2015 Kids Fishing Day Events Announced Local Event at Cliffside Lake on June 6th

PRESS RELEASE
National Forests in North carolina
160A Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville, N.C., M- The U.S. Forest Service announced today that the National Forests in North Carolina in cooperation with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and other partners will host a series of Kids Fishing Day events throughout May and June at sites across the state.  

 The events are free for children ages 12 years and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are encouraged to bring their own poles though most events will have bait and extra poles available. Children must be able to handle their poles independently though adults may assist in reeling.

 These events allow families and friends to share fun, quality time together while learning about one of our nation's favorite pastimes - fishing. The sites will be stocked for the events and U.S. Forest Service, NCWRC staff and volunteers will be present to assist participants. No experience is needed for families to participate. Participants will need to register on the day of the event, beginning one hour prior to the start time. At many sites participants will be able to register for drawings giving away fishing related prizes.

Each site will be closed for regular licensed fishing from on the day of the Kids Fishing Day event, until its conclusion. This closure is pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), and for the protection of public and natural resources. This closure is in effect to support free kids fishing events on the National Forests in North Carolina during National Fishing and Boating Week.

 Event location, date, time and contact info are listed below:

Pisgah National Forest

Location	Date	Time	Contact
Boone Fork Pond, Grandfather Ranger District	5/16/2015	9:00 to 2:00	Christopher Williams (828) 652-2144
Max Patch Pond, Appalachian Ranger District	6/6/2015	9:00 to 2:00	Brandon Jones (828) 682-6146
Lake Powhatan, Pisgah Ranger District	6/6/2015	9:00 to 2:00	Lorie Stroup (828) 877-3265
Carolina Hemlocks Campground, South Toe River, Appalachian Ranger District	6/13/2015	9:00 to 1:00	Brandon Jones (828) 682-6146

Nantahala National Forest

Location	Date	Time	Contact
Cherokee Lake, Tusquitee Ranger District	6/6/2015	7:30 to Noon	Todd Sharkey (828) 837-5152
Santeelah Creek at Rattler Ford Campground, Cheoah Ranger District	6/6/2015	9:00 to Noon	Gina Rogers (828) 479-6431 (Participants are requested to pre-register with the district prior to the event if possible.)
Cliffside Lake, Nantahala Ranger District *	6/6/2015	9:00 to 1:00	Richard McClure (828) 524-6441

Uwharrie National Forest

Location	Date	Time	Contact
Kings Mtn. Point Recreation Area at Badin Lake, Uwharrie Ranger District	6/13/2015	9:00 to Noon	Deborah Walker (910) 576-6391

Croatan National Forest

Location	Date	Time	Contact
Cedar Swamp Pond, Croatan Ranger District *	6/13/2015	8:00 to Noon	James Cherry (252) 638-5628

*Note: the events on the Nantahala and Croatan Ranger Districts allow children up to 15 years old to participate. 

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The County Commissioners meet with the Board of Education for Budget Work Session

The Macon County Commissioners held a joint meeting with the Macon County Board of Education to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2015-2016 budget for the Macon County Public School System. The meeting took place in the Media Center (library) of Iotla Valley Elementary School. The text play by play, along with several images of the power point presentation that was made by Dr. Chris Baldwin about the budget request for 2015-2016 can be seen on Facebook. 

The Reader's Digest version of the 2015-2016 Request includes:

• PRC 001 Teacher salary increase.........$85,167
• PRC 003(+) Benefit increase...............$25,738
• PRC 027 Teacher Assistants..............$279,000
• PRC 002 State reduction CO...............$90,000
• PRC 012 Drivers Education.................$72,783
• PRC 003/027 Salary Increase.............$90,000
• Total.............................................$564,027
• Total Increase over 2014-2015.........$527,343
• Total Appropriation Requested........$7,865,673

Here is a more involved report of the budget request that has been excerpted from a detailed line item budget:

*note* 

1. A program report code (PRC) is an accounting term and is used for the allocation and accounting of funds. The PRCs (allocations) may change from year to year depending on the actions of the General Assembly, whereby they may add new programs or discontinue old programs.

