Centralina Council of Governments Notice & Agenda of Meeting

Pine Island Country Club 1701 Stoneyridge Drive

Charlotte, NC 28214

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 6:15 p.m. - Social Time

7:00 p.m. – Dinner

RETURN—the enclosed card by December 8, 2008

EMAIL bblackwell@centralina.org

CALL (704) 372-2416

(704) 718-1555 (cell)

Driving Directions: From Mountain Island Lake Area: Highway 16 South (Brookshire Blvd) ¼ mile from Mt. Holly-Huntersvi l le Rd. intersection toward Charlotte. Turn right onto I-485 (outer). Take first exit, Mt. Holly Rd exit 14 Turn right onto Mt. Holly Rd Go 0.6 miles and take a right on Stoneyridge Dr. From I-77: From I-77 take I-85 South to I-485 North (inner) exit 30B,take Mt. Holly Rd, exi t 14. Turn right on Mt. Holly Rd. Go 0.6 miles and take a right on Stoneyridge Dr. From I-85: From I-85 take I-485 exit North (inner), take Mt. Holly Rd, exit 14. Turn right on Mt. Holly Rd. Go 0.6 miles and turn right on Stoneyridge Dr. From Charlotte Center City: Take I-277 to Brookshire Blvd (Hwy 16) Turn left onto I-85 south. Take I-485 North (inner) exi t 30B. Take the Mt. Holly Rd exit 14. Turn right onto Mt. Holly Rd. Go 0.6 miles and turn right on Stoneyridge Dr.

Clubhouse is ½ mile on the left. Convenient parking in upper lot just past the swimming pool.

Centralina Council of Governments Agenda of Meeting December 10, 2008

1. Welcome and Call to Order 2. Amendments to the Agenda (if any) 3. Approval of Board of Delegates Minutes of the August 13, 2008 Meeting

The minutes of the August 13, 2008 Board of Delegates Meeting were mailed with agenda packet and needs approval if correct. ACTION REQUESTED: I move to approve the August 13, 2008 minutes.

4. Report of Service Agreements (Information Only) This is a list of agreements entered into with member governments and other since our last report. Under these agreements, staff will provide technical assistance to the local government. No action required. Member Government Cost

Anson County Zoning Ordinance $ 3,384* Bessemer City Pedestrian Plan 28,573* Town of Cherryville Lake Norman RPO 418* Town of Cherryville Minimum Housing Code Enforcement 1,497* City of Concord NC 73 Council of Planning 3,000* Gaston County Lake Norman RPO 965* City of Gastonia Assessment Center for Gastonia Fire Dept Division Chief’s 1,299* City of Gastonia Assessment Center for Gastonia Police Dept. Captain and Sergeant’s 11,560* City of High Shoals Brownfield Technical Assistance Proposal 3,845* Iredell County Lake Norman RPO 5,034* City of Kings Mountain Lake Norman RPO 536* Lincoln County Lake Norman RPO 4,629* City of Lincolnton Lake Norman RPO 574* Town of Mount Holly Salary and Benefit Survey 4,170* Town of Mooresville Lake Norman RPO 1,424* City of Statesville Drug and Alcohol Testing Program 4,492* Town of Troutman Lake Norman RPO 312* _______________________________________________________________ _______________ Subtotal $75,712 *Membership hours are provided on the project in accordance with Centralina policy. Non-Members City of Shelby Lake Norman RPO 1,751 Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 9,800 _______________________________________________________________ _______________ Subtotal 11,551 Grand Total $ 87,263

Board of Delegates Agenda – December 10, 2008 – Page 2 5. Recognition of Sponsor for hospitality hour

John McLaughlin, Office Manager with Jordan, Jones, Goulding, is sponsoring our hospitality hour. JJG is a one-stop source for engineering, planning, and consulting services to help clients develop community-based solutions for all aspects of community life. Their services include: transportation, water, wastewater, tunneling and geotechnics, site development, landscape architecture, community planning, management consulting, land planning, program management, construction management, operations, information management, communications, finance, survey, ecology, water resources, and storm water management.

6. Recognition of Marie Moore, Treasurer Marie has served two terms as Treasurer and has been a steadfast advocate of pro-active financial reporting

and strong, timely annual audits. 7. Proposed bylaw amendment for recognition of the “post of immediate past chairman”— Article VII:

EXECUTIVE BOARD The Centralina Council of Governments last amended the bylaws on December 12, 2007 and now proposes the following amendment to establish the post of the immediate past Chairman of the Executive Board. (Additions are underlined and deletions are struck through)

A. Membership: The Executive Board shall be composed of: (1) The current officers of the Council, (2) the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Delegates (2)(3) the delegate from each County member government, (3)(4) the delegate from the City of Charlotte, and (4)(5) one municipal delegate from each County area representing all municipalities within such county, including one to represent the municipalities in Mecklenburg County other than the City of Charlotte. Provided, however, if a county, a county area, or the City of Charlotte has a delegate who is an officer of the Council, that unit shall not be entitled to an additional representative on the Executive Board. The municipal delegates from all municipal member government units within each County area (excluding the City of Charlotte delegate as to Mecklenburg County) shall elect from their number by caucus at the December Council meeting the municipal delegate from the county area to serve on the Executive Board. Only delegates may serve on the Executive Board. B. Voting. Each member of the Executive Board shall be entitled to one vote on any matter coming before the Executive Board. A quorum shall consist of one-half of the current members of the Executive Board; and all issues shall be determined by a simple majority of those present and voting. Provided, however, if a quorum is present at any meeting of the Executive Board, any member of the Executive Board not physically present at the meeting may attend the meeting by electronic or other means of remote communication that allows the member (a) to hear the meeting proceedings and to be heard substantially concurrently as the proceedings occur, and (b) to vote on matters which are before the Committee. C. Term of Membership: The term of membership for all members of the Executive Board shall commence following the December Council meeting, and he or she shall serve until his or her successor is selected and qualified. Should any Executive Board member cease to be a Council delegate, that person shall no longer be eligible to serve on the Executive Board. The immediate past Chairman of the Board of Delegates shall serve as long as he or she is the immediate past Chairman and a delegate.Vacancies created by death, resignation or otherwise shall be filled in the same manner as required for the selection of the member. ACTION REQUESTED: I move to approve the above mentioned proposed amendment to the bylaws in recognition of the “post of immediate past Chairman” to the Executive Board.

