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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