20250520 MEETING MINUTES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025, 6:00 PM NOTE: The official EDAC monthly meeting on May 6th was rescheduled to May 20th due to EDAC chair illness. Meetings not on the official first Tuesday schedule are considered a Special Meeting as reference in the title above. MEMBERS PRESENT: Dean, Tamara (Chair) Arnburg, Jonathon (Committee Member) Dayton, Amanda (Committee Member) Heidmann, Stan(Committee Member) Nett, Ben (Vice Mayor, Town Council Liaison, Nonvoting) Plasters, Sandra (Committee Member) MEMBERS ABSENT: Murphy, Tim (Vice Chair) TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Bertaut, Christopher (Mayor) Khalil, Susan (Town Council Member) Luke, Carol (Town Council Member) STAFF PRESENT: Heather, John (Economic Development Advisor) Wilkes, Summer (Director of the Department of Planning and Community Development) Fraser, Kwasi (Interim Town Manager) CITIZEN SIGN IN Graham, Karen (Loudoun Mirror) Morgan, Christie Shields, Josh CALL' TO ORDER: Chair Dean called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Two changes unanimously approved: 7a. Virginia Vipers Basketball Presentation cancelled; ACTION: EDAC: members would like this on the next meeting agenda to discuss how to improve the economic impact. 7b. Town Zoning Code Update cancelled. INTRODUCTIONS EDACmembers, staff and audience introduced themselves. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: The 04/01/25 EDAC Meeting Minutes were reviewed and unanimously approved. Economic Development Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 2 of20 ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. EDAC Members Moving On: EDAC Member Ryan Ruzic. EDAC Junior Member Isaac Luben. 2. ACTION: The EcDev new intern Edward Xi from PHC was mentioned as a potential junior member replacement. CITIZEN /1 BUSINESS ATTENDANCE & COMMENTS: Ms. Christie Morgan suggested that there is great opportunity working with Purcellville's two high schools for student projects, especially with the business and marketing classes. Students could be invaluable in creating and promoting compelling Town social media. Mr. Josh Shields lent his support throughout the meeting for the Virginia Main Street program and the new community-led Purcellville Main Street organization. PRESENTATIONIS): None. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Note: The following Agenda Discussion Items reflect EDAC's 5 Priorities for FY2025: 1) BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT a) Purcellville Business Association (PBA) 1) PBA networking pregame event for the Vipers BB game on Thursday, May 22, starting at 5p at Loudoun Golf Clubhouse. ii) Next PBA monthly membership meeting June 10 @ 12p @ Loudoun Golf Clubhouse (1) Keynote Speaker: Congressman Suhas Subramanyam b) Ribbon Cuttings i) Shahnti Aesthetics & Wellness Medicine (conducted on Friday, April 4) ii) Brooke Rental Center Inc., 280 Shepherdstown Court c) PVL Business Guide Update: i) The Business Guide Checklist per type ofbusiness is nearing completion. (1) ACTION: Once completed, presentation of Checklists for EDAC review. 2) HISTORIC DOWNTOWN REJUVENATION a) Overview: The EcDev Staff reported that the PVL historic-downtown rejuvenation and promotion is consistent with the Comp Plan and Zoning Code and is a top EDAC priority. Other positive notes: (1) Nichols Hardware recently commenced redevelopment planning (Gaver Nichols Architect (no family relation)), and, (2) The construction of the $50m+ highway interchange at VA7 / VA690 intersection will provide direct access to the historic downtown thus vastly improving the potential for visitation. b) T-Mobile Hometown Grant: Train Station Upgrading i) $50k max toward community improvement must be shovel ready ii) Project: Replacing the Train Station roof ($40,000) and buying new AV equipment for the large conference room ($9,000). ii) Submitted Mar 31, 2025. iv) UPDATE: We received notice on May 22 that our grant application was declined. Next grant app due on June 30 (quarterly submissions accepted). Economic Development Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 3 of20 v) ACTION: Coordinate with PVMS for a smaller grant proposal of around $15,000 for historic-downtown streetscape beautification (noted suggestions: string lights across N 21st St; streetscape landscaping; light pole banners; and, bench & wine barrel planter decoration auction (check with Michael Oaks of Discover Purcellville organization). vi) See: https/www.t-mobile.com.lbrand/hometown-grants c) Virginia Main Street (VMS) Program 1) Town Council Proposed Resolution to End VMS Participation Status: At the May 19th Town Council meeting, the TC voted for the Planning Commission to review the Town's participation in the Main Street program and provide the TC with a recommendation on