Franklin Town Council August 2026 Regular Meeting

Members of 828 Vets with Mayor Guffey with a proclamation recognizing August 28, 2026 as 828Vets Day in Franklin, North Carolina.

---

This article is divided into four parts: a copy of the agenda packet (with a download link), an Executive Summary and Accounting of Votes, Video of the meeting, and a longer account of the meeting organized according to the meeting agenda.

Agenda Packet | Download 118-page PDF

---

Executive Summary

The Town of Franklin Town Council met on August 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Stacy J. Guffey called the meeting to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Mike Lewis. The agenda and consent agenda (including July 6 and July 14 minutes plus budget amendments) were approved.

Staff recognitions highlighted new Wastewater Treatment Operator Brian Tallent and several certifications earned by Jake Slagle (Wastewater Lab Analyst II), Jeff Shuler (C Surface), Pedro Ruiz and Kyle Pocquette (Plant Maintenance Technologist I), and Chris Waldroop (OSHA MESH).

Presentations covered the Quarter Cent Sales Tax Referendum (led by former Mayor Jack Horton, Commissioner Gary Shields, and committee members), with discussion of potential Town support via a future resolution, and the Franklin TDA Strategic Plan (presented by Chairman Tim Crabtree with Morgan Stewart), outlining 1-, 3-, and 5-year goals focused on funding optimization, event calendars, infrastructure (signage, murals, bathrooms), marketing (“Experience Franklin”), and collaboration.

A Main Street update was given. The public hearing on the rezoning of 1.10 acres at 85 Maple Street from C-2 to C-2 Conditional Zoning (for two additional townhome/duplex units with reduced setbacks and a future sidewalk easement) had no public speakers and was approved.

Old Business: The Council approved metering Southwestern Community College’s burn-building hydrant water use at the inside volume rate ($5.28/1,000 gallons) rather than a full waiver.

New Business:

• Additional facade/sign grant funds for Kitchen Sink, Inc. were approved.
• A retroactive facade grant for Nantahala Building Products was approved 4–2 (Collins and Salain dissenting).
• A new five-year contract with J&B Disposal was approved.
• The award to HMC Paving Company, Inc. ($635,126.99) for multi-area paving and sidewalks was approved.
• Adoption of the Utility Refunds Policy was deferred to September for added language on credits for future rate increases.

Public Works departmental updates covered water/sewer capital projects, cellular meter rollout, Allman Drive boardwalk (mid-to-late October start), Sunnyside Park bathroom progress, right-of-way mowing, and other operational items. Announcements included a special-called meeting the next day, the next regular meeting on September 8, Labor Day closure, Pickin’ on the Square dates, and Fall Litter Sweep. The meeting adjourned.

2. Accounting of All Votes

• Adoption of the August 3, 2026 Agenda — Approved (unanimous; voice/hand vote).
• Approval of the Consent Agenda (July 6 Regular and July 14 Special Called minutes + budget amendments) — Approved (unanimous).
• Rezoning of 1.10 acres at 85 Maple Street (C-2 to C-2 Conditional Zoning) — Approved after public hearing with no speakers (unanimous).
• Metered hydrant for Southwestern Community College continuing-use fees (inside volume rate of $5.28 per 1,000 gallons) — Approved (unanimous).
• Additional Economic Development Incentive Grant funds for Kitchen Sink, Inc. ($2,244.18 to maximize façade/sign matches) — Approved (unanimous).
• Economic Development Incentive Grant for Nantahala Building Products ($4,067.13 façade grant, retroactive) — Approved 4–2. No votes: Councilman Joe Collins and Councilwoman Rita Salain. (Four other members approved.)
• New five-year contract with J&B Disposal — Approved (unanimous).
• Award to HMC Paving Company, Inc. for multi-area paving and sidewalks ($635,126.99) — Approved (unanimous).
• Adoption of the Utility Refunds Policy — Deferred to September meeting for additional language; no final vote taken.
• Adjournment — Approved (unanimous).

---

Franklin Town Council (08-03-2026) | Macon Media

---

 1. Call to Order

Mayor Stacy J. Guffey opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. He read a complimentary quote from a local journalist praising the Council’s transparency and the dedication of Council members, the Town Manager, Police Chief, and staff.

2. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Vice Mayor Mike Lewis.

3. Adoption of the August 3, 2026 Town Council Agenda Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously with no discussion.

4. Approval of the Consent Agenda Included approval of the July 6, 2026 Regular Meeting minutes, July 14, 2026 Special Called Meeting minutes, and budget amendments. Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously.

