Clay County Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday June 14th, 2016
Those present: EDC Director Aaron Patton
Board members: Terry Utt, Matt Waldroup, Dr. Rob Peck, Doug Metzger, Debbie Woody, Mary Wiegold
Ex-Officio Members: Town Mayor Harry Baughn, Pam Roman Chamber of Commerce
Others present: Members of the press and general public
Chairman Waldroup Called the meeting to order at 6:07pm
The first item on the agenda was approval of the May 10th meeting minutes. Mary Wiegold made the motion to accept the minutes as presented Debbie Woody seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Waldroup turned the floor over to Director Patton for an activity report.
DIRECTOR ACTIVITY REPORT:
Patton gave the board an update about the Apartment project. Patton stated that all necessary paperwork had been submitted for the project which involved letters from Flood Plain Management and Water and Sewer. Patton also mentioned that Mayor Baughn and George from town hall had done a lot of work on the project during that time and thanked them for that service. Patton checked back with the developer a few weeks back and said that he was informed that the project was still moving forward but that the project currently sitting on the bubble and could go either way. Patton mentioned that partners had done all they could for now and must wait till the awards are handed down in August.
Patton mentioned that he had been working on several grants this month. Stating that one is for a local business and the request had been put in to the EDPNC (economic development partnership of North Carolina). Patton said the request is to assist the business in purchasing a new piece of equipment for efficiency issues and to help keep the 20 employees working here in Clay County. If the business is unable to get financial help the 20 jobs will disappear. Patton said the request was finished and submitted a couple weeks ago and there was no word yet on award but he will keep the board informed about the project.
Patton Mentioned the he has also been working on a grant from Commerce called the Downtown Redevelopment Grant. He had worked with the property owners and grant administrators to get the pre application submitted last week. Both the old butcher shop and the corner building were included in the grant. The dollar amount requested from the grant was $500,000 to help upgrade the buildings and to get them up to operating code. Patton then mentioned that the request would go before Mr. Ed Davis’s advisory board in August. Patton mentioned that he had learned that work needed to be done to be able to use the money on two or more buildings in a redevelopment area would have to be made. Patton said that he had received the requirements for that and had forwarded to Mayor Baughn and Sandy for review. Patton also mentioned that he would be having a conference call with Mr. Davis in the coming weeks and would be able to get further clarification on requirements. Patton said that he and downtown officials would work towards the issue.
Patton mentioned that he had been working with several other organizations on a wayfinding grant to help place signage around the county. They are still looking to see what would be the best use of funds. Patton also said the he plans to reach out to DOT to see if they will be of help to get signage placed as well.
Patton informed the board that he had been attending several local and regional meetings and he is still in contact with the Broadband people and plans to let Mary know when he has a meeting set with them.
Patton has been working with several existing industries in the county and providing much information to potential new businesses as needed.
Lastly, Patton told the group about a public meeting that is planned for June 16th by the NCDOT regarding the HWY 175 improvement project. The open forum will be held from 5-7 pm at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and would allow people in the community the opportunity to speak with DOT officials and voice any opinions they may have on the project.
Mayor Baughn updated about the importance of bike paths with the 175 project and appreciates any comments given supporting access from Jackrabbit to Hayesville.
FINACIAL REPORT AND BUDGET INFORMATION:
Patton updated the group about financial information :(Outside of salaries, retirement, insurance, FICA)
Concentering Telephone/ Postage, Printing, Travel, supplies
Expense Activity this period: $220.48
Expenditure year to date: $3,822.07
Unencumbered balance: $1,677.93
Patton then informed the board that the $5,000 request in the proposed 2016 – 2017 budget was denied and available funds were
(Outside of salaries, retirement, insurance, FICA)
Concentering Telephone/ Postage $1000, Printing $200, Travel $2000, supplies $200
Or a total of $3,400 available funds for fiscal year 2016-2017.
OLD BUSINESS:
REC PARK ISSUE:
Patton said he had no new developments but asked Dr. Peck if he could speak to the Plans of Commissioners. Patton said that he had updated the board somewhat last month and asked if Dr. Peck would be willing to clarify plans for the group.
Dr. Peck said that the county had agreed to enter into an agreement to have design plans rendered for future development of the new recreation park. Peck mentioned that the cost of said plans would be $96,500. Peck mentioned that the plans would likely include 4 Ball fields, extension of walking trails, pickle ball courts, concessions. Peck said the he was not sure about a timeline for plans but feels that something should be heard soon. Peck also mentioned that the fields would likely be small and would not be available for adult tournaments. The fields would likely only be 220ft and used for 8-10u leagues so that information would need to be revised in the economic analysis.
Mary asked about the Economic impact report that Patton had presented to them last month asking that the Expense side of the report be elaborated. Patton said he would work on the report.
Peck mentioned that commissioners would need to consider a long term plan as well exploring the expenses of the project.
Wiegold asked if the project would be a phase in project.
Peck answered that it would depend on the revenue streams as to what needs to be done.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chairman Waldroup updated the board that Mr. Randy Hales had tendered his resignation to the board. Waldroup asked Patton to engage the Commissioners about the vacancy. Waldroup asked for a motion to that effect. Woody made the motion, Wiegold seconded and the motion carried.
Peck asked to make a clarification about the rec park issue saying that the $96,500 was going to be used for design purposes only and did not include construction.
Wiegold asked if this would help fulfill the grant obligations and Peck said he thought it would.
Terry Utt asked if space or lack thereof was the reason for the small 220ft fields. Peck answered yes, saying that adjustments may be able to be made after the fact and that having one way traffic for safety reasons was another factor.
Waldroup mentioned a request for Patton asking that he inform the board of any RFIs that he may get to help the board be of better assistance and to allow the board to keep up with trends that are happening in the economic development world. Patton said that he would be willing to do that and mentioned that he had had one RFI earlier that day and that it was looking for a food manufacturing facility and needed an 18,000-40,000 sq. ft. building.
Mayor Baughn addressed the board mentioning happenings Downtown and an increased interest in buildings downtown. Baughn also mentioned the importance of community development saying that forward movement can help with development.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Deborah Nichols addressed the board asking three questions
1. How the presence of the river effect the rec park expansion
Peck said he is not able to speak to that at this time, review of the plans made would be necessary but there will likely be some stipulations that arise.
2. Does Clay County have any buildings that fit the RFI mentioned earlier?
Patton answered saying yes, and that he had already submitted a building for consideration
3. Asked about Murphy Medical purchasing property in the county and asked about their expansion plans. Patton answered saying that he had worked on the project and would continue but had no update at this point.
Sandy Zimmerman Updated the board about STMS saying that a resolution would be presented to commissioners next meeting to renew the contracts. Zimmermann thanked other organizations for their support and invited the board to their next meeting which is June 21st on the square.
Pam Roman of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce spoke and invited the board to the Care center open house on June 20th and invited the board to stay for the business after hours and show support.
There being no further business to discuss, Chairman Waldroup asked for a motion to adjourn
Terry Utt made the motion, Debbie Woody seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:52 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Aaron Patton