Town of Maggie Valley

Interviews for the Zoning Board of Adjustments and the Parks, Recreation, Festival Advisory Committee

March 7, 2005

Council began the interview process at 1:08 p.m. in the Town Hall Boardroom.

Applicants for the Zoning Board of Adjustment

Council interviewed the following for The Zoning Board of Adjustments:

Ron DeSimone

Garrett Anderson wishes to sit on board, however could not make the interview because he is out of town.

Connie Dennis wishes to serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustments but has previously interviewed for the Planning Board and does not want to interview again.

Mr. DeSimone is Vice- President of the Haywood County Home Builders Association. He reports the impact that local and county governments have on builders and developers in Haywood County. Mr. DeSimone attends most planning, zoning and council meetings representing the Home Builders Association.

Mr. DeSimone’s education is in engineering and has had experience with government contracts. If appointed, Mr. DeSimone will serve as a ETJ member.

Applicants for the Festival Committee

Candy Way

Sonja Michels

Becky Ramey

Judy Miller

James Carver

Teressa Smith

Larry Wilkies

Dan Massey

Wade Reese

*Saralyn Price

Shirley Pinto

*Tammy Brown

* Ms. Price and Brown were unable to attend but both desire a position on the Festival Board.

Ms. Debra Pierce, a member of the original Festival Committee, wants to serve again.

Council interviewed the applicants questioning them about experience, their expectations, how they see the future of Maggie Valley and their reason for wanting to serve on this particular board. Council also made it clear to each applicant that training is available for the Zoning Board of Adjustment members.

Both boards will require attending meetings, so each applicant was asked if they could dedicate the time needed.

All applicants applying for the festival board were optimistic about the future of the festival grounds with the main goal to bring family oriented festivals and events to Maggie Valley. The Festival Grounds could be an enormous asset to the tourist industry. The grounds should be utilized from May to October.

All applicants desired the grounds to be available to local citizens and visitors while vacant of events.

Many of the applicants stated they would assist with the festival grounds if not selected to serve on the board.

Several applicants discussed the need to get electric and lighting on the grounds and possibly other structures.

The Festival Board will be responsible for applying for grants, seeking festivals, organizing and expediting the rental process.

Subcommittees will be developed through this board.

ON MOTION BY ALDERMAN TAYLOR, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN MCELROY, THE INTERVIEW SESSION ADJOURNED AT 4:08 P.M.

________________________________

Jo Pinter, Mayor

_________________________________

Vickie Best, CMC

Town Clerk