PDC 2008 Minutes

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In addition to Dana Siekman, board members present included Dorothy Stone, Shelly Lofdahl, Jerry Allen, Deni Coryell, Nancy Bogenhagen, Jerry Monks, Ed Rarick and Lori Kelly. Staff members present were Maryjo Downey, PDC Administrator, and Terry Blevins, PDC Special Projects Coordinator. </div> <div> <B>Introduction of Board and Guests</b></div> <div> There were no guests present at the meeting.</div> <div> <B>Approval of Minutes  </b></div> <div> As the Board did not meet during November or December, Board members proceeded with review of the Minutes of the October 24, 2007 meeting. Nancy Bogenhagen moved the Minutes be approved as submitted; Jerry Allen seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Financial report   </b></div> <div> Jo Downey presented the financial report and the list of bills totaling $39,250.30. Jerry Allen moved the financial report be approved and the bills that were paid be affirmed. Lori Kelly seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Election of 2008 Officers</b></div> <div> Dorothy Stone moved the current officers be elected to serve another term. Deni Coryell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 2008 officers are Dana Siekman, chairman; Ed Rarick, vice-chairman; and Jerry Allen, secretary-treasurer.</div> <div> <B>Business Loan Recommendations</b></div> <div> There were no recommendations to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Housing Loan Recommendations</b></div> <div> There were no recommendations to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Housing Loan Project Income Discussion</b></div> <div> Terry Blevins explained that PDC learned at a meeting with the Colorado Division of Housing last fall that it might still be possible to convert CDBG project income to miscellaneous income. Project income is the money earned from payments from loans made using Community Development Block Grant funds. Converting it to miscellaneous income changes the federal and state requirements on re-use of those funds, making them more flexible for use in the region, he said. Terry and Jo Downey had discussed this possibility with the CDBG grantee, Kit Carson County, and the Commissioners agreed to request the change in a letter to the Division of Housing. Shelly Lofdahl moved the PDC Board support Kit Carson County's request to have CDBG project income re-designated as miscellaneous income. Dorothy Stone seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Status of CDBG Grant #4</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported that the CDBG contract that provides funds for the business loans was extended to June 30, 2008, and $100,000 in additional loan funds and $15,000 in additional administrative funds were added to the grant. Jo said all loans made from these funds must be closed, with the necessary jobs created or retained, by June 30. After that date, the grant funds will be de-obligated.</div> <div> <B>Status of CDBG Grant #5</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board that a new CDBG loan source grant application has been submitted. In addition to providing $400,000 in additional business loan funds, if approved, the new contract also will allow expenditures for certain feasibility studies, if needed. Funds for feasibility studies would be passed through to jurisdictions using them with PDC retaining none for administrative costs. Jo said she expects the new CDBG loan to have a life span of three to four years.</div> <div> <B>Marketing Grants</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said the East Central Council of Local Governments has received a $25,000 grant for marketing the East Central Enterprise Zone during 2008. Funds from this grant help support the Our Journey heritage tourism marketing effort. Also, PDC has applied for $15,000 in regional tourism marketing grant funds. This grant would require matching funds of $7,500. Jo said PDC should learn the result of this application by January 31st.  These funds would be used to produce a cross-marketing brochure that could be used by all of the region's museums to help market each other, and could be supplied in quantity to the Colorado Welcome Center. Funds also will produce B-roll film (video without audio) of the region's attractions. This film could be used in a variety of ways, but primarily to illustrate television interviews about Our Journey.</div> <div> <B>Little Songs on the Prairie Status</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said only two performances have been held using Little Songs grant funds, but a third is scheduled in Hugo in March. She said there are $6,000 in grant funds available, and the money must be spent by the end of June.</div> <div> <B>Housing Rehabilitation Loans </b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board that efforts are underway to rekindle the grant-funded housing rehabilitation loan<B> </b> program. This program has not been used by PDC for some time, due to a variety of state requirements that didn't  always  appear to  be  beneficial  to  local  homeowners, and  in some cases were impossible to meet. </div> <div> However, at a meeting between PDC staff and the Colorado Division of Housing last fall, it appeared there might be more flexibility in the program now. Staff will be meeting with the Tri-County Housing Program in Fowler to get more input regarding use of these programs now, and to determine if there is any possibility of contracting with Tri-County for written project bid specifications and inspections. Jo explained the funds can be used for single family-owner occupied housing rehabilitation projects, but also can be used for acquisition and rehab of homes that can be resold to low- to moderate-income buyers.</div> <div> <B>Electronic Newsletters </b><I><B>(Old News)</b></I></div> <div> Copies of <I>Old News</I>, the monthly newsletter of the Our Journey program, were given to the Board members. The newsletter is one page only, and is available only by email. The mailing list consists of individuals who have contacted Our Journey via the website, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Palatino Linotype" ><A HREF="http://www.ourjourney.info" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ourjourney.info"><U><U>www.ourjourney.info</U></U></A></FONT>, and of other individuals, including the PDC Board members.</div> <div> <B>PDC “Real Estate” Update</b></div> <div> All of PDC's rental properties are occupied, and rents are current, except for the residence in Cheyenne Wells. PDC staff continues to work with these parties to bring their rent payments current.</div> <div> <B>Section House Sale Status</b></div> <div> Terry Blevins reported no recent interest in the Section House at Elizabeth. Ed Robinson, real estate agent, had told Terry that sales of commercial properties in the Elizabeth area had nearly ground to a halt. He said a neighboring property seller had lowered the price in an effort to attract an offer, but with no success. Ed did not recommend lowering the sales price at this stage.