IDB Continues To Identify Viable Industrial Property

The Jefferson County Industrial Development Board met on Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Jefferson County Health Department.

The Meeting was Called to Order by Chairman Masters. Absent from Roll Call was Board Member Snodgrass. Following a Motion by Board Member Keck and proper 2nd the Minutes were Approved. Financial Reports indicating a balance of $148,969 and 2014 expenditures of $112 were Approved with a Motion from Duignan and 2nd from Board Member Shelton.

Under Old Business, the Board discussed the proposed Industrial Park Signage with a representative from McSpadden Builders, who had the lowest bid @$23,980. Concerns were raised regarding the costs associated with lighting the sign, as well as maintenance and landscaping. Chairman Masters stated that he has concerns about taking on a monthly bill for lighting the sign without knowing the estimated costs and with no revenue stream. Board Member Miller made a Motion to table until the next meeting when Economic Development Director for the Chamber of Commerce, Wagley, can return with estimates. The motion was 2nd by Duignan and an amendment was offered by Board Member Jenkins to approve the sign and table the utility, maintenance and landscaping costs until next meeting. The amendment was 2nd by Board Member Keck and passed 5-3. The Motion as amended also passed.

With a Motion from Board Member Worley and 2nd from Miller, the Board Approved the transfer of 17 acre tract of land to the Town of Dandridge with Dandridge incurring the associated costs, including those associated with environmental studies or issues.

Chairman Masters informed the Board that a letter will be sent to the municipalities and utility districts requesting them to identify infrastructure.

Masters gave a presentation of an overview of previous property that was considered for industrial development, noting that in some cases ownership and particulars of the property has changed. Of interest to the Board was property located at the 424 exit, near the Appalachian Electric Substation, as well as property near the 40/81 split and property near Old Dominion. Chairman Masters stated that, as the IDB progresses in identifying available property, questions will arise and some will be upset about the choices. He said that it is the IDB’s responsibility to identify the best location for industrial development and investigate its availability. If the owner/owners are not interested in selling, then the IDB will move on to the next location. Several Board Members stated their intent to keep the process transparent and their expectation that the public will not confuse past efforts of other organizations with the IDB’s quest for industrial property.

Wagley stated that more inventory is needed to market for industrial and economic development, however, there have been requests for information. Small business development continues to be a focus and an upcoming class on utilizing social media is on the calendar.