By Lynn Hotaling
Local officials last week (June 17) denied a land developer's
appeal and ordered he pay $6,000 in penalties for violations
of the county's sediment control ordinance.
The vote to deny Vic Sanders of Franklin-based WNC Investment
Properties a 30-day extension to correct erosion problems on
a Greens Creek lot was unanimous.
"He's had a year to get in compliance," said Jeff McCall, Jackson
County's erosion control officer. "He's asking for 30 days,
but he's had a year."
Commissioner Eddie Madden said he couldn't see any reason to
"second-guess" McCall's assessment of penalties against the
company.
"It's a difficult job to enforce, but it's important that the
administering board back up the officer," Madden said.
When he appeared before commissioners June 10, Sanders said
recent rains were to blame for problems at the site, which is
located on Clarence Hall Road on Greens Creek's right fork.
However, McCall told commissioners that while the county has
experienced a significant amount of rainfall this spring, procedures
outlined in the ordinance are designed to handle a 10-year rain
event, which has not occurred this year.
In other action June 17: - With no discussion, commissioners
approved a budget for the next fiscal year.
The $44,707,253 budget was described as a balanced budget that
increases services without raising taxes by Commissioners' Chairman
Stacy Buchanan.
Jackson County's property tax rate will remain 48 cents per
$100 property valuation.
Commissioners did not approve a $50,000 supplemental funding
request from REACH of Jackson County, electing to limit county
funding for the agency to the $15,000 allocated in the budget.
A REACH representative told commissioners June 10 that without
additional funding the agency would have to cut "core emergency
services" including those involving emergency shelter, legal
advocacy and crisis counseling.
Commissioners set Tuesday, July 1, at 6 p.m. for an information
session/public hearing concerning recommendations from the Cashiers
Commercial District Task Force. Information will be shared from
6 to 7 p.m. with public comment to follow, Buchanan said. Task
force Chairman Ed Henson said the goal of the group is to preserve
the "unique character" of Cashiers by providing simple development
standards to provide for growth.
Consultant Gerald Green, who commissioners paid to assist the
Cashiers task force, told commissioners that the proposed standards
are based on existing development. Under the plan, Cashiers'
commercial area is divided into two districts, with the proposed
standards encouraging smaller buildings and greater pedestrian
access in the central district and larger, automobile-oriented
businesses in the outer area.
Should the standards be enacted, enforcement would be by the
Jackson County planning department, Green said.
Commissioners unanimously approved a site plan for the new
Department of Social Services building to be constructed on
N.C. 116 near Southwestern Community College.
"It's a beautiful site," said county Manager Ken Westmoreland.
"The land is flat, and the utilities are in place."
Commissioners granted permission for the annual Fourth of
July fireworks display to be launched from the old courthouse.
After tabling an appointment to the Jury Commission until
their July 8 session, commissioners approved several other appointments
to various boards: Irene Hooper and Charlotte Cowan to the Nursing
and Adult Care Home Committee; Ed Madden to the SCC board; and
Dennis Wilkey to the Solid Waste Board.
