BC 1994 07 05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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172 Chairman Barnhart reconvened the meeting of the Board of Commissioners at 5:52 P.M. INFORMAL PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Barnhart opened the meeting for Informal Public Comments. He stated that the proposed baseball stadium was not on the agenda and that staff will have additional information regarding the funding proposal on Friday. Mr. Steve Propst, of Golonial Inn and representing all hotel and motel owners in the county, reported that the lodging industry supported the concept of the proposed sports complex but opposed an increase in the occupancy tax to fund the project. He stated the increase in the occupancy tax from three cents (3¢) to five cents (5¢) would cause a decrease in occupancy rates and place local owners at a competitive disadvantage with surrounding counties. Mr. Propst also pointed out that the increased tax would negatively impact a number of local businesses and families who use the facilities for conferences, accommodations, weddings, and reunions. Speaking as Chairman of the Tourism Authority, Mr. Propst reported that the Authority had endorsed the sports complex but had not agreed to commit occupancy tax revenue to fund the complex. In conclusion, he stated in his opinion private funds should be used to finance the proposed stadium. Mr. Hartsell reported that the occupancy tax funds could be used for capital financing if the Tourism Authority chooses to expend the funds in that matter. Mr. Hank Utley, who described himself as a baseball fan and baseball historian, addressed the financing proposal for the proposed sports complex. He called the projected attendance of 280,000 per year for six years an "astounding" figure and stated in his opinion this number could not be met. He reported that the very successful Hickory Crawdads had an annual attendance of 261,000 in 1993 and stated the Cabarrus/Rowan/Kannapolis area does not compare financially with the Hickory/Catawba area. Mr. Utley quoted figures from the Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball indicating an average 1992 attendance of 96,000 for the South Atlantic League, ranging from a high of 156,000 to a low of 32,000. Other concerns expressed by Mr. Utley included the competition with the Charlotte Knights, the need for local ownership of the team, and the existence of economic problems in Cabarrus County, particularly in the City of Kannapolis. He stated that any money spent by Cabarrus County should be directed toward solving the water problems in the Midland area. Commissioner Fennel clarified that the funding proposal included the use of proceeds based on an annual attendance of 220,000 for six years, not 280,000. He also pointed out that the complex will include such recreational facilities as baseball fields, soccer fields, and tennis courts in addition to the professional baseball stadium. Mr. Utley stated that 220,000 was also a "fantastic" figure and did not change his previous remarks. He indicated that the recreational facilities proposed at the complex could be built for $1 to $1.5 million. Mr. Tom Dayvault, President of the Kannapolis Chamber of Commerce and member of the Regional Sports Authority, responded to comments by Mr. Utley. He stated in his opinion there is no reason that a local team could not do as good or better than the Hickory team. According to Mr. Dayvault, there is a higher population in the local two-county region with 850,000 persons living within a 25-mile radius of the proposed stadium. Mr. Dayvault stated it is unlikely the team will be moved as the owner is from Statesville and the Kannapolis location is the closest to his hometown that minor league restrictions will allow. He commented that baseball is now a big family entertainment business and that the stadium would bring recreation/entertainment money back to the Kannapolis area. In conclusion, Mr. Dayvault reported that for every $1.50 in County money,·$6.50 will be funded from another source. There was no one else present to address the Board, and Chairman Barnhart closed the Informal Public Comments portion of the meeting. Chairman Barnhart announced that the Board had been requested to meet with the Kannapolis City Council and the Rowan County Commissioners on Monday, July 11, to discuss the proposed sports complex.