By Hugh Fisher
hfisher@salisburypost.com
KANNAPOLIS ó Some money from the federal stimulus bill may make its way to Kannapolis, but how much will actually come through is anyone’s guess.
That was the gist of City Manager Mike Legg’s report to the Kannapolis City Council Monday night.
Although the N.C. Research Campus and local projects are eligible for stimulus money, Legg said it’s not clear if Kannapolis will be able to compete with other parts of the state and the nation.
“You can say what you want about it. It’s here for the duration,” Legg said, addressing conversations he said had taken place among staff and council members about whether or not the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as it’s officially known, was a good idea.
“It’s better to take advantage of it,” Legg said.
In a report to council members, Legg said several regional transportation projects might benefit from the stimulus, including the widening of Interstate 85 through Cabarrus County and replacement of that highway’s Yadkin River bridge.
But Legg said those projects may not be far enough along to meet spending deadlines.
“Priority funding is given to those projects that can be ready to proceed to construction within 12 months,” Legg said in a written report along with his remarks to the council.
Other projects may be in a better position to compete, including the relocation of Kannapolis Fire Department’s Station 2, with an estimated price tag of $3 million.
The stimulus package includes $210 million for modifying, upgrading or constructing fire stations.
The N.C. Research Campus plans to seek funding on its own along with its university collaborators. Legg said the city would not play as active a role in seeking out those grants and loans.
Legg was quick to point out the city should not expect a windfall.
“We (in North Carolina) represent about three percent of the population of the United States,” he said. “Take all the money and three percent is what we can get.”
“But if we can get $500,000 toward a $3 million fire station, that’s something we should take advantage of,” Legg said.
In other business, the council:
– Voted to issue a letter of intent and heard the first reading of an ordinance which would allow deer to be hunted with bows within the city limits.
According to Kannapolis Police Chief Woody Chavis, there were 32 traffic accidents involving deer in Kannapolis during 2008, not to mention others where deer were injured in other ways.
If approved, the ordinance would allow deer to be hunted in the city during archery season only on tracts of at least 10 acres or larger, at least 500 feet away from property lines or residences and only from elevated stands of 10 feet or higher.
All other N.C. Wildlife regulations would remain in force, Legg said.
– Approved an ordinance voluntarily annexing 5.552 acres off N.C. 73 next to Coddle Creek Animal Hospital,
Pending final approval, the parcel may be home to a restaurant and convenience store, according to developer Richard Flowe of NFocus Design.
– Went into closed session to discuss a negotiating position on price and other terms related to Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium, as well as to discuss personnel matters and consult with the city attorney.