Town of Blowing Rock
Board of
Commissioners
June 13, 2006
The
Town of Blowing Rock Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday,
June 13, 2006 in the Town Hall Council Chambers. Present were Mayor J.B. Lawrence, Commissioners
Bobby Ball, Keith Tester, Terry Lentz, Rita Wiseman and Tommy Klutz. Other in attendance were Town Manager Scott
Hildebran, Town Engineer Doug Chapman, Town Attorney Allen Moseley, Planning
Director Kevin Rothrock, Public Works Director Johnny Lentz, Police Chief Owen
Tolbert, EMS Director Kent Graham, Parks & Recreation Director Jennifer
Brown, and Town Clerk Sharon Greene.
Call to Order
Mayor
Lawrence called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and welcomed those in
attendance.
Presentation
Mayor
Lawrence presented Resolution No. 2006-07 honoring Tweetsie Railroad on their
50th Anniversary. Kathy Cole,
Manager of Tweetsie Railroad accepted the Resolution on behalf of the Robbin’s
family and thanked the Town for honoring Tweetsie Railroad on this important
milestone. Resolution No. 2006-07
Attached
as Exhibit A
Approval of
Minutes
A
motion was made by Commissioner Wiseman to approve the minutes for meetings
held on May 9, 2006 and May 11 & 16, 2006 as written, seconded by
Commissioner Ball. Unanimously approved.
Public
Hearings
1.
CUP
#2006-03-Townes at Green Hill
Sworn
to speak during the public hearing were the following people: Kevin Rothrock,
Richard Franklin, Perry Keziah, Joy Walker, Ted Walker, Howard Eidel, Ed
Johnson, George Holt, Ginny Stevens, Ron Oberle, Sue Glenn, Ann Meade, Carroll
Weathers, and Kent Graham.
Planning
Director presented Council with a request from Mr. Jason Tucker who represented
Green Hill, LLC for a conditional use permit to build four (4) duplex buildings
(8 units) along Hwy 321 across from the Green Park Inn. The property would have a private driveway
connecting to
Mr.
Rothrock stated this project originally proposed to have five buildings (10
units) which exceeded the impervious limits for the watershed. The project was then resubmitted with four
duplex buildings (8 units) which meets all watershed regulations.
As
stated above, the property is within the Green Park Historic District. Mr. Rothrock stated that Town staff had
contacted a representative of the Blowing Rock Historical Society to review the
proposed building designs. The representative
had agreed that the proposed design and materials appeared to be consistent
with the materials and architectural style found in the district.
Several
items regarding access to the proposed property were presented for Council’s
consideration such as, the Planning Staff’s recommendation that the site access
be provided from
During
the May 18, 2006 meeting of the Planning Board, it was recommended that access
be provided to the site only from Hwy 321.
Mr. Rothrock stated that the applicant would like to submit the plans as
originally proposed with access from
Mr.
Rothrock also stated that several adjacent property owners were concerned the
driveway connection to
Mr.
Rothrock then discussed parking, stating the proposed project requires 16
parking spaces with all the required parking being placed under the buildings
in garages. Eight (8) additional visitor
spaces would also be provided for a total of twenty-four (24) spaces.
Mr.
Rothrock addressed several other issues regarding the project, such as trash
collection, storm water management, watershed, retaining walls, etc. With regard to landscaping, Mr. Rothrock
stated the majority of the existing trees, mature rhododendron, and other
vegetation between Hwy 321 and the proposed buildings would be retained.
The
applicant proposed an 8-foot buffer on the east, west, and south property
lines. Mr. Rothrock stated that
according to the Land Use Code, these buffers should be 16-feet wide and
semi-opaque. Mr. Rothrock stated there
was sufficient room on the east and west property lines for the 16-foot buffer,
but not on the south property line, unless the building and parking is shifted.
Mr.
Rothrock stated that staff recommended a 16-foot buffer be required along the
east and west property lines, and that if an eight-foot buffer is allowed along
the south property line, the buffer be opaque screening and only in the areas
with insufficient space for the 16-foot buffer.
Regarding
the required sidewalk, Mr. Rothrock conveyed the Applicant agreed to construct
prior to the Certificate of Occupancy, but would like to have the option of
paying the cost of the sidewalk into an escrow account until the 321 widening
project is completed, then complete the sidewalk.
