CAEZ Meets
June 6 2023
In a
few years, when tourism dollars are making a big difference in
County Clay, few will remember how pathetic Central Appalachia
Empowerment Zone (CAEZ) leadership handled the growth into a
rail ride on the BC&G RR spur line. Whoever said not
knowing history means you're bound to repeat it, that applies
here.
How many times have you sat on your couch and thunk up a way to make millions? For CAEZ this dismal leadership is laced with greed, making gazillions. Of course that isn't the purpose of the social service agency. The CAEZ concept and according to their corporate articles of incorporation, it is to be an incubator for growing private business and NOT to be a money grubbing business on their own.
If you're a regular reader of the Communicator, you know, over the last 7 months, the non profit agency has been a pain in the side of growing tourism. Seven months back, in Nov 2022, that's when the group voted to give away their Dundon campground to promote infrastructure for the coming contractor who will provide rail rides on the old BC&G RR spur line. All H broke lose. The rupture was so bad, the Board split apart, officers changed hands three times, an employee was voted off the island, long time Boardsters quit, a campground host was told to skedaddle and twice the setting Board took back the gifting of their teeny tiny, under used, campground.
The problems actually started nearly two years ago when Board Chair Michael Martin made public the obvious. Martin told his Board and the world, the purpose, reason, for having the CAEZ, those days are about over and it's about time to dissolve the organization. Around the conference table, the place went ballistic. Those opposed to the obvious were the ones newest to the CAEZ and completely ignorant of charter, by laws, and goals from the last 28 years of their existence.
Those dimly lit newbies are the ones now in charge of the agency.
You know when an agency is falling apart.
For CAEZ, during the last three weeks, they have held two top secret meeting without telling the entire Board nor the public. No agenda was posted on the meeting house door as required by law. One of those top secret meetings was held at 8:30 at night. Not all the Board are newbies and unfamiliar with Open Meetings Law. Ring leaders for the renegade band of Boardsters include County Commission Chair Dave Schoolcraft and Commissioner Connie Kinder. They know better! Their out of control defiance of the law is a strong indicator of: they are willing to do as they darn well please and F what's the right thang to do.
How many times have you sat on your couch and thunk up a way to make millions? For CAEZ this dismal leadership is laced with greed, making gazillions. Of course that isn't the purpose of the social service agency. The CAEZ concept and according to their corporate articles of incorporation, it is to be an incubator for growing private business and NOT to be a money grubbing business on their own.
If you're a regular reader of the Communicator, you know, over the last 7 months, the non profit agency has been a pain in the side of growing tourism. Seven months back, in Nov 2022, that's when the group voted to give away their Dundon campground to promote infrastructure for the coming contractor who will provide rail rides on the old BC&G RR spur line. All H broke lose. The rupture was so bad, the Board split apart, officers changed hands three times, an employee was voted off the island, long time Boardsters quit, a campground host was told to skedaddle and twice the setting Board took back the gifting of their teeny tiny, under used, campground.
The problems actually started nearly two years ago when Board Chair Michael Martin made public the obvious. Martin told his Board and the world, the purpose, reason, for having the CAEZ, those days are about over and it's about time to dissolve the organization. Around the conference table, the place went ballistic. Those opposed to the obvious were the ones newest to the CAEZ and completely ignorant of charter, by laws, and goals from the last 28 years of their existence.
Those dimly lit newbies are the ones now in charge of the agency.
You know when an agency is falling apart.
For CAEZ, during the last three weeks, they have held two top secret meeting without telling the entire Board nor the public. No agenda was posted on the meeting house door as required by law. One of those top secret meetings was held at 8:30 at night. Not all the Board are newbies and unfamiliar with Open Meetings Law. Ring leaders for the renegade band of Boardsters include County Commission Chair Dave Schoolcraft and Commissioner Connie Kinder. They know better! Their out of control defiance of the law is a strong indicator of: they are willing to do as they darn well please and F what's the right thang to do.
See that feller
off to the left, green shirt? That's high up DNR Manager
Clinton Cochran who was on hand for the June CAEZ meeting. He
was there to accept an agreement with the CAEZ for the
Dundon Campground to be handed over to the State for tourism
growth. After making the long drive, Cochran was never even
recognized during the meeting. No questions came his way.
That's pitiful performance by the Bd of Directors.
OK for
some meeting highlights from June 6th. The campground meeting
room was full. Additional chairs were put into use.
As they went thru the agenda, something came out real clear. Tossed off the island Office Manager Michelle Bodkins with her strong job performance, she will be missed big time. For this meeting and after a full month minus anyone that knows what to do nor able to even understand the business end of the CAEZ, when the vote came to look for a new office manager, that was tabled. Reason according to Chair Leslie Osborne, they don't have the money to pay wages.
The Chair's side kicks hate it when the obvious is made public!
CAEZ operates Clay Apartments in downtown Clay. Ms Bodkins has handled every detail of those housing units including complaints, for many years. After just a few weeks of no Bodkins and the grass growing tall, the CAEZ voted to hire a management company to handle duties over there.
