BC 1997 10 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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413 following seats: Kannapolis School Board Representative; Cabarrus School Board Representative; Township 1,2,3; Township 1,2,3; Township 4; Township 5,6,7,8; Township 9,10; Township 11; and Township 12. Presentation Concerning the Agricultural Building Mr. John Walker, Chairman of the Cabarrus County Extension Advisory Council, stated a number of speakers were present to express their views on the present agricultural building and the future of agricultural facilities in the county. These speakers included Mr. Ralph Bonds, Ms. Judy Furr, Mr. John Suther, Mr. Jerry Pless and Mr. Larry Taylor. Chairman Casper limited the number of speakers to four and asked all others to address the Board during the Public Comments portion of the meeting. Mr. Ralph Bonds discussed the construction of the Extension Building which he stated was built in 1979 at a cost of $1 million. He stated in his opinion the facility would last at least 20 more years and estimated it would cost in excess of $3 million to replace the facility. Ms. Judy Furr, an 18-year volunteer with Extension Services, discussed the activities of the Extension Homemakers and the 4-H club members. She outlined the following facility requirements: (1) Accessible location; (2) Staff office space; (3) Large Learning Center; and (4) Breakout rooms for small worksessions. Mr. John Suther, Master of St. John's Grange, outlined concerns regarding the proposed sale of the Extension Building. He discussed changes in agricultural operations and the continued need for extension services in the county. Mr. Suther listed the following facility requirements: (1) Central location near present site; (2) Adequate office space; and (3) Meeting rooms with equipment to conduct cooking, canning, and other demonstrations by Extension personnel and 4-H members. Mr. Jerry Pless, representing the Farm Bureau, discussed the continued importance of agriculture in Cabarrus County, the diversification of agricultural products, and the economic and ecological benefits of farming. He stated the approximately 1,300 to 1,400 farms in the county generate a total income of $16.4 million annually. Mr. Clifton explained that the Board had authorized architectural services to study the space and activity needs for the agencies housed in the Extension Building. He stated the County will look at all options regarding the relocation of the facility. Appeal of the Cabarrus County Planning and Zoning Commission Decision by Westbrook Highland Creek~ LLC Mr. Mike Byrd, Planner, presented information regarding the Planning and Zoning Commission's denial of a plat for an extension (67 lots) of the Highland Creek development into Cabarrus County. The vote was 4-4 and Westbrook Highland Creek, LLC has appealed the decision. At the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, staff had recommended the construction of an access road from Cabarrus County prior to the issuance of any occupancy permits as well as the establishment of the flood plain in the area. However, due to safety concerns, Mr. Byrd advised that staff now recommended that no building permits be issued until the access road is completed. Mr. Robert W. Bradshaw, Jr., Attorney representing Westbrook Highland Creek, LLC, advised the developer would agree to the completion of the access road prior to the issuance of any building permits. Stating that his client had complied with the Subdivision Ordinance provisions as well as additional requirements, Mr. Bradshaw stated in his opinion the Planning and Zoning Commission has no authority to deny the plat for reasons outside the ordinance or for no reason. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Barnhart, seconded by Commissioner Carpenter with Commissioners Barnhart, Carpenter and Niblock and Chairman Casper voting for and Commissioner Mills voting against, the Board deferred the Westbrook Highland Creek appeal at this time to allow an opportunity for discussions between County staff and the developer.