IDB Meets – County Historian Jarnagin Uncovers County Ownership Of Pauper’s Cemetery
The Jefferson County Industrial Development Board met on Friday, April 26, 2013 in the lowest floor of the Jefferson County Health Department. The Meeting was Called to Order by Chairman Duignan. Absent from Roll Call was Garrett Wagley.
Upon a Motion from Board Member Keck and 2nd from Board Member Huff, the Minutes were Approved. The Financial Report showing a beginning balance of $148,998 and ending balance of $148,987 was Approved with a Motion from Board Member Cason and 2nd from Board Member Worley.
Board Member Masters stated that the Planning Committee, a sub committee of the Industrial Development Board, will need to set a date to meet and move forward with plans to find appropriate development property for purchase. Board Members suggested initially looking at information provided by TVA for a launch point.
Masters made a Motion to bring the election of officers back to the floor for action, however the Motion died for lack of a second. The Board will continue to await action by the County Commission to fill one vacated seat on the Board and three expiring seats.
Industrial Board Attorney Churchwell addressed the Board concerning signing off on an easement settlement between two companies with a conflict regarding the Zinc mine property. With the recommendation of Attorney Churchwell, a Motion from Board Member Huff and 2nd from Board Member Jenkins, the Board Approved signing off on the Nyrstar/Mossy Creek amendment to easement agreement.
Jefferson County Historian Bob Jarnagin addressed the Board concerning information on the Old Poor Farm Cemetery. He informed the Board that they appear to have ownership of the property that the cemetery is located on and there needs to be some long range plan for upkeep of the historic site. In the past, the property was mowed by an adjacent property owner, however, the Jefferson County Sheriff McCoig indicated that he is willing to assist with maintaining the property, which is located behind the old Jefferson County Jail. Jarnagin recommended that the Industrial Development Board consider placing a marker at the location and provided several options to the Board. Board Member Worley made a Motion to contact the County Attorney to confirm title and options per industrial board charter-2nd by Huff and Passed. Board Member Jenkins made a Motion to, upon sufficient deed research, spend up to $450 for a marker and installment of the marker for the site-2nd by Board Member Keck and Passed.
Upon a Motion from Masters and 2nd from Huff, the Board suspended the rules to allow citizen Annette Loy to address the Board. Loy stated that she was speaking as a citizen and member of the Norfolk Southern Intermodal opposition group, Jefferson County Tomorrow. She offered suggestions for suitable property for economic development that included reinvigorating current vacant industrial buildings and providing startup assistance for young, local entrepreneurs. Loy requested that the Industrial Development Board use resources inside the County and consult with the County Attorney on reclaiming properties for economic development. She stated that citizens will instigate Community Benefit Negotiations to secure an advantageous position for citizens dealing with development issues. In addition, Loy requested a list of all available properties in the County and stated that the group will go before the Public Service Committee for bottom line costs associated with the proposed Intermodal project.
Board Member Jenkins stated that many of the facilities that are available are antiquated and would require serious upgrades to be viable. Masters stated that much of the small amount of property deeded to the Industrial Development Board is unusable. The Chairman stated that the Industrial Development Board holds no developable property and all property available for business or industry is listed on the Chamber of Commerce website.
Worley stated that previously recommended property was not viable for agriculture and that the Industrial Development Board is on the same path that it has always been in regard to locating development property. Board Member Miller stated that reclaiming property should be a priority and that the Industrial Development Board needs to have a closer working relationship with EDOC.
Board Member Jenkins suggested that the Talbott Community should clean up their community and remove signage and old equipment.
Loy stated that road closures, due to the Intermodal, that cut off citizen access will result in a class action law suit.
The Meeting was Adjourned.
