IDB Purchases First Option

The Jefferson County Industrial Development Board held their Regular Monthly Meeting on Friday, May 23, 2014 in the Jefferson County Health Department.  The Meeting was Called to Order by Chairman Masters. Present for Roll Call were Board Members Keck, Snodgrass, Kisabeth, Miller and Duignan.  Upon a Motion from Keck and 2nd from Miller, the Minutes were Approved. Financial Reports were Approved with a Motion from Kisabeth and 2nd from Miller.

Under Old Business, EDOC Director Wagley informed the IDB that he is exploring avenues for potential grant money that could cover some of the costs associated with signage for the Industrial Park. He stated that the contractor is in a holding pattern pending the decision regarding a potential grant for the project. Wagley said that he had engaged Dandridge Town Administrator Peagler in discussion regarding the parameters the IDB previously set to potentially transfer a 17 acre tract to the Town and that he has received no response regarding that information, therefore he suggested removing the item from the agenda.

Under New Business, Chairman Masters and Wagley informed the Board that they had received a request from a citizen to consider an option on his available property. Gordon Kyte offered the IDB a one year option, at the cost of $1,000, for 66.479 acre off of Milldale Road. Should the option be exercised, the purchase price would be $265,920. Following discussion regarding the property, Keck made a successful Motion to option the property with a 2nd from Miller.

The Board also, with a Motion from Duignan and 2nd from Miller, agreed to explore RFP for property due diligence and to investigate the most palatable parameters for contracting with associated professionals.

In the Report on Economic Development, Wagley stated that there was ribbon cutting for a new footwear company located in Jefferson City (Footwear Industries of Tennessee) and that the company has already hired 40-50 new employees and that they have a wide scope, as they have international roots.

Chairman Masters reminded the Board that they will continue to seek available property and encouraged property owners that are interested in selling and have an appropriate location and situation to contact the IDB.