</div> <div> <B>Directors and Officers Insurance</b></div> <div> Jo Downey stated the current insurance carrier for PDC directors' and officers' insurance, United National Group, was no longer writing D&O policies. She said finding underwriters for such coverage for either public or non-profit agencies becomes more difficult each year, but Clark Insurance Agency has found a new underwriter for 2008. Coverage from Heritage General Agency will cost $1,875 for a $2,500 deductible and $1 million each occurrence policy.</div> <div> <B>Professional Services Agreement</b></div> <div> Jo said PDC staff has updated the professional services agreement between the East Central Council of Local Governments and PDC. ECCOG has approved the agreement and signed it; Jo asked the PDC Board to also consider signing the agreement. Jerry Allen moved PDC accept the updated professional services agreement with the ECCOG. Nancy Bogenhagen seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Loan Activity Status</b></div> <div> This agenda item was covered in the PDC Loan Committee meeting, held immediately prior to this meeting.</div> <div> <B>Next Meeting Date/Location</b></div> <div> The next meeting of the PDC Board of Directors will be Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at Limon.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported the pre-application completed for the grant to complete a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.</div> <div> Shelly Lofdahl announced that she would be resigning from the PDC Board of Directors, due to personal reasons, effective tomorrow. The announcement was received by the Board with regret.</div> <div> <B>Adjournment</b></div> <div> There being no other business, Dana Siekman declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id36_pdc_2008_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PDC Board Minutes"><U><B><IMG SRC="10532200.gif" border=0 width="50" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="february_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>The Prairie Development Corporation Board</b></div> <div> <B>of Directors did not meet in February 2008.</b></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id36_pdc_2008_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PDC Board Minutes"><U><B><IMG SRC="10532200.gif" border=0 width="50" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="march_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>Prairie Development Corporation</b></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>March 26, 2008</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman Dana Siekman called the meeting of the Prairie Development Corporation Board of Directors to order at 7:39 p.m. at the Town Hall in Limon, Colorado. In addition to Dana Siekman, board members present included Dorothy Stone, Myron Sams, Jerry Allen, Nancy Bogenhagen, Jerry Monks, Ed Rarick and Lori Kelly. Staff members present were Maryjo Downey, PDC Administrator, and Terry Blevins, Special Projects Coordinator. </div> <div> <B>Introduction of Board and Guests</b></div> <div> There were no guests present at the meeting.</div> <div> <B>Approval of Minutes  </b></div> <div> Board members proceeded with review of the Minutes of the January 23, 2008 meeting. Dorothy Stone moved the January 23, 2008 meeting Minutes be approved as submitted; Ed Rarick seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Financial report   </b></div> <div> Jo Downey presented the financial reports for December 2007, January and February 2008, and the list of bills totaling $263,457.58. In the absence of questions from the Board, Dana Siekman declared the reports accepted.</div> <div> <B>Business Loan Recommendations</b></div> <div> Dana Siekman presented a request for a Micro-Enterprise Loan of $80,000 that would refinance a previous $20,000 loan from PDC to a Kit Carson County manufacturer and would provide $60,000 for working capital. A $2,500 grant for technical assistance would be in addition to the loan. Ed Rarick moved the Committee approve the loan of $80,000, and the $2,500 technical assistance grant from the San Luis Valley Development Resources Group, with repayment over 120 months at 7% interest, with security as approved by the PDC Loan Committee. Lori Kelly seconded the motion, which carried 6-1, with Jerry Monks opposed. Dana Siekman abstained from voting.</div> <div> Dana then presented a 50% loan guarantee request for a Kit Carson County business. The guarantee would be in the form of a certificate of deposit in the amount of $27,500 from PDC, placed for the five-year loan repayment term with a return rate of 3.5%. Jerry Allen moved the 50% loan guarantee be approved as requested. Jerry Monks seconded the motion, which carried 7-0, with Dana Siekman abstaining.</div> <div> <B>Housing Loan Recommendations</b></div> <div> There were no recommendations to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Housing Loan Project Income Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said PDC continues its efforts to reactivate housing program components that can utilize program income from repayment of past loans. Jo and Terry Blevins met with housing program officials at Fowler to  review  policies  and  documents  used  in  the  housing  rehabilitation program there. Using these funds for housing rehabilitation activities would require written bid specifications, which have not been necessary for the PDC-funded program. Jo reported there has been some interest expressed in doing this work for PDC. </div> <div> PDC continues to look for acquisition and rehab prospects in the four counties; these should be homes that can be purchased, rehabilitated and resold for enough to pay all of PDC's expenses in the property. Jo asked Board members to help staff identify A&R prospects.</div> <div> And finally, Jo said PDC has asked the Colorado Division of Housing to reclassify program income from loans made from Community Development Block Grant funds as miscellaneous income. This change would reduce reporting requirements and make the money more flexible in its re-use.</div> <div> <B>Status of CDBG Grant #4 and #5</b></div> <div> Jo Downey stated the current Community Development Block Grant expires June 30. The decision tonight to loan $80,000 and to grant $2,500 from that contract will leave approximately $102,500 in un-obligated loan funds (an additional $100,000 was added to this contract four months ago in anticipation of two projects that did not materialize). Jo said it is doubtful that the funds could be loaned and closed, and the necessary jobs created or retained, by the June 30 deadline.</div> <div> A new CDBG grant has been awarded, but the contract hasn't been received. The initial contract will include $400,000 for loans, $70,000 for administration, and up to $110,000 for feasibility study grants to other entities within the region on an as-needed basis. This contract should be in place prior to the end of June, she said.