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June 20, 2005 - Regular Meeting Page 239 NOW THEREFORE, the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim July 1, 2005 as: "Historic Logan and Shankletown Grand Reunion Day" In honor of the great contributions made to this community by alumni of Logan and Shankletown Schools. This the 20th day of June, 2005. /s/ Carolyn B. Carpenter Carolyn B. Carpenter, Chairman Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners (D) INFORMAL PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Carpenter opened the meeting for Informal Public Comments at 6:40 p.m. She stated each speaker would be limited to three minutes. Barbara Sharpe, President of the Cabarrus County Democratic Women's Committee, addressed the Board regarding the County budget, the tax increase, school funding, an annual outside audit and support for the Economic Development Corporation. She stated the growth problems did not occur overnight and in her opinion the size of the tax increase indicated a poor job of managing the budget in the past. Finally, Ms. Sharpe went on record asking the Board's support for a family court system in Cabarrus County. Harold Smith, resident of 108 Edinburgh Drive in Kannapolis, stated he was outraged by the decision to increase property taxes by 19 percent. He stated the public would hold Chairman Carpenter, vice Chairman Carruth and Commissioner Juba accountable for the tax increase and invited the public to view comments about the budget posted on his website (www.goharoldsmith.com). Price Crutchfield addressed the Board regarding freedom of speech and police misconduct. He stated he had done nothing to anyone in Concord but the Concord City Police wanted to put him in jail and take away his right to express his opinion. He complained the City of Concord would not issue him a license to shine shoes and stated his new name was "Low Life Street Lurch." Tim Price, resident of 2421 Cimarron Circle in Midland, complained of increased property taxes and the lack of enforcement of the animal control regulations. He cited recent incidences involving dog fights, animal abuse and his home being shot at. Mr. Price asked for proactive measures to address problems in his neighborhood. Chairman Carpenter stated the matter would be relayed to Animal Control and the names of agencies dealing with animal abuse would be provided to Mr. Price. Mack Neikirk complained that County officials, specifically the code enforcement officer, were harassing him because he went to Raleigh several years ago to correct a situation involving Osprey Lake. He stated there had been some problems at his house, but he was now in compliance. Further, he stated he was being harassed because of his neighbors and was under $2,500.00 worth of fines and attorney fees. Chairman Carpenter asked Mr. Neikirk to provide information to the County Attorney for review regarding the legal issues. John Clark, Chairman of the Cabarrus County Democratic Party, commented on a recent editorial by Vice Chairman Carruth in THE INDEPENDENT TRIBUNE regarding the County budget. He stated he agreed that the 19 percent tax increase was a result of decisions made by the Board over a six-year period to borrow money from fund balance to cover budget increases. Further, he commented on elections, including the re-organization of the Democratic Party in Cabarrus County, and stated in his opinion persons will begin looking more at the candidates rather than at their party affiliation. There was no one else who wished to address the Board, and Chairman Carpenter closed this portion of the meeting at 7:58. (D) OLD BUSINESS (D-l) Designing Cabarrus - Final Draft Presentation and Public Hearing