Macon County Commissioners Meeting Agenda September 9, 2014 Updated with video

**update 8:24am on 09-10-2014** The videos of the meeting are posted below.

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Full meeting

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Public Comment

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The Macon County Commissioners will be meeting tonight at 6pm. The public agenda and the press packet are posted below. I will be there and will be providing a live text play by play of the meeting on Facebook. After I edit and upload the video of gavel to gavel coverage of the meeting, I will embed it at the top of this post, so check by within 24 hours to see the meeting for yourself.

I will be attempting to add a second camera to the coverage if I can't find someone willing to cover a meeting that has been scheduled to take place at the same time this meeting is taking place.

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
AGENDA

• Call to order and welcome by Chairman Corbin
  
• Announcements: NCACC Update Video
  
• Moment of Silence
  
• Pledge of Allegiance
  
• Public Hearing(s)-None
  
• Public Comment Period
  
• Adjustments to and approval of the agenda
  
• Reports/Presentations
  • Work First Electing County Plan for FFY 2016-19 - Jane Kimsey, DSS Director
• Old Business
  
• New Business
  • Macon County Public Health fee plan & billing guide....Jim Bruckner, Public Health Director
  • Medicaid Cost Settlement Funds & Consideration of Budget Amendment #31...Jim Bruckner, Health Director
  • Macon County Planning Board...Matt Mason, County Planner
  • Governor's Highway Safety Program 2014-2015 Grant...Sheriff Robbie Holland.
  • Legislative Goals...Kevin Corbin, Chairman
• Consent Agenda - Attachment #11
  All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. No separate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board of Commissioners.
  • Minutes of the August 12, 2014 and August 26, 2014 meetings
  • Budget Amendments #32 - #37
  • Tax releases
  • Monthly ad valorem tax collection report
• Appointments
  
• Closed session
  • Attorney-client privilege per NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3)
• Adjourn/Recess

The agenda packet that is distributed to commissioners and the local media. Currently, Macon Media is the only news organization that provides a way for the general public to see these documents for themselves.

Commissioner Press Packet 09-09-2014 by Thunder Pig

CROWD FUNDING EFFORT

Please consider giving a dollar a month to my Patreon Campaign so I can can continue providing this service indefinitely and to add significant improvements that will blow your mind. :) Visit www.patreon.com/MaconMedia By giving a dollar amonth, you can gain access to updates that only patreon supporters get to see.

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TC Roberson Rams at Franklin Panthers September 5, 2014

On Friday, September 5, 2014, the Franklin Panthers hosted the TC Roberson Rams in the Panther Pit. The Panthers dominated the first half of the game, scoring 35 unanswered points. The final score was 42-14 with the Panthers now 2-0.

I have two videos embedded below, the top being the complete game and the bottom video being the scoring drives.

The video of the complete game:





Here is the highlight reel showing the scoring drives

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Congressman Mark Meadows and Tom Hill Debate at WCU

Western Carolina University’s Public Policy Institute and Department of Political Science and Public Affairs sponsored a debate on the WCU campus between Congressman Mark Meadows and challenger Tom Hill last night and Macon Media was there to record it.

I've posted the full video and then broken it up into bite-sized portions and have posted them below so those of you who were unable to attend or watch online can see first hand what happened and make your own judgement about the proceedings.

I would like to acknowledge the public service of Western Carolina University, the Public Policy Institute and the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs, in particular Dr Chris Cooper and Dr Todd Collins for thier work in putting the debate together and Frank Fraboni of WLOS-TV for moderating the debate.

This one of three in a series of debates to be held on the WCU Campus this election season. Find out more about the series on the WCU website.

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Question #1

If elected, what will be the first piece of legislation you will introduce and how will it affect the citizens of the 11th district?

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Question #2

Is income inequality a problem, and what role, if any, should the US Congress play in alleviating the problem?

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Question #3

Would you vote to raise the debt ceiling? Why or why not?

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Question #4

How will you balance the claim of being fiscally responsible with bringing federal dollars to the district?

