Forest Hills Council Meeting 7-2-01
University Inn
1. Mayor Irene Hooper called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Village Council to order at
2. The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted with the following amendment: additions to Proposed Budget: under expenditures, elections $1000, and increase in insurance from $2600 to $3100 which brings the total expenditures to $30,000. This means the excess revenues over expenditures sum is $10,200 instead of the $11,700 as previously reported. The transfer to unrestricted reserve total, therefore, becomes $7200. (Kolenbrander, Williford)
3. The Financial Report was distributed by Jim Weir. It showed a “profit” (revenue vs expenditures) of $27,161, and a cash balance of $60,916. The report was accepted with a minor spelling correction by unanimous vote (Williford, Kolenbrander).
4. In the matter of replacing former Councilperson Sharon Jacques who has moved from the Village, Mayor Hooper called the Board of Elections to ascertain that she could appoint this person to serve until the November election. Joe Rossano was asked to serve. The motion to appoint Joe Rossano to fill the vacancy created by Sharon Jacques (Williford, Kolenbrander) passed unanimously, and he was subsequently sworn-in by Clerk of Superior Court, Frank Watson, Jr.
5. Carol Pearce has asked to be replaced as Financial Officer; Jim Weir agreed to take the position, with Carol Pearce becoming the Assistant Financial Officer. Motion to this effect passed unanimously. (Adams, Williford) Clerk Watson administered the oaths of office. Motion to appoint Larry Kolenbrander to the Planning Board to serve a continuing three-year term (Williford, Rossano) passed unanimously.
6. Recent letters of inquiry dealt with by Mayor Hooper: from DOT regarding bridges (there are none in the Village); and one regarding unifying franchises with Mediacom (the Village is not involved.)
7. Mayor Hooper reported that she had taken copies of the approved 2001-2002 Budget to the Jackson County Finance Officer, and posted it at the Jackson County Library in Sylva and a copy at the WCU Library. A copy will also be posted in the Village information box outside of the University Inn.
8. Larry Kolenbrander reported that the Greenway Commission is now a legally sanctioned body with its Director in place, and it is now applying for grants and doing its other work. The members who represent
9. Ron Stephens reported on the road repairs to
10. Ron Stephens reported that the EDC continues to work to bring jobs to the community. The land purchase for the high-tech center in Cullowhee is nearing finality, and several businesses involving 20 – 30 jobs have expressed interest in locating there. He also mentioned that the Cherokee nation is being represented at the EDC meetings now, and they have similar interests in bringing economic growth to the region. (Mayor Hooper mentioned that Chief Leon Jones attended the last Joint Government Meeting.)
The EDC has been asked by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners to give suggestions involving the proposed asphalt plant in
11. DMV report: approximately 20 actions were noted this past month.
12. Powell Bill Survey: Deadline to submit is
13. Attorney Baker stated that she has reviewed the sewer feasibility study and is available to answer any questions regarding it.
14. Planning Board report: Larry Kolenbrander stated that Geoff Willett is presently developing the legal description of the proposed ETJ boundaries for presentation and review at the Planning Board meeting of July 16. They will subsequently make their recommendation to the Council on August 6. If the Council approves, owners of record of the properties involved will be notified by First Class mail. Then a public hearing date will be set with appropriate notices being posted before then.
Joe Rossano inquired why the traffic light at the intersection of Hwy 107 has not been installed as yet, since it was budgeted in the fiscal year just expired. Mayor Hooper stated that she has been in touch with Conrad Burrell regarding this. She will continue to stress the importance of getting this done to him, hopefully by the time school starts again in the fall.
15. Mayor Hooper reminded everyone that the dates for filing for the November election are from
16. Mayor Hooper commended Carol Pearce for her involvement with the Village from “the ground up,” serving as Financial Officer since its inception. Much appreciation is owed to her, and all in attendance wholeheartedly agreed upon this.
17. Discussion of
Jim and Trisha Davis expressed their thanks to their friends and neighbors for the outpouring of sympathy, good wishes, help and support since their recent house fire.
The meeting was adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ann Budahl
Village Clerk