continuing participation. Primary conçerns revolved around transparency and connectedness, / overlap to Town programs. (1) Extensive positive discussion ensued regarding the VMS program benefits to the Town, noting that the entry-level VMS Exploring Main Street Tier 1 program requires no mandates for the Town regarding funding, personnel or historical design (although all are encouraged). However, advancing to a VMS higher collaboration level and applications to grant programs and techniçal assistance have requirements for eligibility, in-kind matching funds, and meeting other grant requirements. (a) Note: Engagement and grants / assistance with VMS are not limited to the Town, other community organizations (like the Purcellville Business Association, the PVL Historic Society and Discover Purcellville) are eligible to interact and apply as long as the Town resolution to participate is still active. (2) The EcDev Staff summarized VMS collaboration to date, noting two Town workshops performed by the VMS program administrator for the PVL community at the Train Station, and several online and in-person workshops attended by' Town staff. (3) Extensive discussion (mostly negative from EDAC members) regarding whether another CCB (Planning Commission) should be required to extend their mandate to audit other CCBs. Noted that this sets an important precedence for future CCB oversight. (4) MOTION: Recommend to Town Council to continue with the VMS program, and any future oversight review of the VMS program by the Planning Commission be inclusive of EDAC in a joint session. Unanimously approved. (5) ACTION 1: This recommendation should be presented by the Town Council Liaison at the next Town Council official meeting. (6) ACTION 2: The Interim Town Manager, Planning Director and EcDev Staff will meet with the Planning Chairman and Vice Chairman to discuss the next steps for the Planning Commission presentation. ii) VMS Community Vitality Grant Application: On Mar 30, the EcDev Staff submitted a $15,000 grant application for VMS to fund future design guideline studies for the historic downtown main street. Note: the 3:1 matching funds or in-kind requirement of $5,000 for the Town will be met by in-kind volunteer support by the! Purcellville Main Street Organization. ini) VMS Financial Feasibility Grant Application: This is a grant to assist a historic downtown main street "White Elephant" building with historic value but needing redevelopment and economic analysis assistance. The Planning Dept will soon submit an application for Nichols Hardware. DRAFT ** Economic Development Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes ** DRAFT May 20, 2025 Page 4 of20 d) Purcellville Main Street Organization (PVMS) ) Consistent with the VMS Exploring Main Street and Main Street Approach recommendations, the community-led Purcellville Main Street organization (PVMS) is now incorporated. and has elected a board of directors. Bylaws have been passed and the IRS application for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status has been submitted. Regarding Town integration, the PVMS board of directors includes 2 EDAC members (Amanda Dayton (PVMS president) and Stan Heidmann (PVMS treasurer), and a' TC member (Erin Rayner) who is on the Purcellville Business Association board of directors, and who is also the TC liaison to the Train Station Advisory Board. The EcDev Staff has been invited as ai nonvoting ex officio member (per the bylaws, the Town representative must be invited, and not appointed by the' Town). ii1) The PVMS board discussed a primary mission of supporting the Planning Department in the Design Guidelines project, supporting the Town's Comp Plan, and has committed to 140 hours of volunteer service for the VMS Community Vitality Grant as noted above. iv) The PVMS had a collaborative table i with EDAC n the Bush Tabernacle at this month's PVL Arts and Music Festival to engage the community. v) PVMS president Amanda Dayton presented to EDAC a PVMS community survey with over 100 respondents regarding the vision for historic downtown redevelopment (attached). vi) Note: PVMS is an independent community organization and not under the prevue of the Town for reporting, projects or board composition. vii) MOTION: For EDACand the PVMS to hold a future "Meet and Greet" at the Train Station with the community to network and discuss historic downtown rejuvenation and promotion. Unanimously passed. 