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Question #5

Directed at Congressman Mark Meadows:

What was your role in the government shutdown?
If you had it to do all over again, is there anything you would change about that action?

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Question #6

Directed at Tom Hill:

Why should the voters elect someone with your lack of experience in elected office and your relatively advanced age?

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Question #7

What role, if any, should the US Congress have in stopping internetional terrorist organizations, such as ISIS?

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Question #8

Is the Ukrainian situation a threat to the USA, if so, how should we respond?

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Question #9

What should the role, if anything, of the US Congress in preventing tragedies and ensuing riots in situations like what recently happened in Ferguson, Missouri?

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Question #10


Please clarify your position on the Affordable Care Act.

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Question #11

What is your stance on fracking and what should the role of the US Congress be in the debate over fracking?

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Question #12

Closing statements by the candidates

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Meeting Agenda Franklin Town Board of Aldermen September 2, 2014 Meeting Updated with video

**update 10:45am 09-03-2014** Here is the video of the meeting:


You can read the play by play I posted as the meeting happened on Facebook.



The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen will be meeting Tuesday night at 7pm instead of the usual Monday night because of the Labor Day Holiday.

The public agenda and the agenda packets have been released to the local media outlets and they are posted below in the interest of transparency. The agenda is a full one, so there will be a continuation meeting scheduled for September 15th at 5:30pm, provided all the Aldermen agree. See video of the July 7th meeting.

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen

Agenda

September 2, 2014

7:00 p.m.

l. Call to order- Mayor Bob Scott

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Adoption of September 2, 2014 Proposed Agenda

4. Approval of the August 4, 2014 Board Minutes

5. Public Session

6. New Business
...A.) Proclamation for Job Corp Day- Mayor Bob Scott
...B.) Proclamation for Constitution Week- Mayor Bob Scott
...C.) Presentation by Applicants for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Non- Profit Funding Pool
...D.) Set Public Hearing for Rezoning Petition for One (1) Parcel on Highlands Road- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
...E.) Set Public Hearing for Rezoning Petition for Three (3) Parcels on Traces Place- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
...F.) Resolution Authorizing Town Manager to Apply for State Revolving Loan Funds for the Town of Franklin Water Plant Expansion- Town Manager Summer Woodard
...G.) Budget Amendment for the Tourism Development Authority- Town Manager Summer
Woodard
...H.) Update on Memorial Park Crawford Branch Riparian Restoration Project- Town Manager Summer Woodard
...I.) Discussion on Town of Franklin Logo-Mayor Bob Scott

7. Legal
...A.) Tax Release- Town Attorney John Henning Jr
...B.) Discussion on Business License Ordinance- Town Attorney John Henning Jr
...C.) Update on Property Located at 415 Forest Avenue- Town Attorney John Henning Jr
...D.) Macon County Tax Bill for Old Town Hall Property- Town Attorney John Henning Jr

8. Set continuation meeting for Monday September 15, 2014 at 5:30 p.m.






Part 1 of 3

Press Packet 09-02-2014 Part 1

Part 2 of 3

Press Packet 09-02-2014 Part 2

Part 3 of 3

Press Packet 09-02-2014 Part 3

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Macon County Commissioners 08-26-2014

Last night, the Macon County Commissioners reconvened a meeting that was recessed on August 12th. The agenda that was released to the general public is posted below, and below that is the agenda that was released to the local news media.

The bulk of the meeting was taken up discussing changes that were made to the Parker Meadows Recreation Facility due to the discovery of a tooth during archaelogical investigation of the site. It is estimated that it will cost in excess of $260,000 to make the changes to accomodate the gravesite. The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian will also likely be building some sort of memorial onsite.





1. Reconvene and welcome – Chairman Corbin

2. Tax Releases – Tax Administrator Richard Lightner

3. Budget Amendments #26 and #27 – Finance Director

4. Insurance Proceeds for CHAF Property – County Attorney

5. Update on Parker Meadows Recreational Complex – County Manager

6. Discussion regarding resolution honoring Prentiss Baptist Church

7. Adjourn

Press Packet for 08-12-2014 Commissioners Meeting by Thunder Pig

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Macon County Airport Authority 08-26-2014

The Macon County Airport Authority met on Tuesday, August 26, 2014. Among the items discussed was the passage of a resolution honoring the late Harlod Corbin as an eternal friend of the Macon County Airport. I will post a copy of that as soon as it is provided to me.


