Mnasqg/oanglayou  Economic DevelgpmentAuthonty  The Economic Development Authority held a regular meeting on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Hall, Town Municipal Building, 215 East Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523.  Board members present: Michelle Crumpacker Board members absent:  Mr. Jonathan Buttram, Chairman; Ms. Lynn Scott; Mr. Kevin Turner; Mr. Ryan Kirkpatrick; and Mrs.  Mr. David Sensenig, Vice-Chairman; and Mrs. Liz Brown  Staff present:  Ms. Mary Zirkle, Director of Planning and Community Development; Mrs. Anne Cantrell, Director of  Finance; and Ms. Cathy Johnson, Administrative Assistant  Staff absent: None Other present:  Mr. Theodore Craddock ofCaskie & Frost, Attorney ofRecord for Economic Development Authority  Meeting Called to Order:  The Chair called the meeting to order. There was a quorum present for conducting business.  The Clerk gave the roll-call:  Mr. Turner Ms. Scott Mr. Kirkpatrick Mrs. Brown Mrs. Crumpacker Present Mr. Sensenig Mr. Buttram  Present Present Present Absent Absent Present  Mr. Kirkpatrick arrived at 1:02 pm. Approval of Minutes:  Ms. Scott made a motion to approve the April 12, 2024, minutes and Mrs. Crumpacker seconded. The  motion carried 5-01 to approve the minutes as corrected.  5/10/24 EDAI Minutes Page 1of4    Remarks by Chairman and Members:  Mr. Buttram deferred his remarks about Winoa until the discussion under Old Business.  Reports from Town Staff:  Mrs. Cantrell gave the financial report and she stated that the Equity in Pooled Cashi is $806,255.94. The Authority reviewed the Year-to-Date Budget report and the Balance Sheet as ofMarch 2024. Mrs. Cantrell stated that the accrued interest on investment was $1,355.14. She explained why the financial reports are  delayed based on timing of the month. Reports from Attorney: Winoa closing deadline. New Business:  Mr. Craddock deferred his reports until the Winoa update discussion. He expressed his concerns about the  Ms. Zirkle stated that the Town needs to apply once more for the Federal Rail Administration CRISI Rail grant and would like al letter of support from the EDA. She added that this is the same letter sent in 2021 to the Secretary of Transportation with adjustments and it would need Mr. Buttram's signature. Mr. Buttram offered to sign the letter of support after the meeting. Mr. Craddock advised the Authority to authorize the Chair or Vice Chair to sign the letter of support on behalfoft the. Authority. Mr. Turner made a motion as advised by Mr. Craddock to authorize the Chair or Vice Chair to sign the letter of support for the CRISI Rail grant to the Secretary ofTransportation. Ms. Scott seconded.  The Chair asked the Clerk for ai roll-call vote:  Mr. Turner Ms. Scott Mr. Kirkpatrick Mrs. Brown Mrs. Crumpacker Aye Mr. Sensenig Mr. Buttram  Aye Aye Aye Absent Absent Aye  The motion carried by a roll call vote of 5-0 to authorize the Chair or Vice Chair to sign the letter of Next, the Chairman tabled the Strategic Plan update discussion for another month due to allow time for Next item of business, the Authority discussed a possible program to fund outside agencies. Ms. Zirkle explained that the Town receives annual funding requests from local non-profit organizations that are engaged in community functions. These non-profit organizations have submitted their requests to Town Council for consideration and that list was included in the meeting packet. Mr. C.G. Stanley, Town Council Vice Chair, was present to discuss the reason why Town Council wanted to delegate the program  support for the CRISI Rail grant. other items on the agenda.  5/10/24 EDAI Minutes Page 2 of4    to the Authority since the board is non-political. He assured the Authority that ifit needs any guidance or had questions, he was available to assist. He suggested that the Authority consider if the requests meet the EDA's objective. The Authority noted if the agency brings tourism or attracts people to Town for economic development, itcould be willing to consider support ofagencies that benefit local residents. The Chairman suggested that the members take the framework of a program drafted by staff home to review and create the wording on how an agency can be a benefit to the Economic Development Authority's overall purpose. Ms. Zirkle asked if the Authority could determine how a non-profit organization has a connection to the Authority. Mrs. Crumpacker asked if she can look at the applications submitted by the agencies to Town Council. It was discussed that some organizations depend on outside funding and their operation is contingent upon getting funding from the Town. Mrs. Cantrell stated that each agency has to  turn in financial statements with their application to be considered for funding.  