Valley County Economic Development Council
April 23, 2014, 4-6 pm
Cascade City Hall, Cascade, ID
Members present: David Papiez, Nic Swanson, Jonne Hower, Don Bailey, Scotty Davenport, Karla Miller, Bill Willey, Rob Terry, Sherry Maupin
Members absent: Cami Hedges
Non-members present: Michelle Groenevelt, City of McCall and David Hill with RePlay Resorts.
Presiding: David Papiez
David Papiez called the meeting to order at 4:10 pm and welcomed guests Michelle Groenevelt and David Hill.
The minutes of the March 21, 2014, VCEDC meeting were approved as presented. Treasurer Rob Terry noted the inclusion of the monthly Financial Report as a component of the minutes.
Project and Subcommittee Updates
- McCall Downtown Master Plan – Michelle Groenevelt summarized the process the City of McCall utilized in developing the McCall Downtown Master Plan and noted that the McCall City Council had adopted the plan on December 19, 2013. She presented a brief overview of the components of the Plan and answered general questions.Michelle requested, on behalf of the City of McCall, the VCEDC submit of a letter of support for a federal grant to prepare architectural and engineering drawings of the proposed surface transportation infrastructure.Following discussion of a proposed letter of support and some minor editorial changes, Don moved and Rob seconded a motion to submit the letter.
- VCEDC Website Update – David summarized the progress of the conversion and continued development of our website. He reported that the direct link from the VCEDC website to commercial real estate listings is now active.David requested all Directors to become familiar with the website and continue to proofread and communicate any needed changes via email to [email protected].Following discussion, we agreed to write short biographical sketches that will be posted with our photos to be taken at the next Council meeting.David and Karla will meet as a small work group to identify comments from the recent Small Business Fair and New Business Plan competition to be added to the website.
- Marketing – David reported on the final draft of a logo for VCEDC and provided an example of a completed letterhead. Following general discussion about collateral materials to be utilized at community events, Jonne was asked to organize a small work group.
- Incorporation and Tax Exempt Status – David reported that the IRS had received the VCEDC 501(c) (3) application. The acknowledgement from the IRS noted we could expect action within 90-180 days.
- Energy Subcommittee – Scotty and Rob reported receipt of donations from landowners involved in the thermal probe study; a check was issued to Roy Mink for the study. they had received and deposited to the donations to cover the thermal probe study conducted during the fall of 2013 by Mink Geo Hydro, Inc.On a related matter, Scotty and Rob reported that the Cascade School District is continuing to work with Dan Hand to transport and utilize excess geothermal water. Currently they are considering discharging the water via underground pipeline down Pine Street and disposing of it on the City of Cascade’s one acre wetland site.
Strategic Plan Review
David summarized the Council’s work-to-date on the 2013 VCEDC Strategic Plan and noted that it is now time to begin identification of priorities and revisions for the 2014 Plan. Following general discussion regarding the apparent lack of affordable housing within the County, the Council decided to begin a brainstorming discussion via email.
Idaho Power Economic Development Forum
David, Scotty, Rob, and Bill attended the April 22 Economic Development Forum, sponsored by Idaho Power. They reported that it was well organized and provided an opportunity to connect with staff working in economic development in the Boise Valley. Following the report, we determined to enquire about future joint marketing efforts.
Round Table, Calendar & Public Input
- Jonne reported that Kelly’s Whitewater Park will open for the summer season with an event to which the Nez Perce Tribe has been invited. Date and time have yet to be confirmed.
- The next VCEDC meeting will be May 28, 2014 at Tamarack.
- There was no public input
David adjourned the meeting at 6:10 pm.