BC 1997 02 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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248 projects within Cabarrus County; (2) Development of a single county-wide set of land use regulations; and (3) Preparation of a uniform ordinance to regulate cellular tower regulations. PARKS AND RECREATION Commissioner Carpenter left the meeting at 12:25 P.M. Mr. Steve Little, Parks and Recreation Director, gave an overview of the 1992 Master Park and Recreation Plan, including district parks and community and neighborhood parks. It was noted that the proposed community/neighborhood park concept has now been replaced with the school-park concept. Possibilities of a district park at the current Landfill and the Coddle Creek area will continue to be considered. There was lengthy discussion regarding the matching grant program and the maintenance of outdoor recreational facilities at the schools. The Board considered such issues as the purpose of the matching grant program, the "matching fund" requirements (i.e. funding by community/neighborhood groups versus other governmental entities), and who should assume the responsibility for maintaining the facilities after they are constructed. The Board also discussed programs versus facility development and the potential for consolidating the City of Concord and Cabarrus County recreational programs. The Clerk left the meeting at 12:45 P.M. In her absence, Mr. Moorhead recorded the minutes for the remainder of the meeting. GROWTH - IMPACTS ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS Mr. Clifton addressed the issue of growth in Cabarrus County and its impact on the size of government. Efforts are being made to balance the residential properties and commercial/industrial properties. Mr. Mike Downs, Development Services Director, discussed the increased demand on the inspections staff. A new inspector position was approved on February 17; however, additional personnel may be needed in the near future. Also, the'County will be looking at technology to increase the productivity of inspectors. Mr. Jonathan Marshall, Planning Services Director, commented on the continuing need for zoning changes in response to the growth in the county. Staff will continue efforts to identify property for non-residential purposes. Mr. Clifton discussed the impact of growth on such County services as the Register of Deeds Office, Tax Administration and Emergency Medical Services. To address growth issues, staff will seek to develop certain benchmarks or measurable criteria for the Board to use in making budget decisions. Commissioner Carpenter returned to the meeting at 2:26 p.m. The Board discussed the possible consolidation of the City of Concord and County library services. The additional cost to Cabarrus County was estimated at $500,000.00 to $600,000.00. It was noted that the Town of Harrisburg is planning to build a branch library which County staff will be asked to operate. There was also lengthy discussion on the possibility of combining the public library with school libraries. Commissioner Barnhart arrived at 2:40 p.m. and was present for the remainder of the meeting. Mr. Marshall presented an overview of the Alternative Revenue Sources Task Force Report, including the following recommendations: (1) Review Zoning Atlas to determine ways to reduce density and provide for more non-residential property; (2) Develop and adopt an adequate public facilities ordinance; and (3) Pursue local legislation to provide, subject to a vote of the people, a local option one cent sales tax and a one percent real estate transfer tax. The report will be presented to all elected boards at a meeting on February 27. Mr. Clifton discussed the County's industrial development incentive plan. He also commented on the issues of capitalized interest taxation and the levy of an intangibles tax on such items as trademarks, patents, copyrights, etc.