Board of Delegates Agenda – December 10, 2008 – Page 3 8. Report from the Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee (Cherryville Mayor Bob Austell, Chairman, Anson County Commissioner Jarvis Woodburn, Iredell County Commissioner Ken Robertson, Mineral Springs Council Member Valerie Coffey and Charlotte Mayor Protem Susan Burgess) met by conference call and accomplished their mission to select nominees. The slate of Candidates will be presented for elections on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 to serve as Officers to the Board of Delegates.

In addition, nominations may be made from the floor at the meeting.

9. Election of Officers

10. COG Fiscal Year 2007-08 Workforce Development Program – Special Grant Funds for Incumbent

Workforce Development Program Grant Approval Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB) has received approval from the NC Department of Commerce for Incumbent Workforce Development Program grants submitted on behalf of three local businesses. Centralina will serve as the fiscal agent for the grants. The grants will provide retraining and employment services to current employees at the companies. It is anticipated that the training will result in a more highly skilled workforce, increased efficiency and reduce production costs for the companies. The total amount for the two grants is $ 65,126 (includes $ 3,101 for Administration). ACTION REQUESTED: I move to approve the receipt of the Incumbent Workforce Development Program funds in the amount of $65,126, authorize Centralina to act as fiscal agent for the grants, and authorize the Executive Director to execute the necessary contracts, and amend Centralina's grant project budget and operating budget for the grants.

11. SFY 08-09 State Senior Center General Purpose The North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services notified the Area Agency on Aging that $117,807 will be distributed in the region for Senior Center General Purpose. The funds will be based on the certification status of each senior center and will require a 25% local match: (1) Centers of excellence will receive $13,090, (2) Centers of merit will receive $8,726, and (3) Uncertified centers will receive $4,363. The Senior Centers in region F are as follows:

SENIOR CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE SENIOR CENTERS Center Name County Center Name County Cabarrus Senior Center Cabarrus Grace Senior Center Anson Iredell Senior Center Iredell Mt Pleasant Senior Center Cabarrus South Iredell Senior Center Iredell Gaston Senior Center Gaston Shamrock Senior Center Mecklenburg Lincoln County Senior Center Lincoln Rufty-Holmes Rowan Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Center Mecklenburg Stanly Senior Center Stanly Levine Senior Center Mecklenburg Korean Senior Center Mecklenburg Oasis Senior Enrichment Program Mecklenburg Ellen Fitzgerald Senior Center Union

ACTION REQUESTED: I move that the Area Agency on Aging be authorized to receive the Senior Center General Purpose funds in the amount of $117,807 that will be distributed in the region, allocate the funds to the counties as above mentioned, and authorize the Executive Director to execute the necessary contracts, and amend Centralina’s grant project budget.

Board of Delegates Agenda – December 10, 2008 – Page 4 12. FY 2008 Senior Medicare Patrol Program

The NC Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) operates a statewide program called “Senior Medicare Patrol” to educate consumers about Medicare and possible situations of error or fraud. SHIIP is partnering with the several Area Agencies on Aging within the state. Centralina would receive $11,667 which includes 40% match amount of $4,667.

ACTION REQUESTED: I move that the Area Agency on Aging be authorized to receive the “Senior Medicare Patrol” funds in the amount of $11,667 into the region, and authorize the Executive Director to execute the necessary contracts, and amend Centralina’s grant project budget.

13. Financial Report (information only) 14. Legislative Committee Report

Martha Sue Hall, Chairman, will give a brief report on the Legislative Events: • December 9th – 12:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Concord • December 10th – 8:00 a.m. at the Spiro’s Hilltop Bistro in Monroe • December 10th – 12:30 p.m. at the Gastonia City Club in Gastonia • January 14th – 12:30 p.m. is the rescheduled date due to a scheduling conflict on

December 15th and in January is being vetted. 15. UNC SOG Report on COG’s

The North Carolina Association of Regional Council Directors requested that the UNC, School of Government an update a 1995 Svara Report on regionalism in North Carolina. The first phase of the report, which focused on updating budget, membership and service data and a survey of local government managers and elected officials, was completed in September 2008. Additional research, interviews and focus groups are planned for the next phases of the project. Please see Agenda Item #15 Attachment #3 for a brief summary of the first phase findings of the report which reflect changes in COGs from July 1, 1994 through July1, 2007.

16. CONNECT Update

The CONNECT Council, the Regional Sustainable Growth Cabinet, and the Regional Environmental Cabinet have been meeting to advance components of the CONNECT Regional Vision and Action Agenda. All are focused on producing deliverables that add value/make a difference to our local governments within this fiscal year. At this time, a progress report on CONNECT will be provided.

17. Chairman’s Comments 18. Comments from the Executive Director

Capital Projects for response to new federal programs and relief initiatives.

Board of Delegates Agenda – December 10, 2008 – Page 5 19. Appointment of Convening Members of Municipal Governments–Article VII: EXECUTIVE BOARD

Membership: The municipal delegates from all municipal member government units within each County area (excluding the City of Charlotte delegate as to Mecklenburg County) shall elect from their number by caucus at the December Council meeting the municipal delegate from the county area to serve on the Executive Board. Only delegates may serve on the Executive Board. [Adopted December 12, 2007.] County Caucus Anson Gaston Iredell Mecklenburg Towns Rowan Stanly

20. Adjournment

Centralina Council of Governments complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Centralina Council of Governments will make reasonable accommodations in all programs/services to enable participation by an individual with a disability who meets essential eligibility requirements. Centralina Council of Governments’ programs will be available in the most integrated setting for each individual. If any accommodations are necessary for participation, please contact the Executive Assistant, 1300 Baxter Street, Suite 450, Charlotte, NC, bblackwell@centralina.org or phone (704) 372-2416. Please allow 72 hours advance notice for preparation. Visit our website: www.centralina.org.