5. Introduction/Recognition

• Jason Hopkins introduced new Wastewater Treatment Operator Brian Tallent.
• Hopkins recognized Jake Slagle (absent; at training) for earning Wastewater Lab Analyst II certification (one of only two in Macon County).
• Kyle Pocquette recognized Jeff Shuler (on solo shift) for C Surface certification and Pedro Ruiz (on vacation) for Plant Maintenance Technologist I.
• Public Works Director Bill Deal recognized Kyle Pocquette for Plant Maintenance Technologist I and Chris Waldroop for the OSHA Manager of Environmental, Safety and Health (MESH) certification (requiring 100 hours of training). Photos and brief remarks followed.

6. Presentations A. Quarter Cent Sales Tax Referendum Former Mayor Jack Horton, Eric Haggart (“Chaos Coordinator”), and committee members (including Commissioner Gary Shields) presented. They explained the history of local sales taxes in North Carolina, noted that all surrounding counties already have the quarter-cent rate (bringing their total to 7%), and clarified the impact: one extra penny on every $4 spent. Projected revenue exceeds $2 million annually and could fund public safety, EMS, senior services, animal shelter, capital needs, and education without relying solely on property-tax increases or fund-balance draws. Ballot language is state-mandated. A Facebook page and community outreach meetings were announced. Council Member Rita Salain moved that the Town Council go on record supporting the referendum; after discussion, the matter was deferred so a formal resolution could be prepared for the September meeting.

B. Franklin TDA – Strategic Plan Chairman Tim Crabtree (with Morgan Stewart standing in for Subcommittee Chair Colin McGinnis) presented the living 1-, 3-, and 5-year plan. Guiding principles emphasize making Franklin a premier destination, accountability, collaboration (Chamber, Visit Smokies, Highlands TDA, Town staff, Raleigh), and external partnerships. Focus areas: funding optimization (occupancy-tax rules), event calendar coordination and a new quarterly funding application with green checklist and post-event reporting, tourism-related infrastructure (welcome signage, murals, directional totems, sculptures, public bathrooms, parking), and marketing under the “Experience Franklin” brand with research-driven, AI-aware outreach. Legal counsel confirmed the Currituck County Supreme Court ruling and the Town’s local act give broad latitude for tourism-related expenditures. Questions addressed measurement of overnight stays and continued event funding.

7. Public Session No speakers are recorded in the transcript for a formal open public session (aside from the later public hearing).

8. Items from Council

• Mayor Guffey and Council Member Robbie Tompa discussed the need to develop more activities and amenities for young people and families (bowling, skating, etc.), tying into Main Street and economic-development efforts.
• Brief remarks from other members; no formal resolutions or proclamations were adopted during this portion in the transcript (the agenda listed Purple Heart and veterans-related items, but the transcript focuses on family/youth discussion).
• Main Street update referenced earlier work.

9. Public Hearing – Rezoning of 1.10 acres at 85 Maple Street Fire Chief/Town Planner Justin Setser presented the conditional rezoning request by OHNC LLC to allow two additional townhome/duplex units (increasing density), reduced side setbacks (from 10 ft to 5 ft), and zero lot line between duplexes, in exchange for a future sidewalk easement. Planning Board recommended approval; a neighborhood meeting was held with limited attendance and no opposition at the Planning Board or this hearing. Town Attorney John Henning emphasized this as an excellent use of conditional zoning that advances the Comprehensive Plan’s housing-density goals near services. No one signed up to speak. Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously.

10. Old Business – Waiver of continuing-use fees for Southwestern Community College Town Manager Amie Owens presented options after the July 6 waiver of the $49,700 availability fee. Council chose to install a metered hydrant and charge the inside volume rate of $5.28 per 1,000 gallons (rather than a full waiver or the higher outside rate). Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously. Staff will notify the College and supply the meter.

11. New Business A. Economic Development Incentive Grants

• Kitchen Sink, Inc.: Additional funds ($2,244.18) approved to maximize the $5,000 façade + $500 sign matches after cost overruns on a new awning/sign. Unanimous approval. Town Attorney noted work on a simple contract form to protect the Town’s interest.
• Nantahala Building Products: Retroactive façade grant of $4,067.13 for completed exterior painting on Depot Street. After discussion about whether the program is meant as a true incentive (pre-work) versus reimbursement, and noting prior interest shown in February plus the visible improvement to Depot Street, the grant was approved 4–2. Councilman Joe Collins and Councilwoman Rita Salain voted no. Staff will clarify policy language and bring revisions later.

B. New five-year contract with J&B Disposal Town Manager Amie Owens and Benita Hamstra presented. Cost is lower than the current contract; multi-year term requires Council approval. Unanimous approval.

