EDAMinutes2023February2
MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
| THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 |
A meeting of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority was held on
Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. in the County Administration Building, First
Floor Conference Room, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia.
PRESENT: Rick Till, Stan Crockett, Karen Swecker, Diane Kearns, Judy McCann‐
Slaughter, and Gary Lofton. Due to business reasons, Bryan Fairbanks participated
by phone, which was approved by Board members present.
STAFF: Patrick Barker, Shayla Rickard, Wendy May and Donna McIlwee, Frederick
County Economic Development Authority. Michael Bryan, Attorney, participated
remotely.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Chairman Till called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and
extended a welcome to new Board members, Diane Kearns and Gary Lofton.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes from the January 5, 2023, meeting were presented.
On motion duly made by Mr. Crockett and seconded by Mr. Lofton, the minutes were approved
by the following recorded vote:
J. Stanley Crockett Aye
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Gary Lofton Aye
Judy McCann‐Slaughter Aye
Karen Swecker Aye
Rick Till Aye
TREASURER'S REPORT
Mr. Barker submitted the following report:
Checking Account ‐ Bank of Clarke County as of December 31, 2022 ‐ $82,715.56
Savings Account ‐ Scott & Stringfellow as of December 31, 2022 ‐ $1,426,695.29
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Frederick County EDA Meeting Minutes | February 2, 2023
On motion of Ms. McCann‐Slaughter, seconded by Mr. Crockett, the Treasurer’s
Report was approved by the following recorded vote:
J. Stanley Crockett Aye
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Gary Lofton Aye
Judy McCann‐Slaughter Aye
Karen Swecker Aye
Rick Till Aye
ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR
Mr.Till opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chair. Ms. McCann‐Slaughter nominated Mr.
Crockett for the position. Mr. Lofton made a motion to close nominations, which was seconded
by Ms. McCann‐Slaughter, and approved by the Board. All present voted in the affirmative for
Mr. Crockett to serve as Vice Chair.
OM (OFFICE‐MANUFACTURING) PARK ZONING DISTRICT AMENDMENTS
Mr. Barker reported that at its January 25, 2023, meeting, the BOS unanimously referred the
proposed amendments to the OM (Office‐Manufacturing) Park Zoning District to public hearing.
During the January meeting of the EDA Board, the members were made aware of these
proposed amendments due to the linkage to improving Frederick County’s competitive position
for the EDA’s target industry sectors. Also at the January meeting, the EDA Board discussed the
possibility of submitting a formal comment in support of the proposed amendments. Staff is
seeking any feedback from the EDA Board regarding the proposed amendments and the need
or desire to provide a formal comment.
Ms. McCann‐Slaughter complimented County staff on the job done on the amendments and
stated the changes are more relevant to today’s business climate.
Ms. Kearns questioned why OM has never been used and stated TM also references campus
settings. To her it looks like most uses in the proposed amendments are already included
somewhere else, i.e. M1 and M2. She also asked if the amendments will help the situation.
Mr. Kline responded that incentives are not offered in M1 or M2 and the OM amendments do
not require a master plan and obnoxious things, such as excessive noise, are not allowed in the
new OM.
Mr. Lofton stated the amended OM is more inclusive for future opportunities.
Mr. Fairbanks said it was well written and offers more flexibility for those looking to come to
Frederick County.
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Frederick County EDA Meeting Minutes | February 2, 2023
Mr. Crockett stated it is consistent with the EDA’s mission and will help in targeted industry
initiatives.
Mr. Till inquired if it would be a good idea to have the EDA Board send a letter of support for
the amendments to the BOS. All agreed it would and Mr. Till and Mr. Barker will handle.
Ms. McCann‐Slaughter asked that the endorsement also be sent to the Planning Commission.
Mr. Lofton stated that, if possible, the EDA Chair and/or Board members should attend the
public hearing on February 15 and speak in support of the amendments.
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO DOUG RINKER
Per a conversation with the EDA Chair, staff prepared a resolution for Mr. Rinker recognizing his
service to the Economic Development Authority of Frederick County. Mr. Till then read the
resolution.
Ms. Kearns made a motion to adopt the resolution as read. This was seconded by Mr.
Fairbanks and approved by all present.
Mr. Till told the Board that Mr. Rinker had stated he would continue to support the EDA
however he can.
SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY COME BEFORE THIS AUTHORITY
Mr. Barker reminded Board members of upcoming EDA events: FredCo Eats Restaurant Week
is continuing through February 5; Widget Cup will be held on April 21; and the Employer Expo
on May 10.
Ms. McCann‐Slaughter encouraged Board members to attend the Widget Cup event.
Mr. Crockett acknowledged the grand opening of Paco’s Market and stated it was a good
example of how beneficial the EDA’s investment in the English as a second language program at
Laurel Ridge Community College has been.
Ms. McCann‐Slaughter stated she has been asking for an update on the EDA’s investment
earnings in order to make sure we are getting the best rates we can for that investment fund.
She requested this subject be included on the agenda for the next EDA Board meeting.
ADJOURN
There being no further business to come before this Authority, the meeting was adjourned at
8:30 a.m.
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Frederick County EDA Meeting Minutes | February 2, 2023
________________________________ ____________________________
Richard Till Jay Tibbs
Chairman Secretary