HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDC minutes 110915ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
November 9, 2015
Hampton Inn & Suites
Carrboro, NC 27510
MINUTES
Present: D.R. Bryan, Delores Bailey, Lori Eichel, Jim Kitchen, Ron Keizer, Mark O'Neal, James Watts, Paige Zinn
Orange County Staff: Steve Brantley, Yvonne Scarlett, Amanda Garner, Mike Ortosky, Michael Harvey, Tina Love
Call to Order
D.R. Bryan called the meeting to order.
Approval of May 22, 2015 minutes
MOTION by Jim Kitchen to approve minutes; seconded by Delores Bailey. Minutes were approved by consensus.
New Business
• Orange County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendment — Airports
To review and provide comments to the Planning Department on proposed amendments to the UDO regarding
airport regulations. - Michael Harvey, Current Planning Supervisor
o Michael Harvey reviewed the proposed amend changes to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
and answered questions from the Board members
A motion was made by consensus that no action be taken and individual Board members can
make independent comments and forward to Steve on the subject
Old Business
Orange County Economic Development Agricultural and Grants updates - Mike Ortosky
0 16 new application for the second round of ag grant applications
o James Watts will be the representative from the Economic Development Advisory Board replacing
Karen McAdams
A motion was made by Delores Bailey to send a letter to the Manager's office and copy the BOCC
Chair/Vice-Chair requesting a reexamination of the grant programs in consideration of an
increase in funds. Seconded by Paige Zinn - Unanimous
o Food systems activity efforts in the County, region and state. North Carolina Food Processing and
Manufacturing Initiative and Governor appointed task force news.
Mark O'Neal recommended supporting the County in its efforts and giving money to shore up the
link in the County's food chain.
James Watts stressed the need in improving the systems and the need for shared use facilities
such as PFAP. Those who are successful however, end up having nowhere to go because there is
no cold packing or distribution in the County. Cold storage is hugely needed as well as warehousing
and distribution.
Orange County Economic Development Business Retention and Grants Update - Yvonne Scarlett
o 35 grant applications, 20 were awarded and 15 were either deferred or denied.
• Orange County Economic Development Advisory Board Annual Report and Work Plan - Steve Brantley
0 Annual report to give summary of what Board has accomplished and what vision are seen for 2016.
Director's Report
• Projects update - Steve Brantley, Director
o Project activity has continued to increase in inquiries from the State, Duke Energy, developers and real
estate generators. Compared to previous years when there may be 12 inquiries for the year, now that is
more like every 6 weeks.
o Water and Sewer utilities and boundaries for the Economic Development Districts (EDDs)
o Rail Sites don't meet needs.
• Disclosure Statements - Steve Brantley, Director
o All members must complete and turn in to the Clerk's office.
Request was made to hold a meeting at PFAP
James Watts will work on plans to hold March meeting at Weaver Street.
Adjournment