CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

   Chair Green welcomed everyone to the joint workshop.  He then gave the Invocation and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. Flag.

GENERAL BUSINESS

1.

Opening Remarks

  Both Chair Green and Mayor Dowdell gave opening statements. 

 Dixon said he has been directed to make this happen. 

  Rob Nixon said he was humbled to have the opportunity to work with the City Commission and has been told to make this happen in the most efficient way.  Was looking forward to this first of many meetings.

2.

Presentation of County Request Regarding the Joe Adams Industrial Park

  Dixon said about to spend approximately $15 Million in the County and realizes an opportunity to share-these are grants that have been awarded to the County

  Ronte Harris appeared at the workshop at this time.5:46 p.m.

Mr. Dixon continued and said this gives them a chance to grow.  He said it was the County’s desire that the City be willing to donate a portion of the property for this build. 

  Justin Ford, Dewberry Engineers, said COQ reached out to County in regards to grant they received.  They did a thorough evaluation.  About 75 acres of wetlands.  County requesting approximately 39 acres to use as governmental complex.  There is a solar farm there and COQ has expressed the desire to expand it.  One project that is urgent at this point is EOC facility.  Mr. Sampson has begun to lay out footprint of building.  Would house EOC and future use, dispatch and looking at 45,000 sq ft.  New EMS facility will eventually be located there.  Have taken into consideration the new by-pass and have designed so will not be impacted. 

Option 2-Administrative buildings in different place. 

Option 3-combined 2 Administrative buildings-to left for City or right for County.

Option 4-

Is beautiful piece of property and is doable. 

3.

Discussion

 Dowdell asked if leave solar farm where is at present time, would that cause confusion of buildings-Justin – no.  Recommended to do landscaping buffering and ways can be hid from governmental complex. 

  Angela Grant said when looking, was property line the bold dash line-yes. 

  Ms. Bass said her biggest concern was taking up 39 acres of prime real estate in the County.  This was no tax revenue in this ever and how do they explain this to citizens.  Maybe look at swapping dirt.  Tax revenues have to go up.  She was not saying no, just this was a prime spot and was 39 acres.  Even though getting $15 Million to build, there is a lot of sites they could trade and be able to get in tax revenue on property. 

  Green said was aware there were other properties.

  Dixon said they were entering this with eyes wide open.  Just finished categorizing all properties.  Cognizant of situations.  He said County was just like City in being cash poor. 

  Harris said was pleased to know door open for conversation.  Was more interested in the map or outline that was presented in feasibility study. 

  Justin said in same vein of discussion, if there becomes need…here for discussion.

  Harris said no doubt when construction starts, interest will start.  Would like to see conversation centered around if whole 39 acres necessary. 

  Holt said on property, not interested in collecting, … what is important is what type of businesses want to come and have to look at future growth.  Can look at properties together. 

  Nixon said with regards to project discussing now, what is minimum amount of land needed?  

  Dixon said would take less frontage and less land. 

  Ford said if move all public works, some of area is not developable. 

  Bass said couple of things, utilities, how would they get them there and who would be responsible?  She asked where was area that was set aside for City of Midway?  There were questions and Justin said they did have a conservation overlay.  Not proposing impact.  As far as utilities, have adequate along Joe Adams Road.  Would have to extend to serve proposed buildings and could not speak on who would pay for what. 

  Holt said would be covered in development.

  Hinson said Ms. Bass had interesting points.  This was his first time hearing this and thought they would have other options in different areas.  He said most factories were in remote locations because big trucks coming in.  He said would someone want to build home around a Public Works facility?  Gave credit to Congressman Lawson for bringing in money. 

  Angela Sapp spoke and sat in audience, not at the table and was unable to hear.  She did say she was in favor of controlled growth. 

  Dixon said have given great thought to location, was industrial location with SuperValue next door, WalMart, Jail and Prison.  Tried to consider locations.  State and Federal agencies need answers from County and City. 

  Holt said Dixon said most of what she was going to say. Have to work together.  Will meet deadlines for grants.  Need to work on some things.  She said both were known for negative things and want to be known for positive.  Said could meet again and come to a conclusion. 

  NeSmith said this was just the beginning. 

  Hinson said don’t have time to fight over small stuff.  Why not refurbish Public Works?  Easiest money to get grants for is County Courthouse.  Move jail to remote area like Hardaway.  Need to hire lobbyist to bring infrastructure into the County.  Move Courthouse to remote location and businesses will follow. 

  Dowdell thanked everyone for coming to table and now know where everyone stands.  Got to give to get something.  Will leave day-to-day things to managers and attorneys.  Have got to make it happen. 

  Bass said did not get clear answer to if any of this could be moved to outlying parcels.  Could use Walsh Road to access property.  Joe Adams not built for heavy equipment from Public Works.  One of biggest dreams is to have functional, affordable housing plans.  Wants to see homeowners. 

  Green said would be great if could have quarterly sessions to collaborate together and affordable housing was one. 

  Canidate said this was very excited.  Was more interested in seeing how could have availability for other businesses to come onto the property for taxes.  Since been on board have not had much discussion on business part.

  Sapp thanked everyone for being here.  Seeing these maps made things easier to visualize. Have people in outlying areas that are challenged with transportation.  Putting City and County Public Works in one building is good as long as they could be kept separate. 

  Green said would be redundant if all went around table and expressed sentiments because all sound same.

  Holt asked they look up “The Golden Triangle”. 

  Green said this was preliminary.

  Nixon said this was exciting time.  County administrator and he have been in close contact on several projects and now speaking same language.

  Dixon echoed words of City Manager.  Sooner spend money can get more money.  He said from what he understood, City want ed County to focus on 21-25 acres…

  Holt said need traffic light on 267.

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Adjourned at 7:19 p.m.