PRC 001	Teacher Salary	1,438,033.37
PRC 002	Central Office Administration	1,550.16
PRC 003	Non-Instructional Support	1,794,564.22
PRC 005	School Building Administration	66,397.39
PRC 007	Instructional Support	0
PRC 009	Employee Benefits/Payouts	75,000.00
PRC 012	Driver's Education	108,851.25
PRC 013	Vocational Education	8,000.00
PRC 015	Technology	654,067.95
PRC 027	Teacher Assistants	280,344.87
PRC 028	Local Staff Development	40,836.00
PRC 032	Exceptional Children Medicaid	2,000.00
PRC 036	Charter School Payments	2,000.00
PRC 049	Preschool	113,260.49
PRC 056	Transportation	31,259.50
PRC 061	Instructional Materials	92,602.00
PRC 413	NC Pre-K	206,505.39
PRC 533	Local Supplements	443,217.78
PRC 701	After School (VIP)	297,133.00
PRC 706	Local Transportation	251,669.50
PRC 740	Summer Adventure Camp	130,000.00
PRC 802	Insurance	308,871.00
PRC 804	Athletics	291,777.00
PRC 805	Board of Education Expenses	73,763.90
PRC 806	Central Services	964,756.00
PRC 807	School Based	20,656.00
PRC 808	Maintenance	780,217.24
PRC 809	Utilities	1,111,304.00
PRC 831	New Century Scholars	15,550.00
PRC 864	Character Education	4,713.00
PRC 883	Cultural Arts	1,000.00
N/A	TOTAL EXPENDITURES	9,659,901.00

And here are the projected revenues:

NC Pre-K	127,500.00
Timber Sales	150,000.00
County Appropriation	7,865,673.00
Landfill Fees	73,842.00
Supplements	443,217.00
Driver's Education	6,000.00
Preschool Tuition	78,250.00
Fines and Forfeitures	75,000.00
Use of Schools (rental fees)	5,000.00
Interest on Investments	1,000.00
Miscellaneous local receipts	5,000.00
WAN Engineer	83,2000.00
Medicaid Reimbursement	50,000.00
Sales Tax Refund	20,000.00
E Rate Refund	60,000.00
Indirect Cost	2,000.00
Indirect Cost	40,000.00
Indirect Cost	30,000.00
Indirect Cost	left blank
Indirect Cost	5,000.00
Indirect Cost	700.00
Indirect Cost	3000.00
Lowe's Grant	left blank
After School Tuition	150,000.00
Summer Adventure Camp	130,000.00
ABC Revenues	100.00
NC Pre-K Fund Balance Appropriated	108,286.00
VIP Fund Balance Appropriated	147,133.00
TOTAL REVENUES	9,659,901.00

MEDIA ROLL CALL (local media outlets with representatives at the meeting)
Macon Media (story published Fri May 8th, the morning after the meeting)
Macon County News and Shopping Guide (next publication Thurs May 14th)
The Franklin Press (next publication Wed May 13th)

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2015 National Day of Prayer Observed in Franklin

The Macon County Ministerial Association [Facebook Page] hosted the 2015 National Day of Prayer at the town gazebo in downtown Franklin on Thursday. Here is the video and list of pastors who led those gathered in various prayers and songs, with some of the prayers mentioning local elected officials by name. The event ended with several community groups being formed for prayer before one last hymn. 

The theme for the 64th annual National Day of Prayer was Lord, Hear Our Cry, emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to place their faith in the unfailing character of their Creator, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men. 

The Scripture for this year was I Kings 8:28 “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.”



Welcome and Introduction by Mitch A. Schultz

Music was performed by Mike Barres and John Sapp

Prayer for Media led by Pastor Henry Puckett

Prayer for Government led by Pastor Rick Holmes

Prayer for the Military led by Pastor Scott Eichelberger

Prayer fo Businesses led by Pastor Tommy Jordan

Prayer for Education led by Pastor Forest Jones

Prayer for the Church led by Josh Smith

Prayer for the Family led by Pastor Paul Backhaus.

This event is held every year at noon on the first Thursday in May.

MEDIA ROLL CALL

Macon Media
WFSC-AM/WNCC-FM (I believe they broadcast it live over the radio)
The Franklin Press
The Macon County News and Shopping guide

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The Town of Franklin Appoints Kyra Doster as Finance Officer

At the May 4th, 2015 meeting of the Franklin Town Board of Aldermen, Kyra Doster was appointed as the new Finance Officer. The video of the introduction by the Town Manager and the vote of approval by the Town Board is above and the press release from the town is below. The new Finance Officer will begin work on May 18th.

