Planning and Zoning Board

Minutes

Thursday, October 19, 2006

7:00 p.m.

The Blowing Rock Planning and Zoning Board met on Thursday, October 19, 2006 for their regular scheduled meeting. Chairman Jim West called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present were Ron Mace, Jim Steele, Albert Yount, Sue Sweeting and Webb Alexander.

Members absent were Nelda Miller and Cullie Tarleton. Staff members present were Planning Director Kevin Rothrock, and Administrative Assistant Sherrie Pitts.

Mr. Steele made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Mr. Alexander. All members were in favor of the motion.

Items of Business

Tree and Landscape Ordinance Update

Mr. Rothrock gave an update to the board in reference to the Tree and Landscape Ordinance. Mr. Rothrock advised he had given a copy of the update to Perry Davis, the Town Landscape Specialist and Virginia Jones, BRAAC chairperson. Mr. Rothrock commented that he had received input back from Mr. Davis but had not yet received anything from Ms. Jones.

Mr. Rothrock recommended that the subcommittee meet after all the information has been obtained.

Mr. Steele commented on information presented for trimming and pruning and advised when completed this information should be advertised in the paper and/or a link put on the Town’s web site.

Windmill and Wind Energy Devices

Mr. Rothrock stated that he had talked with the Town Attorney about windmills and wind energy devices. It could be possible that windmills would be allowed as utilities in the use table of the ordinance. Mr. Rothrock stated that he was still waiting for additional information.

Chairman West commented that Watauga County’s action on this topic might be helpful.

Magazine and Newspaper Stands

Mr. Rothrock told the board that he had a letter of support from BRAAC and some emails in reference to regulating newspaper and magazine racks. Mr. Rothrock also commented that he had some more photos and had received information from the City of Raleigh.

Mr. Steele commented that the Town of Buffalo Grove in Illinois might have information that could be helpful. They are a small tourist town similar to Blowing Rock.

Other Business

Mr. Rothrock mentioned other topics to be addressed are satellite parking and outside dining.

Mr. Rothrock reported that Town Council adopted the ordinance for residential driveways at the October meeting. The Town also adopted an ordinance to prohibit open burning inside the town limits. Gideon Ridge annexation plans will return to the Planning Board for further examination. Chairman West asked what the Caldwell County zoning was at this time in the proposed Gideon Ridge annexation area.

Mr. Rothrock mentioned that DOT was reviewing the new stop signs and speed limit signs presented for the Town’s Master Sign Plan. Once approved the signs will be installed.

Adjourn

With no further business, Ms. Sweeting made a motion to adjourn at 8:11 p.m., seconded by Mr. Yount. All members were in favor of the motion.

______________________________ ______________________________

Jim West, Chairman Sherrie Pitts, Administrative Assistant