Meeting Minutes
December 20, 2011
Members in Attendance
Randy Amtower – Keyser E
Ward Hill – P
Dorrin “Butch” Armentrout - Carpendale A
Janice LaRue – Vice-President P
Annette Barbe – Business P
Richard Linthicum – President P
Tom Braithwaite – Elk Garden P
Marti Moreland – Banking E
John Cole - Secretary P
Anne Palmer – Treasurer P
Debi Cruse – Higher Education P
Mona Ridder – Executive Director P
Lester “Skip” Clifford – Piedmont P
James Twigg – Ridgeley A
Dr. Joseph Gratto - Education P
Mark Yoder – Member-at-Large E
P-present E-excused A-absent
Guest: Jean Braithwaite – Mineral Daily News Tribune
Call to Order
Mr. Linthicum, President, 8:35 am
Opening Comments
Mr. Linthicum opened the meeting by welcoming those in attendance and stated that he had three opening comments he would like to make.
- During the Executive Meeting, the decision was made to consolidate the Green Jobs Task Force into the Prospect Committee.
- The Support & Services Committee would be changed to the Strategic Planning Committee
- In an effort to allow the municipalities a means of providing updates on what is going on in their respective communities, Municipality updates will be placed on the Agenda.
Meeting Agenda
During the review of the meeting agenda Mr. Linthicum stated that he would like Municipality Updates added to the agenda giving. With the noted change, Mr. Hill made a motion, 2nd by Ms. LaRue, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the agenda as amended.
Secretary’s Report
During the review of the October 2011 meeting minutes, it was noted that on page 3 under the Communications Infrastructure Committee Reports, the CIC submitted a grant application to the Benefits Allocation Committee for assistance with design funding for the Mineral Vision project, not the “wind farm committee”. With the noted change, Mr. Braithwaite made a motion, 2nd by Dr. Gratto, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the meeting minutes as amended.
Treasurer’s Report
After a brief review of the Treasurer’s Report, Mr. Cole made a motion, 2nd by Ms. Barbe, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the Treasurer’s Reports as submitted.
Director’s Report
Ms. Ridder provided copies of the meeting agenda, previous month’s secretary’s report, most recent treasurer’s report, and director’s report for the members to review.
During the review of the Director’s Report, Mr. Linthicum suggested that a Thank You letter be sent to Jim Hoey, Potomac State College, thanking him for sending college students who are helping out with the MCDA website.
Old Business
- Ms. Ridder stated that a Dallas, TX company would like to build a medical call center that would initially employ 50 people and would need between 15,000 and 25,000 sf of building space.
New Business
- Ms. Ridder informed that she has been providing the State with the necessary paperwork to maintain MCDA’s status as a charitable organization.
- Ms. Ridder expressed some frustration with WVU cancelling the Community Development class/certification course that was to be held in Bridgeport. Ms. Ridder said that she is lacking one class before she can take the test and that the next closets class would be held in Texas. Following a lengthy discussion, the decision was made to re-visit the subject in January.
Committee Reports
Executive – Rick Linthicum
Added to the items discussed during the opening comments, Mr. Linthicum informed that the $50k CD was renewed.
Finance – Janice LaRue
Ms. LaRue stated that the MCDA had a clean audit.
Retention – Mona Ridder
Ms. Ridder stated that her and Jane Peters visited ATK recently where they were informed that ATK expects more layoffs in the spring. During their visit to ATK, Ms. Ridder and Jane visited IBM where they learned that IBM is still moving forward with hiring but not as fast as first anticipated.
Marketing – Dr. Joe Gratto
- Dr. Gratto stated that he obtained photos from the News Tribune and plans to print the photos that will be used on the displays from his home printer.
- Dr. Gratto stated that as a means of welcoming the new hires at IBM he plans to assemble “welcome wagon” bags. Ms. Palmer said that the Chamber has material that can be used.
Prospect – Debi Cruse
No Report
Strategic Planning – Tom Braithwaite
No Report
Communications Infrastructure – Rick Linthicum
Mr. Hill informed that there is the need to publish an RFP for the Mineral Vision project at a cost of $5,000, $2,500 of which will be from the County as part of a previously approved allocation, which is to be paid to a consultant.
Municipality Updates
Carpendale
No Update
Elk Garden
Mr. Braithwaite informed that the plans were being finalized and only a couple of easements were left to allow the water project to go to construction.
