[0:29] Oh. Order. I seal those [0:34] commission meeting by 23rd. [0:39] Um I have two board members abain [0:51] motion that would track line item number 11 until the next meeting. I' [0:55] » like to make that motion. >> Motion. Do we have any discussion? [1:00] All in favor raise your hand say I like sign. Motion carries. [1:05] [clears throat] Now I will entertain a motion that we [1:08] approve the agenda. Make a motion have a motion. We have any [1:14] discussion favor. [1:18] Opposent [1:23] agenda. So we have anyone signed up for public [1:35] moves us on reports start with me. Um [1:43] they might have spoke briefly about this but we have a slide up on Ridgeway [1:47] Street some concern very well be rather [1:51] expensive. have a meeting today and Jake's going to [1:56] join me gonna meet with Roy Sesser and JMT Engineering Farm to take a look at [2:02] it and give us some other options and some thoughts about [2:05] » um what time is that? >> 1:30. [2:07] » I need to be there. >> Okay. [2:12] He's going to give us off the cuff opinion and then if we're interested [2:16] they would be glad to give us anything we need to know. [2:19] » What? Robbie, what time's you today? Three. [2:25] make everyone aware of that and that that firm has done a good service for [2:30] the town for a while. That's all I have. [2:35] » Okay, good morning everyone. Um the historic preservation commission, he met [2:41] on Monday the 20th. Um, and I just want to give a a big shout out to Rockstar [2:50] Bryant um putting together a potential uh Jackson County Heritage Rec [2:57] recognition program, [3:02] potentially going forward having signs or some kind of recognition [3:09] for um things that are significant [3:15] locally that may or may not have can get the recognition at the state level or [3:22] the national level. Um, and but they demonstrate a cultural or social, [3:27] political, economic or architectural significance uh to Jackson County. Um, [3:32] and it's based on the the kind of neighborhood programs in Greensboro and [3:39] Durham. um and produced a packet here and we're we're [3:45] working through that. And so um for those interested in it, yeah, definitely [3:49] reach out to the Historic Preservation Commission and I'll have more news about [3:54] that going forward. That's all I have. Thank you. [3:57] » Thanks, Sam. >> Good morning, everybody. Just wanted to [4:02] give a little update on water fountain. For those of you that didn't know, the [4:09] county actually owns fountain and town maintains all the work being done, but [4:16] since it's a a major cost, passing that over to the county, [4:25] Jake, you may highlight a little bit, but uh [4:32] we've had a few estimates and pass that over to the county manager. He's looking [4:37] at it and assessing it. So we are working on it. [4:50] » So that brings us to our manager report. >> Morning. [4:54] » Um so Jake will cover the rain event that we had last Friday. um as an [5:01] employment update. Um Austin Whitehead has accepted a patrol officer position. [5:06] He's coming he's previously been with the sheriff's department. So we want to [5:10] welcome him to town employment and we have applications open for the town [5:15] clerk position and we're accepting that. So hopefully we'll have that filled [5:20] soon. And uh Mayor Phillips and I met with [5:25] Representative Anna Ferguson this week um to talk about the appropriation Silva [5:30] received in the state budget and requesting a technical correction that [5:35] hopefully the legislature will review the beginning of August to allow [5:41] the appropriation to be used more generally for infrastructure. [5:46] Um, and please remember the Southwestern Commission's annual meeting is Monday, [5:52] this coming Monday the 27th at 5. That's all I have this morning. [5:58] » Public reports. >> Good [clears throat] morning everybody. [6:02] » Yes. So, the storm and the slope failure be the first thing I speak on this [6:05] morning. Um, as y'all are well aware by now, Friday the 17th, we had about 2 in [6:12] 2.3 depending on where you were of rain across that 24-hour period. 