Minutes for Wednesday, May 22, 2002 |
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
KLICKITAT COUNTY
PUBLIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Wednesday, May 22, 2002
CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chairman Ray Thayer called the dinner meeting to order at 5:50pm.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Ray Thayer; Dale Connell, Jason Spadaro; Roger Holen; Russ Rasmussen; Bill Link; Mark Sigfrinius; Wayne Vinyard; Miland Walling; Jeff Eiesland
Absent:
Donald Struck; Joan Frey; Randy Knowles; Brian Prigel; Jim Riley
Guests:
Dan Lichtenwald; Mike Smith
Staff:
Dana Peck, Resource Development Director; Tom Seifert, Business Retention & Expansion; Kathy Norton, Secretary.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mark Sigfrinius made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 27, 2002 meeting as presented, Bill Link seconded the motion. Motion passed.
AGENDA ITEMS
Action Item:
Dallesport Airport: Ray Thayer reported that City of The Dalles representatives will attend a future EDA meeting to request funding assistance to build new hangars at the Dallesport Airport. The new hangars would generate revenue to help pay back low interest loans and off set operation costs.
UPDATES:
Department Name Change: The Klickitat County Resource Development Department has been renamed the Economic Development Department by Resolution #08502 effective April 15, 2002.
Letter to Corps of Engineers: Miland Walling reported on the formal meeting with congressional delegation held in White Salmon. Roger Holen will make follow-up calls to see if any of those present have begun to take action to stop the proposed in-lieu site.
KCPEDA Mission Statement: The Klickitat County Public Economic Development Authority 2002 Strategic Plan Update was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners as the Official Strategic plan for Klickitat County.
Energy Overlay Zone: Dana Peck reported on the project status and handed out a project timeline. The Audubon Society in Vancouver and Yakima has been asked for input on the process. Governor Locke and his staff expressed interest and support of the EOZ project to help site energy projects in Washington State.
Dallesport Wastewater Project: Dana Peck reported on a public meeting held recently in Dallesport. Jeff Eiesland stated there are few complaints from local residents. The contractors are working hard to limit inconvenience to the community.
Water Rights: Dana Peck reported that the law firm, Foster Pepper Shefelman is conducting a legal review to determine the best approach for Klickitat County to take to secure the water rights from the John Day Dam and The Dalles Dam pools.
Foster Pepper Shefelman Projects: A memo from Steve DiJulio regarding County authority for gifts, donations, and other projects was distributed. Following a review of the memo the EDA discussed different options to allow Klickitat County to engage in or assist other local governments in various economic development projects. The EDA has the potential for greater latitude in funding projects; changes to the EDA structure may be needed to address some issues.
Revolving Loan Fund/Intermediary Relending Program: Tom Seifert reported on a meeting with MCEDD to discuss Revolving loan funds and Intermediary Relending programs. The revolving loan fund USEDA grant is on hold due to changes at the USEDA. Following a discussion on the advantages of the intermediary relending program the EDA decided to table further action until the next meeting.
Governor Locke Visit: Jason Spadaro thanked the County Commissioners and the Economic Development staff for their efforts in getting the Governor to Klickitat County and arranging for county business leaders to visit directly with the Governor.
Communications Program: Jason Spadaro initiated a discussion on recent media coverage of the County economic development issues. Jason will draft a letter for EDA members. Jeff Eiesland stated the letter should go to the local newspapers as soon as possible. The EDA also discussed putting monthly EDA updates in the local papers.
Lt. Governor Visit: Miland Walling reported that Lt. Governor Owens will be visiting Klickitat June 18 and 19. Lt. Governor Owens would like to tour east Klickitat County.
Community Councils: Dana Peck reported that public hearings were scheduled June 24 in Goldendale and June 26 in Lyle to discuss unincorporated community boundaries.
SR35 Bridge Study: Roger Holen reported that the Bridge Study is funded through Phase III. A June 6 meeting will decide if the study will continue. Ray Thayer will draft a letter for the Economic Development department to submit to WSDOT.
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 22, 2002.
ADJOURNED
Meeting adjourned by Vice Chairman Ray Thayer at 7:25pm.
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