HCDA NOVEMBER 2023 BOARD MINUTES

Hampshire County Development Authority

Board Meeting Minutes – November 15^th, 2023

Taggart Hall Conference Room/Teleconference 10AM

Public is invited to attend by Teleconference:

Dial-In Number: (720) 843-2487

Passcode: 4034389#

Present: Rebecca Hott, Jon Todd Hott, Len McMaster, Jason Hicks, Brian Hott, Alison Jewell,

David Mayfield, David Cannon, Cathy Simon. 

Excused: Greg Bohrer, Beverly Keadle, Dorinda Stother, Rebecca Miller, Tamitha Wilkins.

Guests: Sydney Maurer, Rolf Ronken, Rick Hillenbrand, Patricia Escoriaza, Jodi Adams, Greg Rinker,

Via Teleconference: Hoy Shingleton.

Presentation: A.J. Shapiro of Aquabanq gave a presentation of the plans and updates of the project in the Capon Bridge Technical Park for a Shrimp Farm.

President Rebecca Hott called the meeting to order.

Approval of Agenda: Jason Hicks made a motion to approve the agenda. Brian Hott seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Secretary’s Report – Tamitha Wilkins-Revise previous minutes of name, Kari Spade. David Mayfield made a motion to approve after revision. Jason Hicks seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report – David Mayfield – J.T. Hott reported that the expense for the Lunch~n~Learn lunch will be split 50/50 with WVCORR. A question was asked whether items on the balance sheet could be separated into different categories for Infrastructure Account. Commissioner Cannon asked about the

training fund that was for training, education and consulting purposes.  Jason Hicks made a motion to                                                  approve after discussion. Len McMaster seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Marketing Report – Beverly Keadle – J.T. Hott reported in place of Beverly Keadle.

• The marketing committee met and discussed hiring a marketing consultant. After interviewing several companies, and finding the expense is not desirable and decided to go another route to investigate local talent that could help in this area. Two people who are young people in the community have been contacted. Hott contacted Hampshire High School’s CWSD program and is planning to have two girls come to the office next semester for work experience.
• Hampshire on the Horizon – A syllabus was provided outlining the program. The committee has received commitments from different entities so far to participate in different areas, such as judging, teaching classes and mentoring. We ask for support in spreading the word about this event. First classes for business owners will start February 5^th, 2024. Buc Hammer from WVSBC, who was scheduled to participate as an instructor, has passed unexpectedly.

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Personnel Report – Tamitha Wilkins – To be discussed in New Business.

Risk Management Report -Tamitha Wilkins – Submitted a report for review.

President’s Report – Rebecca Hott – President Hott has been making phone calls regarding OmniTRAX and Aquabanq.

Executive Director’s Report – Jon Todd Hott

• J. Shapiro (Aquabanq) breaking ground in Spring 2024 depending on permitting process.
• FHMH – Project is nearly complete with the exception of paperwork and the final results of the ESA II & DEP soil samples and Certificate of Completion.
• WVSDB-Still in discussion with them about the grant and what their plans are for the future of the buildings on campus.
• Wellness Center – Report submitted for Board’s review. They are trying to acquire new members at this time.
• Potomac Eagle – Nothing new. The deal with OmniTRAX is coming to a time when a deal will be signed. Discussion.
• Lunch n Learn – This project went well with 70 participants. A survey was sent out and the feedback was that 90% said they would attend another Lunch~n~Learn in the future. Marketing was a topic that was suggested for the next event.  It is proposed to be January 23^rd, 2024, with 2-3 speakers. Costs of the event were discussed.  Suggestions for sponsorship was spoken about to help with continued costs.  Jason Hicks made a motion to allow the Lunch-n-Learn to be a quarterly event. David Mayfield seconded the motion. Motion carried.
• CBMS – Greg Rinker was present and gave an update of the former Capon Bridge Middle School.

They discussed bringing an inspector in to get an estimate on what the repairs would cost. According to Code 711-2 & 2A states that the Park & Recreation department, a 501-C (3) entity is not allowed to receive rent payments. Tenants are mostly non-profits that presently occupy the building. Rolf Ronken reported on the issues that have occurred. Some funds have been spent without mush results in repairs. It will take approximately another $200,000 to get the building up to standards. The HC Development Authority has been suggested to manage tenants and receive rents for the occupants since the non-profits are not allowed. Parks & Rec are searching for help.

• Energix – J.T. Hott and Rick Hillenbrand visited XXXXXXX and Mt. Jackson, solar sites. There has been some controversy regarding Energix. The VA Coalition for Human Rights has been working against the company because of certain ideas that there were contaminants from the solar panels. They were invited to visit the two sites where they were able to ask questions regarding these named contaminants. Reports were given from the National Energy Lab in Washington, DC regarding the materials used in the solar panels that stated the panels did not omit contaminants and do have a risk to the environment. Neighbors to the solar farms have a positive attitude towards the projects.

Old Business

Strategic Planning Committee- Brian Hott, Chair, will schedule, but can change. Tentative dates were mentioned for months of January, February and March. More information regarding location and time will be announced.

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  New Business

• Resolution: Pay Requisition #7-7.5% retainer to Reclaim and Thrasher. The executive committee met to make a decision. This is a motion to Ratify. Len McMaster made a motion to approve.   David Mayfield seconded. Motion carried.
• Permission to move forward with LED grant submission.
• Resolution: LED Grant. County Commission commitment of funds November 14^th. David Mayfield made a motion to approve. Len McMaster seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Len McMaster made a motion for the Board to go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel issues. Jason Hicks seconded the motion. Motion carried.

  Communications

• HCDA Annual Christmas Luncheon December 20^th following the Board Meeting.
• County Commission Annual Luncheon – December 15^th.
• Lunch n Learn – January 23^rd, 2024.
• Hampshire on the Horizon – April 30^th, 2024.

  Adjourn– Jason Hicks made a motion to adjourn. Len McMaster seconded the motion.

  Motion carried.    

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