Sediment violator requests extension

By Lisa Majors-Duff

Vic Sanders of WNC Investment Properties in Franklin appeared before the board Tuesday to compliment the efforts of erosion control officer Jeff McCall and request a 30-day extension.

"Jeff assessed me a $6,000 penalty," Sanders said, "I think he did that to motivate me."

Sanders said recent rainy weather conditions are to blame for the erosion problems on the lot, which is located on Clarence Hall Road on Greens Creek's right fork where he plans to grade five 3-acre home sites.

While Western North Carolina has received its share of rain lately, the sediment control measures outlined in the county ordinance are designed to handle a 10-year rain event, which has not occurred, McCall told the board.

For failure to satisfy the requirements of the ordinance, McCall assessed Sanders a penalty of $50 a day on several key points beginning in April. Violations included failure to follow the site plan, insufficient measures taken to retain sediment on the site and failure to take reasonable measures to prevent erosion.

"By no stretch of the imagination has (Sanders) done what the plan calls for," McCall said.

A decision on Sanders's request for an extension could come during the board's June 17 meeting at the Justice Center.

Other decisions expected from commissioners next week include:

- A vote on the 2003-04 budget, portions of which were amended during Tuesday's meeting. Budget modifications to provide Sheriff Jimmy Ashe the funds needed to hire two domestic violence officers and an administrative assistant were approved by a 4-1 vote of the board, with Commissioner Roberta Crawford voting against the move.

Board members took no action to address a request for additional funds from REACH representative Sandy Frazier, who indicted state and federal cutbacks proposed next year will leave the agency with a $50,000 shortfall. Without this funding, core emergency services will have to be cut, including those involving emergency shelter, legal advocacy and crisis counseling.

- The final site plan for the new Department of Social Services facility to be constructed in Webster was presented to the board. Should the plan be approved, the architect is ready to solicit bids on the project and could have those back by August, county Manager Ken Westmoreland said.

- Action is also expected on several items involving county insurance coverage for next year and a policy for disposing of surplus county property.

- A Fourth of July fireworks display to be presented by the county recreation department is expected to receive approval, as are requests from property owners on Elk Road, Turtle Creek Road and Dandelion Drive for state Department of Transportation maintenance recommendations.

- Board members are also expected to take up several appointments, including the Jury Commission, Nursing and Adult Care Home Committee, Southwestern Community College Board of Trustees, Public Library Board and the Solid Waste Board.

Back to Archive: 06/12/03.