Franklin Aldermen 05-05-2014

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen met last night for their regular meeting for May 2014. I have posted the video I recorded above and the public agenda, the press kit and a searchable copy of the Town Manager's Budget Message to the Aldermen below. You may read the play by play I posted on the Macon Media Facebook Page.

Near the end of the meeting, the Aldermen went into a closed session that lasted about nine minutes. When they came out, the Aldermen passed a resolution to acquire some property for a sum of money to settle a suit filed by the John W. Mitchell Jr Revocable Trust had filed against the Town of Franklin in Superior Court for the amount of $180,300. I have a copy of that resolution below the public agenda. I have embedded a copy of the agenda packet that members of the board and the media receive. I have included a link for you to download a copy for your personal records if you so wish.



PUBLIC AGENDA

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen 

Meeting Agenda

Monday May 5, 2013 - 7:00 p.m. 

1. Call to order- Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Adoption of May 5, 2014 Proposed Agenda
4. Approval of April 7 and April 28, 2014 Board Minutes
5. Public Hearing 7:05 p.m. for Rezoning Petition for Six (6) Parcels on East Palmer Street and Porter Street
6. Public Hearing 7:10 p.m. for Application to Amend Text Only of the Unified Development Ordinance for the Outdoor Display of Goods
7. Public Session
8. New Business
   • Board Decision on Rezoning Petition for Six (6) Parcels on East Palmer Street and Porter Street
   • Board Decision on Application to Amend Text Only of the Unified Development Ordinance for the Outdoor Display of Goods
   • Presentation by the Community Care Clinic
   • Proclamation for Law Enforcement Memorial Day- Mayor Bob Scott
   • Special Use Application for Wireless Telecommunications Eligible Facilities Request at 90 Cunningham Road- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
   • Set Public Hearing for Rezoning Petition for Macon County and the Town of Franklin Properties- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
   • Set Public Hearing for the Application to Amend Text Only of the Unified Development Ordinance for Microbrewery and Brewpub- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
   • Streets
     1. Stop Sign and Intersection Change on Pauline Avenue and Ulco Drive
     2. Watauga Street One Way
   • Budget Amendments- Finance Officer Janet Anderson
   • Proposed Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget- Interim Town Manager Summer Woodard
     1. Presentation of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Town of Franklin Budget
     2. Set Budget Work Session for Saturday May 17, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.
     3. Set Public Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget for Monday June 2, 2014 at 7:05 p.m.
9. Legal
   1. Closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a) (3), “to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged”, the matter of an inverse condemnation claim, John W. Mitchell Trust v. Town of Franklin, file no. 12-CVS-228 in the files of the Clerk of Superior Court for Macon County.
10. Adjourn

RESOLUTION TO SETTLE CLAIM AGAINST TOWN

[I have added a couple of hyperlinks to the document that might help you understand the document better. -Bobby]

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN FOR THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN TO ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY AND SETTLE THE MATTER OF JOHN W. MITCHELL, JR. REVOCABLE TRUST V. TOWN OF FRANKLIN, 12-CVS-228, AND TO DECLARE THE REAL PROPERTY SO ACQUIRED SURPLUS

WHEREAS, pursuant to NCGS 160a-11, the board of aldermen for the Town of Franklin is empowered inter alia to acquire real property; and

WHEREAS, construction of the Crawford Branch sewer line replacement project required said line to cross a portion of the property located at 381 East Main Street, being Macon County parcel number 6595303520 and described in that deed dated February 6, 2009 from Kenneth R. Kopp and wife Alison J. Kopp to John W. Mitchell, Jr., and Bobby J. Key as Co-Trustees of the John W. Mitchell, Jr. Revocable Trust, u/t/a dated May 30, 2003, recorded in book V-32, pages 335-338 of the Macon County Public Registry (the “Property”); and

WHEREAS, the said John W. Mitchell, Jr. Revocable Trust, as Plaintiff, instituted an action in Superior Court concerning the said sewer line, file number 12-CVS-228 [download a copy] in the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court for Macon County; and

WHEREAS, the Plaintiff has offered and the Town agreed to completely settle the said action and all matters related thereto upon payment of the sum stated in Section 1 of this Resolution, in exchange for which the Plaintiff will convey the Property to the Town of Franklin; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen finds that the said sum is fair and full consideration for the property and payment of the other fees and costs of this matter; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen finds that the Property is not necessary for public purposes and therefore need not be retained;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Aldermen for the town of Franklin, the following:

Section 1. The sum of $180,300.00 is hereby appropriated from the town's retained earnings. The Town's Interim Manager and Finance Officer, or their successors in office, are authorized to pay the said sum unto the Clerk of Superior Court for Macon County, to be released to the said Plaintiff.

Section 2. The Mayor is authorized to execute, on behalf of the Town of Franklin and as its corporate act, that Consent Judgment attached hereto and made a part hereof, and to so execute such documents as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Resolution.