Here is the video of the proceedings.

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MAMA-2 at Cullasaja Assembly of God

Video and photo essay of MAMA-2 landing at the Cullasaja Assembly of God on the Highlands Road at around 10:30am this morning. This spot is often utilized by the Cullasaja Gorge Volunteer Fire Department as a safe place for MAMA-1 and MAMA-2 to medevac patients from the area to Memorial Mission Hospital. The patient being transferred today was a medical patient.






These photos are also on my personal Flickr account.

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Highlights from the 2014 Riverfest Raft Regatta

The Franklin Daybreak Rotary sponsored a series of fundraisers this past Saturday. Here are highlights from the Raft Regatta. 

The photographic highlights may be seen on by clicking the arrow buttons on the above photo or on Flickr.

A video montage from the event is below. I look forward to this becoming an annual tradition, and may enter it next year.

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Highlights from the Riverfest 2014 Ducky Derby

The Franklin Daybreak Rotary sponsored a series of fundraisers this past Saturday. Here are highlights from the Ducky Derby. About a thousand ducks were dropped from the town bridge and were allowed (herded, mostly) down to Crawford Branch. The photo graphic highlght may be seen on by clicking the arrow buttons on the above photo or on Flickr.

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Highlights from the 2014 Riverfest 5K

The Franklin Rotary Daybreak sponsored a series of fundraisers this past Saturday. Among them was a 5K Run held on the greenway that started and finished at the Tassee Shelter. Macon Media was the only member of the local press present for the duration of the event. Here are the video highlights:




You can see some of the photos I took on Flickr. 

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School Starts Today in Macon County: School Bus Safety Tips

School starts today in Macon County, so be on the lookout for children at bus stops, getting on and off buses and be on the lookout for the buses themselves and don't be passing stopped school buses whether they are in your lane or not! It could cost a child his or her life or a $500 fine and 5 points on your driver's license.

Here is the law in North Carolina regarding when drivers are required to stop for school buses:

When a school bus is displaying its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights and the bus is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers, the driver of any other vehicle that approaches the school bus from any direction on the same street, highway, or public vehicular area shall bring that other vehicle to a full stop and shall remain stopped. The driver of the other vehicle shall not proceed to move, pass, or attempt to pass the school bus until after the mechanical stop signal has been withdrawn, the flashing red stoplights have been turned off, and the bus has started to move.

If you see someone violating the North Carolina School Bus Law (NCGS 20-217), please download and use these documents after you have called *HP on your cell phone. Report of violation of School Bus Law (G. S. 20-217)
(MS Doc file) or (PDF file)

For more information on North Carolina’s Stop Arm Law, please go to the following link: http://www.ncbussafety.org/SchoolBusSafety/SBSWlaw.html

Here are some tips from the North Carolina Department of Transportation:

RALEIGH – It’s back to school time for nearly 1.5 million students across the state Monday, which means North Carolina’s roads will be jam-packed with cars, buses and pedestrians.

As we prepare for the new school year, the N.C. Department of Transportation urges students and motorists to stay alert and exercise caution on the road, especially around crosswalks, school buses and bus stops.

Each year in North Carolina, more than 2,000 pedestrians are injured and 160 are killed in collisions with vehicles. In the last two school years, five students have been killed either crossing the road to or from a bus or while standing at a bus stop.

“ Keeping our students safe is a priority and these tragic accidents can be avoided if we all practice simple safety measures, “said NCDOT Secretary Tony Tata. “We urge students to be careful when crossing the street and drivers to do their part by keeping a close eye on students who are getting on or off school buses, as well as students and teachers who are walking to and from school.”

