2011 - 10-03-2011 Reg. Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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® pacK 24 At E 48P Ms. McGehee stated that five proposals were selected for presentations to the County Manager and Human Resource personnel. After careful consideration of many factors, Springsted was recommended as the company to conduct the study. A total of $40,000 was budgeted in the FY 2011- 12 budget for this project. Springsted has also offered to spread the cost (interest free) over a three - year period if so desired. Concerns were expressed by Board members for the additional $3,600 in expenses in addition to the bid of $29,550 submitted by Springsted. After much discussion, Commissioner Hayes moved to approve the bid from Springsted in the amount of $29,550 contingent upon them removing the $3,600 expense portion of their bid. The motion also included that the bid would go to Evergreen Solutions in the amount of $28,000 if negotiations could not be reached with Springsted. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Hayes, Oldham, Parks, Paschal, Reives, Shook, and Womack Nay: None The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. At this time the Board held a public hearing that had been advertised for this date and time to consider an economic development project between the Lee County Economic Development Corporation and Zurn Industries, LLC. Economic Development Director Bob Heuts presented details in reference to the proposed project. Mr. Heuts stated the proposed project involved a $38,000 request for expansion of the plumbing manufacturing facility located at 5900 Elwin Buchanan Drive in Sanford. The project represents an investment by Zurn Industries of additional space and the relocation of up to an additional 38 jobs to Sanford over the next three years and the retention of 112 current jobs in Lee County. The company will also be required to pledge a $20,000 investment by October 31, 2013. Mr. Heuts also stated he is working with the Governor's office on a $40,000 grant for this project. Chairman Shook opened the public hearing that had been advertised for this date and time. The following spoke in favor of the incentive project: Bob Heuts, Director, Lee County Economic Development Corporation The following spoke in opposition to the incentive project: Keith Clark, 212 Acorn Drive, Sanford Chairman Shook closed the public hearing. Discussion followed but no action was taken. This matter will be voted on at the next regular meeting scheduled for October 17` unless a special meeting is called. County Manager John Crumpton presented a proposed plan for changes to Economic Development and City contracts. Mr. Crumpton stated that he, as instructed by the majority of the Board of Commissioners, has been working on different options for the County to create an internal Economic Development Department. He has also been reviewing options to re- negotiate certain joint agreements with the City of Sanford. The County has forwarded, since June, two letters to the City outlining concerns with several of the joint city /county contracts. A couple of meetings have been held with the City but no formal response has been received in response to the letters. Mr. Crumpton stated Commissioners could consider creating an internal department named Economic and Community Development. The person hired as the department head will be the Economic and Community Development Director. Another option would be to create an Economic Development Director position.