The Board admitted they didn't have a clue about what goes on over at the apartments nor did they even know how much rent is being paid.
Since the last meeting, the Campground host, Bruce Gill, was fired after a top secret meeting held late May 23rd. He was told, that day would be his last day on the job, to turn in his CAEZ related materials within five days, and to leave the grounds by the end of the month.
We're not saying Gill is the best thing since canned soup. He's not. His potty mouth is another issue. His social skills are lacking for sure. But, during his time as host, the place has been well kept with the grass and weeds well under control. Improvement and repairs have been made in a timely manner.
One thing that has hampered him is: the CAEZ hasn't got a clue on how to run a campground; they told him one thing one day and then changed the directive the next day; and, under the mis-guidance of Boardster Micky Boggs, a rift came between the two.
As the meeting was opening on the 6th, long time Boardster Merlin Shamblin: Where is Bruce... why didn't I get an invite to the secret meetings.... when I did get notice it came one day AFTER the meeting date. Shamblin was peed a bunch. He said, " I am NOT happy!"
As for Shamblin and a few other ling time Boardsters still involved, what seems apparent, if you are not within the inner circle, they want you out of the picture.
Instead of Bruce Gill in attendance, local Joe Nichols and wifey were in the room. More than a week before Nichols was hired, he had already moved in a camper trailer. Gill knew was happening, called up Chair Osborne, and gave her double H for the backdoor move.
During this meeting, there was no vote to hire Nichols as the contracted campground host, nor mention of pay nor any benefits, nor job duties.
For the first time ever and with Micky Boggs frowning, a brief financial report was read into the records for the first time ever. The CAEZ has $2,058.08 in savings; earmarked funds amount to around $37,000, and remaining from the sell of their old Valley Fork Grade School building, $131,000.
Here's the biggy readers.
During one of those secret meeting where only chosen Boardsters were invited to attend and the public was excluded, the tiny few came up with three options on the future of their campground. If you don't know what we're talking about, do yourself a favor, go back, and read all the meeting coverage on the COMMUNICATOR ONLINE newspaper section.
Are you back? OK
Briefly, the CAEZ has been told by several government and non profit agencies: for tourism to grow, you need to donate, gift, the campground to the State, someone that has the funds to improve the place and attract tourists. Most recently the request came from the W Va Rail Authority Commissioner, Cindy Butler. She told em: acting on this request is time sensitive and for the best foot forward, we need the whole place not a snippet.
CAEZ'S foot dragging has already cost Clayberry a bunch... like a full year of new tourism dollars coming our way. That's gone for 2023. Trying to accommodate CAEZ, the dead line for railroad ride vendors to apply has been extended three times. As for any rail rides in 2023, forget it.
Right now, vendors have until June 23rd to submit proposals. We can expect a vendor selection some time in July 2023.
For this meeting Clinton Cochran from the W Va DNR was on hand. They never asked him for suggestions. Really, they let him to sit over in the corner without ANY recognition that he even existed.
Chair Osborne told attendees, instead of an agreement, the select Board had come up with options for State consideration. Option 1: Lease the area just up creek from the lodge including the small blue store-bought cabin. Option 2 Lease the State (3 year lease) the Lodge building and everything up creek of the Lodge with CAEZ keeping the camping spaces for their operation. And, finally lease out the entire place, buildings lock stock and barrell. During this discussion, there was no mention of dollar amounts. Nothing!
With the vote unanimous, Leslie Osborne was given the authority to negotiate with the Rail Authority and make an agreement.
Think about it readers, is it an agreement about ANYTHING unless the dollar amount is made? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
Doesn't sound like much does it? Well, it is. Without a place for rail ride vendors to set up ticket booths, trinket space, park 50-80 vehicles, restrooms, and large maintenance area for the rolling stock, vendors will look elsewhere and County Clay will be sucking the hide tit once again.
That's our coverage of the June 6th CAEZ Board meeting.
We believe.. think,... or are making up the following additions
We think Leslie Osborne called up that Cindy Butler a day or two after the meeting and presented her options. Immediately, Butler responded: we want the whole place.
Notice up above, the CAEZ now wants to lease space to the State. That's quite different from gifting the place to some agency that's capable of doing something with it.
When the CAEZ dissolves itself from existence, what happens to that agreement? We'll tell you. When CAEZ goes under, they have to give away all assets. Give away. Under that scenario, the State will wind up with the old campground.
After seven months of infighting, bickering, leadership changes, firings, and loss of many valuable Board members, we think, the much needed infrastructure for tourism to take off, it will become reality.
Thank you Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone for you dismal performance which cost this County, citizens and businesses alike, a full year of new tourism dollars coming our way.
AW
As they went thru the agenda, something came out real clear. Tossed off the island Office Manager Michelle Bodkins with her strong job performance, she will be missed big time. For this meeting and after a full month minus anyone that knows what to do nor able to even understand the business end of the CAEZ, when the vote came to look for a new office manager, that was tabled. Reason according to Chair Leslie Osborne, they don't have the money to pay wages.