AGENDA PACKET FOR MEDIA AND BOARD MEMBERS

Download PDF of Agenda Packet

Franklin Aldermen Agenda Packet 05-05-14 by Thunder Pig

PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN FOR 2014-2015

2014-20156 Proposed Franklin Budget

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Macon County Commissioners meet with the Towns of Franklin and Highlands in Cowee

On Thursday, May 1, 2014, the Macon County Commissioners hosted a joint meeting with the Franklin Town Board of Aldermen and the Highlands Board of Commissioners at the Macon County Heritage Center located in the old Cowee School.

The local governing bodies discussed what they'd been up to since they last met and item of mutual interest, then took a tour of the Heritage Center. I tagged along with the tour that was conducted by Bobby Kuppers. Videos of the meeting and the tour are below. There was no agenda for this meeting.



GOVERNING BOARDS -- MISSING MEMBERS
Macon County Commissioner Paul Higdon
Franklin Town Manager Warren Cabe
Highlands Town Commissioner Brian Stiehler

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

THE JOINT MEETING




THE TOUR

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The Last Minute Voter's Guide to Macon County Candidates

**note** This post has been changed to correct some minor spelling/grammar errors and to reflect the correct number of terms the Sheriff has served. -Bobby

If you haven't been paying attention or done your homework for tomorrow's primary election, here is some material for you to use to cram at the last minute using all the videos I have taken at the various forums of candidates who have a primary race sorted by the seat they are seeking:

MACON COUNTY SHERIFF

Robbie Holland is running for a third fourth term as the Sheriff of Macon County and Bryan Carpenter is challenging him. Who ever wins this race will be the Sheriff for the next four years because Democrats did not put forward a candidate.

Here are a few videos of both candidates at various forums over the past few weeks.







CANDIDATE FORUM HOSTED BY FOP LODGE #81

This forum includes candidates for District Attorney, another important race




DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR THE 30TH PROSECUTORIAL DISTRICT

This seat has been opened up by the impending retirement of Mike Bonfoey, who has served in this position since April 2003. Vying for the seat are Assistant DAs Jim Moore and Ashley Welch. I have more video of Ashley because Jim Moore did not attend all the forums.





MACON COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT I

Jim Tate has served in this position since he was appointed by the Republican Party in December 2011 to replace Brain McClellan, who resigned. He won an unopposed reelection in 2012 to complete the term to which he had been appointed. Challenging him is John Shearl, who currently serves on the Macon County Planning Board. Here are the videos I have of these two candidates:



The following forum includes some candidates who did not have a primary, and I apologize for not having the time or resources to cut this video up into just the segments that involve those running in the primary.



REGISTER OF DEEDS

This is another local race that involves Todd Raby, who is running for a third term, and challengers Kenneth Blaine and Nicki Tallent.









NC SENATE DISTRICT 50
This seat is currently held by Jim Davis, who is a Republican. He has no primary challengers, but there are two Democrats facing each other for the opportunity to run against him in the fall. Jane Hipps and Ron Robinson are the candidates. Ron Robinson did not attend one of the forums is the reason there are more videos of Jane Hipps than there are of him.




US HOUSE NORTH CAROLINA DISTRICT 11

This seat is also currently held by a Republican, Mark Meadows. The Democrats seeking to replace him are Tom Hill and Keith Ruehl. Keith Ruehl did not show at any event in Macon County and Tom Hill at only one, so I just have the one video of Tom Hill.


So, for those of you who watched the videos, I hope you feel better informed on what your choices are tomorrow. Now, go out and be a good citizen and vote. If you do not vote, you are giving your stamp of approval on whoever wins tomorrow.


PATREON CAMPAIGN

Macon Media is a community-supported news source focusing on public affairs at the local level, along with local weather and public safety news and I am in need of assistance so that I can continue doing this thing and take it to the next level with a better website and newer equipment. If you are interested, please know that even a dollar a month would be greatly appreciated. Visit Patreon for more information on how you can help.

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Early Voting in Macon County A Statistical Primer of the Macon 2014 Primary

The early voting, or One-Stop, period from April 24th through 1 pm on May 3rd is over and some preliminary statistics are available.

2,031 out the 24,977 registered voters participated, making the turn out 8.13% or one in twelve of registered voters took the opportunity to vote early.

VOTERS BY REGISTRATION

Registration	# Voters	% Turnout	% by Party Registration
Republicans	958	47.17	9.73
Democrats	578	28.46	7.63
Unaffiliateds	493	24.27	6.59
Libertarians	2	0.09	2.78

EARLY VOTERS BY AGE

The average age of the early voter was 62. Only 20 people under the age of 21 voted and 41 people aged 90 and over voted. In fact, the older generation dominated the early voting with 1,070, or 52.68% of the turnout, were aged 65 and older. The table below shows more information:

AGE BLOCK (YEARS)	# VOTING	% VOTING
18-44	340	16.74
45-64	621	30.58
65 +	1,070	52.68

TOMORROW'S TURNOUT

How does all this translate into the turnout for tomorrow and the primary overall?

