News and Weather Briefing for Wednesday, June 10, 2020

OUTLOOK

A moist southerly flow develops ahead of a weak cold front supporting a return to more widespread shower and thunderstorm activity. The front moves east of the area by Friday, providing a brief break from the active weather. Unsettled weather returns by Sunday and continues into next week.

GoFundMe Established to Benefit Children of David and Dawn Head

On Saturday, 5/23/2020, Macon County Sheriff's Deputy David Head and his wife, Dawn, a Physical Therapist with Highlands/Cashiers Hospital, were tragically killed in an automobile accident. They leave behind four children, Jeslyn Head (17), J.D. Head (13), Erin Sanborn (17), and Sidney Sanborn (19). This fund has been set up by the employees of the Macon County Sheriff's Office in an effort to help all 4 children of David and Dawn Head. [LINK]

Protest in Support of Black Lives Matter and George Floyd

There was a protest at the gazebo in Franklin yesterday in support of Black Lives Matter and George Floyd. Macon Media streamed the first 30 minutes or so of the event on Facebook, then left to prepare to cover the monthly county commissioner meeting. [LINK]



Most recent Local Government Meetings The Macon County Commissioners met on June 9th. [LINK]

The Macon County Board of Commissioners met on June 2nd. [LINK]

The Franklin Town Council met on June 1st. Members of the public and local media outlets were allowed in the town hall. [LINK]



General Forecast Through Friday Night

Today

Mostly cloudy. Widespread fog early, then areas of fog this morning. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times. A slight chance of showers before midmorning, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms later this morning. Showers and thunderstorms likely this afternoon. Highs in the 70s. Winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Patchy fog. Lows in the 60s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs in the 70s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy. Lows in the 50s. Winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph.

Friday

Sunny. Highs in the 70s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear. Lows in the 50s.

Hazards

A cold front will move into the area this afternoon bringing numerous showers and thunderstorms. A few of the thunderstorms could become severe with damaging winds the main threat. Heavy rainfall will again be a threat with isolated flooding possible.



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Weather Sponsor



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Tropical Weather
(The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th)







Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020

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

The Weather Prediction Center is issuing advisories on Post-Tropical Cyclone Cristobal, located inland over Wisconsin.

1. A non-tropical area of low pressure is located over the central Atlantic Ocean a few hundred miles east of Bermuda. Development of this system as a subtropical cyclone appears unlikely due to unfavorable environmental conditions, and the low is expected to dissipate in a few days while it moves north-northeastward.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...10 percent.



End Daily Weather Segment

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Published at 6:20pam on Wednesday, June 10, 2020

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June 2020 Regular Meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners

The Macon County Board of COmmissioners will be meeting at 6 pm tonight.

Live Video




DAY SPONSOR

Frogtown Market Deli & Seafood is underwriting Macon Media for today. Call 369-9001 for free in-town delivery between 11am and 2pm Monday through Friday or visit their location at 61 South Patton Avenue in Franklin, The restaurant is currently only open for curbside service at this time.

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Wednesday from 10am to 7pm 

Thursday and Friday from 10am to 8pm

Closed Saturday and Sunday

For more information and to see a menu, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FrogtownMarket or their website at frogtownmarket.com






Agenda Packet

June 2020 MCBOC Agenda Packet by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

Published at 5:50pm on Tuesday, June 9, 2020

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Macon County Commissioners to Meet Tonight, Continue Business from May 26th Meeting.

The Macon County Board of Commissioners will be meeting tonight at 6pm to continue the meeting they recessed on May 26, 2020. [VIDEO OF LAST MEETING]

Macon Media plans to stream the meeting live here via a player embedded below, beginning about 2 minutes or so before 6pm. Copies of the public agenda, a revised lease agreement with the Cowee School Heritage Cente, and a resolution to approach the revised lease are posted below that.



If youtube does not work in your browser, try https://youtu.be/P2uvXm8Mt04


MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
CONTINUED SESSION
JUNE 2, 2020 – 6 P.M.
AGENDA

1. Reconvene and welcome – Chairman Tate

2. Budget presentation regarding tax increase request for Otto Volunteer Fire Department – Terry Rholetter, Chief

3. Continued discussion regarding recommended Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget

4. Consideration of revised five-year lease agreement with Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center – County Attorney Chester Jones

5. Any other business

6. Adjourn

ROLL CALL
(attendance by media critters and elected critters)



Revised Lease with the Cowee School Heritage Center

(Macon Media has altered the format of the following document by entering paragraph breaks to make it easier to read)

NORTH CAROLINA MACON COUNTY
REVISED LEASE TO COWEE SCHOOL ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTER FROM MACON COUNTY

This lease is made this ___ day of April, 2020, by and between MACON COUNTY, a body corporate and politic organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina, hereinafter called the "Lessor," and COWEE SCHOOL ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTER, a North Carolina Non-Profit Corporation, located in Macon County, North Carolina, hereinafter called the "Tenant."

