BC 1998 03 13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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542 Continuation of Retreat The meeting reconvened at 8:45 p.m. Ail Board members were present at that time. School Grounds/Playground Maintenance Mr. Clifton presented a Channel 9 News video regarding Charlotte/Mecklenburg playground problems and reviewed efforts to improve playgrounds in Cabarrus County. He outlined the concept of the County assuming the maintenance responsibility for school grounds/playgrounds and presented early FY 1998-99 County cost estimates for the schools/grounds maintenance repairs, the hiring of additional employees and purchase of additional equipment. The Board discussed the issue of contracted maintenance of the school grounds/playgrounds and generally agreed that the County should request proposals from private contractors prior to adding County staff and purchasing additional equipment. Library Consolidation Mr. Day discussed the proposed merger of the Charles A. Cannon Memorial Library into the Cabarrus County Library system on July 1, 1998. He explained the consolidation of library operations would create a more efficient operation, specifically with regard to technology and personnel. There was discussion regarding the pros and cons of the proposed merger and the reported plan by the City of Concord to spend its savings on library operations for road improvements. Recess of Retreat and Work Session The retreat was recessed at 10:10 P.M. on March 13 to be reconvened on Saturday morning at 8:00 A.M. Continuation of Retreat The retreat was reconvened at 8:10 A.M on Saturday, March 14. Ail Board members were present except Commissioner Mills who arrived at 8:50 A.Mo Courthouse Renovation Project Mr. Day reviewed plans to renovate the third floor of the Courthouse to provide an additional Superior Courtroom and additional office space for the District Attorney. The final phase of the work is scheduled for FY 1999-2000. Capital Improvements Program Mr. Clifton reviewed the proposed Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 1998/99 - 2002/03. He asked for input from the Board regarding additional projects. The Board discussed the request for $75,000.00 for the LIFE Center to be built at the Senior Center site and for the County to purchase adjacent property to provide better access to the new facility. A ground lease agreement is to be prepared for the LIFE Center site. Commissioner Niblock stated for the record his support of the LIFE Center. Incentive Grant Projects Mr. Clifton presented a summary of industrial/commercial incentive grant projects for Cabarrus County. There was discussion regarding the award of incentives for the expansion of existing businesses and implementation dates for the incentive grants. Board members generally agreed on the need to revisit the incentive grant program and asked staff to prepare recommendations for revisions to the current policy. Growth Management Mr. Marshall distributed a number of publications concerning growth management techniques and recent reports regarding growth in Cabarrus County. He pointed out that school facility needs and traffic problems are the two major issues associated with the County's growth. To address the road problems, the Board discussed the possibility of purchasing road rights-of-way for future roads and requiring the dedication of road rights-of-way as part of the development approval process.