Agenda 10/28/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 14, 2008 Mark Heath of Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation briefed Council on activities of the EDC. He pointed out that Uptown Martinsville is an economic engine and should be considered the city's industrial park as an area for potential growth. Points made included: new shell building deal is in place and has sparked the interest of a prospect; EDC has contracted for master plans for the Bryant property and the Roma property; water and sewer excess capacities are drivers for our community; efforts going forward for retail and tourism Uptown; EDC in process of interviewing for tourism director; Canadians from Martensville, Saskatchewan, Canada will be in our community this weekend for the races; EDC is meeting with Jerry Gwaltney, former City Manager of Danville, for ideas on retail and commercial development; Gene Teague pointed out we need to develop strategies to develop a pool of cash that small businesses will need for capital. Wayne Knox briefed Council on Uptown growth and development plans as well as introducing Susan McCulloch, the new City Planner. Mr. Knox pointed out that Susan's duties will include assisting in ongoing efforts to revitalize our Uptown community. Other points made included: looking into a program similar to Renovate Roanoke; researching incentives that will work here; working to make sure public is educated on new enterprise zone areas to make sure all incentives are taken advantage of; field trips will be conducted in the near future to other successful communities such as Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro; pointed out that Architectural Review Board is not overly strict, but wants to preserve integrity of Uptown properties; Wayne Knox then briefed Council on tree planting at Academy Place which is currently in progress. Crepe Myrtles are being planted on Fayette Street thanks to efforts of Gateway Streetscape Foundation. Council reviewed outside agency quarterly reports submitted by agencies that received FY09 city funding. Two agencies, Anchor and Pittsylvania County Community Action, were commended by Council for the work they are doing, how they are saving the city money and their progress report. Council member Teague asked that Council consider revising the reporting requirements of outside agencies receiving funding to allow them to make reports to Council in October and February instead of four times a year. Mayor Lawson said Council can discuss this at their next worksession.