Allegany County Planning and Economic Development Committee met July 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
Members Present: D. Root, G. Barnes, J. Burdick, P. Curran, W. Dibble, D. Healy, J. Hopkins, J. Ricci, C. Crandall
Others Present: T. Boyde, B. Budinger, C. Clark, D. Decker, K. Dirlam, D. Fanton, K. Graves, S. Havey, C. Knapp, R. Lynch, A. McKay, B. Riehle, T. Ross, P. Stockin, M. Washer
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 2:02 p.m. by Planning & Economic Development Committee Chair Debra Root.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Legislator Dibble, seconded by Legislator Barnes, and carried to approve the Planning & Economic Development Committee minutes for June 20, 2018.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Allegany County Economic and Industrial Development Agency Executive Director Craig Clark attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Dr. Clark introduced Angela McKay, the new Assistant Director of Economic Development and Planning, stating he’s happy to have her on board as she will add value to their department.
Crossroads Development Project
Dr. Clark stated the developers have confirmed they will be ready to begin construction once the Empire State Development incentives are finished.
Waterline Project
Dr. Clark stated they have a draft contract with Friendship, who continue to work cooperatively on the project. Legislator Healy asked how long of a shelf life the engineering plans will have. Dr. Clark stated once they are approved, they shouldn’t need to be updated again. Legislator Barnes asked what size diameter the pipe is, and Dr. Clark stated 12 inches.
ANGEL Fund
Dr. Clark stated they are ready to move forward with the ANGEL Fund and are looking for investors to fund up to $1 million, and they hope to have shares of the fund available in the fall.
Maker City
Dr. Clark stated they are making good progress with Maker City who have recommended restarting the Youth Professionals group. Dr. Clark noted the next Young Professionals group will be on Thursday, September 20, 2018.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Assistant Director of Economic Development and Planning
Planning Director Kier Dirlam also introduced and welcomed Angela McKay as the new Assistant Director of Economic Development and Planning. Ms. McKay stated she has her Master’s degree in Marketing Communications and is very excited to be here and working on economic development in Allegany County. Ms. McKay previously worked at St. Bonaventure in marketing for approximately one year, and prior to that she worked at Dresser-Rand in Wellsville.
LUCA Review
Mr. Dirlam distributed a 2018 LUCA map to the committee to review. Mr. Dirlam stated they have been working very hard on this project and while they did not get everything done, they did accomplish a lot. Some addresses are under municipal review, and Mr. Dirlam hopes to continue working on the project throughout the year. Legislator Fanton asked how they are going to track the Amish population. Mr. Dirlam stated he is unsure as that topic was not discussed.
Shared Services Plan
Mr. Dirlam stated the Shared Services Plan edits will be completed soon, and the following public hearings to review and discuss the plan have been set:
- Monday, August 13, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. in the Legislative Chambers
- Monday, August 13, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers
Email/Website Issues
Mr. Dirlam stated they have tracked down the problem that was causing issues for the County website and email server, noting they are working on it as quickly as they can.
Economic Development Administration (EDA) Project Priorities
Mr. Dirlam stated the Alfred Center for Technology Transfer Project and Crossroads Development Utility Project have been named the 2018 Economic Development Administration (EDA) Project Priorities. Legislator Hopkins asked for a background of the Alfred Center for Technology Transfer Project. Mr. Dirlam stated it will identify research and applied technologies being developed at Alfred University and Alfred State College and translate them into local jobs. It will allow businesses that are just getting off the ground to focus on their product by having help with the behind the scenes day-to-day operations of running a business. Mr. Dirlam noted this project is not just centered to Alfred; it can be done in pieces throughout the County. A motion was made by Legislator Healy, seconded by Legislator Curran, and carried to approve the Alfred Center for Technology Transfer and Crossroads Development Utility projects as the 2018 Economic Development Administration (EDA) Project Priorities. Mr. Dirlam indicated that committee approval is adequate, and it is not necessary for the Board to adopt a resolution making these designations.