C. Award to HMC Paving Company, Inc. Lowest responsible bid of $635,126.99 (well under the ~$840,000 budgeted) for multi-area paving and sidewalks. Priority on the large Sunnyside parking lot; work expected before asphalt plants close. Unanimous approval. Remaining funds may allow additional spring projects. A separate pavement-condition study RFP is planned.

D. Adoption of the Utility Refunds Policy Town Attorney John Henning presented a draft clarifying deposits and establishing limited eligibility for refund of tap/system-development fees (primarily residential ≤1-inch service when a project falls through). Discussion raised the issue of long-term credits when future rates rise; the item was deferred to September so language can be added.

12. Departmental Updates – Public Works

• Bill Deal (Public Works Director): Updates on Hillside Street 2-inch water line (to precede paving), generator transfer switch, storage adapters for fire department, pump-station upgrades, rollout of 250+ cellular LTE meters, 10,000+ ft of sewer cleaning, Allman Drive boardwalk pre-construction (start mid-to-late October; will remain gravel initially, 10 ft wide with handrails), and positive results from the new in-house fleet mechanic. Thanks expressed for COLAs/steps.
• Kyle Pocquette (Water Treatment): Normal operations; voluntary water restrictions continue under extreme drought; reporting requirements increased; settling basins cleaned; annual state inspection positive; plant upgrade construction progressing (building, electrical, HVAC); valve and bypass issues resolved.
• Jason Hopkins (Wastewater Treatment): SCADA system procurement underway; pretreatment activity high (new food trucks/restaurants); successful state pretreatment and bacteriological inspections; new role overseeing boil-water advisory testing.
• Chris Waldroop (Streets Supervisor): Right-of-way long-arm mowing progressing with weekly notices; Main Street trash collection routine solid; Women’s History Trail/roundabout beds under recovery after weather delays; Sunnyside Park bathroom nearing completion (fixtures installed, doors locked, walkway paving imminent, fencing ordered, siding pending); target opening mid-September if all elements ready; fall decorations planning beginning; staffing interviews underway in coordination with other departments.

Mayor Guffey thanked Public Works staff for both the visible and “behind-the-scenes” work.

13. Announcements

• Special Called Meeting: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m. (presentation only; no action; quorum issues noted for some members).
• Next regular meeting: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 (Labor Day adjustment).
• Town offices closed Monday, September 7 (Labor Day).
• Pickin’ on the Square: August 8 & 22, 6:00 p.m.; special event September 5 with fireworks.
• Fall Litter Sweep: Saturday, September 26, 8:00 a.m.–noon (led by Council Member Travis Higdon).

14. Adjournment Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned.

---

Support Macon Media

• You can now support Macon Media with a $1.99 monthly Facebook subscription at Facebook Subscription
• Become a Patron: patreon.com/MaconMedia
• PayPal: paypal.me/MaconMedia

Published at 5:30am on Tuesday, August 03, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins

Read More

Town of Franklin Tourism Development Authority Request for Proposals: Marketing/Promotional Services

Town of Franklin Tourism Development Authority Request for Proposals: Marketing/Promotional Services

Posting date: March 25, 2024 

Due Date: April 26, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.

I PROJECT BACKGROUND

Franklin is a town in and the county seat of Macon County, North Carolina. It is situated within the Nantahala National Forest. The population is approximately 4,175. Franklin is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, specifically in relation to the Nantahala National Forest, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Appalachian Trail. The town and the surrounding area are rich in gems and minerals, and the area is known locally as the "Gem Capital of The World."

Franklin has been celebrated as a thriving community with many outdoor and recreational amenities. As part of an effort to further promote tourism opportunities, the Franklin Tourism Development Authority (the “TDA”) is seeking proposals from companies or individuals capable of providing a full range of comprehensive brand marketing and brand management services.

II SCOPE OF WORK

The TDA is soliciting responses for a project (this Request for Proposals, the “RFP”) which will include the brand marketing and brand management in conjunction with the travel trade, and community stakeholders to ensure that brand marketing and communications tactics are in line with Franklin’s unique and distinctive products, including natural resources, mountain culture, and unique dining and retail options.

Description: The TDA’s key brand marketing and management strategies are as follows:

• Develop effective marketing plans for each of TDAs designated major market areas with a common brand message, communicated in a way that is market appropriate.

• Differentiate Franklin from its regional competition by focusing on our mountain culture, activities, natural environment, and attractions, by engaging local organizations.

• Focus marketing on positive-impact prospects by developing data-driven plans based on a deep understanding of current visitors and the visitor of the future.