Old Business:  Mr. Buttram addressed the Authority about Winoa. He gave aj presentation to discuss the background and future goals oft the project. He stated that the time for the awarded grants is running out. He discussed the delays and the issue with the Bedford Regional Water Authority. He stated that during a meeting, Town Council rejected the Water Authority's offer. He stated that a tentative meeting with the Regional Water Authority will be held next Friday. He is hoping this will soon be resolved SO the project can move forward. Mr. Buttram stated that he spoke to Mr. Craddock about abandoning the Winoa project completely. He: stated that due to delays, the Authority has to give GoVirginia an explanation. Mr. Buttram stated that he has a proposal for the EDA members to consider. He proposed if Winoa will match Ascent/Bison Printing, then the Town Economic Development Authority will match dollar for dollar. Mr. Buttram preferred up to $20,000 but a majority of those present agreed up to $40,000. Ms. Zirkle stated that Brian Key at the Water Authority was seeking a letter of assurance for the amount ofmoney needed to pay for the lift station repair. Mr. Craddock advised the Authority to make a motion for the Chair to offer up to $40,000 for the Town's portion towards the sewer lift station on behalfofthe Authority. Mr. Turner made ai motion as advised by Mr. Craddock to authorize the Chair to offer up $40,000 for the Town's portion towards the sewer lift station on behalf of the Authority and Mr. Kirkpatrick seconded.  The motion passed with a 5-0 vote as follows by roll call vote:  Mr. Turner Ms. Scott Mr. Kirkpatrick Mrs. Brown Mrs. Crumpacker Aye Mr. Sensenig Mr. Buttram  Aye Aye Aye Absent Absent Aye  Mr. Kirkpatrick left the meeting at 2:15 pm.  Nexti item ofOld Business, the Authority continued its Childcare Incentive Policy discussion. Mr. Buttram read and discussed the draft Town of Bedford EDA "Workforce Assistance Policy Childcare Provider Incentive" dated May 10, 2024 into record. At the last meeting, there was also discussion not to fund private schools. Ms. Zirkle explained that the Department of Social Services included Family Day Home asal licensed provider on its website. She stated that the County Economic Development Authority adopted a childcare incentive and has a $30,000 total budget for childcare facilities in the County. Mr. Craddock advised the Authority to set a total limit to determine how much it plans to spend. Ms. Zirkle agreed that  5/10/24 EDA Minutes Page 3of4    the Authority should set a cap from the annual incentive budget line item. Mr. Buttram stated that about $60,000 is good for now, but the Authority can make an adjustment. He confirmed the EDA would hear the incentives quarterly sO not to exceed the budget. The Authority discussed the terms and conditions. As advised by Mr. Craddock, ita agreed on a $45,000 cap based on a "limited to available funds"disclaimer Based on the terms, Mr. Buttram suggested that the applicant increase to three kids before returning for additional funding. The Authority agreed it will be at its discretion to use the how many kids on average condition. Mr. Turner asked staff to provide what the County says and he also wanted to get the absent member's input. Ms. Zirkle agreed to bring the incentive policy back ift the Authority wanted to amend and/or approve the policy. Finally, the Authority agreed to no cap on the funds and to place the "limited The Chair asked for a motion. Mrs. Crumpacker made a motion to accept the Childcare Incentive Policy with changes and to include the disclaimer and Ms. Scott seconded. The motion to adopt the incentive  statement.  to available funds" disclaimer.  was passed with a 4-0 vote as follows by roll call vote:  Mr. Turner Ms. Scott Mr. Kirkpatrick Mrs. Brown Mrs. Crumpacker Aye Mr. Sensenig Mr. Buttram  Aye Aye Absent Absent Absent Aye  Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 2:42 pm. The next meeting will be on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm.  Respectfully submitted, Cathy Johnson, Secretary Approved on. June 14, 2024.  CKask  5/10/24 EDAI Minutes Page 4of4