Press ReleaseTown Finance Officer

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The Town Manager presents the proposed FY 2015-2016 Budget The Mayor comments on the difficulties faced by Franklin

Photo of the paper copy of the budget about to be turned into electronic format

This post contains two videos recorded at the regular May 2015 meeting of the Franklin Town Board of Aldermen on May 4, 2015. The first contains the presentation of the proposed FY 2015-2016 budget for the Town of Franklin by Summer Woodard, the Town Manager, and a discussion of the budget work session that has been scheduled for Saturday May 16th at 9 am and the public hearing on the budget that will be conducted at the June 1st meeting of the Aldermen.

Budget Presentation

Budget Message from Town Manager

FY 2015-2016 Budget Message - Franklin by Thunder Pig

Digitized Copy of Proposed FY 205-2016 Budget

This copy was digitized from a paper copy handed out to the media at the meeting and Macon Media digitized it, so it may contain errors introduced by the digitization process.

Proposed FY 2015-2016 Budget by Thunder Pig

The second video contains the comments made by Mayor Bob Scott who spoke about the process and the difficulties faced by the town, most of which he said was the fault of the state legislature.


Mayor's Comments





The full video and supporting documentation from the meeting can be seen at this link.

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Franklin Town Board of Aldermen Regular May 2015 Meeting

The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen met last night for their regular May 2015 meeting. Here is the video, public agenda and a copy of the agenda that is shared with the local media. Macon Media is making that public document available to the public in the interest of transparency. Among the items discussed was the 2015-2016 budget, the local media was given a paper copy and I digitized it last night so the public could read it as well. 

CROWD FUNDING EFFORT

For the curious, this citizen journalist effort to accurately relay the meetings of the local governing bodies is currently being supported by a few dozen people who donate funds to keep this thing going, some of them do so on a regular basis online at Patreon. If you wish to learn more about helping out, please check out my Patreon Page. All I ask is a dollar a month. Any amount is appreciated. The more the people of Macon county give, the more meetings and events can be covered.

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

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



Shorter excerpt videos from the meeting will be posted later in separate articles for those with short attention spans.

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen 

Agenda 

Monday May 4, 2015 7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott

2. Pledge of Allegiance- Vice Mayor Verlin Curtis

3. Adoption of May 4, 2015 Proposed Agenda

4. Approval of the April 6, 2015 Board Minutes

5. Public Hearing 7:05 p.m. for Special Use Permit Application

6. Public Session

7. New Business

A.) Board Action on Special Use Permit Application

B.) Presentation of the North Carolina Cardinal Award to Wayne Price- Mayor Bob Scott

C.) Proclamation for Scottish Heritage Week - Mayor Bob Scott

D.) Set Public Hearing for Dan Street and Watauga Street- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser

E.) Update on Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser

F.) Resolution Opposing Senate Bill 650 Elections Transparency Act- Mayor Bob Scott

G.) Street Closing Request for 2015- Town Manager Summer Woodard

H.) Request for Water and Sewer Allocation for Siler Road- Town Manager Summer Woodard

I.) Capital Project Ordinance for Town of Franklin Water Plant Upgrade and Expansion- Town Manager Summer Woodard

J.) Reimbursement Resolution for Town of Franklin Water Plant Upgrade and Expansion- Town Manager Summer Woodard and Town Attorney John Henning Jr

K.) Resolution to Appoint Town of Franklin Finance Officer- Town Manager Summer Woodard

L.) Joint Meeting with Macon County and Town of Highlands- Town Manager Summer Woodard

M.) Proposed Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Town Budget- Town Manager Summer Woodard

1.) Presentation of Proposed Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Town of Franklin Budget

2.) Set Budget Work Session for Saturday May 16, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.

3.) Set Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Town of Franklin Budget for Monday June 1, 2015 at 7:10 p.m.

8. Legal

A.) Ratify Email Vote on April 9, 2015 for Forwarding Amending the Ordinance Regarding Banners to the Town Planning Board- Town Attorney John Henning Jr

B.) Banner Policy- Town Attorney John Henning Jr

C.) Set Public Hearing for Amending the Ordinance Regarding Banners- Town Attorney John Henning Jr



9. Adjourn

Press Packet for May 2014 Franklin Aldermen Meeting by Thunder Pig

And here are the documents related to the 2015-2016 budget.