NCDOT offers students a few basic rules of safety as they head back to school:

• Cross in the crosswalk.
• Look for cars in all directions—including those turning left or right—before crossing the street; never
assume a driver will stop.
• Be careful when crossing multiple lanes of traffic. Make sure each lane of traffic is clear before you cross.
• Pay attention to where you’re walking and take the focus off your cell phone or other electronic device. A
moment of distraction could have disastrous consequences.
• Be predictable to drivers and follow the rules of the road—obey signs and signals.
• Cross the street where you have the best view of traffic.
• Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from the road as you can.

NCDOT reminds motorists of these basic driving tips as the new school year approaches:

Always stop for a stopped school bus. If the lights are flashing and the stop sign is out, you must stop,
including in the following situations:

• If you are traveling a two-lane road, all traffic in both directions must stop.
• If you are traveling a two-lane road with a center turn lane, all traffic from both directions must stop.
• If you are traveling a four-lane road without a median separation, all traffic from both directions must stop.
• If you are traveling a divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation, only traffic following the
bus must stop.
• If you are traveling a road with four or more lanes with a center turn lane, only traffic following the bus must stop.
• Be prepared to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Never pass a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
• Before making a turn, be sure the path is clear of any pedestrians.
• Slow down in areas where you are likely to find pedestrians, such as near bus stops, schools and playgrounds.
• Avoid distractions such as food, passengers and using mobile devices.

North Carolina has stiff penalties for motorists who fail to comply with school bus safety rules.

• There is a $500 penalty for motorists who are caught passing a stopped school bus, with the possibility of
license revocation.
• There is a $250 penalty for speeding in a school zone in North Carolina.
• Passing a stopped school bus can cost motorists five points on their driver’s license and eight points for
commercial vehicles.

I also posted some information about stopping for school buses last year.

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Public Education -- Reform or Decline? Panel Discussion hosted by the League of Women Voters

The Macon County League of Women Voters hosted a panel discussion entitled "Public Education in North Carolina -- Reform or Decline?"
Susan Ervin, the President of the local League of Women Voters, moderated the panel.

Panelists included:


Chris Baldwin - Superintendent of Macon County Schools

Gary Brown - Iotla Valley Elementary Principal

Stephanie Laseter - Parent

Melissa Faetz - Region 8 Teacher of the Year

Tyler Faetz –Franklin High School AP English teacher

John deVille - NCAE local representative

The panelists discussed how budget cuts and their affect on local schools. They also discussed education standards, class size teacher presence and the needs of students. Local elected officials were also allowed to make a brief statement and several members of the audience also added to the discussion. The meeting lasted a little over two hours.

Here is the full video of the panel discussion:




Susan Ervin announced that the next two meetings of the board would be focused on upcoming elections. On September 11th at noon, a forum featuring NC Senator Jim Davis and his opponent Jane Hipps will take place. On October 8th at noon, a forum for candidates for County Commissioner will take place.

Everyone is encouraged to attend these meetings to hear where the candidates stand on the issues.


CROWD FUNDING

I'm still trying to raise money to take this thing to the next level. Visit my Patreon page to find out more at www.patreon.com/MaconMedia 

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Franklin Main Street Board Called Meeting 08-19-2014

The Franklin Main Street Board held a called meeting to hear from Liz Parham, the Director of the Office of Urban Development, on what a successful Main Street Program is supposed to be doing.

This was the first Main Street Program meeting that I have covered because I have been told in the past that this board is not subject to open meeting laws and I was not welcome to record the meetings. This information was backed up by the town attorney, so I didn't bother. If you want more back story on this watch this video to hear what some of the merchants have been saying about the Main Street Board.

Linda Schlott, the previous Director of the Franklin Main Street Program, retired from her position and the job was split into two part time jobs, one of a Festival Coordinator, and the other of the Director of the Main Street Program. The former Director of the Main Street Program and is currently the festival coordinator for the town. Tony Angel is the new part time director of the program.

The meeting was almost three hours long, so I split it into three videos for easier processing and viewing.

Part One


Part Two


Part Three

I have increased the audio of the last video because one of the board members would not speak loud enough to be heard.


