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February 17, 2003 Page 45 Suggested Process for Selectinq a Site After the architectural firm has determined the space requirements for each component of the justice center, potential sites (including those already mentioned) can be identified and evaluated. Evaluations should include costs (e.g., land, site preparation, construction), functionality, ability to phase construction, expansion capability, and social and economic impacts. The findings would be presented to the Board in a regular meeting. Following that, an open house session could be held to solicit public comment on the various sites under consideration. The Board would then select a site based on all the information and comments gathered. Facility Design The architect is familiar with general facility requirements and office layouts, but during the schematic design process, needs the involvement of those who will actually use the facility. Such involvement will lead to a fully functional design that meets the specific needs of the Cabarrus County justice community. The schematic design process should be overseen by the Board and county manager to ensurW that general parameters of cost and scale are met. Exterior design should be consistent with immediate surroundings, history and tradition and will be subject to approval by the Board. The facility must be designed in such a way that it is expandable for a useable life of at least 50 years. It must also be designed so that construction may be phased over a number of years. As already mentioned, jail construction (and perhaps sheriff's office) will begin as soon as possible. Courthouse construction (or expansion), on the other hand, would not begin for another 5 to 10 years. Funding Financing plans can be developed after cost estimates and phasing plans have been completed. [D-l(a)] Land Offer from City of Concord Mr. Day stated a letter was in the Agenda from Brian Hiatt, Concord City Manager, outlining plans by the Concord City Council to offer property off Corban Avenue for use as a jail. He advised that the City Council has withdrawn the offer and read into the record the following letter from Mr. Hiatt. February 14, 2003 Dear John: The Concord Mayor and Council have heard concerns from some residents in the community regarding City Council's contemplated offer of land off Corban Street. These residents have requested the Council not offer this land to the County. In response to these concerns, Concord will not be offering this site for use as a Sheriff's Department and jail. You are aware of tbe City's demonstrated efforts in developing strong partnerships with its neighborhoods. The Council values these partnerships and does not want the perceptions of this group of residents to undermine the relationships that have been built. At the same time, the City still feels strongly that it is important to work with the County to keep the Court facilities downtown. The Court system is vital to the economy of downtown Concord like it is in most County seats. This is an economy that has been built over the last 200 years. Add to this the historical significance and tradition which surrounds the downtown/courthouse marriage and you can see the importance of this issue. The struggles of some of the downtowns in North Carolina where the Court facilities have been moved elsewhere document the reasons for this concern.