At the December 7, 2016 meeting of the Clark County Commissioners, the commissioners hosted representatives from the Burxton Company. Director of Sales, Dennis Maher, and Account Manager Antoine Long gave a presentation to the commissioners and other guests on the progress that Buxton has made in recruiting new retail establishments to the Springfield/Clark County Area. Buxton’s Retail Recruitment solution uses software based on data collected about the area to determine retail potential for prospective new businesses and position the community for retail development success.

The research identifies the characteristics that make the community attractive to retailers

The company promises to increase sales and property tax revenue, and reduce retail stores from leaving by keeping business transactions in the community and to retain and assist business owners by to optimize merchandising and marketing

The company has been working with the City of Springfield and the Economics and Community Development Office to develop a profile of the demographics and lifestyles of the residents of the area. The group looked at economic class, music preferences, drive times and many other lifestyle preferences for the area residents. Based on this information, Buxton recommended 20 best-fit retailers that they will approach for location to the area. The group will begin to develop marketing packets and begin to approach the retailers after the first of the year. The contract with Buxton Company of Fort Worth TX is for $50,000 for retail recruitment. The contract will automatically renew for up to two successive one-year periods.

Buxton will identify20 best fit retailers each year of the contract and help to recruit them to locate a retail establishment in the area. Buxton will constantly evaluate the list as more information becomes available.

Commissioner Richard Lohnes praised the group for the work they have done so far. He asked, “How important is site preparation to the process?”

Long responded, “The most important thing to the retailers is speed to market. The less utilities and curb cuts they have to do the better.”

Maher added, “The retailers want to know how easy it is to work with the community.”

In other business, the commissioners approved the rezoning request from Theresa Siejack for 12.04 acres located at 4692 Urbana Road. The property is the location of the Simon Kenton Inn. The request was to amend the PD-M Planned District- Mixed Use to include a 24 by 48 foot storage building, a 30 by 50 foot addition to the restaurant, enclose the existing pavilion and to allow extended stays in the guest room loft. Commissioner John Detrick added, “This expansion is good for the development of our community. Ms. Siejack has worked hard to make this a successful business. The Inn hosted 60 weddings last year in addition to offering numerous corporate events, and an excellent restaurant.”

For the Sheriff’s Office, the commissioners authorized the purchase of two 2016 Ford Interceptor SUV’s from Lebanon Ford at a cost of $56,270. The new vehicles are to replace two vehicles that were wrecked.

For the County Engineer, the commissioners increased the inter-governmental agreement between the Clark County Commissioners and the City of Springfield for $34,750 to cover additions costs of placing 31 new water service lines needed for the Derr Road Construction Contract.

In regular business, the commissioners authorized an inter-government agreement between Clark County Commissioners on behalf of the Clark County Solid Waste District and the Clark County Combined Health District for $125,000 to provide staff equal to one full-time Registered Sanitarian and support staff to administer and enforce state and federal laws and regulation for solid waste. The agreement is effective January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.

For the Department of Job and Family Services, the commissioners increased the contract with CND Security, Inc by $694 to allow for the purchase and installation of additional security system equipment.

For the Community and Economic Development Directory, the commissioners approved an increase by contract with the City of London by $110,000 to provide additional zoning and building inspections services not covered under the initial contract.

Lastly, for the Human Resources Director, the commissioners authorized a contract with Bellefeuil, Szur, & Associates not to exceed $87,560 for a Human Resources Software Package.

The next meeting of the Clark County Commissioners is scheduled for December 14, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room.

First Group 2x2
First Group 2x2
Local News

Stories on people, places, events and businesses right here in Western Clark County.

Local Government

Meetings and news from local Boards of Education, Township Trustees and County Commissioners.

Sports

Arrows, Bees & Warriors; we cover all local high school sports, as well as local semi-pro and adult leagues