By By SHERRY DIGMON
Advance Staff Writer
Atmore Industrial Development Board Chairman Bob Jones resigned his position at Thursday's meeting. Jones retains his place as a board member but stepped down as chairman effective May 31 or the next regular meeting.
He outlined the issues the board has addressed under his leadership: long-term planning, roadway and infrastructure enhancement, development of interstate interchanges, and quality of life issues.
In other business, the board voted to reject bids received on relocating the spec building located across the street from Masland in the industrial park. An upcoming Masland expansion necessitates moving the building.
The IDB had let bids for purchasing or relocating the building through McCrory and Williams, an engineering firm. The only bids received were for relocating the building, and the recommended bid was for $237,777. However, Jones and other board members and Mayor Howard Shell said they had received several inquiries about the building.
Board member Keith Castleberry made the motion to reject the bids and explore other options.
The board voted to do so, to contact the parties who had inquired about the building, and to meet Friday, May 4, to discuss any proposals.
The IDB also voted to ask the city council to reactivate the task force that was formed by the last administration to represent Atmore's interest in a proposed evacuation route from northwest Florida to I-65 in Alabama.
The previous administration had organized a task force when two similar entities were formed to fight for corridors through Flomaton and Brewton.