BC 2009 02 02 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 2, 2009 (Work Session) Page 1233 Cabarrus County has secured property insurance ($1,971.00 annually) as well as general liability insurance ($986.00) for this property. These premiums have been paid since 2007 and will have to be paid until the property is no longer the responsibility of the county. The premiums being paid are minimal considering the potential liability to the county should someone get injured while on the property. This would be for those on the property legally and/or illegally. Individuals interested in the property should the board decide to dispose of it: Mr. Gary Dunn - Matthews - personal residence Mr. Warren Thompson - Charlotte - Wreck Houses, Inc. Ms. Rhonda Flowers - Charlotte - Charter School County Expenditures to date for Study- YCH - Schematic Design - $55,000.00 + reimbursables (Midland to contribute - $8,250.00) YCH - Structural Design Services - $8,500.00 + reimbursables Mr. Downs stated money has and will continue being spent securing the building and insurance for potential liability. He asked the Board to provide direction to staff on how to proceed. John Day, County Manager, stated a year has gone by and no progress has been made with the property. He then addressed the following issues: the property continues to be vandalized; the current economic situation and lack of funds; and G.S. 160A-266, a statute that authorizes and identifies methods of sale. He requested the Board direct staff to sale the property consistent with the statute and a discussion ensued. The following issues were addressed: disposition by a public auction; getting recommendations from real estate professionals; other interests in the property; etc. Sarah Morrison, Save the Old Bethel School Committee Chairperson, expressed concern regarding the County's handling of the disposition of the property. She asked that the Board give the same consideration to the Town of Midland that is given to the cities of Concord and Kannapolis. She then referenced a goal of the County regarding partnering with the Cabarrus County Education Foundation to analyze the old Concord High School facility as a possibility for a magnet school. Ms. Morrison reported the Town of Midland has met with another non-profit organization that is interested in the property. Chairman White questioned Ms. Morrison as to the goal she referenced, and made mention that this goal has not been adopted as a goal of the Board of Commissioners. Vice Chairman Mynatt reported that the goal mentioned by Ms. Morrison was an idea mentioned at a Cabarrus County Education Foundation meeting and had never been discussed by the Board. She stated that idea had not been discussed in detail, nor agreed to by any group. A general discussion ensued regarding how long the old Bethel School property has been discussed with the Town of Midland. Osing N.C.G.S. 160A- 266 to dispose of the property was also discussed. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Vice Chairman Mynatt and unanimously carried, the Board voted to place the disposition of the Former Bethel School Property on the February 16, 2009 Agenda as a New Business item. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Carruth, Chairman White stated that N.C.G.S. 160A-266 does not prevent the Town of Midland from finding a non-profit that may be interested in the building. Ms. Morrison asked the Board if it would be helpful to have representatives from the new non-profit at the February 16, 2009 Regular meeting. Chairman White responded that it will be up to the Town of Midland if they would like to bring representatives from the non-profit. He reported he would check to see if the non-profit representatives would be procedurally permitted to speak at the meeting. BOC - Expansion of the Board of Commissioners - Removal From 2009 Legislative Agenda