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November 4, 2024 (Work Session) Page <br />Byron Haigler, Active and Living Parks Assistant Director, reported <br />Benesch was contracted to develop a Masterplan for the newly acquired property <br />on St. Stephens Church Road. There were public engagement opportunities along <br />with foresters and conservationists. **The 615-acre parcel has several <br />environmental features and lends itself to passive and educational pursuits. <br />Recommendations include trails, nature center, and educational opportunities <br />throughout the park site. <br />Jeff Ashbaugh, Project Manager, Benesch, presented a PowerPoint <br />presentation that included the following: <br />■ Masterplan Process <br />■ Park Site <br />■ Site Analysis <br />■ Site Images <br />■ Public Input Meeting #1 <br />o Top 10 Activities <br />■ Hiking/Walking Trails <br />■ Equestrian Trails <br />■ Scenic Overlook <br />■ Environmental Educational/N�ture Center <br />■ Playground <br />■ Open Space/Green Space <br />■ Bird/Wildlife Watching <br />■ Picnic Shelters <br />■ Wildlife/Plant Identification <br />■ Disc Golf Course and Cabins <br />■ Public Input Meeting #2 <br />■ Park Masterplan <br />■ Park Masterplan North <br />■ Park Masterplan South <br />■ Budget Estimate <br />■ Recommended Improvements <br />■ Potential Maintenance Practices <br />A discussion ensued. During discussion, Mr. Haigler, Mr. Ashbaugh and <br />Mike Downs, County Manager responded to questions from the Board. <br />Break <br />The Board took break at 6:04 p.m. and returned at 6:25 p.m. <br />3.7 Behavioral Health - Hold Harmless Funds Budget Amendment <br />Aalece Pugh, Assistant County Manager, presented a request to allocate an <br />additional $590,185.89 in Medicaid Hold Harmless (HH) funds to Monarch, the <br />operator of the Cabarrus County Regional Behavioral Health Center. Funding would <br />be used for startup costs to ensure the Center is ready for opening day in late <br />2026. Monarch requires startup funding to hire key administrative, clinical, <br />nursing, and direct care positions to ensure the Center is prepared at launch. <br />The total amount of startup funding requested by Monarch earlier this year was <br />roughly $2.9M. In May 2024, the board approved an initial allotment of <br />1,530,534.51. If approved, the total allocation to Monarch would be <br />$2,120,720.40. In August 2024, Cabarrus received the second disbursement of <br />Medicaid Hold Harmless funds from FY24. The total received in August was <br />$778,077.94. The amount received annually is variable. A budget amendment was <br />presented for consideration. <br />A brief discussion ensued. During discussion, Ms. Pugh responded to <br />questions from the Board. <br />3.8 Design and Construction - Award Contract for Government Center Basement <br />Renovation <br />Michael Miller, Director of Design and Construction, presented the <br />proposed work to allow renovations of the Government Center basement to house <br />the Child Support Division of Social Services. The Child Support Division would <br />operate more efficiently in closer proximity to the courthouse. Renovations <br />related to the HVAC system, air sealing, carpet and painting are all that is <br />necessary to utilize this currently vacant space. Funds were budgeted as part <br />of the PayGo program for this year. <br />Mike Downs, County Manager, provided additional information regarding the <br />location of the space. <br />Kelly Sifford, Deputy County Manager, was present. <br />Page 9 <br />