Franklin Town Council Meeting November 6, 2017

The Franklin Town Council will be meeting tonight at 7 pm. A public agenda and agenda packet are embedded below in the interest of transparency. There will be no live video tonight. Video may be uploaded sometime tomorrow, subject to delay because of the municipal election from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Video will be embedded in this article by Wednesday.


PLACEHOLDER FOR VIDEO
DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

Public Agenda

Town of Franklin Council Continuation Meeting
Agenda
November 06, 2017 | 7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order - Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Patti Abel
3. Adoption of the November 6, 2017 Town Board Agenda
4. Approval of October 2, 2017 Town Board Minutes
5. Public Hearing 7:05 p.m. for Events Venue Ordinance
6. Public Hearing 7:10 p.m. for Apartment/Two Family Dwelling Ordinance
7. Public Session

8. New Business
A.) Board Action on Events Venue Ordinance - Town Board
B.) Board Action on Apartment/Two Family Dwelling Ordinance - Town Board
C.) Presentation of Town of Franklin Audit for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 - Martin Starnes Associate Kelly Gooderham
D.) Presentation on Whitmire Property Event Venue - Jimbo Ledford & Tabitha Burch
E.) Street Closing Request for Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade - Linda Harbuck
F.) Budget Amendments - Finance Officer Kyra Doster
G.) NCDOT Sidewalk Project for US 23/441 South - Town Manager Summer Woodard
H.) Discussion on Stop Sign at Curtis Street - Town Manager Summer Woodard
I.) Approval of Maturity Schedule and Promissory Note for Water Treatment Plant - Town Manager Summer Woodard
J.) Update on Town of Franklin Online Utility Payment and Credit Card Payment - Town Manager Summer Woodard and Finance Officer Kyra Doster
K.) Tax Release - Town Manager Summer Woodard
L.) Discussion on Main Street Parking - Town Engineer Nathanael Moore and Land Use Administrator Justin Setser

9. Legal
A.) Minimum Housing Code Violation at 373 West Main Street- Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
10. Announcements
A.) Town Hall Offices will be closed Friday November 10, 2017 in observance of Veterans Day
B.) Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony will be Saturday November 11, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.
C.) Town Hall Offices will be closed Thursday November 23 and Friday November 24, 2017 for Thanksgiving
D.) Winter Wonderland will be Saturday November 25 and Saturday December 2, 2017.
E.) Joint Meeting with Macon County, Town of Franklin and Town of Highlands will be Tuesday November 28, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Robert C. Carpenter Building.
11. Adjournment



Agenda Packet

Franklin Town Aldermen Agenda Packet - Nov 2017 by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

Attachment

Attachments 11-06-2017 by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

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Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, November 2, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Longtime Alderman Billy Mashburn, after a long battle with cancer, passed away yesterday surrounded by family. Arrangements have not yet been made. When they are made public, Macon Media will post the information.



Clerk of Superior Court Vic Perry administers the oath of office  to Billy Mashburn in December 2013 for Franklin Alderman  as his wife, Dinah, holds the bible.
Macon Media mourns the passing of Billy Mashburn and notes that he was a friendly person and was one of the few elected officials in Macon County who was always helpful. His presence on the town board will be missed for years.

Early Voting

As of the close of polls yesterday, 105 voters had cast ballots in Franklin and 28 in Highlands.


From the Board of Elections:

Early voting in Franklin will continue thru this week Monday-Friday 8-5 and Saturday 9-1. Highlands will continue thru this week Monday-Friday 9-4 and Saturday 9-1. Early Voting will end Saturday at both locations at 1:00. Voters who live within the City limits and that are registered to vote can go to the polls on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, from 6:30am-7:30pm. On Election Day, The Town of Franklin voters will go to the Town Hall to vote, and the Town of Highlands voters will go to the Highlands Civic Center to vote. There will be NO VOTING at the Macon County Courthouse on Election Day, voters must go to the polls to vote. Canvass Day will be November 17, 2017, at 11:00.

