FREDERICKSBURG ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 601 Caroline Street, Suite 303 (540) 372-1216 Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540) 372-6587 Fax ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) MINUTES Monday, February 10, 2025 8:30 a.m. o Regular Meeting Executive Plaza, Visitor Center Conference Room 601 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 The Economic Development Authority oft the City ofFredericksburg, Virginia met for a regular meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 8:31 a.m. at the Executive Plaza, Visitor Center Conference Room, 601 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401. EDA MEMBERS PRESENT. Chair Beth Black presiding, Anita Crossfield, Mitzi Brown, Joel Griffin, and Kevin Hughes (via phone). ABSENT. Meredith Schatz and Suzy Stone. ALSO PRESEN7. Hyperbole: John Simms; Department of Community Planning and Building: Mike Craig, Director; EDA Assistant: Jordan Seurattan; EDA Counsel: Jackson Key; Department of Economic Development and Tourism: Josh Summits, Director of Economic Development and Tourism; Amy Peregoy, Economic Development Manager; Victoria Matthews, Tourism Stadium and Sales Manager. DETERMINATION OF QUORUM. Anita Crossfield. APPROVAL OF AGENDA. MOTION by Mitzi Brown, seconded by Joel Griffin, the agenda was approved: Ayes (5); Nays (0); Absent from Meeting (2-Schatz and Stone). APPROVAL OF MINUTES. MOTION by Kevin Hughes, seconded by Mitzi Brown for the regular meeting minutes from January 13, 2024 were approved: Ayes (5); Nays (0); Absent from Meeting (2-Schatz and Stone). TREASURER'S REPORT. Mr. Hughes reported that the $3,000 Small Business Disaster Relief Grant was disbursed last month to A Stitch In Time. Mr. Hughes also noted that the business address for the EDA accounts at Shore United Bank has been updated to reflect the move to the Visitors Center. OLD BUSINESS. Amended and Restated Bylaws. During their September retreat, EDA members stated an intent to amend and restate the Board's bylaws. The changes include updates to the address, meeting format, remote participation policy, and the process for signing checks. Mr. Key reviewed these changes with EDA members and requested a motion to adopt the amended and restated bylaws. MOTION by Mitzi Brown, seconded by Joel Griffin to adopt the bylaws as amended: Ayes (5); Nays (0); Absent from Meeting: (2-Schatz and Stone). NEW. BUSINESS. a. Marine Corps Historic Half Agreement. Ms. Matthews came before the Board to request their approval to execute the agreement between the EDA and the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon. The funds for this agreement were previously allocated by the Board into the Sports Tourism Fund. MOTION by Joel Griffin, seconded by Kevin Hughes to execute the agreement between the EDA and the Marine Corps Historic Half as written: Ayes (5); Nays (0); Absent from Meeting: (2-Schatz and Stone). b. Comprehensive Plan Update. Mike Craig, Director ofthe City of Fredericksburg Department of Community Planning and Building provided members with updates on the ongoing Comprehensive Plan process. The focus ofthis process, as it pertains to the EDA, is to identify challenges, opportunities, and strategic initiatives that can guide the city's development over the next five years, particularly in relation to tourism, business growth, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. Mr. Craig acknowledged the EDA's role in the City's current development initiatives as the Board is a primary conduit for communication between the business community and city officials. Mr. Craig laid out the unique challenges the City faces when considering new development, and specifically highlighted the mix of historic and structures that are more modern and the limitations those conditions present. All parties agreed that tourism is, and will continue to be, aj primary economic driver for the City. Mr. Craig continued his report by outlining the various strategic challenges and opportunities the Cityi is considering as part ofthe Comprehensive Planning process. Board members and City staff agreed on several recommendations and next steps including, enhancing EDA's engagement with the business community, fostering regional collaboration for economic growth, revitalizing older buildings, promoting innovation, planning for sustainable growth, and protecting green spaces and public land. Mr. Craig concluded his report by reminding members that the Comprehensive Plan website is still live and an excellent opportunity for feedback. COMMITTEE & LIAISON REPORTS. a. City Relations Committee Ms. Brown noted the next meeting is scheduled for April. b. InvestFXBG Loan Committee Chair Black reported that one loan recipient is currently late. One applicant did not qualify. One applicant in underwriting. C. Parking Improvements No update. d. Strategic. Investments No update. e. Workforce Development - Ms. Brown stated the committee'. s next steps are to follow-up with UMW and Germanna representatives to continue working on establishing an internship program between local colleges and downtown businesses. f. Tourism - Tourism updates were provided by Ms. Matthews earlier in the agenda. Ms. Brown added that there's aj proposal going to city management and arts commission for location for the first installation ofa public mural through the arts commission in the city. More information to come out ofthe February arts commission meeting. g. Main Street - Ms. Brown reported that there are five new members on Main Street's board, with backgrounds ranging from local real estate agents to business owners and UMW staff, contributing to the board's growing and strengthening presence. In February, Main Street, along with EDT, hosted a successful Galentine's event on First Friday, which sold out. In terms of upcoming events, planning for the Summer Solstice at Riverfront Park has already begun, with discussions ongoing about potentially combining it with the business appreciation event. Additionally, on February 24, the Main Street board will hold a full-day retreat to focus on setting priorities and overarching goals for 2025 through 2027. h. Marketing and Promotions - Chair Black reported one pitch centered around tourism and the Civil Rights Trail which will garner interest in February. i. Business Relations No update. STAFF REPORT. Mr. Summits thanked the board for allocating up to $15,000 of the Opportunity Fund for an Environmental and Fiscal Impact Study on data centers, which was received on Friday from consulting groups WSSI and Magnum. These reports were integrated and submitted to the Planning Commission for an upcoming public hearing on the TOD District proposal. The study explored environmental impacts and provided eight key recommendations. The city has already addressed many of these recommendations through proposed ordinances, focusing on environmental protections and water impacts. The report also noted that the city will continue working on safeguarding measures through the site plan process. Ms. Morris highlighted upcoming projects including new panels being installed at the Welcome Center on I-95, a redesign of the visitor guide, and outreach efforts at the American Bus Association conference. Ms. Morris noted the city also collaborated with park directors and is preparing to launch a GIS-based tool, Visit Widget, in spring. CHAIR'S REPORT. None. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS. None. ADJOURMMENT: There being no further business to come before the Economic Development Authority at this time, Chair Beth Black declared the meeting officially adjourned at 9:36 a.m. Anita Crossfield, Secretary