The
Applicant requested the following waivers/variances:
·
Side and rear landscaping buffers reduced from 16 feet to 8
feet (waiver).
·
Sidewalk construction to be deferred until the 321 widening
project is complete with money or bond deposited into a fund prior to
construction (waiver).
Planning
Board recommendations were the following:
·
That the access to the site be from Hwy 321 only.
·
That the landscape buffer along the south side of the
property be maintained no less than 16 feet wide.
·
That the sidewalk construction be allowed to be deferred
until Hwy 321 is widened, and the applicant submit to the Town a performance
bond to cover the sidewalk costs.
Mayor
Lawrence opened the floor for discussion.
Commissioner
Tester had questions regarding the right-of-way, and asked if Mr. Rothrock,
during his conversations with NCDOT, had inquired if multiple accesses were
allowed or if the access off
Commissioner
Tester followed with questions regarding property zoning. His concern was regarding the majority of the
property being zoned R-10-D and one lot being zoned R-15. Commissioner Tester questioned the driveway
through the lot zoned R-15 and if the applicant had to adhere to the R-15
restrictions in the Town Land Use Codes. He was not sure the driveway would be
allowed. Mr. Tester clarified in the
Land Use Code Section 16-16 (a); it stated if a lot was less than an acre in
size, it should be treated as the majority of the other acreage. If so, the lot
zoned R-15 would need to adhere to the R-10-D zoning, which would make the lot
in question landlocked, due to Town Code restrictions and NCDOT restrictions.
Mr.
Rothrock replied this could be interpreted two ways, one being as the lot
exists today split zoning of a lot less than 2 acres. Commissioner Tester replied that all the
property had to be treated as a single unit to meet Town Code, that the
restriction on the bigger lot would override the restrictions on the small
lot. Mr. Rothrock then pointed out if
the lot is greater than 2 acres, the portion of the lot with R-15 zoning has to
be large enough to meet the minimum lot standards for that district. In this case, the R-15 potion would not meet
the minimum standards so the R-15 portion is considered R-10D for the purposes
of this development. Commissioner Tester
then agreed with Mr. Rothrock’s interpretation.
Commissioner
Wiseman asked Mr. Rothrock if the UNC School of Government had access to the entire
Town Ordinance when he sent this proposal to them for their
interpretation. Mr. Rothrock stated they
did in fact have the Town Ordinance during their review and had interpreted
that the smaller parcel had to follow the zoning requirements of the larger
parcel.
Mr.
Tony diSanti, representative of the applicant, spoke regarding the
project. Mr. diSanti began with the Town
Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2004, and how a project such as this one was in
keeping with this plan. He maintained
that Comprehensive Plan Section I.H.3 spoke favorably of allowing town houses
in multi-family zoning districts.
Mr.
diSanti further stated he had declaration recorded in
Mr.
diSanti also conveyed that the property was zoned properly and representatives
of the Green Park Historic District had been consulted and the materials and
design were appropriate for this district.
He also stated the site plan complied with the Town Ordinance. Mr. diSanti spoke further regarding parking
for the project. He stated the applicant
would like to request a waiver regarding the 16-foot opaque buffer required by
Code. He stated his client would like to
reduce the required buffer to 8-foot in order to provide more quests parking,
but if Council did not authorize this waiver, his client would continue with
the 16-foot buffer. Mr. diSanti also
requested the applicant be allowed to post a bond for sidewalk construction and
install the sidewalk after the road widening was completed. He stated the Planning Board had been willing
to allow these requests.
Mr.
diSanti advised that access was the biggest issue regarding this project. He stated the plans originally called for
access to be off Hwy. 321, but in reviewing the project, the Town Planning
Director and Town Engineer conveyed that access from
Mr.
diSanti expressed that he would like to speak as a citizen of Blowing Rock and
former Council Member regarding access along Hwy. 321. He stated that the current Council, as well
as former Councils had worked very hard with NCDOT in getting what they felt
was best for the Town regarding the road widening and getting the boulevard
effect. Mr. diSanti stated that in his
opinion, a lot of the same people opposed the project’s access from Pinnacle
Avenue, were the same people that went to NCDOT, after Council had worked hard
in getting the tree lined median and turn lanes, in an effort to do away with
any turn lanes from Green Park Inn to Broyhill Furniture Showroom. He spoke of
his dissatisfaction with the outcome of these changes. Mr. diSanti challenged that Council’s
decision on this proposed project was what was best for the Town of Blowing
Rock, not what was best for the applicants, or residents along Cliff Drive and
Pinnacle Avenue, but a larger aspect, all the citizens of Blowing Rock.
