Smyrna Slum Clearance and Redevelopment Authority

Smyrna Slum Clearance and Redevelopment Authority Committee Conference Room- Smyrna Town Hall 27 S. Market Street, Smyrna, DE 19977 August 27, 2024 at 6 pm Smyrna Minutes Call to Order- Meeting called to order at 6 pm. Attendance- Joanne Masten, Chair-person, David Thomas, Vice-chair, Sharon Wright, Treasurer, Rick Horsey, Secretary and Jeremy Rothwell, Senior Planner Town of Smyrna. Recognition of Visitors- Curt & Anne Jackson and Sue & Eric Shimomura Minutes of July 25,2024- Minutes were sent out prior to the meeting. There were no changes or additions to the minutes. Motion was made by Sharon Wright and seconded by David Thomas to approve the July 25, 2024 minutes. Motion #2024-020 was approved. Financial Reports- No financial reports were available. Smyrna Slum Clearance checking account Balance Smyrna Slum Clearance money market account balance USDA account balance Loan balances To do: request July financial reports and loan status report from Town financial department again (requested them on 8/21 but have not received). To do: Contact PNC and ask for access to RDA electronic financial statements. Jeremy Rothwell report Façade Grants- no requests Loans- no loan requests Review Mission, Guiding Principles, and Goals Review Goals & Action Plan Goal 1- We will provide (7) Façade Grants by 12/31/24. Currently (1) Goal 2- 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. Currently (0) 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. Currently unsure if loans are paid on time and we do not have bank financial  statements because the Town of Smyrna Financial department has not responded to our 8/21/24 request. To do: Request RDA bank statements and loan report from Town of Smyrna Goal 4- We will promote and facilitate new investment in Smyrna by redeveloping existing properties and secure funding and financing. Currently “Investing in Smyrna” program is scheduled for September 19, 2024 at the Smyrna Fire Company at 6pm. Speakers are Jeremy Rothwell, Kara Biggs, and Cain Johnson. To do: Send out invitations and follow-up with speakers and Fire Company. Old Business: 2023 accounting review- Not completed To do: Review 2023 financials 2023 Vacant Building fees transfer- Sharon Wright -not verified To do: Request vacant building account receivable and follow-up if fees have been transferred RDA bank accounts with PNC were updated We received a copy of Pawley loan documents from TAC Downtown Development brochure update Motion was made by Sharon Wright and seconded by David Thomas to approve the Downtown Development brochure. Motion #2024-021 was approved. PNC Community Grants meeting- Discussion about the need for community grants in Smyrna. Note- No motion was made but there was agreement form the Board to ask Jeremy to contact PNC. To do: Jeremy will contact PNC and complete the paperwork to request $10,000 grant. To do: Make a goal to support the Community Grant request for 2025. New Business Sue and Eric from Yarn Maven have requested a letter from the Town of Smyrna that states they have satisfied their loan requirements and remove the lien form their deed. To do: Jeremy will contact Barrett Edwards and request the letter and removal of lien. Sue and Eric were told to let RDA know about a vacant property on 10 N. Delaware St that is vacant and blighted. To do: Jeremy recommended that Sue and Eric will let the Code Enforcement office know about blighted vacant property.  To do: Joanne will contact the property owner to let them know about the complaint and keep Sue and Eric informed. Next meeting September 26, 2024 Adjournment- Joanne adjourned meeting at 6:30 pm