BC 2001 10 13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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204 Expo Park Mr. Mark Chappuis, Expo Center General Manager, reviewed proposed design changes to the Expo Center. One proposal was to close in the two sides of the Livestock portion of the Events Center to provide additional exhibit space. Preliminary cost estimates for this work ranged from approximately $475,000.00 to $800,000.00. The second proposed design change was to construct VIP suites in the Arena building at an estimated price of $659,000.00. Commissioner Suggs left the meeting at 12:40 p.m. Mr. Chappuis presented the planned staffing and hiring schedule for the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center as well as the Gold Hall (Exhibit Building) at the Expo Park. He discussed proposed contract services (security, EMS service, food service/concessions and cleaning services) and reviewed proposed facility rental rates along with proposed equipment, audio-visual and personnel charges. He also gave a brief overview of various proposed leases and Use Guidelines for the facilities. During review of the proposed lease agreements, Commissioner Privette questioned the sale of alcoholic beverages at the County-owned Expo Park. There was lengthy discussion' regarding this issue, including the possible elimination of a block of revenue opportunities for rentals and the various types of shows/events (County sponsored, promoter operated and private parties) that will be held at the facility. Board members asked staff to provide additional information, including proposed criteria under which alcoholic beverages could be sold at various types of events and how similar types, of facilities handle the alcoholic beverage issue. Mr. Clifton reported that the North Carolina Department of Transportation is requiring that Old Airport Road be widened to three lanes in front of the Expo property. UPON MOTION of Chairman Fennel, seconded by Commissioner Privette with Chairman Fennel, Vice Chairman Carruth and Commissioners Freeman and Privette voting for, the Board authorized engineering services for the three-laning of Old Airport Road in front of the County Expo property at a cost not to exceed $50,000.00 and approved the appropriate budget amendment allocating funds for that purpose. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Chairman Fennel with Commissioners Privette and Freeman, Chairman Fennel and Vice Chairman Carruth voting for, the Board authorized the architect to proceed with the design of plans to enclose two sides of the open-air portion of the Events Building with information concerning construction costs to be brought back to the Board. UPON MOTION of Vice Chairman Carruth, seconded by Commissioner Privette with Vice Chairman Carruth, Chairman Fennel and Commissioners Privette and Freeman voting for, the Board authorized the architect to proceed with the design of plans to construct VIP suites in the Arena. Cost information is to be obtained from the contractor for consideration by the Board. Mr. Clifton advised that work on naming rights opportunities for the facility continues at this time. Chairman Fennel suggested a fund raising activity whereby persons could buy seating for the facility. Mr. Clifton again asked the Board for direction concerning the proposed construction of the new School Administration Office complex on property adjacent to the Expo Park on Old Airport Road. The Board by general consensus agreed to table further action on the School Administration Complex building program pending a future contract to sell the existing site on Highway 29 and further consideration by the School Board .as to whether the Old Airport Road site is a suitable location. Public Information Program Mr. Clifton discussed issues associated with a Public Information Program, including costs, the type of information to be disseminated and how to disseminate that information. Various options include the County Government access channel on Time Warner Cable, direct mailings and local newspapers. He stressed the need to maintain established policies to ensure the program is not used for personal or political issues.