I am thinking the turnout will be around 18% and would be surprised if it exceeded 23% based on the turnout figures from previous election cycles.

I will be in the big courtroom monitoring the votes as they come in and will be posted a live play by play on Facebook at Macon Media and a wrap up at MaconMedia.com shortly after the results come in.

In order to assist me in continuing to provide this kind of live coverage, please consider pledging at least a dollar a month to my crowd funding campaign at Patreon.

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April 2014 Macon Media Patreon Campaign Drawing Winner

The winner of the Midland WR-120 NOAA Weather Radio is Grace Johnson!
For more information on the fundraising effort, please visit my crowd-funding page at Patreon. www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

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Franklin Board of Aldermen Names Summer Woodard Interim Town Manager

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen held a special called meeting to select an Interim Town Manager to replace the resigning Warren Cabe, who is returning to the Emergency Services Department to replace the outgoing Director David Key, who replaced Warren Cabe when he resigned last year to take the Town Manager's position with the Town of Franklin after the retirement of Sam Greenwood..

The meeting lasted three and half minutes and the video is below, followed by a press release from he Town of Franklin that gives some background on the new Interim Town Manager.




PRESS RELEASE

TOWN OF FRANKLIN
PO BOX 1479 FRANKLIN, NC 28744
(828) 524-2516


Summer Woodard, Assistant tot he Town Manager for the Town of Franklin, was named Interim Town Manager by the Franklin Board of Aldermen at a special called meeting Monday, April 28. Woodard was appointed to the position following the resignation of Warren Cabe, who will be rejoining Macon County Government's Emergency Services May2.

Woodard, a native of Franklin, is a 2004 graduate of Franklin High School. She graduated Western Carolina University in 2008 with a BA in History and Political Science. At WCU, Woodard was a member of the WCU Honors College. Following her undergraduate program at WCU, she attended WCU graduate school in 2008 earning a Masters Degree in Public Administration in 2010. As part of her MA program she had to complete a 300 hour internship program which she accomplished at the Town of Franklin.

Following graduation from WCU, Woodard became a part-time employee of the town working in customer service. In December 2010 she was offered the full-time position of Assistant to the Town Manager.

She completed the Municipal Administration Course of the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012.

In 2013 Woodard assumed the dual roles as Assistant to the Town Manager and Human Resources Officer.

She is active in other government functions serving on the Franklin Tourism development Authority, Macon County's Tourism Development Commission, Macon County Transit Board, Macon County Care Network Board, Town of Franklin Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment.

She will begin her new duties on May 2.

###

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Looking for a Witness on Main Street in Franklin, NC

I was walking down Main Street this afternoon on my way to shoot a video at a local business when I heard someone shouting. I stopped in front of Anna Bedell's and turned back to see a man, a woman and a preteen boy standing on the corner of Main Street and Iotla Street next to the county courthouse. I turned and did a slow 360 to see who they were shouting at and there were no obvious alternatives to me. I did an exaggerated "Who, Me?" gesture, pointing at myself.

The couple nodded and they started toward me and me toward them. I was curious at what was up. I imagined they were tourists, looking for directions.

We met at the corner of Main Street and Phillips Street next to the water fountain.I said, "Hello. Can I help you?" The man nodded and asked me if I would be a witness at their wedding.

I said, "Okay, if I can take pictures and post them on my Internet news site."

They said I could and I went with them to the third floor of the courthouse where I witnessed the ceremony that was performed by magistrate Miciah Leatherman.

Here are some of the photos I took during the ceremony.

Congratulations to Miguel and Venessa Jimenez and may they have many happy years together.

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Macon County Democratic Men's Club hold forum for candidates

The Macon County Democratic Men's Club hosted a forum for candidates running in the Democratic Party primary. I attended and recorded video of the candidate speeches. The full video of the event is below, and below that, are the individual speeches separated out by candidate, with the exception of Vic Perry, who is running unopposed for Clerk of Superior Court of Macon County. His was the first speech and was only 28 seconds long. It's no wonder he is running unopposed.

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Macon County Democratic Men's Club Forum

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Micheal David Rogers, a candidate running for Macon County Commissioner in District I

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Commissioner Ronnie Beale candidate running for Macon County Commissioner in District II

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Nikki Tallent, a candidate running for the Register of Deeds of Macon County

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Kenneth Blaine, a candidate running for the Register of Deeds of Macon County

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Todd Raby, a candidate running for the Register of Deeds of Macon County

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Jane Hipps, candidate for NC Senate in the 50th District

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Ron Robinson, candidate for NC Senate in the 50th District

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PATREON CAMPAIGN

I'd appreciate any help you can provide so that I can continue to provide complete video coverage of local government meetings. Check out http://www.patreon.com/maconmedia for more information. A dollar a month would mean great deal to me and help me obtain better equipment and cover more meetings and advance to the next stage in my plans for a digital news platform for Macon County.

