Smyrna Slum Clearance and Redevelopment Authority

Smyrna Slum Clearance and Redevelopment Authority Committee Conference Room, Smyrna Town Hall 27 South Market Street Plaza, Smyrna, DE 19977 April 25, 2024 6 pm Minutes Welcome- David Thomas Attendance- David Thomas, Vice-chair; Sharon Wright, Treasurer; Fred Schaber; Rick Horsey, Secretary and Jeremy Rothwell, Town of Smyrna. (Joanne Masten, Chairperson excused) Recognition of Visitors- No Visitors Minutes of 3/28/24 were sent out previously to Board members. There were no changes to the minutes. Motion- Motion was made by Rick Horsey and seconded by Fred Schaber. Motion 2024-011 was approved. Financial Report- As of 3/29/24 Smyrna Slum Clearance Checking account balance was $49,290.66 Smyrna Slum Clearance Money Market account balance was $100,385.70 USDA Account balance was $177,531.87 Loan Balances as of 4/10/24 was $70,427.36 Motion- Motion was made by Fred Schaber and seconded by Rick Horsey to approve the financial report. Motion 2024-012 was approved. Report Jeremey Rothwell Façade Grants- Loans- Should we waive appraisal requirement for Pawley loan. We discussed and agreed at our December meeting but never made a formal motion. Motion- Motion was made by Rick Horsey and seconded by Sharon Wright to waive the appraisal requirement for the Pawley loan with True Access Capital. Motion 2024- 013 was approved. Review Mission Statement and Guiding Principles- David Thomas The Smyrna Slum Clearance and Redevelopment Authority Mission Statement & Guiding Principles- “Mission of the Smyrna Slum Clearance and Redevelopment Authority is to:  Facilitate commercial, industrial, and residential redevelopment,  Promote economic development, homeownership, and rehabilitation,  Eradicate blighted and distressed properties within the Town of Smyrna per the mandates and authority of Title 31, Chapter 45 of the Delaware Code. Guiding Principles-  Be Trustworthy- our words and deeds must be in harmony   Be Transparent- no hidden agendas  Show Mutual Respect/Benefit- (Be open to the thoughts and feelings of others, Be Humble)  Be good stewards of taxpayer resources Review Goals & Action Plan Goal #1- David Thomas- “We will provide (13) Façade Grants by 12/31/24.” There was discussion about the goal of (13) Façade grants by 12/31/24 being too high. The RDA ad has not been in Thursday Tidbits for three weeks. What should we do? To do: Rick will ask Mary to put it the ad back in. To do: At the June meeting evaluate if goal needs to be changed. Motion- Motion to approve the update of (250) copies of the Smyrna Downtown Development Guide brochure was made by Rick Horsey and seconded by Fred Schaber. Motion 2024-014 was approved. To do: Jeremy will update the brochure and contact a printing company. Goal #2- Fred Schaber “We will identify, promote, and facilitate the Smyrna Redevelopment Focus Area Reinvestment Program for (6) properties in the Town of Smyrna by 12/31/24.”  How can we be proactive in helping citizens and businesses in the Town of Smyrna benefit by the funds we have in our Smyrna Slum Clearance Account? (We identified these businesses- Old Wayside Inn, Ducts Unlimited, Coffee Café, Barn, Time & Table and Bakery. There have been no inquiries from the six property owners. Goal #3- “We will make sure all loans are paid according to their agreement, all vacancy fees are paid, and RDA receives the highest rate of return on their investments with low risk by 12/31/24.”  All loans have been paid according to their agreement.  Vacant building fees have not been transferred to RDA.  Façade grants been paid to Mt. Olive and we need to check on Ginny Stanley’s grant payment.  There were no updates about contributions for Façade grants from local banks.  WSFS does give Community Grants when we have a specific purpose for the funds. Sharon stated that the façade grant was paid to Ginny Stanley. Rick stated there was no action taken on the M&T bank about community grant. Sharon stated that Travis Stewart has not transferred any vacant building fees yet. Goal #4- “We will promote and facilitate new investment in Smyrna by redeveloping existing properties and secure funding and financing.” Can we be more proactive in looking at alternative ways to promote and facilitate new investment in Smyrna by redeveloping existing properties and secure funding and financing? To do: Joanne is rescheduling the “Investing in Smyrna, how to obtain loans, grants and tax credits” program. Old Business Town Council approved the Code amendment for Vacant Building fees. To do: Sharon will check with Amber Startt when she can review our 2023 accounts. To do: Jeremy stated that Doug Burns will send a letter to residents explaining a change in the vacant building fees to residents prior to the next billing. To do: Rick will schedule a meeting with PNC’s Community Development Partners- Lisa Folks and Loretta Richardson on May 3rd if PNC is available. Next Meeting- 5/30/24 at 6 pm. To do: Rick or Joanne will make the agenda and send to Sharon Wright who will ask Mary or Danielle from the Town office to post on 5/23/24. (Rick not available on 5/23/24) Adjournment- Motion was made by Sharon Wright and seconded by Fred Schaber to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 pm. Motion 2024-015 was approved.