Banner Elk Town Council: Roundabouts, requests and renovations
Jamie Shell / (jamie.shell@averyjournal.com)
Following a month hiatus, the agenda for the February meeting of Banner Elk Town Council was a full one.
Council heard a presentation submitted by NCDOT regarding the traffic situation at the Orchard Road and Highway 184 intersection near Banner Elk Elementary School. NCDOT informed the council of an initial proposal to build a mini-roundabout at the intersection to relieve traffic congestion and which is believed to lessen cost and impact on adjoining property owners. The idea is an alternative to building a turn lane as originally discussed. Council was informed that a meeting has been scheduled on the project site for this Thursday, Feb. 16, to discuss logistics regarding the project. Following discussion, council agreed to ensure that NCDOT and the county understand the town’s desire and need to be involved in the decision-making process.
Avery County Humane Society presented the town with a request of $300 for funding assistance in the construction of the Adoption and Humane Education Center currently under construction on New Vale Road in Newland.
Town of Banner Elk historically has given donations to organizations such as Avery High School, Banner House, Lees-McRae Summer Theater and Mountain Ambulance. The town reorganized its fund request submission process by asking agencies to submit an application form in order to better track funding and project results. Council discussed the matter and moved to approve the requested funds.Town Manager Rick Owen presented a request from Grandfather Home for Children for sewer connection for an amphitheater on the property to be used for the organization’s centennial celebration. Owen added that the planning board had approved the building, but the plan calls for restrooms. Since the property is located outside town limits, council had to first approve a sewer connection. Owen explained that the town currently provides sewer service to GHFC, and that the proposed building will be adjacent to a town sewer line. Following discussion, council moved to approve the request, with the understanding that GHFC assumes responsibilities for all connection and impact fees.
Owen reported progress on the council chamber renovation project previously approved by council. The plan had been to renovate the chamber in the last budget year, but it did not take place. Owen explained that Bob Mann provided a design to council and that three bids have been received for the work. Council was given information about a new table and chairs, as well as pricing. Following Owen’s presentation, council provided additional options regarding the renovation and asked staff to continue researching prices for the project.
In other news and notes:
• Council discussed the A.C. PRIDE incubator proposal approved by Avery County Commissioners. Members expressed support for the project and its desire to see the incubator succeed, but expressed concern about zoning of the property. Project manager Bret Gardella has stated that there will be an educational component to the incubator in order for the property to maintain its medical/educational zoning designation, and staff has agreed to continue working with Gardella in that regard. Council also discussed concern about startup businesses in the incubator and how those businesses might affect already established businesses in Banner Elk.
• Derek Goddard with Blue Ridge Environmental Consultants presented an update on Shawneehaw Creek and Elk River Watershed Stormwater Study, including a number of maps detailing numerous aspects of the study, which was made possible by a mini-stormwater grant awarded previously to the town. Goddard and the town have identified no less than four projects that could be undertaken that could be considered in association with the storm water project. Goddard also updated council on the progress of the park project as made possible by a PARTF grant. The project is slated to include a trail, a picnic shelter and additional items.
• Council moved to commission Cheryl Buchanan to publish unpaid taxes in a local newspaper of general circulation following the third week of March, in adherence to state protocol. Council also approved a pair of tax releases, one to a lot in Silver Springs Farm subdivision and the other to American Home Mortgage.
• Council moved to appoint Mayor Brenda Lyerly, as well as Councilmen Alan Bolick and Charlie VonCanon as check signatories for times when both the town manager and finance officer are not available. The board also approved to renew the town’s audit contract for fiscal year 2012 with Martin Starnes and Associates at a total cost of $13,000.
• Council called for a public hearing for text amendments to Section 600.2 Colors and Section 502.3 Roofs of the Banner Elk Zoning Ordinance to be held at the regular March meeting.
The next meeting of Banner Elk Town Council will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, at Banner Elk Town Hall.
Council heard a presentation submitted by NCDOT regarding the traffic situation at the Orchard Road and Highway 184 intersection near Banner Elk Elementary School. NCDOT informed the council of an initial proposal to build a mini-roundabout at the intersection to relieve traffic congestion and which is believed to lessen cost and impact on adjoining property owners. The idea is an alternative to building a turn lane as originally discussed. Council was informed that a meeting has been scheduled on the project site for this Thursday, Feb. 16, to discuss logistics regarding the project. Following discussion, council agreed to ensure that NCDOT and the county understand the town’s desire and need to be involved in the decision-making process.
Avery County Humane Society presented the town with a request of $300 for funding assistance in the construction of the Adoption and Humane Education Center currently under construction on New Vale Road in Newland.
Town of Banner Elk historically has given donations to organizations such as Avery High School, Banner House, Lees-McRae Summer Theater and Mountain Ambulance. The town reorganized its fund request submission process by asking agencies to submit an application form in order to better track funding and project results. Council discussed the matter and moved to approve the requested funds.Town Manager Rick Owen presented a request from Grandfather Home for Children for sewer connection for an amphitheater on the property to be used for the organization’s centennial celebration. Owen added that the planning board had approved the building, but the plan calls for restrooms. Since the property is located outside town limits, council had to first approve a sewer connection. Owen explained that the town currently provides sewer service to GHFC, and that the proposed building will be adjacent to a town sewer line. Following discussion, council moved to approve the request, with the understanding that GHFC assumes responsibilities for all connection and impact fees.
Owen reported progress on the council chamber renovation project previously approved by council. The plan had been to renovate the chamber in the last budget year, but it did not take place. Owen explained that Bob Mann provided a design to council and that three bids have been received for the work. Council was given information about a new table and chairs, as well as pricing. Following Owen’s presentation, council provided additional options regarding the renovation and asked staff to continue researching prices for the project.
In other news and notes:
• Council discussed the A.C. PRIDE incubator proposal approved by Avery County Commissioners. Members expressed support for the project and its desire to see the incubator succeed, but expressed concern about zoning of the property. Project manager Bret Gardella has stated that there will be an educational component to the incubator in order for the property to maintain its medical/educational zoning designation, and staff has agreed to continue working with Gardella in that regard. Council also discussed concern about startup businesses in the incubator and how those businesses might affect already established businesses in Banner Elk.
• Derek Goddard with Blue Ridge Environmental Consultants presented an update on Shawneehaw Creek and Elk River Watershed Stormwater Study, including a number of maps detailing numerous aspects of the study, which was made possible by a mini-stormwater grant awarded previously to the town. Goddard and the town have identified no less than four projects that could be undertaken that could be considered in association with the storm water project. Goddard also updated council on the progress of the park project as made possible by a PARTF grant. The project is slated to include a trail, a picnic shelter and additional items.
• Council moved to commission Cheryl Buchanan to publish unpaid taxes in a local newspaper of general circulation following the third week of March, in adherence to state protocol. Council also approved a pair of tax releases, one to a lot in Silver Springs Farm subdivision and the other to American Home Mortgage.
• Council moved to appoint Mayor Brenda Lyerly, as well as Councilmen Alan Bolick and Charlie VonCanon as check signatories for times when both the town manager and finance officer are not available. The board also approved to renew the town’s audit contract for fiscal year 2012 with Martin Starnes and Associates at a total cost of $13,000.
• Council called for a public hearing for text amendments to Section 600.2 Colors and Section 502.3 Roofs of the Banner Elk Zoning Ordinance to be held at the regular March meeting.
The next meeting of Banner Elk Town Council will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, at Banner Elk Town Hall.