City stresses unity in recruiting industry

City stresses unity in recruiting industry

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

Holly Springs Mayor Andre’ DeBerry and alderman Russell Johnson reported to the board on prospects of becoming a team player for new industry coming to the county as the result of the coming of the Toyota plant in Union County.

Johnson, who represents the city on the Marshall County Industrial Development Authority, handed out IDA brochures and said the city should be thinking of what it wants to offer in the way of plant facilities and sites. He noted that Interstate 22 (Highway 78), the Holly Springs Industrial Park and airport facilities position the city for some of the new growth.

“It’s for your information on changes we make to compete with other communities,” he said.

Alderman Nancy Hutchens said the city is very interested in being a team player with IDA in attracting new industry and business.

Mayor DeBerry said the city could be a key player and should think about specific projects it wants.

“In many instances Holly Springs and this board will have to drive decisions and the county will have to take the lead from us,” he said. “This is a whole other ball game we are in and the dynamics that have been played in Mississippi – all that book has been thrown out. A lot of communities will be in a good location but not ready and will be looked over. We’ve got to think as one — Marshall County and Holly Springs and all its cities as one.”

He said the Toyota assembly plant just east of New Albany will drive the need for other kinds of businesses like office or janitorial suppliers, as well as industrial suppliers and there would be opportunities for women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

Utilities, high-speed Internet, and transportation are high on the list of things industrial prospects are looking for in moving here, he said.

In other business, the board of aldermen:

approved Demery Grubbs and Watkins, Ludlum, Winter and Stennis law firm to handle the issuance of $3.5 million in utility bonds. The bonds will be sold to pay for construction of the Coldwater Substation and other improvements.
withdrew the motion for sale of $3.5 million in bonds for a new police station which cannot be issued until the building is vacated by the current owner.
heard concerns from Dizzy Dean baseball representatives regarding the city’s operation of the league, including necessary paperwork involved, practice scheduling and replacement of lights.

John Collins, general manager of Holly Springs Utility Department was authorized to purchase lights for the field.
authorized Information Technology director Ken Robinson to apply for a workforce development grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
approved purchase of a utility shield to protect HSUD workers when excavating underground lines and the purchase of a forced air machine to protect workers while down in manholes.
heard public works director Don Hollingsworth discuss the need to widen and overlay Industrial Access Road and to seek sources of funding for the improvements and construction of the interchange at Access Road and Craft.
authorized a motion to adopt the constitution and bylaws of the City Planning Commission.
discussed animal control fees that are charged to the owner when an animal is taken to the city pound and the licensing of dogs, at the request of police chief Robert Pearson. He said the police department is preparing to enforce the animal ordinances.

The pickup fee, daily food fee and licensing fee need amending in the ordinance, Pearson said, before his department can enforce animal control.

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