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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/11/2025 - Economic Development (EDA) - Minutes - Regular MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA The Economic Development Authority of the City of Salem, Virginia, held a meeting on March 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 114 North Broad Street, Salem, Virginia 24153. Paul Kuhnel, Quinn Mongan, Joe Curran, Dave Robbins, Sean Kosmann, and Jason Fountain. Cindy Shelor was absent. Chris Dorsey, City Manager; Rob Light, Assistant City Manager; Rosie Jordan, Treasurer; Jim Guynn, Legal Counsel; Tommy Miller, Director of Economic Development; Wayne Adkins, Business Outreach Coordinator; and Crystal Williams, Secretary, were present. The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The meeting minutes from December 10, 2024, were approved as written. Ms. Jordan reviewed the financial report as of January 31, 2025, and the report was received as presented. The annual Organizational Meeting was held. Mr. Robbins asked Mr. Kuhnel if he was willing to continue to serve as Chair. Mr. Kuhnel stated that he was. A motion was made to nominate Paul Kuhnel as chairman. Motion: Robbins; Second: Kosmann; All Aye Mr. Robbins asked Mr. Mongan if he would continue serving as Vice Chair. Mr. Mongan confirmed he is willing. Motion: Robbins; Second: Kosmann; All Aye Mr. Kuhnel called for the nominations for Treasurer. A motion was made to reelect Rosie Jordan. Motion: Mongan; Second: Robbins; All Aye Mr. Kuhnel called for the nomination of Secretary. A motion was made to reelect Crystal Williams as Secretary. Motion: Robbins; Second: Kossman; All Aye Megan Gilleland, Kaufman & Canoles were present to represent Roanoke College for tax- exempt financing not to exceed 25 million. Ms. Gilleland stated that in addition to holding the public hearing, she would ask the Authority to consider adopting the inducement resolution . Mr. Kuhnel opened the public hearing. No one came forward to speak, and the public hearing was closed. A motion was made to approve the inducement resolution filed for the application of the Trustees of Roanoke College. Motion: Robbins; Second: Mongan; All Aye A motion was made to hold a closed session in accordance with Section 2.2-3711 A(5) of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, for a discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business or industry’s interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community, relating to manufacturers constrained on available production space and/or talent; also concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business or industry’s interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community, relating to a retail operation. Motion: Mongan; Second: Robbins; Aye Upon reconvening, a motion was made in accordance with Section 2.2-3712D of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended to date. The EDA certified that in a closed session, only items lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and only such items identified in the motion by which the closed session was convened were heard, discussed, or considered by the EDA. Motion: Mongan; Second: Robbins; All Aye Mr. Miller stated that he recently met with Justin Lindsey, who is planning to open a Wings Etc. at 260 Wildwood Road. The project improvements will increase the current property assessment from $580,000 to over $2,000,000. A discussion was held, and a motion was made to provide a $30,000 meals tax grant with a rebate over the next three years, which would be included in a performance agreement prepared by Jim Guynn. Motion: Robbins; Second; Kuhnel; All Aye Mr. Adkins stated the Salem Job Fair is scheduled for April 16th at 9:00 a.m. at Salem High School. The culinary arts students will prepare lunch. Mr. Adkins requested the EDA cover the cost of lunch for the participants and guests. A motion was made to cover the lunch for the Salem Job Fair for $2,000. Motion: Robbins: Second: Mongan; All Aye Mr. Miller stated the Economic Development department is working on a Business Appreciation event for May. A discussion was held. Mr. Miller said he would look at some dates and bring them back to the EDA. Mr. Robbins asked Mr. Miller if he is keeping a vacant business registry, noting that West Main Street has numerous vacancies. He further stated that we needed to tailor our marketing to those vacancies. Mr. Miller pointed out that the vacant properties are listed on the Economic Development website. As there was no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:46 p.m.