Doing Business in Nelson County: February 7, 2008

February 7, 2008

Nelson County Economic Development Authority
February 7, 2008
3:00 pm
Nelson Center

Present:
Greg Kelly
Alphonso Taylor
Barbara Powell
Stu Armstrong
Natt Hall
Erwin Berry
Steve Crandall

There was no public comment

Chairperson Greg Kelly called the meeting to order.

Motion: To approve the January 17, 2008 meeting minutes as written. Powell-Taylor
(7-0)

Natt Hall and Massie Saunders walked the Colleen Business Park. Massie will mark the property and prepare the updated survey.
Motion: To authorize Greg Kelly to make a formal offer to the Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) to purchase the remaining acreage in the Colleen Business Park at a price of $3,000 per acre; to request that the CVEC owner finance the following terms - 25% down payment, payable over 5 years at an interest rate of 6%. If CVEC feels that their financing of the purchase would pose any difficulties in obtaining the necessary approvals or CVEC decides against assisting the EDA with the financing, the purchase would proceed as a cash offer. Armstrong-Crandall (7-0, Greg Kelly disclosed that he is employed by the CVEC)

Maureen Corum reviewed her Economic Development and Tourism Report. To continue the EDAâ€檚 strategic planning process, she will draft a list of project and priorities to be ranked and discussed at the next meeting.

Maureen Corum updated the EDA on the broadband telecommunications planning grant project. She and Allen Patrick attended a meeting hosted by the Department of Housing and Community Development to review the planning process to date

Motion: To appoint a Nominating Committee to provide 4 names to the board of supervisors for the 2 terms due to expire June 30, 2008. The members of the committee will be Barbara Powell, Erwin Berry, Greg Kelly and Alphonso Taylor.

Bids have been requested for the May 2008 Business Appreciation Event. Corporate sponsors will be sought.

Motion: To convene a committee to study the transportation needs of the west side of Nelson County to better connect the resort and the local businesses and people with the Rockfish Valley. Crandall-Armstrong (7-0)

Greg Kelly reported that the Piedmont Workforce Network is asking each locality to participate on a per capita basis. Nelson Countyâ€檚 contribution would be $2200.

Stu Armstrong noted that the EDAâ€檚 budget request to the board of supervisors totaled $18,000; $8000 for Authority compensation; $3750 for one-half of the contribution to the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center; $6250 for one-half of the contribution to the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.