Qualla residents express concern about asphalt plant moratorium

By Lisa Majors-Duff

Robert Franz, who has emerged as a community leader on several issues involving Qualla, including noise concerns from a race track and sight-seeing helicopter, thanked commissioners March 7 for continuing to pursue the asphalt plant issue. He then presented them with a list of items he said he hopes will be considered when the county and the Economic Development Commission draft a polluting industries ordinance.

The items listed - including vent pipe condensors, a sprinkler system to minimize dust and an enclosed truck loading area - are designed to reduce toxic emissions asphalt plants are known to generate, Franz said.

He further requested that an asphalt plant not be allowed to locate within 1,000 feet of any existing residence or within half a mile of a school, hospital and rest home. In addition he asked that the plant be allowed to operate only during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to "allow for residents to enjoy some peace and quiet in their own homes and neighborhoods."

After implementing a moratorium last May on asphalt plant construction, commissioners asked the EDC to study the possible impact such a business could have on the county. The EDC reported back in January that a second asphalt plant in Jackson County would have "minimal" economic impact and suggested commissioners consider an ordinance to regulate not only asphalt plants, but other types of "high-impact" businesses that could be considered potentially harmful. Commissioners agreed to allow the EDC to draft such an ordinance, which is expected to be available for review prior to the expiration of the current moratorium.

"Vote as if this (asphalt plant) was in your backyard," Qualla resident Barbara Hardy told the board as she fought back tears.

"We worked really hard to see this fail in a few months," said Susie Sims, referring to the moratorium's scheduled expiration in less than three months.

Brian Burgess encouraged commissioners "to use the strictest regulations allowed by law to preserve the natural beauty of the county" when considering regulations for asphalt plants. "If it has to be built, make it the safest thing around," Mary Ellen Saunooke said. "I'm begging you, please think about the air quality."

"We just want to save our children," Harmer Weichel added.

On another issue of recent concern, Marion Forest resident Michael Pritchett again appeared before the board to ask for relief from a junkyard on Parris Branch. Pritchett repeated his concern that the business could be considered a hazard to children who attend the new Scotts Creek School less than a half mile away and that fluids leaking from vehicles could pollute the surrounding environment.

In addition to addressing asphalt plants, a high-impact ordinance as proposed by the EDC could regulate junkyards, Commissioner Stacy Buchanan pointed out. The county's Smart Growth initiative is also proposed to address junkyards, Chairman Jay Denton said.

In other business to come before the board, county attorney Raymond Large questioned several points in a contract presented by the board of elections to purchase 42 voting machines. After pointing out that the contract allows for a "one-year warranty on $164,000 worth of equipment," Large brought up a concern involving payment.

According to the contract, the county is entitled to conduct a successful test election, which would be this year's yet-to-be-scheduled primary, prior to accepting and paying for the machines. At the same time, Large said, the contact calls for payment upon delivery.

"My concern is that we are (being asked to pay) for these machines before the test election," said Large, who recommended the language be amended prior to the contract's approval.

Board of elections member Tom Jones, himself a former county attorney, agreed with Large. "I had no intention of bringing a contract to you to make you pay for these machines before you are comfortable, and clearly Raymond Large is not comfortable with this language," Jones said. Commissioners voted to approve the voting machine contract contingent on final approval by their attorney.

According to elections supervisor Lisa Lovedahl-Lehman, Jackson will be the first North Carolina county to use the newly developed IVote voting machines manufactured by Votronic, an election system and software company in Virginia. They are expected to have a 10- to 15-year lifespan, she said. The cost of the machines will be financed over three years, finance officer Darlene Fox said.

Board members also asked Large to look into any changes that might be required following an amendment of a contract with the Qualla Volunteer Fire Department, which has taken on rescue responsibilities. Jackson County Rescue Squad Unit I's jurisdiction may need to be revised following Qualla's new designation, Buchanan said.

Board members formally approved a resolution requesting Gov. Mike Easley to restore full funding of state reimbursements to local governments. Fox reported last month that the governor has proposed to withhold about $151,000 from Jackson County to help balance the state budget, which is projected face a $900 million shortfall in the next fiscal year.

By unanimous vote, commissioners designated the county Council on Aging to serve as lead agency for the Home and Community Care Block Grant Program for Aging Services. Block grant committee members were also approved as follows: Evelyn Austin and Debra Baxter of Sylva and Martha White of Whittier.

Prior to going into closed session to discuss legal and personnel matters, board members tabled action on proposed bylaws for the Solid Waste Advisory Board and operating procedures for private garbage haulers. Also tabled was further discussion involving staggered terms for commissioners.

Back to Archive: 03/14/02.