• Use advances in technology to enhance marketing efficiency and effectiveness, reach intended audiences, and promote regenerative tourism.

• Facilitate communication within Franklin to advance the goals of TDA to improve resident and business owner buy-in for marketing activities.

B. Objectives:

The key brand marketing and management objectives for this RFP are as follows:

• Primary focus on brand marketing in the Southeastern United States.

• Drive destination brand awareness.

• Take advantage of local market insights and intelligence on trends, distribution dynamics, consumer insights, and competitive analysis. Target both current and next generation of mindful travelers.

• Focus brand marketing to target mindful travelers with emphasis on staying in Franklin.

• Collaborate with the visitor industry to leverage resources and optimize results.

• Increase awareness, familiarization, and understanding of the diversity of Franklin’s people, place, and culture.

• Implement a responsible tourism branding communications program to educate visitors both pre- and post-arrival with specific information about safe travel and options and amenities available.

• Grow market share against competing destinations.

• Support local businesses and promote Franklin made products.

III SUBMISSIONS & RESPONSE FORMAT

A. Questions:

Questions concerning this RFP must be submitted via email to the point of contact below. Responses to all submitted questions will be posted at: https://franklinnc.com/bid- requests-town-franklin-nc.html. Any revisions, addendums, and answers to questions received at least a week before the proposal due dates will be sent to those who directly received this RFP.

B. Deadline:

The deadline for responding to this RFP is 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024. It is the responsibility of the firm submitting proposals to ensure that the point of contact has received a completed proposal by the required deadline.

Point of Contact:

Amanda Owens

Town Manager

Town of Franklin

95 East Main Street Franklin, NC 28734 aowens@franklinnc.com 828-524-2516 x 305

The TDA prefers to receive submitted materials via mail or Courier with subject line “Proposal for Marketing/Promotional Services”.

C. Submissions:

Responses are encouraged to be concise. Respondents may partner with other firms, local or otherwise, in order to provide the best possible proposal for ensuring quality and efficient completion of the project tasks. All proposals must include, at a minimum, the following:

1. A cover page including the Request for Proposals title and applicant firm’s name, any sub-Respondents or other partners (such as content creators (bloggers, photographers) and social media teams), and the office location from which the work will originate.

2. A summary of the Respondents’ understanding and approach of the project Scope of Work.

3. A Statement of Qualifications applicable to this project including the names, qualifications and proposed duties of the teams’ staff to be assigned to this project; a listing of recent similar projects completed, including the names, titles, addresses, and telephone numbers of the appropriate persons whom the TDA should contact.

IV. RESPONDENT SELECTION

Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the TDA Board based on the information provided. The Project will be awarded, subject to a satisfactory contract, to the Respondent best suited to timely and effective completion of the project, in the TDA’s sold discretion.

Additional information may be requested prior to final selection. Final costs will be determined through negotiations with the selected firm.

V. EXHIBITS

Exhibit A — Response Submission Acknowledgement — to be returned as part of the submission packet.

VI. CONTRACTING

The selected Respondent must qualify as an independent contractor fully authorized to conduct business in its corporate name in the State of North Carolina and, prior to being awarded a contract, must apply for registration in North Carolina. The contract will not be executed until the Respondent is registered with the Secretary of State’s Office.

Prior to beginning any work, the Respondent shall obtain Insurance Coverage in accordance with the Town of Franklin’s policies. The certificate of insurance coverage shall be documented on forms acceptable to the Town.

VIL AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS

The selected Respondent will be required to execute a contract with the TDA on the terms and conditions required by the Town of Franklin for the TDA as a component unit.

VII. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

{CS: 00116856.DOC } The TDA and the Town assume no responsibility or liability for the response to this Request for Proposals.

IX. COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROPOSAL

Any costs incurred by any person or entity in preparing, submitting, or presenting a proposal are the sole responsibility of that person or entity, including any requests for additional information or interviews. The TDA nor the Town will reimburse any person or entity for any costs incurred prior to the issuance of the contract.

X. INDEMNIFICATION

Any party responding to this Request for Proposals is acting in an independent capacity and not as an officer or employee of the TDA or the Town. Any party responding to this Request for Proposals will be required to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the TDA and Town, its officers, and employees from all liability and any claims, suits, expenses, losses, judgments, and damages arising as a result of the responding party’s acts and/or omissions in or related to the response.

XI. REJECTION OF PROPOSALS

The TDA reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to negotiate with one or more parties, or to award the contract to the proposal the TDA deems will meet its best interests, even if that proposal is not the lowest bid. The TDA reserves the right to re-advertise for additional proposals and to extend the deadline for submission of the proposals. This Request for Proposals in no way obligates the TDA to award a contract.

