04-02-1998 Continued Joint Meeting
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CONTINUED JOINT MEETING OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD. THE SECOND DAY
OF APRIL IN THE YEAR NINETEEN HUNDRED NINETY EIGHT
PRESENT:
Robert C. Claud, Sr., Chairman
O. A. Spady, Vice-Chairman
Malcolm T. Cofer
Phillip A. Bradshaw
Henry H. Bradby
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Also Attending:
INDUSTRIA , nF.VF.T.(~PMFNT AT TTHnRTTY
Betty Alphin
Carl M. Beale, Jr.
Richard J. Holland
Ronald H. Pack
Carroll E. Keen, Jr.
Joel C. Bradshaw, Jr.
David Hardy
H. Woodrow Crook, Jr., County Attorney (Arrived at
12:45 p.m.)
W. Douglas Caskey, County Administrator
Donald T. Robertson, Assistant to the
County Administrator/Director of Human
Resources
Robert C. Claud, Sr., Chairman, Isle of Wight County Board of
.Supervisors, called the meeting to order at 12:35 p.m. for the purpose of a joint
meeting between the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors and the Isle of
Wight County Industrial Development Authority.
Ronald H. Pack, Chairman, Isle of Wight County Industrial Development
.Authority, noted the reason for the requested meeting is that the Authority is not
certain of its role and is in need of direction from the Board of Supervisors.
Lynn P. Hams, Director of Economic Development, noted the Authority,
at a previous meeting, discussed the potential purchase of industrial property for
industrial use.. At that time, some of the Authority members noted concerns
regarding issues related to property acquisition and that they would like to seek
the advice of the Board. Also at that time, the Authoritymembers noted they
would like some clarification from the Board on the Authority's direct mission.
Supervisor Cofer began by noting that to his knowledge, the. Board has
never authorized the Authority to locate any large tracts of land.
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Supervisor Bradshaw. noted the Board's direction was to pursue some of the
.property identified by the Board and to determine the best course of action for the
County to take. Supervisor Bradshaw further noted the Board had discussed land
in the. southern end., as well as property in the Windsor corridor. Supervisor
Bradshaw stated it was his .understanding that the Board needed a further
evaluation regarding what specific direction the County should pursue, which
was also contingent upon utilities. Supervisor Bradshaw stated the Board was
discussing the identification of property, the bringing in of utilities and what
incentives the County can legally provide..
Supervisor Cofer noted it has been discussed by the Board that the size of
the County's current industrial park is only fifty (50) open acres which is not large
enough to attract a major industry.
Supervisor Bradshaw noted that. the Board, over the last several years, has
moved from an assertive to an aggressive approach in its economic development
efforts to draw prospects.
Chairman Pack stated historically the Authority has issued bonds and
worked on the Windsor industrial park and the Authority .was under the
impression the Board wished it to make a recommendation to purchase certain
land, which the Authority is not prepared to do, The Authority is concerned that
this is not its purpose and it is, therefore, .seeking further direction from the
Board. Should the .Board wish the Authority to proceed in this fashion, the
Board must so advise the Authority to do this, stated Mr. Pack.
Supervisor Bradshaw noted the Board is in the process of developing plans
for~the direction it wishes the. Authority to proceed.
Chairman Claud commented that the County does need to be more
aggressive in its economic development efforts in the future. If the County
wishes to be competitive, it must have ample land, an incentive policy and shell
buildings. In view of this, the Board has discussed and is interested in looking
at potential sites to meet these needs; however, before the County can lock in on
sites, it must look at what's available in the form of infrastructure. Chairman
Claud stated he sees the Authority's role in the site selection process as one that
once the Board determines that it wishes to pursue a site or sites, then the Board
would at that time approach the Authority and request it to assist with the
financing.
Supervisor Spady stated the Authority, when originally formed, was to be
the. body that handled the bonds for Union Camp Corporation; however, the
Board now needs the assistance of the Authority in looking at potential sites and
making recommendations to the Board.
Chairman. Claud stated the Board is considering expanding the Overall
Economic Development Committee which could also evaluate sites and assist the
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Board in making. its decisions. Chairman Claud stated he has envisioned the
Authority's function as more of a financial mechanism rather than one that makes
recommendations to the Board.
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Richard J. Holland, Authority member, noted that many counties and cities
have Economic Development Departments which work closely with 'the State.
Regarding incentives, county and city governments attempt to prompt VDOT to
provide the necessary transportation facilities for import and export of materials.
Mr. Holland asked the Board specifically if it wished the Authority to get actively
involved in economic development. Chairman Claud noted the Board would also
need suggestions from the Authority. .
Supervisor Bradshaw noted that many localities are splitting up their.
various functions and responsibilities relative to economic development versus
commercial or retail marketing and perhaps the County should consider going
in that direction.
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Chairman Claudstated the Board must come to some specifics a~ to a
strategy on what it wishes the Authority to do above and beyond what has been
done in the past and the Board, at this point, has not formulated additional
functions it would like the Authority to perform.
Supervisor Bradby noted that it is time to take action and that we need. to
work together to get the job done.
There being no further matters for discussion, Chairman Pack adjourned.
the Authority's meeting..
Supervisor Cofer moved the Board adjourn its continued. meeting. at 1:10
p.m. The motion was adopted unanimously (5-0).
W. Dou as askey,
Robert C. Claud, Sr., Chairman
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