Keyser
No Update
Piedmont
Mr. Clifford informed those in attendance that Piedmont received nearly $6 million in funding towards their water improvement project.
Ridgeley
No Update
Other
- Ms. Ridder informed that deadline for discount room reservations at the Embassy Suites is tomorrow.
- Ms. Cruse stated that she would remind those she knew of that would be attending.
- Ms. LaRue informed that there has been discussion at Region 8 about allowing covered electronic devices to be picked up at the Transfer Stations.
Next Meeting
Executive Committee will meet Wednesday, January 11th at 8:30am @ MCDA Office in Grand Central Business Center.
Regular Board will meet Friday, January 20th at 8:30am @ Grand Central Business Center 3rd Floor Conference Room.
Adjournment
Motion made by Mr. Cole, 2nd by Ms. Palmer, and accepted by those in attendance.
Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by John W. Cole, Secretary
January 17, 2012
Members in Attendance
Randy Amtower – Keyser E
Ward Hill – P
Dorrin “Butch” Armentrout - Carpendale A
Janice LaRue – Vice-President P
Annette Barbe – Business E
Richard Linthicum – President P
Tom Braithwaite – Elk Garden P
Marti Moreland – Banking A
John Cole - Secretary P
Anne Palmer – Treasurer P
Debi Cruse – Higher Education E
Mona Ridder – Executive Director P
Lester “Skip” Clifford – Piedmont P
James Twigg – Ridgeley A
Dr. Joseph Gratto - Education P
Mark Yoder – Member-at-Large E
P-present E-excused A-absent
Guest: Jean Braithwaite – Mineral Daily News Tribune
Call to Order
Mr. Linthicum, President, 8:42 am
Opening Comments
Mr. Linthicum opened the meeting by welcoming those in attendance and stated that attendance at the 2012 Mineral County Day was a little off this year with only 33/34 people signed into the Hospitality Room. Following a brief discussion of the 2012 Mineral County Day, Mr. Linthicum stated that on a positive note, the real estate market is improving and that Mineral County in the top percent in housing sales in the region.
Meeting Agenda
After review of the meeting agenda Mr. Hill made a motion, 2nd by Mr. Braithwaite, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the agenda as submitted.
Secretary’s Report
During the review of the December 2011 meeting minutes, Mr. Hill stated that on Page 2 under Retention, the word “her” should be changed to “she” (Ms. Ridder stated that she and Jane…). With the noted change, Ms. LaRue made a motion, 2nd by Mr. Hill, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the meeting minutes as amended.
***Following meeting adjournment and prior to leaving the conference room, Mr. Clifford informed Mr. Cole that on Page 3 of the December 2011 meeting minutes, under Piedmont Municipality Updates, the amount Piedmont received in funding towards the water improvement project was $641,550.00 not $6 million as noted in the minutes***
Treasurer’s Report
During the review of the Treasurer’s Report, several questions were asked on what appeared to be discrepancies with the balances, particularly with the balance of the Special Account. Following a lengthy discussion, two recommendations were made:
- Include the previous months approved Treasurer’s Report with the current months report.
- Adjust the page layout of the deposit detail sheet to landscape.
In addition to the recommendations, a motion was made by Mr. Hill, 2nd by Ms. Palmer to close the Fort Ashby Special Project Account and transfer the balance to the savings account. The motion was approved by those in attendance with one no vote by Mr. Clifford.
Following the lengthy discussion on the Treasures Report, a motion was made by Mr. Cole, 2nd by Ms. LaRue, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the Treasurer’s Report as submitted.
Director’s Report
- Ms. Ridder provided copies of the meeting agenda, previous month’s secretary’s report, most recent treasurer’s report, and director’s report for the members to review.
- Ms. Ridder stated that as a way to advertise the County, MCDA should consider attending trade shows.
Old Business
- Ms. Ridder stated that she was still looking for a new office location.
- There was a lengthy open discussion on the 2012 Mineral Count Day.
- Mr. Linthicum asked Ms. LaRue, Mr. Hill and Mr. Cole to be on the nominating committee for 2012-2013. All three accepted.
- Ms. Ridder announced that Asplundh would be working in the area and has requested the use of the Fort Ashby Industrial Park parking area as a staging area. Following a discussion, Mr. Braithwaite made a motion, 2nd by Ms. Palmer and accepted by those in attendance to sign a hold harmless agreement with Asplundh for the use of the parking lot.