CROWD FUNDING

I'm still trying to raise money to take this thing to the next level. Visit my Patreon page to find out more at www.patreon.com/MaconMedia 

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NCACC Members Tour Macon County

This past Thursday, county commissioners from across North Carolina toured Macon County as part of an activity during the annual convention of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners [NCACC] in Asheville, NC. Commissioner Beale was inducted as the President of the organization on Saturday night.

So, here is coverage of the tour presented in video excerpts at the various stops during the day.

Introduction by Macon County Commissioner Ronnie Beale


NCACC Members tor the Veterans Memorial Park


NCACC Macon County Luncheon


Phil Drake at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts


NCACC Members Tour the Cullasaja Gorge


NCACC Members in Highlands, NC


I would like to recognize Goshen Timber Frames for providing a car for me to drive during this event while my truck was out of service. Without that assistance, this coverage would not have happened.

Please help me to continue providing video coverage like this of local meetings, news events and high school sports by pledging a dollar a month on my Patreon Campaign page. 

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Rabun County Wildcats at Franklin Panthers 08-15-2014

The Rabun County High School Wildcats met the Franklin Panthers at the the Panther Pit for a scrimmage game that lasted for two quarters on Friday, August 15th. The Panthers won 20-14.

Here is video of the game.



CROWD FUNDING

I'm still trying to raise money to take this thing to the next level. Visit my Patreon page to find out more at www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

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Macon County Commissioners 08-12-2014

The Macon County Commissioners met Tuesday night and had a lot of material on the agenda. The two public hearings on proposed telecommunications tower (cellphone towers) took about an hour and public comment lasted about an hour as a number of people spoke for and against fracking. Overall, the meeting lasted a little over three and a half hours (not counting the closed session). After the closed session, Vice Chairman Ronnie Beale recessed the meeting until August 26th.

I divided the video into three parts:

Part 1 Public Hearings


Part 2 Public Comment


Part 3


The public agenda and the agenda that was distributed to members of the local media are posted below.

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AUGUST 12, 2014
AGENDA

• Call to order and welcome by Vice-Chairman Beale
  
• Announcements
  
• Moment of Silence
  
• Pledge of Allegiance
  
• Public Hearing(s) -
  • 6 p.m. - Telecommunication Tower Application from Cellco Partnership
  • 6:30 p.m. - Telecommunication Tower Application from Tower Engineering Professionals
  
  NOTE: Consideration of either or both applications would immediately follow the public hearings.
  
• Public Comment Period
  
• Adjustments to and approval of the agenda
  
• Reports/Presentations
  • 2014 Small Health Department of the Year Award - County Manager
  • NCACC Liability & Property Pool's 2013 Safety Award - Charlie Eaton, NCACC Property & Casualty Program Specialist
  • Recognition of Habitat for Humanity - Commissioner Beale
  • Historic Preservation Week in Macon County - Barbara McRae
  • Region A Update - Ryan Sherby
• Old Business
  • Fox Ridge Project Review Fee - Doug Johnson, Macon County Soil and Water Conservation
  • Revised Lease for Waterwheel Manufacturing, Inc. - County Attorney
• New Business
  • Purchase of Electronic Health Record - Jim Bruckner, Macon County Public Health Director
  • Consideration of lease agreement with Harmony House Foods, Inc. - EDC Director Tommy Jenkins/County Attorney
  • Consideration of Interlocal Agreement for Recreation with the Town of Highlands - County Manager
  • Endorsement of "Sit for 60, Move for 3" Program - HR Director
  • Consideration of lease agreements for the Community Care Clinics in Franklin and Highlands - County Attorney
  • Consideration of agreement to provide recreation opportunities with the Scaly Mountain Historical Society, Inc. - County Attorney
• Consent Agenda - Attachment #11
  All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. No separate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board of Commissioners.
  • Minutes of the July 8 and July 24, 2014 meetings
  • Budget Amendments #16-20
  • Tax releases
  • Settlement report for Fiscal Year 2013-14 taxes
  • Monthly ad valorem tax collection report
  • Resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of Holly Springs Baptist Church
• Appointments
  • Ratification of e-mail poll regarding appointments to the Highlands Tourism Development Commission
  • Commissioner appointment to the Smoky Mountain LME/MCO County Commissioner Advisory Council
• Closed session (if necessary)
  
• Adjourn/Recess

Press Packet for 08-12-2014 Commissioners Meeting by Thunder Pig

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A Rally for Public Education 08-13-2014

The local chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educators hosted a rally for public education today at noon at the town gazebo in downtown Franklin, NC.

