By Lisa Majors-Duff
At their first meeting of the new fiscal year, Jackson County
commissioners reviewed a hodgepodge of items in preparation
for next week's (July 15) action session.
Among the items discussed were paving bids submitted for work
at the Cullowhee SRC. While HMC Paving of Bryson City put forth
the low bid of $8,865, some $4,300 under William Smith Paving
of Sylva, the next lowest bidder, county Manager Ken Westmoreland
recommended commissioners award the contract to Smith.
Pavement projects completed by HMC for the county in the past
have not been "quality work," Westmoreland said. In
fact, the recently-paved Cashiers SRC is already coming up,
he said.
"I guess you get what you pay for," the manager said.
HMC owner Mark Fortner's announcement in 2001 of plans to build
an asphalt plant in Qualla community caused area residents to
plead with commissioners for a way to prevent such an industry.
Their cries for help set in motion a lengthy study of what economic
impact an asphalt plant would have in the county and how the
health of area residents could be affected.
The issue seemed to have been put to rest when commissioners
adopted an industrial development ordinance, the requirements
of which prevented Fortner for proceeding with his plans on
the site he'd chosen.
Since then, though, Fortner has appeared before the board on
two separate occasions with his attorney to request a variance
so he may proceed.
Other items discussed and in line for action next week include:
- Donation of a 808-square-feet parcel at the intersection of
N.C. 107 and Fairview Road as part of planned improvements at
the intersection. Questions had been raised about what impact
the move might have on the Fairview School sign, but Westmoreland
assured board members the sign would not be affected.
- Board members are considering a proposal from the Elgar Group
to seek out and apply for grant funds. A meeting with group
representatives to define areas where funds could be of greatest
value will be held at a later date, Chairman Stacy Buchanan
said.
- Board members are expected next week to pay Van Lott of Asheville
$20,832 for a skid steer for use at the Mineral Springs trash/recycling
transfer station. The next bid from Carolina Tractor was some
$7,000 higher.
- On the recommendation of Solid Waste Board Chairman Maurice
Moody, commissioners will consider an amendment to the county's
solid waste ordinance that would allow individuals serving five
or fewer clients not to be classified as "private haulers"
and, therefore, not assessed the annual $150 hauler fee. Moody
cited two examples for the requested change - one involving
an individual with less than five storage units; another of
a man who helps his neighbors remove their trash and recyclables.
- Putting in writing what had been a hand-shake agreement, commissioners
are expected to act on a resolution outlining how the county
and the town of Sylva share the costs associated with operation
of the town-owned swimming pool. The resolution spells out the
fact that each contributes equally to the operation costs, as
well as shares in any profits, a situation which has never occurred.
- Board members will consider two new contracts and the continuation
of another during their next meeting. Renewal of the jail doctor
contract is needed, while new contracts for property tax reappraisal
work and a $1 a year lease for the Caring Hands program are
also expected to be approved.
- Appointments to be considering next week include seats on
the following boards: grievance committee, solid waste board,
library task force and watershed review board.
