8/4/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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M Commissioner Bowman wanted to see us check into industrial revenue bonds, and OMB Director Joe Baird believed IRBs could be used for infrastructure. Attorney Vitunac believed that federal law specifically forbids the bonds being used for water and sewer. Commissioner Bird asked if there was a difference between the Economic Development Council and the Council of 100, and Chairman Eggert explained that the EDC sets goals for the community and that type of thing and works with several organizations, one being the Council of 100, trying to improve the business climate. Peter Robinson, president of Council of 100, felt the Council of 100 and the Economic Development Council complement each other. One is out talking to people and one is making things happen that will attract people to this area. He suggested that we address whether there is going to be any tax abatements because for that you need a referendum. Commissioner Scurlock emphasized that drawing up those guidelines is an extensive process. He still felt that the biggest thing is not to collect the impact fees at the beginning of the project. Herndon Williams, past president of the IRC Board of Realtors, felt it is very refreshing to hear these suggestions. He believed the Council of 100 is really getting with it and he sees momentum gathering. He also believed that if the Commissions sets the pace, the community will follow that pace. Chairman Eggert sensed a real change of attitude in the community in that people realize that commercial is needed. Ed Schlitt, local realtor, hated to see developers take their projects to the north and south of us because of the high cost of getting a development started in this county. When developers come in with their plans, some county planners seem to overburden them._, with the- facts of requirements -rather than concentrating on how they can make this happen. The reception is better in other counties. Chairman Eggert pointed out that for the last 4-5 months, we have been making a great effort to make people aware of a free pre - application meeting, and Planning Director Stan Boling is acting as the coordinator in that effort. Administrator Chandler added that we also need the cooperation of the developers in doing their homework up front. Herndon Williams and Peter Robinson felt that the Council of 100 could really be of help in this effort and said they would be delighted to get with Stan Boling to see what can be done to get information out to the community. 37 AUG m4N92 i' �