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March 21, 2011 (Regular Meeting) Page 342 George Stacey, Sr., resident of 10330 Archer Road in Davidson, expressed support for awarding the bid for the old Bethel School property to Steven Wright. As the owner of S and D Insurance Agency, he assured the Board that the property would be properly insured. Price Crutchfield, resident of 592 Love Street in Concord, expressed dissatisfaction with the Concord Police Department, stating, there are child molesters and sex offenders working in the Concord police department. With there being no one else to address the Board, Chairman White closed that portion of the meeting. (E) OLD BUSINESS E -1 County Manager - Old Bethel School Property - Update on Bid Opening and Request to Award or Reject Bid Richard Koch, County Attorney, reported the old Bethel School property located on Highway 24/27 was advertised for sale by sealed bids earlier this year. He said one (1) bid for $10.00 was received on February 28, 2011 from Mr. Steven Wright, founder of "A New Beginning Outreach Center ". Mr. Koch further reported the Board, at the work session, asked Mr. Wright to provide additional information on his timeline for renovating the property by the Board's regular meeting. Mr. Koch that the Board's options are to accept the bid, accept the bid with certain conditions or to reject the bid. Mr. Wright was asked to present the requested information. He read a prepared statement expressing his desire to help the community. He also identified several potential fundraising events /strategies to raise capital for needed renovations and operating funds. He further reported the asbestos would be removed from the gymnasium (Phase I), in 2012, using experienced volunteers to reduce labor costs. He estimated the building renovations would be completed in seven to ten years. He also claimed to have several corporate sponsors and distributed materials to the Board for review. He further advised that the revenues needed for each future phase of the renovation project would have their own fundraisers, corporate supporters and utilize volunteer labor. He also addressed potential uses for the buildings to generate revenue and identified amenities the building would include. Mr. Wright also responded to a variety of questions from the Board related to: a total renovation cost of $2,752,000; cost for asbestos and lead abatement; the status of the Outreach Center's application to become a nonprofit entity; the Outreach Center's current activities, etc. In response to further questions on, the asbestos removal, Mr. Wright clarified that a professional company will be used and paid for with donations from sponsors. He advised that each building will be encapsulated in order to provide a safe environment. In response to questions from the Board, Mike Downs, Deputy County Manager, advised there has been interest in the property from other parties. Commissioner Burrage MOVED to table the decision on the bid until Mr. Wright's outreach center, "A New Beginning Outreach Center ", has obtained its 501c3 nonprofit status. Commissioner Carruth seconded the motion. Commissioner Carruth commented on the County's prior efforts, albeit unsuccessful efforts, to save the old Bethel school over the past six years. However, he encouraged Mr. Wright to get all the legal details in order. A general discussion ensued on the length of time involved in obtaining nonprofit status from the Internal Revenue Service. Chairman White suggested the item be tabled to a specific date and to receive periodic updates. Commissioner Burrage suggested a timeframe of 30 days. Mr. Downs advised that one of two interested parties has withdrawn and the second party is waiting for the Board to take action on this bid. Commissioner Carruth suggested Mr. Wright partner with an existing nonprofit and he was receptive to the concept. Commissioner Measmer expressed appreciation for Mr. Wright's desire to help the community, but said he cannot support the bid, citing the amount of time that would be involved to finalize the legal arrangements to ensure that no issues would arise in the future.