, 2008
Nelson County Economic Development Authority
September 4, 2008
Present:
Greg Kelly
Bennett Saunders
Erwin Berry
Emily Pelton
Natt Hall
Alphonso Taylor
Steve Crandall
There was no public comment.
Chairperson Greg Kelly called the meeting to order.
County Administrator Steve Carter reviewed the planned renovation of the courthouse and certain buildings on the campus. He also reported on the planned new buildings to house court facilities and the central entrance for the complex. Mr. Carter then presented the Davenport & Company financial analysis and proposed alternatives as presented to the Board of Supervisors in September. Mr. Carter reported that Davenport has recommended financing the project through Rural Development loan funding for a 40-year term with an accelerated payback in 19 years (2027). He noted that the EDA would issue the required Lease Revenue Bonds and asked for the EDA’s agreement to help with the completion of the project.
Steve Crandall asked whether the bid package could include something to give preference to employment. He asked whether the county could require that a certain percentage be local contractors. Mr. Carter said that, typically, the county uses a general contractor who then subcontracts. Natt Hall questioned whether the EDA would charge the county an origination fee, limited to 1/8th of a percent by law. He explained to the new members that the EDA has submitted a budget to the county each year for $8,000-$10,000 which has not been funded. Mr. Hall said that the EDA has to find ways to generate funds for EDA projects. Mr. Carter said that the Supervisors would prefer that there were not a charge but that it would not stop the project. He said that he would talk with Wiley Wilson about using local people again but had found in the past that it often added 4-5 times the cost. Mr. Crandall agreed that using locals should not be excessively more expensive but if the cost were on par, locals should be used. He suggested that the county could require the contractor to solicit local bids. Further discussion on charging a fee was tabled until the October meeting. Members agreed by consensus to support the project.
Circuit Court Clerk Judy Smythers swore in EDA members Emily Pelton, Erwin Berry and Steve Crandall.
MOTION: To approve the August 7, 2008 meeting minutes. Hall-Pelton (7-0)
Alphonso Taylor read the report from August 2008 as submitted by the previous Treasurer (Stu Armstrong) noting the following account balances:
- LGIP Account $8,592.27
- BB&T CD $136,611.50
- BB&T Checking Account $14,290.61
Total funds available on account $159,494.38
The broadband planning process is underway, with management team meetings set, with the final presentation to the board of supervisors scheduled for January 2009.
Steve Crandall reported that the planning district commission and JAUNT representatives are prepared to report to the EDA regarding the transportation study at the October meeting.
Members of the Central Virginia Community Food Center project will travel to Ohio to review their project September 9th.
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. Kelly-Hall (7-0) Roll Call Vote : Taylor, Crandall, Pelton, Saunders, Berry, Hall, Kelly.
Motion: To end closed session. Kelly-Hall (7-0) Roll Call Vote : Taylor, Crandall, Pelton, Saunders, Berry, Hall, Kelly.
Motion: To return to regular session. Kelly-Hall (7-0) Roll Call Vote : Taylor, Crandall, Pelton, Saunders, Berry, Hall, Kelly.
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.. Kelly-Hall (7-0) Roll Call Vote : Taylor, Crandall, Pelton, Saunders, Berry, Hall, Kelly.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Portions of the meeting notes attributed to Rural Nelson, Inc.