3) Town Land Asset Site Review i) The Aberdeen Property and the adjacent Jeffries House were recently reviewed by' Town staff for potential redevelopment, PPP or sale. The Town Public Works Director voiced strong concerns over developing these properties due to the very sensitive ground water location and adjacent Nutrient Bank (impacts from septic systems and other human / animal impacts), also noting access issues (the property is presently gated). (1) JEFFERIES: The main noted potential is the sale of the. Jeffries House property on the corner of Short Hill Rd for uses that require no septic or impacts to the water resources. The house showed significant feral animal habitation including many other structural safety issues. There is a nearby swampy pond (Palustrine) wetlands about a half acre in size. Significant (and annoying) flying insects experienced. (2) ABERDEEN HOUSE & BUILDINGS: For thel house, significant structural and electric/ plumbing deterioration, open basement entry for feral animals, vagrancy or vandalism. Spray painted graffiti on the outside. Also on the property, a COW: milking barn had a relatively intact interior, although the structure displayed significant issues. Two concrete feed silos appeared to be in relatively good condition. The horse / hay barn appeared mostly intact, with the 2nd floor hay loft in good condition and also including an intact hay trolley fixed to the ceiling. There is a swampy (historic) spring house nearby, as well as a nearby Town water well (leased). Discussion: Aberdeen potential may be explored for DAR or historic building grants, or maybe the potential for making the area an RV park with a septic holding tank. But again, the Public Works director opines to leave the property as is because of significant potential water and Nutrient Bank impacts. Also, there is very limited economic or relative revenue value for the time and investment to redevelop. Sale of the property was not recommended. Economic Development Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 5 of20 ACTION: Input from the ITM on any future studies or actions. 4) REGIONAL AND STATE EC.DEV & TOURISM COLLABORATION a) Loudoun Small Business Development Center held office hours on May 1st at the Train Station. These are on-on-one 45-minute counseling sessions. Of the 6 slots filled, 3 were from PVL. This occurs on a quarterly basis. b) Loudoun Group Homes Update i) Loudoun expressed high probability not to demolish and reconstruct two PVL group homes near the historic downtown (161 W Main St. with.27 acres and a historic home, with an adjacent 23-acre vacant lot along 23rd St; and, 220 W Main St with historic home and .47 acre parcel). Both are currently vacant. ii) The 220 W Main St house was noted by EDAC members as being in dire need of repainting. iri) ACTION: The Planning Director will continue discussions with the County on the fate of the properties regarding sale or possible transfer to the Town. She will also bring up the painting issue for the 220 W Main St home. c) Western Loudoun Recreation Complex Public Presentation Review (link) i) EDAC members were recommended to review the link provided for the latest complex plans. A busy recreation complex west ofTown will have direct VA7 access from the Round Hill exit and could encourage increased visitor spending to the Town's west end and historic downtown. ii) The ITM reported that Town water and wastewater systems may be incorporated with the Complex siting revenue potential with County discussions ongoing. d) Loudoun Comprehensive Arts Plan Draft Now completed and ready for review. EDAC members encouraged to review for possible arts collaboration, especially in thel historic downtown. See: htps/www.oudoum.py57Comprhensive-Art-Plan e) Visit Loudoun i) The Planning Director and EDA staff attended a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) training session at the General George C Marshall home in downtown Leesburg. 11) ACTION: EDA Staff to schedule a workshop in June for a Town staff and community member CTA certification workshop in June. Cost should be less than $25pp. 5) TOWN BRANDING / MARKETING a) Online Updates: i) PVL Ec.Dev: (1) htps/www.purelvilleago/l27Pkomomic-Development ii) PVL Historic Downtown: (1) htppurelvlleasilalisebamomm.Deelgment iii) Trade Area Analysis Reports: (1) .bospndhilssal 1176Trade-Area-Analvsis-Reports iv) PVL EcDev Facebook Page: (1) See: bshstakamialaseNeAISTPSDaSS v) CGI Town Videos & Walking Tours (1) pbapadihlosa.lelann Economic Development Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 6 of20 COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS 1. Proposed FY2026 Budget Reduction in the Planning Department Personnel Positions: To foster economic growth and business tax revenues, EDAC members voiced strong concerns about the proposed budget cuts in personnel: specifically, the elimination of the Economic Development Advisor position. The ITM noted that drastic budget cuts are necessary and recommended that any voiced concerns to the Town Council be relative to the positions, and not the employees that currently hold those positions. STAFF COMMENTS 1) Historic Downtown Master Plan and Design Guidelines Project Update a) Planning Director Wilkes reported that the town planning consultant chosen from the PVL Master Plan RFQ will be performing a Vineyard Square design charette on May 27h (funded by Caseco), followed by a N 21st St property-owner design charette in early June ($4,900 funded by the Town). These designs will be on display for discussion at the proposed EDAC-PVMS "Meet & Greet" scheduled for late June or early July. i) ACTION: Ifmore than 2 EDAC members want to participate in the N 21st St Property Owner Charrette, then an EDAC Special Meeting must be called. 