BC 2009 09 08 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 8, 2009 (Work Session) Page 1556 UPON MOTION of Commissioner Carruth, seconded by Commissioner Poole and unanimously carried, the Board voted to place the Reservation of Capacity for the Wexford Apartments on the September 21, 2009 agenda as a New Business item. Convention and Visitors Bureau - Sports Complex Chairman White introduced Donna Carpenter, new Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Terry Crawford, CVB Chairman, proposed a partnership for building a very competitive, championship-level baseball and softball facilities on 60 acres on the W. W. Flowe property. He stated the CVB will put aside 10 percent of its annual budget, which is about $360,000, to seed the first year. Going forward, the CVB is committed to having the seed capital to commence building the facility. The county's partnership would be to allow the 60-acre tract to become part of the project which will consist of four (4) softball fields and five (5) cloverleaf baseball fields. He commented on the County's tourism heritage and said future tourism will be youth sports which will create a tremendous opportunity for the County to fill hotel rooms, restaurants, and benefit from all the different things that tourism provides. He stressed that this project would make Cabarrus County more competitive and attractive to hold tournaments. Mike Downs, Deputy County Manager, stated the 60-acre property belongs to the County and it was donated by the same family that donated the W. W. Flowe Park that is already in operation across the street. Based on the proposal, there is room for other amenities to make it a park and will allow the County to seek grant funding. He further commented on the number of existing ball fields and tournaments played in the County. He explained some teams were turned away due to a shortage of fields and that the County needs championship level facilities in order to compete and attract national tournaments. Otherwise, he said the County will lose tournaments to other locations with newer facilities. He suggested the $10 million facility be built in a phased approach over several years and reported the Parks Commission endorsed the project. Commissioner Privette MOVED to place the Convention and Visitors Bureau - Sports Complex on the September 21, 2009 agenda as a New Business item. Vice Chairman Mynatt seconded the motion. Chairman White clarified the CVB is providing construction monies and the County is providing the land. He further clarified construction will occur in a phased approach over several years on property adjacent to or across the street from the W. W. Flowe property. Mr. Downs responded in the affirmative. A brief discussion ensued and the following issues were addressed: how the sports complex will benefit the county; how the location of the ball fields will entice tourists to stay in hotels located in Cabarrus County; other possible locations were considered and determined to be less financially beneficial to the county; inclusion of an Olympic-size pool for tournaments; etc. The MOTION unanimously carried. Finance - 2010 Grant Project Ordinance and Budget Amendment - $173,649.00 and Execution of the Home Investment Partnership Program between Cabarrus County and the City of Concord Susan Fearrington, Assistant Finance Director, presented information related to the 2010 Grant Project Ordinance, related budget amendment for $173,699.00 (including a $90,000 local match) and execution of the Home Investment Partnership Program agreement between Cabarrus County and the City of Concord. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Commissioner Carruth and unanimously carried, the Board voted to place the 2010 Grant Project Ordinance and Budget Amendment for $173,649.00 and execution of the Home Investment Partnership Program between Cabarrus County and the City of Concord on the September 21, 2009 agenda as a Consent item. Finance - Budget Amendment (Uncompleted Projects from FY 2009 -