Mr.
Perry Kezieh, property owner along
Area
resident Mrs. Joy Hazen Walker was also opposed to the proposed access from
cause
safety issues for area residents.
Mrs.
Walker’s husband, Mr. Ted Walker spoke of his appreciation for the zoning
efforts the current leaders of Blowing Rock and their predecessors had
developed. He spoke of the half-mile
street and the 13 home located on Pinnacle Avenue and in allowing access for a
multi-family project from a street that was zoned R-15 Single-Family would in
affect mean that their street would no longer be zoned R-15 Single-Family. He felt this would violate the intent of the
zoning in this area. He further stated
that the Planning Board was also opposed to the
Mr.
Howard Eidel spoke of this displeasure of the proposed project, stating the
driveway was approximately fifteen (15) feet from the corner of his home at
Pinnacle
Avenue resident, Mr. Ed Johnson also spoke of his concerns regarding the steep
slope of the driveway and if adequate fire protection could be provided to the
residents.
Mrs.
Ginny Stevens representing Mariam Cannon Hayes, who was unable to attend, spoke
of how Mrs. Haye’s home was encompassed by the Historic District and how she
felt the character and charm of the neighborhood should be maintained.
Mr.
Ron Oberle stated there was no evidence that NCDOT had the ability to deny
access from Hwy 321. Mr. Oberle
expressed his concerns regarding safety with access off of
Ms.
Sue Glenn, listing agent for the proposed property, gave a brief history of the
property and previous safety concerns regarding access from Hwy 321.
Mr.
George Holt, of
Mrs.
Anne Meade of
Mr.
Carroll Weathers residing at
At
this time, Commissioner Lentz entertained a motion to close the public hearing,
seconded by Commissioner Ball.
Unanimously approved. Mayor
Lawrence asked if Council required further discussion on the matter. Commissioner Tester asked for clarifications
as to whether the proposed access would be a road or driveway. Mr. Rothrock stated it would be a driveway
and would be maintained by the property owners.
Commissioner Tester had questions regarding fire protection.
Mayor
Lawrence asked EMS Director Kent Graham to address these questions. A motion was made by Commissioner Tester to
re-open the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Ball. Unanimously approved. Mr. Graham stated that this situation was not
the best scenario, but was within the fire code. He stated with the correct positioning of
fire trucks and apparatus, as well as pre-fire planning, adequate fire protection
could be provided.
Commissioner
Tester questioned if the Town Engineer was familiar with the construction of a
retaining wall on the property. Mr.
Chapman replied that he was aware that a retaining wall would be constructed
and it would require an engineer design.
Commissioner Tester also wanted to know if Mr. Chapman had conducted a
traffic flow study of the project, particularly at the intersections on Hwy
321. Mr. Chapman replied that the
intersection where
A
motion to close the public hearing was made by Commissioner Lentz, seconded by
Commissioner Ball. Unanimously
approved. Mayor Lawrence asked for a
motion for action. Commissioner Tester
made a motion to table the request until a detailed traffic flow study could be
done including consultation with NCDOT with respect to the project. The motion received a second from
Commissioner Wiseman. Mayor Lawrence
asked if there was further discussion regarding this matter. Commissioner Tester acknowledged that he had
strong emotions regarding the traffic issues and felt it would be a disservice
to the people of Blowing Rock, as well as the visitors to not do a detailed
traffic study in this area. He also had
minor reservations regarding the property being zoned R-10-D in an area where
the majority of the property was zoned R-15, but he felt this issue should have
been addressed prior to this.
Commissioner
Lentz communicated that he was totally against the access coming out into a
residential section, he stated for as long as he had been on Council he had
fought for R-15 areas to remain sacred ground.
He also stated that he did not disagree that they have duplexes on the
property, because it was properly zoned for that, but they may have to decrease
the number of units.