Key Election Dates in the North Carolina 2014 Primary

Thursday, April 24, 2014
One-Stop early voting begins for May 6 Primary. For locations, check with your county elections office.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Last day to request absentee ballots by mail

Saturday, May 3 2014
One-Stop early voting ends at 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Primary Day (polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.)
Last day to return absentee ballots by mail (by 5:00 p.m.)

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Community Town Hall Discussion Series: The Town Gazebo

On Monday night, the League of Women Voters and Venture Local Franklin hosted the first in the Town Hall Discussion Series. The topic of discussion was proposed designs for the town gazebo. Several people brought designs and displayed them for people to discuss.

Video of the moderated discussion portion of the event is below.


I am running a Patreon Campaign to raise funds to help me to continue covering events like these. Please consider a modest monthly donation to help me out. Click here to learn more about how you can help.

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Macon County Board of Education March 2014 Meeting

The Macon County Board of Education met Monday night in Highlands for their regular March 2014 meeting. The full video and press kit from the meeting are below.

Board of Education Agenda and Press Kit 03-24-2014 by Thunder Pig

For those unwilling to sit through the full video, I have culled five excerpts (including the school calendar discussion) from the meeting and posted them below.

Excerpt #1: iPad Textbook Demo


Tim Burrell demonstrates the use of textbooks on iPads for the board members. 


Excerpt #2: Top 25% Discussion



The Macon County Board of Education members discuss how they are going to implement the pay increase for the top 25% of teachers in the district as mandated by the North Carolina General Assembly. The board has decided to identify the top 25% of teachers by a lottery.

Excerpt #3: Trailblaze Challenge Request Discussion



The Macon County Board of Education members discuss, and ultimately approve a request by the Trailblaze Challenge request to use an activity bus to transport hikers to Bartram Trail so they can participate in a charity event that is associated with the Make A Wish Foundation.

Excerpt #4: School Calendar for 2014-2015


The Macon County Board of Education members discuss and approve the school calendars for FY 2014-2014 for both the public schools and Macon Early College, copies of which are posted below for your convenience. Just be aware that they may be subject to change.


Macon County Schools FY 2014-2015 Approved Calendar

2014-2015 Macon County School Calendar

Macon Early College FY 2014-2015 Approved Calendar

2014-2015 Macon Early College Calendar by Thunder Pig

Excerpt #5: MVI Outdoor Play Areas


The Macon County Board of Education members discuss how they are going to purchase and install playground equipment at Mountain View Intermediate School

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Macon County Airport Authority March 2014 Meeting

The Macon County Airport Authority met this afternoon amidst flurries for their March 2014 meeting. The video of the proceedings is posted below.



The board approved a budget to submit to the Macon County Commissioners to consider during their annual budget process. Here are the figures:

MACON COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

BUDGET REQUEST FOR FY 2014-2015

Legal Fees	$5,000
Contract Services	$1,000
Audit	$6,100
Maintenance Supplies	$500
Events	$2,000
Gas/Propane	$4,500
Property/Bldg Maintenance	$16,400
Postage/Departmental	$100
Travel	$1,600
Telephone Expense	$1,000
Electricity	$10,500
Property Insurance	$7,000
Capital Equipment	$0
Total	$56,700

MEDIA ROLL CALL
Macon Media (me)
Macon County News

I try to include a media roll call in my coverage notes in order to help keep the local media present. If you see coverage of a meeting and the organization wasn't there, then they either got the information about what went on from a member of the board or by using other media organization's coverage of the meeting. If your media organization wishes to do a write up of this meeting based on my video, and you did not have a reporter present, please credit me in the story byline as "Information contributed by Bobby Coggins of MaconMedia.com"

I posted some of the photos I took before and during the meeting on Flickr.

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Macon County Commissioners meet with SCC Board of Trustees

The Macon County Commissioners met last night in the Groves Center on the Siler Farm Road Campus of Southwestern Community College. I have the full video below and I have also cut it into segments for those who are only interested in a segment of the meeting. The last meeting of the county commissioners can be viewed by clicking here.

The agenda of the meeting:

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
CONTINUED SESSION
6 P.M.
MARCH 18, 2014
AGENDA

1. Reconvene at the Cecil L. Groves Center on the Macon County campus of Southwestern Community College (SCC) and welcome by Chairman Corbin

2. Discussion regarding master plan for SCC Macon Campus - Dr. Don Tomas, President of SCC

• Introductions
• Overview of master plan and rationale
  • Groves Center
  • Public Safety Training Center (PSTC)
  • Annex
• Discussion/question and answer session
• Request for consideration of a Memorandum of Understanding between SCC and Macon County

3. Consideration of resolution honoring Robert "Bob" Carpenter

4. Consideration of lease for Highlands Road convenience center site

5. Consideration of engineering proposals for Parker Meadows Recreational Park

6. Consideration of architectural proposals for Parker Meadows Recreational Park

7. Adjourn


Here is the press kit that was distributed to members of the media:

Press Kit 03-18-2014 by Thunder Pig

MEDIA ROLL CALL
Macon Media (me)
The Franklin Press
Macon County News
WNCC-FM/WFSC-AM

The videos:

Full Meeting



Video of the joint meeting between the Macon county Commissioners and the Southwestern Community College Board of Trustees that took place in the Groves Center on the SCC Siler Road Campus on March 18, 2014.


