3-21-16 Reg. Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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13K.00028 PG -0153 lease. The grant from Golden Leaf requires the proceeds from the lease of the pallets be used for future economic development activities. Commissioners have previously discussed establishing a revolving loan fund with the proceeds. To further that goal, a revolving loan fund program policy and procedures has been drafted for consideration. Currently the fund has $732,170.09 on hand in cash. At the Board's Retreat in January 2016, the Board reviewed a draft policy and heard comments from SAGA Economic Development Director Bob Joyce regarding the policy. The Board asked the policy also be reviewed with staff at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC). No recommendations for changes have been received from CCCC at this time. After discussion, Commissioner Reives moved to approve the Revolving Loan Fund Program Policy and Procedures and include someone from a small business and agribusiness to the board in addition to the ones stated in the agreement. A copy of Agreement is attached to these Minutes and by this reference made a part hereof. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Dalrymple, Frazier, Knecht, Oldham, Reives, Sloan, and Smith Nay: None The Chair ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. The Board received a request from the Sanford Area Growth Alliance (SAGA). Joy Thrash, CEO of the Growth Alliance discussed with the Board for Commissioners a request for help to fund a Visitor Services Program that will be a partnership between the City of Sanford, Lee County and the Sanford Area Growth Alliance. SAGA is asking for a 2 -year commitment from the County of $25,000 per year to support the visitor services effort which will be led by the Growth Alliance. Ms. Thrash stated for several years Sanford and Lee County has lacked a tourism focus. This has hampered the opportunity for Sanford and Lee County to compete, expand and grow economically in tourism across the State and throughout the Country. A number of opportunities have recently been missed due to not having a visitor center. Ms. Thrash stated pending legislation is in place to provide for a more permanent funding stream through an increase in the local room occupancy tax. Without a clear timeline as to when this revenue could be realized, and likely being many months away, SAGA's goal is to have necessary infrastructure and resources in place prior to the advent of the tax which will put the program in a position to take advantage of 3 to 5 percent growth in visitor revenue forecast for the upcoming year. Commissioner Oldham moved to approve the request and for staff to implement an Interlocal Agreement with SAGA for funding. Commissioner Sloan also stated he was in favor of a Visitor Services Program as presented. Commissioner Frazier state he felt the Board should wait on funding the request and maybe SAGA could fund until legislation is passed. Commissioner Reives stated he preferred to consider the request in the upcoming budget instead of immediate funding. Commissioner Dalrymple stated she was in favor of the request. After further discussion, the Board voted on Commissioner Oldham's motion to approve the request and enter into an Interlocal Agreement for funding as stated previously. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Dalrymple, Oldham, Sloan, and Smith Nay: Frazier, Knecht and Reives The Chair ruled the motion had been adopted by a 4 to 3 vote. The Board considered acceptance of additional funding for the FY 2015/16 Home and Community Care Block Grant for Older Adults. Senior Services Director Debbie Davidson stated Lee County has been given an additional $6,426 from the Home and Community Care Block Grant through Triangle J Area Agency on Aging. Total allocation is now $361,355 with a required local match of $40,152. The additional local match is available in the current budget and will require no additional funds. If approved, funds will be used in the Senior Center Operations service. After discussion, 5