</div> <div> <B>CTB Marketing Grant Award</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said a schedule has been developed to produce B-roll film (video without audio) of the region's attractions. This film could be used in a variety of ways, but primarily to illustrate television interviews about Our Journey. The project is funded from the recent Colorado Tourism Board Marketing Grant awarded to PDC.</div> <div> Work continues on the cross-marketing brochure, also funded by the Colorado Tourism Board. There will be 75,000 copies of this full-color brochure distributed through the museums and the Colorado Welcome Center, encouraging local visitors to also pay calls on other regional attractions.</div> <div> Other efforts include updating the materials sent to interested persons in the Our Journey packet. The ticket information will include two additional museums in the 2008 season. Lists of antique shops, bed and breakfast facilities, and National Register historic sites also will be updated.</div> <div> <B>Little Songs on the Prairie Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said only three performances using Little Songs grant funds have been held, to date. However, Jo said the Colorado Council on the Arts has extended the deadline for expending the grant funds to September 30, and she hopes local museums will have the opportunity to schedule more events this summer. She said PDC did not apply for more funds for this program.</div> <div> <B>Housing Rehabilitation Loans </b></div> <div> There were no housing rehabilitation loans to come before the Board. </div> <div> <B>Economic Development Strategy Plan</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said PDC has been asked by the federal Economic Development Administration to submit a full application for a grant to develop a regional economic development strategy plan.   If this plan results in this region being designated as a federal EDA District, then local jurisdictions would be eligible for additional federal funds for projects that would improve the local economies. If the region becomes a district, then the East Central Council of Local Governments Board of Directors must be changed to represent more sectors of the population, while the PDC Board could become the regional strategy committee.</div> <div> <B>PDC “Real Estate” Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported that all of PDC's rentals are occupied, and most of the tenants are current in their rent payments.</div> <div> <B>Section House Sale Status</b></div> <div> Terry Blevins reported there continue to be occasional inquiries, but no firm offers to buy this building.</div> <div> The Board reviewed a proposed interpretive sign for the Section House property. Dorothy Stone asked staff to change the lettering in the heading to upper and lower case to make it easier to read, and to replace the word “Elizabeth” with the word “Historic.” Staff agreed to those changes.</div> <div> <B>Loan Activity Status</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board that the staff continues to receive loan inquiries from area businesses, some of them viable prospects.</div> <div> <B>Next Meeting Date/Location</b></div> <div> The next meeting of the PDC Board of Directors will be Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at Flagler.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Adjournment</b></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> There being no other business, Dana Siekman declared the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id36_pdc_2008_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PDC Board Minutes"><U><B><IMG SRC="10532200.gif" border=0 width="50" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="april_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>The Prairie Development Corporation Board</b></div> <div> <B>of Directors did not meet in April 2008.</b></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id36_pdc_2008_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PDC Board Minutes"><U><B><IMG SRC="10532200.gif" border=0 width="50" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="may_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>Prairie Development Corporation</b></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>May 28, 2008</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman Dana Siekman called the meeting of the Prairie Development Corporation Board of Directors to order at 7:37 p.m. at the Community Building in Hugo, Colorado. In addition to Dana Siekman, board members present included Dorothy Stone, Myron Sams, Jerry Allen, Nancy Bogenhagen, Jerry Monks, Ed Rarick and Deni Coryell. Staff members present were Maryjo Downey, PDC Administrator, and Terry Blevins, Special Projects Coordinator. </div> <div> <B>Introduction of Board and Guests</b></div> <div> There were no guests present at the meeting.</div> <div> <B>Approval of Minutes  </b></div> <div> Board members proceeded with review of the Minutes of the March 26, 2008 meeting. Jerry Allen moved the March 26, 2008 meeting Minutes be approved as submitted; Ed Rarick seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Financial report   </b></div> <div> Jo Downey presented the monthly list of bills totaling $338,475.64. Jo said the financial report was not ready for this meeting, due to the time spent by the fiscal officer in assisting the auditors. The Board received copies of the completed 2007 audit report that stated there were no questioned costs in PDC's 2007 expenditures. Ed Rarick had the only questions about the report. Jo said she would get the answers from the auditors and share them with all Board members. Ed Rarick moved the Board affirm payment of the listed bills and accept the 2007 audit report. Myron Sams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Business Loan Recommendations</b></div> <div> There were no business loan recommendations to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Housing Loan Recommendations</b></div> <div> The PDC Loan Committee had recommended approval of application #08-R103 for an owner-occupied housing rehabilitation loan in the amount of $14,000, with repayment of 10 years at zero percent interest. This loan would be for home modifications that would make the home in Cheyenne County wheelchair accessible. Dorothy Stone moved the loan for 08-R103 be approved as recommended. Deni Coryell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Housing Loan Project Income Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reminded the Board that several years ago Kit Carson County, on behalf of all four counties, had entered into contracts with the Colorado Division of Housing for grants to fund the housing programs. Those contracts have all expired but the loans made from those grants continue to be repaid. The revenues from loan payments are considered program income and are subject to all the same rules as the original grant funds. Recently, Jo reported that Kit Carson County had asked the state to convert all program income from the Community Development  Block  Grant  housing  funds  to  “miscellaneous income,”  which would make the money somewhat more flexible and would reduce the reporting requirements. Jo said the state's response letters never reached  Kit Carson County nor PDC, and we now await replacement letters.