New Site for Angel Medical Center

Potential Site for the new Angel Medical Center located near Hunnicutt Lane and US-441. A press release of the announcement can be read at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/11/angel-medical-center-reviews-potential.html

LOCAL OUTLOOK

A warming southerly flow will persist over the region through the end of the week. Cooler weather is expected over the weekend, as a back door cold front moves through the area from the northeast. Another weak cold front is expected to approach the region early next week.


WEATHER SPONSOR

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month. 

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.   

Weather Almanac for November 2nd (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 82°F in Franklin in 1974
Lowest Temperature 16°F in Highlands in 1954
Greatest Rainfall 3.20 inches in Highlands in 1966
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 0.5 inches in Highlands in 1917


Record weather events for November in Macon County

Highest Temperature 83°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Nov 4, 2003
Lowest Temperature -3°F in Highlands on Nov 25, 1950
Greatest Rainfall 4.69 inches in Highlands on Nov 29, 1914
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 6.0 inches in Highlands on Nov 28, 1922


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Partly sunny with highs in the 60s and winds 5 to 10 mph from the south.

TONIGHT

Partly cloudy with patchy fog expected to develop after midnight.Lows in the 40s to near 50 and winds out of the southwest.



FRIDAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Partly sunny skies with highs in the 60s and winds out of the northwest. 30% chance of rain with a chance of thunder between 2 pm and 8 pm.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 40s and lower 50s and winds out of the north. 40% chance of rain.



SATURDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the 60s. 30% chance of rain.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 40s and lower 50s. 30% chance of rain.

HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected today.


Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.


As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Thu Nov 2 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 5 days.


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphics. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.

It is FFA Christmas Tree order time.....
Help support our Franklin FFA ( Future Farmers of America )....
* All proceeds go to the students for competitions *

FFA students are taking orders for Christmas trees...locally grown Frasier Firs...hand selected by students, 6ft, 7ft, 8ft... $25.00 each...order now - pick up Sat Nov 25 9am-12....Ag Building at Franklin HS....contact Gregory Charles Spala 813-838-7693 or Lori Spala 813-503-2160 calls, text & vm or via FB messenger or send comment...
Cash or checks (FHS....memo line FFA Christmas Tree)

**Thursday, November 16th DEADLINE for orders & money turn in for Christmas Trees**


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 7:30 a.m.
Sunrise 7:56 a.m.
Sun transit 1:17 p.m.
Sunset 6:38 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:04 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 5:26 p.m. yesterday
Moon transit 11:38 p.m. last night
Moonset 5:57 a.m.
Moonrise 6:03 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on November 2, 2017: Waxing Gibbous with 97% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on November 4, 2017 at 1:23 a.m. (local daylight time)


Sky Guides for this week

I took some epic photos of the solar eclipse, but have not yet had time to process them. I will be producing material from the photos and video for sale as a fundraiser for Macon Media. --Bobby

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia



Posted at 4:00 am on November 2, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

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Franklin Town Council October 2017 Regular Meeting

The Franklin Town Council will be meeting tonight, Monday, October 2, 2017, at 7 pm in the town hall for their regular monthly meeting. The public agenda and a copy of the agenda packet are posted below for your convenience. The morning after the meeting, a gavel to gavel video of the meeting will be posted here so you can see and hear exactly what happened. 



MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets with reporters present)

Macon Media
WFSC-AM/WNCC-FM
The Franklin Press
The Smoky Mountain News
Macon County News and Shopping Guide

CANDIDATE ROLL CALL
(candidates for town council present)

JimBo Ledford
Barbara McRae 
Angela Moore



DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

Town of Franklin Council Meeting

Agenda

October 2, 2017

7:00 pm

1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance- Vice Mayor Patti Abel
3. Adoption of the October 2, 2017, Town Board Agenda
4. Approval of September 5, 2017, Town Board Minutes
5. Public Hearing 7:05 pm. Regarding Senate Bill 155 “Brunch Bill"
6. Public Session
7. New Business
A.) Board Action on Senate Bill 155 “Brunch Bill”-Town Board
B.) Street Closing Request for Ruby Drop- Tim Crabtree
C.) Set Public Hearing for Event Venues- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser

D.) Set Public Hearing for Dwelling Unit Apartments- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
B.) Update on Town Franklin Festivals for 20l7- Town Manager Sumner Woodard

8. Legal
A.) Update on Minimum Housing Code Enforcement- Town Attorney John Henning Jr.

9. Announcements

A.) Town of Franklin Free Family Movie Night Friday, October 6, 2017, at 8:00 pm. The movie will be Trolls.
B.) 2nd Annual Pumpkin Fest Saturday, October 21, 2017, From 9:00 am. until 4:00 pm.