The Town Manager's Budget Message

FY 2015-2016 Budget Message - Franklin by Thunder Pig

the Proposed 2015-2016 Budget

Proposed FY 2015-2016 Budget by Thunder Pig

Read More

Friends of the Library Annual Meeting to Feature Dedication of Memorial Garden

The annual general membership meeting of the Friends of the Macon County Public Library will be held this year on Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00pm at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. The meeting will be in conjunction with the dedication of the Virginia Ramsey Brunner Memorial Garden. We hope that you will bring your family and friends to this special event. It will be an opportunity to meet members of the Ramsey family and friends. Your presence will help show appreciation for their generous donation, in honor of their loved one, to our library for this lovely space.

Virginia Ramsey Brunner grew up in the Tellico area of Macon County. The garden honors her memory, with the peaceful sound of a running fountain at its center and surrounded by trees, shrubs, and flowers. Visitors to the library can enjoy a quiet place to relax, read, and visit with friends. This garden was made possible by the generous donations of Virginia’s family and friends.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Macon County Public Library at 828-524-3600 or www.fontanalib.org.

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Macon County Airport Authority Regular April 2015 Meeting

The Macon County Airport Authority met today at the airport to hold a public hearing and discuss their recommended fiscal year 2015-2016 budget to the Macon County Commissioners. No one from the public attended the meeting, so no one spoke for against the proposed budget.

Macon County Airport Authority

Budget Request for FY 2015-2016

Legal Fees	$5,000
Contract Services	$2,400
Audit	$6,100
Maintenance Supplies	$500
Operating Supplies	$300
Events	$2,000
Gas/Propane	$4,500
Property/Building Maintenance	$15,000
Postage/Departmental	$100
Travel	$1,600
Telephone expense	$1,000
Electricity	$10,500
Property Insurance	$7,000
Capital Equipment	$0
TOTAL	$56,000

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Macon County Board of Education Regular April 2015 Meeting

The Macon County Board of Education met on Monday, April 27, 2015 in Franklin for their regular April 2015 meeting.

The full video is posted below and excerpts will be posted separately with supporting documentation in the next few days.

MEDIA ROLL CALL

Macon Media (me)

Macon County News and Shopping Guide

WFSC-AM/WNCC-FM

The Franklin Press

Here is the press packet that the Board of Education shares with all media outlets.

April 2015 Macon Co Board of Education by Thunder Pig

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2nd Annual Buckle Up, Baby Scheduled for Sunday at Fun Factory

PRESS RELEASE


Local law enforcement to hold 2nd annual Buckle Up, Baby event this weekend

Just days after bringing a child into the world, you strap them up and put them in a car seat for the journey home. Whether it is your first child or your fifth, making sure you are up-to-date and educated an proper car seat safety will be one of the first responsibilities you have to your newborn.

Each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car accidents. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 650 children ages 12 years and younger died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes, and more than 148,000 were injured in 2011.

The western North Carolina community has come together to help host Buckle Up, Baby!, a free car seat safety clinic, to help battle the alarming statistics.

The Macon County Sheriff's Department, along with the Franklin Police Department and Highlands Police Department have teamed up with Safe Kids of Jackson County to host the second annual Buckle Up, Baby! event to provide families in western North Carolina with the opportunity to get their car seat checked by certified car seat technicians.

The Buckle Up, Baby! event will be held at The Franklin Fun Factory on Sunday, April 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Although the event is being held in Macon County, it is open to all families in western North Carolina.

Even though car seats are proven to be the most effective way to prevent serious automobile injuries, nearly 75 percent of all car seats are installed incorrectly. The certified technicians will help figure out if a seat is right for the child and right for the vehicle.

“This is the second year we have hosted this event and after last year, we realized more than ever how important car seat safety is,” said event organizer, Brittney Raby. "Last year, technicians checked 99 car seats and found that about 90 percent of the seats were installed incorrectly. We also had to replace 18 seats that were either outdated, broken, or had been recalled by the manufacturer."

Buckle Up, Baby! is not just for parents, but grandparents, aunts, uncles, caregivers. Anyone who transports children will have an opportunity to learn how to properly install a seat.

