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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAMinutes2026February5 MINUTES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 | A meeting of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority was held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. in the County Administration Building, 1st Floor Conference Room, 107 N. Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. PRESENT: Diane Kearns, Rick Till, Tina Murphy, Jason Aikens, Bryan Fairbanks and Christine Kriz. Board member Gary Lofton participated remotely for personal reasons and his participation was approved by those present. STAFF: Patrick Barker, Shayla Rickard, and Donna McIlwee, Frederick County Economic Development Authority; Jay Tibbs, Assistant County Administrator; and Michael Bryan, EDA Attorney. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Chairman Till called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and welcomed Jason Aikens as the new BOS representative to the EDA. PARTNER SHOWCASE – SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER Mr. Barker introduced Andy Gyurisin, Director, who presented an overview of the Center’s operation, key activities and ways in which they collaborate with the EDA. ANNUAL MEETING The EDA Bylaws call for an annual meeting prior to March 1 of each year to elect officers. Mr. Bryan, EDA Attorney, conducted the election with the following results: Chair – Rick Till Vice Chair – Bryan Fairbanks Secretary/Treasurer – Jay Tibbs APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the November 7, 2025, and December 4, 2025, meetings were presented. On motion duly made by Mr. Aikens and seconded by Ms. Kearns, the minutes were approved as presented by the following recorded vote: Jason Aikens Aye Bryan Fairbanks Aye - 2 - Diane Kearns Aye Christine Kriz Aye Gary Lofton Abstain (was not present in December) Tina Murphy Aye Rick Till Aye TREASURER’S REPORTS Mr. Barker submitted the following reports: Checking Account – Bank of Clarke as of October 31, 2025 - $3371.22 Intrafi Account – Bank of Clarke as of October 31, 2025 - $3,347,137.15 Checking Account – Bank of Clarke as of November 30, 2025 - $26,784.22 Intrafi Account – Bank of Clarke as of November 30, 2025 - $3,330,073.86 Checking Account – Bank of Clarke as of December 31, 2025 - $16,120.22 Intrafi Account – Bank of Clarke as of December 31, 2025 - $3,337,867.66 On motion of Ms. Kriz, seconded by Mr. Lofton, the Treasurer’s Reports were approved by the following recorded vote: Jason Aikens Aye Bryan Fairbanks Aye Diane Kearns Aye Christine Kriz Aye Gary Lofton Aye Tina Murphy Aye Rick Till Aye REMOTE MEETING POLICY Mr. Barker stated that, as required by State Code, the EDA must adopt its Remote Participation Policy on an annual basis. While no changes are currently suggested to the policy, it is crucial that the EDA formally adopts it to ensure compliance. Key points in the policy are that the EDA cannot allow any Board member to participate remotely in a meeting unless the policy has been adopted for that year and for meetings where remote participation occurs, at least four Board members must be physically present to satisfy the State Code’s quorum requirement. Mr. Aikens made a motion to adopt the Remote Meeting Policy. Motion was seconded by Mr. Fairbanks and approved by the following recorded vote: - 3 - Jason Aikens Aye Bryan Fairbanks Aye Diane Kearns Aye Christine Kriz Aye Gary Lofton Aye Tina Murphy Aye Rick Till Aye LARGE PROJECT READY SITES STRATEGY Mr. Barker reported the previously mentioned partnership for a large land bay with a prospective purchaser remains active. A meeting will be held soon to discuss next steps. The Virginia Business Ready Site Program will open soon and use of the program will be needed if the property owner is interested. Mr. Aikens inquired how many sites were originally identified and what process was used to identify if they were viable. Mr. Till remarked this is an ongoing process. JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PREPARATION Mr. Barker reviewed the draft presentation for this meeting, scheduled for February 12, and asked for feedback so it could be revised and finalized in ample time before the meeting. Mr. Fairbanks suggested spending time on the industry target page as we need to know if we should continue efforts working with possible data centers. He also suggested highlighting what employment changes and tax revenue dollars have come into the County because of the EDA’s work since there are several new BOS members. Ms. Kearns stated that since we have not had much success with large grocery stores locating here, should the EDA focus more on local resources. She also stated we should ask the BOS for specific goals. Mr. Aikens stated we should ask pointed questions as to what Board members expect from the EDA to be sure we are aligned with their desires as 100% alignment between the two is needed. He also suggested putting questions together and submitting to the BOS ahead of the meeting. He emphasized that outreach to prospective new businesses is paramount to some members of the BOS versus spending time on businesses already here. Ms. Kriz stated we should ask the BOS what top outcomes they want to see from the EDA. - 4 - Ms. Murphy suggested highlighting the scholarships at Laurel Ridge Community College we financially supported. SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY COME BEFORE THIS AUTHORITY Mr. Fairbanks asked that the EDA present a Resolution of Appreciation to Ms. McCann- Slaughter for her years of service as a member of the EDA Board. All present agreed. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before this Authority, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 a.m. ________________________________ ____________________________ Richard Till Jay Tibbs Chairman Secretary