November w EDC
Board of Commissioners & EDC in Joint Session
November 7, 2011
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NOVEMBER 7, 2011
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Jimmy B. Clayton Heidi York, County Manager
Kyle W. Puryear C. Ronald Aycock, County Attorney
B. Ray Jeffers Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
Samuel R. Kennington
Frances P. Blalock
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
special session on Monday, November 7, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in the Commissioners’
meeting room in the Person County Office Building for the purpose to meet jointly with
the Economic Development Commission (EDC).
Chairman Clayton called the meeting to order.
EDC voting members present were:
Phillip Allen, Jr. (Chairman) Kenneth Perry
Ray Wilkins (Vice Chairman) Jeff Fitzgerald
Shady Terrell (Secretary) Danny Talbert
Sam Kennington
EDC voting members absent were:
Randy Reynolds Randy King
Sam Spencer
Ex-Officio EDC members attending were:
Heidi York Kyle Puryear
Tommy Warren (Interim City Manager) Adrienne Duncan
Ex-Officio EDC members absent were:
Henry Daniel
Others Present:
Sandy Stigall, City Council
Jim Stovall
Mr. Jim Stovall addressed the Board noting the county’s vision through its 1989
Strategic Plan and the more recent Person Future’s Strategic Plan. Mr. Stovall
highlighted goals and achievements from both plans noting economic development has
been at a crossroads for several years.
Board of Commissioners & EDC in Joint Session
November 7, 2011
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Mr. Stovall stated economic announcements related to 3 major retailers within the
next 90 days, as well as small businesses and a solar park are forthcoming.
Mr. Stovall commented to the County Manager’s PowerPoint presentation at the
Board’s October 17, 2011 meeting reiterating many times his recommendation for a full
time economic development director and assistant in addition to an Assistant County
Manager. Mr. Stovall suggested any proposed incentive policy remain simple without
stringent constraints. Mr. Stovall told the Board he liked the proposed new Economic
Development Commission (EDC) with the addition of more member representations and
noted an idea to possibly combine with Representative Wilkins’ current Round Table
Committee to create a “think tank”. Mr. Stovall agreed the current EDC could work as
the new Person County Business Industrial Center (PCBIC) Board as the recruiting arm
of the county with recommendation that in time to decrease the size to 5-7 members with
no ex-officio members. Mr. Stovall told the Board he did not agree with a Committee of
100 as he felt volunteers would not pay to participate and it would not be successful. Mr.
Stovall told the group that it is imperative for the Board to have 5-0 votes with economic
development projects.
Mr. Stovall noted that all the counties represented in the Research Triangle
Regional Partnership (RTRP) as well as the Council of Governments (COG) currently
have full time Economic Directors and Administrative Assistants except Person County.
Mr. Gordon Phillip Allen, Jr., EDC Chairman commended Mr. Stovall for his
years of service to Person County crediting new recruitment and existing industry
expansion under his reign as the Economic Development Commission Chairman. Mr.
Allen encouraged the Board to give the EDC the best opportunity to succeed by properly
funding and staffing economic development.
EDC members appeared before the Board to pledge their support and offer the
following comments:
Mr. Ray Wilkins, EDC Vice Chairman, told the Board that the Commerce
Department encourages a spec building to recruit industry and encouraged the County
and City officials to work together to create synergies noting his willingness to work with
the Board to develop an economic development plan.
Mr. Danny Talbert, EDC member, asked the Board to invest in increasing
businesses in Person County.
Board of Commissioners & EDC in Joint Session
November 7, 2011
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Mr. Kenneth Perry, EDC member, requested the Board to streamline the
permitting and economic development process.
Ms. Shady Terrell, EDC Secretary, stated everyone was present for the betterment
of the county.
Mr. Jeff Fitzgerald, EDC member, reiterated the need for full time people and
funding.
Interim City Manager, Tommy Warren stated the City of Roxboro has always
been willing to participate and will continue to help in any way.
Ms. Adrienne Duncan, ex-officio member on the EDC advocated for one stop
shop for economic services with a Director that has the EDC vision and knowledge.
Chairman Clayton thanked Mr. Stovall and the EDC members for their comments
and suggested the EDC group set a regular meeting schedule.
Vice Chairman Puryear stated full support of Mr. Stovall’s comments and
encouraged the Board to listen to the EDC members, put aside politics, open up
discussion for dialogue and show leadership.
Commissioner Jeffers thanked Mr. Stovall noting he recently attended a meeting
that included Governor Purdue and other Commerce Department staff noting NC has lost
projects to other states due to incentives noting it was time for Person County to step it
up.
Commissioner Blalock stated support of quality people and a plan for the new
EDC.
Commissioner Kennington stated Person County has properly funded economic
development in the past and will continue to place emphasis in the future. Commissioner
Kennington recognized funding allocated to economic development noting $3.2 million
has been allocated in the current fiscal year 11-12, $1.85 million in fiscal year 10-11 and
$1.3 million in fiscal year 09-10. Commissioner Kennington noted his preference for the
Assistant County Manager position to retain responsibility for economic development.
Vice Chairman Puryear asked Mr. Stovall what the salary of a full time economic
developer would range. Mr. Stovall stated a seasoned full time economic developer
would earn $70,000 to $100,000 annually.
Board of Commissioners & EDC in Joint Session
November 7, 2011
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RECESS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Blalock, seconded by Vice Chairman
Puryear, and carried 5-0 to recess the meeting at 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Jimmy B. Clayton
Clerk to the Board Chairman