95% of that [6:18] rain fell in a 2-hour period. We had sections of West Main flood and close. [6:23] We had Caldwell Street flood and close. Um, thought for a minute we were going [6:28] to have to close downtown. We avoided that. And most notably, we had a [6:33] landslide on what I refer to as Upper Ridgeway Street um near near the top. [6:40] It's about a 30 foot long failure between two sections of the road. So, [6:44] there's a switchback right there. Um the town owns Ridgeway Street and the [6:50] rideway for Ridgeway Street. Portion of property that actually failed and [6:55] contains a slide is private property and there was private property downs slope [6:59] of the failure that was affected as well. Um me and my team have worked to [7:04] mitigate that slide temporarily as much as we can. It's sandbagged and we've [7:09] done a lot of ditch work and water temporary water breaks with all this [7:13] rain coming back in. It's not something you can fix with a finger snap. Um [7:20] emergency management is aware. Jackson County code enforcement is aware. We'll [7:25] keep you guys updated. Like Johnny said, it will likely be a significant expense [7:30] to the town. We were not under any emergency [7:34] declaration at the time of the storm. So that that's going to affect how we fund [7:37] this as well. Um Paige and I met yesterday with Rich Adams. He's a an [7:43] engineer and a slope stabilization estimator for Worester Incorporated. [7:48] That's who did all the Allen Street slope stabilization. and Paige and I [7:52] have an excellent relationship with him. Um, [clears throat] currently estimating [7:57] between $400,000 and $500,000. That is a fluid number and subject to change in [8:03] either direction as we learn more about this and develop a strategy for repair. [8:08] Um, want to update everybody on the community table as well. Starting early [8:13] next month, we're going to be doing some pretty intensive foundation repair at [8:17] the community table building. Uh we'll be jacking up floor joist, reinforcing [8:23] with steel. Um we got a lot of unlevel, a lot of settling. That's an extremely [8:28] old building. Uh nothing dangerous at this point, but we're trying to prevent [8:34] any kind of future damage uh there. Um and the community table is splitting [8:39] that cost with the town. So they they've been a fantastic partner. We own the [8:43] building. Um but they're happy to help financially anytime they can. on the [8:48] Scots Creek retaining wall project. We've completed the phase one [8:52] archaeological study. Uh there was nothing of concern found by that [8:57] archaeological study and they're currently preparing the report so that [9:00] we can get that to FEMA, get the project to run back through the environmental [9:04] and historic preservation process of this. Once we obtain that approval, [9:10] hopefully we can fasttrack that project and get it completely funded. Um, in the [9:15] meantime, we have continued with the engineering and design team. So, that [9:20] phase of the project is on schedule. So, as soon as we get go ahead from FEMA, [9:25] we'll be able to start contracting and procurement on that as well. Um, far as [9:32] the part of improvements go at Pinnacle Park, uh, Paige and I have completed the [9:36] RFQ for that. um hope to get that published in the next in the very short [9:41] term. Hopefully next week and start soliciting for a design build contractor [9:45] for that project as well. Um other departmental updates, public works is [9:51] still down an employee. We have a vacancy. If you guys know of anybody, [9:55] please send them our way. And uh as we prepare for hurricane season, we're [10:01] working on resiliency as much as we can to the extent that we're able. [10:06] Any questions? I just want to say thank you Jake for [10:12] team for all the hard work and especially during this [10:16] time. I did have a question about the community table is during the repairs [10:21] that going to impact >> they'll be able to operate full capacity [10:25] throughout the repair. U I'll add that I did go up and look at [10:31] the slide and uh kudos to public works for doing everything you've done to try [10:37] to safe it up and keep the water out of a great job. Thank you. [10:44] » Thank you. Thank you. We have a report from our police [10:49] department. Morning everybody. Chief's on vacation. [10:54] You get to hear from me again today. Uh since the last report, we responded to [10:58] 495 calls. Kind of a quick breakdown of those. That's 73 traffic stops. Uh 16 [11:04] traffic crashes. We investigated 58 park checks, 33 follow-up investigations. Um [11:10] had a total of four felony arrests, 14 misdemeanor arrests, and then we also [11:15] issued six parking tickets downtown for violation of the downtown parking [11:18] ordinance. Some staffing updates. As Paige [11:22] mentioned, we picked up one officer. So that leaves us at two vacancies. Um [11:26] we're interviewing somebody at three this afternoon. Maybe we'll cut that [11:30] down to one and hope hope to be back to full staff soon. We've been doing a lot [11:35] in the way of like community engagement. Uh some highlights from that. Gladriel [11:40] is partnered with Via Health. Uh they've been putting on CIT training. It's [11:44] crisis intervention training. after the last one that brought us up to with the [11:48] exception of the officers we're hiring in. We only have two officers that have [11:52] not been able to complete CIT with the goal of getting them through here pretty [11:56] soon. Uh the chief presented to the Rotary Club the other day about the PD [12:00] and the services and everything that we offer. Um we've partnered with the [12:04] Department of Justice and Center for Domestic Peace uh for the new lethality [12:08] assessment program. Uh it's related to domestic violence. Um, and we completed [12:13] the train the trainer for that. We're doing the roll out to the officers uh [12:18] first week of next month. And then Gabriel and I have been working [12:22] with uh Jody at the health department establishing a re-entry council. Uh [12:27] it'll be kind of three counties wide initially. Uh it'll be Haywood Haywood [12:33] Jackson Swain and Mon. And and the goal of that re-entry council is for folks [12:38] that are being released from the jail at the hill or prison, they're coming back [12:42] to Silva to get ahead of any issues they may have with resources to help them [12:49] come back in and be, you know, productive and not wind up back in [12:53] prison. So, there's actually a meeting in Mon County this evening that we're [12:57] going to and then another one here in Jackson uh on the 30th sitting at that [13:01] re-entry council. Um, we also had [clears throat] the fourth uh worked [13:05] that I think that went very well. Uh, good attendance. And then I just want to [13:11] thank everybody involved that helped with that. Jake and his crews, fire [13:14] department, emergency management for that and then also the weather incident [13:18] last week that kind of got off the rail real quick that afternoon. So, any [13:23] questions? >> Thank you very much. Uh I I will add [13:28] that I've heard a lot of very complimentary comments from citizens [13:33] about our police department performance and and quite a few good things about [13:38] GL. I've heard a lot of good things [13:45] u from our fire department. >> Morning. [13:50] » Um I really don't have a whole lot to say. You know, things been going pretty [13:54] good for us as far as it goes. We've been pretty busy. We're up to a,021 [13:59] calls this year. So, just a little over halfway. [14:02] We can probably close to 2,000 calls for years old, [14:07] which is a bunch. 20 years ago, we run about 300 to give [14:11] you an example. So, uh, other than that, that's really all I [14:16] was going to talk about this morning. You got any questions? [14:20] » Thank you very much. She's fine. Thank y'all. [14:24] I think you have a live group. >> Um during the storm, Jackson County [14:30] Emergency Management was great. They were proactive with us to let us know [14:33] what was going on so we could prepare for the concert, whether or not to have [14:36] it. They helped us call that. Um so nobody actually showed up except for a [14:41] couple vendors. They were able to get their things out. But they have been [14:44] rescheduled. It's Arnold Hill. They'll be rescheduled for October 2nd from 7:00 [14:49] to 9:00. Um, also the 4th of July is um, as was mentioned, it w it was very well [14:56] attended this year in honor of America's 250th Mountain Winds Community Band [15:00] played before the concert, so that was extra as um, followed by the 1776 [15:05] reenactment. So, it was a great event all around. Um, two weeks ago I [15:11] presented to the Silva Rotary Club about Silva as a small town with big use, [15:15] which is so timely considering the storm we just had. Um the crowd was amazed at [15:20] how much the town was able to accomplish. Um and I I had a quiz and [15:25] asked them how many public works folks they thought we had and we had numbers [15:29] from you know 30 to 40 that sort of thing. [15:34] » [laughter] >> So um so it was good to have that kind [15:36] of discussion and so I want to express our gratitude for public works police [15:42] fire department um who work tirelessly through that whole process and continue [15:46] to do so um so that we can host these great events and things like that. Um [15:51] North Carolina Main Street funded a professional video shoot for each of its [15:56] Main Street programs, 80 of them. So the team will be filming in Silva on uh July [16:01] 31st. So, we'd encourage everyone to fill the streets that day and evening [16:06] during Concerts on the Creek. Scott City will be playing. Um, and we hope [16:10] everyone will come out to make that film as great as it can be. [16:14] » Does anyone have any questions? >> Thank you very much. [16:20] » You uh you wear a lot of hats. Do a great job. Thank you. [16:26] » Do we have a port for the planning board? [16:29] » Uh, no. Planning board doesn't meet in July. Okay. What about TWAS? [16:34] » Twos also cancelled their meeting this month. [16:39] » Do we have anything from Pinnacle Park? >> Only what was covered with the part of [16:44] RFP. Um once we get that out, we will select a contractor and they'll