According
to Commissioner Ball, she was unclear on where NCDOT stood on this issue,
because she had heard from one person that NCDOT would not allow access off Hwy
321, and from another that access was available. Mr. Rothrock
presented a letter from NCDOT stating that access would not be allowed
from Hwy 321. It further stated that the project would need to be redesigned to
diminish impact on Hwy 321. Upon hearing
this information, Commissioner Tester withdrew his motion.
Commissioner
Tester entertained another motion to deny the project as it was presented,
seconded by Commissioner Lentz. Mr.
Tester stated that it made no sense to move forward with the project according
to the professional opinion from NCDOT.
Town
Attorney inquired if the NCDOT letter was part of the record before the public
hearing was closed, he stated the applicant did not have a chance to respond to
the letter. Mr. Moseley advised if the
letter was going to be discussed, the public hearing needed to reopen.
Commissioner
Tester made a motion to withdraw his motion and reopen the public hearing,
seconded by Commissioner Ball.
Unanimously approved.
The
public hearing was reopened at this time for further discussion. Mr. diSanti responded that a new document had
been received from NCDOT District Engineer Kipp Turner that clearly states the
project could be built. Mr. diSanti
called on Richard Franklin from Atlantic Plan Corporation to further explain
the document and it’s origin. Mr.
Franklin stated two proposals had been sent to Mr. Turner at the district
office and that Mr. Franklin had consulted Mr. Wayne Best the district engineer
for this area and the Hwy 321 widening project.
Mr. Franklin said according to Mr. Best, by their calculations they
would not be able to tie into an entrance on Hwy 321 due to the steep
slope. Mr. Franklin stated that Mr. Best
basically said that NCDOT agreed with the Town’s Planning Director and Town
Engineer.
Commissioner
Lentz commented that as it stands now, this property has two driveway cuts on
Hwy 321 and NCDOT is saying the driveways can no longer be accessed, instead
the access has to go through a residential area. Commissioner Lentz stated he felt the project
needed to be redesigned using the driveway cuts that are currently there.
Mr.
diSanti advised that from a legal perspective, NCDOT could not deny access to
the property and that was not the issue.
He requested that Council make a decision as to whether his client could
go forward with the project and allow them would to work with NCDOT. Mr. diSanti felt the only issue was the
access issue, that his client met all other requirements and he did not feel
that they should be delayed or denied their CUP because of the access issue.
Commissioner
Wiseman expressed her opinion regarding Council’s wish to preserve the
character of Blowing Rock. She stated
she hated to see the neighborhoods in town change. She stated that personally she would like to
deny the project, but as a member of Council, she felt the project could not be
denied completely.
Mr.
Ron Oberle stated that he agreed with Mr. diSanti in saying that NCDOT did not
have legal authority to deny the applicant access to his property from Hwy 321.
A
motion was made by Commissioner Wiseman to close the public hearing, seconded
by Commissioner Ball. Unanimously
approved. Commissioner Tester made a
motion to deny the project as presented and for the applicant to redesign the
project with NCDOT’s approval for access off Hwy 321. Commissioner Wiseman seconded the
motion. Unanimously approved.
Mayor
Lawrence called for a short recess at this time.
Upon
reconvening the meeting Commissioner Tester stated he would like to rephrase
his motion, and say that the request should be tabled rather than denied,
pending a redesign of the project with NCDOT approval of an access from Hwy
321. The amended motion received a
second from Commissioner Ball.
Unanimously approved.
2.
CUP #2004-04 –
Pssghetti’s Restaurant – Major Amendment
Sworn
to speak during the public hearing was Michael Trew.
Planning
Director Rothrock presented a request from Mr. Larry Vanhaerents of Blowing
Rock Renovators for a major amendment to CUP 2004-04 to add a 26-space parking
lot at Pssghetti’s Restaurant. The
proposed parking lot would be constructed on the hillside above the existing
rear parking area. The subject property
is located at
Mr.
Rothrock stated the restaurant currently had a 25-space parking lot with the
majority of the current lot being severely sloped. The restaurant currently utilizes valet
parking and would continue to do so should the amendment be granted.
The
access drive would be constructed at 17.5% grade. The driveway would exceed the maximum 15%
grade allowed for streets and roads.
Mr.
Rothrock advised, according to the NC Accessibility Code, the existing parking
lot required one (1) handicap space. The
proposed parking lot expansion would require one (1) additional handicap space.
