BC 1999 03 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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171 Mr. Tom Schmitt of 5731 Monticello Drive, Concord commended the two boards on their willingness to visit the schools in Iredell County. He stated it would hopefully be a start of cooperation between the two boards and the end of accusations concerning school construction in Cabarrus County. He commented on the rapid population growth in the county and suggested the establishment of a process whereby new schools would be constructed as new subdivisions are developed. Mr. Randy Foster of 1542 Wheaton Way, Concord, urged the two boards to work together to plan for the future and to fund and build the best schools possible in the county. Ms. Carol Bair of 958 Flannery Place, Concord discussed the quality of the Weddington Hills Elementary School and stated she favored a school constructed of "bricks, blocks and mortar." She stressed the importance of safety and cited a recent tornado drill at the school. Mr. Tim Medlin of 1239 Boyden Place NW, Concord stated he became involved in the school issue in response to the recent threat of multi-track schools, which he stated in his opinion would be a direct threat to the quality of life in Cabarrus County. He said it was time for Board members to stop recklessly throwing figures around in public forums and to do what is in the best interest of the general public. Mr. Gene Cruse of Dutch Road in Mt. Pleasant commented on a recent letter by Commissioner Fennel in the newspaper. He questioned the presence of money that he said Commissioners Fennel and Privette had stated was available last year to construct new schools. Further, Mr. Cruse challenged Commissioners Fennel and Privette to present documentation that the Schools are spending too much on school construction costs. There was no one else present to address the Board, and Chairman Barnhart closed the Informal Public Comments portion of the meeting at 10:25 p.m. NEW BUSINESS Discussion of the Cabarrus County Fair - Commissioner Privette Chairman Barnhart stated he was appointing Commissioners Fennel and Casper to represent the Board in meeting with members of the Agricultural Fair Board. He stated he would like to see this committee address the various issues with a result or some type of proposal back to the Board of Commissioners prior to the May 17th Board meeting. He outlined the following issues to be addressed from the County's perspective: (1) County liability; (2) An agreed upon percentage of any Fair receipts from operations on publicly owned land will be guaranteed to be donated back to the community in terms of contributions, etc. to a public, non-profit organization; (3) Any future buildings shall be in accordance with County Codes, both building and health codes; and (4) A future site that will allow more space for growth and much less traffic problems. A motion was made by Commissioner Privette and seconded by Commissioner Fennel to appoint Commissioners Carpenter and Fennel as the Board's representatives to meet with members of the Fair Board. There was lengthy discussion regarding the Board's past efforts to work with the Fair, the appointment of committee members and the suspension of rules concerning the appointment process. Mr. Hartsell stated that approval of the motion would be action to suspend the rules. He also pointed out that the meetings of the committee would be open to the public. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Commissioner Fennel with Commissioners Privette, Fennel and Carpenter and Chairman Barnhart voting for and Commissioner Casper voting against, the Board named Commissioner Fennel, who voted to sell the County property on Highway 601 Bypass, and Commissioner Carpenter, who voted against selling the County property, to a committee to meet with members of the Fair Board concerning the future of the Fair. Further, the following items as listed by Chairman Barnhart were incorporated as a part of the motion. The committee should address the various issues with a result or some type of proposal back to the Board of Commissioners prior to the May 17th Board meeting. Issues to be covered from the