Committee Reports
Executive – Rick Linthicum
No Report
Finance – Janice LaRue
Ms. LaRue stated that as part of the process for securing funding for broadband, the MCDA would need to get a new appraisal of the Fort Ashby Industrial Park. Mr. Linthicum recommended contacting an out of County appraiser. Following a discussion, Mr. Hill made a motion, 2nd by Mr. Braithwaite, and accepted by those in attendance to hire an appraiser.
Retention – Mona Ridder
Following on a continued discussion about CECD classes, Ms. Ridder stated that she found a class in Atlanta, GA that would qualify as well as give credit towards LED grants.
Marketing – Dr. Joe Gratto
No report, however Dr. Gratto stated that he would meet with Ms. Ridder to discuss the possibility of the MCDA attending trade shows.
Dr. Gratto announced that he would not be applying for another term on the MCDA once his current term is up.
Prospect – Debi Cruse
No Report
Strategic Planning – Tom Braithwaite
No Report
Communications Infrastructure – Rick Linthicum
Mr. Linthicum and Mr. Hill provided a summary of the recent broadband meeting in Charleston. When discussing project funding, Mr. Hill informed that the MCDA is still on our own.
Municipality Updates
Carpendale
No Update
Elk Garden
Mr. Braithwaite informed that the Town is having problems with the furnace in the Town Building.
Keyser
No Update
Piedmont
Mr. Clifford invited those interested in participating to a Community Health Challenge that take place on Wednesday’s at 11:00 a.m. Activities involve include walking, learning about healthy living and eating.
Ridgeley
No Update
Other
Ms. Ridder informed that included with the meeting packet was the mid-year budget and stated that the MCDA is under budget.
Next Meeting
Executive Committee will meet Wednesday, February 8th at 8:30am @ MCDA Office in Grand Central Business Center.
Regular Board will meet Tuesday, February 21st at 8:30am @ Grand Central Business Center 3rd Floor Conference Room
Adjournment
Motion made by Ms. Palmer, 2nd by Mr. Cole, and accepted by those in attendance.
Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by John W. Cole, Secretary
February 21, 2012
Members in Attendance
Randy Amtower – Keyser P
Ward Hill – P
Dorrin “Butch” Armentrout – Carpendale P
Janice LaRue – Vice-President P
Annette Barbe – Business P
Richard Linthicum – President P
Tom Braithwaite – Elk Garden P
John Cole – Secretary P
Anne Palmer – Treasurer P
Debi Cruse – Higher Education P
Mona Ridder – Executive Director P
Lester “Skip” Clifford – Piedmont A
James Twigg – Ridgeley P
Dr. Joseph Gratto – Education P
Mark Yoder – Member-at-Large P
P-present E-excused A-absent
Guest: Jean Braithwaite – Mineral Daily News Tribune
Call to Order
Mr. Linthicum, President, 8:35 am
Opening Comments
Mr. Linthicum opened the meeting by welcoming those in attendance and stated that based on a recent housing market update, 2012 as looking good for housing sales. Mr. Linthicum announced that ATK is looking at permanent job layoffs and that he would like to see a dedicated zip code in the Short Gap area.
Meeting Agenda
During the review of the Meeting Agenda, Ms. Ridder announced that “Appraisal on Shell Building” needed to be added to the agenda under Old Business. Following the announcement and a brief discussion, Mr. Yoder made a motion, 2nd by Ms. Barbe, to add the noted item to the agenda, which was approved by those in attendance. With the noted change to the agenda, Mr. Cole made a motion, 2nd by Ms. Palmer, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the Meeting Agenda as amended.
Secretary’s Report
After review of January’s meeting minutes, Mr. Braithwaite made a motion, 2nd by Ms. Cruse, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the minutes as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report
During the review of the Treasurer’s Report, a motion was made by Mr. Cole, 2nd by Mr. Yoder, and accepted by those in attendance to include a separate column on the balance sheet that lists the previous month’s balances. Following the review of the Treasurer’s Report, a motion was made by Mr. Yoder, 2nd by Mr. Cole, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the Treasurer’s Report as submitted.
Director’s Report
- Ms. Ridder provided copies of the meeting agenda, previous month’s secretary’s report, most recent treasurer’s report, and director’s report for the members to review.
- Ms. Ridder announced that she received Marti Moreland’s letter or resignation from the MCDA. Ms. Ridder stated that an advertisement would be placed looking for someone to serve on the MCDA from the financial community.
