AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS. The Board inducted Carroll Gray, president of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, into the Order of the Hornet. Gray is retiring after 21 years of service with the Chamber. Under his leadership, the Chamber was involved in many initiatives, including the push for a new Convention Center, assisting business connections for the Panthers, Bobcats and Hornets, promoting the new downtown arena, playing an instrumental role in passage of state and local bonds, and more. Established in 1972, the Order of the Hornet is the highest honor the Board can bestow on an individual.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE. The following people addressed the Board:
- Jack Stratton on the courts and the Department of Social Services regarding the removal of his children.
- Lenny Springs, Ruth Samuelson and Elsie Garner on WTVI's new documentary "African-American's Journey in Charlotte-Mecklenburg,"
APPOINTMENTS. The Board appointed Pamela Hemphill to the Women's Commission.
LAND ACQUISITIONS. The Board approved the following land acquisitions:
- Two parcels on Johnston Road totaling one-acre from the City of Charlotte for $10,000. The property will become part of the Lower McAlpine Creek Greenway.
- The donation of 5.992 acres adjacent to Stephen's Road Nature Preserve from Shea Homes, LLC. The donation provides additional watershed protection for Mountain Island Lake.
- 0.85 acres on Shady Bluff Drive from Robert and Linda Landers for $55,000 for the McMullen Creek Greenway.
MANAGER'S STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN. The Board approved County Manager Harry Jones' management plan for FY2006.This serves as the work plan for the County Manager for the fiscal year. The plan includes goals and projects for the manager to accomplish. Among the goals and objectives: A revised CMS funding framework recommendation, a complete program review for the remaining 2/3 programs, a strategy to address the issue of health disparities, a plan to deal with methamphetamine labs, a progress report on the balanced scorecard, and a review of the criminal justice system.
AREA MENTAL HEALTH GRANT. The Board recognized, received and appropriated the $999,778 first-year funding for a $8.9 million grant from the federal government. This six-year grant will provide services to approximately 200 severely emotionally disturbed children in Mecklenburg County.Many of the funds will be used to contract with private providers in the community to serve these children.The grant requires local match, which will be $1.6 million coming from the Area Mental Health operating budget.
SUPPORT FOR KATRINA EVACUEES. The Board allocated $25,000 from unrestricted contingency to help Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Mecklenburg County. The funds will be used to contract with "A Way Home," a non-profit organization serving the homeless, to coordinate services among various community agencies.These agencies have formed a network called Transitional Assistance to Survivors of Katrina (TASK) to help these evacuees obtain stable housing, job placement, food, clothing and transportation.The funds will be used for administrative support, operating expenses and other fees.