</div> <div> <B>Status of CDBG Grant #4 Close-out</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board the contract for this grant has been extended three times over the past four years. Recently, $100,000 was added to the grant amount in anticipation of additional loans, but as those loans did not come to fruition, these funds will be deobligated when the contract expires June 30th. She said all but a couple of thousand dollars of the original $400,000 grant was loaned to businesses, and the loan fund met its goals for leveraging other sources f money and for creating/retaining jobs.</div> <div> <B>CDBG Grant #5/Interest Rate/Contract Status</b></div> <div> Lincoln County's application for a new Community Development Block Grant to fund PDC's business loan fund on behalf of all four counties was approved today, Jo Downey reported. This grant includes $400,000 for loans and additional administrative funds. Additional funds will be available if there is need for local feasibility studies, she said. </div> <div> <B>CTB Marketing Grant Project</b></div> <div> B-Roll filming of attractions at Burlington, Flagler and Arriba was completed in one day, according to Jo Downey, but the marketing firm helping develop the Our Journey heritage marketing program, was not pleased with the result. Brian Hawkins of b hawkins, inc. has changed videographers and will be proceeding with the filming, which is part of the project funded by the Colorado Tourism Board. Work under this grant must be completed by the end of June.</div> <div> Another part of this project is publication of a museum brochure designed to last several seasons. This brochure would give highlights and information about all of the museums in the region, and would be handed out at the state welcome centers and at each of the local museums.</div> <div> And finally, Jo said she began the media tour portion of this project in June. She hopes to stagger media coverage  throughout the summer to keep Our Journey in the public eye.</div> <div> The Colorado Tourism Board will be soliciting proposals for other Heritage Tourism Grants later this summer. Jo said interpretation of the region's New Deal sites might be a project suitable for one of these grants.</div> <div> <B>Little Songs on the Prairie Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said it has been difficult getting the grant funds spent for this project, with very few museums availing themselves of the opportunity so far. In addition, she said administration of the grant has proven very costly compared with the total grant amount available. However, since the contract period was extended to September 30th, museums at Flagler and Limon have expressed an interest in scheduling musical programs and utilizing some of the available funds.</div> <div> <B>Our Journey 2008</b></div> <div> The 2008 Our Journey program has been delayed by a variety of factors, Jo Downey told the Board, and the kits to be mailed in response to inquiries are not finished. There are numerous changes this year, including larger kits to accommodate a compact disk that accompanies the songbook, racks for new museum brochures, new easel boards for all of the museums, and new tickets for travelers that include the two museums opening for the first time this season.</div> <div> <B>Housing Program </b></div> <div> Terry Blevins has met with the Kit Carson Rural Development group concerning a shortage  of  good  rental housing in Kit Carson. With members of KCRD, he toured several vacant houses, but all were for sale, rather than for rent. The rental shortage makes it difficult to attract new teachers, Terry learned, and the KCRD group also is looking ahead for other rental needs, during highway construction or while wind generation systems are built. Among units for sale are two duplex units, part of the former Hillten Homes development at Kit Carson. The current owner has removed two duplex units from the property and plans to remove a third unit. However, Terry said the remaining units could be rehabilitated as two or four bedroom units. He said he did a cursory inspection during a quick walk-through and is not able to give an estimate on the cost of rehabilitation, but the units appeared to be in good condition except for some missing electrical and plumbing components. Concrete footers and other debris from the displaced units need to be cleaned up, he added.</div> <div> Following the discussion, Dorothy Stone moved staff be authorized to negotiate purchase of the Hillten Homes property up to a limit to be established by the Board in executive session. Jerry Allen seconded the motion, which carried 6 to 1, with Ed Rarick opposed. Jerry Monks abstained from voting. Jerry Allen then moved to enter executive session to discuss purchase negotiation parameters for the KCRD project, including the maximum dollar amount to be offered and details of the cleanup of the property relative to the purchase. Deni Coryell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. The Board entered executive session at 8:31 p.m. pursuant to CRS 24-6-402(4)(a), and re-entered public session at 8:48 p.m.</div> <div> <B>Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Grant Award/Advisory Committee</b></div> <div> The federal Economic Development Administration has awarded the East Central Council of Local Governments a planning grant to develop Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) for these four counties. Jo Downey said the contract for this project will be signed next week, and the CEDS must be completed within 18 months. The first step of the work program calls for establishing an advisory committee to oversee and advise the CEDS process. Jo said this committee would include PDC Board members as its nucleus, with additional members appointed from the various economic development committees throughout the region. This committee will guide the development of the CEDS, Jo continued, but a consultant will do the actual data collection for the document. Completion of the CEDS would allow the region to seek designation as a federal Economic Development District. Designation would make it eligible for federal funding for a variety of ED purposes.</div> <div> Jo said letters would be sent to PDC Board members and other groups across the region to determine interest in serving on this advisory committee.</div> <div> <B>2008 Events Guide</b></div> <div> Jo Downey circulated copies of the new regional events guide. This guide was not printed in full color but uses a design making it more compatible with the Our Journey packets. She asked Board members to help distribute copies of the guide.</div> <div> <B>PDC “Real Estate” Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported there are no vacancies in PDC rentals at the present time.