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February 16, 2004 Page 361
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<br /> Matthew Rich, high school student and founder of the Woodland and Wildlife
<br />Restoration Committee, presented an overview of the "One Tree at a Time" project
<br />that was launched on December 4, 2003, at Frank Liske Park. The goal of the
<br />project was to plant 1,000 trees to replace the trees destroyed bH urbanization
<br />and the 2002 ice storm. Although the 1,000th tree was planted on February 13,
<br />Mr. Rich stated the group would continue to plant trees. The project received
<br />support from local and State government, local businesses and individuals,
<br />including the donation of a majority of the tree seedlings by International Paper
<br />Company.
<br />
<br /> On behalf of the Board, Commissioner Carruth presented the following
<br />Resolution to Mr. Rich.
<br /> Resolution No. 2004-07
<br /> Resolution
<br />
<br />WHEREAS, the Charlotte region of North Carolina has been identified as one of
<br />the fastest growing metropolitan areas of the country, as well as one of the
<br />most desirable to live in; and
<br />
<br />WHEREAS, Cabarrus County, as one of the counties located in the fast growing
<br />Metrolina region, has experienced rapid growth over the past 15 years, as it
<br />undergoes a transition from a largely agrarian, textile based economy, to a
<br />thriving suburban county in the region; and
<br />
<br />WHEREAS, the continued development and growth to the county creates situations
<br />where our forest resources and woodlands are threatened with significant
<br />reduction in size; and
<br />
<br />WHEREAS, the quality of life to the community is consistently given as one of the
<br />main reasons for families and individuals choose to locate in Cabarrus County;
<br />and
<br />
<br />WHEREAS, with increasingly scarce fiscal resources, it is impossible for
<br />government to provide solutions to the vast array of issues which confront us;
<br />and
<br />
<br />WHEREAS, the Woodland and Wildlife Restoration Committee launched the nOne Tree
<br />at a Time" initiative in December 2003, with the stated goal of planting 1000
<br />trees by February 13, 2004; and
<br />
<br />WHEREAS, through their initiative, a unique partnership developed between private
<br />citizens, local and state government, the news media, and private industry to
<br />achieve this goal; and
<br />
<br />WHEREAS, March 19, 2004, has been designated at National Arbor Day in North
<br />Carolina;
<br />
<br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners
<br />does hereby:
<br />
<br />(1) Commend Matthew Rich and the other teens and organizations that have been
<br />involved in this effort for setting the example of how a community can pull
<br />together to address and solve an issue; and
<br />
<br />(2) Challenge other organizations, businesses and citizens of the county to
<br />join in this worthwhile project to ensure our native hardwoods in Cabarrus County
<br />are preserved for future generations, by planting their own native hardwood
<br />between now and Arbor Day on March 19.
<br />
<br />Adopted this the 16tn day of February 2004.
<br />/s/ Robert M. Freeman
<br />
<br />Robert M. Freeman, Chairman
<br />Board of Commissioners
<br />
<br />Board members thanked Mr. Rich for his service to the community.
<br />
<br />(D) INFORMAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
<br />
<br /> At 6:57 p.m., Chairman Freeman opened the meeting for Informal Public
<br />Comments. He stated each speaker would be limited to three minutes.
<br />
<br /> Jerry Williamson, resident of 92 Marsh Avenue, NW, Concord, commented on
<br />a number of issues, including revaluation and taxes, growth in the county,
<br />schools and incentive grants for companies.
<br />
<br /> Lester Drye, resident of 6700 Zion Church Road, Concord, commented on the
<br />reva%uation notices recently sent to County property owners. He stated the
<br />property owners would not be able to pay their taxes unless the Board lowers the
<br />tax rate.
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