BC 2002 12 16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 16, 2002 ~age 5~5 Also included aB a part of the Agenda was the proposed Eastern Area Land Use Plan (Item J-5). This Plan will be considered at the January 27rn Board meeting. (J-6) 2002 Holiday Tree Contest Winners Mr. Clifton read the following list of winners in the 2002 Holiday Tree Contest: Elementary School First Place - Mt. Pleasant Elementary School Second Place - First Assembly Christian Elementary School Third Place - Forest Park Elementary School Middle School First Place - Concord Middle School Second Place - Kannapolis Middle School High School First Place - Jay M. Robinson High School Second Place - A. L. Brown High School First place winners will receive $1,000.00; second place winners will receive $500.00; and third place winners will receive $250.00. All prize money must be used for computer equipment or software that is included in the technology plan for the school. (J-7) Manager's Comm%ents - Frank Clifton (Oral Report) Mr. Clifton presented the following prepared comments: seven years ago, a different County Commission offered me the position as County Manager. Board members at the time were Frank Niblock, Sue Casper, Jeff Barnhart, Arne Fennel and Ken Mills. They had 'separated' the prior manager months earlier. I accepted the position. Issues in 1995 were different, as was the Board. Residential growth had begun; industrial and commercial growth lagged. Commissioners wanted someone "with" experience and the background to help manage an effective, efficient and professional organization. School overcrowding and replacement of aged school buildings were the primary concern. But, even animal control was an issue. Decisions were made, actions endorsed, but more importantly supported by the commission resulting in successful outcomes. Different issues now exist. Campaign slogans aside, building and financing schools without placing a greater share of the cost of new schools on new development has increased the county's debt burden. The result is a long-term financial obligation upon taxpayers that will continue to squeeze the tax rate. Build schools, we did. Six elementary, three middle, a new high school built, and two elementary and one middle school under design all since 1995. Major additions were made to three high schools and two middle schools. A new school administration complex and five auxiliary gyms are under construction. The county provided financial assistance to complete a new building at RCCC and committed to assist in funding another building the state has authorized for the Cabarrus campus. Other county facilities built or renovated include: extension offices, health, mental health, social services, animal control, vehicle maintenance, general services, ems and the emergency operations center (recently put to good use during the ice storm). Two new libraries were opened, another renovated, and the Cabarrus EXPO is now in use. Recreational facilities were expanded and created through partnerships with the State, Cities, Church of God Children's Home and the Boys and Girls Club, and YMCA. I take no personal credit. I, along with other county staff was involved. But, nothing happened without approval of the commissioners. Cabarrus County had an aggressive commercial and industrial development incentive plan. Some describe it as corporate welfare. Others described it as innovative and progressive. The program was widely copied throughout the state. History confirms results. Without some form of incentive program, Concord Mills and its associated development "might" not have occurred HERE. Companies like SYSCO, CORNING, OWENS CORNING, and BOC might not have located in Cabarrus County. Companies like PASS & SEYMOUR, S&D COFFEE, SOUTHEASTERN PACKAGING, and BUILDERS SUPPLY might not have expanded local operations. I take no credit. My efforts supported county commissioners that were pro business development and expansion. They shouldered criticism, but stayed the course. Since December 2nd, insensitive comments have been made and written about my departure and tenure as county manager. Like all such circumstances, there is always more to the story. Unfortunately, some people get justification of their positions by detailing a skewed view of reality. Reality changes significantly with an individual's perspective.