</div> <div> <B>Section House Sale</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said the sales price of the Section House in Elizabeth has been lowered from $240,000 to $215,000. While there has been interest, it has not been serious interest, and the real estate market in Elizabeth has been sluggish, according to PDC's real estate representative.</div> <div> <B>Loan Activity Status</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said information for this item was covered earlier in the meeting.</div> <div> <B>Next Meeting Date/Location</b></div> <div> The next meeting of the PDC Board of Directors will be Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at Flagler.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Adjournment</b></div> <div> There being no other business, Dana Siekman declared the meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id36_pdc_2008_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PDC Board Minutes"><U><B><IMG SRC="10532200.gif" border=0 width="50" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="june_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>The Prairie Development Corporation Board</b></div> <div> <B>of Directors did not meet in June 2008.</b></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id36_pdc_2008_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PDC Board Minutes"><U><B><IMG SRC="10532200.gif" border=0 width="50" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="july_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>Prairie Development Corporation</b></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>July 23, 2008</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman Dana Siekman called the meeting of the Prairie Development Corporation Board of Directors to order at 7:32 p.m. at the High Plains Bank at Flagler, Colorado. In addition to Dana Siekman, board members present included Dorothy Stone, Myron Sams, Jerry Monks, Ed Rarick and Deni Coryell. Staff members present were Maryjo Downey, PDC Administrator, and Terry Blevins, Special Projects Coordinator. </div> <div> <B>Introduction of Board and Guests</b></div> <div> There were no guests present at the meeting.</div> <div> <B>Approval of Minutes  </b></div> <div> Board members proceeded with review of the Minutes of the May 28, 2008 meeting. Deni Coryell moved the May 28, 2008 meeting Minutes be approved as submitted; Ed Rarick seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Financial report   </b></div> <div> Jo Downey presented the monthly list of bills totaling $58,816.81. Dorothy Stone moved the Board affirm payment of the listed bills. Myron Sams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Jo said the financial report goes through May, but the PDC fiscal officer has been in training for her fulltime employer and will not be able to provide current financial reports until that training is completed.</div> <div> <B>Business Loan Recommendations</b></div> <div> There were no business loan recommendations to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Housing Loan Recommendations</b></div> <div> There were no housing loan recommendations to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Housing Loan Project Income Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said the state has approved Kit Carson County's request that project income from loans made using former Community Development Block Grant funds be reclassified as miscellaneous income. She said this would make the use of the funds a little more flexible.</div> <div> <B>Status of CDBG Grant #4 Close-out-Fund De-Obligation</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board that the contract for Community Development Block Grant #4 ended June 30, and $102,500 remaining in the contract was de-obligated by the state. She reminded the Board that this grant originally totaled $400,000, of which $397,500 was utilized by PDC's business loan program. An additional $100,000 was added when the grant contract was extended last year, but the loan under consideration at that time was not closed. Additional administrative funds also were added, but not all of those funds could be utilized as administrative expenses are limited to 16% of the total grant dollars expended (not the total dollars available). </div> <div> <B>CDBG Grant #5 Contract Status</b></div> <div> The application for CDBG Grant #5 was approved for full funding, Jo said, and the contract is being drafted by the state. She said a new sub-contract among PDC, the East Central Council of Local Governments and Lincoln County (the grantee, on behalf of all four counties) must be executed. Grant #5 includes $400,000 for loans plus administrative funds. Jo said additional funds are available to help communities complete feasibility studies, if needed. This two-year contract may be amended or extended, she said.</div> <div> <B>CTB Marketing Grant Project-2009 Grant Process</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board that the Colorado Tourism Board's marketing matching grant program is the same as offered a year ago. In 2008, PDC was successful in obtaining a $15,000 grant to publish regional museum guides and to produce 6.5 hours of B-roll film for use in marketing the Our Journey program via television and elsewhere. With the local matching funds, the total project cost was $22,500.</div> <div> Jo proposed applying for this grant again for 2009, to use the B-roll film to develop live video for each museum on the Our Journey website, to develop a strong bus tour market from the Front Range, and possibly to reprint the primary Our Journey brochure. Dorothy Stone moved the PDC proceed with application for these grant funds as outlined by Jo. Deni Coryell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Heritage Tourism Expansion Grants</b></div> <div> Two years ago, PDC's application for one of four pilot Colorado Tourism Office heritage tourism grants was denied, possibly because PDC's marketing program was underway already, Jo Downey told the Board. This year, however, the grants appear to be for expansion of existing projects, and she said the Our Journey program would b e eligible to apply for these funds.</div> <div> Jo suggested that Prairie Development Corporation submit a grant application for a project entitled “Off the Beaten Trail.” She said this project would identify eight heritage tourism sites that can be signed and interpreted, and that are accessible, i.e., visible to travelers and can be promoted the year around. </div> <bR> <div> These sites must generally interpret “built environment,” as opposed to people or events. They would be promoted by brochure, and visitors would use compact disks to take the narrative tour of these sites.</div> <div> To encourage visitation by younger heritage tourists, near the interpreted sites would be “treasure sites” for a new geocaching game in which players, equipped with global positioning system receivers, locate the “treasure” and sign the accompanying logbook. The game would be marketed via the website, ourjourney.info" <A HREF="http://www." TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www."