November 2020

 

Village of Forest Hills
Council Meeting
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 – 7:00 pm
Forest Hills Assembly Hall, Cullowhee NC

 

The following members of the Council were present:

Mayor Jim Wallace

Councilmember Marcia Almond

Councilmember Nilofer Couture

Councilmember Ron Yount

Councilmember Jerry Rice, III

 

The following Non-Council members were Present:

Stephanie Gibson, Clerk

Jack Brown, Village Homeowner

Mark Teague, Village Homeowner

Wes and Susan Milner, Village Homeowners

 

  1. Call to order:  at 7:00pm Mayor Wallace called the meeting to order.  
  1. Announcements: 

Reminder – Please silence cell phones for meeting 

  1. Approval of Agenda: Councilmember Couture made a motion to approve the agenda, Councilmember Rice seconded the motion, unanimously approved. 
  1. Approval of Meeting Minutes for October 6, 2020 Regular Council Meeting: (All meeting minutes are posted on the Forest Hills website once approved.) Councilmember Almond made a motion to approve the meeting minutes for September 1, 2020, Councilmember Yount seconded the motion, unanimously approved. 
  1. Acceptance of Financial Report & Checklist for the month of October 2020: (All financial reports are posted on the Forest Hills website once approved.)  Councilmember Almond made a motion to accept the financial report, Councilmember Yount seconded the motion, unanimously approved. 
  1. Public Comments:  Mark Teague asked about the small area that has not been paved that needs to have gravel on Cave’s Springs.  He said that he was told that it was on the schedule to be paved and that it would be better in his opinion to have it paved than to spend money on gravel.  Council will discuss and follow-up.  It was noted that three quotes would need to be received for review. 
  1. Reports:  

Mayor’s Report:  Jim Wallace 

  • Discussion of Zoning Ordinances and Planning Document:  Mayor Wallace said that he has reviewed the Zoning Ordinances, he shared comments and asked the Council for their feedback.   He said that he would like to do away with section 3.8, Council agreed.  Mayor Wallace also said he would like to see R-4 removed.  Councilmember Yount said that he would like to recommend that R-3, R-4,

P1, and VMU-CZ be removed.  He said that he would like for R-1, R-1-A, R-2 and M-1 to remain, he would not like to see any business or commercial entity in the former golf course area.  Councilmember Yount made a motion to remove R-1, R-1-A, R-2 and M-1 sections, Councilmember Couture seconded the motion, unanimously approved.  Mayor Wallace said that he would send a letter to the Planning Board with the Council’s proposal and call Rick.

 Roads:  Jerry Rice – Councilmember Rice said that there are no issues with roads or trees needing removed at this time.

 RPO/TAC:  Marcia Almond – Councilmember Almond said that the D.O.T. has created a local detour in Dillsboro to go around the bridge. 

Councilmember Almond noted that the NCC sign at the entrance and near the water tower are missing as well as Valhalla and Pin Cushion Lane.  Also, a Neighborhood Watch sign is gone.  Councilmember Couture made a motion and Councilmember Rice seconded the motion to have Stephanie order signs and have sent to BH Graning and ask that bolts are used to try and prevent removal, unanimously approved.     

Planning Board:  No meetings held for March, April, May, June, or July.  There was not a quorum present at the August meeting and no meeting in September or October.

Village Safety:  Nilofer Couture – Councilmember Couture said that the patrol report noted officers patrolled and cited for speeding and noise complaints.  Councilmember Couture said that she did not receive the 911 report for the month.  She noted that Wanda with 911 was retiring and Elaine Melton was taking her position.

  1. New Business: 

 Complaint regarding barking dog – Councilmember Couture said that she received an email from a homeowner that a dog was barking incessantly.  Council discussed and said that the noise violation is for noise that is disturbing during the hours of 11pm – 7 am.  Mayor Wallace said that he would ask Attorney Fox about Ordinances regarding pets being adjusted. 

  1. Unfinished Business: 
  • Review of Village Hall Usage Fee:  Mayor Wallace asked the Council about fees for use of the Assembly Hall.  Councilmember Almond recommended charging a fee and deposit and returning the deposit if the meeting room was left in good condition.  Council discussed fees and deposit amounts.  Council agreed that residents would only pay a deposit and it would be returned if everything is in order.  Councilmember Almond made a motion to charge a $300 refundable deposit and $50 for each rental, Councilmember Yount seconded the motion, unanimously approved.
  • Ordinance Administrator:  Mayor Wallace said David Shapiro declined the position and asked if Mark might be interested.  Council will discuss at the December meeting.
  • Acoustic Panels for Assembly Hall:  Mayor Wallace said that he would have the panels installed. 

   10.  Additional Public Comments: 

Mark Teague asked about the duties of the Ordinance Administrator and what the position would entail and said he would get back to the Council if he was interested in taking the position by the next meeting.

    11.  Adjourn:  At 8:15pm, Councilmember Couture made a motion to adjourn, Councilmember Almond seconded the motion, unanimously approved.