we'll do [16:52] phases of trail improvements. Um the as a reminder the elements that are [16:58] included in the part of grant um trail rehab, a new trail construction, a view [17:05] a viewing platform somewhere that has a good view of a ridge line. Um improving [17:12] the accessibility trail at the bottom and storm water in the parking lot and a [17:19] ball toilet. And then there are benches and other amenities, but those are the [17:24] highlights. >> Outdoor classroom. [17:26] » Oh, outdoor classroom. >> A lot of details with Pinnacle Park. And [17:31] I'd like to thank Paige for handling all of that. Every ounce of excellence there [17:37] is on keeping all the grants and the money straight, who's doing what and [17:41] what phases it has to be done in, what governmental agencies you're dealing [17:45] with. I mean, it's amazing how you handle all that. So, thank you. Thanks. [17:51] Okay, I think that concludes reports. Uh that moves us on to new business. Um [17:59] and we have strick and line item number 11 [18:04] for our next meeting. So the last thing on our agenda is [18:12] pride parade approval request. [18:18] You want to open that up to discussion. [18:24] Um [18:28] of the past we created a policy close the streets with five things [18:35] and u those five things being the smallest group involved there is Western [18:41] Carolina University. [18:46] I don't know what the pleasure of the board will be here. U [18:51] if we uh if we want to entertain approving this request [18:58] might be appropriate to have discussions about cost and how that would be shared [19:04] and whether or not board feels this taxpayers responsibility to pay for [19:09] that. Anybody else have anything to add? [19:15] So, I've been in contact with Mr. Oval Tree um who sent in the appeal and I [19:21] know that there are some fun fundraising things that they have in place to raise [19:26] the money to cover cost. Um not sure of what that is going to entail. We know [19:31] that if you start a fundraiser and you set a mark, you hope to meet it, you [19:34] hope to surpass it, but you may not. I know that they are going to be doing [19:37] their part to try to cover as much cost as they can. [19:42] Um, I've I've spoke with each of our board [19:48] members and we have two members absent today. Um, [19:54] I don't know if you want to wait till you have everyone here to do that or if [20:00] you want to go ahead act on it now. Um, the uh [20:06] part of the discussions have been to some fashion of accomplice. [20:11] being between no and the taxpayers fully paid for it. [20:17] That compromise to me is that any small group other than five street closures we [20:24] have that they would pay for it. And there's also the issue of dealing with [20:30] people who other folks that have been told no for the same reasons. [20:35] I think we need to put a strong consideration into treating everyone the [20:38] same and [20:42] our town will be welcoming and inclusion for everyone. [20:47] We need to be right careful what we invite to anybody to come pay for their [20:52] own parade. >> Does need to make a decision on this [20:57] today because we're we submit the road closure resolutions to DOT 60 days [21:03] before the event. [21:07] So um can I jump in? Absolutely. >> So uh yeah this is a this is a divisive [21:18] topic had pride parades in the past. Um, and [21:25] as a local growing up here and recognizing the Silva that I grew up in [21:31] being a very welcoming place and growing up and the values instilled in [21:38] me and many others, you know, you're we're supposed to be our brother's [21:41] keeper and that's what that's just what mountain people do. We we may not agree [21:47] all the time, but we still look out for each other. Um that is um I think we [21:55] need to think about that. Um the other thing I'm thinking about with this is [21:59] public spaces [clears throat] and again having a fair policy treating everybody [22:06] fairly and everybody should have access to apply go through the process and I [22:13] think um really respect our community spaces. community here is is really [22:20] really important. Those community spaces should be [22:23] available to whoever um you know not everybody [22:29] agrees with Pride. I think Silva should treat [22:35] Pride and all of our fairly. Um, I think we have an opportunity here to [22:45] show Silva as a model how mountain towns can handle disagreements, [22:52] respect freedoms, protect our neighbors, [22:57] and work through disagreements. I I really do not want Silva to be a [23:02] cautionary tale what not to do. Uh, I think we can be a [23:10] model town here to show how welcoming and to all our neighbors [23:18] and show good government as well. Um, you know, everybody's watching. [23:25] A lot of attention here. Um, I think we need fair policies