Posted on

August 25, 2023, EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

Call to Order EDC Meeting/Welcome Board & Guest

Additions/Changes to Agenda

Approval of Minutes

July 28, 2023, Open Session Meeting Minutes

Public Comment

Financial Report

July 2023, Financial Update

EDC Treasurer Nomination

EDC Director Updates

Treasurer Nomination

United Community Bank Signatures

Member Comments

Adjournment (Next EDC Meeting – September 22, 2023)

MINUTES

August 25, 2023

 

NORTH CAROLINA

MITCHELL COUNTY

 

The Mitchell County EDC Board met in person on August 25, 2023 at 12:00pm. Present were Jeff Harding, Richard Canipe, Van Phillips, Charles Vines, Mandi Polly, Amanda Hollifield, Chris Gentry, Matt Ward

Guests— Leo Williams

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER – Charles Vines, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:03 pm.
  2. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO AGENDA — Charles Vines asked if there were any additions or changes to the agenda. There were no changes to the August 25, 2023 agenda.
  3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Charles Vines asked if there were any additions or changes to the minutes. Van Phillips made a motion to approve the July 28, 2023 meeting minutes and Jeff Harding seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  4. PUBLIC COMMENTS—NONE
  5. FINANCIALS – Matt Ward, Director, presented the July 2023 financial reports to the board.

The July Profit and Loss Statement:

As of July 31, the profit and loss statement show all expenses to fall into the usual routine categories – Accounting, cell, mileage reimbursements, office supplies.

Additional expenses were Chamber of Commerce yearly dues the remaining BAMA small grant totaling all at $1,035.75 After expenses and Interest Income of $236.94 there is net income of $89,201.19.

July Balance Sheet:

The Balance Sheet for July 2023 shows the United Community assets totaled $553,698.21 with fixed assets of $41,340.78 leaving Total Assets of $595,038.99. This amount equals the total liabilities and equity through July 31, 2023.

That concludes the Treasurer’s report for July for your consideration. Mandi Polly made a motion to approve the financial report and Jeff Harding seconded the motion.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER APPOINTMENTS

Darlene Butler was nominated to the board. Van Phillips a motion to approve and Jeff Harding seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

It was unanimously agreed upon to remove Mr. Rob Heffron and Dr. Mickey Duval as authorized signatories from the EDC United Community checking account. Subsequently, it was further resolved to add Mr. Van Phillips and Mr. Richard Canipe as new signatories to the account.

 

EDC DIRECTOR UPDATES:

  • Ellis Lofts: 9 workforce apartments and retail space in Spruce Pine, developed by AMY Wellness Foundation, Dogwood Health Trust, and RYSE.
  • EDC Achievements: Presented to County Commissioners; Amanda Hollifield officially joins EDC Board.
  • MCHP Update: Positive soil reports, architectural design underway, closing in September.
  • BRP Production: Plans for increased 2024 production due to new automotive contract.
  • NC Zoning Conference: Discussions on economic disparities and generational wealth.
  • EDC Website: Received a 64-grade for online marketing; exploring SEO and training options.
  • Dogwood Health Trust Meeting: Discussing potential coverage for GREAT Grant local match.
  • Population Growth: Mitchell Co. gained 435 people in the last two years.
  • Workforce Housing: Planning meeting with real estate agent and investor.
  • CTE High School Program: Discussing computer science courses and hospitality/tourism cluster.
  • Mega Site Talks: Discussions about a 1,400-acre site along Interstate 40.
  • Investment Framer Program: 12-week training for identifying investment opportunities.
  • Historic Preservation: Course participation and property owner outreach.
  • Hotel Market Study: Shared study with hotel developer John Sandler.
  • Signage Lighting: Installed by Dallas Electrical Contractors along Highway 321.

MEMBER COMMENTS—LOCAL UPDATES

Van Phillips:

  • Commons Shopping Center – Auto Zone opening soon

Jeff Harding:

  • loss of a level 3 inspector impact current projects.
  • Worries about the cost for a level 3 inspector.

