By Mark Wineka

Salisbury Post

KANNAPOLIS — City Council tabled a $10,000 request from the Cabarrus Events Association Monday night after Councilman Richard Anderson said he and local businessmen have “unanswered questions” about the annual Christmas parade.

The Cabarrus Events Association seeks $10,000 as the city’s support for two Kannapolis events — the Christmas parade, which already has been held, and Village Fest, formerly known as Cottonstock.

The organization failed to get its funding request in before City Council approved its 2006-2007 budget last summer.

Council asked the association to submit its request later and also include financial reports of its activities, which it did.

City staff recommended that the $10,000 request be OK’d Monday night. Council had approved the same amount in the previous year.

But Anderson pushed for the delay and asked whether the council could take up the association’s request at its retreat next month.

Anderson said some local merchants are unhappy with the cost to participate in the parade. He said he also had figures showing what it cost Kannapolis for its Christmas parade compared to what it cost Concord.

“Just some things in general need to be discussed,” Anderson said. “… The parade is behind us, but you need to see what we’ve paid for.”

Legg said the delay should not adversely affect the Cabarrus Events Association for now. Legg added he wasn’t sure the retreat was the best place to discuss Anderson’s concerns and suggested the matter be taken up on a regular meeting date.

Mayor Bob Misenheimer asked that the budget request be put on the next meeting’s agenda.

City staff also wants the Cabarrus Events Association to enter into a sponsorship agreement as a condition for receiving the funds.

Under the agreement, Kannapolis would provide the $10,000 contribution; give publicity to Village Fest and the Kannapolis Christmas Parade on the city’s Web site, in its monthly newsletter to citizens and employee communications; and designate a liaison to represent the city’s interests at CEA planning meetings for the spring festival and Christmas parade.

In return, the Cabarrus Events Association would provide notice of its meetings to the city manager and inform the city of issues related to Village Fest and the holiday parade; recognize the city as a sponsor for each event through the program, announcements and banners; submit a brief report by May 15, detailing how the city’s contribution was used, outlining the attendance and other factors behind each event and describing any anticipated changes in future events.

City Council had a short public meeting Monday night before going into closed session to consult with their attorney, discuss property acquisition and take up personnel questions and matters related to the location or expansion of businesses.

In one other matter, council certified the current roster of firefighters eligible for the pension fund.

Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263, or mwineka@salisburypost.com.