October 2022 Meeting Minutes

by | May 10, 2023 | Meetings & Minutes

 

West Central Mountains Economic Development Council

Board Meeting Agenda (Amended)

October 11, 2022, 3:00

Cascade – Lake Cascade State Park’s Office, 100 Kelly’s Way

Zoom Available: link below

 

Executive Session 2:30 (Open unless otherwise specified)

  • Review agenda items

 

Board Meeting Call to Order at 3:02pm

  • Those in attendance in-person: Belinda Provancher, Kelly Hill, Dylan Martin, Joni Osterman, Jill Morris-Chapman.
  • Those attended electronically: Judy Nissula, Julie Good, Vonna Torrey, Rachel Wessel
  • Guests in attendance: Lindsey Harris (in-person), Tom Reinhardt (in-person), Melissa Hamilton (virtually)
    • Approval of agenda by Jill
    • 2nd by Joni
    • Motion Passed
  • Welcome of Guest Presenter Belinda Provancher – Perpetua Information (5 minutes) to educate our group on the request for additional study on recreational impacts of Stibnite project. Belinda does not believe we need to conduct yet another study, but the study should instead include all on-going projects that have impact. Additionally, Julie mentioned that there is already a group called the Stibnite Advisory Council that is conducting a much broader impact on the study and suggested this as a resource to the Headwaters Group since their missions align. Julie and Belinda later abstain on the vote for the request for funding from the Idaho Headwaters group in the amount of $5,000.
  • Approval of past minutes as amended by changing the use of “Agenda” to “Minutes” in the title
    • Jill Motion
    • 2nd by Belinda
    • Motion Passed
  • Treasurer’s report
    • Julie mentioned an outstanding check that has not cleared the bank yet, but all is reconciled. Fund balances reflect the paypal balances from summit payments.
    • Approval of Treasurer’s report by Jill
    • 2nd by Kelly
    • Motion Passed
    • Approval to pay Shore Lodge Summit Invoice as presented by Lindsey for $6,369.05
    • Motion for approval of check request by Jill
    • 2nd by Belinda
    • Motion Passed
  • Letter(s) of support requests No New Requests – please see the enclosed letters of support submitted in September for your records
  • LTR of Funding Request from Idaho Headwaters – Discussion took place amongst the board that we would not look to support the request for the donation ask from the Idaho Headwaters Group.  Julie mentioned this will not be the last request that comes our direction as the region moves forward. She noted also from a financial perspective, this ask was not planned for in our budget this year.

Board is concerned that if we agree to fund a one-off, very specific project for one company and one project, we will need to do the same for all projects. Board is in agreeance this isn’t a precedence we want to set as an inherently neutral organization.

  • Motion by Judy to deny the funding request from Idaho Headwaters Group and direct their request to the Stibnite Advisory Council
  • 2nd by Jill
  • Abstention by Julie and Belinda
  • Motion Passed
  • Community Reports
    • Cascade – Judy has nothing to report at this time. – Whistle stop is having an upcoming grand opening; Trying to move forward the $750,000 Geothermal planning grant. Lindsey will sit in on the coalition for this project in the workforce development capacity. WCMEDC Submitted all necessary documentation for the coalition seat and our letter of support for the project.
    • Donnelly – Belinda spoke about Trunk or Treat 5p-7p, Donnelly Elementary is no longer supporting the fall festival in Donnelly, so it is taking place at the library and it is scheduled the week prior to Trunk or Treat.
    • McCall – No report, McCall Chamber Membership event is taking place next week at Banyans. Some discussion took place on the changes taking place for Winter Carnival 2024.
    • New Meadows – Julie wanted to say thank you for people who are helping to support the tragedy with the Mehens, Skate Park Fund raiser is scheduled on October 29th from 1-6pm in the city park. Trunk or Treat in the park. Working on getting all committees getting together in an effort to not duplicate services. Youth community concern is consistent – lots of resources coming to the table. Working on a youth center and it will be located next to the skate park and could function as a childcare option as well.  A collaborative effort!
    • Valley County – No report
  • WCMEDC Updates
    • Welcome New Board Member (Donnelly Rep)- Kelly Hill – Kelly is now with Century 21 which will have an expanded presence in the near future. Focus on giving back to the community and emphasis on the housing challenges initiatives. At her businesses, DoneRight Management, they have over 150 long-term rentals as clients and they continue to advocate for more.
    • Early Childhood Education update from Darcie and Dylan – Workforce Development Grant for childcare centers for the schools. McCall schools acquired the Crestline building to move forward the opportunity for child care.  Cascade is planning on moving forward with that grant to move their facility to a different location – existing building will need additional renovations.  Community center will need to pass a fire inspection and more. ELAC meeting on Sept. 30th added Nick from the Cascade Community Center to the group as well as a representative from the McCall Library. Continuing to establish partnerships and engage in multiple ways.
    • Grant(s) report
      • Idaho Workforce Development Grant for Early Childhood Education Update (Dylan & Darcie) see above.
      • City of Cascade Dept. of Energy Grant Update – WCMEDC Involvement as Coalition Member – we are doing involved on workforce development front. See above.
    • Payette River Scenic Byway – no updates.
    • Community Development
      • Creative District Update (Delta) Julie spoke on Delta’s behalf. A large sculpture was privately donated to the City of New Meadows. They will decide on the location.
    • 2022 Economic Summit Recap (Lindsey)
      • Sponsorships, attendees, outstanding expenses, overall success of the event – discussion to change the event to November next year to increase attendance – October is a busy month for events and conferences throughout the State. Next month, the Board will have a complete P & L from the event since invoices are still coming in, as well as payments for sponsorships. Overall, the event was a net positive for the organization. Big thank you to sponsors big and small who made it possible.
      • CAT Updates (Housing, Infrastructure, Transportation, Early Childhood Dev., Business Retention & Expansion, Broadband, Communications)
        • Transportation – Valley Adams Planning Partnership Meeting Reminder 10/24 at PNF Supervisor’s Office
      • New Business:
        • Lindsey has updated the website
        • Luke’s October Events from Tiffany Hakes Dobbs- Community Resiliency Model class 10/19 – 10/20 at Glass House in McCall; Know the Five Signs suicide prevention class 10/12 to be hold online.
        • Melissa Hamilton, U of I Extension-Community Education Summit 10/25 (Melissa spoke earlier in the meeting because she had a conflicting appointment)
          • Rural and Community Summit sharing, virtual learning programs, Wildland Fire & Safety Program and English.
          • Students being able to get college credit for working with employers.
          • Looking to engage with employers to formalize an opportunity with.
          • Looking to get specific feedback on what is needed from the Extension Office.
          • Community Educator Association Meeting – forthcoming
        • Public Comment – Tom Reinhardt introduced himself and came on behalf of the Cascade Chamber to learn more about the WCMEDC
        • Adjourn at 4:52pm

 

ZOOM MEETING LINK

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83483669588?pwd=ZHl6US9SaGZoWms4R2tjS3lDSEhCdz09