09-17-2012 Joint MeetingJOINT MEETING OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS HELD THE SEVENTEENTH DAY OF SEPTEMBER IN
THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND TWELVE
PRESENT: Alan E. Casteen, Chairman
JoAnn W. Hall, Vice - Chairman
Rex W. Alphin
Byron B. Bailey
Delores M. Darden
Also Attending: Mark C. Popovich, County Attorney
W. Douglas Caskey, County Administrator
Carey Mills Storm, Clerk
Chairman Casteen called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the
Colonial Farm Credit Building Conference Room for the purpose of meeting
jointly with the Town of Windsor.
Lisa T. Perry, Director of Economic Development, provided an
overview of the County's Strategic Marketing Plan, developed annually, and
used as a tool by the Isle of Wight County Department of Economic
Development for attracting companies to the intermodal park. She advised
that the County is a member of the Hampton Roads Economic Development
Alliance, which compiles competitive information for use by staff when
meeting with companies. She advised that the State also assists with setting
up appointments to support the County in its marketing efforts. She stated
the County's most valuable assets include rail, highway systems, electric
power, water, land and low taxes. She stated available water provides more
opportunities for the County, but efficient water systems and competitive
rates are still needed. She stated that the intermodal park in Alliance, Texas
was used as a model when it was under development. She stated it is just as
important today that staff interest private investors in what we are doing with
industrial, mixed use and commercial development.
Mayor Richardson stated the less -rural Windsor area of the county,
needs to play off its natural resources and a long -term joint plan developed
that retains Windsor's small town atmosphere. She stated it would be wise to
ensure that the things prospective homeowners are looking for be in place for
those people that are relocating to this area to work at the Intermodal Park,
such as good schools and sewer. She stated Windsor does not know what
sewer capacity it has and she is hopeful that she can meet with the County's
Director of General Services to review his plan going forward. She stated
that the Route 258 Corridor from the new Route 460 to the Dairy Queen
intersection is expected to experience a great deal of business growth in the
future.
Henry Morgan commented that there is no place for workforce training
in Windsor to serve the intermodal park or the construction industry that will
be constructing the new Route 460 project.
Ms. Perry stated interconnectivity is key to the success of the master
development of the Park. She expressed need for a master private sector
partner to move forward different areas of the park as the market dictates.
Mayor Richardson advised that she would like to meet again following
the update of the County's Economic Development Strategic Annual Plan
and that it be combined into a joint County /Town 5110115 year plan. She
recommended the Board and Town Council also develop closer ties with the
State Economic Development representatives and the Governor. She further
recommended a committee to foster these meetings and a resolution of
support for development.
Mayor Richardson requested that the old Windsor Middle School gym
not be torn down and used as a future recreation center for youth and seniors.
She advised the Board about the availability of an Obici Foundation planning
grant and she offered to work with the Board in applying for grant funding.
She noted activities are badly needed for the youth and elderly in Windsor
and the gym is centrally located in the County. She advised the Board that
there is a group interested in using the large room at the gym that would be
willing to pay the utilities, operational expenses, cleaning and cut the grass.
Supervisor Darden advised that this Board has pledged to retain the
gym, classroom and existing bathrooms. She inquired if the Town of
Windsor would be receptive to the County deeding the gym to them.
Mayor Richardson advised that she needs to review the Obici Founding
grant further before the Town makes a decision to accept the donation of the
gym from the County.
Mark Furlo, Director of Parks and Recreation, briefed the Board
regarding past activities offered in the Windsor area which has been
unsuccessful in the past. He advised that the Obici Foundation is responsive
to partnerships and the more involved the greater the chance of a grant award.
He stated with the closure of International Paper, staff has tried not to add
programs that do not pay for themselves.
The Board recognized the generous hospitality of the Windsor Town
Council in providing dinner.
2
At 7:15 p.m., Chairman Casteen declared the meeting adjourned.
Alan E. Casteen, Chairman
Carey MiM Storm, Clerk