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February 16, 2009 (Regular Meeting) Page 1256 Kathy Kitts, Midland Mayor Pro Tempore, introduced Patrice Ognodo from the Good Samaritan Neighborhood Center, a nonprofit organization interested in the Old Bethel property. Patrice Oqnodo, Executive Director of The Neighborhood Good Samaritan's Center, Inc. (NGSC), presented the following information regarding the NGSC: the mission statement; program description; services offered; empowerment programs; project content; project requirements; target population; funding sources; general impact; and intended long and short-term goals. Ms. Kitts stated the NGSC is already established in Charlotte and is outgrowing that facility. She expressed support for the NGSC using the facility, noting the organization has the capacity to obtain needed funds to restore and maintain the Bethel School property and can provide lease space for community services needed in the Midland area. She encouraged the Board to consider the proposal. Vice Chairman Mynatt stated when the Board discussed partnering with a non-profit organization on the Bethel School project, it was her understanding that the non-profit and the Town of Midland would lead the fundraising efforts. After noting the absence of financial information in the presentation and the County's liability given the poor condition of the building, she stated NGSC should be allowed additional time to provide more information to the Board. Commissioner Carruth commented that action on the property needed to be taken soon. He stated a lease agreement for the property between the Town of Midland and the County would strengthen any grant requests made by the town. He suggested the Board give the Town of Midland until April to provide additional information. In response to a question from Commissioner Carruth, Richard Koch, County Attorney, reported the statute which allows the sale of the property for economic development purposes are tied to the generation of employment in that project. He stated it has to be determined by the Board how many people would likely be employed by the development and what the average wage would be in accordance with that statute. He further reported that another statute allows for the lease of the property to a non-profit organization if the facility is used for public use, mainly a service that the County would otherwise be able to provide. He stated further investigation into the statutes is needed. Chairman White stated that if the County was to place the Bethel property up for sale, the process would not prevent NGSC in moving forward with trying to either purchase the property outright or provide additional financials. John Day, County Manager, commented that the County could choose to list the property with a private firm which will take some time. In response to a question from Chairman White on the amount of listing time, Mr. Day stated there would possibly be a large amount of flexibility with listing the property as commercial. Mr. Koch recommended that to avoid paying a commission to a listing firm, the County may want to exclude this non-profit from the listing agreement. Commissioner Poole stated she would like to hear more details regarding listing the property with a listing agent. She also stated she would be interested in receiving more information from NGSC. A brief discussion ensued amongst the Board regarding the following: directing staff to move forward by proceeding with Requests for Proposals (RFP) from listing firms; options available to the NGSC to obtain the property; etc. Commissioner Privette reported that he and Commissioner Carruth were asked to meet with town officials regarding the disposition of Bethel School. He stated the County proposed a lease agreement to the Town of Midland, which was declined. He further reported the building is deteriorating daily; the County should relieve itself of liability as soon as possible; and this non- profit organization, as well as anyone else, should have the opportunity to purchase the property and develop it as they see fit. Vice Chairman Mynatt suggested this topic be addressed again in March or April, meanwhile staff should proceed with RFP's for a listing agent. She