Tonia Hale:

  • CMS 5 Star Hospital Rating: Received a 5-star rating based on 46 quality measures in 5 categories, including safety, mortality, patient experience, readmission rates, and timely care.
  • New Medical Staff: Dr. Piacentino, General Surgeon, started in June. Dr. Drake, General Surgeon, and Lyn Shelton, Cardiology PA, to start on Sept. 25th.
  • MRI Chamber Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Held on August 24th with a short program, refreshments, and tours for attendees.
  • Low Turnover: Maintaining low turnover rates among all staff and nursing personnel.

Richard Canipe:

  • Main St. 2nd week of September with Spencer Bost.

Amanda Hollifield:

  • 507 tickets were sold for the auction.
  • Collaboration efforts are being made.

Mandi Polly:

  • Path and Search next summer offering free pool days for the first initiative out this group.
  • L+L Ribbon cutting ceremony September 1st at 9am.
  • Joshua Newton Ribbon cutting ceremony September 22nd at 11:30am.

All:

  • Lost of Tommy impacted everyone.

 

ADJOURNMENT –The meeting was adjourned at 12:58 pm by motion from Van Phillips.

Posted on

October 27, 2023, EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

EDC Board Meeting Agenda

October 27, 2023, 12:00 p.m.

Mitchell County Admin Building, EDC Office

 

Call to Order EDC Meeting/Welcome Board & Guest

Additions/Changes to Agenda

Approval of Minutes

September 22, 2023, Open Session Meeting Minutes

Public Comment

Financial Report

September 2023, Financial Update

EDC 2024 Meeting Calendar

EDC Director Updates

Member Comments

Adjournment (Next EDC Meeting – January 26, 2024)

EDC Officers: Chairman, Chuck Vines; Vice-Chairman, Chris Gentry; Secretary, Tonia Hale; Treasurer, Financials, Sharon Gillespie, CPA’s (CPA Firm)

Contact: Matt Ward, Executive Director: 828-385-1242 Email: EDC@mitchellcountync.gov

MINUTES

October 27, 2023

 NORTH CAROLINA

MITCHELL COUNTY

 The Mitchell County EDC Board met in person on October 27, 2023, at 12:00pm. Present were, Charles Vines, Matt Ward, Amanda Hollifield, Van Phillips, Jeff Harding, Tonia Hale, Allen Cook, Chris Gentry, Richard Canipe, and Darlene Butler

  1. CALL TO ORDER – Charles Vines, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:08 pm.
  2. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO AGENDA — Charles Vines asked if there were any additions or changes to the agenda. There were no changes to the, October 27, 2023, agenda. Tonia Hale made a motion to adopt the agenda and Van Phillips seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Charles Vines asked if there were any additions or changes to the minutes. Jeff Harding made a motion to approve the September 22, 2023, meeting minutes and Chris Gentry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  4. PUBLIC COMMENTS—NONE
  5. FINANCIALS – Matt Ward, Executive Director, presented financial reports to the board. Darlene Butler made a motion to approve the September financial statement and Jeff Harding seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  6. The September Profit and Loss Statement: As of September 30, the profit and loss statement show all expenses to fall into the usual routine categories – Director services, accounting, cell, mileage reimbursements, office supplies. Additional expenses were yearly website software, UNC School of Govt Housing Seminar and historic preservation class totaling all at $9,681.43 After expenses and Interest Income of $348.80 the year to date net income totals $70,947.13. September Balance Sheet: The Balance Sheet for September 2023 shows the United Community current assets totaled $535,444.15 with fixed assets of $41,340.78 leaving Total Assets of $576,784.93. This amount equals the total liabilities and equity through September 30, 2023.

 

EDC DIRECTOR UPDATES

  • Board members voted to allow Matt to move forward with pursing the Dogwood Health Trust grant that is for a housing assessment study.The board adopted the 2024 EDC meeting calendar schedule.Completed the 10-week training investment framer program offered through Mountain Bizwork and he can apply for a grant to conduct technical assistance on any given project.
  • A prospective buyer of the Former Pizza Brewery property at Oak Avenue has recorded a commercial access easement and I continue to check register of deeds for official owner transfer documents.
  • I met Luke Fowler, Northwestern Housing Enterprises who is talking with MCHP to contemplate housing options in the Grassy Creek area. Phase I will be 30 affordable units and phase II will be 60 walk up workforce apts.
  • Former Pizza/Brewery on Oak Ave has not finalized sale. They are working to get a commercial access easement recorded.
  • I have two sheets from the top 25 things and the top 5 common EDC tasks to accomplish so far are:

1.Housing 2. Internet 3. More Infrastructure 4. More Businesses 5. Downtown Redevelopment

  • Owner of Hardee’s (Robert Isenburg) reached out. He is asking $600,000k sales price and is open to lease options. I passed the information onto Rob Noyes the owner of Countryside Cafe and hoping to hear back.

