HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93010_0329 (2)Chairman Tice then made the following remarks.
"On behalf of the commissioners, we thank you for your input. Your efforts call attention
to the library needs of our county, and they are commendable. Of course, in any case, in order for
our county services to be what they are, public support is imperative. At this time, I would just like
to bring us up-to-date as to where we are on this project.
"As you are aware, in 1997, the commissioners determined that major library expansion was
one of the top three capital needs, excluding schools. That same year, the commissioners approved
funds to do a 20 -year library needs assessment, and a strategic planning committee was appointed
to work with the consultant. In July of 1998, the study was completed. Because of the rapid growth
and the increased need for school expansion, in February of 1999, the commissioners were faced
with a decision of having to borrow money in order to proceed with the needed capital projects or
develop a pay-as-you-go plan. After evaluating all of the options, the board decided on using a pay-
as-you-go method and since the courts and DSS needs would require less funding, we decided to go
forward with those two projects first and allow more time to build up a reserve to complete the
library. The new agricultural center, which will allow for the relocation of local, state and federal
agricultural agencies, will be freeing up space for court expansion and is to be completed in the early
spring of 2001. A study is underway for the DSS expansion, and funds should be available during
2000-01 to design and begin construction on this project in 2001-02. A total of $3,307,000 will be
available for library expansion. In 2002-03 over $5,000,000 will be available. This should be an
adequate amount, if we are able to stay at our present location. Should we have to move, it may take
an additional year of funding. We are hoping the library study, presently underway, will answer
these questions shortly.
"Again, I would like to thank you for your input and your interest in improving our library
services and to let you know that we will receive these petitions and we will give consideration to
this project when we have our planning retreat the last of this month"
PRESENTATION ON THE FINDINGS OF THE BALANCED GROWTH
COMMITTEE (BGC): Phil McLain (BGC Vice Chairman) introduced the members of the
committee that were in attendance. They were: B.K. Barringer, David Boone, Michael Johnson,
Wayne Robertson, Madeline Bradburn, and Marvin Norman. He said the other members, not in
attendance, were: R.B. Sloan (Chairman), Archie Bridges, Eric Fields, Arthur Jack Goforth, Bill
Harris, Roger Hyatt, John Kindley, Jack Moore, Sherrill Parks, John Robertson, and Vaughn
Sprinkle.
Planning Supervisor Ron Smith reviewed the mission statement and the concerns that
prompted the formation of the committee. These were:
MISSION STATEMENT
To develop a managed growth plan which will insure that economic and
environmental interest will be balanced and that efforts to provide industrial,
commercial and residential development do not jeopardize the quality of life
amenities that make Iredell County such a great place to live.
CONCERNS
AF Disappearance offarmland
Ar Trak
RF,nvironmental health concerns
Ar Insuring adequate employment opportunities for county residents
Insuring that the municipalities have input in the management
of growth
Insuring the involvement of the school systems (coordination of
educational facilities with residential areas)
• Coordinating residential development in a manner that will protect
property values