WITNESSETH:

THAT WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina by way of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-351 has established the following as policy for the State of North Carolina concerning recreation:

"The lack of adequate recreational programs and facilities is a menace to the morals, happiness, and welfare of the people of this State. Making available recreational opportunities for citizens of all ages is a subject of general interest and concern, and a function requiring appropriate action by both State and local government. The General Assembly therefore declares that the public good and the general welfare of the citizens of this State require adequate recreation programs, the creation, establishment, and operation of parks and recreation programs is a proper governmental function, and that it is the policy of North Carolina to forever encourage, foster, and provide these facilities and programs for all of its citizens."

; and

WHEREAS, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-352 provides that "Recreation" means activities that are diversionary in character and aid in promoting entertainment, pleasure, relaxation, instruction, and other physical, mental and cultural development and leisure time experiences; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153A-444, Macon County is authorized to establish parks and provide recreational programs; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153A-449, Macon County is authorized to contract with and appropriate money to any person, association, or corporation, in order to carry out any public purpose that Macon County is authorized by law to engage in; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for recreation opportunities in the Cowee area of Macon County, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Macon County, does own a building known as the Old Cowee School, located at 51 Cowee School Drive, Franklin, NC 28734 and being the lands described in the Deed dated January 9, 2013, from Macon County Board of Education to Macon County recorded in Book J-35, at Pages 2206 - 2207, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Macon County, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, COWEE SCHOOL ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTER, a North Carolina Non-Profit Corporation, is willing to lease such real property in accordance with this Lease Agreement and as consideration for the same it is willing to agree with Macon County as provided for hereinafter that it will use such real property in part for public "recreation" as that term is defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-352 and that it will provide recreational opportunities to the general public at such location; and

WHEREAS Macon County does reserve the right to appropriate and provide funds to COWEE SCHOOL ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTER, a North Carolina Non-Profit Corporation, within its discretion and in accordance with the provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153A-449 to further assist in carrying out the public purpose of providing recreation opportunities to the general public upon such real property.

NOW THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of and subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Lessor does hereby demise and let and the Tenant does hereby rent and hire from the Lessor, those certain premises (hereinafter referred to as the “Premises”) and being more particularly described as follows:

(1) Premises. Being the Old Cowee School Property, located at 51 Cowee School Drive, Franklin, NC 28734 and being more particularly described as the lands described in the Deed dated January 9, 2013, from Macon County Board of Education to Macon County recorded in Book J-35, at Pages 2206 - 2207, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Macon County, North Carolina.

(2) Term. Subject to the terms below, this lease shall commence at the beginning of May 1, 2020, and shall continue for a term expiring at the end of April 30, 2025.

(3) Rent. The rent payable by the COWEE SCHOOL ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTER, a North Carolina Non-Profit Corporation, shall be as follows:

A. It shall as provided for hereinafter use a substantial part of such real property for public "recreation" as that term is defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-352;

B. It shall as provided for hereinafter provide substantial recreational opportunities to the general public at such location in the nature of those which it has heretofore provided at such location and which are consistent with definition of “recreation” as that term is defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-352;

C. Tenant agrees to make the Old Cowee School open and available to members of the general public during reasonable days and hours for “recreation” as that term is defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-352 for the period between May 1, 2020, and the end of April 30, 2025, and it shall in fact provide substantial provide recreational opportunities to the general public at such location and during such hours;

D. Tenant agrees to to perform its obligations hereunder in a nondiscriminatory fashion appropriate for public activity and there shall be no discrimination by Sublessee on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion or otherwise; and

E. COWEE SCHOOL ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTER, a North Carolina NonProfit Corporation, shall account to Macon County for its uses of resources provided by Lessor to it and for its uses of the leased premises in accordance with paragraph 3 A, B and C above.

(4) Use of Premises. The leased premises shall only be used by Tenant for the operation of the COWEE SCHOOL ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTER, a North Carolina Non-Profit Corporation, consistent with the manner in which it has heretofore operated the same at such location and for also providing substantial recreational opportunities to the general public at such location in the nature of those which it has heretofore provided at such location and consistent with definition of “recreation” as that term is defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-352.