Part 1 Honoring Senator Bob and renewing the lease for the Highlands Convenience Center


Topics covered include:

Honoring the late Senator Bob Carpenter by voting to rename the Macon County Community Facilities Building after him.

The vote to renew the lease for the Highlands Road Convenience Center.


Part 2 Workforce Solutions seeks office space


Dale West and Jim MCMahon of the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Workforce Solutions (formerly known as the NC Employment Security Commission or Unemployment Office) approach the county commissioners for assistance in obtaining office space since the state of North Carolina will no longer be paying for their current office building ($4,000 a month).


Part 3 Parker Meadows Engineering Proposals

The Macon County Commissioners consider engineering proposals for the Parker Meadows Recreation Facility.

Part 4 The SCC Master Plan

The Southwestern Community College Board of Trustees present their Master Plan for the next 25 to 30 years to the Macon County Commissioners and lock down a 19 acre tract that is currently owned by Macon County for future expansion of the community college.


Here is a better copy of the video that Dr Tomas used as part of his presentation to the Commissioners:

  Success in the New Economy from Brian Y. Marsh on Vimeo.

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REACH of Macon County launches fundraising campaign to build new shelter

REACH of Macon County held a press conference yesterday afternoon to publicize the launch of a Capital Campaign to raise money to build a shelter that will, according to Bonnie Peggs, President of the Board of Directors, " provide a safe place for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault" to be away from their abuser while they learn how to break the cycle of violence.

The current shelter has 6 beds and the new shelter will provide 10 beds at a location closer to town and the REACH main offices will be located on the same property.

The cost of the project is estimated to be in the neighborhood of $1.2 million. The Board is applying for a grant from the Carolina Housing Finance Agency that will take care of around $900,000 and the Board will be raising around $300,000 locally for the project, which is being overseen by Andrea Anderson, Executive Director of REACH, and Cindy Trevathan, R.E.A.C.H. Board member and Secretary.

Construction of the facility is expected to begin this fall and the first residents will be accepted in September 2015. The architect is Ritter Architecture and the General Contractor will be Beale Construction. Both are local companies.



To learn more about the project and to contribute online, please visit the REACH of Macon County website.


Below is additional information that was provided by Board members before the press conference:

Shelter Build Out Statistics

REACH of Macon New Shelter Press Info by Thunder Pig

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Town Hall Discussion Series Introduced at Press Conference

Pictured (L-R) Matt Bateman, Patti McClure, Nancy Scott, Kristina Moe and Angela Moore

The League of Women Voters and Venture Local Franklin held a joint press conference at the town gazebo in downtown Franklin to introduce their upcoming Town Hall Discussion Series. The first topic will be a discussion about proposed designs for the new town gazebo. 

It will be held on March 31, 2014, beginning at 6pm in Tartan Hall on Church Street.

A copy of the press release (with full details) is below:

Press Release Discussion Series

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Macon County Republicans Hold 2014 Convention

On Saturday, the Macon County Republican Party held it's annual convention (video excerpts are posted below) at the Community Facilities Building on the Georgia Road. Some 160 people attended the event, socializing and meeting with candidates for various local and state offices. The musical group Blue Ridge performed a couple of songs in tribute of America and Congressman Mark Meadows and the Seniro Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court spoke to the standing room only crowd. The party recognized Richard and Kate Robb for their contributions of a life of service to the country and to the party.

During the precinct meetings, a record 68 people signed up to become delegates to the district and state conventions (there are only 40 allotted slots).

Party Chairman Carla Miller reminded everyone of the candidate forum that will be held in the community facilities building on Saturday, March 29th at 2pm and the grand opening of the new Republican party headquarters at 555 Depot Street at noon on April 1st.

Other events on the calendar are:

GEM Country Republican Women's Club Luncheon
Tuesday, March 18th at 11:15AM
Speaker: NC Court of Appeals Judge Donna Stroud

District 11 GOP Convention
Saturday, April 26th
Lunch: 11:00AM
Convention: 1:00PM
Tuscola High School in Waynesville, NC

North Carolina State GOP Convention
June 6th and 7th
Harrah's Casino, Cherokee, NC

Here are video excerpts of the convention:

I Introduction, Invocation and Musical Tribute to America



II Recognition of Richard and Kate Robb



III Remarks by Congressman Mark Meadows




MEDIA ROLL CALL

Macon Media (me)
The Franklin Press (a reporter AND a photographer)

The other media outlets were absent from this event.

