Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 2, 2009

By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
A discussion of topics for the upcoming Rowan County commissioners’ retreat turned a bit testy Tuesday night.
Two possible subjects ó strategic planning and farmland preservation ó drew a very cool reception.
Commissioner Jon Barber, who apparently provided most of the proposed topics for the retreat, lobbied heavily to restart the strategic planning process.
Barber said the plan done in 1995 needs to be “dusted off” and updated to include connectivity of all the different things going on now.
Vice Chairman Chad Mitchell said if the plan was really important “we wouldn’t have to dust it off.”
Mitchell added the county has bitten off a sizable chunk with land-use planning.
“We have no plan,” responded Barber, saying the “political winds” of the board will determine what happens.
As Commissioner Tina Hall weighed in, saying the county has a plan, Barber interrupted saying, “I hope you can describe it.”
Hall, clearly annoyed with Barber’s interruption, went on to point out that she is willing to take look at the 1995 plan and see what might need updating.
Barber then called for restarting the strategic planning process, which was done by a separate board in the mid-90s.
Commissioner Jim Sides said he never liked the creation of the Strategic Planning Commission, contending it did the work of the Board of Commissioners. “We’re moving in a very good direction,” said Sides, citing in part the county’s capital improvement plan.
Chairman Arnold Chamberlain made clear he disagrees with Barber on the strategic planning issue, but agreed to sit down with Barber and look at the decade-old plan, possibly bringing out some sections for review.
Chamberlain added that “Contrary to what some people believe, the county is moving forward.”
As Chamberlain moved down the list of more than two dozen topics proposed for the retreat, it became obvious that everyone didn’t have the same document.
A newer version, apparently prepared by Barber, had been distributed to some commissioners, but not all.
An annoyed Chamberlain whacked the gavel and recessed the meeting for a short time to allow time for everyone to get the same copy.
But the new copy didn’t change the dynamics.
Barber then pushed to get farmland preservation on the retreat agenda, saying it would be a travesty not to have a vision for farmland preservation.
Mitchell said he is willing to talk and listen as long as no county tax dollars are involved.
“I like open spaces,” said Chamberlain. “I will not at any point support (farmland preservation) with local tax dollars, regardless of state or federal funds available.”
As the board moved through the list, Barber objected to a couple of proposals from Hall.
At one point when Hall suggested Sheriff George Wilhelm bring vendors to the retreat who can provide details on various options for jail facilities, Barber said he wants to hear from the sheriff, not vendors.
Later, Barber rejected a suggestion by Hall to have someone from the Institute of Government attend and do a brief session on team building.
“I’m not sure that’s a retreat item,” said Barber.
Hall fired a zinger back, saying a team-building session could “help us act more strategically.”
Mitchell asked if the team building involved group hugs.
“No,” said Hall, adding that commissioners wouldn’t have to hold hands, either.
Sides, who had remained quiet during much of the discussion, said that while the team-building exercise might make them feel good for a while, the board will still be split 3-2.
Commissioners did agree to put nearly two dozen items on the agenda, including presentations from the Rowan-Salisbury School System on new programs as well as capital needs.
Commissioners will also hear from many county departments and hear a report that looks at county jobs and how the pay and benefits compare with counties of similar size.
The board will also take an extensive look at the future of the county parks. Chamberlain said he would like to see the county buy land in the southern end of Rowan for a park.
And he said the board will look at other park issues, including the RiverPark on the Yadkin River and the proposed Farm Life Museum at Sloan Park.
The retreat is scheduled for Feb. 27-29 in the Brownell Building at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College off Jake Alexander Boulevard.
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254 or jburchette@salisburypost.com.