June 1, 2017 from 4pm – 6pm
Valley County Courthouse, Cascade, Idaho
Members in Attendance: Sherry Maupin (President), Gene Tyler (Treasurer), Cynda Herrick (Secretary), Bill Willey, Scotty Davenport, Eric Borchers, Donald Bailey, Blake Watson, Kathy Hull, Linnea Hall, Lin Davis, and Andrew Mentzer (Executive Director).
Members Absent: Cami Hedges, Tom Greco, and Bob Giles.
Guests: None
Maupin opened the meeting.
Treasurer’s Report:
Tyler presented the Treasurer’s Report dated June 1, 2017, and appended. There is a balance of $66,498.97.
The IRS accepted extension for six months. Lamm (accountant) has received all necessary information from the Housing Trust.
Sought approval in the amount of $1,098 for the Board insurance, etc.: Davis moved to approve payment, Blake seconded. Motion carried.
Gene reported we received $1,000 from Idaho Power for operating costs.
Bailey moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report, Davis seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Minutes: Gene moved to approve the minutes from May 4, 2017, Eric seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Update on long-term funding structures – Fundraising outreach update:
Eric reported he and Andrew met with a Shore Lodge representative (Moss). They are employing 350 people this summer. Andrew will follow up. They seemed interested in the Education Portal.
Gene met with Amerigas, Stinker and Maverick – he educated them on who the WCMEDC is and our function. Amerigas said that there are lots of people making requests for funding. Stinker said Donnelly cost him $60,000 to get approval – perhaps we could help educate communities on the cost of compliance. Cynda commented that at the Economic Summit in Boise, Mayor Bieter’s first statement was to get rid of the difficult and costly permitting processes if you want economic development in your community. Andrew commented we may not want to broaden our efforts to include that issue. Sherry stated she had discussed the Griddle’s challenges with zoning. We also need to be careful about misrepresentation of ourselves as part of the WCMEDC at meetings.
Sherry spent time talking to municipalities. Gene said Donnelly has confirmed monetary participation with the use of their LOT funds.
Discussion concerning type of sponsorships. Andrew will put together a framework of sponsorships. Midas is giving $5,000.
Regional housing discussion & findings:
Adams County has no Planning and Zoning. Discussion of effect – they are passive. What is our function in the housing function? It would be beneficial to provide contact information, education of potential developers, link on Education Portal. Should be a session at the Economic Development Summit.
Subcommittee Discussion – Marketing – Summit(s):
Conversation concerning the economic summit and potential topics. Discussed project specific subcommittees; consensus was that this was a good idea. The marketing subcommittee for the education portal will be Eric, Lin and Andrew.
Discussed the location of the Economic Summit in October. It was determined the only venue large enough with breakout rooms is the Shore Lodge. Andrew stated they will comp the room but require a $8,500 food and beverage purchase. Gene moved to approve the guarantee of $8,500 and Lin seconded the motion. Motion carried.
WCM Community Foundation request for EDC to be 501(c)3 fiscal agent:
Sherry stated the West Central Mountains Community Foundation would like to work under the WCMEDC 501(c)3 umbrella (request appended). Gene moved to approve use of the WCMEDC 501(c)3 as the fiscal agent for the West Central Mountains Community Foundation. Linnea seconded the motion. Motion carried, Don opposed.
Woody Biomass adoption discussion—Sherry:
Sherry explained past efforts in Emmett by the WCHRC&D. It lost its state funding. We have been asked to be the employee for the Woody Biomass. Bill stated the study says they will need to find an entrepreneur to fund the original construction. Discussion on validity ensued. Bill said the county continues to participate in the 5 county coalition. Is it worth it for the WCMEDC to administer? Andrew said there is an initiative to do a state wide study. Consensus of group was not to administer at this time.
Discussion on Andrew’s review:
We were approved by the Dept. of Commerce to receive the grant in the amount of $27,500.
Executive Discussion to discuss Andrew’s review.
Gene moved to increase Andrew’s contract fee by 3% on July 1, 2017. Eric seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Bylaws/articles update–Andrew/Don:
Don said he visited with Amy Holm of Millemann, Pittenger, and Pemberton. They need to know who the registered agent is; Sherry confirmed she is the registered agent. Will complete the paperwork. One of the changes is the increase to up to 15 members.
Strategy 1 – JOBS
N/A
Strategy 2 – EDUCATION
ED portal update: Andrew updated and said it is off and running – will continue. Shooting for July 1 launch. There are dollars for marketing.
Strategy 3 – INFRASTRUCTURE/ASSETS
Pathways update: Andrew informed the council that he is working with Valley County to allow single track pathways in rights-of-ways.
Cascade ADV biking update: Will start working on this effort in Cascade in July.
Strategy 4- PROSPERITY
ASAP–any questions before next month’s presentation: Melissa will present the results in July.
Pathways event August 5th at North Valley Trail with Steve/Lukes: Valley County Pathways and St. Luke’s are working on this 5K, 10K walking/ biking event.
ED Report
Grants:
USDA telemedicine and education grant opportunity – ongoing discussion
Labor $250k training grant–possibility for mobile training – ongoing discussion
Businesses:
Hostel – no report
Dwell Done Cleaning – ongoing discussion
Affiliates:
Water Trails – ongoing discussion
Pathways: Valley County hired a new GIS Analyst, Kara Utter. She is working with Steve Stuebner to transfer the new Valley County Master Pathway Plan to Valley County in order to make the needed updates.
Scenic Byways: The Payette River National Scenic Byway committee has written a letter to ITD to address the following byway concerns: their inclusion in project planning; additional identification signage along the byway; placement of concrete “jersey” block’s detraction from scenic quality; preference for guard rails; color consistency with chainlink safety mesh; and removal of dead trees.
Round Table, Upcoming Events & Public Comments – ongoing discussion
Next Meeting: July 6, 2016, 4:00 p.m., McCall, Idaho
Adjourned