Educators and supporters gathered in parrallel with other rallies across the state to protest the edeucation policies of the North Carolina Legislature and the Governor.

Speakers at the local rally were:

John DeVille, President of the local chapter of the NCAE was the Master of Ceremonies.

Jane Hipps, candidate for the 50th District NC Senate seat, was the keynote speaker.

Tyler Faetz, English teacher at Franklin High School also spoke, reminding attendees of the education forum next Wednesday night at 7pm in Tartan Hall that will be hosted by the League of Women Voters.

The full video and some photos of the local rally are posted below.

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Macon County Commissioners 07-08-2014

The Macon County Commissioners met on July 8, 2014 in the commissioner's boardroom for their regular July 2014 meeting. The video of gavel to not quite gavel coverage (there was no ending gavel in open session) of the meeting is below, followed by the public agenda and then the agneda given to the members of the media. Commissioners spent 29 minutes in a closed session and no decisions were announced when commissioners came out of the backroom.







Here is the public agenda:

•Call to order and welcome by Chairman Corbin 

•Announcements 

•Moment of Silence 

•Pledge of Allegiance 

•Public Hearing(s) - 6:00 p.m.
-Community Development Block Grant Project Closeout - John Fay, Housing Director 
-Consideration of resolution approving financing terms

•Public Comment Period 

•Adjustments to and approval of the agenda 

•Reports/Presentations 

•Old Business
-Confirmation of additional annual leave for county employees - County Manager

•New Business
-Resolution Designating Harold Corbin as an Honorary Historian of Macon County - Commissioner Beale
-Resolution Opposing the Designation of Additional Wilderness Areas Within the Nantahala National Forest in Macon County - Jim Gray
-Brian Jones Well Abandonment Agreement - County Attorney
-Amendments to Interlocal Agreement and Resolution Regarding the Veterans Transportation Project - County Attorney
-Ratification of Telephone/E-mail Poll Regarding Cancelation of Deed of Trust for Thompsons - County Attorney
-Resolution Changing the Due Date of the Macon County Room Occupancy-Tourism Development Tax - Finance Director
-Grant Project Ordinance and Budget Amendment for Housing Department - Finance Director
-Designation of Voting Delegate to the NCACC Annual Conference

•Consent Agenda - Attachment #11
All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. No separate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board of Commissioners.
-Minutes of the June 10 and June 16, 2014 meetings
-Budget Amendments #1 and #2
-Tax Releases
-Monthly ad valorem tax collection report

•Appointments
-Airport Authority (1 seat)
-Community Advisory Committee for Long Term Care (2 seats)

•Closed session (if necessary) 

•Adjourn/Recess


Then here is agenda packet that was distributed to members of the media. Currently neither the commissioners nor the other members of the media make this available to the general public. 

Revised Agenda Packet for 07-08-2014 County Commissioners Meeting by Thunder Pig

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Franklin Aldermen 07-07-2014

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen met last night for their regular meeting for July 2014. Video of the meetinf is above and video of the portion of the meeting where Aldermen voted 6-0 to select Summer Woodard as the new Town Manager is below.




I posted a play by play on Facebook if you care to check it out.

The public agenda is next:

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen 

Meeting Agenda

Monday July 7, 2014 - 7:00 p.m. 