According to Mr. Rothrock, the applicant plans to provide two (2) handicap
spaces on the north side of the building across from the main entrance. The grade on these proposed spaces exceeds
the maximum allowed by the Accessibility Code.
Mr.
Rothrock spoke of storm water detention stating the project required an
additional impervious surface. Storm
water detention is proposed under the parking area and the driveway. Additional detailed review would be required
on the proposed detention system prior to issuance of permits. Final approval would also be required from
the Town Engineer.
Mr.
Rothrock stated that according to the Land Use Code, the proposed project is
limited to 36% impervious surfaces. The
Applicant submitted plans showing compliance with this standard with 4.3%
increase (9,919 square feet) over the existing impervious surfaces.
Mr.
Rothrock stated the landscaping plan showed trees in and around the parking lot
being planted or retained to satisfy the parking lot shading requirements. He further stated that staff would accept a
conditional landscape plan to determine if the trees retained after the site
grading would satisfy the shading requirements, and if not, additional trees
would be required.
According
to Mr. Rothrock, the retaining walls shown above and below the proposed parking
lot showed the highest point on the lower wall at 16 feet. The highest point of the upper wall would be
approximately 17.5 feet. According to
the plans submitted, the limits of grading and construction above the upper
walls do not allow for a segmental retaining block system and would most like
be formed concrete. Mr. Rothrock stated
that staff recommendations were for all retaining wall surfaces to match
materials of the existing wall adjacent to the building and dumpster area.
Commissioner
Tester asked what the current parking requirements were for this restaurant and
what the intent was in adding another parking area. Mr. Rothrock replied that the required
parking was 25 spaces and the Applicant just wanted additional customer
parking. Commissioner Tester stated the
initial permit called for Phase I and Phase II, and inquired if these Phases
had been completed. Mr. Rothrock stated
that both phases had been completed.
Mr.
Tony diSanti, representative of the applicant spoke regarding the project. He stated the steep slope of the proposed lot
was less of a slope than the current parking lot. He also stated that his client had complied
with all aspects of the Town Code and referred to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan
Section 1.C-2 referring to the business sector as an integral part of the
Blowing Rock community. Mr. diSanti
encouraged Council to allow the major amendment.
Mr.
diSanti asked Mr. Michael Trew, Project Engineer to speak regarding the
project. Commissioner Tester had
questions regarding the retaining walls and if they were going to be visible
from Hwy 321 or would evergreens be planted.
Mr. Trew stated that White Cedar trees were going to be placed at the
base of the retaining wall, which were evergreen trees. He also stated that Virginia Creeper would be
planted at the base of the upper wall.
Commissioner
Wiseman asked if outdoor dining would be utilized, and if so, would there be
adequate room for staff parking, customer parking and outdoor dining. Mr. Rothrock stated no outdoor dinning would
be allowed without a CUP amendment.
Commissioner
Ball moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Tester. A motion to approve the project as presented
was made by Commissioner Tester, seconded by Commissioner Ball. Unanimously approved. CUP
#2004-04 – Pssghetti’s Restaurant – Major Amendment Attached as Exhibit B
3.
Ord. #2006-03
– Carry-out Restaurant – Major Amendment
Planning
Director Rothrock stated the zoning subcommittee and the Planning Board had
submitted a draft ordinance for consideration that would allow the use of exclusive
carry out restaurants in the Central Business.
The ordinance recommended definitions be adopted for restaurants and
carry out restaurants, and the use table be amended to allow exclusive carry
out restaurants in Central Business.
Parking would be governed by the parking standards currently established
for this particular use which is 1 space per 100 square foot of the gross floor
area, plus one space for every four outdoor seats.
Mr.
Rothrock stated the subcommittee and Planning Board also recommended that
service and consumption for carry out restaurants should be limited to 10:00
p.m. local time in the Central Business District.
Mr.
Rothrock informed Council that restroom facilities would be provided according
to the NC Building Code and County Health Department regulations.
The
following definitions and text changes were submitted for review and
consideration:
·
Restaurant. A place where
meals or food products are prepared, served, and eaten.
·
Carry out Restaurant. A place where meals or food products
are prepared and served, to be eaten primarily off-premise.
·
Add carry out Restaurants to Use Table.