that level the [23:30] playing field and uphold the public good. I mean, that's our that's our job [23:34] and I think everybody wants to make things safe [23:38] and streamline and it seems like we've had [23:43] some questions about money and logistics and it seems like we have a plan and [23:49] getting public works on board and downtown businesses, [23:53] civil police, the fire department. think [23:58] as long as we have everybody on board with this and we've done it before, you [24:03] know, we're not jumping ahead and making a decision and trying to figure out the [24:06] plan later. We've kind of done this before. [24:11] So, I think it's an opportunity for still to live up to North Carolina State [24:16] motto, right? Be rather than to see. And we are welcoming police [24:22] should live up to that. [24:27] I'll also add that I do want our time to be inclusive for everyone. [24:34] I also have no choice but to recognize that our job is to be physically [24:41] responsible taxpayers money at a time when we have [clears throat] a [24:47] dam on Fisher Creek that needs a very expensive repair and a slide on Ridgeway [24:52] Street that's going to have expensive repair. got a fountain on main street [24:57] that very well may cost the town some money whether it [25:01] would pay the full expense or any portion depending on the county's [25:05] decision and we're also living in a time where we just lost 42 buildings that [25:10] somebody used to pay taxes on I think we're at a time with our town [25:16] that we need to consider needs first and wants [25:26] No, I totally agree. [25:32] » Well, there is the potential that the money could be raised to cover these [25:35] costs. >> I would be fine if that's the the [25:39] motion. [25:46] Now, we know that there's fundraising in place [25:49] as of now because this was so new and pushed as quickly as it was. So, as of [25:55] now, there's not a guarantee that would happen, but it would at least mitigate [25:59] portion of the cost. And these costs haven't been put out for the last three [26:04] years since Pride was canceled. So, essentially, this is a threeyear cost, [26:11] which actually makes it kind of less for the town. [26:17] It didn't happen in the years prior and it happened before that. So now that the [26:22] cost said it was to shut down Main Street, it's now spread out over the [26:24] three. It also didn't consider the 100 years [26:29] before that the first time [26:35] responsibility with the taxp money is what's most important to them. [26:39] I think if there's an agreement that they pay for and that's what's in the [26:46] motion to approve be good. [26:54] I'm a historian, so I of course I got to bring in history here and think about [26:58] compromise and you brought compromise up and trying to [27:04] during my campaign asking local businesses and getting [27:08] input all sorts of residents and our [27:15] staff here what you know logistics of this um and thinking of a compromise [27:20] isn't that you know with the founders as to how they set all this stuff and is a [27:27] compromise for trying to pay all of it. Is that the [27:32] compromise or is the compromise the town pays half and we pay half and that's [27:38] fiscally responsible [27:41] shows goodwill and between all parties. [27:48] We can say we've saved taxpayers money and show that how welcoming we are and [27:57] taking every application and appeal seriously and trying to think of all of [28:04] the logistics. [28:08] That's my thought. What is what what is the comp? Is it half and half or is it [28:13] all? And you know that that's totally up to the board members that have a vote [28:18] and I do not have in my mind the compromises between the time fully [28:24] paying for it and no that's what's in the middle is cost at a [28:31] time when we're not in position to start honoring some student needs right now. [28:42] Yes. [28:50] I think meeting in the middle of compromise, you know, as you were [28:54] talking about the taxpayers, there are plenty of taxpayers would like to see [28:58] this as well. and [clears throat] [29:02] understand the needs and wants, but that if you're left in a situation, [29:08] will we ever be able to recognize the wants or the needs? [29:14] [clears throat] The hope and dream is that we won't always be in the financial [29:18] crash. Someday we can redevelop 107, reestablish a budget that allows us to [29:25] have more money for emergencies and quests. [29:30] just [29:34] that's just my view. [29:38] I guess at this point um have probably had enough discussion. Does any board [29:43] member any board member like to make a motion? [29:48] » Make a motion that we approve if you >> for the two block route [29:53] » for the two block. you is does your motion include them [29:59] paid for it? That two block route was $2,200. Is that [30:04] correct? >> The cost estimate for staff overtime is [30:09] $2,280. [30:15] » Is that the motion? I would say with them doing the [30:21] fundraising as a show of good faith, we cover the cost and see what they can [30:27] raise. I do have good faith in the town and the people who wanted this requested [30:32] this for the last few years that we could that they could raise the money to [30:36] cover the cost and I'll be the first one to donate to the cause. [30:42] » How would that work? where we agree to pay for it and then [30:47] accept payment for it when they don't have to pay for it. [30:51] » So if you agree to pay for it, what we'll do when it when the money comes in [30:56] is just put it take it as a don either a donation or a park rental and [31:03] » it's nothing more than a donation. >> We're still taxpayers now. [31:11] Well, [31:14] generally it would have been part of their park application. [31:19] Um [31:22] the fee I mean the fee that they paid for the park application. So [31:28] if you if the board wants to do it like that and then see what pride raises [31:34] figure that that out is just accepting the payment and how you [31:40] and how is how it goes into the system >> code management. [31:46] » Yes. [31:50] » Any more comments from any more? >> So I'm just trying to understand. So, [31:53] you're saying it's just as smooth having a payment up front as having the pay? [31:59] » Well, having a payment up front, of course, would be smoother, but since [32:03] that's not what we're looking at. [32:10] » And when is the deadline for the payment? [32:16] » Well, so it should be before the event. >> Before the event. [32:22] And you actually have a deadline on a donation. [32:27] » Well, I'm saying like a payment versus a donation. [32:30] If we do want to revise the solution, the payment up front [32:36] because you're worried about the taxpayer involved, you know, paying that [32:39] and then reimbursement if it's paid for instead of a donation. It's just paid [32:45] for. What's the deadline for any of those? Is [32:48] it two weeks two weeks before a parade? in this other [32:53] » I think 30 days might be what we've got patient. [32:58] » Okay. [33:01] » So when is the [clears throat] date that they want to have it? [33:04] » September the 20th. >> So 30 days prior to that would be what? [33:11] » August 20th. [33:15] » Can that be a stipulation? Could [33:22] more come in after [clears throat] that deadline? [33:25] » Just be a donate. That would be the donation. So, it's a payment and a [33:28] donation. [33:34] » I think we're getting into the weeds here. [33:36] » Yeah. Right now, we have a pending motion. So, if if you all can discuss [33:41] it, you can vote that down, make another motion um or vote it up, and then it is [33:47] what it is. So, right, it's just right now we have a pending motion. So, Perry [33:52] can either withdraw it and make another one or you all can vote on the pending [33:57] motion. [34:06] My thoughts with the compromise is just I pays half and pays half. That's where [34:14] I see compromise. But if if this is the way we want to go, [34:20] » I think to make that 30-day prior deadline, I think making a halfway mark [34:24] since that's about halfway to the event. Can I revise my motion to [34:29] be pride and the town covers up? >> Yes. [34:37] » That's your official motion. [34:41] » All in favor of approving that motion. Raise your hand. [34:46] All by side motion carries. [34:53] » Okay. So now can we get a motion to approve the road closure for the the two [35:00] block route? >> A motion that we approve the road [35:03] closure for road. [35:14] Have a motion. Do we have any discussion? [35:17] All in favor say I. I oppose the lights on motion. [35:26] And at this time I'd entertain a motion that we [35:31] have motion to adjurnn. We have any discussion [35:35] all in favor hands out by sign. [35:55] saying it's the first time you've ever been to town. [36:23] I know I was [36:30] questionable. [37:01] Appreciate it. >> Yes, sir. [37:03] » To see you outside. [37:09] Pleasure to meet you. >> So nice to meet you. [37:13] » We did the bridge. [37:20] [laughter] [37:28] » This frame. >> I'm looking out the window and getting [37:31] twitchy. Yeah, I guess you got the thing to go like 8:00. Sure did. [37:37] » Yeah, I got that yesterday from J while I was sitting at dinner. [37:44] My wife was like it's watch [37:52] that was >> I appreciate you thinking about [37:56] » the cops had mud up on their knees too [38:01] » I think right after I moved too I'll [38:10] right after you guys [38:15] because you said I remember you said I was getting up there [38:20] on Main Street. [38:25] » Yeah. Yeah, we got it. [38:45] » So, yes and no. And that's the thing about [38:50] the job. [38:59] dinner or you know big stuff. Yeah.