HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 19 2014 Minutes of Board Work Session with Economic Dev Auth055
� A work session of Frederick County Board of Supervisors and Economic Development
I
j, Authority was held on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 12:00 P.M., in the Board of Supervisors'
Meeting Room, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia.
PRESENT
Richard C. Shickle; Christopher E. Collins; Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.; Gene E. Fisher;
Robert A. Hess; Gary A. Lofton; and Robert W. Wells.
OTHERS PRESENT
John R. Riley, Jr., County Administrator; Kris C. Tierney, Assistant County
Administrator; lay E. Tibbs, Deputy County Administrator; Roderick Williams, Patrick Barker,
Executive Director of the Frederick County EDA; Wendy May, EDA Marketing Manager;
Brandie Place, EDA Business Development Specialist; Sally Michaels, EDA Existing Business
Coordinator; Eric R. Lawrence, Planning Director; Economic Development Authority members:
Richard G. Dick, Beverley Shoemaker, J. Stanley Crockett, John McKenzie, and Tim Lackard.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Shickle called the work session to order.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
The agenda for the meeting was approved.
SIGNAGE PLACEMENT ALONG MAJOR ROUTES ENTERING FREDERICK
COUNTY
Administrator Riley advised the Frederick County Economic Development Authority
proposed to install signage along the major routes entering Frederick County, those being Routes.
7, 11, 50, and 522, as a way of establishing Frederick County's identity and' promoting the
county as a business destination. This initiative was one of the Phase I recommendations taken
from the County's business friendly initiative. The signage would be placed the shoulders of the
respective routes. This proposal was sent to the Transportation Committee for review � and
recommendation. The Committee recommended the Board direct the EDA to proceed with
signage on the primary routes noted above. He went on to say at the Authority's June 3, 2014
meeting, the members approved the following:
1. Placement of signs at the border of the county at Route 7, SO (east/west),
11 (north/sauth), and S22 (north south).
2. The attached sign design/message.
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3. The use of urethane and brick masonry sign materials, depending on the signs location.
Administrator Riley showed some sample signage showing metal signs, medium density overlay
panel, and high density urethane foam and a masonry sign. He concluded by saying staff was
seeking Board action regarding the design, materials, and placement of signage.
Vice - Chairman DeHaven stated one of the two designs was far more readable than the
other. He went on to say the fonts used need to be bold. As for the masonry sign, he noted the
Frederick Block sign was effective, but that style would be difficult to read on a dual lane road.
Supervisor Fisher asked if a private easement would be an option for signage placement
versus placement in the VDOT right -of- -way.
Administrator Riley responded a private easement might be a possibility.
The Board's consensus was to move forward with the signage placement.
Administrator Riley xeminded everyone that the EDA would pay for this initiative.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN FREDERICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVTSORS AND
FREDERICK COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Chairman Shickle advised he and Adrninistratar Riley had been working an a simplified
version of a memorandum of understanding between the Board and the EDA. He went on to say,
if it was okay with the Board he would like to make the EDA member appointments chairman's
appointments and he intended to have six names far the EDA at the Board's September meeting.
It would be his intent to have the new EDA board in place and then have the EDA and the Board
of Supervisor pass and sign this MOU.
Mr. Crockett stated he was comfortable with that as a f rst step.
The EDA and Board discussed the last paragraph of the proposed MOU, which read:
"Annual discussions and reviev� of Board of Supet-visors'uision for economic
development. "
It was the consensus to change "vision" to "expectations ".
Supervisor Lofton stated he would like to have the EDA and Board of Supervisors meat
semi - annually.
Chairman Shickle was okay with that change.
Supervisor Hess suggested the last paragraph read "the Board of Supervisors shall discuss
and review expectation for economic development at least annually."
Chairman Shickle stated he planned to make the EDA appointment chairman's
appointments with the Board's consensus.
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The Board and EDA discussed the member replacement process.
