Hampshire County Development Authority

Regular Session Board Meeting Minutes

January 15, 2020 – 10:00 AM

Taggart Hall

Present:  Greg Bohrer, Robert Hott, Eileen Johnson, David Mayfield, Mark Gandolfi, Beverly Keadle, Jason Hicks, Rebecca Hott, Len McMaster, Stephanie Shoemaker, Alison Jewell

Excused: Dan Hileman, Mark Landis

Guests:  Jeffrey Pancione-Superintendent, Keith Mcintosh, Travis Delaplain, Aaron Cox, Rob Milne-PE Thrasher

The meeting was called to order by President Greg Bohrer and he announced a quorum was present. A revised agenda was presented. Mark Gandolfi moved to approve the revised agenda as presented seconded by Len McMaster. Motion carried. 

A presentation was given by Jeffry Pancione, Superintendent of Hampshire County Schools.  He gave information pertaining to the Comprehensive 10-year Plan for Schools devised by a committee. The plan includes consolidating 5 schools into 3 and building the 3 new Elementary Schools with a future goal of building a new High School campus at the end of the 10-year plan. The committee reviewed population, transportation and infrastructure needs. Site location is being considered for a portion of the Romney Business Park to acquire approximately 20 acres for a new Elementary campus or possible land swap.  The HCDA Board reviewed a land map and was asked to look at possibilities for site development for an Elementary School and infrastructure needs such as sewage and water. The goal is to improve the education facilities. Currently the school buildings are 60 plus years old and repairs and maintenance expenses are extensive annually. Renovation verses new construction costs were considered.  The estimated cost for building the 3 new schools is approximately $45 million which would come through passing a Bond Levy and SBA funding. The Funding would include renovations to Hampshire High School and the remaining Elementary Schools.

Reports:

Secretary’s Report –Meeting minutes for the HCDA regular Board Meeting on 12/18/19 were presented. David Mayfield made a motion to approve the meeting minutes as presented and was seconded by Len McMaster. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report – The financial reports for December 2019 were presented and reviewed by the Board.  David Mayfield made a motion to approve the financial reports as presented and Robert Hott seconded. Motion Carried.

Marketing Committee Report – Marketing Committee did not meet

Personnel Committee Report – Personnel Committee met on 1/15/19 for evaluations. They will convene again in April and May.

President’s Report- No Report at this time.  

IAR project update – Rob Milne, PE Thrasher, gave a brief update. The plans have been submitted to the State for review.  Comments on the soil report from Geotech studies expected next week. The Board will need to consider next steps for construction and bid options once permitting is complete. Invoices expected in February. Board will have to consider next steps regarding construction bid options.  Signage will be required on the site once construction begins.

Romney Business Park – Lot #1 – LOMR project – Rob Milne, PE Thrasher, gave a brief update on the progress of this project.  Thrasher will take the plan to the City Flood Plain Manager for approval next week. Once comments are received, they can move forward.  

Executive Director’s Activity Report & Update:  Director Johnson submitted her activity report outline to the Board for review with the following highlights: Small business Initiative planning is under way. HCDA is partnering with the Romney and Capon Bridge Libraries, Eastern Technical College and the SBA to develop small business resource centers in the Libraries.  A planning meeting will take place in the near future. The goal is to have the centers with resources for Small Businesses and startups as well as current business expansion up and running in the beginning of March.

The Medical Cannabis Business application deadline is February 18, 2020.  The process opened with the State in December 2019.  Letters of Support have been given by the County Commission. Applications must be submitted to the State for approval prior to the Health Department. 

Opportunity Appalachia Program launched January of 2019.  The federal regulations surrounding the program were finalized in December 2019. Currently there are $6 billion in federal funding available for investors. The program was designed to have capital resources available to distressed rural areas for development.  Opportunity Appalachia formed to help with technical assistance for rural areas to develop and will invest in 15 to 20 communities for eligible projects which must be located in an opportunity zone.  The application opened January 13^th and ends March 2^nd.  The CBTP is located in an opportunity zone and the Board was asked to consider what projects may qualify.

Talks continue with the Potomac Eagle about future goals to expand to the Romney Business Park.

An RFI was submitted to the State Development Office per their request for site recommendations within Hampshire County for a future industrial manufacturing business.

Capon Bridge Sewer Project future utility asset transfer is being discussed and the Town of Capon Bridge may be interested in providing services once the project is complete.

Old Business:

• HCDA 549 Center Avenue (former hospital) property. On January 24^th a walkthrough of the property is scheduled with Dave Cannon to gain estimates for demolition expenses.  An RFP for demolition of the property is being drafted and will be presented at the next Board Meeting for review.
• Discussion held on future use of property with consideration as the new West Elementary School location. Board directed Johnson to schedule follow-up meeting with Superintendent Pancione to continue discussion.

Executive Session – No Executive Session was conducted at this time.

New Business:

• FNB CD Maturity 2/14/20- update no action required. The CD held at FNB Bank will mature in February.  It will automatically renew for another year at the same rate it currently has of 2.25%.

Communications / Public Comment

• 2020 meetings for the HC Infrastructure Committee:

            2/5/20 (rescheduled from 1/8/20) 04/01, 07,01 & 10/07

• The next HCDA Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19^th at 10:00 AM

Adjournment:  With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 AM.