XII. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS

Any materials submitted to the TDA in response to this Request for Proposals shall become the property of the TDA unless another arrangement is made by written agreement between the TDA and the responding party. The responding party may retain copies of the original documents.

XI. DUTY TO INFORM TOWN OF DOCUMENT ERRORS

If a respondent knows, suspects, or has reasonable cause to believe, that an error or omission exists in any of the project documents, including but not limited to pricing and rate calculations, the respondent shall immediately give the TDA written notice thereof. Respondents shall not cause or permit any work to be conducted that may be related to the error or omission without first recetving written acknowledgment from the TDA that TDA representatives understand the possible error or omission and have approved the requested modifications to the response or contract documents or that the Respondent may proceed without any modification being made to the response or contract documents.

XIV. PUBLIC RECORDS

Any and all records submitted to the TDA as a component unit of the Town of Franklin, whetherelectronic, paper, or otherwise recorded, are subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law. The determination of how those records must be handled is solely within the purview of Town. All records the responding party considers to be trade secrets, as that term is defined by subsection 132-1.2 of the Public Records Act, or that the responding party otherwise seeks to have the Town consider as exempt must be identified clearly and specifically at the time of submission. It is not sufficient to merely state generally that a proposal is proprietary, contains a trade secret, or is otherwise exempt.

XV. CONTRACT TERM

The contract term for this proposal would be for one year, beginning on July 1, 2024 and terminating on June 30, 2025.

EXHIBIT A

Response Submission Acknowledgement

In submitting this proposal, it is understood that the unrestricted right is reserved by the TDA as a component unit of the Town of Franklin in making the award to reject any and all proposals or parts thereof, or to waive any informalities or technicalities in said responses. The undersigned hereby certifies that this response is genuine, and not a sham or collusive, or made in the interest or in behalf of any person, firm or corporation not herein named; that the undersigned has not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any respondent to refrain from responding, and that the undersigned has it, in any manner, sought by collusion to secure for himself and advantage over any other respondent.

Print Name Signature Title Date State of County of

I , Notary Public, do hereby certify that

>

[Name of Individual(s) Whose Acknowledgment is Being Taken] personally appeared before me

this day and acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing instrument.

Witness my hand and official seal this day of , 20

(Official Seal)

Official Signature of Notary

Notary’s Printed or Typed Name

My Commission Expires:

Read More

Franklin Tourism Development Authority January 2020 Meeting

The Franklin TDA will be meeting this afternoon at 5:30pm in the lower level of the town hall on Main Street in Franklin. The public agenda and the agenda packet have been added below and a video of the meeting will be added later.


DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting Macon Media 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 can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.

Video

ROLL CALL

(a record of which media outlets sent representatives to the meeting. If any elected critters show up, they'll be added here as well.)

Macon Media (after a couple of years being absent)

The Franklin Press (always a regular)

Public Agenda

1. Call to Order -Chair Connie Grubermann

2. Approval of the November 12, 2019 meeting minutes

3. Financial Report for November and December 2019 -Summer Woodard

4. Sub-Committee Reports:

A. Finance/Budget Chair Report -Connie Grubermann

B. Policy and Rules of Procedure Chair Report -Cheryl Pullium

C. Application Review Chair Report -Summer Woodard

5. New Business:

A. Funding Request for Altered Frequencies Springtopia 2020 -Jimbo Ledford

B. Funding Request for franklin A.T. Celebration 2020 -Natasha Sebring

C. TDA Meeting Schedule for 2020 -Summer Woodard

6. Items from the Board

7. Announcements:

A. The next regularly scheduled TDA meeting is Monday, February 10, 2020 at 5:30pm in the Town Hall Boardroom.

8. Adjourn

Agenda Packet

Franklin TDA Jan 202 Agenda Packet by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

Published at 12:15pm on Monday, January 13, 2020.
Edited to add video and roll call at 7:24am on Wednesday, January 14, 2020.

Read More

August 2018 Franklin TDA Meeting

The Franklin TDA (Tourism Development Authority) will be meeting this afternoon at 5:30 pm in the lower level of the Franklin Townhall. The public agenda and agenda packet is posted below in an effort to promote transparency and accountability. Video will be added to this article after the meeting.

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.