Old Business
- Ms. Ridder announced that she found a new office location, former BB&T bank on Main Street. Following a brief discussion a motion was made by Ms. LaRue, 2nd by Mr. Braithwaite, and accepted by those in attendance to move the MCDA office from the Grand Central Business Center to the new location along Main Street
- Ms. Ridder announced that 12 RFP’s for the Mineral Vision project were mailed and that she was aware to two companies that plan on submitting proposals.
- Ms. Ridder announced that Amy White was elected at the new chair for Mineral County Day
- Ms. Ridder announced that one of the recommendations from the auditor was to have an appraisal done on the Fort Ashby Business Park Multi-Tennant Building. Mr. Linthicum stated that the cost for the appraisal would be approximately $2,500. Following a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Yoder, 2nd by Mr. Hill, and approved by those in attendance to postpone the appraisal to a later date and add the Fort Ashby Business Park and Multi-Tennant Building line items to the Balance Sheet under assets.
New Business
- Following a lengthy discussion on having a roundtable meeting between the MCDA, MC Planning Commission and the Farmland Protection Board regarding conflicts between the various bodies, a motion was made by Mr. Cole, 2nd by Mr. Armentrout, and accepted by those in the attendance to have the MCDA sponsor a roundtable discussion.
- Ms. Ridder reviewed and discussed various upcoming events listed on the meeting agenda.
Committee Reports
Executive – Rick Linthicum
No Report
Finance – Janice LaRue
Ms. LaRue stated that the finance committee is starting to work on next year’s budget.
Retention – Mona Ridder
Ms. Ridder stated that she and Jane Peters would be visiting ATK and IBM as well as Carl Belt and Alleghany Aggregates during Jane’s next visit.
Marketing – Dr. Joe Gratto
No Report
Prospect – Debi Cruse
Ms. Cruse stated that she was able to make contact with the Texas based call center. The company informed that they are evaluating West Virginia as well as other States for locating a call center.
Strategic Planning – Tom Braithwaite
No Report
Communications Infrastructure – Rick Linthicum
Mr. Hill announced that additional people were needed on the CIC.
Municipality Updates
Carpendale
Mayor Armentrout announced that:
- That the Town has filed with the PSC a water and sewer rate increase
- That the Town is working with a local engineering firm on developing a back-up water source and that the Town is looking at possibly a 2nd water storage tank
- That the Town is replacing their sewer master meter going into Cumberland
- That the Town is looking at paving some streets this summer
Elk Garden
Mr. Braithwaite announced that the Town’s fire hydrant project is underway.
Keyser
Mayor Amtower announced that:
- That the City Hall building now has a new HVAC system on the 1st floor and that there are plans to do the 2nd floor.
- That the City is working to secure funding on four separate water and sewer infrastructure projects
- That the City’s new wastewater treatment plant is under design
- That the City’s accounts are all balanced through January 2012
Piedmont
No Update
Ridgeley
Mayor Twigg announced that:
- A new business was starting up in the old Ridgeley School
- The Town will be coordinating with the Town of Carpendale on street paving projects.
- The Town has advertised for engineering services for evaluating the Town’s levee system
Other
None
Next Meeting
Executive Committee will meet Wednesday, March 14th at 8:30am @ MCDA Office in Grand Central Business Center.
Regular Board will meet Tuesday, March 27th at 8:30am @ Grand Central Business Center 3rd Floor Conference Room which is a week later than normally held due to scheduling conflicts.
Adjournment
Motion made by Mr. Yoder, 2nd by Mr. Braithwaite, and accepted by those in attendance.
Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by John W. Cole, Secretary
March 27, 2012
Members in Attendance
Randy Amtower – Keyser E
Ward Hill – P
Dorrin “Butch” Armentrout – Carpendale A
Janice LaRue – Vice-President P
Annette Barbe – Business A
Richard Linthicum – President P
Tom Braithwaite – Elk Garden P
Scott Hostetler – Banking P
John Cole – Secretary P
Anne Palmer – Treasurer P
Debi Cruse – Higher Education A
Mona Ridder – Executive Director P
Lester “Skip” Clifford – Piedmont P
James Twigg – Ridgeley A
Dr. Joseph Gratto – Education A
Mark Yoder – Member-at-Large E
P-present E-excused A-absent
Guest: Jean Braithwaite – Mineral Daily News Tribune
Call to Order
Mr. Linthicum, President, 8:33 am
Opening Comments
Mr. Linthicum opened the meeting by welcoming those in attendance including Scott Hostetler, the newest member of the development authority.
