Attendance. The following members of the Board of Supervisors were present: Walter C. Zaremba, Donald E. Wiggins, James S. Burgett, and Thomas G. Shepperd.

Sheila S. Noll was absent.

Also in attendance were James O. McReynolds, County Administrator; and James E. Barnett, County Attorney.

IDA Members Present: R. Anderson Moberg, Chairman; Kenneth C. Matthews, Vice Chairman; Bradley E. Berrane, H. J. Coxton, Alex G. Llorente, and Leonard R. Miller,.

Also present were: James W. Noel, Jr., Director of Economic Development; and Stephen T. Cook, Senior Business Development Representative.

Chairman Burgett welcomed the IDA members to the dinner meeting. He noted that 46 percent of the County’s revenue comes from business, and he stated he felt the IDA was doing an excellent job. He indicated the Board of Supervisors had conducted a retreat session on February 12, and at that time the Board members charged Mr. Noel with doing something about Route 17. A plan was formulated to involve the Board of Supervisors and have the IDA talk to property owners about renting out, renovating, or destroying their vacant buildings. Chairman Burgett stated that Route 17 is York County’s main street, and there is a need to dust off the Route 17 beautification plan and see how it can be integrated into the new plans. He stated the Fuel Farm and attracting business in that area of the County is a priority with the Board of Supervisors, and everyone wants to get the golf course going. He indicated that economic development has been the number one priority of this Board. He noted the County purchases approximately 18 percent of its goods and services from York County businesses, and Steve Cook is going an excellent job working with small businesses. Chairman Burgett stated he hoped that the Board and the IDA could share some ideas tonight.

Mr. Shepperd mentioned the establishment of the York County Chamber of Commerce which was assisted by the Economic Development Office.

Mr. Moberg stated he felt the IDA has received complete support from the Board of Supervisors and the Economic Development staff. He discussed the pursuit of bringing more business into the County.

Mr. Coxton commented on Route 17 stating a lot of study has been made, but the County has never gotten the businesses on Route 17 involved. He stated he felt these business are the key to bringing Route 17 up to the standards the Board of Supervisors would like to see. He suggested forming a panel to get this initiative going and report back to the Board of Supervisors on what needs to be done.

Discussion followed on previous Route 17 committee work and the lack of motivation on the part of the property owners. It was noted that previous discussions on a private/public partnership were not well received.

Mr. Noel discussed the three options that he provided the Board for its consideration at the retreat session, those being:

• Purchase the properties and have total control,

• Private/public partnerships, or

• A Grant or Loan program

Discussion followed on the reason for vacant buildings and putting pressure on the owners to do something with them for the overall well being of the citizens of the County rather than leave them vacant. Discussion also took place concerning the possibility of the County purchasing some of the vacant properties and allowing the IDA to market them.

Mr. Wiggins provided some background information on the beginning of the junk yards moving into the County.

Mr. Zaremba expressed his concern that the County has no way of making property owners bring their properties up to certain standards.

Mr. Moberg noted that with the potential environmental issues of some of these properties, the cleanup could cost more than the land acquisition.

Meeting Adjourned. At 8:51 p.m. Chairman Burgett declared the meeting adjourned to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2003, in the East Room, York Hall, for the purpose of conducting a work session.