 

MEMBER COMMENTS—LOCAL UPDATES

Tonia Hale:

  • Blue Ridge Regional Hospital welcomes two new providers: Dr. Drake, General Surgeon and Lyn Shelton, PA
  • Tonia reported PEX scores are excellent

Allen Cook:

  • Along with the rec center there will be additional parking spaces, a baseball diamond, bleachers, pedestrian bridge over Cane Creek, dog park and a bio retention pond.
  • Bathroom facilities will also be part of the new rec center.
  • A no rise study for the creekwalk extension will be conducted.
  • State awarded the DMV contract to the county.

Chris Gentry:

  • A lot of growth in the next 5-10 years and construction has been active.

Darlene Butler:

  • Splash pad had a success first year and is now closed for the season.
  • Basketball courts at Brad Ragan have been improved.
  • Dog park fencing is going up.
  • New nature trail to be built at Brad Ragan Park.
  • Town is looking into a water and sewer assessment.
  • Grant is being considered for downtown pedestrian bridge.
  • Water tank at the cemetery.

Jeff Harding:

  • Rocktoberfest was a success and 6 artists participated in the event.
  • Recommended for Matt to contact Keith Johnson about his vacant property for sale along 19E and introduce him to a prospective buyer.

Richard Canipe:

  • Spencer Bost is doing well as Spruce Pine Main Street director. Please take the time to meet him if you have not meet him yet.

Amanda Hollifield:

  • This is week 4 of 6 busy weeks.
  • Gallery sales are up 56% but foot traffic is down 12%.
  • 2 open positions at Penland.
  • TRAC and WNC artist retreat coming up.
  • Toe River Arts Studio Tour coming up November 10-12.
  • Nealy was able to get 3 NCDOT art gallery way finding signs for downtown.

Charles Vines:

  • Sidewalk project – along S. Mitchell Ave from HWY 226 to bridge beside townhall.
  • Hilloween – Thursday night was a success, over 300 people turned out.
  • Trick or Treat – October 31st 5-7pm

 

ADJOURNMENT –The meeting was adjourned at 1:02pm by motion from Tonia Hale.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

______________________________     October 27, 2023

Charles Vines, Chairman                       Date

_______________________________   October 27, 2023

Tonia Hale, Secretary                             Date

 

Posted on

January 26, 2024, EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

Call to Order EDC Meeting/Welcome Board & Guest

Additions/Changes to Agenda

 Chuck Vines

Chuck Vines
Approval of Minutes Chuck Vines
October 27, 2023, Open Session Meeting Minutes
Public Comment Chuck Vines
Financial Report Matt Ward
October – December 2023, Financial Update
EDC Director Updates Matt Ward
Joint (Chamber, Dev Foundation, EDC) Meeting Topic Matt Ward
Member Comments Chuck Vines
Adjournment (Next EDC Meeting – February 23, 2024) Chuck Vines

 

 

EDC Officers: Chairman, Chuck Vines; Vice-Chairman, Chris Gentry; Secretary, Tonia Hale; Treasurer, vacant; Financials, Sharon Gillespie, CPA’s (CPA Firm)

Contact: Matt Ward, Executive Director: 828-385-1242 Email: EDC@mitchellcountync.gov

NORTH CAROLINA
MITCHELL COUNTY

The Mitchell County EDC Board met in person on January 26, 2024 at 12:00pm. Present were, Charles Vines, Matt Ward, Amanda Hollifield, Van Phillips, Jeff Harding, Tonia Hale, Ashley Neisser (Guest), Mandy Polly, Allen Cook, Chris Gentry, Richard Canipe, Darlene Butler, Kelly Jones (Guest), Spencer Bost (Guest)