Chairman Shickle thanked the EDA members for their service to the County and
cooperation in this process.
EDA Chairman Richard Dick thanked the Board for their support over the years as well.
Chairman Shickle concluded by saying he appreciated the EDA staffs efforts and
cooperation through This transition.
PRESENTATION FROM EDA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RE:
A. PROGRESS OF TRANSTION FROM EDC TO EDA
EDA Executive Director Patrick Barker provided brief overview of the Winchester —
Frederick County EDC's transition to the Frederick County EDA. To date, a new logo was
developed and deployed, stationery and website presence have also been updated, as has the
VEDP Community Prof le and the sites building database. He noted there were still a number of
projects in progress, but staff was working through the transition.
B. DISCUSSION OF EDA STRATEGY TO EMPLOY CONSULTANT TO
TARGET RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL CLIENTS
Director Barker briefly discussed the possibility of hiring a consultant to undertake a
study to determine ways to proactively market retail business in frederick County. The three
goals of this study are:
- Increase sales tax revenue;
- Retain dollars being spent outside of the community; and
- Retain and attract millennial talent.
He advised that staff was seeking the services of Buxton, who is an industry leader in customer
analytics and site analysis. This engagement would result in a customized community
identification product that takes into account the special attributes of Frederick County, which
could be attractive to retailers. The deliverables from this engagement would include:
- Drive Time Txade Area Map;
- Retail Site Assessment (retail potential of up to three selected sites };
- Retail Match List; and
- Retailer Specific Marketing Packages.
Some of the benefits of this product included:
- Identifying sites that offer retail potential;
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- Profiling the shopping and dining habits of residents, tourists, and workday
population;
- Targeting retailers uniquely suited for the community and that complement existing
retail; and
- Prevention of retail leakage and lost tax revenue.
Chairman Shickle stated he was somewhat familiar with data used by franchisers when
selecting sites. He advised Director Barker that he needed to make sure Frederick County looks
better in the demographic data. He asked if there was anything that could be done 10 change that
data picture.
Vice - Chairman DeHaven asked about the terms of the Buxton engagement.
Director Barker responded that Buxton recommended at least a two year engagement. If
in year two, the EDA/Board were not happy then the contract could be terminated. He went on
to say the proposed contract would cost about $50,000 per year for three years.
Vice - Chairman DeHaven asked how this study would enhance existing retail and how
would those retailer be treated.
Director Barker responded that staff was awaiting more details. He advised that Buxton
was told it had to have a positive cash flow.
Vice - Chairman DeHaven stated it was in the County's best interest to be proactive.
Mrs. Shoemaker stated she would feel better about this if the information were more
specific. She noted the Buxton website was very vague.
C. EDA STRATEGY
Director Barker provided a very brief overview of the EDA's strategy. This overview
included:
- Economic Development Activities;
- Current County EDA Activities;
- EDA Powers;
- Top Accomplishments by other EDAs;
- Frederick County's Strengths;
o Highway accessibility /location;
o Best state along the East Coast;
o Consistent top performing economy;
o Heralded commitment to business; and
o Workforce assistance pathy.
- Barriers for Frederick County; and
o Froduct delivery concerns;
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o Cost factors within Virginia (e.g. tax structure, business site pricing, utility
pricing, cost of living); and
o Global and national economy.
- Next steps.
Chairman Shickle stated he would like to have direction or recommendations frorn the
EDA and staff to help formulate the economic development discussions and strategy.
Supervisor Fisher stated he would like to know the impediments to job growth and
revenue in Frederick County.
There being no further discussion, the work session adjourned at 1:10 p.m.
-.
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Richard C. Shickle hn . Ri , J .
Chairman, Board of Supervisors rk, Board of Supervisors
Minutes Prepared By: � `
Jay E Ti s
Deputy Clerk, Board of Supervisors
Minute Book Number 40
Board of Supervisors Work Session with
Economic Development Authority on 08/19/14