HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/16/2021 - Economic Development (EDA) - Minutes - RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA
A meeting of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Salem, Virginia, was held
in the Community Room at the Salem Civic Center on March 22, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. The following
members of the Authority were present: Cindy Shelor, Quinn Mongan, Dave Robbins, Rob
Robinson, Macel Janoschka and Paul Kuhnel; Sean Kossman was absent.
There, also present was Jay Taliaferro, City Manager, Rob Light, Assistant City Manager,
Rosie Jordan, Treasurer, Mike Lockaby, Guynn, Waddell, Carroll & Lockaby, P.C., Sidney
Kuzmich, Deputy Commissioner and Crystal Williams, Secretary to EDA.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m.
The Chair noted Sean Kossman was unable to join us today. Paul Kuhnel was present, and the
Chair asked Paul to give us a brief introduction. Each member and staff responded by sharing their
roles to the EDA.
The amended set of minutes for the January 19, 2021 meeting were presented for approval.
The Chair called for a motion to approve the minutes from the January 19, 2021 meeting.
Motion: Shelor; Second: Mongan
All aye
Ms. Jordan reviewed the financial report. A discussion was held, and the financial report was
received and filed.
Ms. Jordan gave and update on the small business assistance and non-profit grant programs.
All checks have been written and mailed.
The Chair stated that Wayne Adkins was present and asked him to share his role with the
Economic Development department. Mr. Adkins stated he is the Business Retention Coordinator and
gave an economic development update that included his work with businesses and business
development changes within the City.
A discussion was held on the façade grants. Ms. Adkins shared that in September 2020 the
EDA set aside $50,000 to reinstate the downtown façade grant program with a focus from College
Avenue to Union Street. There have been numerous conversations with City staff of other areas that
could use some sprucing up. One is in the West Main in the Wildwood Road area and another is on
Colorado. It was noted that while there was a precedence set for streets facing College and Main, we
have stepped out in the past extending a grant to the Dilly Dally.
A discussion was held. It was determined that we would look at a map and discuss at the next
meeting.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.