1.    Call to order- Mayor Bob Scott
2.    Pledge of Allegiance
3.    Adoption of  July 7, 2014 Proposed Agenda
4.    Approval of the June 2, 2014 Board Minutes
5.    Public Session
6.    New Business

• Proclamation for Wilderness Act Celebration Day- Mayor Bob Scott
• Amendment to the Town of Franklin Nuisance Ordinance- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser and Town Attorney John Henning  Jr.
• Privilege License Refund- Tax Collector Jessie Wilkins and Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
• Western North Carolina Hospice House- Interim Town Manager Summer Woodard and Town Attorney John Henning Jr.

7.   Legal

• Lazy Hiker Subrogation Agreement- Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
• Closed session- Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (6), "to consider the qualifications, competence,                                            performance, character, fitness, conditions of appoint, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee".

8.    Announcements

• Applications for the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Non-Profit Funding Pool are available at Town Hall and online at www.franklinnc.com.
• The Town of Franklin will be hosting the joint meeting with Macon County and the Town of Highlands on Thursday July 24, 2014  at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Board Room.

9. Adjourn

And here is a copy of the agenda packet that is released to the members of the media. To date, this is the only place you can see "the rest of the story" and the background materials that Aldermen use for the meeting and the material that the other media organizations use to write their stories on the meetings.

Franklin Aldermen 07-0-2014 Agenda Packet by Thunder Pig

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Macon County Airport Authority June 2014 Meeting

The Macon County Airport Authority met on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 for their regular monthly meeting. A quorum was not present, so the board could not conduct any regular business. Here is the video of the informational session that was held in lieu of an official meeting.

Chairman Miles Gregory announced that he had polled members of the board and found that there was a consensus to recommend to the county commissioners that Richard Rose of Highlands be selected to replace the recently deceased Harold Corbin on the board.

The next meeting will take place at the airport on the last Tuesday in July, which is the 29th of the month.

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Speeches at the 2014 NCGOP State Convention

This past weekend, a once in a generation political event occurred in western North Carolina...a political party held it's annual state-wide convention here. Over 600 delegates gathered at the Convention Center at Harrah's Cherokee Casino to conduct their annual business, to take workshops to assist them learn how to win elections, and to hear from candidates for public office.

I was credentialed as a member of the press and covered the activities that took place on Saturday. I would have recorded the entire thing, but could only afford the fuel to attend one day, so I chose the day with the most happening.

I recorded several speeches and most of the general session that took place that day, minus part of the morning session.

Here are the speeches that I recorded from lunch onward. Tomorrow and Wednesday, I will post speeches from the District/County Chairman's Annual Breakfast and the activities on the convention floor as viewed from my position in a suite reserved for the press.

I hope this gives you an insight on the political process that I believe it is our civic duty to participate in if we wish to remain a free society.

It is also my belief that this is the most complete and neutral coverage of the convention you'll find anywhere in North Carolina.


LUNCHEON WITH BILL BENNETT

A luncheon was held in the Council Fire Ballroom that featured speeches by Dr William Bennett, former Secretary of Education, and Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana and presumed to be a candidate for President in 2016. The event was sponsored by Congresswoman Renee Ellmers and here are the videos from that event:





SPEECHES DURING THE AFTERNOON SESSION

After delegates had returned from lunch in the convention center, they were welcomed by Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Michell Hicks, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. Jim Snyder, Heather Grant, Ted Alexander and Mark Harris, who ran in the US Senate primary, all gathered on stage and endorsed Thom Tillis, won won the Republican primary. Thom Tillis then spoke. Here are those videos:





DINNER WITH FORMER US SPEAKER DENNIS HASTERT & GOVERNOR MIKE HUCKABEE

At 7pm, delegates and guests gathered in the Council Fire Ballroom in Harrah's Cherokee Hotel to eat and hear Former Governor or Arkansas Mike Huckabee speak. He was a candidate for President in 2008 and there is speculation he could be positioning himself for another run in 2016. Dennis Hastert, former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, spoke last on the program. The videos from this event are below:



Maybe next year, the Democratic Party of North Carolina will hold their convention in Cherokee and I'll get to cover that event, too. They were holding their annual convention this weekend in Raleigh.

PATREON CAMPAIGN

It costs money to do what I do. Please consider helping me out by visiting my Patreon crowd funding page and look at ways you can donate to help me.

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