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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/17/2020 - Economic Development (EDA) - Minutes - RegularMINUTES OF A 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 at the Salem Civic Center on November 17, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. The following members of the Authority were present: Cindy Shelor, Wayne Adkins, Macel Janoschka, Dave Robbins, Rob Robinson, Quinn Mongan and David Thornhill There, also present was James Taliaferro, City Manager, Rob Light, Assistant City Manager, Rosie Jordan, Director of Finance, Sidney Kuzmich, Deputy Commissioner and Mike Lockaby, Guynn, Waddell, Carroll & Lockaby, P.C. The Chair called to order at 3:02 p.m. The Chair recognized Beth Bell and Lynn Kilburn with Roanoke-Salem Chamber to provide a brief informational update on an upcoming downtown business promotion for the holidays, the Great Gingerbread Hunt Nov. 21 – Dec. 18. The Chair called for a motion to approve minutes from October 21, 2020 meeting. Motion: Janoschka Second: Adkins All aye Financial report accepted with no questions or clarification from staff needed. The Zoning Administrator, Mary Ellen Wines gave a presentation on CDBG Façade Grants. The discussion included how CDBG relates to the EDA Façade grant program. They are not competing programs. CDBG requires a 50% match. EDA grant funds could be used as match supplement. Discussion included feedback on the selection process, design, and procurement process for CDBG. The Chair recognized Mike Lockaby. Mr. Taliaferro stated Mr. Lockaby is a partner with Jim Guynn and due to retirement of Yost, City Council would consider appointing Guynn as the Interim City Attorney at the November 23, 2020 City Council meeting. Mr. Lockaby specializes more in EDA work. Jay noted that EDA could appoint Lockaby and firm as interim or select otherwise at point they wish. There was a motion to appoint Mr. Lockaby as the EDA Interim Attorney Motion: Mongan Second: Janoschka All aye The EDA moved to Closed Session pursuant Section 2.2-3711A (39) of the Code of VA at 3:29 p.m. Motion: Mongan Second: Janoschka All aye The EDA reconvened to open session at 3:42 p.m. Motion: Robbins Second: Mongan All aye A motion was made to award $5,000 grants to for profit businesses: Embroidery Concepts, Atlantic Compressors Inc., Pumpernickel Pickle Catering Company, Joe’s Deli, Masterpro Auto Inc., Tight Lines Holdings Group (Fast Signs), Certified Collision Repair, Morris Automotive Inc., Mac and Bob’s Restaurant, Artisans of Stone LLC, Salem Ice Cream Parlor, Custom Seat Cover Shop Inc., Crott’s Garage Inc., Carina Due LLC (Mamma’s Pizza), Allsports Café and Salyer Garbee & Co. CPA’s Motion: Mongan Second: Adkins All ayes The Chair asked Mr. Robbins to discuss possible use of part of the $500,000 second round grant funds for non-profits. A motion was made by Mr. Robbins that pending concurrence by Council, utilize up to $50k of second round funds for non-profits with the following criteria: - Must be approved 501(c)(3) approved organization by IRS and must include copy of proof of approval from IRS - Must have physical storefront in Salem - Must demonstrate how potential funding used fur feeding, clothing, providing necessities, or other tangible service directly related to assisting those in need due to COVID. - Demonstrate the level and proportion of services provided that directly benefit City residents. - Submittal letter of need application process with the amount determined by EDA on case-by-case basis upon review. Mr. Thornhill offered an amended motion to utilize up to $100k for non-profits under the same stipulations as proposed. Robbins agreed and provided second to alternate. All aye. A motion was made to extend the deadline on all applications related to the existing for- profit grant program to 12/4/2020 and pending concurrence by Council on the up to $100k for non-profit grants, setting this deadline also to December 4, 2020. Motion: Thornhill Second: Janoschka All aye Mr. Taliaferro provided background on a request by Blue Ridge Best Foods (dba Angelle’s Diner) to extend the date of the performance agreement due to COVID impacts. A motion was made to extend one year. Motion: Robbins Second: Mongan All aye The Chair noted new lights on College and hoped future event to highlight downtown work would be upcoming. Also requested to be kept informed of issues, openings, closings, etc. related to specific businesses. There being no further business the meeting adjourned.