February 2025 Board Meeting Minutes

by | Jun 2, 2025 | Meetings & Minutes

West Central Mountains Economic Development Council
February 2025 Board Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2025 3:00pm
Cascade Public Library, 105 N Front St, Cascade, ID
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88234961292?pwd=nSUrhBKZK9aumQR7GdPECJcnE0PDTl.1

In-Person: Belinda Provancher, Dylan Martin, Judith Nissula
Online: Rachel Wessel, Cynda Herrick, Delta James, Joni Osterman, Julie Good, Vonna Torrey
Guests: Lindsey Harris, Trace Mckellips, Kayla Thibodeaux, Maria Guest (in-person), Melissa Hamilton & Sheila Francis (online)

  • Call to Order, Welcoming of Guests
    • Maria Guest gave the Board an update the amazing remodel and expansion of the library. Grand opening this summer. Kayla Tibideaux (Mrs. Tibbs Bakery) VP of Cascade Chamber.
  • Approval of February Agenda ACTION ITEM
    • Motion by Belinda, 2nd by Julie. Motion passes.
  • Approval of January Minutes ACTION ITEM
    • Motion by Belinda with one minor correction of verbiage under City of McCall update, 2nd by Cynda. Motion Passes.
  • Treasurer’s report: Fund balances will look a little different after this month with the new rearranging the Board approved. Paid a $6500 bill to Agnew Beck. Administrative expenses such as Google Drive, Zoom. Received check from Valley County that will get deposited, which were the additional economic development funds the EDC received after proposing use of those funds to County Commissioners. Cynda asked about the early childhood expenses. Clarification on those expenses. Update on accountant for the new firm to file our 990s and also an audit. Julie did reach out to a firm that Sherry had suggested and they have requested the last two years of financials. Julie should have an update at the March board meeting.
    • Approval of January’s Treasurer’s Report ACTION ITEM
      • Motion by Belinda, 2nd by Cynda. Motion passes.
    • Letter(s) of support: None this month
    • Executive Items
      • Resignation of Linnea Hall – see attached email resignation
        • Motion by Cynda to accept resignation. 2nd by Joni. Motion passes.
      • 2025 Finalized Strategic Plan – see attached
      • 2025 Fundraising LTR – see attached. Board was asked to review and chime in with any thoughts/edits/suggestions. The goal will be that this letter can be used by all when we are going to pitch financial support for the EDC. Vonna mentioned she thinks that a living

“Line #5, clarification on Dept. of Commerce.” “Who we are”

  • Executive Director Update:
    • of Commerce good news to share, received 5K extra from the rural EDPro Grant program. Additionally eligible to apply for the next request for funding.
    • Valley County ED Funding, line-item funding was also awarded and will be deposited tomorrow.
    • SBA Meetings occurred discussing the record of decision with Perpetua and how to take next steps. Training focus, and workforce development emphasis with all chambers represented.
    • Cascade Geothermal –
    • BSU Resilience Plan – Board Input on Survey Questions, planning on focus group feedback prior to going live.
    • Regional Housing Needs Assessment Update- St. Luke’s Community Board, Homebuilders Association, Valley County Commissioners
    • Idaho Power Day focusing on economic development, infrastructure, bidding processes etc…
    • Spring Conferences – IEDA Spring Conference March 4-5, Idaho Rural Success Summit May 1 in Northern Idaho.
    • Heartland High School & St. Lukes, job shadowing opportunities, taking it outside of the Hospital for accessibility and learning. Looking to regionalize this program as well.
  • Community Reports
    • Valley County – County is reviewing wildfire mitigation policy and procedures. How best to protect homes. Focus on Building Materials, outside landscaping. Fire Departments need to have access to properties. This will be additional increases to the costs of housing.  Sherry is open to having conversations.

Ordinances have changed as well.

We do not believe we will get SRS Funding, 1.8M hit if this does not happen.  Cascade – Resort City Coalition, short term rental bill could bring restrictions that could exacerbate our housing issue.  LOT tax seems to have died at this time or is being repurposed.

  • Donnelly – Planning for Huckfest, hiring someone PT at $25/hr for event planning. Organize with the EDC some trainings.  Community member engagement is positive.
  • McCall – City is looking to renew its LOT for road improvements, 2/27 Resiliency update at city council meeting. April 24, electric vehicle demonstration day in McCall. Transportation is a big impact to our city, educational opportunity.
  • New Meadows – Walk through of the new Youth Center, framing is done inside, a few delays with the cold weather. City council approved the skate park design review – ready for spring construction. Meadows Valley childcare facility is moving forward quickly. City is looking at the possibility of LOT for road improvements. Hired the Deputy Clerk position.
  • Partners in Attendance – Sheila is the new McCall Chamber Director. Welcome Sheila!
  • Cascade – Gearing up for the ice fishing derby to help raise some money. New Golf Tournament around Father’s Day, to promote Cascade, looking to bring back the old 4th of July feel, new committee on events – food trucks, face painting… etc.
  • WCMEDC Updates: Lindsey has restructured these as they pertain to our new strategic plan and priorities in 2025
    • Payette River Scenic Byway (Cynda) – no updates, waiting on ITD funding for updated signs, postpone until spring.
    • Creative District Update (Delta) – no update
    • Community Action Team (CAT) Updates:
      • Early Childhood Education (Trace/Dylan) 2 successful workshops, 27 families attended. Idaho Stars Regional Rep will be here tomorrow to visit the center.  Donnelly Childcare interest is positive and has more activity. Looking forward – carry over funds available should be expended by October 15, 2025 – looking to focus on funds here.
      • Community Development (Lindsey) – covered in earlier report.
      • Housing (Kelly) Exciting thing, 3 more affordable housing units will be in place by June 1, 16 units. Trust has been so very busy, the board is a actively involved and currently self-managing the units, focus will be to work on grants and community support in the future.
      • Infrastructure (Julie), should look to convene in the future.
        • South Lake Sewer
        • Transportation – ITD, look to ping all parties biannually. Corridor study letter modifications.
      • Workforce Development (Joni) SBA meeting yesterday, shared resources, counseling, contracting, marketing, disaster support – coffee chats in the future with one-on-one meetings.
      • Broadband (Lindsey) Imagine Idaho Grant required a county endorsement that has just been signed.
    • New Business
      • Emergency Management or Hazard Mitigation Focus emphasis for EDC. Dylan will be attending this meeting and can offer the EDC an update.
    • Public Comment: none
    • Adjournment 4:35pm