Just for attending the event, participants will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win prizes such as tickets to ride the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, a $50 gas card, a brand new car seat, and gift certificates to local businesses.

Children will be treated to goodies like coloring books from Kaylor Insurance Agency, the local Nationwide Insurance agent, event stickers, and books from Read2Me. Macon Program for Progress will also be on hand providing information about their programs and enrollment.

For every child who attend the event, the Franklin Fun Factory will be providing a free $5 bonus free play card for children's to enjoy games inside the factory as well as other specials going on.

Using a car seat is the best protection you can give your child when traveling by car. Car seat use reduces the risk for death to infants (ages less than one year) by 71 percent; and to toddlers (ages 1 to 4 years) by 54 percent in passenger vehicles.

Every state in the United States requires that an infant or small child be restrained. Child safety seats can substantially reduce the risk of a potentially fatal injury, especially for babies but also for toddlers.

Buckle Up, Baby! will be held April 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Franklin Fun Factory. For more information, contact Brittney Raby at brittney051888@yahoo.com or (828)508-3003.

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Macon County Commissioners April 21, 2015

The Macon County Commissioners met on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 after a recessed meeting on April 14th [see coverage of that meeting here]. The next meeting will be at 4 pm at the Iotla Valley School and will be a joint work session with the Macon County Board of Education to handle the budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year that starts on July 1, 2015 and ends on June 30, 2016.

Here is the public agenda (I did not receive a press packet for this meeting)

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
CONTINUED SESSION
APRIL 21, 2015 - 6 p.m. 

• Reconvene and welcome - Chairman Corbin
  
• Discussion and consideration regarding proposed QZAB funding
  
• Update on change order with Penland Contracting
  
• Revision to service agreement between Macon County and the Highlands Chamber of Commerce
  
• Schedule joint meeting with the town boards of Franklin and Highlands
  
• Schedule a work session with the Macon County Board of Education
  
• Closed session - Attorney-client privilege
  
• Adjourn/Recess

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

There were also no members of the general public present at the meeting, with only Dr Chris Baldwin, Superintendent of Macon County Schools and Seth Adams, Director of the Macon County recreation Department being present for items that concerned their departments.


Here is a brief overview of what happened during the meeting:

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT PARKER MEADOWS APPROVED



Macon County Commissioners heard a presentation by Seth Roland, Macon County Recreation Director, about bids for playground equipment at the Parker Meadows Recreation Facility. Commissioners voted 5-0 to go with the $84,192.00 bid put forth by Playground Safety Services.

QZAB FUNDING APPROVED

Commissioners had a long discussion and took several votes (all were 5-0 in favor) on various aspectes of the $2,985,878.00 QZAB Funding being sought by the Macon County Board of Education.

PARKER MEADOWS CHANGE ORDER APPROVED

Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a change order for the Parker Meadows Project that involved a grant from the North Carolina Community Foundation to Macon County Soil and Water. Penland Contracting will be doing the work.

SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REVISED

Commissioners approved by a vote of 5-0 a revision to the service agreement between the Macon County Commissioners and the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. The county attorney has juggled and improved the wording of the document.

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE JOINT MEETING WITH THE TOWNS OF FRANKLIN AND HIGHLANDS

Derek Roland proposed May 19, 2015 at 6pm at Cowee Heritage Center at the old Cowee School as the annual joint meeting with the Towns of Franklin and Highlands.

COMMISSIONERS TO HOLD JOINT WORK SESSION WITH SCHOOL BOARD

The Macon County Commissioners will hold a joint work session with the Board of Education to tale place at 4 pm on May 7, 2015 at Iotla Valley School. The boards will work on the budget for Macon County Schools for the fiscal year 2015-2016 that begins July 1, 2015 and ends on June 30, 2016.

DEREK TAYLOR APPOINTED TO SERVE ON COUNTY PLANNING BOARD

Commissioner Tate informed the board that Derek Taylor of Highlands had been recommended by the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners as the Highlands Representative on the Macon County Planning Board. The county commissioners voted 5-0 to appoint Mr. Taylor to the county planning board.

COMMISSIONERS VOTE TO SEND LETTER TO RALEIGH IN OPPOSITION OF SUNDAY HUNTING BILL

Commissioner Higdon has brought forth a request for the commissioners to forward a resolution opposing House Bill 640 (Hunting on Sundays on Private Land). After some discussion, commissioners voted 4-1 (Commissioner Tate opposing) to have the letter written and sent. 

