BC 2002 03 26 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

March 26, 2002 Page 317 UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Commissioner Suggs and unanimously carried, the Board approved the selection of Martin Boal Anthony & Johnson Architects for the new Bethel Elementary School project and agreed to fund the architectural fees for this project with the County to be reimbursed when the Certificates of Participation are sold. The Architect basic compensation is as follows: (a) 3.15 percent of construction cost (construction cost approximately $9 million); (b) $15,000.00 to comply with the International Building Code, which will be adopted nationwide January 2003; and $20,000.00 reimbursable expense. Economic Development Chairman Freeman commented on the need to bring industry and new jobs to the Kannapolis area and to improve the economic base north of Interstate 85. Councilman Geathers questioned the proposed reorganization of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board. Commissioner Fennel reviewed the proposal to establish a smaller EDC executive board consisting of business leaders and a separate working advisory board effective July 1, 2002. The Board of Commissioners would appoint the members to the executive board, since the County now provides all funding for the EDC. The reorganization would start a two to three-year process to establish a public-private partnership with businesses being able to "buy" a seat on the executive board by contributing funds to EDC. There was discussion regarding the appointment process and the membership of the EDC executive board. Mass Transit System Councilman Geathers commented on the mass transit study by the cities of Concord and Kannapolis and the Metropolitan Planning Organization. He stated it would be nice for Cabarrus County to participate in the proposed transit system. Mr. Clifton discussed the inefficiency of a fixed route system based on the number of people who would ride the bus and the difficulty for persons to get from their homes to a bus stop. He also addressed the County's van service that provides door to door transportation for the handicapped. Commissioner Privette stated the County's first priority is new schools and the Board wished to maintain that priority to ~put kids first". SchOol Funding Councilman Andersen questioned funding by Cabarrus County for the new Kannapolis middle school if Rowan County does not provide its share of funds. Mr. Clifton explained that approximately 25 percent of the students in the Kannapolis City School system reside in Rowan County. He also reviewed other issues associated with the construction of new schools, including location and the cost of utility and road extensions. Board members discussed their support of the Kannapolis City Schools but indicated the need for Rowan County to provide its share of funding for the new school construction. Hotel/Motel Tax Councilman Hinnant questioned the levy of the hotel/motel tax and hOw those funds are used. Mr. Clifton explained the use of the five percent (5%) tax that is levied on the motel/hotel rooms in Cabarrus County. Three percent (3%) is used for operation of the Tourism Authority, with approximately one-half of the amount used for marketing purposes by the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The other two percent (2%) goes into a capital trust fund for a capital project, such as a visitor's center. There was brief discussion regarding representation on the Tourism Authority.