IDB to Propose Sale of Hillsman Property

TREZEVANT (June 25) — The reconstituted Trezevant Industrial Development Board met for the second time Thursday, June 25, to discuss its mission and bylaws. The board, which was primarily formed to determine the future of the town’s former Hillsman property, faced criticism from businessman Phil Colwell, who voiced his impatience with the town’s progress during the Thursday meeting.

The 10-member board includes Johnna Crouse, Wes Gulley, Kyle Foster, Eddie Granger, Jimmy Kelly, Tim Pratt, Janet Dickson, Rita Foster, Terry Schall and Bobby McAlexander. Meetings are scheduled for the fourth Thursday of each month.

Board members previously elected Foster as chairman, Crouse as secretary and Schall as treasurer. On Thursday, the board elected Dickson as vice chair. Officers will be selected annually in May.

The board discussed the previous IDB checkbook, currently held by Alderman Don Barger. To open a new account, the board authorized Foster, Schall and Trezevant Chief Municipal Financial Officer Gabrielle Davis as signees. The account will require only two signatures.

Town Attorney Charlie Trotter reminded members that while the IDB is a separate entity, it remains under the supervision of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Foster agreed, stating she hopes to work in sync with town officials.

Dickson updated the board on the town website, noting she has contacted local businesses about free features.

Foster outlined goals for the IDB, including community promotion and revenue growth. She reported the town received $9,061.40 in sales tax revenue in May.

“We need to have a goal to get that number to raise,” Foster said. “We need to have a goal to get businesses in here that are going to help us increase sales tax and revenue to the town.”

Phil Colwell submitted a site plan for a discount grocery store on the vacant Hillsman property. He stipulated that he wants to purchase the property outright rather than lease from the city. He requested an immediate vote to begin a 60-day negotiation period.

“I’ve wasted seven months,” Colwell said. “I’ve done five business deals in seven months…I’m done wasting any more time. I need a commitment from somebody.”

The board reminded Colwell that the property is currently owned by the Town of Trezevant — not the IDB. They discussed whether to recommend selling the property specifically to Colwell or to open it to any buyer.

“What we have been looking for, for six years, is for someone to come in and open a grocery store,” Foster said, supporting Colwell’s business plan.

Dickson and Granger expressed concern about recommending a sale to Colwell without considering other proposals or establishing board rules. However, Pratt noted the lack of previous offers.

“I’ve been here for 25 years, and no one has offered to buy this property,” Pratt said.

After some discussion, the board voted unanimously to recommend the town sell the property to any buyer.

Following the meeting, Colwell informed several board members that he was no longer interested in working with the Town of Trezevant, saying his patience had worn out.