The bill text and voting history can be seen on the NC General Assembly website.


COMMISSIONERS HOLD CLOSED SESSION

Macon County Commissioners went into a closed session under authority of § 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." For further reading, see paragraph three at this link.

This meeting was recessed until May 7th at 4pm at Iotla Valley School.

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Macon County Commissioners April 14, 2015 Meeting Coverage

The Macon County Commissioners met on April 14, 2015. The meeting lasted over three hours, so I am presenting it as both a full full and as segments.

The entire meeting is not contained in the segments, so if you wish to see all that took place, you'll have to watch the complete video.

FULL MEETING



MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
APRIL 14, 2015
AGENDA
1. Call to order and welcome by Chairman Corbin

2.Announcements

3.Moment of Silence

4.Pledge of Allegiance

5.Public Hearing(s) - 6:00 p.m. - Proposed names for new roads and assigning a range of road numbers in connection with the same - Angie Kinsland/911

Addressing Coordinator

NOTE: The board will consider an amendment to the county's ordinance regarding approval of the new road names and the range of road numbers

immediately following the hearing.

6.Following the public hearing, the board will sit as a Board of Equalization and Review to hear an appeal from Shawnee Meadow Holdings, LLLP, et. al./Richard Boger

7.Public Comment Period

8.Adjustments to and approval of the agenda

9.Reports/Presentations
•Nantahala Hiking Club - Olga Pader
•Macon County Heritage Center at the Historic Cowee School - Bobby Kuppers
•April Is Public Health Month Proclamation - Dawn Wilde Burgess, Community Health Promotion Supervisor/Public Health

10.Old Business
•Second reading on the Macon County Nuisance Ordinance
•Update on status of QZAB funding - County Manager
•Discussion of Memorandum of Understanding with Southwestern Community College
•Discussion regarding Highlands track and softball field renovations
•Consideration of lease agreement with the Division of Workforce Solutions

11.New Business
•Highlands Chamber of Commerce agreement with BCF Agency
•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 March 10 regular meeting and the March 31 continued session
•Budget Amendments -- #163, #164
•Tax Releases
•Monthly ad valorem tax collection report

12.Appointments:
•Highlands Area Tourism Development Commission (2 seats)

13.Closed session (if needed)

14.Adjourn/Recess

Here is the full agenda packet that is used by members of the board and shared with members of the local press. Currently, Macon Media is the only one

who makes this public document available to the public without first making them jump through hoops.

PRESS PACKET

County Commissioners April 2015 Meeting Press Packet.pdf by Thunder Pig

Some of the segments from the meeting are posted below.


Part 1 -- Prayer (Moment of Silence)
Pledge of Allegience
Public Hearing on Road Names
Nantahala Hiking Club


Part 2 -- Memorandum of Understanding with Southwestern Community College


Part 3 -- Board of Equalization and Review

The board sits as a Board of Equalization and Review to hear an appeal from Shawnee Meadow Holdings, LLLP, et. al./Richard Boger


Part 4 -- Public Comment Adjustments and Approval of the Agenda


Part 5 -- Macon County Heritage Center


Part 6 -- Proclamation for Public Health Month


Part 7 -- Parker Meadows Update


Part 8 -- CDC Grant to Macon County Health Department


Part 9 -- Second reading of the Macon County Nuisance Ordinance


Part 10 -- QZAB Funding Discussion and Vote


Part 11 -- Lease Agreement with Division of Workforce Solutions


Part 12 -- Hospice House Foundation of WNC


Part 13 -- Parker Meadows Change Order


Part 14 -- Highlands Chamber of Commerce Agreement with BCF Agency


Part 15 -- Macon Transit Competing with Private Businesses?


Part 16 -- Consent Agenda Highlands Area Tourism Development Commission Appointments

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NCDOT Awards 2015 Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grants Franklin Among Recepients

The NCDOT has warded a grant to ten municipalities across the state to assist with bicycle and pedestrian planning, and Franklin is one of them. AT the November 2014 meeting fo the town board, the town voted to apply for $36,000 in grant monies at a 10% match. According to the NCDOT, the funds will be awarded in June.

