Athens County Port Authority

The board meeting covered several operational and financial agenda items. Key discussions included site development updates regarding HVAC repairs, the status of the floor slab bid extension, JobsOhio disbursement, and the potential land use for the Withrow property. Members reviewed environmental remediation project findings involving groundwater testing and property anomalies. Financial and lease-related actions included approving an increase in the Global Cooling lease rate, the payment of the 2024 county audit invoice, and authorization for an updated Phase 1 report for the Industrial Drive property. Additionally, the board discussed potential enterprise zone agreements and tax exemptions for a private company, and entered an executive session to discuss lease matters.

The board discussed financial reports related to RIPL and Hocking Valley Bank loan closings and wire transfers. An executive session was held to discuss a Letter of Intent. Key site development actions included approving an updated Phase 1 for 5885 Industrial Drive, finalizing the Hocking Valley Bank loan, processing a final JobsOhio draw, and amending the promissory note with ACEDC. Additionally, the board reviewed floor slab bids, an OhioSE Special Purpose grant, and potential land acquisition at the Withrow property. Updates were provided on the Bill Theisen sign project, and the board approved building modifications for Global Cooling.

The board convened to discuss site development matters. The meeting included an executive session regarding a Letter of Intent (LOI) discussion. Following the executive session, the board passed motions authorizing the Chair or Vice Chair to accept the terms of the LOI, negotiate further within specified parameters, and sign the agreement.

The meeting's primary focus was on site development concerning spec building interest, specifically regarding the CCC Plastics Manufacturer Proposal handled by JLL. The building committee, following a meeting with JLL representatives, recommended including two lease options in the proposal: Option A (a standard 64-month lease with 4 months' rent abatement) and Option B (a 90-month triple net lease with 6 months' rent abatement). Recommendations also included proposed allowances for tenant improvements and specific requirements for HVAC installation and concrete floor slab thickness for manufacturing and office areas. The Authority also provided demographic and labor data requested by the CCC Plastics Plant Manager. The board subsequently approved the building committee's responses to the CCC Plastic RFP to be submitted to JLL.

The meeting addressed several key operational and financial items. Discussions centered on the proposal received from CCC Plastics regarding the spec building, prompting discussions about required responses, state/local support like JO grants, and the potential need for a special board meeting before the December 31 deadline. The Port Authority authorized borrowing a $1.3 million RIPL loan and designated the Chair to sign closing documents. Updates were provided on the expected closing of the RIPL loan and arranging a bridge loan for timely payment to Setterlin. The board noted the approval of a one-year extension for a JobsOhio agreement. Progress on ODOD Brownfields Remediation included submissions for the Ambassador Laundry project and the Glouster Buildings at 73 and 83/85 High Street. In new business, the resignation of the Treasurer, Tyler Wurth, was accepted, and Ricarda Sammaneh was appointed as the new Treasurer following an executive session.