2) Purcellville Commercial Listings a) Briefly reviewed, PVL has less than 2% commercial vacancy rate SO very limited open space for new business. A meeting with PVL commercial Realtors @ was suggested for their input. 3) Purcellville Commercial Project Status Update a) EDAC members recommended to review the online project tracking summary: pappmapsagikcenAGNSIAMACALAA49P8275ad2B5ca 4) EDAC Working Groups a) Discussed the creation of working groups, each with 2 EDAC members as chair and vice chair. i) Purcellville Main Street: established, Amanda and Stan 11) West-End Commercial: proposed iii) Plan Purcellville 2030 EcDev Section Update: proposed b) ACTION: Planning Department presentation on the creation of the working groups and their mission / action plan at the next official EDAC meeting. TOWN COUNCIL REVIEW ITEMS a) APPROVED MOTION: Recommend to the Town Council to continue with the VMS program, and any future oversight review of the VMS program by the Planning Commission be inclusive of EDACin a joint session. To be presented by the TC Liaison at the next TC regular meeting. STAFF ACTION ITEMS a) Virginia Vipers Basketball Team: a. Renew the invitation to the VV manager; add Agenda discussion item on reviewing and improving the VV economic impact. Economic Development Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 7 of20 b) PVL Business Guide Update: a. Once completed, presentation of Checklists for EDAC review and input. c) New EDAC Junior Member: a. Meet with the new EcDev Intern from Patrick Henry College to see if he is available to join EDAC. d) Historic Downtown Master Plan and Design Charrette: a. If more than 2 EDAC members want to participate in the N 21st St Property Owner Charrette in early June, then an EDAC Special Meeting must be called. e) T-Mobile Grant Application due June 30: a. Coordinate with PVMS for a smaller grant proposal of around $15,000 for historic-downtown streetscape beautification (noted suggestions: string lights across N 21st St; streetscape landscaping; light pole banners; and, bench & wine-barrel planter decoration auction (check with Michael Oaks of Discover Purcellville organization)). f) VMS: a. VMS Planning Commission Review: The Interim Town Manager, Planning Director and EcDev Staff will meet with the Planning Chairman and Vice Chairman to discuss the next steps for the Planning Commission presentation. b. Financial Feasibility "White Elephant" Grant Application: Application for a grant up to $25,000 (no in-kind match requirement) for the Nichols Hardware redevelopment study. g) PVMS: a. EDA Staff to collaborate with PVMS for a joint EDAC - PVMS "Meet & Greet" with the community to discuss historic downtown rejuvenation at the end ofJune at the Train Station. h) Aberdeen & Jeffries Properties: a. Input from the ITM on any future studies or actions for these properties. 1 Loudoun County: a. Loudoun Small Business Development Center Quarterly Office Hours in PVL: (1) EDA Staff to schedule for mid July at the Train Station and coordinate with PVMS and PBA on expanded promotion for greater participation. b. LC Group Homes: (1) The Planning Director will continue discussions with the County on the fate of the properties near the historic downtown regarding sale or possible transfer to the Town. She will also bring up thej painting issue for the 220 W Main St home. C. Visit Loudoun Certified Tourism Ambassador Workshop: (1) EDA Staff to schedule a workshop in June for a Town staff and community member CTA certification workshop in June. Cost should be less than $25pp. 2) EDAC Working Groups: a. Planning Department presentation on the creation oft the working groups and their mission / action plan at the next official EDAC meeting. Economic Development Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 8 of20 ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, EDAC voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:04pm. - a Tamara Dean, Chair a Tim Murphy, VicèChair - - L Joha Heather, Economic Development Advisor Economic Development Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 9 of20 ATTACHMENT: Purcellville Main Street Organization Online Survey - May 2025 presented by EDAC Member Amanda Dayton (also the PVMS president) 3 RE C Jo H - N - - sa a