BC 2010 02 26 Board Retreat - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 26, 2010 (Board Retreat) Page 1824 Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) - Discussion Chairman White announced that during the past 12 - 18 months, the Board has discussed moving Voluntary Mitigation Payments (VMP) from being paid at platting to permitting without changing the Ordinance. A general discussion ensued and the following issues were addressed: the VMP's have been moved to permitting in some instances; the County's current practice of requiring payment at platting does not have to be changed; requests can be addressed on a case-by-case basis; how can the County help promote construction during an economic downturn; if the practice is changed, it should be for a limited amount of time; how to address the payment of VMP's for new projects and those under an existing consent agreement; new construction projects will create a synergy within the county that cannot be fully quantified; are banks lending money to developers; etc. Vice Chairman Poole expressed support to accept requests from developers under an existing consent agreement to change the payment of VMP's from platting to permitting for a limited period of time. John Day, County Manager, advised that no action is needed for new consent agreements; however, the Board will need to give staff the authority to amend existing consent agreements by adopting a resolution to that effect. He also advised the item could be included on Monday's agenda. Richard Koch, County Attorney, stated he would develop a one-page template to address the modification to existing consent agreements. Chairman White asked to receive an update every three (3) months. September 30, 2010 was selected as the cutoff date. Recess of Meeting p.m. The Board took a dinner break at 5:54 p.m. The meeting resumed at 6:46 Economic Development Grant Program - Review The Economic Development Grant Program was generally discussed. Issues addressed included the following: depreciation and life expectancy of personal property; the inclusion of clawback provisions in grant agreement(s) to protect taxpayers during the life of the grant; amending the County's policy to: (1) address incentive offers made outside the scope of the existing policy (3 years / 85 percent) - such offers shall be approved by the Board before an offer is made to the grant recipient; and (2) including a section that explains the County's expectations of the EDC (Economic Development Corporation) as its agent; how often are employment (job creation) numbers verified and by whom; piggybacking on State grant requirements; requiring the EDC to notify the County of serious inquiries so the County can decide what direction to take; the need for quarterly activity reports from the EDC; EDC bylaws; the unusual manner in which the EDC's annual audit was presented to EDC Board members; what are the EDC's mission, vision and goals; the need for the EDC to focus its efforts on expansion of small/medium sized businesses (up to 85 percent) to create one or two jobs; grants, small business loans and other resources that could be used to stimulate business development; and the need for website addresses to conduct additional research. Mission/Vision Statements The Board reviewed both statements. No changes were made to either statement. Reedy Creek Sewer Line Commissioner Carruth provided a brief update on the installation of the Reedy Creek sewer interceptor line installed by WSACC (Water Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County) with monies from CMUD (Charlotte Mecklenburg Utility Department). He advised the new line will create sewer access, increase property values and spur growth. John Day, County Manager, reported WSACC has imposed a prohibition on connections to the sewer line until January 1, 2015 or until a study is completed to address the availability of adequate public facilities relating to schools, transportation and water and sewer. A general discussion ensued.