BC 1999 02 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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155 enhancement of public health in Cabarrus County. Staff will bring information concerning the proposed transfer back to the Board for review and approval at a future date. Status Report: County Construction Projects Chairman Barnhart suggested the Board consider the updating of the County project notebook began several years ago. Also, he suggested the Board begin meeting quarterly to discuss the status of various projects. Mr. Clifton reviewed the status of current County projects and outlined future needs of the County. He discussed future space needs for the courts and other offices located in the Courthouse, expansion of the Jail and the possible construction of a parking garage in conjunction with the City of Concord. Also, Mr. Clifton reported that plans are complete for the vehicle maintenance garage. Board members had no objections to putting this project out for bid. Sheriff Robert Canaday discussed the increasing jail population and the need to begin planning for additional jail space. He stated that additional beds would be needed in 18 to 24 months. There was discussion regarding the expansion of the existing jail or constructing a satellite facility. Plans are to include funding in the FY 1999-2000 budget for architectural services to evaluate jail space needs and beginning planning on jail expansion. County Landfill Site The Board deferred discussion of options for the future use of the County Landfill site until a later date. Tax Administrator Position Mr. Clifton and Mr. Don Moorhead, Human Resources Director, reviewed the appointment requirements for the Tax Administrator position. The position currently oversees appraisal/valuation, land records, tax collection and ambulance collection. They pointed out that the General Statutes require that the person appointed to the position acquire State certification within two years of the appointment. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Casper, seconded by Commissioner Privette and unanimously carried, the Board authorized staff to proceed with the application process to fill the Tax Administrator's position as currently structured. The Board stated preference for a certified candidate but will consider other qualified applicants. It was agreed that Mr. Don Moorhead would coordinate the application process. Educational Issues Mr. Clifton presented a proposal to consolidate school building maintenance functions and establish a centralized building maintenance function similar to the grounds maintenance program began last year. He stated plans to budget one half the total building maintenance expense for FY 1999-2000 with the program to be effective January 1, 2000. The County would then pick up the full cost in the next fiscal year. Mr. Clifton pointed out that in pursuing this program the current Board of Commissioners and future Boards would be accepting responsibility for all School and County buildings in Cabarrus County. Chairman Barnhart stated he had invited Cabarrus County School representatives to make a presentation concerning school funding and school construction costs. He expressed concern that there is no uniform method for reporting school construction costs to the State. Mr. Gary Hahn, member of the Cabarrus County Board of Education, discussed the school construction program and the different methods of reporting costs, including total project, construction and square footage costs. He listed various factors affecting construction costs such as facility size, base bid items, bid date, bid climate and geographic location. Mr. Hahn compared new Cabarrus County schools with a prototype elementary school in Harnett County. He also reviewed costs for architectural services and defended the use of the current architect by the County Schools.