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June 16, 2008 (Regular Meeting) ATTEST: /s/ Kay Honeycutt Kay Honeycutt, Clerk to the Board Page 876 /s/ H. Jay White, Sr. H. Jay White, Sr., Chairman Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners (G-4) Expansion of the Commission to Seven Members - Public Hearing - 6:30 P•m• Chairman White reported that at the Board's Retreat in March, expansion of the Board and district representation were discussed. The legislature was not in session at that time. He said on May 13, 2008, a place holder bill was implemented giving Commissioners the option to appoint two additional Commissioners, which was contrary to what was discussed. He pointed out that appointing two commissioners is an option, much like the option that executive committees have. He further explained that the goal of the Board was to make a decision "one way or another" regarding Board expansion by the end of 2008, which may have created a sense of urgency amongst citizens. He spoke on the importance of completing goals in a timely manner and expanding the Board. Additionally, he elaborated on the following topics: the Board's current workload; the need to vote on the additional members; the Board's preference to avoid the cost of holding a general election; there are pros and cons associated with either option selected; the Board's intent for the voters to make the decision; ensuring economic feasibility of an election; and allowing all voters, including nonpartisan voters, the opportunity to cast their vote. Chairman White opened the public hearing at 7:51 p.m. The Public Hearing Notice was published on June 6, 2008 in THE INDEPENDENT TRIBUNE and THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER (CABARRUS NEIGHBORS). Comments made from the following citizens during Informal Public Comments (SEE SECTION D) are considered part of this public hearing: Mike Helms, Larry Marlow, Joanna Dudley, Manuel Kiser, Allison Kitfield, Grace Liem, Dean Peterson, Mary Ellen Phifer-Kirton, Alex Porter, Barbara Sharpe, Bill Smith, Larry Witmer, and Wendy Wood. There was no one present to further address the Board. Chairman White closed the public hearing. Commissioner Mynatt agreed that the expansion of the Board should be determined by a public vote. She expressed concerns about delaying a decision on how to proceed. She asked the County Attorney if the present Board can make a decision binding the future Board. Richard Koch, the County Attorney, responded in the negative. Commissioner Mynatt then questioned if the Board should move forward now with this issue or allow the next Board to make the decision. Commissioner Carruth commented on the perception of the unfairness of certain options, rushing to a decision, and undue benefits to current Board members. He stated having the majority of the Board elected during a presidential election year will increase voter turnout. He presented the concept of making the expansion of the Board effective in the 2012 election cycle. He explained that by doing this it would allow the four current Board members (excluding Vice Chair Juba who is not seeking re-election) to go through at least one more election before the expanded Board would take affect. He recognized that there is a State Commission that does redistricting. He stated the Board could ask the State Redistricting Commission and ask them to devise three or four different redistricting plans and report back to a citizens taskforce. Commissioner Privette reported that a state law already exists providing the procedure for Board expansion. He pointed out the current legislation does not allow thecitizens to vote. He further commented on the need for a public election, the cost of elections, the designation of partisan and nonpartisan seats, and the current state of the Republican Party. After further comments from Commissioner Carruth, he MOVED to ask the Legislature to amend the place holder bill to allow the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners to expand to seven members effective with the 2012 election year. After a clarification, Commissioner Mynatt seconded the motion.