  1. CALL TO ORDER
    Charles Vines, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:03 pm.
  2. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO AGENDA
    Charles Vines asked if there were any additions or changes to the agenda. There were no changes to the January 26, 2024 agenda. Jeff Harding made a motion to adopt the agenda and Van Phillips seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
    Charles Vines asked if there were any additions or changes to the minutes. Darlene Butler made amotion to approve the October 27, 2023 meeting minutes and Jef Harding seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
    NONE
  5. FINANCIALS
    Matt Ward, Executive Director, stated October-December financial reports will need to be reviewed with Chase Gillespie and will be presented next month.
  6. EDC DIRECTOR UPDATES
    1. Strong growth was reported in Mitchell County
    2. NC Business Magazine doing a story on Sibelco
    3. Working with Kelly Jones, the new TDA Director, on advertising
    4. Buck Stove is eligible for grant for international trade up to $16k; working with Lowes Canada E. Attended Mountain Community Health Partnership (MCHP) meeting recently.
    5. DHT Grant – $1M
      1. 3 vacant schools
      2. Money for land
      3. Housing assessment study
      4. Broadband meeting coming up on Tuesday
  7. MEMBER COMMENTS-LOCAL UPDATES
    1. Tonia Hale:
      1. Introduced Ashley Neisser, Executive Assistant with Blue Ridge Regional Hospital
      2. Reported a great year with finance, low turnover, patient experience, quality, growth, and community engagement
      3. Dr. James Drake, General Surgeon, and Lyn Shelton, PA are getting settled. Ashley Neisser and Tonia Hale are assisting with provider and community introductions
      4. New services at the hospital include gynecological care, breast and prostate MRI (with new MRI machine), new OB Ultrasound for high OB risk patients, pelvic floor therapy, and cardioversions & TEEs
      5. Made an offer to a Nurse Practitioner for Mauzy Phillips Center—Primary Care
      6. Initial interviews with General Surgeon candidates will be conducted in the next 2 weeks
      7. A donation of $25k has been made to the YMCA
      8. End of year donations include $10k distributed between Mitchell and Mountain Heritage High Schools, Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, and Mitchell County Safe Place
    2. Van Phillips
      1. Tag office going in old Sears building
      2. YMCA construction going well. Targeting a June 2025 opening with 10 employees
    3. Chris Gentry:
      1. Growth continues and recruiting for several positions
      2. Housing in Mitchell County remains an issue
    4. Darlene Butler:
      1. Brad Ragan Park
      2. Dog park open
      3. A handicap swing has been installed
      4. Community Grand Opening targeted for Memorial Day
      5. The waterline grant was unsuccessful
      6. Direct appropriation will be the next step to complete the project
      7. Street Scape Grant – will meet with WithersRavenel
      8. Storm Water Grant – will be re-advertised
    5. Mandi Polly
      1. Mountains to Coast ride (Cycle NC) is scheduled for October 5th; anticipating about 1,000 people in the area during that time
      2. WNC Chamber Executives will be here in the Spring
      3. Looking at sending contracts for the Mineral & Gem festivalSmall Business Summits “Access to Capital” will be held on February 12th from 9a-12p
      4. Outdoor Recreation–$2,500 grant was given to create a map of Toe River Valley for AMY counties. Working with Pisgah maps.
      5. Mitchell Historical Society Board is revamping their mission and vision statement
    6. Allen Cook:
      1. Law Enforcement Center underway
      2. An architect is doing design specifications for the Recreation Center
      3. Colby Silver, Emergency Management, is currently in Georgia working on a grant for a mobile command center
      4. License plate agency almost done
      5. Altapass Recycling Center has been upgraded after the fire; due to be complete by the end of February
      6. Mitchell and Avery counties looking to have a combined animal shelter
      7. Ag Extension Center – trying to get Tobacco Trust Find grant and hope to move to Bowman School once vacated
    7. Jeff Harding:
      1. Nothing to report
    8. Richard Canipe:
      1. Nothing to report
    9. Amanda Hollifield:
      1. Submitted 2023 numbers to Matt
      2. Community Day is scheduled for February 24* from 1pm-5pm. There will be studios open to the public as well and meet and greet with the directors at 4pm
    10. Kelly Jones
      1. Kelly Jones was introduced as the new TDA director and with her was Spencer Bost, Main Street Director
      2. TDA received article 44 funds for rentals
  8. ADJOURNMENT
    The meeting ws adjourned at 1:07 pm by motion from Van Phillips