|
by Carey King
Retired Sylva volunteer firefighters' water and sewer bills will
now be paid in full, thanks to a July increase in county contributions
to all county fire departments.
Sylva officials agreed Nov. 6 to direct the extra $3,000 per year
toward the bills of approximately 15 retirees who have access
to Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority lines.
The additional county funding, intended for volunteer firefighters'
retirement plans, came on top of the $75,000 each department received
for yearly operations.
At one time, Sylva and Jackson County split retirees' total water
bills; Sylva continued to pay half after county officials ceased
contributions several years ago.
"The county used to contribute funds specifically for this
purpose a few years ago. However, now they provide a flat contribution
considerably higher than in previous years," said town Manager
Richard McHargue.
In other business Nov. 6:
- Mayor Brenda Oliver announced that N.C. Department of Transportation
officials have decided against building barricades in the left
lane of Main Street.
"I've been told that DOT will not put up barricades, but
the study (to slow speeding) will still continue," Oliver
said.
- A public safety committee proposal to paint "Yield to Pedestrian"
notations near mid-block downtown crosswalks was approved, as
was the plan to add a crosswalk and "Yield to Pedestrian"
sign on Spring Street at the corner near City Lights Bookstore.
- Town officials requested that DOT create a loading zone on the
right side of Mill Street across from Cope's Superette. The zone
will "help congestion at Cope's by getting delivery trucks
out of the street," said board member Maurice Moody.
- Work on the Scotts Creek sewer extension has not yet begun,
as the town is waiting on the final pay request for the Moody
Bottom sewer project, said Jason Robinson of Cavanaugh & Associates,
project engineers.
Contractor T & K Utilities will have 30 calendar days to finish
the Scotts Creek project from the date it begins work. Construction
is expected to start in a few weeks.
- Board members approved new guidelines for fund-raising in town
streets. Organizations are now limited to fund-raising at the
intersection of U.S. 23 Business and N.C. 107. Groups must have
proof that they are legitimate organizations, provide safety vests
for all members and allow no one under the age of 16 in the street.
As before, permits will be issued by Police Chief Jeff Jamison
and enforced by the Police Department.
- Bryson Park playground equipment has been removed and construction
of one of three wood chip beds has begun, said Daryl Cheatham,
director of public works.
- Board members scheduled a work session for Thursday, Nov. 20,
at 9 a.m., to consider funding and land available for a new fire
station, fire training facility, and public works space. At 10
a.m., Sylva's current waste hauling policy will be discussed.
Board members expect to determine the type and size of yard waste
piles the town will haul for residents.
- The next town meeting is Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. A 6:30
p.m. public hearing will precede the meeting, to consider rezoning
requests by Kevin and Laura Pennington and the heirs of Lois Morris.
The property owners have asked that their residential properties
be rezoned as professional business districts.
|