><U>www.ourjourney.info</U></A>. </div> <div> Dorothy Stone moved the PDC proceed with the application for the Colorado Tourism Office heritage tourism grant.</div> <div> <B>Little Songs on the Prairie Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said this project has not been worth the time required to administer it. Local attractions have been slow to plan musical events, and while Flagler and Limon still are planning events (and Burlington may plan something), PDC probably will have to return some of the grant money to the state.</div> <div> <B>Our Journey 2008</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said the 2008 Our Journey program is now 100 percent operational, as all of the new marketing materials have been completed and delivered. </div> <div> <B>Housing Projects (Kit Carson, Flagler, Stratton) </b></div> <div> Terry Blevins reported that David Larsen has agreed  to sell the Kit Carson duplex units formerly known as Hillten Homes to PDC. The sale will include two of the units and 24 town lots at the west edge of Kit Carson. The rest of the units have been removed…or will be removed by the time of closing in August. The purchase agreement conformed to instructions given by the PDC Board in May. A portion of the purchase and rehabilitation price may be paid from HOME project income, loan payments received on housing loans originally made from HOME grant funds. If so, at least one of the units must be reserved for low- to moderate-income households.</div> <div> The house in Stratton that was purchased earlier has been inspected, and bid specifications are being drafted for the work. </div> <div> A house in Flagler that is in foreclosure should become the property of PDC in October.</div> <div> <B>Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Grant Award/Advisory Committee</b></div> <div> The Economic Development Administration has approved the application from East Central Council of Local Governments for funds to conduct a comprehensive economic development strategy in our four counties, and the grant has been accepted by the ECCOG Board, according to Jo Downey. The next step in this process will be organizing the advisory committee to guide the data collection efforts.</div> <div> <B>PDC “Real Estate” Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported there are no vacancies in PDC rentals at the present time. For several years, PDC has rented an office to a local insurance agency in Stratton. Jo said the agency is in need of more space and has now rented a second office, for a total monthly rent of $600 per month.</div> <div> <B>Section House Sale</b></div> <div> There has been no further interest shown in the Section House in Elizabeth.</div> <div> <B>Next Meeting Date/Location</b></div> <div> The next meeting of the PDC Board of Directors will be in September at Elizabeth.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Adjournment</b></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> There being no other business, Dana Siekman declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id36_pdc_2008_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PDC Board Minutes"><U><B><IMG SRC="10532200.gif" border=0 width="50" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="august_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>The Prairie Development Corporation Board</b></div> <div> <B>of Directors did not meet in August 2008.</b></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id36_pdc_2008_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PDC Board Minutes"><U><B><IMG SRC="10532200.gif" border=0 width="50" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="september_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>Prairie Development Corporation</b></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>September 16, 2008</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman Dana Siekman called the meeting of the Prairie Development Corporation Board of Directors to order at 7:42 p.m. at the Stone Law Office, Elizabeth, Colorado. In addition to Dana Siekman, board members present included Dorothy Stone, Myron Sams, Jerry Monks, Jerry Allen and Deni Coryell. Staff members present were Maryjo Downey, PDC Administrator, and Terry Blevins, Special Projects Coordinator. </div> <div> <B>Introduction of Board and Guests</b></div> <div> There were no guests present at the meeting.</div> <div> <B>Approval of Minutes  </b></div> <div> Board members proceeded with review of the Minutes of the July 23, 2008 meeting. Myron Sams moved the July 23, 2008 meeting Minutes be approved as submitted; Dorothy Stone seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Financial report   </b></div> <div> Jo Downey presented the monthly list of bills totaling $174,129.51, along with financial reports for June, July and August. Jerry Allen moved the Board affirm payment of the listed bills. Jerry Monks seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. </div> <div> <B>Business Loan Recommendations</b></div> <div> There were no business loan recommendations to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Housing Loan Recommendations</b></div> <div> There were no housing loan recommendations to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Status of CDBG Grant #4 Close-out-Fund De-Obligation</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board this grant contract was completed and the final reports were submitted. PDC has requested the final amount due under the contract, $6,455.56.  The contract will be closed out by DOLA in the coming weeks after monitoring is completed.  $9,044.44 in administrative funds and $102,500 in loan funds were deobligated.</div> <div> <B>CDBG Grant #5 Contract Status</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said the State has not yet issued a contract for the new CDBG grant due to regulation changes.  She said the new grant would require a new three-way subcontract among PDC, East Central Council of Local Governments and Lincoln County (the grantee, on behalf of the region).  The state should be able to issue new contracts before the end of the year. </div> <div> <B>CTB Marketing Match Grant-2009</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board that PDC has applied for $15,000 to add narration and music to the B-Roll film shot at the Our Journey destinations last year for use on the website, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Palatino Linotype" ><A HREF="http://www.ourjourney.info" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ourjourney.info"><U><U>www.ourjourney.info</U></U></A></FONT>. The grant also would be used to develop bus tours from the metropolitan areas to Colorado's Central Plains. Jo said a decision on the grant application should be made by the end of October.