(5) No Assignment, but certain Subleases allowed. This lease shall not be assigned by Tenant but Tenant may sublet rooms within the buildings located upon the leased premises for purposes consistent with the recreational use of premises allowed unto the Tenant under the terms of this Lease Agreement. Any subleases shall include provisions which read as follows:

A. E-Verification. Sublessee shall comply with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Further, if Sublessee utilizes a subcontractor, Sublessee shall require the subcontractor to comply with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the General Statutes;

B. Sublessee agrees to fully cooperate with Sublessor in connection with Sublessor’s contractual obligation under its Lease Agreement with Macon County as aforesaid to make the Old Cowee School open and available to members of the general public during reasonable days and hours for recreation as that term is defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-352 and it shall cooperate with Sublessor’s efforts to provide recreational opportunities to the general public at such location; and

C. Sublessee acknowledges and agrees to fully cooperate with Sublessor in connection with Sublessor’s obligation under its Lease Agreement with Macon County as aforesaid to perform its obligations hereunder in a nondiscriminatory fashion appropriate for public activity and there shall be no discrimination by Sublessee on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion or otherwise.

(6) Repairs and Maintenance.
Lessor’s sole maintenance and repair obligations of the Lease Premises shall be as follows:

A. The roof, outside walls and other structural parts of the building;
B. The parking lot, driveways, and sidewalks;
C. The sanitary sewer system, water pipes and other matters relating to plumbing;
D. The electrical wiring; and
E. The heat and air conditioning.

Except as provided for hereinabove, Tenant shall be responsible for any and all other maintenance and repairs of the Sublease Premises. Tenant agrees to accept the premises in their present condition and to maintain the interior components of the portion of the premises leased to Tenant in a good state of repair during the term of this lease not set forth as part of the Lessor’s obligations hereinabove. At termination, Tenant shall surrender the premises to the Lessor in as good condition as they now are, except for ordinary wear and tear incident to the use of the premises.

(7)Abatement of Nuisances and Appearance. Tenant shall comply with all laws, rules and regulations of any governmental jurisdiction applicable to the leased premises and shall take all measures necessary to prevent or abate nuisances or other grievances arising out of the manner of the occupancy of the premises for its business purposes. Tenant shall further maintain the appearance of the premises in manner that is aesthetically pleasing and consistent with other business users in the neighborhood and shall not accumulate trash or debris nor display merchandise on the premises.

(8)Utilities. Lessor will provide utilities for the leased premises.

(9)Alterations. Tenant shall not make any alterations, additions or improvements to the premises without first obtaining written permission from the Lessor and any such alterations, additions or improvements which are permitted shall inure to the benefit of the Lessor upon expiration of the lease and surrender of the premises by the Tenant.

(10)Indemnification. Tenant shall indemnify Lessor and hold it harmless from and against any and all claims, actions, damages, liability and expense in connection with the loss of life, personal injury or damage to property occurring in or about, or arising out of, the leased premises, or occasioned wholly or in part by any act or omission of Tenant, its agents, licensees, concessionaires, customers or employees. In the event Lessor shall be made a party to any litigation, commenced by or against Tenant, its agents, licensees, concessionaires, customers or employees, then Tenant shall protect and hold Lessor harmless and shall pay all costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees included or paid by Lessor in connection with such litigation.

(11)Environmental Matters. With respect to any pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substance or material defined as such in, or for purposes of, all applicable environmental laws, rules, regulations and ordinances now or hereafter in effect ("Environmental Laws"), including without limitation, any waste constituents coming within the definition or list of hazardous substances in 40 C.F.R. §§ 261.1 through 261.33 ("Hazardous Material"), the Tenant represents, warrants and covenants that it will indemnify and hold Lessor harmless from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, injuries, interest, deficiencies, fines, penalties, costs, expenses, attorneys' fees, disbursements, and costs of investigation and clean-up, including without limitation, claims, suits, and proceedings by federal, state, or local government authorities with respect to, or as a direct or indirect result of

(i) the presence on or under, or the escape, seepage, leakage, spillage, discharge, emission, discharging or releasing from, the property of any Hazardous Material, if such occurs during the term of the lease,

(ii) any other environmental pollution, including without limitation, any contaminant, waste, irritant or pollutant, discharged into or otherwise contained in the environment at or adjacent to the property if such occurs during the term of the lease,

(iii) non-compliance relating to the Tenant's business or the property with any Environmental Law or any other federal, state or local statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation, order or decree, or

(iv) the inaccuracy, misrepresentation or violation or default of or under any matter set forth in this section unless any such loss, liability, damage, injury or the like is directly caused by negligent acts of the Lessor. In addition, the Tenant shall at all times keep on file with the Macon County Fire Marshall a list of any of the materials, substances, or chemicals described in this paragraph and stored or kept on the leased premises.