The Chair's side kicks hate it when the obvious is made public!
CAEZ operates Clay Apartments in downtown Clay. Ms Bodkins has handled every detail of those housing units including complaints, for many years. After just a few weeks of no Bodkins and the grass growing tall, the CAEZ voted to hire a management company to handle duties over there.
The Board admitted they didn't have a clue about what goes on over at the apartments nor did they even know how much rent is being paid.
Since the last meeting, the Campground host, Bruce Gill, was fired after a top secret meeting held late May 23rd. He was told, that day would be his last day on the job, to turn in his CAEZ related materials within five days, and to leave the grounds by the end of the month.
We're not saying Gill is the best thing since canned soup. He's not. His potty mouth is another issue. His social skills are lacking for sure. But, during his time as host, the place has been well kept with the grass and weeds well under control. Improvement and repairs have been made in a timely manner.
One thing that has hampered him is: the CAEZ hasn't got a clue on how to run a campground; they told him one thing one day and then changed the directive the next day; and, under the mis-guidance of Boardster Micky Boggs, a rift came between the two.
As the meeting was opening on the 6th, long time Boardster Merlin Shamblin: Where is Bruce... why didn't I get an invite to the secret meetings.... when I did get notice it came one day AFTER the meeting date. Shamblin was peed a bunch. He said, " I am NOT happy!"
As for Shamblin and a few other ling time Boardsters still involved, what seems apparent, if you are not within the inner circle, they want you out of the picture.
Instead of Bruce Gill in attendance, local Joe Nichols and wifey were in the room. More than a week before Nichols was hired, he had already moved in a camper trailer. Gill knew was happening, called up Chair Osborne, and gave her double H for the backdoor move.
During this meeting, there was no vote to hire Nichols as the contracted campground host, nor mention of pay nor any benefits, nor job duties.
For the first time ever and with Micky Boggs frowning, a brief financial report was read into the records for the first time ever. The CAEZ has $2,058.08 in savings; earmarked funds amount to around $37,000, and remaining from the sell of their old Valley Fork Grade School building, $131,000.
Here's the biggy readers.
During one of those secret meeting where only chosen Boardsters were invited to attend and the public was excluded, the tiny few came up with three options on the future of their campground. If you don't know what we're talking about, do yourself a favor, go back, and read all the meeting coverage on the COMMUNICATOR ONLINE newspaper section.
Are you back? OK
Briefly, the CAEZ has been told by several government and non profit agencies: for tourism to grow, you need to donate, gift, the campground to the State, someone that has the funds to improve the place and attract tourists. Most recently the request came from the W Va Rail Authority Commissioner, Cindy Butler. She told em: acting on this request is time sensitive and for the best foot forward, we need the whole place not a snippet.
CAEZ'S foot dragging has already cost Clayberry a bunch... like a full year of new tourism dollars coming our way. That's gone for 2023. Trying to accommodate CAEZ, the dead line for railroad ride vendors to apply has been extended three times. As for any rail rides in 2023, forget it.
Right now, vendors have until June 23rd to submit proposals. We can expect a vendor selection some time in July 2023.
For this meeting Clinton Cochran from the W Va DNR was on hand. They never asked him for suggestions. Really, they let him to sit over in the corner without ANY recognition that he even existed.
Chair Osborne told attendees, instead of an agreement, the select Board had come up with options for State consideration. Option 1: Lease the area just up creek from the lodge including the small blue store-bought cabin. Option 2 Lease the State (3 year lease) the Lodge building and everything up creek of the Lodge with CAEZ keeping the camping spaces for their operation. And, finally lease out the entire place, buildings lock stock and barrell. During this discussion, there was no mention of dollar amounts. Nothing!
With the vote unanimous, Leslie Osborne was given the authority to negotiate with the Rail Authority and make an agreement.
Think about it readers, is it an agreement about ANYTHING unless the dollar amount is made? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
Doesn't sound like much does it? Well, it is. Without a place for rail ride vendors to set up ticket booths, trinket space, park 50-80 vehicles, restrooms, and large maintenance area for the rolling stock, vendors will look elsewhere and County Clay will be sucking the hide tit once again.
That's our coverage of the June 6th CAEZ Board meeting.
We believe.. think,... or are making up the following additions
We think Leslie Osborne called up that Cindy Butler a day or two after the meeting and presented her options. Immediately, Butler responded: we want the whole place.
Notice up above, the CAEZ now wants to lease space to the State. That's quite different from gifting the place to some agency that's capable of doing something with it.
When the CAEZ dissolves itself from existence, what happens to that agreement? We'll tell you. When CAEZ goes under, they have to give away all assets. Give away. Under that scenario, the State will wind up with the old campground.
After seven months of infighting, bickering, leadership changes, firings, and loss of many valuable Board members, we think, the much needed infrastructure for tourism to take off, it will become reality.
Thank you Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone for you dismal performance which cost this County, citizens and businesses alike, a full year of new tourism dollars coming our way.
AW