On February 4th, 2020, Board members of the CAEZ gathered to discuss their usual matters without chairman, Michael Martin.
   The board had to cancel the Special Recognition of board member, Doyle Tawney for all the work he has put in. He was unable to attend the meeting, so the plaque will be mailed to him, and the Roane County Commission will keep the cake to eat.
   John David brought a couple guests, one being Marcus Wilks, an understudy of John. Another guest would be Joe Manchin’s spokesman, Brian Alouis.
   Sutton apartments (owned by the CAEZ) were full, but one room. The vacancy will be filled fast as many are interested. The lodge was full over the weekend, and they will have a long term camper due to construction work.
   The road leading down to the lodge will be getting patched until the town receives their paving, then that road will be grinded down, and repaved. The new building will be connected to the existing septic take due to the cost of digging, busting up rocks, and permits taking three years to obtain.
   A new club will be heading this way with around 300 riders. They will be riding the trails, and expecting to enjoy the BC&G railrides.
   Two new businesses heading this way, kayak rentals in town headed by Melody Cottrel, and The Hub headed by Vanessa Dunnigan.
   John David stated they are searching for around twenty individuals between the ages 16 and 24 for training for jobs. They are open to working with those that want to straighten their lives up, and get off of drugs. It is similar to Job Corp, and there will be continuous enrollment. This is located in Fayette County,
   Mr. David is planning on a new trail to work with the Hatfields and McCoy’s over in Fayette. There will be around 700-800 volunteers in the area. They will be repairing houses. He is also working more on getting the warehouse in Montgomery going. It will be a good transition for coal minors.
John also reported they are getting food once a month for the food pantries, would like a freezer to store more. Would also be interested in investing in a van for transportation.
   No reports for Nicholas County, there was no one to represent the county.
   Brian will be sending over information for the COPS program so the county commission or the sheriff department can hire and train officers for three years.
   FEMA repairs are just about complete, some pressure washing will be waiting for the spring.
   Clay apartments have one vacancy, and they hope to fill it soon.
  The cabooses will be moved around April, there will be a down payment of $1,000, and then pay whatever. The full amount is $4,100.
   Deliciously Vivid will be borrowing tables for the gun show on March 21st, 2020.
  Next meeting will be held March 2nd, 2020.
JM