The Franklin Town Board will be meeting tonight for their regular April 2015 meeting. More on that at this link.

Here is video of the segment of the meeting where the vote took place:



Here is the press release:

PRESS RELEASE
NCDOT Roadside Environmental Unit
APRIL 6, 2015


RALEIGH- A group of 10 municipalities from across the state are slated to receive assistance with bicycle and pedestrian planning, thanks to grants awarded this month by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Now in its twelfth year, the grant program helps North Carolina cities and towns develop a comprehensive overall strategy for expanding bicycle and pedestrian opportunities within a given community.

The municipalities selected are scattered across various regions of the state. Recipients were selected from a pool of 26 applications by an awards committee comprised of transportation planners from across the state, including representatives of regional planning organizations and councils of government, local governments and NCDOT staff from multiple units.

Recipients this year include:
• Canton (joint bicycle/pedestrian plan)
• Fairmont (joint bicycle/pedestrian plan)
• Franklin (joint bicycle/pedestrian plan)
• Hendersonville (bicycle plan)
• High Point (pedestrian plan)
• Lenoir (bicycle plan)
• Newport (bicycle/pedestrian plan)
• Rutherfordton (bicycle/pedestrian plan)
• Wendell (pedestrian plan)
• Windsor (bicycle/pedestrian plan)

The planning grant initiative is jointly sponsored by the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation and NCDOT’s Transportation Planning Branch. To date, approximately $4,332,000 has been awarded to 164 communities through the planning grant program.

Plans funded are not for one specific project, but represent a comprehensive strategy for expanding bicycle and pedestrian opportunities within a given municipality. These plans address facilities, programs, services and regulations that encourage safe walking and bicycling.

For more information on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant Initiative; contact NCDOT’s Division of Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation or visit the Planning Grant Initiative website.

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April 2015 Regular Meeting Franklin Town Board of Aldermen Updated with video of meeting

1:32 am: Here is the video of the full meeting.



The Franklin Town Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7pm for their regular April 2015 meeting. It is likely that there will be an additional meeting this month to address the budget for the 2015 - 2016 fiscal year. After tonight's meeting, the video and additional supporting documents will be posted at the top of this article.

Here is the public agenda, followed by the 98 page agenda packet that is shared with members of the media. Currently, neither the town nor the other local media outlets share this information with the general public.

Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen 

Agenda 

Monday April 6, 2015 7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order - Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Verlin Curtis
3. Adoption of April 6, 2015 Proposed Agenda
4. Approval of the March 2, 2015 Board Minutes

5. Public Hearing 7:05 p.m. for Re-zoning Petition for Three (3) Parcels on Siler Rd.

6. Public Session

7. New Business
A.) Board Action on Re-Zoning Petition on Three (3) Parcels on Siler RD.
B.) Proclamation for Public Health Month - Mayor Bob Scott
C.) Proclamation for Neuropathy Awareness Week - Vice Mayor Verlin Curtis
D.) Proclamation for Appalachian Trail Celebration Period 2015 - Mayor Bob Scott
E.) Proclamation for Appalachian Trail Community Partnership Renewal - Bill Van Horn
F.) Presentation from Duke Energy Regarding Hydrilla - Duke District Manager Lisa Leatherman
G.) Discussion on Banners - Larry Hollifield
H.) Set Public Hearing for Special Use Permit Application - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
I.) Forward Re-Zoning Petition for Watauga St and Dan ST to Planning Board - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
J.) Re-Appointment of Peter Mosco to the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
K.) Tax Releases - Tax Collector Jessie Wilkins
L.) Town of Franklin Audit Contract with Martin-Starnes - Town Manager Summer Woodard
M.) Budget Amendment - Town Manager Summer Woodard
N.) Agreement for Engineering Services for Water Plant Upgrade and Expansion - Town Manager Summer Woodard
O.) Franklin Main Street Program - Town Manager Summer Woodard
P.) Water Line Easement for Industrial Park RD - Town Manager Summer Woodard
Q.) Application for Wireless Telecommunication Eligible Facilities Request 90 Cunningham Rd - Land Use Administrator Justin Setser

8. Legal
A.) North Carolina Department of Transportation Deed for Highway Right or Way - Town Manager Summer Woodard

9. Adjourn

Press Packet for April 2015 Town Board Meeting

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