West Central Mountains Economic Development Council
Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2018, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Valley County Courthouse, Cascade, ID
Members in Attendance: Sherry Maupin (President), Cynda Herrick (Secretary), Lin Davis, Julie Crosby, Eric Borchers, Don Bailey, Linnea Hall, Blake Watson, and Andrew Mentzer (Executive Director).
Members Absent: Gene Tyler (Treasurer), Bill Willey, and Thom Sowers
Guests: Delta James
Maupin opened the meeting.
Housing Trust report: Would like approval to amend the bylaws etc. to sever the connection between the WDMEDC and the WCMHT at the time of receiving their 501(c)3. Eric moved to approve the documents send, upon attorney review and receipt of the 501(c)3.
Treasurer’s report: Received $2,000 from Dept. of Commerce for the summit, $5,000 from Midas for general purposes, Idaho Power likely to participate. Paid D&O insurance. Cynda moved to approve, Blake seconded. Motion carried. $88 was approved for office payment.
Approval of May minutes: Lin moved to approve, Julie seconded. Motion carried.
LOT funding in McCall–call for ideas: June 15 is final day for requesting funds. It has to be a benefit to McCall residents. Will ask for funds for business summit.
Eric’s extended stay teleworker idea (Vermont model): recruiting up to 200 teleworkers for $10K to move there and stay to stay program. 46% of San Francisco people want to move out. Will work with ITC and McCall Chamber to see what funds might be available.
Operation Facelift $500 funding request: restoration at Packer John Park – spent just over $100.00. Authorized up to $500. Blake moved and Don seconded for reimbursement for project to be submitted to the McCall Chamber. Motion carried.
Marketing committee update: $300 to market portal; landing page on website where work stay play brochure; stay to stay 101; with Idaho Power grant funds and will create 3 video vignettes (recreation, lifestyle, business).
Property Tax Exemption Letter to Valley County: Don moved to recommend approval of a support letter for the ordinance proposed by Valley County that allows exemption of property taxes for commercial/industrial uses that invest over $500,000 in a plant. Lin seconded. Motion carried.
Economic Summit planning committee update: Updated on summit plans from previous committee meeting – see attached notes. MCAR funding request and Shore Lodge venue are to-dos.
Scenic byways request for integration as WCMEDC subcommittee/partnership: Considered the Payette River National Scenic Byway committee as a subcommittee to enhance marketing and collaboration. Will have other members outside of WCMEDC. Lin moved to approve conceptually and to enter into an agreement. Cynda seconded. Motion carried.
- Strategy 1 – JOBS
o Woody Biomass update – on hold for now
- Strategy 2 – EDUCATION
o CTE/workforce development update: School districts, chambers, surveys and time frames – moving forward with scope review
- Strategy 3 – INFRASTRUCTURE/ASSETS
o ADV biking update: Andrew met with Shauna and identified parking areas. Web page is being developed
o Pathways feasibility study update: still in process
o Monument sign update – still trying to connect with Dave Cummings.
o Rec District update – proposing a 3 mil levy
o Broadband update – had a meeting with various IT professionals. Continuing to work through. More meetings in July and August to identify action steps
- Strategy 4- PROSPERITY
o Business engagement: no questions about this outreach
- Executive Session: 2019 contracting 5:15-5:50pm
Cynda moved to offer a contract to Andrew in the amount of $58,350 plus a $300 monthly stipend for insurance. Eric seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Adjourn 6:00 p.m.