Board of Delegates Minutes

August 13, 2008 Pine Island Country Club

Jurisdiction Represented By Jurisdictions Not Represented Albemarle Martha Sue Hall Town of Badin Anson County Jarvis Woodburn City of Belmont Bessemer City Kay McCathen Town of Cleveland Cabarrus County Coy Privette Town of Cornelius City of Charlotte Susan Burgess Town of Dallas City of Cherryville Bob Austell & Gert Fisher Town of East Spencer Town of China Grove Allen Welter Town of Fairview City of Concord Al Brown Town of Faith Town of Cramerton Ronald Murphy City of Gastonia City of Davidson Bill Johnson Town of Granite Quarry Gaston County Joe Carpenter Town of Harmony Town of Harrisburg Michael Hart Town of Huntersville Town of Hemby Bridge Jim Simpson Iredell County Town of High Shoals Claude Crain & Micah Monteleone City of Kings Mountain Town of Indian Trail Shirley Howe Town of Locust City of Kannapolis Bob Misenheimer Town of McAdenville Town of Landis James Furr Town of Misenheimer Lincoln County Marie Moore Town of Morven City of Lincolnton Carroll Heavner Town of Norwood Town of Lowell Judy Horne Town of Oakboro Town of Marshville Frank Deese & Denise Whitley Town of Peachland Town of Marvin Nick Dispenziere Town of Pineville Town of Matthews Jeff Miller Town of Ranlo Mecklenburg County Jennifer Roberts Town of Rockwell Town of Midland John Crump Rowan County Town of Mineral Springs Valerie Coffey City of Salisbury Town of Mint Hill Lloyd Austin Town of Spencer Mountain City of Monroe Dottie Nash Town of Stanfield Town of Mooresville Mitch Abraham Town of Stanley City of Mount Holly Frank McLean Town of Troutman Town of Mount Pleasant Jim Johnson Town of Unionville Town of New London Calvin Gaddy Town of Weddington Town of Richfield Steve Morgan Town of Wingate Town of Spencer Nick Bishop Town of Stallings Renee Hartis City of Statesville Michael Johnson Union County Lanny Openshaw Town of Wadesboro Bill Thacker Town of Waxhaw Max Walker Town of Wesley Chapel Sondra Bradford

Agenda Item #2: Attachment 1 Page 1 of 5

Board of Delegates Minutes – August 13, 2008 – Page 2

1. Call to Order The Chairman, Joe Carpenter, called the meeting to order at 7:27 p.m. The COG Attorney gave the invocation and verified a quorum was present. The Chairman thanked Secretary William Ross and Tom Francsen from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) for coming to make presentations at the meeting. He requested that delegates making comments, motions or seconding motions clearly state their names and jurisdiction so that they can be properly recoded in the minutes.

2. Amendments to the Agenda One item, a Resolution to Purchase a Condominium Unit for Centralina COG office space, was proposed to be added to the agenda. The Colliers Pinkard Group was available to give a brief PowerPoint presentation on the new building proposal. Martha Sue Hall made the motion to amend the agenda to include the Resolution for purchase of the Condominium Unit and the motion was seconded by Lloyd Austin. The motion was approved. The item was inserted before item #11 on the agenda.

3. Approval of Board of Delegates Minutes of the May 14, 2008 Meeting

Martha Sue Hall stated that for everyone’s information, on Attachment #1 Item 3 page 6 of the agenda, Andy Lucas is listed as a Board Member for the Centralina Economic Development Commission representing Anson County, but he has recently been appointed to serve as County Manager for Stanly County. Lloyd Austin made the motion to approve the minutes as written and Allen Welter seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

4. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary William Ross spoke to the delegation regarding the short and long term water challenges that face our state and our region. Our region faces a particular challenge with the supply and shortage of water due to a growing and shifting population. Secretary Ross stated that planning, conservation, and cooperation are the key to combating our water challenges.

Tom Fransen, Director of the River Basin Planning and Modeling Department, reported that this year was the state’s driest season with record low rainfall levels. As a result, our streams, lake and groundwater levels were all at record lows.

The State Legislature recently approved a Drought Management Bill to encourage communities to work together and develop and implement a Water Management Response Plan.

He suggested that leak detection and rate structures were key elements in over all water conservation. He also stated that cooperation and partnerships, for example with interconnections and backup plans, were another key element in managing the water resources in our region. He mentioned that the Catawba-Wateree project and the FERC Relicensing process were good examples of water management.

During the follow up questions, Ronnie Murphy, Mayor of Cramerton, expressed a concern about the length of time to streamline the permitting process. Joe Carpenter, COG Chairman, spoke on the growing population in our region and the need for more water impoundments.

5. Regional Water Planning/Water Related Issues: a. Regional Water Utility Service Provider Matrix

Al Sharp, Executive Director, presented a PowerPoint presentation on the water utilities in our region. (Please see the attached PowerPoint presentation.) Building a database is the first step in working cooperatively together as a region and with the State on the water issues.

Agenda Item #2: Attachment 1 Page 2 of 5

Board of Delegates Minutes – August 13, 2008 – Page 3

b. Water Vision Conference In May, James Furr, Alderman of Landis, went to a NC DENR conference regarding the water. A particular interest to our region was the discussion on the need to change our water business model to encourage conservation. We also need to more effectively manage our storm water and maximize our available water resources.

c. Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Process Update

Al Sharp, Executive Director, highlighted the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) process: issued its Final Scoping Document on February 28, 2008 listing the issues to be addressed by the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). On April 7, 2008, FERC issued its Ready for Environmental Analysis (REA) notice for Catawba-Wateree. Duke Energy filed its 401 Water Quality Certification Applications in North and South Carolina and for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service to file their preliminary fish passage prescriptions with FERC. On July 21, 2008, Duke Energy filed replies to the recommended terms and conditions with FERC. There will be public comment periods and a public meeting regarding the 401 Water Quality Certification applications and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) expected from FERC later this year. FERC cannot issue a new license without the water quality certifications from both States, which can take up to a year to process. Therefore, a new license for the Catawba-Wateree is not expected until the third quarter of 2009. In the meantime, Duke Energy and the CRA Parties continue to implement requirements which all agreed to earlier this year.

6. Legislative Updates: Martha Sue Hall presented a brief report on activities of the Legislative Committee. She reported that the Committee had several conference calls to discuss legislative priority items for the upcoming legislative session. They include funding for regional planning services, regional water resource planning, rural transportation organizations and aging and long-term care needs for the older populations. The Legislative Committee requested that the Board establish a working group to study recycling in the region including environmental impacts, economic impacts, sustainability and best practices. Martha Sue Hall, on behalf of the Legislative Committee, made a motion to appoint a recycling working group. The motion was seconded by Jennifer Roberts and was approved. All delegates were asked to let Al Sharp, Joe Carpenter or Barbie Blackwell know if they wished to serve on the project.

7. Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) Stormwater Partnership Grant: Bill Duston, Planning Director reported that Centralina was awarded a CWMTF grant in the amount of $131,000 from the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) to partially fund the Regional Stormwater Partnership. Seventeen member governments are participating in the partnership and have signed agreements to use local funds for the partnership. It was requested that Centralina COG’s Board of Delegates’ formally approve the execution of a grant between Centralina and the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. James Furr made the motion to approve the grant in the amount of $131,000 from the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) to partially fund the Stormwater Partnership and the motion was seconded by Jennifer Roberts. The motion was approved.

8. Report of Service Agreements The agenda contained a list of agreements entered into with member governments as an information item only. Under the agreements, staff will provide contract assistance to the member government. No action was required.

Agenda Item #2: Attachment 1 Page 3 of 5

Board of Delegates Minutes – August 13, 2008 – Page 4

9. Workforce Development Goals for the Upcoming Year Al Sharp, Executive Director, introduced Bob Van Gorden, Chairman of the Workforce Development Board and David Hollars, Executive Director of the Centralina Workforce Development. The WFD Board is organized in the seven of the nine counties in our region: Anson, Cabarrus, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly, and Union. Mr. Van Gorden reported that the WFD Board had developed a 2010 Plan which includes their vision for the future of the workforce in our region. He stated the WFD Board has developed five main goals:

1. Improve functional literacy 2. Improve employer services 3. Promote support entrepreneurship growth 4. Promote regional collaboration 5. Increase workforce readiness for life-long learning

Mr. Van Gorden stated that our WFD has an outstanding relationship with the community colleges. The colleges help provide the classes needed for training and skill development for displaced workers. The board is made up 23 members who primarily come from local businesses and the private sectors.

10. Workforce Grants

a. Incumbent Workforce Development Program (IWDP) Grants: The Centralina Workforce Development Board received approval from the North Carolina Department of Commerce for the Incumbent Workforce Development Program (IWDP) which was submitted on the behalf of the following two local businesses in Iredell and Rowan counties in the amount of $ 28,694. The grant includes $1,366 for administrative costs.

• Universal Forest Products – Salisbury (Rowan County) • PGI Polymer Group, Inc. – Mooresville (Iredell County)

The grants will provide retraining and employment services to current employees at each company. The training will result in a higher skilled workforce, increased efficiency and reduced production costs. Each employer received the requested amount of funding to help upgrade the skills of their current workforce.

Martha Sue Hall made the motion to approve the receipt of the WIA – Incumbent Workforce Development Program funds in the amount of $28,694 which includes $1,366 for administrative costs and the motion was seconded by Jarvis Woodburn. The motion was approved.

b. Auto-Related National Emergency Grant:

The Centralina Workforce Development Board received an Auto-Related National Emergency Grant in the amount of $1,232,050 from the US Department of Labor and the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The grant will provide training and staffing resources for the local JobLink Centers to serve 800 former Freightliner and Jevic Transportation employees.

Coy Privette made the motion to approve the receipt of the WIA – Auto-Related National Emergency Grant in the amount of $1,232,050 to provide training resources for the local JobLink Centers to serve 800 former Freightliner and Jevic Transportation employees and the motion was seconded by Martha Sue Hall and Jennifer Roberts. The motion was approved.

Agenda Item #2: Attachment 1 Page 4 of 5

Board of Delegates Minutes – August 13, 2008 – Page 5 10.c. Resolution to authorize purchase of the Centralina COG Offices: Keith Bell, Tra Kelly, and Tom Kelly of Colliers and Pinkard presented a short PowerPoint presentation on Condominium Unit at the Silos located on the Southend of Charlotte which is the preferred site for the new Centralina COG Offices. Marie Moore, Secretary to the Board, read the resolution to the delegation.

Mayor Protem Susan Burgess made the motion to adopt the resolution as written and the motion was seconded by Lloyd Austin. The motion passed by a 37 to 1 vote. Commissioner Lanny Openshaw opposed the resolution due to architectural design concerns.

11. End of the Year Financial Report for FY 2007-08

Tonya Frye , Finance Director, stated that there was a report in the agenda packet which showed the financial activity for FY 2007-08 in a comparison with the budget. She advised the delegation that if they had any questions to contact her.

12. Comments by the Chairman The Chairman recognized Mayor Protem Susan Burgess, from the City of Charlotte and President of

the North Carolina League of Munciplaities. She encouraged everyone to attend the Centennial Anniversary of the League in mid October in Charlotte.

The Chairman called for volunteers to serve on the Nominating Committee for the election of Officers to the Centralina COG Board. Council Member Valerie Coffey, of the Town of Mineral Springs, and Commissioner Jarvis Woodburn, of Anson County, agreed to serve as members on the Nominating Committee. Other volunteers are needed to serve on the Committee.

13. Comments by the Executive Director

14. Adjournment The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:32 p.m. As a Reminder:

The next Board of Delegates meeting is scheduled for December 10th at Pine Island Country Club. The slate of Officers will be sent in your agenda packet. Nominations from the floor will be accepted prior to the election.

Centralina Council of Governments complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Centralina Council of Governments will make reasonable accommodations in all programs/services to enable participation by an individual with a disability who meets essential eligibility requirements. Centralina Council of Governments’ programs will be available in the most integrated setting for each individual. If any accommodations are necessary for participation, please contact the Executive Assistant, 1300 Baxter Street, Suite 450, Charlotte, NC, bblackwell@centralina.org or phone (704) 372-2416. Please allow 72 hours advance notice for preparation. Visit our website: www.centralina.org.

Agenda Item #2: Attachment 1 Page 5 of 5

MEMORANDUM TO: Centralina COG Board of Delegates FROM: David L. Hollars, Director, Centralina Workforce Development Board DATE: November 17, 2008 RE: COG Fiscal Year 2009 Workforce Development Program – Incumbent Workforce Development Program Grant approval The Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB) has received approval from the NC Department of Commerce for Incumbent Workforce Development Program grants submitted on behalf of three local businesses (see attached list). Centralina will serve as the fiscal agent for the grants. The grants will provide retraining and employment services to current employees at the companies. It is anticipated that the training will result in a more highly skilled workforce, increased efficiency and reduce production costs for the companies. The total amount for the two grants is $ 65,126 (includes $ 3,101 for Administration) The Centralina Workforce Development Board requests that the COG Board approve the receipt of the WIA – Special Grant funds for the Incumbent Workforce Development Program funds, authorize Centralina to act as fiscal agent for the grants, authorize staff to execute the necessary contracts, and amend Centralina's grant project budget and operating budget for the grant.

