FCHCEDP updated on distillery; Changes Rehabilitation opening moved to December

Fulton-Hickman Counties Economic Development Partnership Executive Director Wendy Puckett updated board members during regular session July 16 regarding a number of projects underway in Fulton and Hickman Counties, including the sale of the Riverport building in Hickman and the possible revival of a potential prospect for the distillery property.

Puckett told board members present Greg Curlin, Greg Pruitt, Cubb Stokes, Jim Martin, James Coffey, Debbie Weatherford, Milton Dean and Amanda Morris that she had engaged in communications with parties indicating a “viable prospect is working on the closing process” regarding the distillery, following what had appeared to be a standstill on progress to open the facility.

She reported an appointment with the Governor had been requested for discussion on the River Railroad, the 40+ mile loop connecting Cates Landing and the Fulton County Riverport in Hickman, with Tennessee counterparts having communications with Tennessee’s Department of Labor, regarding the railroad project.

As to Changes Rehabilitation in Fulton, located in the former Parkway Regional Hospital building, Puckett said she had spoken with Shirley Jankowski regarding a potential opening, originally projected for late Summer. However, an issue had arisen relating to a certification required, one which had been implemented at the end of 2018, which was not anticipated. Puckett said that a revised target opening had been pushed back to possibly December.

Greg Curlin asked Puckett if there was any assistance the FHCEDP could offer to help to expedite the process, and if so, she could offer that assistance.

The board members were updated on the hemp extraction facility, to be located at the former Petty building in Fulton, purchased by the Green family, and also regarding the closing on property May 15, adjacent to the Hickman County line, in Fulton County.

Discussion took place regarding the Regional Industrial Park located in Graves County, overseen by eight County Judge/Executives, including Fulton County Judge/Executive Jim Martin, who is represented by Puckett and Hickman County Judge/Executive Kenny Wilson, represented by Pruitt, who chairs the Hickman County Economic Development Partnership.

Pruitt explained that in the 1990s, the Graves County property which is the Regional Industrial Park, was obtained by the counties, with all parties optimistic regarding the potential of locating there, a major facility associated with the automobile industry.

Then, Pruitt said, approximately three to four years ago, with support of all eight counties, it was decided to lease the property for farming purposes, with proceeds from the lease agreement to be distributed to each party.

To date, Fulton County has not received any portion of funds, and Judge/Executive Martin praised Hickman County Judge/Executive Kenny Wilson, who was present for the FHCEDP meeting, for taking a stand in support of Fulton County being treated equally by the Regional Industrial Board group, as related to their portion of funds generated from the lease, and ultimately, potential sale of the property.

Pruitt said legal consultation has been solicited regarding options available to distribute proceeds, however, it appeared that Graves County’s stance was that if the eight counties did not jointly choose to develop the property for industrial purposes, the other parties should hand over their interest in the park to Graves County.

Pruitt reported the annual meeting for the Regional Industrial Park Board was set for July 19 at the Purchase Area Development District Office in Mayfield.

Debbie Weatherford was nominated and elected by the board to serve as the Board Secretary/Treasurer, replacing Chris Rodgers, and new board members were announced, David Gallagher, representing the city of Hickman as their City Manager, and Susan Malone, representing The Citizens Bank.

The board reviewed the financial reports with Curlin reporting the Hickman Industrial Development Authority customarily would send notices to contributing parties to alert them to their contributions being due, and once those contributions are received, the bank automatically forwards HIDA’s contribution to FHCEDP, quarterly.

Curlin said he was not sure if HIDA had sent notices to any of their contributing parties recently.

Weatherford said as she reviewed the financials, she did notice one discrepancy regarding a balance of accounts and she would get in touch with the bank to rectify that issue.

The beginning balance for the annual statement was reported at $94,889.91, with income totaling $162,777.21, total expenses at $168,027.34, and an ending balance of $89,639.78 as of June 30.

As to Quarterly contributions, deposits were reported for Fulton County Fiscal Court, $2,500 on July 18, 2018 and $2,500 on May 16, 2019; Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, with an annual contribution of $16,186, which GEMC receives on an annual basis and then forwards to FHCEDP; Fulton Industrial Development Authority, $7,869 on July 19, 2018 and $12,393 on Sept. 14, 2018; Hickman Industrial Development Authority, $6,320 on July 5, 2018, $6,320 on Oct. 16, 2018 and $6,320 on April 5, 2019; Hickman County Economic Development Authority, $2,500 on July 18, 2018, $2,500 on Oct. 16, 2018, $2,500 on Jan. 23, 2019 and $2,500 on April 19, 2019.

The monthly statement recorded a beginning balance of $94,480.33 on June 1, income from FIDA, (MVP) at $4,801.36 and FCIDA, (MVP), $1,310.72, totaling $6,112.08 and expenses at $10,972.54, for an ending balance on June 30 at $89,619.87.

Expenses recorded included Wendy Puckett, consulting, $5,250, gas allowance, $400 and mileage, $297; AT&T, 0; card services, $108.28, FCIDA (MVP), $4,801.36, JD Distributors, $15.90, Fulton Tourism, $50; Fulton Railroaders, $35 and Kentucky Secretary of State, annual filing, $15.

Retail Entrepreneurial Assistance Program Coordinator Norma Pruitt provided board members with a chart designating her contacts and activities, which are submitted to the USDA, including communications and conversations with Kentucky Tourism and parties interested in expanding or starting a business in the area. She reported there was still a need in the area to provide a storefront for potential new businesses, which would not require major renovations or upgrades related to start up.

Board members Rex Coffey and Jeff Vaughn were absent.