BC 2011 11 07 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 7, 2011 (Work Session) Page 855 (Information Technology Services) project, the roof replacement project at J.N. Fries Middle School and two (2) projects at Central Cabarrus High School (window and door replacement project and security improvements to the administrative space) were successfully bid and within budget; several other projects will be bid in November and December. He also responded to questions from the Board and there was a short discussion on the anticipated scope of work on the gymnasium at Northwest Cabarrus High School. No action was taken. Commerce - Approval of NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Grant - $75,000.00 Jonathan Marshall, Commerce Director, presented the following information concerning a $75,000.00 grant award from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Grant: Cabarrus County has been awarded a grant from the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission for the benefit of the Piedmont Farmers Market (PFM) for the Winecoff location. The grant is targeted for site improvements that will ready the site for the construction of a new building to aid in market expansion. Piedmont Farmers Market, with the help of the Cabarrus County Cooperative Extension department, has applied for additional grant funding that, if awarded, will fund the building expansion. However, no funds will be available or expended until the additional grant funding for the building is secured. The County will administer the grant on behalf of PFM and the grant does not require a local match. PFM is also providing approximately $100,000.00 of its own money towards this project. He also responded to questions from the Board. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Burrage, seconded by Commissioner Carruth and unanimously carried, the Board voted to place "Approval of NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Grant - $75,000.00" on the November 21, 2011 Agenda as a New Business item. Commerce - Uvdate on Raaina Ridae Road Extension Jonathan Marshall, Commerce Director, presented an update on Raging Ridge Road extension project. Highlights included: funding for the joint project will be provided by NCDOT (North Carolina Department of Transportation) , State contingency funds and Cabarrus County; the Town of Harrisburg will be asked to provide funding and /or to approve exceptions to their zoning requirements for sidewalks, etc; geotechnical tests indicate that a larger, more expensive bridge is necessary to span Back Creek; turn lanes are also required; the estimated completion date for the engineering work is February of 2012 with construction commencing in the summer /fall timeframe. Mr. Marshall estimated the project to cost $1.4 million and responded to additional questions from the Board. Vice Chairman Poole asked that the updated information be shared with Cabarrus County Schools. No action was taken. Commerce - Weatherization Program Funding - $75,000.00 Kelly Sifford, Community Development Manager, presented information related to a second request for an additional $75,000.00 of Weatherization Program funds to eliminate a substantial backlog of projects by utilizing fund balance. The original request utilized Federal ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) stimulus funds and was denied by the Board of Commissioners in September. A lengthy discussion ensued with Ms. Siffcrd responding to a variety of questions from the Board. Commissioners Burrage and Measmer expressed opposition to the proposal. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Burrage, seconded by Commissioner Measmer, with Vice Chairman Poole and Commissioners Burrage and Measmer voting for and Commissioner Carruth voting against, the Board voted to table "Commerce - Weatherization Program Funding - $75,000.00" indefinitely. Commerce /SWCD - Authorization for Cabarrus Soil and Water Conservation District to Approve Grant Contract with North Carolina Department of Agriculture - $175,000.00 Jonathan Marshall, Commerce Director, advised that a contract must be approved for the Cabarrus Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to formally accept a $175,000.00 Agriculture Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund grant from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the grant is to purchase a permanent conservation easement on a portion of Porter Farm. Further, he advised the contract calls for the County to provide an in -kind match in the form of staff and /or purchased services, which are already included in the SWCD