Midtown Plaza Building - 1300 Baxter Street, Suite 450 PO Box 35008, Charlotte, North Carolina 28235

Phone: 704-372-2416 Fax: 704-347-4710 www.centralina.org

Agenda Item #11: Attachment 2 Page 1 of 2

www.centralinaworks.com

Incumbent Workforce Development Program

Program Year 2008-2009

First Round Grants Awarded November 7, 2008

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to recognize the three (3) area businesses that have received Incumbent Workforce Development Program funding in the first round for 2008-2009. These grants will provide a total of $ 62,025 in economic development investment with local companies and will provide new skills training to 118 employees in our counties. The Centralina Workforce Development Board approved these grants with funding provided by the North Carolina Department of Commerce Commission on Workforce Development. Each employer is receiving the requested amount of funds to help upgrade the skills of their current workforce. We thank the companies, the training providers, and the employees for their willingness to build a stronger workforce and business environment in our region. Centralina WDB, The Competitive Force in our Global Economy.

The Sullivan Corporation – Statesville (Iredell County) The Sullivan Corporation supplies metal finishing and magnetic workholding services to the auto industry, restaurants and individual metal shops. The company will utilize North Carolina State University Industrial Extension Service to deliver training in Lean Manufacturing, 5s Workplace Organization, Lean Leader Training and Value Stream Mapping to 11 of its current employees. The Sullivan Corporation will be receiving $ 21,900 in Incumbent Workforce Development funds through a contract with the Centralina WDB, based on the grant awarded November 7, 2008.

Hersey Meters, Inc. – Cleveland (Rowan County) Hersey Meters has manufactured high quality water meters for over 140 years. They use modern technology to ensure accuracy to utilities and industrial customers. The company’s training plan involves training their employees in Lean Manufacturing, Team Building, Leadership Skills and Problem Solving training. Training will be provided for up to 75 employees, ensuring they can remain competitive and maintain their current growth. Hersey Meters has partnered with Rowan- Cabarrus Community College and ProSource Industrial Trainers to implement their training plan. Hersey Meters, Inc. will be receiving $ 19,125 in Incumbent Workforce Development funds through a contract with the Centralina WDB, based on the grant awarded November 7, 2008.

Carolina Beer & Beverage, LLC – Statesville (Iredell County) Carolina Beer & Beverage is the creator and maker of a dozen high-quality crafted beers. They also provide packing services for several customers. The company has outlined a plan to train 32 employees (20 Managers, Supervisors, and Leads) and 12 hourly employees to participate in Lean Manufacturing Training to prepare them for plant expansion. They have requested to engage Mitchell Community College to conduct the training. Carolina Beer & Beverage, LLC will be receiving $ 21,000 in Incumbent Workforce Development funds through a contract with the Centralina WDB, based on the grant awarded November 7, 2008.

2008-2009 Incumbent Worker – Grants Awarded – Total Economic Impact

>> 3 Employers receiving grant awards >> 118 Employees scheduled to receive training >> $62,025 Total of economic development investment for existing business in the region

Agenda Item #11 - Attachment 2 Page 2 of 2

Regionalism In North Carolina School of Government

University of Chapel Hill September 2008

The following is a brief summary of the first phase findings of the report which reflect changes in COGs from July 1, 1994 through July 1, 2007:

• The number of local governments and citizens served by COGs has increase. COGs served 84 (16%) more local governments and approximately 2.3 (35%) more citizens. Ninety two percent (92%) of local governments were COG members and they represented 97% of all citizens

• While populations and budgets vary from region to region, when adjusted for inflation, the average total budget increased by 11% but the average per capita budget decreased by 39%.

• The number of services provided by COGs has increased. COGs services generally fall into four categories: planning services, technical assistance, geographic information services (GIS) and federal and or state grants administration. The number of COGs providing all four categories has increased from 7 of 18 COGS to 17 of 17 COGs.

• 96% of survey respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of COG services • The top four services most important to local governments rig now are ( percentages below reflect

percent of responders who rate the activity very important or somewhat important) : o Community and Economic Development Planning ( 91%) o Grant Writing and Administration (91%) o Transportation Planning (94%) o Regional Water Resource Planning (85%)

• The top four most important services to local governments in the 5-10 years are o Regional Water Resource Planning (94%) o Transportation Planning (93%) o Community and Economic Development (93%) o And Grant Writing and Administration (93%)

• The top three most cited factors enabling cooperation are o The support of elected officials (51%, o And opportunity to save money or achieve greater economies of scale (47%) o A history of cooperation and trust between potential partners (45%

• The top three most often cited barriers to inter-governmental cooperation are: o Concern about loss of community control (75%) o Lack of trust between potential partners (51%) and o An expectation of unequal distribution of benefits (35%)

In short, COGs appear to be providing more services to more clients with fewer resources, while at the same time maintaining a very high level of satisfaction with those services. A complete copy of the study can be e-mail upon request.

Agenda #15 – Attachment #3 Page 1 of 1

Board Delegates Minutes December 10, 2008

1. Open and Welcome:

Chairman Joe Carpenter opened the meeting at 7:35 p.m. with the COG Attorney verifying a quorum was present.

2. Amendments to the Agenda: There was one amendment to the agenda; a Resolution to authorize the lease/option to purchase a Condominium Unit for the Centralina Offices. Coy Privette made the motion to approve the amendment. The motion was seconded by Lloyd Austin and approved by the Board.

3. Approval of Board of Delegate Minutes of the August 13, 2008 Meeting:

There were no adjustments to the August 13, 2008 minutes of the Board of Delegates. Coy Privette moved to approve the August 13, 2008 Board of Delegate minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Lloyd Austin and approved by the Board.

4. Report of Service Agreements:

The agenda contained a list of agreements which have been entered into with member governments and other non-member jurisdictions since the last report as an informational item. Under the agreements, staff provides technical assistance to the member and non member governments. No action was required on this item.

5. Recognition of Sponsor: The Chairman recognized John McLaughin, Officer Manager with Jordan, Jones, and Goulding for sponsoring the hospitality hour before the meeting. Mr. McLaughlin introduced his staff and expressed his appreciation for allowing his group to sponsor the hospitality.

