BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION

TOWN OF SYLVA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM Board Room, 83 Allen Street Sylva, North Carolina MINUTES PRESENT: Jonathan Brown, Commissioner Paige Dowling, Town Manager Blitz Estridge, Commissioner Amanda Murajda, Town Clerk Mark Jones, Commissioner Eric Ridenour, Town Attorney Johnny Phillips, Mayor Brad Waldrop, Commissioner ABSENT: Mary Gelbaugh, Mayor Pro-Tem CALL TO ORDER Mayor Phillips called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. STAFF PRESENT: Jake Scott (Public Works Director), Bernadette Peters (Main Street Director), Mike Beck (Fire Chief) and Chris Hatton (Police Chief). VISITORS: None. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Jones made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion carried with a unanimous vote. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Phillips reported that he met with a representative from FEMA regarding the slope failure behind Town Hall. COMMISSIONER’S REPORT Commissioner Jones reported that the playground facilities at Webster School look very good. MANAGER’S REPORT: Manager Dowling reported the following:  After August 15th trees will begin to come down along the NC 107 corridor to prepare for overhead utility relocation.  Employment Updates: Tammy Pavey has been hired for the Police Lieutenant position and will start July 29, 2024. Interviews are in process for the Maintenance Technician in Public Works.  Dowling met with Lake Silver from Congressman Edward’s office to show them the Scott’s Creek slope failure.  Dowling reminded the board to have August 24th on the calendar for the Bridge Park ribbon cutting and Matt Stillwell concert. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REPORT: Jake Scott reported the following: • More progress on bathroom as brick has been completed; tile and plumbing will be next. • Requested calendar schedule for the bathroom—getting close to substantial completion • Bryson Park playground remodel has begun and working on a few minor water issues • Bartlett Contracting is mobilizing for pavilion remodel • Working on updating the emergency action plan for the Fisher Creek Dam project • Submitted Powell Bill statement Regular Board Meeting July 25, 2024 POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chris Hatton reported the following: • Department is working through a state audit. • The July 4th event went well. • The department is currently planning for the Walk for Hope event in October. • The department is working on sponsoring BLET candidates because staffing is always an issue. • Reviewed call history. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Mike Beck reported on the following: • Just over 820 calls so far in 2024 which is approximately 110 ahead of last year. MAIN STREET REPORT: Bernadette Peters reported the following: • Facade grant $18,575 allocated to 7 applicants of the 30,000 available. • Will be looking for additional funding in the next few months. • Sylva Supply mural has now been sealed and progress will be made quickly. • Concerts on the Creek have had record attendance, and the Town appreciates the co-sponsorship of the Chamber, County Recreation Department • Peters thanked the Fire Department for showing up at concerts and Public Works for keeping the park looking great. TWSA BOARD REPORT: Manager Dowling reported new rates were in place, the wastewater treatment plant bid will be out, and TWSA will be doing more in-house projects to reduce costs. NEW BUSINESS SOLICITATION ORDINANCE—DISCUSSION ONLY: Mayor Phillips explained that it was brought to attention that public solicitation at intersections was causing safety issues. He suggested that the ordinance be amended to prohibit this on Highway 107, Business Highway 23 and Grindstaff Cove Road and to make the 3 rd offense a misdemeanor. The Board members discussed the proposed suggestions. Commissioners Brown, Estridge and Jones would like to see the amendment put to vote on August 8, 2024. Commissioner Waldrop was opposed to the amendment. DRAFT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE RULES OF PROCEDURE—DISCUSSION ONLY: Bernadette Peters reviewed the proposed rules of procedure with the board. A requirement to live in Jackson County needs to be added to the rules. Board members discussed the proposal. All were in favor of, at the August 8, 2024 meeting, establishing the committee and approving the rules of procedure. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Waldrop made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 a.m. The motion carried with a unanimous vote. _____________________________________ _________________________________________ Johnny Phillips Amanda W. Murajda Mayor Town Clerk