TOURISM DEPARTMENT
Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gretchen Hanchett was unable to attend the meeting but submitted her monthly report to the committee for review. Ms. Hanchett is attending the Allegany County Fair. Mr. Dirlam provided a brief summary of Ms. Hanchett’s monthly report stating the videos are coming along well with two out of the four completed. Tough Mudder will be returning to Allegany County, and the event will be held the first weekend in August.
ExPods (Excursion Pads)
Legislator Decker asked for a brief explanation of the ExPods Ms. Hanchett refers to in her monthly report. Mr. Dirlam stated that Erie Canal Boat Company has shown interest in expanding his ExPods business within Allegany County. Mr. Dirlam described the ExPods similar to Redbox stating individuals will be able to rent kayaks from one station with the ability to return it to a different one. Mr. Dirlam continued that the main involvement within the County is making sure there is a location they can set up and advertise that it exists. Mr. Dirlam noted it is not up to the County to buy or maintain anything, it is simply someone setting up their own business here.
EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Employment and Training Director Reita Sobeck-Lynch attended the meeting and submitted her monthly report to the committee for review. Ms. Lynch stated they have been very busy with the Summer Youth Employment Program, noting most employees have begun work. Legislator Stockin asked if there is a cause for the 18 local unemployment claims open. Ms. Lynch stated they came from several different companies, and she is unsure of reasons behind them.
Job and Life Skills Boot Camp
Ms. Lynch stated they continue to work with Cooperative Extension on the Job and Life Skills Boot Camp. It will be held Monday, July 30, through Friday, August 3, and so far they have six individuals registered. Ms. Lynch continued that with TANF funds, they were able to offer an incentive of $100 if they complete all of the sessions.
ALLEGANY COUNTY TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT COROPORATION APPOINTMENTS
The Chairman of the Board plans to reappoint Philip Curran of Alfred Station, Dwight Fanton of Wellsville, and Brent Reynolds of Alfred Station as members of the Allegany County Telecommunications Development Corporation for another two-year term effective October 1, 2018, and expiring September 30, 2020, subject to confirmation by the Board of Legislators. A motion was made by Legislator Hopkins, seconded by Legislator Burdick, and carried to approve the reappointment of Philip Curran, Dwight Fanton, and Brent Reynolds to the Allegany County Telecommunications Development Corporation. Prepare Resolution
REFERRALS FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ROUNDTABLE 2021
Residents, Businesses, Volunteers, and School Assemblies (Excerpt from 5/29/18 Committee of the Whole minutes)
County Administrator Timothy Boyde stated this topic came from discussions on how to look at Allegany County in a positive light. Committee Chair Root stated is being included in the Visitor Journey A2DTM training program that Ms. Hanchett is working on.
Working with Higher Education Systems and Other Industries to Address Assisting Spouses Relocating to the Area with Job Placement by Providing a Call Center for Assistance with Helping to Improve the Quality of Life. (Excerpt from 5/29/18 Committee of the Whole minutes)
Dr. Clark stated most individuals moving to the area for work come with a spouse or significant other who struggles to find work; therefore, there is a need for this. Ms. Lynch stated she is now adding her flyer and business card to the welcome packets that were created last year, adding she can also reach out to Human Resources departments more to see what else they can offer. Committee Chair Root noted that a lot of job opportunities are being shared on social media, and Ms. Lynch stated the County’s Human Resources Department has their own Facebook page that has been a huge help in advertising our job openings. Legislator Hopkins stated a call center is unrealistic at this point, adding if someone is working with a real estate agent, they have already decided to move here. The County needs to come up with a way to target the individuals who have not made the decision yet, and encourage them to do so. Clerk of the Board Brenda Rigby Riehle stated it’s more than just the spouse or significant other looking for a new job. There are some stay at home parents who are unaware of what is available to them because information is not at hand for them.
Community Electronic Bulletin Board
Legislator Dibble suggested they take a look at creating a community electronic bulletin board that will allow individuals to visit it and see what activities are happening in the area. Committee Chair Root stated this topic falls in line with providing more resources to those relocating to the area.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 3:02 p.m. following a motion by Legislator Healy, seconded by Legislator Ricci, and carried.
https://www.alleganyco.com/wp-content/uploads/PED-Minutes-7.18.18.pdf
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