6. Recognition of Marie Moore, Treasurer: Chairman Joe Carpenter expressed his delight to work with Ms. Moore during her service as Treasurer for Centralina. He presented Ms. Moore with a plaque from the Board and the Centralina Staff in appreciation for her service. She served four years as Lincoln County Commissioner and four years as Treasurer for the Centralina Board. Ms. Moore expressed her gratitude for allowing her to serve and work with all her mentors including Bob Austell, Joe Carpenter and the other members of the Board and the Centralina Staff.

7. Proposed Amendment to the Agenda – “A Resolution to authorize the lease/option to purchase of a Condominium Unit for the Centralina COG Offices”:

At the last meeting, September 8, 2008, the Board authorized the purchase of new office space for COG but due to the financial crisis, the developers are having difficulty financing the project. Lloyd Austin made the motion to approve the proposed Resolution to authorize the lease/option to purchase of a condominium unit. The motion was seconded by Coy Privette. The floor was opened for discussion on this matter:

Board Minutes – December 10, 2008 – Page 2

The Executive Director explained that given the financial conditions of the market the developers have not been able to get credit to begin construction. The developer proposed the idea that Centralina enter into a lease purchase agreement so that we could take advantage of new market credits. The new market credits are federally funded set asides that encourage development in certain areas and are cheaper than the financing on the open market. The lease term would be seven years including one year construction and six years of occupied space. Centralina would retain the naming rights of the building, the meeting room on the first floor, access to the 276 parking spaces in the parking deck, the eight set aside secure parking spaces for the COG fleet, and the full top two floors of the building. At the end of the third year, COG would have the option of purchasing the building at the original negotiated price which is $3,850,000 the same amount the Board approved three months ago. The developer is anxious to keep us and offered three months of free rent the first year of the lease, and the deed to the conference space on the first floor if purchased. The developer is offering us $17.85 per square foot rent, with an increase after the first year based on the consumer price index but never to raise more than 5% a year. Valerie Coffey from Mineral Springs stated it is a good deal. Frank Deese asked if COG enters into the lease purchase if any of the lease payments would go towards the purchase of the building. The Executive Director, stated they tried to negotiate that with the developers, but were not successful. The developers counter action was a reduction in rate. Martha Sue Hall asked who the other tenants in the building would be. The Executive Director responded that we do not know at this point. COG is the lead tenant in the building. The Silos Project has four phases and this is Phase I which has two buildings; COG would occupy 56% of building one and building two would be about equal size. The location is off of South Boulevard one block across the blue line corridor and located off of Poindexter. There will be a new blue line crossing that the developer is constructing with $250,000 in matching funds from the City of Charlotte. It is one half block to the New Bern Transit Stop of the blue line. The COG Attorney felt is was a good deal; a strong point is that we do not have to buy the building if the economy does not improve. He felt the economy will improve and the rental rate is good. The Executive Director reported that COG pays approximately $195,000 per year in rent plus rent at an off-site storage for records at about 12,000 square feet of space. The first year of rent at the new building site would be $214,000 (with the first three months free) of rent by the developer which is an increase of $19,000. After the third year, the cost of the rent would be $288,000 which is an increase of $90,000 per year. The COG operates on a $17.5 million budget and most of the rent is assigned to indirect cost which is spread through the organization.

Jeff Miller from Matthews asked if COG purchased the building, and the space was leased out could the income be used to help with debt service. The Executive Director stated that when the COG approached the Legislature three years ago, COG cannot compete with the private sector and are not allowed to own property in excess of our general needs or to sublease the space. Martha Sue Hall requested the Chairman call for the question. The Chairman called the question for the Board to approve the motion to authorize the lease/option to purchase of a condominium unit for the Centralina COG Offices as proposed in the resolution. The motion was approved by the Board.

Board Minutes – December 10, 2008 – Page 3

8. Proposed bylaw amendment for recognition of the “post of immediate past chairman” – Article

VII: EXECUTIVE BOARD: The COG proposes a bylaw change to the membership of the current Officers to include an Immediate Past Chairman as a member to the Board of Delegates to increase the continuity of the Board. Jeff Miller made the motion to approve the proposed amendment to the bylaws. The motion was seconded by Lloyd Austin and approved by the Board.

9. Report From the Nominating Committee: The Chairman recognized Cherryville Mayor Bob Austell, Chairman, of the Nominating Committee. Bob Austell introduced the committee to the delegation: Anson County Commissioner Jarvis Woodburn, Iredell County Commissioner Ken Robertson, Mineral Springs Council Member Valerie Coffey, and Charlotte Mayor Protem Susan Burgess. Bob Austell thanked the committee for serving with him on the Nominating Committee. He presented the slate of nominees as Officers to the Centralina COG Board:

Chairman: Mayor Bob Misenheimer, City of Kannapolis Vice-Chairman: Councilperson Martha Sue Hall, City of Albemarle Secretary: Mayor Frank Deese, Town of Marshville Treasurer: Councilman Michael Hart, Town of Harrisburg

In accordance with the Roberts Rules of Order, the Chairman asked if there were any nominations from the floor. The Chairman verified there were no nominations from the floor. Mayor Bob Austell on behalf of the Committee made the motion to approve the slate of nominees as presented. The motion was seconded by _________ and approved by the Board.

10. COG Fiscal Year 2007-08Workforce Development Program – Special Grant Funds for Incumbent Workforce Development Program Grant Approval David Hollars, Director of Workforce Development, reported that the Centralina Workforce Development Board received approval from the NC Department of Commerce for the Incumbent Workforce Development Program grants submitted on behalf of three local businesses. The grants submitted were for:

1. The Sullivan Corporation – Statesville in Iredell County 2. Hersey Meters, Inc. – Cleveland in Rowan County 3. Carolina Beer & Beverage, LLC – Statesville also in Iredell County

These grants are submitted to retrain the existing workforce so these businesses which stay competitive in our region. The total amount of the grant is $65,126 which includes $3,101, will go towards Workforce Administrative costs to administer the three grants. The grants will help retrain 118 workers in our region.

Martha Sue Hall made the motion to approve the three grants in the amount of $65,126, authorized Centralina to act as the fiscal agent for the grants, authorized the Executive Director to execute the necessary contracts, and amend the Centralina’s grant project budget and operating budget for the grants. The motion was seconded by Jarvis Woodburn and approved by the Board.