Commissioner
Tester asked why a policy statement was necessary regarding restroom
facilities, would it not be that all restaurants etc. would be required to the
NC Building Code codes and County Health Department. Mr. Rothrock stated that restaurants with
indoor seating require bathrooms.
Commissioner
Ball made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner
Ball. Unanimously approved. A motion to approve Ord. #2006-03 as
presented was made by Commissioner Wiseman, seconded by Commissioner B all. Ball, Tester, Lentz & Wiseman in favor of
the motion. Klutz voted against. Motion carried 4-1. Ord.
#2006-03 – Carry-out Restaurants in Central Business District Attached as
Exhibit C
4.
FY 2006-2007
Budget ( Ordinance #2006-04)
Town
Manager Hildebran presented Council with the proposed FY 2006-2007 Annual
Budget for their consideration. Mr.
Hildebran stated the FY 2006-2007 Budget included a revenue neutral tax rate of
$0.2425 per $R100 and proposes an additional $0.0375 cents dedicated for
capital improvements, for a total ad valorem property tax rate of $0.280 per
$100 valuation. He stated all other town
fees and charges would remain the same in FY 2006-2007.
The
FY 2006-2007 Budget totals $5,698,125 for all Town operations, capital
improvements, and debt service requirements.
This being an increase of 11.3% over last year’s adopted budget of
$5,119,695.
Blowing
Rock resident, Sonny Howard of 326 Green Street, came before Council to voice
his dissatisfaction regarding the proposed tax rate and what he felt was
limited public input on the budget process.
Mr. Howard stated the public was not allowed to speak regarding the
budget except during the public hearing and he did not feel this was
right. He recommended to Council that
they gather more public input during this process.
Mr.
Dennis Quinn, of
Mr.
Quinn stated since he was opposed to the proposed budget, he felt it was only
appropriate that he propose an alternative, stating the proposed 3% salary
increase for town employees was fair and in keeping with the private sector of
business. Mr. Quinn commented if the
town recognized a 3% cost of living increase as being fair, they should only
increase the revenue neutral tax rate as such. With this increase, the town
could allow some increase in the capital reserve while minimizing the affect on
town citizens. Mr. Quinn also
recommended that Council direct the town manager to decrease the overall town
budget by 3% and increase the capital reserve by that amount, again minimizing
the affect on citizens. Mr. Quinn stated it was Council’s decision, but he
hoped they did not use tax reassessment as justification for the increase.
Ms.
Marty Logan of
Business
owner and town citizen, Mr. David Wray, of
A
large number of firefighters were present in support of the tax increase and
the need for a new modernized building.
Mayor Lawrence inquired of Fire Chief Dennis Bolick as to how many of
the 44 firefighter were actually residents of town. Chief Bolick responded that only 6 were town
residents. Mayor Lawrence also asked if
getting to the station to respond to a call was an issue for most of the
responders. Chief Bolick stated this
issue was the most difficult in trying to answer a fire call.
Mrs.
Ginny Stevens of
Commissioner
Lentz commented the tax increase affects everyone, but the quality of services
that citizens receive such as paving, snow removal, garbage collection, etc.,
are important and there has to be an increase in order to keep receiving the
services in which they have become accustomed.
Mr. Lentz stated his personal taxes had increased approximately 146%,
but the only alternative to the situation was to move out of town, but he
enjoyed the quality of live he had in town, so that was not an option to him.
Commissioner
Tester commented he never thought the Town could manage growth without paying
for the process. He stated at the time
he came onto Council there were many infrastructure needs and an effort plus
funding were needed for these improvements.
Mr. Tester stated, at that time, a reassessment had been done and
Council made an effort to increase taxes, and a small increase was
implemented. Mr. Tester stated the town
did not have well thought-out engineering plans for the infrastructure
needs. Mr. Tester assured those in
attendance that Council and town staff had for the past 4 years, worked towards
getting the plans in place that were needed to make the necessary changes. Mr. Tester stated all was needed now was the
funding. He commented that Council could
wait another 4 years, but the price would increase, and he felt it was a
useless waste of time to develop plans and not implement them.
