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April 19, 2010 (Regular Meeting) Page 1896 first issued and hundreds of people still work there and soon hundreds more will again. Senator Burr has worked with us on the project and he sent a letter of support today which I will now read. April 19, 2010 Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Governmental Center Post Office Box 707 Concord, NC 28026 Dear Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners: Celgard LLC is known for its expertise and long standing commitment to the U.S. battery manufacturing industry. As you may know, Celgard develops and manufactures separators used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for laptop computers, mobile phones, cordless power tools, and electric drive vehicles (EDVs). My staff has spent significant time at Celgard's facility in Charlotte, and was impressed with its operation. Celgard employs more than 300 employees in the Carolinas, and the new facility in Concord would bring many more jobs. I am excited about the possibilities this new facility could bring to Concord and Cabarrus County. Sincerely, Richard Burr United States Senator Mr. Cox requested approval of the incentive grant for Celgard and he and the County Attorney, Richard M. Koch, responded to several questions from the Board. The following issues were discussed: can Celgard move the project to a different site within the County; who is responsible for the site preparation work; language in the agreement regarding reimbursement to the County if the grant falls through; how the grant is dissolved if the Celgard does not perform; etc. In response to additional questions, the County Attorney reported Federal and State grant requirements were included in the County's version of the grant agreement at the request of the EDC (Economic Development Corporation); however, late this afternoon, Celgard's attorney asked to have that provision removed from the draft agreement. Questioning continued with the following issues address: why a cash• payment is required on an incentive agreement; Celgard's cash flow status; etc. Chairman White opened the public hearing at 7:26 p.m. The Public Hearing Notice was posted on the County's website (www.cabarruscounty.us) on April 7, 2010 in accordance with Article 2, Administration, Section 2.1 (Use of Electronic Means to Provide Public Notices) of the Cabarrus County Code of Ordinances. Anthony Capozzolo, III, resident of 1167 Lempster Drive in Concord, spoke in favor of the incentive grant. He stated he is grateful for the incentives like the one that brought Connextions, Inc. to Cabarrus County where he was a supervisor until he was laid off during recent cutbacks. He urged the Board to approve the request for Celgard citing the need for jobs. Thomas Hill, resident of 10896 Pioneer Mill Road in Concord, stated he is representing two political parties, the Libertarian Party of Cabarrus County and the Cabarrus County chapter of the Campaign for Liberty, and noted he opposes the incentive agreement. He stated he is for free markets, a level playing field and to treat all citizens and businesses equally. He urged the Board to do what is right and fair. Thomas Sheppard, resident of 498 Debra Circle in Concord, disclosed he is a candidate for the Republican Party and is running for County Commissioner. He expressed opposition to the incentive grant. He advocated that an across-the-board tax cut would allow one-fourth of the county's 4,000 small businesses to hire one person thereby creating 1,000 jobs without corporate welfare.