BC 2008 03 10 Work Session (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 10, 2008 (Work Session) Page 739 related to an "award of surplus weapons upon retirement" on the Consent Agenda and to extend an invitation to the retiree to attend a Board meeting for retirement recognition. Amendment to the Cabarrus County Code of Ordinances - Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions - Section 46-4 John Day, County Manager, requested to amend Section 46-4 of the Cabarrus County Code of Ordinances - Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, to allow those with concealed weapons permits to do so on County property without violation. He referred to a recent incident in Missouri where a gunman killed three council members and wounded others. He also commented on the difficulties involved in securing the Governmental Center due to the number of entrances, etc. He reported the Sheriff and the District Attorney are comfortable with rescinding the ordinance and said lives could have been saved if an individual with a permit, trained and carrying a weapon had been present at the meeting in Missouri. Richard M. Koch, County Attorney, stated rescinding the existing ordinance would eliminate any confusion between the existing ordinance and the General Statue. With regard to Courthouse security, he advised that citizens will not be allowed to conceal carry in the Courthouse. There was a brief discussion on existing safety measures. Mr. Day recommended a public hearing be held. UPON MOTION of Vice Chairman Juba, seconded by Commissioner Carruth and unanimously carried, the Board voted to place the Amendment to the Cabarrus County Code of Ordinances - Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Section 96-9, on the March 29, 2008 Agenda as a New Business item and scheduled a public hearing for 6:30 p.m. Fleet Ehel Card Program - All Departments John Day, County Manager, presented a request to utilize the North Carolina State Contract Euel Card Program instead of renewing the annual contract every year. He explained how State Contract pricing works and responded to questions from the Board. UPON MOTION of Vice Chairman Juba, seconded by Commissioner Mynatt and unanimously carried, the Board voted to place the Fleet Fuel Card Program (for all departments) on the March 24, 2008 Agenda as a Consent item. Request for Town of Midland to Purchase Right-of-Way at Rocky River Elementary School for Monroe Pipeline John Day, County Manager, reported a map of the proposed natural gas line that the City of Monroe plans to construct through Cabarrus County to connect with a wholesale gas provider in Mooresville, was previously provided to the Board. Because the City of Monroe is not located in Cabarrus County, he explained that Monroe is not permitted to purchase right-of-ways in Cabarrus County. To address this issue, he reported Monroe has entered into an inter local agreement with the Town of Midland to purchase the right-of- ways and Midland would also have access to gas line, should it want to operate a natural gas distribution system. Although there is little the County can do to promote or prevent the construction of the gas line, he said the main issue is whether to sell a utility easement across the Rocky River Elementary School property to Midland. Richard M. Koch, County Attorney, pointed out the request includes five parcels and a purchase price of approximately $12,000.00. Mr. Day also commented on the different sizes of the right-of-ways and asked the County Attorney to address the issue of one governmental entity exercising eminent domain over another. In summary, Mr. Koch reported Midland can exercise eminent domain if the Town can show the pipeline is for a valid public purpose. He also responded to a number of questions related to: environmental issues associated with the right-of-ways; limitations on actions the County can take because the use of eminent domain is granted by statute; etc. At 9:59 p.m., Chairman White opened the meeting for Informal Public Comments and said each speaker would be limited to three minutes. Jim Wilkinson, a resident of the Odell community, reported a developer was going to purchase his 80 acres, but the deal fell through when the