10. Adjournment




AGENDA PACKET

Oct 2017 Aldermen Agenda Packet by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to
editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 4:10 am on October 02, 2017

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Franklin Town Board Continued Meeting from September 5, 2017

The Franklin Town Council will be reconvening from the regular meeting that was recessed on September 5th. [LINK to Meeting Coverage]

The public agenda (no agenda packet has been made available) is posted below. After the meeting, a video will be added here so you can see exactly what transpires at the meeting.

Town of Franklin Council Continuation Meeting

Agenda

September 18, 2017

6:00 pm.

1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott

2. Discussion on Non-Profit Funding Pool Applicants- Town Board

3. Contract for Engineering Services for the Water Treatment Plant- Town Manager Summer Woodard

4. Discussion on Main Street Parking- Council Member Joe Collins

5. Discussion on Franklin ABC Store- Council Member Joe Collins

6. Adjournment




DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.



CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at
https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia



Posted at 3:56 am on September 18, 2017

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September 5, 2017 Meeting Franklin Town Board

The Franklin Town Board will be meeting tonight at 7 pm. Live video will be streamed at PeriscopeTV. [LINK] This button will indicate when Macon Media is broadcasting live @MaconMedia **update** Due to a forgotten tripod adapter, there will be no live video.

VIDEO OF MEETING

MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets with personnel present)

Macon Media
The Franklin Press
The Macon County NEws and Shopping Guide (reporter and publisher)
WNCC-FM/WFSC-AM

Candidates for Office (other than those serving on the board)

David Culpepper
Jimbo Ledford
Greg Raby

Elected Official (other than those on the board)

None


A copy of the public agenda and the agenda packet that is shared with members of the media and the sunshine list are posted below in the interest of transparency.

PUBLIC AGENDA

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen

Agenda

September 05, 2017 | 7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance- Vice Mayor Patti Abel
3. Adoption of the September 5, 2017 Town Board Agenda
4. Approval of August 7, 2017 Town Board Minutes
5. Public Session
6. New Business

A.) Proclamation for Constitution Week 2017 - Mayor Bob Scott
B.) Presentation on Whitmire Proposal -Town Manager Summer Woodard
C.) Street Closing Request for Centro Comunitario - Town Manager Summer Woodard
D.) Presentation by Applicants for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Non-Profit Funding Pool
E.) Budget Amendments - Finance Officer Kyra Doster
F.) Tourism Development Authority Budget Amendment - Town Manager Summer Woodard
G.) Appointment to the Town Planning Board - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
H.) Permission to Advertise Vacancy on Town Planning Board -Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
I.) Discussion on Sign Placement for Civic Clubs - Town Manager Summer Woodard
J.) Adoption of Policy Authorizing Town Department Heads to make Purchases - Town Manager Summer Woodard and Finance Officer Kyra Doster
K.) Tax Bills for 2017 - Town Manager Summer Woodard
L.) Designation of Voting Delegate for NCLM Annual Conference - Town Manager Summer Woodard
M.) Tax Releases - Town Manager Summer Woodard
N.) Appointment of Town Tax Collector - Town Manager Summer Woodard
O.) Update on Flood Insurance Program - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser

7. Legal
A.) Contract for Engineering Services for the Water Treatment Plant - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
B.) Discussion on North Carolina Brunch Bill - Town Council Member Adam Kimsey and Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
8. Announcements
A.) Set Continuation meeting for Tuesday September 19, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
B.) NCLM Annual Conference September 20-23, 2017
9. Continuation

AGENDA PACKET

Franklin Town Board Agenda 09-05-2017 by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree

service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.


CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a

month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to

editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early ponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed

low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have

kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a

real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at
https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 4:20 am on September 5, 2017

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Franklin Town Board August 2017 Meeting

The Franklin Town Board will be meeting tonight at 7 pm in the lower level of the town hall building located at 95 East Main Street. A video will be added to this article in the morning. If there is sufficient internet bandwidth, a live video feed will be posted, otherwise, a recorded version will be added in the morning so you can see and hear exactly what transpires in the meeting.

VIDEO OF MEETING


MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets with reporters/photographers present)

Macon Media
WFSC-AM/WNCC-FM
The Smoky Mountain News
The Macon County News and Shopping Guide
The Franklin Press

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen

Agenda

August 07, 2017 | 7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance- Vice Mayor Patti Abel
3. Adoption of the August 7, 2017 Town Board Agenda
4. Approval of July 3, 2017 Town Board Minutes
5. Public Session

6. New Business
A.) Discussion on Proposed Duke Energy Utility Easement - Lisa Leatherman
B.) Presentation on the use of Narcan - Town Manager Summer Woodard and Jeremy Cabe
C.) Proclamation for WFSC Radio Celebration - Sean Gibson
D.) Budget Amendment - Finance Officer Kyra Doster
E.) Update on 2017 Solar Eclipse - Town Manager Summer Woodard
F.) Discussion on Bike Rack locations - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser and Town Manager Summer Woodard
G.) Update on Town of Franklin Water Treatment Plant Project -Town Manager Summer Woodard
H.) Discussion on Outdoor Movie Theater Partnership - Town Manager Summer Woodard
I.) Discussion on the Whitmire Property - Town Manager Summer Woodard

7. Legal
A.) Forward Unified Development Amendment Regarding Event Facilities to the Town Planning Board - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
B.) Contract Award for Actiflo Project - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
8. Announcements
A.) Public Safety Day will be Saturday August 19, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Gazebo
B.) Solar Eclipse Block Party will be Monday August 21, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
9. Adjournment

A copy of the agenda packet that has been made available to local media outlets is posted below in the interest of transparency.

August 2017 Aldermen Agenda Packet by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at >> https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


Published at 11:00 am on August 7, 2017

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Update to Candidate Filing List

Filing for the 2017 Municipal Election Cycle began Friday, July 7th at noon and will be open until noon this Friday, July 21st. 

The offices up for election in Franklin are Mayor and three council seats and in Highlands, it is the Mayor and two commissioner seats.

Candidate Filings by Date

July 7th 

Bob Scott filed for re-election as Mayor of Franklin

Patrick Taylor filed for re-election as Mayor of Highlands

July 10th

David B. Culpepper filed for Franklin Town Council

July 12th

Amy Patterson filed for Highlands Commissioner

JimBo Ledford filed for Franklin Town Council


These are the candidates who have filed for the local municipal offices as of 8 am this morning. 



DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.




Information from the Macon County Board of Elections on the upcoming municipal election cycle is posted below.



ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 7, 2017

FILING PERIOD: Beginning Friday, July 7, 2017, at 12 Noon - Ending Friday, July 21, 2017, at 12 Noon

TOWN OF FRANKLIN -MAYOR & 3 COUNCIL MEMBERS, TOWN OF HIGHLANDS - MAYOR & 2 COMMISSIONERS

FILING FOR THE FOLLOWING CONTESTS TAKES PLACE AT THE MACON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS

TOWN OF FRANKLIN MAYOR Filing Fee: $72.00
• Term expires for BOB SCOTT
• Two-year term

TOWN OF FRANKLIN COUNCIL MEMBER

• Term expires for BARBARA MCRAE Filing Fee: $36.00
• Four-year term

TOWN OF FRANKLIN COUNCIL MEMBER

• Term expires for BILLY MASHBURN Filing Fee: $36.00
• Four-year term

TOWN OF FRANKLIN COUNCIL MEMBER

• Term expires for PATTI ABEL Filing Fee: $36.00
• Four-year term

TOWN OF HIGHLANDS MAYOR Filing Fee: $10.00
• Term expires for PATRICK TAYLOR
• Four-year term

TOWN OF HIGHLANDS COMMISSIONER Filing Fee: $5.00
• Term expires for AMY E. PATTERSON
• Four-year term

