VILLAGE OF FOREST HILLS COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, November 06, 2000

7:00 PM

University Inn

Present:  Irene Hooper, Mayor; Council persons Sharon Jacques, Jean Adams, Harold Williford, Larry Kolenbrander; Village Clerk, Mary Ann Budahl; Financial officer, Carol Pearce; Attorney Jay Coward; and three Village residents.

Mayor Hooper called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM and welcomed all present. 

The minutes were amended as follows:  Attorney Jay Coward was requested to clarify the bidding procedure and to research whether it is necessary to obtain bids for preliminary engineering feasibility studies.  Motion to accept the minutes as amended.  (Kolenbrander, Adams)  Passed unanimously. Motion:  Atty. Coward will research the instances when competitive bidding is necessary. (Kolenbrander, Adams).  Passed.

Treasurer’s report:  the balance at present is $42,771.51.  The report was approved (Jacques, Kolenbrander) and passed unanimously.

Carol Pearce noted that the Audit Report has been received from the office of Crisp Hughes Evans.  It shows no violations, and only minor weaknesses involving Internal control.  A motion to remit payment of $2600.00 (which is the budgeted amount for the audit) be paid.  (Kolenbrander, Williford).  Passed.

Mayor Hooper read aloud the letter which she will send to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners requesting their support of our request that DOT proceed with a feasibility study regarding portions of North Country Club Drive approved for state maintenance.

Mayor Hooper noted that she had received a call from a resident, Julie Ogletree who expressed concern that the DOT was using prison laborers to help cut brush along the state maintained portions of North and South Country Club Drives.  After their discussion, Julie stated she would call DOT to inquire whether they had a policy regarding this matter. 

Mayor Hooper reported that there were 16 transactions with the DVM regarding Forest Hills residents this past month

Larry Kolenbrander reported on the meeting of the Greenway Committee that he attended on October 17.  An Americorps person, who will begin after January 1, 2001, has filled the position of Director.  The matching funds needed for start-up procedures ($2500.00) will come from the Regional Commission.  Jay Coward will complete a preliminary review defining the role of the Commission.  It was noted that Dillsboro is awaiting grant information regarding a proposed greenway connection between the canoe put-in on the Tuckaseigee River and the triangle park in Dillsboro.  The next meeting is planned for November 13 to which Larry Kolenbrander will go.

Mayor Hooper has received a certificate from the NC Litter Sweep that commends Forest Hills for participating in the recent statewide clean up.

Joe Rossano, representing the Village, gave a report of the Jackson County Emergency Committee’s organizational meeting held on October 9^th.  Joe will bring Committee bylaws to the FH Planning Board Committee meeting for input.  He has agreed to attend the next meeting that will take place in January or February 2001.

Clerk Mary Ann Budahl has been requested to locate a source for copying documents.  It was suggested that an account be maintained for this purpose, also.

It was noted that loud parties have not bothered the Village this past month.  Sharon Jacques suggested that Mayor Hooper contact Bill Haggard, Vice-chancellor for Student Affairs if further disturbance occurs.

Mayor Hooper was invited to ride in the WCU homecoming parade held recently in downtown Sylva.  She stated she proudly represented the Village of Forest Hills.

NEW BUSINESS

The next meeting of the Department of Transportation will take place on November 15.  A proposed pedestrian bridge across 107 at Smoky Mountain High School will be on the agenda.  It was reported that a traffic light is scheduled to be in place by the end of the fiscal year (July, 2001)

Sharon Jacques announced that she will be moving closer to Asheville by Fall, 2001.  She was asked to retain her position on the Village Council until closer to the time she will be leaving Cullowhee.

The third annual Holiday gala and judging of holiday decorations is being planned for Sunday, December 17.  Jean Adams will organize the drop in reception at the University Inn to be held from 6 – 8:30.  Mayor Hooper will arrange for a judge.  She will put a notice in the Sylva paper, and get the ribbons for the winners, as well.  The judging of decorations that can be seen from outside will take place at 5:00 PM.  Motion to provide $75.00 for expenses (Kolenbrander, Williford) passed unanimously. 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 PM.  (Adams, Williford)

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Ann Budahl, Clerk