'Get a zoning administrator,' Webster mayor tells board

by Rose Hooper

That's the charge Mayor Steve Gray gave his board last Thursday (May 9).

"It's a time-consuming job; more than I have time for with my full-time job at The Sylva Herald, my work with the Sylva Rescue Squad and my other mayoral duties," said Gray, who has been filling in the position since Jim Myers resigned in March.

Myers, who had held the voluntary position for the last 10 years, resigned due to "inadequate time to perform the required duties."

As zoning administrator, Gray said he is currently reviewing the zoning compliance of a lumber yard on South River Road and the possibility of a new business, a day care center, near Smoky Mountain Center.

The issues in just these two cases are complex, Gray said, and require extensive research. Also, he said his business has been interrupted by requests for zoning applications and ordinance interpretations.

"I'm going on vacation in two weeks, and I would like for you to have a replacement named by the time I return," Gray told the board. He recommended they consider a retired person with the expertise and the time.

Board members discussed several possibilities; a special meeting could be called to consider naming a zoning administrator.

Members of the town's zoning board of adjustment, which hears appeals and requests for variances, were approved May 9. They are Chairman Brad Moses, Bob Cochran, Linda Kotila, Howard Allman and Reneé Coward.

Back to Archive: 05/16/02.