The Stuart Town Council discussed the Patrick County Economic Development Authority’s (EDA) façade grant program at its June 15 meeting.
EDA Director Sean Adkins said the program is set to roll out July 1, with any businesses in the Enterprise Zone – which includes all of the town of Stuart – able to apply for eligible façade improvements. Approved projects can receive a grant for up to one-half of the total cost, reimbursed up to $5,000. Each project needs approval from the EDA Board before work begins.
Businesses within the town limits also must receive permits from the town before starting work. Adkins added businesses in the town have shown a lot of interest.
Stuart Town Manager Bryce Simmons said he would be interested in the town allocating funds to the EDA’s façade program if EDA funds are also used for projects in the town limits.
“If only town funds are put to town projects and no EDA funds are put towards town projects, then I do not think we could support that program. That would be where the function of the program would fall apart for the town. We would only support it if EDA funds are also put towards town façade projects,” Simmons said.
Mayor Ray Weiland said the council loves improvement projects and wants to support them. “But we want it to be equitable” for the town and the EDA, he said.
In other matters, the council:
*Approved the meeting minutes as corrected.
*Approved the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
*Approved to start using Virginia Investment Pool (VIP).
*Accepted EMI Security’s quote for camera installation, which totals around $8,733.
*Approved moving forward with Southern Software for a new financial management system quoted around $8,900 for the program, a backup, and training/support.
*Heard an update on the waste water treatment plant.
*Heard an update about public works.
*Discussed the draft town refuse policy.
*Discussed the need to apply the town’s meal tax to food trucks that operate within town limits.
*Discussed the need for a strategic plan and public input on that plan.
*Approved giving Simmons the authority to negotiate for a sewer plant dump truck.
*Paid the bills.
Councilman Dean Goad did not attend the meeting.