BC 2007 01 22 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 22, 2007 (Regular Meeting) Page 229 Mr. Milligan responded to a variety of questions from the Board concerning work on the tunnel and installation of a 16-inch waterline. He reported the project is on schedule and identified February 16, 2007 as the target date for reopening Corban Street. Commissioner Privette commented on the cost to construct the Brunswick County Jail. (E-2) Old Bethel School Reuse Report Mike Chreitzburg of Yates, Chreitzburg and Hughes (YCH) Architects, reviewed the preliminary site master plan, preliminary floor plan and an elevation drawing of the proposed renovations for the old Bethel school reuse project. The preliminary floor plan utilized the existing gymnasium and classroom space for the following uses: offices for the Town of Midland, a library, computer classroom, offices for the Department of Social Services and/or Department of Aging, common areas and a satellite Sheriff's office. The plan also included the addition of a 30' X 67' multipurpose room. The master plan, consisting of two phases, included space for recreation, parking lots and a future renovated civic building that could house an EMS station. Mr. Chreitzburg reported this plan was derived from input from stakeholders at numerous community meetings. Sarah Morrison, a member of the Bethel Reuse Study Committee, thanked everyone who participated in the design process and for the Board's support for the project over the past few years. Mr. Chreitzburg responded to a variety of questions from the Board related to the cost and square footage of the project, compliance with zoning regulations, etc. Site work costs were estimated at $1.1 million; building demolition and reconstruction costs were estimated at $2 million; and other costs for surveying, off-site sanitary sewer, contingency, etc., were estimated at $859,202.00 for a total project cost of $3.9 million. Chairman Carruth commented on how the project began, on the establishment of a non-profit foundation to help restore the buildings and the possibility of receiving grants or private donations to pay for the renovations. He said the next step is to determine how the project will be financed and how the costs will be shared. Ms. Morrison suggested a partnership be formed between Cabarrus County and the Town of Midland to handle the financial end of the project. John Day, County Manager, pointed out the Board voted in December to exercise its right of first refusal to purchase the property from Cabarrus County Schools but the details of the transaction have not been worked out yet. He said the building would be purchased with funds budgeted for another school project; however, additional funding would probably not be required. He said the Board could make its decision after a collaborative effort has been made to look at available financing opportunities. Chairman Carruth suggested the Board meet jointly with the Midland Town Council in February to discuss this matter further. He also pointed out the most historic building is in Phase II and asked what is being done to mothball the older building and how will it affect the chances of receiving grant funding. Ms. Morrison reported the building will be 50 years old this year and will meet the eligibility requirement. Mr. Chreitzburg suggested the roof of the older building be patched or replaced and the broken windows replaced. However, he said these items are not included in the proposal but there was discussion with the Town about using volunteers to make these repairs. In response to a question from Chairman Carruth regarding parks, Mike Downs, Deputy County Manager, reported the Bethel Athletic Association is in need of ball fields and which is what is budgeted in the Capital Improvement Plan. He said the Bethel park would be passive and in addition to the larger park. In response to a question from Commissioner White, Mr. Chreitzburg commented on the completeness of the cost estimate. Finally, Chairman Carruth thanked the architectural firm for their report.