Town of Maggie Valley

Team Building Session

November 1, 2004

MINUTES

Members Present: Mayor Jo Pinter, Aldermen Linda Taylor

Mark DeMeola

Members Absent: Alderman Phil Aldridge

Staff Present: Manager Bob Shepherd and Town Clerk Vickie Best

Others Present: Patricia Tilley, Jim Blyth, Shirley Pinto

Meeting Called to Order

Mayor Pinter called the meeting to order at 1:20 p.m. on Monday November 1, 2004 in the Town Hall Boardroom.

Increased Legal Services

It is the consensus of the board that legal services need to be increased and attorney advice available for town staff, the police department, and the appointed boards. The planning and zoning board of adjustments will not need the attorney present at every meeting, only at meetings that could be contentious or technical.

The board discussed if increasing legal council could wait until the next budget year. The council members will give the issue more thought and discuss the details later.

The League of Municipalities is available for some assistance.

Interviews for Planning Board Vacancies

The Planning Board voted unanimously to request the Board of Aldermen reappoint Mr. Billy Brede. Mr. Brede has served on the board since August 2004 and has become a valuable member with his knowledge of development and engineering.

Council felt appointing an appearance committee would help the direction of the town. The Town needs a setting that lures tourist, possibly a western/ historical theme.

The Strategic/Comprehensive Plan provides the town with the basics for a good growth pattern. These guidelines should be implemented.

Chairman Tilley informed council that the planning board works as a team and has always come to a consensus on providing council with the best advice possible. The Appearance Committee could advise the planning board.

The planning board members seek training in all areas of planning. The members want conscientious development with strong erosion control practices.

Alderman Taylor questioned the diversity of the board with several realtors being members. Chairman Tilley explained that the members put business aside and look at the betterment of the town and the town’s future.

Interviews for Planning Board Vacancies.

Candace Way

Ms. Candace Way previously interviewed for a position and felt she could not miss work for another interview. If there are any additional questions, Ms. Way will be glad to answer them.

Jim Blyth

Mr. Blyth explained that the town should be resident friendly, develop a theme to attract tourist but added that future growth is in affordable second homes. Mr. Blyth has been in development since 1968 and has experience in local government.

When questioned about the Strategic/ Comprehensive Plan Mr. Blyth was unsure if he agreed with the overall plan. The town may have taken on more than can be accomplished at this time.

Mr. Blyth felt the town should be more focused on infrastructure such as the extension of sewer and water up mountainsides where people’s septic systems are beginning to fail.

Mr. Blyth does not believe in annexation adding that the Planning Board should be a body that represents all people. Mr. Blyth contends that proper notice was not provided regarding the zoning of Campbell Creek.

Mr. Blyth felt his leadership skills would be an asset to the planning board because he would not go along with decisions he did not believe to be the best. The planning board seems to be of one mind thus, he had not gotten a “fair shake”. The planning board does not have the experience to make the decisions being made, adding that Crockett Meadows is one of the nicest developments in Haywood County.

Alderman Taylor questioned why 47 Johnson Branch Road was not listed on the mailed notice list.

The Clerk was unsure. The addresses came from the tax scroll and the land records CD.

Mr. Blyth stated he would not tolerate lying; that everything should be above board alleging that the second development has been held up for one year.

Mr. Blyth felt the meetings should be held in the evenings making it easier for people to attend. The meetings should also be streamlined by keeping the members focused and dealing with issues at hand.

Connie Dennis

Ms. Dennis has lived in the area for sixteen years. Ms. Dennis felt Maggie Valley needs the income from tourism year-round and the connection to Cherokee should be promoted.

Ms. Dennis was not familiar with the Strategic /Comprehensive Plan.

If appointed Ms. Dennis looks at issues from a human- approach and does not make decisions in haste nor would she take the position lightly.

Council recessed from 2:35 p.m. until 2:40 p.m.

Council discussed if there was a conflict of interest for people to sit on both the planning board and the zoning board of adjustment. Getting good applicants for both boards is difficult.

Alderman DeMeola felt the planning board, along with the planner should draft by-laws for the appearance committee for aldermen approval. The board should seek out one long time resident to sit on the board.

Council asked that Mr. Blyth come to the public hearing regarding the zoning of Campbell Creek with a timeline of events and documentation.

There being no further business to address, on motion of Alderman DeMeola, seconded by Alderman Taylor, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

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Jo Pinter, Mayor

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Vickie Best, CMC Town Clerk