Meeting Agenda
After review of the meeting agenda, Mr. Cole made a motion, 2nd by Mr. Braithwaite, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the Meeting Agenda as submitted.
Secretary’s Report
After review of January’s meeting minutes, Ms. Palmer made a motion, 2nd by Mr. Clifford, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the minutes as submitted.
***Following the meeting adjournment and prior to leaving the conference room, Mr. Clifford informed Mr. Cole that he should have been marked excused instead of absent at February’s meeting***
Treasurer’s Report
As approved during February’s meeting, the Treasurer’s Report includes both the current month’s balances and the previous months balance in separate columns. After review of the Treasurer’s Report, a motion was made by Ms. LaRue, 2nd by Mr. Hill, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the Treasurer’s Report as submitted.
Director’s Report
- Ms. Ridder provided copies of the meeting agenda, previous month’s secretary’s report, most recent treasurer’s report, and director’s report for the members to review.
- Ms. Ridder reviewed the Director’s Report highlighting relevant information for discussion.
Old Business
- Ms. Ridder stated that the nominating committee has developed a Nomination for Officers form that needs to be completed and returned by the April meeting.
- Ms. Ridder provided copies of the 2012-2013 budget which was reviewed. During the review of the budget a minor discrepancy was noted on the amount of rent that will be due per month at the new office (changed the $250 to $300). After review of the budget, a motion was made by Mr. Cole, 2nd by Mr. Braithwaite, and accepted by those in attendance to approve the 2012-2013 budget.
- Ms. Ridder reviewed the event schedule included on the Meeting Agenda. During the review and discussion, the July 6th date for the Open House for the new Chamber and MCDA offices was changed to July 11th.
- Ms. Palmer said that the April 19th job fair currently had about 20 copies signed up to participate.
- Ms. Palmer said that the June 22nd Annual Business Recognition Dinner was coming along.
New Business
- Ms. Palmer stated that those wishing to attend the Legislative Breakfast on April 13th would need to purchase a ticket. Ms. Palmer also asked if anyone would be interested in helping sell tickets.
- Mr. Hostetler provided a brief introduction saying that he has worked for BB&T for the last two years and that he lives in Allegany County, MD.
Committee Reports
Executive – Rick Linthicum
Items already discussed throughout the course of the meeting
Finance – Janice LaRue
Ms. LaRue stated that the finance committee prepared year’s budget.
Retention – Mona Ridder
Ms. Ridder stated that she and Jane Peters would be visiting ATK and IBM next week.
Marketing – Dr. Joe Gratto
No Report
Prospect – Debi Cruse
No Report
Strategic Planning – Tom Braithwaite
- Mr. Braithwaite stated that he would be unavailable to devote the appropriate amount of time towards preparing a strategic plan over the next couple of months.
- Ms. LaRue said that she would be available to assist Mr. Braithwaite.
- Mr. Linthicum stated that he would like to see more short-term goals addressed in the plan.
Communications Infrastructure – Rick Linthicum
Mr. Linthicum said that only one RFP was received, which was within estimate, and that the CIC would be reviewing.
Municipality Updates
Carpendale
No Update
Elk Garden
- Mr. Braithwaite announced that the Town’s fire hydrant project is underway and that the remaining projects would be advertised soon.
- Mr. Braithwaite also announced that two blighted buildings were being demolished within the Town.
Keyser
No Update
Piedmont
Mr. Clifford announced that the Town would be having a conference call tomorrow to discuss the water project and that the Town was also in the process of demolishing a couple buildings.
Ridgeley
No Update
Other
- Ms. LaRue reminded those in attendance that on April 3rd the 78th Lighting Division would be honored on the front steps of the old Keyser High School.
- Ms. LaRue stated that the closure of the USPS sorting facility in Cumberland is not a done deal and that the MCDA should send a letter of support to keep the facility open.
Next Meeting
Executive Committee will meet Wednesday, April 11th at 8:30am @ MCDA Office in Grand Central Business Center.
Regular Board will meet Tuesday, April 17th at 8:30am @ Grand Central Business Center 3rd Floor Conference Room.
Adjournment
Motion made by Mr. Cole, 2nd by Ms. Palmer, and accepted by those in attendance.
Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by John W. Cole, Secretary