</div> <div> <B>Heritage Tourism Expansion Grants/Off the Beaten Trail</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said PDC applied for a $50,000 Colorado Tourism Office heritage tourism expansion grant, and was awarded $33,000. The grant would create the “Off The Beaten Trail” project in which eight heritage tourism sites, not now generally known but accessible, can be marketed to attract visitors the year around. The grant also would pay for a new geocaching game that would bring visitors to the sites. Because the application was not funded in full, Jo said the proposed compact disk that would provide a narrative tour of these sites must be eliminated from the project. Dorothy Stone moved the PDC accept the revised grant award. Deni Coryell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Our Journey 2008</b></div> <div> Jo Downey circulated copies of the 1/3 page ad for the Our Journey program that was published in the Colorado Vacation Planning Guide. She also provided website statistics for 2008 to date, with comparable stats from 2007, for the Board's review, noting this information is extremely valuable in preparing grant applications for heritage tourism.</div> <div> Our Journey participants who visited the requisite number of sites during the 2008 season and returned their stamped tickets to PDC were eligible to win two nights at a bed and breakfast facility in this region, including two breakfasts and a special dinner. At this PDC meeting, Deni Coryell randomly selected the name of Derek Hankins of Centennial as the 2008 winner of this Our Journey promotion.</div> <div> <B>Housing Projects (Kit Carson and Stratton) </b></div> <div> Terry Blevins reported that house recently purchased by PDC in Stratton is being cleaned and the carpets were removed to help eliminate odors. Bid specifications are completed and the project is being advertised for bid shortly.</div> <div> The two duplex units in Kit Carson have been acquired, however, Terry said the Cheyenne County Abstract Co. requested a copy of the PDC Board Resolution authorizing the sale for the company's files. He presented the Board with resolution PDC/RE08-01 for consideration. Jerry Allen moved the resolution PDC/RE08-01 be approved as presented. Myron Sams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Time Frame Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said she attended a federal Economic Development Administration conference in Denver last week, where she learned more about the CEDS regulations and best practices. Other topics covered included motivating people to work together on a regional basis and information specific to new EDA grantees. Jo presently is working on a request for proposals from potential consultants to help gather data for the CEDS. Work on the CEDS will begin in October, she said, with the finished product due December 31, 2009. The regional CEDS advisory committee is being formed now, but Jo said changes in the make-up of the Board of the East Central Council of Local Governments would not occur until 2010. If an EDA District were created, the eight ECCOG Board members now representing local governments in the region would need to be joined by five new members, whose selection will be governed by specific federal requirements, she said.</div> <div> <B>PDC “Real Estate” Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported that PDC's apartments in Stratton remain occupied. The tenants of the rental unit in Cheyenne Wells remain behind in rent payments.</div> <div> Terry Blevins said the foreclosure on the house in Flagler should be completed the first week in October.</div> <div> <B>Office Building Repairs/Tree Removal</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reminded the Board that PDC purchased the present office building in Stratton about 12 years ago. Since then, she said PDC has put very little money into the structure. However, the roof began leaking about a year ago and the leaks have increased this year. Local contractors have not indicated any interest in making the necessary repairs, which will include removing a deck and two skylights. Jo said she is attempting to get bids from other contractors.</div> <div> Deni Coryell moved the PDC Board authorize payment of up to $15,000 for roof and deck repairs for the office building in Stratton. Jerry Monks seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> Jo said the poplar trees that separate the west yard from the parking area and alley are growing thick and are beginning to blow down in high winds, and she asked permission to have some of the trees removed. She said she would make sure the individuals removing the trees would have adequate insurance to protect PDC. Deni Coryell moved the PDC Board authorize payment of up to $1,000 for tree removal. Jerry Monks seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Section House Sale</b></div> <div> There has been no movement regarding sale of the Section House in Elizabeth. It was a concensus of board members present that staff pursue listing the property with a different sales agent.</div> <div> <B>Loan Activity Status</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board she has had discussions with a couple of potential borrowers about their proposed projects, but none has resulted in any loan applications. Other contacts have been from individuals whose needs do not fit PDC's program criteria.</div> <div> <B>Next Meeting Date/Location</b></div> <div> The next meeting of the PDC Board of Directors will be November 19 at Stratton.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Adjournment</b></div> <div> There being no other business, Dana Siekman declared the meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m. </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id36_pdc_2008_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PDC Board Minutes"><U><B><IMG SRC="10532200.gif" border=0 width="50" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="october_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>The Prairie Development Corporation Board</b></div> <div> <B>of Directors did not meet in October 2008.</b></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id36_pdc_2008_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PDC Board Minutes"><U><B><IMG SRC="10532200.gif" border=0 width="50" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="november_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>Prairie Development Corporation</b></div> <div> <B>Board of Directors Meeting Minutes</b></div> <div> <B>November 19, 2008</b></div> <div> <B>Call to Order</b></div> <div> Chairman Dana Siekman called the meeting of the Prairie Development Corporation Board of Directors to order at 7:47 p.m. at the Claremont Inn in Stratton, Colorado. In addition to Dana Siekman, board members present included Dorothy Stone, Myron Sams, Ed Rarick, Lori Kelly, Nancy Bogenhagen and Deni Coryell. Staff members present were Maryjo Downey, PDC Administrator, and Terry Blevins, Special Projects Coordinator. </div> <div> <B>Introduction of Board and Guests</b></div> <div> There were no guests present at the meeting.</div> <div> <B>Approval of Minutes  </b></div> <div> Board members proceeded with review of the Minutes of the September 16, 2008 meeting. Dorothy Stone moved the September 16, 2008 meeting Minutes be approved as submitted; Deni Coryell seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.