EDAMinutes2025February18
MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
| TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2025 |
A meeting of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority was held on
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. in the County Administration Building, First
Floor Conference Room, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia.
PRESENT: Judy McCann-Slaughter, Diane Kearns, Rick Till and Gary Lofton. Due to
a business conflict, Bryan Fairbanks, participated remotely and the Board
approved his doing so.
STAFF: Patrick Barker, Shayla Rickard, Wendy May, and Donna McIlwee, Frederick
County Economic Development Authority; Jay Tibbs, Deputy County Administrator; and
Michael Bryan, EDA Attorney.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Chairman Till called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
PARTNER SHOWCASE
Mr. Barker introduced Dr. George Hummer, Superintendent, and Alison Post, Supervisor of
Career & Technical Education, Frederick County Public Schools, who provided an overview of
the entity’s operation and activities and how they interact with the EDA.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes from the January 2, 2025, meeting were presented. On motion duly made by
Ms. McCann-Slaughter and seconded by Mr. Lofton, the minutes were approved as presented
by the following recorded vote:
J. Stanley Crockett Absent
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Gary Lofton Aye
Judy McCann-Slaughter Aye
Rick Till Aye
TREASURER'S REPORT
Mr. Barker submitted the following report:
Checking Account - Bank of Clarke as of December 31, 2024 - $13,740.72
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Frederick County EDA Meeting Minutes | February 18, 2025
Intrafi Account – Bank of Clarke as of December 31, 2024 - $3,096,794.42
Mr. Fairbanks asked why we keep money in a non-interest bearing checking account
instead of doing a sweep to our interest bearing account.
On motion of Ms. McCann-Slaughter, seconded by Ms. Kearns, the Treasurer’s
Report was approved by the following recorded vote:
J. Stanley Crockett Absent
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Gary Lofton Aye
Judy McCann-Slaughter Aye
Rick Till Aye
LARGE PROJECT READY SITES CONCEPT | NEXT STEPS
Mr. Barker reminded the Board that, at the January meeting, the EDA Board endorsed
proceeding with a plan to expand the number of large project-ready sites. This approach begins
with an internal staff assessment to identify and prioritize potential sites. Once sites are
selected, the EDA will initially secure a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
with the property owner(s) and proceed concurrently with an EDA-funded rezoning and an
application to the Virgina Business Ready Site Program (VBRSP).
He explained that staff is seeking the Board’s input and discussion on two critical components
of this program: (1) the Site Evaluation Matrix, which will ensure objective and consistent site
assessments and (2) a Non-Binding MOU, the framework for formalizing landowner
commitment. The Site Evaluation Matrix involves assigning a priority level to each identified
site. This prioritization will be based on a calculated per acre cost, which considers the asking
price of the site and infrastructure costs to bring roads, water, wastewater, electric and natural
gas to the site—either currently available or feasible within 12-18 months. The site with the
lowest per acre price will be prioritized for the landowner engagement process. This data-
driven approach ensures we focus our resources on the most cost-effective opportunities first.
The draft Non-Binding MOU outlines the framework for collaboration between the EDA and
property owner(s) as part of the Large Project-Ready Sites Plan.
Key elements of the Agreement include:
The stated asking price for the property.
A focus on property transactions aligning with EDA Industry Targets.
Repayment of rezoning fees and due diligence costs, supported by an application to
the VBRSP.
This Agreement establishes a structured and collaborative approach to advancing the EDA’s
goals of expanding project-ready sites.
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Frederick County EDA Meeting Minutes | February 18, 2025
Discussion on the site evaluation matrix
Mr. Lofton stated this looks good as a starting point.
Mr. Fairbanks agreed this makes sense since there is limited property.
Ms. Kearns stated she is not convinced there is enough motivation for the landowner to
participate and she is not sure that going with the lowest per acre price will be a successful
approach. She suggested a point system.
Mr. Barker remarked that we will reach out to sites that have the best potential as a
developable site.
Discussion on the draft MOU
Ms. Kearns stated she is not sure why a landowner would agree to a 5-year maximum price, as
stated on page 3 of the MOU under section “d,” since their property value may increase.
Mr. Barker remarked the MOU is something to show a landowner and they could ask for
something more to be included.
Mr. Fairbanks stated we need to be mindful when working State and VEDP on the asking price
increasing as a result of receiving State funds.
At the conclusion of discussion, Mr. Till brought before the Board the idea that the EDA would
meet with the Board of Supervisors to see if they approve of our concept and bring this subject
back before the EDA Board. All present agreed with this approach.
TARGET INDUSTRY STUDY UPDATE
Mr. Barker presented staff recommendations for sectors and subsectors as Targeted Industry
Sectors, which is identical to previously approved sectors. Staff is seeking the Authority’s input,
discussion, and endorsement, if deemed appropriate, to advance our strategic direction.
Ms. Kearns stated she is uncertain about the lime/gypsum sector under Advanced
Manufacturing.
On motion of Mr. Lofton, seconded by Mr. Fairbanks, the Board approved the Targeted
Industry Sectors as presented by the following recorded vote:
J. Stanley Crockett Absent
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
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Frederick County EDA Meeting Minutes | February 18, 2025
Diane Kearns Aye
Gary Lofton Aye
Judy McCann-Slaughter Aye
Rick Till Aye
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – DATA CENTERS
Mr. Barker reported that, at the direction of the Frederick County BOS, the Planning and
Development office initiated a proposed amendment to the County Zoning Ordinance which
seeks to add a definition for data centers and additional regulations for specific uses. Currently,
data centers are permitted as a by-right use in the B3, TM, M1 and M2 zones with no additional
regulations. The proposal is to amend the Chapter 165 Zoning Ordinance to add a definition for
data centers and additional regulations for specific uses. This proposed amendment is an
important step in addressing the evolving needs of the information technology sector, an EDA
Industry Target. It aims to balance the development of data centers with necessary regulations
to mitigate potential environmental impacts, especially related to noise and visual impact.
Staff is seeking EDA Board support for the proposed amendment and provide comments as
such during the public hearings, February 19th (Planning Commission) and March 12th (Board of
Supervisors).
Mr. Lofton asked if the proposal mirrors Loudoun County. Mr. Pearson, Planning Director, had
joined the meeting for this discussion, and he stated Frederick County’s proposal has a less
regulatory framework.
Ms. Kearns asked if the proposal considers private generators. Answer was, yes it does.
On motion of Ms. Kearns, seconded by Mr. Lofton, the Board voted to support the proposed
ordinance amendment by the following recorded vote:
J. Stanley Crockett Absent
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Gary Lofton Aye
Judy McCann-Slaughter Aye
Rick Till Aye
ADJOURN
There being no further business to come before this Authority, the meeting was adjourned at
9:10 a.m.
________________________________ ____________________________
Richard Till Jay Tibbs
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Frederick County EDA Meeting Minutes | February 18, 2025
Chairman Secretary