Linda
Laughter a resident of
Commissioner
Ball addressed the few disgruntled citizens that were in attendance, stating
that Council always held open meetings and the meetings were always advertised
properly. She stated that any citizen at
anytime could attend these meetings and that Council welcomed citizen input. Commissioner Ball voiced her disappointment
with being second-guessed on decisions that were made by Council. She felt if citizens were not pleased with
the Council they elected, these citizens should find someone else to run or
perhaps run for office themselves.
Mr.
Sonny Howard questioned the annual retreat and stated that citizens were not
allowed to attend. Commissioner Ball
clarified Mr. Howard’s statement saying that any citizen was allowed to attend
the meeting, but the budget process was not during the retreat, but during
budget sessions that were held in town; in which Mr. Howard usually
attended.
Commissioner
Klutz spoke in support of Mrs. Ball’s comments and stated he felt the budget
was a good budget. He felt that Council
was doing the best they could with trying to keep the tax rate to a
minimum. He estimated a 36¢ rate was
needed to support all the infrastructure projects.
Commissioner
Wiseman commended Town Manager Hildebran on his hard work on the budget. She felt Council had been consistent with the
budget and the tax increase was for good reason, the town had many needs and it
was their job to meet those needs.
With
no further comments, a motion was made by Commissioner Tester to close the
public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Ball.
Unanimously approved. Commissioner
Lentz entertained a motion to adopt the FY 2006-2007 Budget as presented,
seconded by Commissioner Ball.
Unanimously approved. FY Budget 2006-2007 Ordinance #2006-04
Attached as Exhibit D
Old Business
1.
Blowing Rock
Art and
A
rendering of a planned mural to be painted on the Capel Rug building located at
Joann
Mitchell, BRAHM Executive Director was present to answer questions Council had
regarding the mural. Commissioner
Wiseman inquired who would be responsible for wall repair on the building
should the mural panels be removed. Mrs.
Mitchell assured Council that BRAHM would be liable for repairs.
A
motion was made to accept the mural rendering as presented by Commissioner
Wiseman, seconded by Commissioner Ball.
Ball, Wiseman, Tester & Lentz voted in favor. Klutz voted against. Motion carried 4-1.
New Business
1.
Resolution
#2006-08
Town
Manager Hildebran presented Resolution #2006-08 Watauga County Solid Waste
Management Plan 2006 Update Plan to Council for their consideration. Mr. Hildebran explained that the Watauga
County Solid Waste Management Plan was originally developed in 1997 to meet the
requirements of G.S. 130A-309.09A. The
2006 plan updates looks at what solid waste programs and policies are currently
in place. Waste reduction goals are
examined and updated in the plan also.
All units of local government must develop such a plan, or be included
in larger (County) plan. Updates are
required at least every three years. The
plan update must be adopted by resolution by all local governments covered in
the plan.
Public
Works Director Johnny Lentz also updated Council on the FY 2004-2005 costs for
solid waste management.
Commissioner
Tester made a motion to adopt Resolution #2006-08 as presented, seconded by
Commissioner Ball. Unanimously
approved. Resolution #2006-08 Watauga Solid Waste Management Plan 2006
Plan Update Attached as Exhibit E
Speakers from
the Floor
Town
resident and business owner, Mark Crumpler addressed Council with his concerns
regarding the parking situation in town.
Mr. Crumpler stated that several signs were missing and recommended that
parking signs be erected at various places in town. He also recommended that 2-hour parking be enforced. Mr. Crumpler made a proposal to enforce
parking from the Bob Timberlake shop on
Town
Manager Hildebran responded to Mr. Crumpler by stating that the Tourism
Development Authority (TDA) had funded signage to be placed throughout town in
several phases. Mr. Hildebran specified
that several new signs such as the Town of Blowing Rock Historic District had
been erected as Phase I with parking signs and kiosks planned for the near
future.
Police
Chief Owen Tolbert stated the parking enforcement issue had been debated for
many years, and his department would have stricter enforcement if it were
deemed necessary.
Departmental
Reports
Town
Manager Hildebran updated Council regarding the street-paving schedule.
Members
of the audience as well as council members commented on how beautiful the
hanging baskets were, as well as the town parks.
Council
also asked Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Brown how the summer day camp
program was going this season. Mrs.
Brown responded that the program was going smoothly and continued to be a
success.
Adjournment
With
no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
Mayor _______________________________
J.B. Lawrence
Attest: __________________________
Sharon H. Greene, CMC