The Macon County Democratic Party will be holding their annual convention on Saturday, April 5th at 11am in the Macon County Courthouse. Macon Media plans on being their to cover this event also.

I have decided to start selling DVDs of events again in an effort to raise funds so I can replace aging and borrowed equipment that I use to record and process videos of the various meetings and events.

DVDs of this event are available. 

Please send a check or money order for $10 to:

Robert Coggins, Jr
39 Phillips Street, Suite #2
Franklin, NC 28734

Please indicate "Macon GOP 2014" in the memo section of the check or money order and I will send you a DVD in the mail.

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Franklin Aldermen to hold special meeting on Tuesday, March 18th

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen will be holding a special called meeting to discuss an offer to purchase the old town hall and town bridge improvements. The agenda is posted below. Due to a previously scheduled meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners with the SCC Board of Trustees, I will not be able to attend and record this meeting.

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen

Agenda

March 18, 2014

5:30 p.m.

1. Call to order- Mayor Bob Scott
2. Adoption of March 18, 2014 Proposed Agenda
3. Offer to purchase Old Town Hall- Town Manager Warren Cabe
4. Town Bridge Improvements- Town Manager Warren Cabe
5. Adjourn

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The League of Women Voters and Venture Local Franklin to announce details for the upcoming Community Town Hall Discussion Series at Monday Press Conference

PRESS RELEASE

WHO: League of Women Voters and Venture Local Franklin

WHAT: Press Conference to announce the upcoming Community Town Hall Discussion Series.

WHEN: Monday, March 17^th, 11:00 AM

WHERE: The Gazebo in Downtown Franklin

WHY: Details for The Community Town Hall Discussion Series will be announced. The goal of this first discussion is to bring together ideas about the design and use of the gazebo.

INTERVIEWS: Organizers will be available to answer questions after the press conference.

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Macon County Commissioners 03-11-2014

The Macon County Commissioners met Tuesday night for their regular monthly meeting.

)
The agenda and press kit for the meeting is posted below. I understand that Scribd has started charging people for the ability to download documents I have posted on that website, so I have included a link [right click to download PDF] to where you can download the document for free.

I posted a live text play by of the meeting on my Macon Media facebook page.

There will be another meeting of the commissioners as they meet with the SCC Board of Trustees on March 18th at 6pm in the conference room of the Cecil Groves Center on the SCC Campus to discuss the Master Plan for the expansion of the Southwestern Community College Campus.

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MARCH 11, 2013
AGENDA

1. Call to order and welcome by Chairman Corbin

2. Announcements

3. Moment of Silence

4. Pledge of Allegiance

5. Public Hearing(s) - None

6. Public Comment Period

7. Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

8. Reports/Presentations

• Update on Smoky Mountain Center activities - Shelly Foreman
• Cooperative Extension Program Impact Report - Alan Durden, County Extension Director
• Presentation of survey findings by Mission Critical Partners

9. Old Business

• Consideration of N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Project Agreement
• Agreement with Appalachian Tree
• Resolution regarding transfer of playground equipment to Macon Middle School
• Consideration of resolution honoring Robert (Bob) Carpenter

10. New Business

• Requests from J&B Disposal - Bonita Hamstra, President
  • Lease renewal for Highlands Road convenience center site
  • Rate increase for residential trash service
  • Franchise extension
• Request for funding from Macon Program for Progress - Chuck Sutton and Garry Roper
• Consideration of proclamation declaring Macon County as a Purple Heart County

11. Consent Agenda - Attachment #11

All items below are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. No separate discussion will be held except on request of a member of the Board of Commissioners.
• Minutes of the February 11th and February 18th meetings
• Budget Amendment #105
• Tax Releases
• Tax Refunds
• Macon County Public Health Fee
• Monthly ad valorem tax collection report

12. Appointments

• Board of Equalization for 2014
• Macon County Heritage Center Advisory Board (1 seat)

13. Closed session

• Attorney-client privilege per NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3)

14. Recess until Tuesday, March 18, 2014 to the boardroom of the Cecil L. Groves Center on the Macon County campus of Southwestern Community College, 44 Siler Farm Road, Franklin, NC 28734 (Starting time to be determined)

Commissioners Press Kit 03-11-2014 by Thunder Pig

Here is a brief slideshow of photos I took during the meeting.
View the slide show on Photobucket.

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Strong winds knock out power to over 700 in Macon County Duke Energy estimates power restoration by 4pm today

Strong winds last night knocked out power to over 700 people in Macon County and around 3,000 people in surrounding counties.

Duke Energy estimates they will have the power restored to most of these locations by 4pm today.

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Victor Drummond Withdraws Challenge to Gary Shields Candidacy

**UPDATE** 11:53AM

Victor Drummond is withdrawing his challenge to the candidacy of Gary Shields, candidate for one of the two seats in the District II County Commissioner race.

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Challenge to Haven's Candidacy Fails

The Macon County Board of Elections met yesterday to consider a challenge to the eligibility of Macon County Commissioner Ron Haven to run in the District II race for county commissioner issued by Charles "Scoon" Nichols.

