Western Alliance for Economic Development

Western Alliance for Economic Development

20 September 2016 12:00n–1:00p

Canyon-Owyhee School Services Agency (COSSA), Caldwell, Idaho

The Western Alliance for Economic Development (WAED) met in special session on Tuesday 20 September 2016 at 12:00 noon at the Canyon-Owyhee School Services Agency (COSSA), Caldwell, Idaho with the following in attendance:

Kelly Aberasturi Owyhee County

Lee Belt City of Greenleaf

Catie Bennett Small Business Administration

Tom Dale Canyon County

Jose DeLeon Idaho Department of Commerce

Kristie Dorsey Canyon Owyhee School Services Agency

Greg Hale Canyon Owyhee School Services Agency

Jenny Hemly Idaho Department of Commerce

Dave Lincoln* Wilder Housing Authority / Golden Gate Highway District

Nathan Leigh** City of Parma

Harold Nevill Canyon Owyhee School Services Agency

Dave Porterfield City of Notus

Randy Shroll Idaho Department of Commerce

Tina Wilson WAED Executive Director

Mike Ybarguen Idaho Power Company

* Chair

** Vice-Chair

1. Call to Order

Dave Lincoln called the meeting to order at approximately 12:12 p.m.

Introductions were made around the table by Tina Wilson.

Harold Nevill gave a welcome and update on activities at the Canyon-Owyhee School Services Agency (COSSA). This is COSSA's 50th year. There are 110 students in the alternative academy, which usually has 80 to 90 students. 35 to 40% growth is expected during the school year. COSSA works to break cycles of poverty and dependance by linking alternative school students with the vocational-technical program. The vocational school has 100% job placement. COSSA is sponsoring the 4th Annual Teens & Risky Behaviors Symposium on 05 October 2016. Please see enclosed flyer for detail. COSSA's building trades program will be building a tiny house this year to International Building Code specifications on an 8' x 30' trailer that can be transferred to a foundation.

2. Approval of minutes to last meeting

Minutes were considered later in the meeting, after agenda item #6.

3. Financial Report

No financial report was given due the the County end of year. Tina Wilson agreed to send an end of fiscal year report by e-mail before the next meeting.

4. Director's Report

Tina Wilson gave the Director's Report. Highlights included:

Treasure Valley Renewables – Rezone meeting with Canyon County P&Z scheduled for 20 October 2016. The neighborhood meeting went well. Good support has been received from the Dairy Association.

Rodriguez Bakery – Moving to the Idaho side from Nyssa, Oregon. Rezone request is moving through the Canyon County P&Z appeal process. The bakery was approved, but retail space was denied.

Project White House – Project has been approved by Canyon County Development Services Department. No special process or permitting required at this time.

Tina Wilson has been appointed by the Idaho Department of Commerce as a Certified Grant Administrator for the physical year 2016-2017 Idaho Development Community Block Grant Program.

5. Gem State Prospector Presentation

Jenny Hemly with the Idaho Department of Commerce gave a presentation regarding the Gem State Prospector. Please see handout for detail. Jenny also gave an overview of the State's business attraction process. A recent webinar video link will be sent to Tina Wilson for distribution by e-mail.

6. Old Business

The Housing Summit has been postponed. Recommendation from Idaho Housing and Finance is to conduct a housing needs assessment first. Please see handout titled Creating Workforce Housing: Understanding Needs, Capacity and Readiness.

Dave Lincoln had to leave the meeting at approximately 1:10p. Nathan Leigh conducted the remainder of the meeting.

Discussion followed regarding setting a goal of conducting a housing assessment within the next 30 days or so. This appeared to have consensus of the group. Recommendation was made to hold a housing summit in late January or in February.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

Tom Dale moved to approve the previous meeting minutes. Kelly Aberasturi seconded. The motion was approved by voice vote.

7. New Business

By consensus, the October meeting was moved to 25 October at Notus City Hall to accommodate a schedule conflict for the Executive Director.

General discussion followed.

8. Meeting Adjourned

The meeting adjourned by consensus at approximately 1:17 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lee C. Belt

WAED Secretary

Greenleaf City Clerk

Western Alliance for Economic Development 20 September 2016 Meeting Minutes, p. 3 of 3