Barbara L Bleiweis

The meeting served as a session for public input regarding future plans and renovations for Mason Wallace Park. The discussion covered a history of improvements made by the Mason Wallace Park Advocates, including path rehabilitation, basketball court restoration, and clearing invasive growth. The presentation from Capital Planning focused on enhancing the park's natural beauty while strategically adding amenities based on topography. Proposed master plan concepts included creating accessible walking trails, evaluating a splash pad, adding pickleball courts, new shelters, fitness equipment areas, and improving circulation and parking. Phase One improvements, scheduled for completion in Spring 2021, involve capital reserve enhancements. The advocates requested quarterly meetings with south region leadership to ensure continued maintenance alignment.

The meeting commenced with introductions, followed by an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. A major focus was the proclamation designating April 15th as the Month of Re-entry in Mecklenburg County, recognizing the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals regarding housing, employment, and healthcare, and celebrating the county's commitment to providing second chances. The Board also presented a proclamation recognizing National County Government Month, emphasizing the essential services counties provide to over 330 million Americans. Additionally, a presentation highlighted the county's public art collection, introducing an online mapping tool for residents to explore the artwork owned by Mecklenburg County.

The meeting commenced with administrative details, confirming remote participation due to the COVID-19 state of emergency and establishing housekeeping rules for the virtual meeting. Key agenda items included the announcement of a proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week, with discussion emphasizing the importance of yielding to EMS vehicles. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the COVID-19 situation, detailing confirmed cases, deaths, and long-term care facility outbreaks. The board discussed strategies for increasing testing capacity to meet the state's target, noting an uptick in cases within the Hispanic community due to factors like essential jobs and living conditions. Outreach efforts targeting the Latino community, including a Spanish toolkit and media engagement, were highlighted. The County Manager also addressed the use of the term "outbreak" concerning construction sites, clarifying that specific CDC definitions apply mainly to long-term care facilities. Additionally, a new daily updated dashboard for community impact, social distancing status, and facility location was introduced. The board proceeded with appointments, including one to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, where Phyllis Barnett was appointed by majority vote. The meeting concluded by moving to the manager's report update concerning COVID-19 data and pending ARPA proposals.

The meeting commenced with introductions of the board members and staff. The board reaffirmed its mission, vision, and FY26-27 budget priorities, which include economic development, education, environmental stewardship, health equity and wellness services for seniors, workforce development, and reducing racial disparities. Key actions included the authorization for the county manager to negotiate and execute documents for the acquisition of two tax parcels for the Idawal Road Park expansion, totaling $8,650,000 for one parcel and $1,350,000 for the second. A second authorization was passed for the acquisition of a parcel for the Riverside Drive expansion at a purchase price of $131,600. The board then recognized individuals associated with the Domestic Violence Advisory Board, including the chair and a supervisor, who presented on the dangers of teen dating violence through personal testimony and statistics. The board members responded by emphasizing the importance of promoting safe and healthy relationships and recognizing red flags. The proclamation declared February 2026 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and February 9 through 13 as Respect Week.

The Livable Meck initiative articulates a vision dedicated to enhancing the quality of life within Mecklenburg County for current and future generations. Described as a 'mecklenburg livable communities plan,' its purpose is to foster a greater and thriving region through coordinated efforts and enhanced collaboration. This vision is guided by four key commitments: engaging residents and stakeholders to guide community growth, facilitating collaboration among governmental, private, and nonprofit organizations, measuring the livability of communities, and communicating progress to achieve enduring livability.