VIDEO


MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets with representatives present for the meeting)

Macon Media
The Franklin Press



Town of Franklin Tourism Development Authority
Agenda
August 13, 2018
5:30 pm
1.) Call to Order- Chair Connie Gruberman
2.) Approval of the July 9, 2018 minutes
3.) Financial Reports- Summer Woodard
4.) Sub-Committee Reports

A.) Finance/Budget Chair Report- Connie Grubermann
B.) Policy and Rules of Procedure Chair Report- Cheryl Pullium
C.) Application Review Chair Report- Travis Tallent

5.) Old Business:
A.) Funding Request for the Naturalist 25/50K for $1,800

6.) New Business:
A.) Discussion on TDA Board Applications

7.) items from the Board

8.) Announcements- The next regularly scheduled TDA meeting is Monday September 10, 2018 at 5:30 pm. in the Town Hall Boardroom

9.) Adjourn


AGENDA PACKET

Franklin TDA August 2013 Agenda by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

CROWDFUNDING 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.



Become a Patron!
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.


Published at 2:10 am on August 13, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Read More

Agenda for the May 2018 Meeting of the Franklin TDA

The Franklin Tourism Development Authority will be meeting at 5:30 pm later today for their regular monthly meeting. A copy of the public agenda and the agenda packet has been published below to promote transparency and accountability in local government. A video of the meeting will be added later.


Public Agenda


Town of Franklin Tourism Development Authority
Agenda
May 14, 2018
5:30 pm
1. Call to Order - Chari Candy Presley
2. Approval of the April 9, 2018 minutes
3. Financial reports -Summer Woodard

4. Sub-Committee Reports
A. Finance/Budget Chair Report -Connie Grubermann
B. Policy and Rules of Procedure Char Report -
C. Application Review Chair Report -Summer Woodard

5. Old Business
A. Update on $5,000 Request for Budget Increase -Summer Woodard
B. Funding Request for Appalachian Heritage Festival for $3,000 - Char Candy Presley
C. Funding Request for Taste of Scotland for $4,500 _Lloyd Swift and George James
D. Update on Discover Franklin Domain

6. New Business
A. Discussion on TDA Budget for FY 18-19 -Summer Woodard

7. Items from the Board

8. Announcements -The next regularly scheduled TDA meeting is Monday, June 11, 2018 at 5:30 pm in the Town Hall Boardroom

9. Adjourn

Agenda Packet

TDA

Agenda 05-14-2018 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.

CROWDFUNDING 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 2:00 am on May 14, 2018
Author: Bobby Coggins

Read More

Franklin TDA - Feb 2016 Meeting

The Franklin Tourism Development Authority met today, February 8, 2016 in the lower level of town hall. The video and agenda packet that is share with members of the press are posted below. The next meeting will be on Monday, March 14, 2016.


MEDIA ROLL CALL
(Members of the local media present at the meeting)

Macon Media (me)
Macon County News and Shopping Guide
The Franklin Press

Feb 2016 Franklin TDA Agenda Packet

Read More

Franklin Tourism Development Authority Regular January 2016 Meeting

The Franklin Tourism Development Authority met late yesterday afternoon in the lower level of the Franklin town hall for their regular January 2016 meeting. the board heard from the Financial Subcommittee and the Franklin Appalachian Trail Community Committee and voted to decline an advertising opportunity with Allison Outdoor Advertising. The video, public agenda and the agenda that is shared with the local media outlets are posted below. The next meeting is scheduled for February 8th at 5:30 pm at the same location and time.



MEDIA ROLL CALL
(members of the media that are physically present)

Macon Media (me)
Macon County News and Shopping Guide
The Franklin Press

VIDEO (now includes a table of contents for easier internal navigation)




PUBLIC AGENDA

PRESS PACKET

Franklin TDA Jan 2016 Press Packet

Read More

Franklin Wins Contest in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Voted Top Town in the Small Town Category

Franklin has won a contest in the small town category run by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. The contest consisted of people rallying others via social media to vote in the contest. People were allowed multiple votes from multiple machines in a day. The contest webpage. 

Winners by category:

Small Town: Franklin, NC

Medium town: Roanoke, VA

Large town: Knoxville, TN

The article featuring Franklin can be seen on Blue Ridge Outdoors.

The Mayor and several local politicians have gathered at the Gazebo in downtown Franklin to celebrate the official announcement. The exclusive full video of the event announcement is embedded below.




Background 

A representative of the magazine visited the Franklin TDA September 2015 meeting to share details of the contest along with several business owners and a reporter who had widely shared the contest on social media. The representative sought $2,000 from the tourism authority to subsidize advertising by Franklin businesses in the article that would accompany the announcement of the winners in the small, medium and large town categories. The board decided to authorize subsidizing the advertisements up to $3,000. 

