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Commissioners hire coordinator for landfill methane gas project
By Derek Hodges
Commissioners voted Monday (Sept. 19) to hire Timm Muth to serve as coordinator of the beneficial gas reclamation project in Dillsboro.
Muth, who has previous experience working with renewable energy sources, was hired on a recommendation from county Manager Ken Westmoreland, who was absent from the Sept. 19 meeting.
Westmoreland and Muth worked together during the grant application process for the project, Commissioners’ Chairman Brian McMahan said.
The Dillsboro effort, which is being funded by grants from various organizations, is being constructed near the old county landfill on Haywood Road. Methane from the buried and decomposing trash will be piped to a furnace, which will burn the gas to produce energy. County leaders plan to use that energy to power a crafts and greenhouse complex. Native plants will be cultivated in the greenhouse, while other parts of the facility are expected to house space for potters, glassblowers and other artisans, Westmoreland previously told The Herald. Plans also include a cafe, outdoor performance space and a sales area.
Muth holds a degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech. He began his career working with nuclear power facilities, and also worked for the N.C. State Energy Office A short time ago he and his family moved to the area to open Dirt Addictions, a mountain biking company. As insurance concerns forced the closure of the risky business, Westmoreland offered Muth the project position.
Muth said he jumped at the chance.
“I’m really excited about jumping into it,” he said. “I was familiar with the project from when I worked with the State Energy Office. I think it’s a terrific example of what can be done if people put their heads together and plan for the long term.”
Muth’s position, which he has already assumed, is being funded by grants, McMahan said. Initial estimates are that the greenhouse(s) may be ready by the end of next summer, he said.
In other business Sept. 19:
SRC hauling
Commissioners agreed to amend their contract with GDS Waste Solutions to include service to the Soco Staffed Recycling Center.
The Soco facility was being served by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ waste service, but the tribe recently decided to discontinue that service, McMahan said.
GDS recently expanded its service into the Maggie Valley area and was willing to serve the Soco station, McMahan said.
Sylva donation
Commissioners heard a request Sept. 5 to transfer an unused county tire replacing and balancing machine to the town of Sylva. McMahan said Sept. 19 the town had agreed to purchase the equipment at a cost of $1,000.
Commissioner Eddie Madden questioned accepting payment from county municipalities for excess county equipment.
“We convey surplus items to non-profits at no cost. I don’t see why it should be any different with the municipalities,” Madden said.
On Madden’s motion, commissioners voted unanimously to convey the item to the town at no cost.
Cable franchise
Commissioners had their second reading and vote on the cable franchise ordinance that will extend Mediacom’s contract to provide cable television services to county residents.
Commissioner Joe Cowan abstained from voting on the issue and later said he had some concerns about the company’s service. Commissioners previously heard from a contractor who said he had worked with Mediacom and had observed problems in the way the company served the county.
“I’ve got some concerns that the (contractor) raised here. I thought he raised some pretty valid points,” Cowan said.
The ordinance passed by a vote of 4-0.
Appointments
Commissioners voted to reappoint four members of the planning board whose service was scheduled to end. Bob Ginn, who is serving as chairman, will continue representing district 2. Others reappointed include Ira Jones (district 1), Richard Frady (district 3) and Sue Bumgarner (district 4).
Sheriff’s grant
County leaders voted to submit a grant application to state law enforcement officials on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office. The application requests money to help with the purchase of new equipment for patrolling and, particularly, for checkpoints.
Meeting times
In addition to their regular meetings scheduled for Mondays, Oct. 3 and Oct. 17, commissioners have several other upcoming sessions. They include:
• Joint meeting with the municipalities hosted by Webster in room A201 of the Justice Center at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11.
• Public hearing on closing out the Scattered Site housing program at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17.
• Work session regarding a Health Department needs assessment at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18.
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