(12)Incidents of Default. Each and every term of this lease is a material part of this lease and continuation of the lease is conditioned on the parties' adherence to its terms. The breach or threatened breach of any of the lease terms by the Tenant shall be deemed an incident of default. A declaration of insolvency or the filing of a petition of bankruptcy by the Tenant shall also be deemed an incident of default. In the event Tenant defaults as defined in this paragraph, Lessor may declare the lease terminated and retake possession of the premises upon allowing Tenant a reasonable time to vacate the premises and remove its personal property from the premises.

(13) E-Verification. Tenant shall comply with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Further, if Tenant enters into one or more subleases, Tenant shall require the sublessee(s) to comply with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the General Statutes.
In testimony whereof, the parties have signed this lease on the date first written above in duplicate originals, one of which is retained by each of the parties.


Resolution to Revise Lease
(Macon Media has altered the format of the following document by entering paragraph break to make it easier to read)

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF MACON

RESOLUTION OF THE MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO REVISE A FIVE YEAR LEASE IN ORDER TO CORRECT A TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR IN THE SAME

THAT WHEREAS, Macon County did on April 14, 2020, approve the entry of a five year lease from Macon County to Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center for the old Cowee School property; and

WHEREAS, Paragraph # 2 of said Lease contained a typographical error in that the date of “April 30, 2020" contained in Paragraph # 2 of said Lease should have read “April 30, 2025"; and

WHEREAS, Macon County desires to authorize the correction such typographical error by this resolution.

NOW THEREFORE, upon Motion of Commissioner _________________________, seconded by Commissioner __________________________________, and duly approved, be it hereby resolved by the Macon County Board of County Commissioners as follows:

RESOLVED, that Macon County does hereby authorize correcting such typographical error in Paragraph #2 of the five year Lease that it authorized on April 14, 2020, from Macon County to Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center for the old Cowee School property so that the date of “April 30, 2020, contained in Paragraph #2 of said Lease is changed to April 30, 2025; and

RESOLVED, that Derek Roland, Macon County Manager, is hereby authorized and directed to fill in any blanks upon the same and execute said Lease to Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center on behalf of Macon County.
Adopted at the June 2, 2020, recessed Regular Meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners.



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Published at 2:22pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2020

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Franklin Town Council Meeting for June 1, 2020

The Franklin Town Council will be meeting tonight at 6pm. Due to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions by the governor, members of the media and public will be allowed to attend the meeting. Those attending are advised to follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks if they have them.

Macon Media will stream the meeting live on Youtube and a player has been embedded below.



Link to watch on Youtube if your browser acts up. [LINK] 

(my Chrome Browser keeps doing this)

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.

Roll Call
(Critters working for media outlets or serving in office in attendance will be recorded here)


Public Agenda

Town of Franklin Council
Agenda • June 01, 2020 • 6:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order - Mayor Bob Scott

2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Barbara McRae

3. Adoption of the June 1, 2020 Town Council Agenda - Town Council

4. Approval of the Consent Agenda for June 1, 2020 - Town Council
A.) Approval of the May 4 and May 12, 2020 Town Council Minutes
B.) Duke Energy Lighting Agreement for Womack Street
C.) Street Closing Request for WFSC Car Show
D.) Authorization Agreement for Wells Fargo Signatures

5. Public Hearings
A.) Public Hearing at 6:05 p.m. for Special Use Application for Scenic Ridge Development
B.) Public Hearing at 6:10 p.m. for Town of Franklin Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget
C.) Public Hearing at 6:15 p.m. for Town of Franklin Comp Plan

6. Public Session

7. Old Business:
A.) Discussion on Proposal from Nikwasi Initiative - Elaine Eisenbraun
B.) Discussion on Proposal from Macon New Beginnings - Bob Burke
C.) Discussion on Town of Franklin Water and Sewer Comp Plan - Town Manager Summer Woodard

8. New Business:
A.) Board Action on Special Use Application for Scenic Ridge Development - Town Council
B.) Board Action on Town of Franklin Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget - Town Council
C.) Board Action on Town of Franklin Comp Plan - Town Council
D.) Southwestern NC HOME Consortium Resolution and Agreement - Town Manager Summer Woodard
E.) Discussion on Town of Franklin July 4th Fireworks Event - Town Manager Summer Woodard
F.) Swearing in Ceremony for Franklin Police Chief Bill Harrell - Mayor Bob Scott
G.) Recognition of Finance Officer Kyra Doster - Mayor Bob Scott

9. Announcements:
A.) Town Hall Offices will be closed Friday July 3, 2020 in observance of July 4th

10. Adjourn


Agenda Packet

2020 0601 FTC Agenda Packet 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. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia



Published at 12:30pm on Monday, June 1, 2020

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