BC 2001 12 17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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244 chairman. He commented on the difficult decision in the vote for chairman and stated he will support Chairman Freeman. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Fennel, seconded by Commissioner Carruth and unanimously carried, the Board 9oted to make the election of the Chairman (Robert M. Freeman) unanimous. Election of Vice Chairman Chairman Freeman called for nominations for Vice Chairman. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Previtte, seconded by Commissioner Suggs and unanimously carried, the Board elected Commissioner Carruth as Vice Chairman of the Board. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Mr. Clifton listed the following additions to the Agenda: Consent Agenda - Community Transportation Program Resolution; New Business - Resolution Commending Congressman Robin Hayes; and Requested Support for Proposed Federal Medicaid Relief to North Carolina; and Closed Session - Consult with County Attorney regarding Pending. Litigation as Authorized by North Carolina General Statute 143-318.1%(a) (3). UPON MOTION of Commissioner Fennel, seconded by Vice Chairman Carruth and unanimously carried, the Board agreed to add the following item to the Agenda: New Business - Setting a Work Session on January 14th with the Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. UPON MOTION of Vice Chairman Carruth, seconded by Commissioner Fennel and unanimously carried, the Board approved the Agenda with the additions as listed. OLD BUSINESS Expo Project Update Mr. Mark Chappuis, Expo General Manager, updated the status of the Expo project and presented advertisements that have been published to increase public awareness of the facility. He reviewed a tentative schedule of 2002 events, including the County Fair, a Christmas show, antique and gun shows, a mule auction and sale and an Arena Motorcross. Finally, Mr. Chappuis reported that persons may view daily construction progress of the Expo facilities via a live webcam at the site. Mr. Mike Downs, Development Services Director, presented an update on construction progress at the Expo Park. Concrete is being poured for the Arena perimeter foundation walls and the Exhibit Hall slabs. Also, curb and gutter are being installed in the parking area. Commissioner Privette and Chairman Freeman questioned completion of the project in time for the 2002 Fair, including the need to use tents for the 2002 Fair and/or holding the Fair at the old location if the Expo facility is not complete. Also, Board members questioned the size of the midway area, Arena seating capacity, the sale of naming rights and efforts to inform local citizens as to what the Expo will do for Cabarrus County. Mr. Clifton and Mr. Chappuis responded to the Board's questions and concerns. Even though all efforts are being made to have the Expo site ready in time for the Fair, there will be back-up plans that will include the use of tents. The midway area at the new site consists of approximately ten acres; however, the location of support vehicles and food service operations outside the midway area will provide more room for carnival rides and other activities. There will be 2,500 fixed seats in the Arena and approximately 3,500 additional seats can be set up on the floor for such activities as concerts and graduations. Staff is working to get information out to the public as to how "great" the facility will be for the community. It is expected that a proposal to sell naming rights will be brought to the Board after the first of the year. In addition, Mr. Clifton pointed out the Expo is not a facility that is perfect for all events but is a facility that can be used for a multitude of local/regional uses.