After the hearing, the board voted 3-0 that Ron Haven did indeed maintain a domicile in the district. A brief video of just the decision is below:


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Full video of the entire proceeding and a copy of the paperwork filed by Nichols is below:


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Ron Haven Residency Challenge by Thunder Pig

A similar hearing will be held this coming Tuesday, March 18th, in Courtroom 4A on the fourth floor of the Macon County Courthouse to hear a challenge issued by Victor Drummond to the candidacy of Gary Shields to run in the same district. A second hearing relating to the challenge issued by Charles nichols against Ron Haven has been scheduled immediately thereafter. I will post the official notice when it becomes available from the Macon County Board of Elections.

**UPDATE** 11:53AM 

Victor Drummond is withdrawing his challenge to the candidacy of Gary Shields, candidate for one of the two seats in the District II County Commissioner race. 

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One Person Dead After Stabbing on Kirkland Road

One man is dead, another in custody after a caller reported a fight that was still in progress when they called 911. First Responders from the Franklin Fire Department and two ambulances from the Macon County EMS Franklin Base responded to the call and entered the scene after the scene was secured by officer of the Macon County Sheriff's Department.

No names have been released and here is the initial audio of the radio traffic of the call. There have been no edits for time.



More information will be released as it becomes available.
Some people have indicated the audio embed is not showing for them, so clink this link to see the player on another website.


Updated at 3:53pm to include radio call signs and radio codes

Guide for call signs used in this call:

MAMA-1 Medical Air Ambulance stationed at Memorial Mission
MAMA-2 Medical Air Ambulance stationed at Angel Community Hospital
Medic-4 and Medic-11 are Macon County EMS Ambulances
5700 units are Macon County Sheriff Officers
1100 units are Firefighters of the Franklin Fire Department

Radio Codes Used:

Code 4 means CPR is in Progress
10-17 Enroute
10-18 Urgent
10-23 On Scene
10-40 Fight
10-72 Subject in Custody
10-82 Firearm (some dispatchers use it to mean any weapon, including knives)



Updated at 5:53 pm. The Sheriff's Department released a statement at 5:29pm on their facebook page, but it contains no real new information beyond what I posted here a couple of hours ago.

It reads:

MCSO is on scene at a Kirkland Road residence after calls to 911 reported an altercation involving a knife. Upon arrival, deputies were able to locate the two individuals involved in the altercation. First Responders from the Franklin Fire Department and MCSO deputies immediately rendered aid to one of the individuals who later died from his injuries. The investigation is ongoing and at this time the MCSO is not looking for any additional suspects.

Here is an embed of the facebook post:   

Post by Macon County Sheriff's Office.

Update 6:35pm

Adam Hensley has been arrested and charged with the murder of Larry Wilt, both of Franklin. Hensley is currently being held without bond at the Macon County Detention Center.

Update 7:15pm

The Sheriff Department has finally gotten around to posting an update. It reads:

Sheriff Robert Holland confirms that 1st Degree Murder charges have been filed against Adam Lee Hensley age 31 of Franklin in the death of Larry Nelson Wilt. Mr. Wilt was found earlier today at a Kirkland Road residence after someone called 911 reporting a fight involving a knife. Wilt was found by deputies and first responders on the front porch area unresponsive and suffering from multiple stab wounds. Those on scene immediately rendered aid to both Hensley and Wilt for injuries they both received from an apparent altercation. All efforts to save the life of Mr. Wilt were unsuccessful. Sheriff Holland will have an official press release on Monday. Meanwhile, the investigation continues and condolences go out to the families of those involved.

Post by Macon County Sheriff's Office.

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Franklin Town Board March 2014 Meeting Agenda

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen will be meeting Monday night at 7pm. Here is the public agenda and press kit that has been provided to members of the local media, and I am, in turn, making them available to the public in the interest in transparency.

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen 
Meeting Agenda
Monday March 3, 2013 -7:00 p.m. 