Due to a quorum not being present when the board voted to approve the funds a re-vote took place in the October meeting, when, in order to achieve a quorum in that meeting, board member Connie Gruberman participated in the meeting via telephone while she was out of town. I was unable to attend the October meeting because I was recording the candidate forum at The Lazy Hiker that evening.

Video of the September meeting is embedded below.







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

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


PHOTO SLIDESHOW





See photos on Flickr.


CROWD FUNDING


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 advertising opportunities, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com to apply. Serious inquiries only.


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 my crowd funding page.

Read More

Franklin TDA September 2015 Meeting Lacked a quorum for vote to subsidize ads in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Press Packet for September 2015 Franklin TDA by Thunder Pig

The Franklin Tourism Development Authority convened a meeting on Monday, September 14, 2015 without a quorum present. A quorum is defined as five members in their Rules of Procedures. The board has eight seats, two of which are vacant. Chairman Candy Pressley was absent and member Josh Drake did not arrive until just after the 35 minute mark in the video. Before his arrival, the board amended their agenda to add a representative from Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine for a presentation. The board voted 4-0 to spend up to $3,000 to subsidize ads for local businesses in the November 2015 issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. Since a quorum was not present for this vote, the vote was not valid and will have to be re-voted on at another meeting that has a quorum present.

The board heard a proposal from Rob Gasparo for the Franklin TDA to sudsidize the Macon county Transit to run a shuttle service for hikers to use to come into Franklin. He said it would cost $6,750 to run the shuttle twice a day from February to May. The county commissioners voted earlier this year to not fund a shuttle, citing they would prefer not to interfere with local businesses and individuals who already transport hikers to and from the trail. Gasparo said that regardless of whether or not they found funding from the TDA or TDC, he would seek frunding from private sources to pay Macon County Transit to run a service. He will be presenting the proposal to the Macon County TDA today (Sept 17th) at the noon meeting. Macon Media will be covering that meeting.

The board declined (5-0) to subsidize a coupon book for Major Display to be handed out to visiting ball teams at Parker Meadows promoting local businesses.

The board voted 5-0 to fund the Naturalist event being organbized by Outdoor 76.

The board also discussed a vacation guide, but I missed the disposition of that because I was researching the quorum question, and upon review of the video, the board members were speaking so low I still could not understand what they wee saying to one another. I apologize for that.

After the meeting had been adjourned, members of the board and representatives of press (Macon Media and The Franklin Press) discussed whether or not the board had a quorum present for the meeting. Town manager Summer Woodard reported a conversation she had with the board attorney, John Henning, Jr, who was of the opinion that four did constitute a quorum. I disagreed and referred to the Rules of Procedure for the board, which defines a quorum as five. I have embedded a copy of the section of the Rules of Procedure that define a quorum for your convenience. [FULL COPY]

The day after the meeting, the Town manager sent out a notice that a quorum is indeed five members and the vote that the board took will be ratified at the October meeting. I have included a copy of that as well.

From: John Henning [mailto:john@csedlaw.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 3:26 PM
To: Summer Woodard
Subject: Tourism Development Authority

Dear TDA Board Members,

I understand that at the beginning of your meeting yesterday, four of you were present. A majority of the members currently appointed to the TDA were present (four (4) out of the current membership of six (6)). Approximately 30 minutes after the meeting started, a fifth member joined the meeting. Since Section 5.5 of the TDA bylaws currently sets a quorum at five members, the TDA will need to take action to ratify any votes that were taken before five members were present. This bylaw appears to anticipate always having all nine (9) memberships filled, and unfortunately, the TDA Board only consists of six (6) members at this time.

At your October 12, 2015 board meeting, and assuming five members are present, the Board will need to reconsider the item(s) that were voted on while only four members were present. My understanding is that there was only one such item, to participate in publishing Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine, which will be recognizing the Town in an upcoming issue. Since that expenditure will come due sometime after November, the Board can ratify that vote and there will be no other problem with making that approved expenditure.

By and large, this is a problem caused by the language setting the quorum at five members, which seems to be based on the assumption that all nine members will be appointed at any given time. Despite the Town’s best efforts – including web and print advertising – to find persons willing to serve on the TDA Board, your current membership totals six. That makes this an appropriate time to say a heartfelt thank you to each of you for your willingness to serve on the TDA Board. Your time is very much appreciated. And if any of you knows anyone who might also be willing to serve, please ask them to get in touch with Candy Arvey or Summer Woodard about joining the Board.

Finally, and keeping in mind that the Town greatly appreciates your time and willingness to serve, please make every effort to attend the October board meeting.

