Industrial Development Board Continues Search for Property

The Jefferson County Industrial Development Board met on Friday, February 28, 2014, in the lower floor of the Jefferson County Health Department.

Chairman Masters was unable to attend, due to extenuating circumstances, and former Chairman Duignan sat in for him. Also absent was Board Member Worley.

Following the Call to Order, the Minutes and Financial Report were Approved with Motions from Board Members Keck and Miller and 2nds from Shelton and Kisabeth, respectively.

Under Old Business, the Board was presented bid proposals for signage to be located at the entrance of the Industrial Park. Two prospective companies returned bids on the project-McSpadden Builders ($23,980) and Merit Construction ($59,267). Board Member Kisabeth stated that he is in favor of doing business locally when possible. Upon a Motion from Board Member Jenkins and 2nd from Board Member Miller, a request will be made for a more detailed rendering from McSpadden, including the scope of work, as well as information on the ability to lessen the proposed cost to come in closer to the previously discussed $20,000 mark and a letter of agreement.

The Board discussed Industrial Property Studies and concluded that information integral to the conclusion of those studies may have changes since the studies were completed in 2000, 2006 and 2011. Garrett Wagley, Economic Development Director for the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, will request an updated study from TVA. The requested studies would encompass property from the Sevier/Jefferson, Hamblen/Jefferson and Knox/Jefferson lines. Features that could attract industry, such as interstate proximity and appropriate amount of acreage were discussed. Wagley stated that ideally the Board will find property that is around 200 acres or larger to make infrastructure cost worthwhile.

Under New Business, the Board received a report from Wagley on the FiberCraft Building. Wagley stated that he and Chairman Masters toured the facility and there are issues concerning feasibility of the building meeting incoming industrial needs. The Board requested that information be brought regarding the costs associated with scrapping the building. Consideration was raised regarding the current property tax of around $8,000 that would be lost on the property if it were purchased by the County. The Board also looked at information on property near the New Market Park and the Bales propety that could be a potential site however, Board Member Shelton stated that he is familiar with the property in question and there are issues that would have to be addressed, including multiple sink holes as a result of shallow mining.

Wagley reported that activity is on the rise and that the Chamber has been offering assistance to small business owners via seminars.