The Mayor and Board of Commissioners for the Town of Blowing Rock met in regular session on Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor J.B Lawrence, Commissioners Barbara Ball, Terry Lentz, Keith Tester, and David Wray. Commissioner Wiseman was unable to attend. Town Attorney Allen Moseley, Town Engineer Marion Rothrock, Town Manager Scott Hildebran, and Assistant Town Clerk Sharon Greene were also present. Other staff members attending were Director of Public Works Johnny Lentz, Police Chief Owen Tolbert, Planning Director Kevin Rothrock, and Recreation Director Kim Oberle.

Mayor Lawrence called the meeting to order. The Mayor praised the hard work and dedication of the Town Clerk Barbara Beach. Since Mrs. Beach was unable to attend for health reasons, a plaque will be presented at a later date to show the Town’s gratitude for her leadership and dedication.

Commissioner Tester asked that one correction be made to the January 14, 2003 Minutes. He stated that Town Manager Scott Hildebran’s name was omitted from the list of attendees. With that correction, Commissioner Lentz made the motion to approve the minutes dated January 14^th and January 22^nd. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ball, and was unanimously approved.

Mr. Thomas Banks, representing Page Place Condominiums requested a conditional use permit to construct a 10-unit condo building on Little Springs Road across from The Best Cellar restaurant. Planning Director Kevin Rothrock stated this CUP was previously approved in February 2001. Page Place Condominiums were requesting a new CUP with minor changes. According to the Town Planning Director, the site plan was almost identical to the one previously approved. One of the minor changes would be a waiver to change the opaque buffer from 16ft. to 8 ft. along the southern property line, adjacent to the dumpster pad and parking area. This area would be heavily planted with evergreens. Another deviation to the original site plan was the addition of a cupola with a copper roof. Mr. Rothrock stated the Planning Board recommended the approval of the CUP with changes. After some discussion by the board concerning certain aspects, such as the vinyl mesh railing on the deck, the public hearing was closed at 7:15 p.m.

The Mayor asked that action be made at this time. Commissioner Tester made the motion that Conditional Use Permit No. 2002-10 be approved, granting the waiver for the buffer from 16 feet to 8 feet, and the copper roof on the cupola addition. Commissioner Lentz seconded this motion and all members were in favor.

1. Renewal of Lease for Art in the Park

Chamber of Commerce Director Howard Gray requested the five-year lease for Art in the Park be renewed. Mr. Gray stated the present lease would expire in June 2004, and in order for him to budget and plan for the future of Art in the Park, he needed to know if the lease could be renewed at this time. After some discussion by the board to change it from a five-year lease to one-year lease, they decided to continue the present agreement with the Chamber, but change it from a "lease agreement" to an "event agreement." Commissioner Wray made the motion to renew the "event agreement" and was seconded by Commissioner Ball. All board members were in favor of the motion.

Exhibit "A" Art in the Park "Event" Agreement

2. Sidewalk Easements – North Main Street

In order to complete the North Main sidewalk from downtown to Shoppes on the Parkway, the town needed further easements. Mr. Hildebran stated he felt the property owners were willing at this time, to give an easement for the sidewalk. He requested Council’s permission to move ahead with acquiring the easements. Commissioner Lentz made a motion for the town manager to move forward with the easement acquisition, Commissioner Wray seconded his motion. All Council members were in favor.

Commissioner Tester was concerned about pedestrian traffic crossing the street from the Gruber property to Chetola. He felt a crosswalk would be very beneficial. Mr. Marion Rothrock stated the sidewalk would need to be extended another 50-75 feet to the end of the property in order for a crosswalk to be installed. The Council felt the extension was necessary.

3. Tax Collector’s Report and Approval of Advertisement of Past Due Taxes

After reviewing the tax collector’s report and the request for authorization to advertise past due taxes on April 16, 2003, Commissioner Wray made the motion to give authorization for advertisement of past due taxes. Commissioner Ball seconded the motion. All Board members were in agreement.

Town Engineer Mr. Marion Rothrock stated the plans for the South Main sidewalk had been submitted to Raleigh in April of 2002. He checked recently on the status of this project, and was informed by Raleigh they were under the impression the project had been cancelled. Mr. Rothrock stated this was not the case, and the Town would like to move ahead with this project in an expedient manner. Mr. Rothrock would be submitting revised drawings to Raleigh, and the Town Manager could get authorization for the South Main sidewalk project.

Commissioner Ball inquired about the lights that were to be installed at the new sidewalk going from Chetola to Shoppes on the Parkway. Director of Public Works Johnny Lentz, stated the lights were being installed as weather permits.

The Town Manager thanked all department heads for the fine job they had done on the monthly departmental reports. He also had a request from attorney Tony diSanti regarding Carolina West. They were scheduled to appear before Council in March, but Mr. diSanti would be out of town during this time and asked to be placed on the April agenda. The Council agreed with his request.

Mr. Hildebran reminded the Council of the upcoming retreat scheduled for February 24^th and 25^th.

Mayor Lawrence commended the Public Works Director on the wonderful job his department had done cleaning up the debris from the recent winter storms. He also thanked Earl Horne and the entire WinterFest committee on the success of WinterFest 2003.

There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Lawrence adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

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Mayor J.B. Lawrence

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Sharon H. Greene, Assistant Town Clerk