In the near future, we will also look at amending the quorum bylaw, to avoid this difficulty in the future.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Best regards,
John


John F. Henning, Jr.
Attorney

Even though my research is not needed, I am posting it anyway for future reference.

Here is an excerpt from an article on the UNC School of Governemnt website:

"...the first step in identifying the quorum for a committee or appointed board will usually be to find out whether the governing board has adopted a rule imposing a method of quorum calculation."

and

"Simply saying that a quorum is a majority of a body’s members or membership doesn’t explain how vacancies should be treated in a quorum calculation. For city and county governing boards, this issue is addressed by statute. Pursuant to G.S. 160A-74, vacant seats aren’t counted in quorum determinations for city councils. The opposite is true for boards of county commissioners: G.S. 153A-43 provides that the number of commissioners required for a quorum “is not affected by vacancies.” The blog post by Frayda Bluestein linked to above explains in detail how these rules work.

Local governing boards generally have the power to decide whether vacancies must be included in quorum calculations for their committees and appointed boards. (Sometimes those bodies are permitted to adopt their own procedural rules. In those situations, the committee or board itself may specify whether a quorum is a majority of total seats or of current members.) It often happens, though, that local rules don’t address the effect of vacancies on the quorum for committees or appointed boards."

Source >> "Quorum Calculations: The Impact of Vacancies and Members Who Don’t Vote" by Trey Allen, UNC School of Government

Supporting Documents

Franklin TDA Rules of Procedure

NC General Assembly law that created the Franklin TDA

Franklin Town board of Aldermen Occupancy Tax Resolution



ROLL CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

BOARD MEMBERS

Summer Woodard
Vickie Springer
Connie Gruberman
Cheryl Pullium
Josh Drake (arrived after 6 pm)

LOCAL PRESS

Macon Media (me)
The franklin Press
Macon County News and Shopping Guide

The TDA Board will meet again in the lower level of town hall on Monday, October 12th at 5:30 pm.

Read More

Franklin TDA June 2015 Meeting and Board "Retreat"

Update: The video has been added.



Meeting in Brief

Matt Bateman resigned from the board, PRiemiere Marketing made their annual budget presentation to the board. Doug Morton of The Taste of Scotland Festival spoke to the board, wanting additional funds. He said an article in a local paper stating the festival had made a profit of $1,000 last year had cost them donations this year. After a lengthy conversation with Morton, the board denied the festival additional funds.

David Linn spoke to the board regarding a 5K to raise funds for the Shriners Hospital in Greenville, SC. He will be back at a later meeting with an updated budget to present to the board.

The remaining 5 members of the board approved the budget prepared and presented by PRiemerewith the addition of $3,500. $3,000 to pay for an audit and $500 to pay for the Finance Officer's bond. The total 2015-2016 budget is $113,700. For reference, the 2014-2015 budget was $118,400. 

2015-2016 Franklin TDA Budget

BUDGET LINE ITEM	AMOUNT
Festivals/Miscellaneous	$30,000
Pandora (Mobile Audio/Advertising)	$20,000
Trip Advisor (2 runs @ $10,000 ea/Advertising)	$20,000
Asheville Citizen	$26,500
Facebook	$30,000
Google Ad Words	$10,000
PRemiere Marketing Services	$3,700
A/V Media	$0
Photography	$0
Internal Audit/Finance Officer Bond	$3,500
TOTAL	$113,700

The board will meet again on July 13th at 5:30 pm in the lower level of the Franklin Town Hall.

MEDIA ROLL CALL (Media outlets with reporters present)

Macon Media (me)

Macon County News and Shopping Guide

The Franklin Press

The Franklin Tourism Development Authority will be having the June 2015 meeting today at 5:30 pm in the lower level of the town hall. The meeting will also serve as the annual "retreat" for the board. The public agenda and the press packet have been posted below and the video will be added sometime after the meeting.

Franklin TDA Press Packet for June 2015

Read More

Franklin TDA 01-13-2013

The Franklin Tourism Development Authority met last night in the town hall and heard a presentation from Jessica Mason of PRemiere Marketing and Justin Belleme of J&B Media regarding the social media advertising campaign and website maintenance of the Franklin TDA website.

I posted a play by play of the meeting on the Macon Media Facebook page and you can see a video of the entire meeting below:




MEDIA ROLL CALL

Macon Media (me)

Macon County News

If you read about this meeting anywhere else, please note that media outlet has either asked a member of the board what happened or relied on the coverage that me or the reporter from the Macon County News provided.


Here is the press kit and agenda for the meeting that was distributed to members of the board and the media:

Franklin TDA January 2014 Press Kit by Thunder Pig

Read More