11. SFY 08-09 State Senior Center General Purpose: Gayla Woody, Program Administrator for the Area Agency on Aging, reported on the State Senior Center General Purpose funding. She congratulated all of the Senior Centers in the region for their excellent work. Currently, there are 15 Senior Centers around the region. There are awards given for Senior Centers of Excellence and Senior Centers of Merit; six Centers in our

Board Minutes – December 10, 2008 – Page 4

region are Senior Centers of Excellence, qualifying them for additional State funds. Senior Centers that are certified as Senior Centers of Merit receive a smaller allocation than the base funding level is allocated to the rest of the Senior Centers. Our region has six Senior Centers of Excellence and nine receiving additional funding. The Area Aging Agency requested the amount of $117,807 to be allocated to the Senior Centers as outlined in the agenda. Lloyd Austin made the motion to approve the Senior Center General Purpose allocation of $117,807 to the Senior Centers outline in the agenda. The motion was seconded by James Furr and approved by the Board.

12. FY 2008 Senior Medicare Patrol Program: Gayla Woody, Program Administrator for the Area Agency on Aging, reported that the purpose of the NC Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is to educate seniors about Medicare bills and help consumers help the Agency identify any situations or mistakes that have been made in error so they can be corrected and make the best use of the funds in the region. The Area Aging Agency requested that funds in the amount of $11,667, including a 40% match in the amount of $4,667, be allocated into the region. Valerie Coffey made the motion to approve the Senior Medicare Patrol Program funds in the amount of $11,667, including a 40% match in the amount of $4,667. The motion was seconded by Lloyd Austin and approved by the Board.

13. Financial Report: A copy of the final report was handed out at the meeting and is attached to the minutes. Tonya Frye, Finance Director, was available to answer any questions.

14. Legislative Report:

COG Legislative Chairmen, Martha Sue Hall, gave a brief update of the three meetings with the state and local elected officials. She introduced the Committee to the delegation: Anson County Commissioner Jarvis Woodburn, Landis Alderman James Furr, Union County Commissioner Lanny Openshaw, Mooresville Mayor Protem Mitch Abraham, Marshville Mayor Frank Deese and Gaston County Commissioner Joe Carpenter. The Committee has hosted three legislative events thus far in Rowan/Cabarrus, Stanly/Union/Anson and Lincoln/Gaston Counties. The luncheon for Mecklenburg County Delegates and those members of the General Assembly from Mecklenburg will be held on January 23, 2009. The meetings have been an opportunity for members of the General Assembly to hear about the priorities of the Statewide LROs and our regional priorities. Martha Sue Hall commended Martha Lide, Assistant Director, for her hard work supporting this committee in the past year. The Legislative Committee has met via telephone every four to five weeks and Ms. Hall commended the work of Committee and thanked them for their participation. Martha Sue Hall also announced another committee called the Recycling Advisory Committee and recognized members of that committee that were present.

15. UNC SOG Report on COGs: Martha Lide, Assistant Director, summarized a recent report on Regionalism in North Carolina which was compiled by the School of Government at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The statewide COGs worked with the UNC School of Governments to do an update of a 1995 study on regionalism. The study demonstrated that COGs are doing some really good work around the State and there are some positive results that we should be proud. They found that the number of people served and the percentage of the total population served by COGs has increased since the 1995 study. During that time the budgets had increased about 11% but the average

Board Minutes – December 10, 2008 – Page 5

budget per capita had decreased by 39%. One conclusion of the report is that COGs are serving more people with less money statewide. They also found the number of services that the COGs provided greatly increased since 1995. Another great point is the 96% of the people that responded to the survey found that they were satisfied with the COGs. (Please see agenda item #15 attachment #2 for more information on the study). This is Phase I of the School of Government report. We hope to use it as a point of discussion with the Legislature as we request a better defining of the role of COGs. It was really good to say empirically that the COGs are doing well with the amount of money we have and generally there is a level of satisfaction across the state with COGs.

16. CONNECT Update: Rebecca Yarbrough, Assistant Director, reported good progress on CONNECT; three committees are up and running. The CONNECT Council is Chaired by Jennifer Roberts Commissioner of Mecklenburg County and includes a mix of local government, elected officials, and representatives from the private sector, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, and Charlotte Regional Partnership, and others who are providing overall policy directions for CONNECT as we go forward. The Committee has had two meetings and is starting to put into place some projects they want to be involved in and will announce them in January 2009. She reported on the other two groups: the Regional Sustainable Growth Cabinet and the Regional Environmental Cabinet. Each of these committees represent local member governments, the private sector, and the not for profit sector. The Regional Environmental Cabinet is looking at a regional air quality plan because the region is faced with consequences of not attaining ozone standards They are also looking at water quality measures. The Sustainable Growth Cabinet is focusing on how to overcome some of the barriers to downtown redevelopment. They are also working on models for multijurisdictional collaboration which can be used along corridors, and at boundaries. All that are interested in working on a potential pilot project should contact Rebecca Yarbrough at (704) 372-2416 or email at ryarbrough@centralina.org. Rebecca reported that they have made 25 CONNECT presentations between North and South Carolina asking them to adopt the CONNECT project as their regional vision. There have been 21 out of 25 jurisdictions that have adopted the CONNECT vision; no one has turned it down and we have four pending. COG staff and CONNECT representatives will be coming to all the jurisdictions in the next two or three months to do a presentation and to jurisdictions to adopt CONNECT. When we get through this process, this will be the first general local government adopted regional vision.

17. Chairman’s Comments:

Chairman Joe Carpenter stated that he served four years as a COG Officer, two years as your Vice-Chairman with Dumont Clarke, and as your Chairman. He felt that it had been a learning process. He stated that it had been a real pleasure working with Bob Austell, Marie Moore, Frank Deese and Bob Misenheimer. He has been pleased with the participation of all the unit governments in our Council which 73 members. He expressed that COGs have the potential to have significant influence with our elected officials in the state and federal governments. He stated that it had been a real pleasure to serve COG and he is looking forward to continuing his service. He thanked the members for their support.

18. Executive Director’s Comments: The Executive Director reported there have been meetings with representatives from the Statewide Councils of Governments and the Governor-elect’s Transition Team to help redefine the role of COGs. The Councils of Governments were organized in early 1970s; there was also

Board Minutes – December 10, 2008 – Page 6 an Executive Order in 1986 outlining the role of COGs when Governor Martin was in office. The discussions with the Governor-elect’s Transition Team focused on how we can move the problems in North Carolina ahead, how COGs can help and be a bridge between local and the state governments, and how to develop new strategies for the future.