</div> <div> <B>Financial report   </b></div> <div> Jo Downey presented the monthly list of bills totaling $38,261.97, along with financial reports for September and October. Deni Coryell moved the Board approve the financial report and payment of the listed bills. Myron Sams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. </div> <div> <B>Business Loan Recommendations</b></div> <div> There were no business loan recommendations to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Housing Loan Recommendations</b></div> <div> There were no housing loan recommendations to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>CDBG Grant #5 Contract Status</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said a contract for this latest loan fund capitalization grant should be available soon. The grant was approved a year ago, she said, but there was no contract offered because the Colorado Attorney General's office was developing new standard language for state contracts.</div> <div> <B>CTB Marketing Match Grant Award</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said the Colorado Tourism Board awarded a $15,000 state grant to help fund a proposed $30,000 Our Journey marketing effort. The funds will be used to develop Internet streaming video from the B-Roll footage shot at the region's museums and communities in 2008, and to complete and implement a feasibility plan for developing bus tours from the metropolitan areas to the region during the off season. Jo said this grant should be under contract within the next couple of months.</div> <div> <B>Off the Beaten Trail Sites</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said staff members have visited a number of potential Off The Beaten Trail sites that were recommended by community members across the region, including the Riverbend Cemetery, the former Russell Gates Mercantile building in Elbert and the historic section of Elizabeth, all in Elbert County; the Beedy Barn (also known as the Martin Family Barn) north of Genoa and Walks Camp Community Park northeast of Limon, both in Lincoln County; and Crystal Springs and Kit Carson Hill near Flagler, both in Kit Carson County. Staff has been unable to visit sites in Cheyenne County to date, including the Old Wells Caves north of Cheyenne Wells, the historic Aroya/JOD Ranch area, or the Olson-Chubbuck bison kill site. Also planned are visits to the site of the former Civilian Conservation Corps camp at Hugo, the ghost town of Tuttle, northeast of Stratton, and the Norton Cemetery near Kiowa. Other suggestions that will be considered are the historic dance hall at Wild Horse, the former Kutch community, and a one-room schoolhouse west of Elbert.</div> <div> <B>Housing Projects (Kit Carson and Stratton) </b></div> <div> Terry Blevins reported that a family has made an offer on the house in Stratton, and a sales contract for $90,000 has been executed. It is planned to finalize this sale by the end of the year.</div> <div> Cleanup at the site of the Kit Carson project is nearly completed, thanks to the Town of Kit Carson and many hours of volunteer labor contributed by the Kit Carson Rural Development Association. Terry said bid specifications are being developed for the necessary work on the buildings.</div> <div> <B>Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Research Bids Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported that four proposals were submitted for doing the strategy research needed for preparation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for this region. Summary sheets will be circulated to the ECCOG Board members, who will be asked to evaluate the proposals, and members of the CEDS Advisory Committee also will review them and make recommendations to the PDC Board. Jo explained the types of information that will be necessary for completion of the CEDS.</div> <div> <B>PDC “Real Estate” Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported that the Stratton apartments are rented and the rent payments are current. Terry Blevins said the renters in Cheyenne Wells remain behind in their rent payments and are falling farther behind. More forceful measures to bring the rent payments current have been initiated, which could result in a notice to move out if there is no compliance.</div> <div> <B>Office Building Repairs/Tree Removal Update</b></div> <div> Jo Downey said the necessary trees were removed, at a cost of $700, and the office-building roof will be repaired, including replacement of the skylights, for about $8,000. This work was authorized at the previous PDC Board meeting, she said. A local contractor was retained for the necessary deck demolition and replacement work.</div> <div> <B>Section House Sale Status</b></div> <div> Jo Downey reported that she and Terry Blevins met with the real estate agent who has the listing for the Section House. Values of commercial properties are down in Elizabeth at the present time, and the agent felt it would help if the asking price were lower. He also believed it would help if PDC would carry the loan on the purchase, although this option was declined by PDC originally. Based on Jo's report, the Board reached a consensus agreement to offer the Section House in Elizabeth for sale at a reduced price, to accept 30% of the purchase price down, and to carry the balance. If the building still can't be sold, the Board indicated a willingness to rent it for commercial use in the interim.</div> <div> <B>Loan Activity Status</b></div> <div> Jo Downey told the Board there have been loan inquiries, but none requesting help that PDC can provide.</div> <div> <B>2009 & 2010 Board Terms</b></div> <div> The two-year terms of all PDC Board members expire at the end of this year. Eight of the members will be appointed by the four Boards of County Commissioners serving this region, while the ninth, at-large member will be appointed by the East Central Council of Local Governments Board. Jo suggested that any members interested in continuing to serve should contact their respective appointing authority.</div> <div> <B>Next Meeting Date/Location</b></div> <div> The next meeting of the PDC Board of Directors will be January 28, 2009 at Limon.</div> <div> <B>Other</b></div> <div> There was no other business to come before the Board.</div> <div> <B>Adjournment</b></div> <div> There being no other business, Dana Siekman declared the meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id36_pdc_2008_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PDC Board Minutes"><U><B><IMG SRC="10532200.gif" border=0 width="50" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="december_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></b><B>The Prairie Development Corporation Board</b></div> <div> <B>of Directors did not meet in December 2008.</b></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id36_pdc_2008_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PDC Board Minutes"><U><IMG SRC="10532200.gif" border=0 width="50" height="32" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </td> </tr></table></body>