1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott
2. Adoption of March 3, 2014 Proposed Agenda
3. Approval of February 3, 2014 Board Minutes
4. Public hearing 7:05 p.m. for Macon Program for Progress Annexation Petition Parcel 6584638089
5. Public hearing 7:10 p.m. for Macon Program for Progress Annexation Petition Parcel 6584638553
6. Public hearing 7: 15 p.m. for Application to Amend Text only of the Unified Development Ordinance to include Additional Permitted Uses in Commercial (C-2) and Commercial Special Use (C-2SU) Zones
7. Public session
8. New business
   • Board action on Macon Program for Progress Annexation Petition Parcel 6584638089
   • Board action on Macon Program for Progress Annexation Petition Parcel 6584638553
   • Board action on Application to Amend Text only of the Unified Development Ordinance to include Additional Permitted Uses in Commercial (C-2) and Commercial Special Use (C-2SU) Zones
   • Presentation by Principal Chief Michell Hicks- Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
   • Update from North Carolina Rural Water Association- Daniel Wilson
   • Presentation by the Scottish Tartans Museum- Chuck Coburn
   • Proclamation for National Kids to Parks Day- Mayor Bob Scott
   • Letter of Support for New Outpatient Services Building for Angel Medical Center- Don Capaforte
   • Ratification of Vote for Letter of Support for New Domestic Violence Shelter for R.E.A.C.H.- Mayor Bob Scott
   • Water Bill Discrepancy- Emmanuel Baptist Church
   • Forward Rezoning Petition for Six (6) Parcels on East Palmer Street and Porter Street to Town Planning Board- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
   • Discussion on Gazebo- Town Manager Warren Cabe
   • Set Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Town Budget Schedule- Town Manager Warren Cabe
   • Audit Contract with Martin Starnes & Associates- Finance Officer Janet Anderson
9. Legal
   • Closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a) (3), “to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged”, the matter of an inverse condemnation claim, John W. Mitchell Trust v. Town of Franklin, file no. 12-CVS-228 in the files of the Clerk of Superior Court for Macon County.
10. Adjourn

UPDATE: People are reporting that Scribd is not letting them download the press kit for free, so right click here and choose download for a free copy.
If there are other press kits and meeting agendas that you wish to have for your own personal records, please feel free to contact me on Facebook and link to the page that the document is on that you want and I'll upload a copy to DivShare and post a link for you.

Franklin Aldermen March 2014 Press Kit

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Macon County Board of Education 02-24-2014

The Macon County Board of Education met Monday night at 5pm and went into a closed session to discuss the particulars of the school safety plans. They came back into open session at 6pm for the regular monthly meeting.

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Franklin Aldermen 02-03-2014

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen met last night for their February 2014 meeting. Video of the meeting as well as the press kit and a copy of a public comment delivered by Brittany Burns are included in this post.

A lot of people spoke out against the initial proposed design for the redesign of the Town Gazebo, which, according to Town Manager Warren Cabe, was the result of input from stakeholders who use the current facility. A number also spoke out in favor of a regular informal town hall event that would allow some interaction between members of the community and the Aldermen beyond that which is practical at a formal town board meeting. The board voted 4-2 last month to reject the Mayor's proposal to hold such meetings.

Also, here is the text of the comments delivered by Brittany Burns during the public comment session:

Dear board,

I wanted to speak with you regarding last month's decision to not appoint a liaison to East Franklin school. First, I do not see what it would hurt. Ideally, I would think the board would want to foster cooperation and that you all would want to be involved in the lives of your citizens, so to find out that you are against a simple liaison, even though you had someone willing to do it, is baffling.

In today's time, the state continues to push down obligations to local government. Priorities and responsibilities that used to be status quo on the state level, are now being kicked down the road for local governments to figure out. These burdens are becoming increasingly heavy for our county government. With things such as public education, road maintenance, mental health issues, and other factors playing musical chairs between who should take care of these responsibility, the state or the county, the focus should be that at the end of the day the citizens are the ones who are adversely affected by these decisions. These are your citizens, and while there is no state law requiring you to step up and go above and beyond your outlined obligations, I would hope that as elected officials you would want to.

I live within the town of Franklin. I have an 8 month old son, who will more than likely end up attending East Franklin Elementary school. There is nothing in this world that I worry more about than his safety. Every day I do everything in my power to ensure that he is taken care of and that he is as safe as possible. I beg of you to consider sharing the county's obligation to keep our children safe and to look for an avenue to provide a school resource officer at East Franklin School.

Franklin Police Department and Chief Adams do a remarkable job at having officers patrol East Franklin, and whenever possible, provide an officer during pick up and drops offs. I am beyond grateful for that. I just don't think it is enough, and I cannot begin to think of why with everything that has happened in our country in recent years that you would think that is enough too. Why, something that seems so easy and achievable, why you refuse to even entertain the idea by looking at costs and whether or not your departments could do it. Why it has been an automatic no.

School resource officers may not be something you are in the business of. But why not? Is the school not in your district? Are the children not within the town? Do their parents not pay town taxes? If there is something that you could do to ensure our children, the future of our town, are as safe as possible, why would you want to turn a blind eye? Are you waiting for something to happen to then react instead of being proactive now? If that is the case, then I am terrified as to what it might take in order to get you to care about the safety of our future.

The town of Highlands not only substantially helps Highlands school with countless activities and operations, they also provide an SRO to that school. They provide the funding through their department. Do they care more about their children than you all do?

The state has even began to question the role in town government, and whether it is truly necessary or if it could be just as functional if combined with county government. Knowing these discussions are taking place, how could you not want to step up and be a leader to show that town government is crucial in the safety, in the progress, in the sustainability and growth of small towns? You all have that opportunity, what is it going to take to get you to seize it?

Brittney Burns

Franklin Aldermen Press Kit 02-03-2014 by Thunder Pig

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