The Executive Director also spoke about the issue of planning for water resources, and the role COGs can play in this process. Over the last five years we have had two droughts; so we need to be proactive in terms of local governments working together to deal with water resources in our region. There is successful Catawba River Federal Energy Relicensing Commission that has done a good job. We know water will be a limited resource and we have to find a way of dealing with it together without a lawsuit from South Carolina.

The Executive Director also spoke about transportation planning and funding in our region. Over the next four meetings, Centralina will unfold information on transportation planning and funding for the member governments to digest and determine policy directions. We have a pledge from the Governor-elect to reorganize transportation in the state and they will ask local officials what we want and we need to have a plan ready. Over the next four meetings this item will be on the agenda each time and we will try to have speakers that can share with you their insights and do some analysis and see is we can move the issue forward. He also stated that there will be all kinds of federal stimulus programs being developed for action of the President-elect. We are hearing from federal agencies (i.e. Economic Development Administration, the Department of Commerce) and the NC Association of County Commissioners, and the League of Municipalities. We need to pull together a regional view of the issues that is deemed most important and advocate for those issues. Centralina will be contacting your Managers and delegates for ideas on regional issues that need to be part of the incentive package. We will also be coordinating with the sixteen other COGs in the state and pulling together a composite view so that we can see tangible improvements in those communities with the government spending for water, sewer, schools and roads.

19. Appointment of Convening Members of Municipal Governments – Article VII: Executive Board:

According to the Centralina bylaws, members to the COG Executive Board are elected by caucus and each county and municipality gathered and caucused to elect an individual to serve on the COG Executive Board. Those members that convened were: Anson, Gaston, Iredell, Mecklenburg Towns, Rowan and Stanly Towns. Martha Sue Hall stated that in the bylaws, Article VII (a) reads that if a county has a delegate that is an Officer of the Council, that unit shall not be entitled to an additional representative on the Executive Board. To clarify, Cabarrus and Stanly Counties did not convene because they have an Officer presiding on the Board.

20. Adjournment: The Chairman wished everyone a Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. He called for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Ron Murphy made the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Jennifer Roberts and approved by the Board.

Centralina Council of Governments complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Centralina Council of Governments will make reasonable accommodations in all programs/services to enable participation by an individual with a disability who meets essential eligibility requirements. Centralina Council of Governments’ programs will be available in the most integrated setting for each individual. If any accommodations are necessary for participation, please contact the Board Clerk, 1300 Baxter Street, Suite 450, Charlotte, NC, bblackwell@centralina.org or phone (704) 372-2416. Please allow 72 hours advance notice for preparation. Visit our website: www.centralina.org.

Agenda Item 12: Attachment #1

Fiscal Year 2009 Proposed Budget Amendment #1

FY2008-2009 Area Agency Information Planning 2008 ANTICIPATED REVENUES Adopted on Aging Technology Administration Amended Budget Amendment Amendment Amendment Budget Program Revenues Federal Grants 2,571,195 (22,369) 2,548,826 State Grants 351,404 (10,190) (2,634) 338,580 Technical Assistance Projects 1,162,645 (42,385) (182,519) 937,741 Contracts 43,200 43,200 Program Revenue 182,557 3,756 186,313 Total Program Revenue 4,311,001 - (52,575) (203,766) 4,054,660 Other Revenues - Member Dues Support 760,947 - - - 760,947 Regional Planning Revenues 91,612 91,612 Interest Revenue 27,269 27,269 Sales Revenue 87,711 5,000 (948) 91,763 Total Other Revenues 967,539 5,000 - (948) 971,591 TOTAL ANTICIPATED REVENUES 5,278,540 5,000 (52,575) (204,714) 5,026,251 EXPENSE APPROPRIATIONS Board and Executive Committee 240,155 240,155 Executive Management and Administration 1,235,370 1,235,370 Member Services 333,763 333,763 Finance Division 236,949 236,949 Information Technology Division 303,729 (96,867) 206,862 Economic and Community Development 783,742 783,742 Planning, Assistance, and Administration 1,190,489 (170,277) 1,020,212 Area Agency on Aging 1,718,083 5,000 1,723,083 Workforce Development 900,968 900,968 Indirect Costs Representation (1,664,708) 44,292 (34,437) (1,654,853) TOTAL EXPENSE APPROPRIATIONS 5,278,540 5,000 (52,575) (204,714) 5,026,251

Centralina Council of Governments January 7, 2009

Regionalism In North Carolina School of Government,

University of Chapel Hill September 2008

The following is a brief summary of the first phase findings of the report which reflect changes in COGs from July 1, 1994 through July1, 2007:

• The number of local governments and citizens served by COGs has increase. COGs served 84 (16%) more local governments and approximately 2.3 (35%) more citizens. Ninety two percent (92%) of local governments were COG members and they represented 97% of all citizens.

• While populations and budgets vary from region to region, when adjusted for inflation, the average total budget increased by 11% but the average per capita budget decreased by 39%.

• The number of services provided by COGs has increased. COGs services generally fall into four categories: planning services, technical assistance, geographic information services (GIS) and federal and or state grants administration. The number of COGs providing all four categories has increased from 7 of 18 COGS to 17 of 17 COGs.

• 96% of survey respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of COG services • The top four services most important to local governments rig now are ( percentages below reflect percent of

responders who rate the activity very important or somewhat important) : o Community and Economic Development Planning (91%) o Grant Writing and Administration (91%) o Transportation Planning (94%) o Regional Water Resource Planning (85%)

• The top four most important services to local governments in the 5-10 years are o Regional Water resource Planning (94%) o Transportation Planning (93%) o Community and Economic Development (93%) o And Grant Writing and Administration (93%)

• The top three most cited factors enabling cooperation are o The support of elected officials (51%, o And opportunity to save money or achieve greater economies of scale (47%) o A history of cooperation and trust between potential partners (45%

• The top three most often cited barriers to inter-governmental cooperation are: o Concern about loss of community control (75%) o Lack of trust between potential partners (51%) and o An expectation of unequal distribution of benefits (35%)

In short, COGs appear to be providing more services to more clients with fewer resources, while at the same time maintaining a very high level of satisfaction with those services. A complete copy of the study can be e-mail upon request.

Agenda #15 – Attachment #2 Page 1 of 1