BC 2002 10 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 21, 2002 Page 455 Mr. Don Cummings, Human Resources Director, introduced Susan Nunn (Department of Social Services) and Chasity Stoker (Department of Aging), who served as co-chairs for the Cabarrus County Employees' 2002 United Way Campaign. Ms. Stoker and Ms. Nunn reported a very successful Employee Campaign with donations totaling $23,160.00 and participation by 50.7 percent of County employees. (D) OLD BUSINESS (D-l) World Sports Center Project Presentation -'Commissioner Fennel Chairman Freeman recognized Commissioner Fennel for a presentation concerning the proposed World Sports Center project. Commissioner Fennel made brief comments concerning the proposed project, describing it as an "exciting tourism attraction and job provider" in Cabarrus County. He turned the presentation over to Mr. Ken Lingafelt of Southeast Developers. Mr. Lingafelt introduced David O'Brien, designer and architect of the project, and Mr. David Jones, President of Vision South Construction Company. He also recognized Carolina Panthers player Mike Minter and Jim Beatty, the first man to run the four-minute mile indoors, as Partners in the project. Mr. David Jones, President of Vision South Construction, presented an overview of the proposed project that will include a track and field facility, ice skating rink, skate park for in-line skating and skateboarding and a health club. He stated events at the facility are anticipated to draw almost 35,000 athletes and one million spectators in one year. Mr. Jones also discussed the economic benefits of the proposed project, including the creation of 495 full-time and part-time jobs, new sales tax revenue, and additional hotel tax revenue from the increased hotel nights. Additional revenues are also anticipated from property taxes as well as from additional shopping and entertainment that will occur in'the county. Mr. Jim Beatty (Partner) discussed the impact the facility would have on the community. He stated the facility will bring into the area many athletic opportunities and world class athletes and inspire the youth of Cabarrus County and throughout North Carolina. Mr. Jeff Simpson of Clear Channel Communications commented on the creation of jobs and the impact the project will have on the citizens of Cabarrus County. He indicated that his company could book 15 major shows each year at the facility, thus bringing in additional revenue to the county. Commissioner Fennel reported that the Cabarrus Visitors Bureau (CVB) has been instrumental in looking at the proposed project and has scheduled a meeting on October 23 to consider the project. He introduced Joe Phelps, Chairman of the Tourism Authority Board of Directors (CVB), for comments. Mr. Joe Phelps. (Chairman of the Tourism Authority Board of Directors) discussed the impact the proposed facility and its various sporting events will have on tourism and the hotel industry in Cabarrus County. He reported there would be a meeting on November 12 to present the project to the County's hospitality industry and to discuss the potential use of the occupancy tax revenue for the project. The CVB plans to provide information concerning input received at its meetings to the Board on November 18. Commissioner Fennel then presented the following World Sports Center Proposal: · Kannapolis would commit to enter into an agreement to purchase 70 acres @ $63,500.00 ($4.45 million total cost) for land at the intersection of 1-85 and Crisco Road. · The Cabarrus Visitors Bureau (CVB) will commit to enter into an agreement with Kannapolis to provide Occupancy Tax dollars generated by the additional. 2% Occupancy tax levied for tourism related capital projects for one-half (1/2) of the cost of the land to be purchased. · The CVB would agree that Under this agreement they would provide the initial down payment for the land and then use the Tourism Projects 2% Occupancy Tax collected on an annual basis to pay their share of the land purchase.