Meeting called to order by Lowell Bee at 6:00
Members present: Lowell Bee, Jeff Gola, Cindy Welch, David Kimball, Frank Brunetti, Greg Cottrill, Ronnie Travis and Jennifer Wilt
Guests: None
The Meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance at 6:00.
Minutes of the previous meeting were submitted. Greg Cottrill made a motion to accept minutes as submitted with one correction (fiber). Ronnie Travis seconded. Motion carried.
Treasure report was presented by Greg Cottrill. Ronnie Travis made a motion to accept report as submitted. Jeff Gola seconded. Motion carried.
No committee updates. Audit committee already established – Greg Cottrill, Ronnie Travis and David Kimball.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
A letter to the US EDA had been submitted requesting 50% of the overrun for the Blandville water line extension which came in $416,000 over budget. Will get on the County Commission agenda to request a formal commitment from the Commission for the matching funds. Per contractual requirements, the construction contracts must be awarded no later than May 11th. Engineer can file for extension if necessary.
Oxford Phase I water line extension is still in progress. Still working on an agreement with West Union to utilize line under Rt. 50. Attorneys David Glover (DCPSD) and Robert Rodecker (Town) have been designated to represent respective clients in trying to reach an agreement.
The County Commission, not the DCEDA, will be responsible for tearing down the old high school. As requested by County Commission, DCEDA obtained a quote of $400,000 for demolition from Anthony Jordan with SafeCo Environmental. Jordan walked through and inspected every room in the building before submitting quote. Demolition will have to go through official bid process. David King also received a preliminary quote from Empire Construction. Not sure of the amount.
NEW BUSINESS
Jennifer Wilt created a website for the EDA doddridgecountyeda.com. Hosting and domain cost about $300/year. Board members to review and come back with recommendations. Online presence needed to promote Doddridge and attract potential developers and build tax base, consistent with recommendations and goals of the County Commissioners. Wilt will look into incentive packages for new development.
Jennifer Wilt presented and an article to be published in local newspapers. Jeff Gola suggested shortening the add to just the first two paragraphs before submitting to out-of-county newspapers. Greg Cottrill made a motion to approve the purchase web hosting through Wix. Ronnie Travis seconded. Motion carried. Greg Cottrill made amotion to allow Jennifer Wilt to set up a social media site for the EDA. Ronnie Travis seconded. Motion carried.
Next meeting: May 13, 2021
Meeting adjourned at 7:10