TOWN OF HIGHLANDS COMMISSIONER
• Tam expires for DONNIE CALLOWAY Filing Fee: $5.00
• Four-year tam

IMPORTANT DATES (Subject to change due to legislation by the NC General Assembly)

• Absentee by Mail Voting Begins October 9, 2017
• Voter Registration Deadline October 13, 2017
• One-Stop Early Voting Begins in Franklin BOE office October 19, 2017
• One-Stop Eary Voting Begins in Highlands Civic Center October 26, 2017
• Deadline for Absentee by Mail Requests, 5 PM October 31, 2017
• One-Stop Early Voting Ends, 1 PM at both locations November 4, 2017
• Absentee Ballots Must Be Received or Postmarked, 5 PM November 7, 2017
• Municipal Election Day, polls open 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM November 7, 2017
• Official Canvass Meeting, 11 AM November 17, 2017


VOTING LOCATIONS

Macon County has 2 One Stop sites for the 2017 General Election. Any registered voter of this county may choose to vote at one of the following locations:

Location for Franklin
Board of Elections Office
5 W Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734
(1st Floor Basement Level) Room 127B

Location for Highlands
Highlands Civic Center
600 N 4th St, Highlands, NC 28741
Meeting Room 1


MACON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS

5 West Main Street Phone (828) 349-2034
Franklin, NC 28734 Fax (828) 349-2557

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at >>https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


Published at 8:38 am on July 17, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety


Be kind to one another.

Read More

Franklin Town Board of Aldermen Regular June 2017 Meeting

The Franklin Town Board will be meeting tonight at 7 pm in the lower level of town hall. A video of the meeting will be posted here tomorrow. The public agenda and the agenda packet that is shared with members of the media have been posted below so the public can see what the board plans to discuss tonight.

A public hearing on the proposed town budget will be held tonight. For a copy of the proposed budget, check out the coverage of the May 2017 meeting [LINK] and for a look at the work session on the budget, see coverage of the May 15, 2017 meeting [LINK].



MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets with reporters/photographers present)

Macon Media
WNCC-FM/WFSC-AM
The Macon County News and Shopping Guide
The Franklin Press

ELECTED OFICIALS
(elected official not on this board who were present at the meeting)

None

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen

Agenda

June 05, 2017 | 7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order - Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Patti Abel
3. Adoption of the June 5, 2017 Town Board Agenda
4. Approval of May 1 and May 15, 2017 Town Board Minutes

5. Public Hearings
    A.) Public Hearing 7:05 p.m. for Proposed Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Town of Franklin Budget
    B.) Public Hearing 7:10 p.m. for Property Located at 14 Brittney Lane
    C.) Public Hearing 7:15 p.m. for Property Located at 76 Hillcrest Avenue
    D.) Public Hearing 7:20 p.m. for Property Located at 456 Pauline Avenue

6. Public Session

7. New Business
    A.) Board Action Regarding the Proposed Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Town of Franklin Budget
    B.) Board Action Regarding Property Located at 14 Brittney Lane
    C.) Board Action Regarding Property Located at 76 Hillcrest Avenue
    D.) Board Action Regarding Property Located at 456 Pauline Avenue
    E.) Street Closing Request- Town Manager Summer Woodard
    F.) Budget Amendments- Finance Officer Kyra Doster
    G.) Permission to advertise Town Planning Board vacancy- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
    H.) Tax Releases and Tax Overpayments- Town Manager Summer Woodard
    I.) Re-appointment of Cheryl Pullium to the Tourism Development Authority- Town Manager Summer Woodard
    J.) Re-appointment of Josh Drake to the Tourism Development Authority- Town Manager Summer Woodard
    K.) Discussion on North Carolina Smoky Mountain Blueways Advisory Council- Mayor Bob Scott

8. Legal
    A.) Discussion on Regulation of Late Night Parties- Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
    B.) Forward Sexually Orientated Business Ordinance to the Town Planning Board- John Henning Jr.
9. Announcements
    A.) Town of Franklin Employee Luncheon will be Friday June 30, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at Fat Buddies
10. Adjournment

AGENDA PACKET

Franklin Aldermen June 2017 by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.


CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at >> https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


Published at 3:12 am on June 5, 2017

#WNCnews #FranklinNC #FranklinAldermen


Be kind to one another.

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Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, May 3, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen met Monday Night for their regular monthly meeting. Video and supporting documents are on the blog at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/regular-may-2017-meeting-franklin-town.html

A copy of the proposed budget for the Town of Franklin is also on the blog for you to read or download.

Here are the broad figures for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2017, and ends on June 30, 2018:

3,953,976 General Fund
   819,582 Fire Dept Fund
3,483,455 Water & Sewer Fund
   100,000 Tourism Development Fund
7,788,013 Total

The Aldermen and staff will be having a budget work session to potentially tweak these numbers on Monday, May 15th at 5:30 in the lower level of town hall.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Weak high pressure continues over our region today. A vigorous low-pressure system developing from the plains to the Mississippi River Valley will bring Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico moisture back into the area Wednesday night through Thursday night. Much cooler air will spill into the region Friday through the weekend as the low-pressure system migrates to the eastern seaboard.

Weather Almanac for May 3rd (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 86°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2012
Lowest Temperature 27°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1961
Greatest Rainfall 2.40 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1997
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall on this date since 1872 when weather records began being kept.

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

THREE DAY OUTLOOK

TODAY

Sunny with highs near the mid-70s. Calm winds in the morning, then from the southwest in the afternoon.

TONIGHT

Increasing clouds with lows in the mid-50s and winds 5 to 10 mph from the southeast.

THURSDAY

Cloudy with highs in the mid to upper-60s with winds 10 to 20 mph from the southeast. Wind gusts in the 25 to 35 mph range. Winds will be higher in the higher elevations. A wind advisory is in effect for this wind event. Rain is likely, mainly after 2 pm with rainfall amounts between a half to three-quarters of an inch.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the mid-40s and winds 5 to 10 mph from the southeast, calming after midnight. 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

FRIDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the mid to upper 50s. 50% chance of rain showers.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 40s. 40% chance of rain, mainly before 3 am. Clearing skies after midnight.

HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected today.

The NWS has issued a Wind Advisory that will be in effect from midnight tonight until midnight tomorrow night, all day Thursday. Winds are expected to gust into the 20 to 30 mph range over most of the county, with wind gusts expected to exceed 45 mph in the higher elevations.

This will mean that scattered to widespread power outages may be possible.

Here is the text of the advisory:

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
326 AM EDT Wed May 3, 2017

...VERY WINDY CONDITIONS TO AFFECT THE EXTREME SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING...

.A low-pressure system moving from the mid-Mississippi River Valley to the southern Appalachians will bring very windy conditions to the higher terrain of the southern Appalachians late tonight through Thursday evening.


...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MIDNIGHT EDT THURSDAY NIGHT...

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from midnight tonight to midnight EDT Thursday night.

* LOCATIONS...The southern mountains of western North Carolina, especially along the higher terrain.

* HAZARDS...Very windy conditions.

* TIMING...Southerly winds will steadily ramp tonight and maximize across the mountains on Thursday.

* WINDS...Southeast 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 45 to 55 mph at times, especially at elevations above 3500 feet.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds may blow down limbs, trees, and power lines. Scattered power outages are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 35 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates. Additional details can be found at www.weather.gov/gsp.



As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non-profit groups.


Saturday, May 6 at 11 AM
EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL RELAY FOR LIFE TRUCK PULL

The Emergency Services Personnel Relay for Life Team is hosting a Firetruck pull to earn money for Relay for Life. Teams of 6 for $150. Also having a pull for children under the age of 12 for $50 per team. There will be hot dogs and hamburgers, and games for the kids! Come out, have fun, and help us raise money for Relay for Life!

Learn more about this fundraiser on the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/600783233464831/


SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:13 am
Sunrise: 6:40 am
Sunset 8:21 pm
Twilight Ends: 8:49 pm

Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous with 56% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonset 2:39 a.m.
Moonrise 1:41 p.m.



Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight

Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning

Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


Published at 4:18 am on May 3, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

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