Town of Maggie Valley

Budget Workshop for the Board of Aldermen

June 7, 2004

MINUTES

Members Present: Mayor Jo Pinter Aldermen: Linda Taylor, Mark DeMeola, Phil Aldridge, and Jim Higel

Staff Present: Manager Scott Buffkin, Clerk Vickie Best, and Public Works Director Mike Mehaffey

Mayor Pinter called the workshop to order at 12:15 p.m. on Monday June 7, 2004

Because of recent events that have now led to an investigation of the Paper Town Association, council discussed a Destination Market Association (DMO) as a government entity. A DMO would be an association that everyone could support not just the lodging association. A DMO would help the town to receive grant funding. The TDA and Haywood County Commissioners allocate the funds received from bed tax. There is fear that funds will be cut, thus creating a hardship on all visitor centers.

If in the future, an additional tax were levied on merchants, a DMO would be in place to administer the tax funds.

Alderman Taylor stated that the “down side” of creating a DMO would be the chamber members and staff conceiving a DMO as a threat to their purpose.

Alderman Higel and Aldridge were unsure of the issue and asked that more information/details be provided.

ALDERMAN ALDRIDGE MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING A DMO AND INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITIES WHILE IN RALEIGH.

ALDERMAN TAYLOR SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED.

Council will talk with legislators during town hall day in Raleigh and set up a meeting with Jim Hobbs.

Report from the Finance Committee

Mr. Jim Blythe and Bob Ruhlman met with Chief Sutton and went over each line in the police department’s budget. Mr. Ruhlman explained that the meeting lasted over three hours and was very intense. Chief Sutton was very cooperative and explained the budget to their satisfaction. Mr. Blythe and Ruhlman felt Chief Sutton was conservative in his request. The Police Department needs to be relocated away from Town Hall. An evidence room is desperately needed. Chief Sutton also needs to be given latitude in making salary adjustments.

Mr. Blythe suggested giving Chief Sutton a lump sum of money for him to distribute as he sees needed. There should be more funds allocated for uniforms. Chief Sutton searches and applies for grants. Both Mr. Ruhlman and Blythe had no idea of the amount of crime in Maggie Valley. The County Sheriff’s department would not take over law enforcement in Maggie Valley for less than $800,000 per year although the County and Waynesville police department have a great relationship with Maggie Valley and stand ready if back up is needed.

Alderman Aldridge thanked both gentlemen for their time and effort and suggested that committees be appointed to work with the departments all year long.

Mayor Pinter agreed adding that most people want a twenty-four hour- seven day a week police department.

Mr. Blythe suggested getting the information out to the public that there are only six full time officers and the rest are working auxiliary. People should be made aware that there is only one officer on duty most of the time. Staffing level is to the minimum and the PD still remain open.

Mr. Ruhlman stated that the Police Department does not even have a generator to power the department in the event of a catastrophe or a terrorist attack.

Speaking of a terrorist attack, Mayor Pinter responded that she had been told by Congressman Taylor that Maggie Valley is the safest place because of being on the valley floor thus not getting as much fall out from Oak Ridge.

Mr. Ruhlman reminded council that the water department has no protection for the water supply. Terrorist often target rural areas. Maggie Valley PD is proactive.

Alderman Aldridge agreed with Mr. Blythe and Ruhlman’s recommendation.

Road Maintenance

Council approved an additional $50,000 for road maintenance. Powell Bill and the General Fund will purchase new snow removal equipment.

Alderman Taylor had concerns about the funds being in paving. There were previous discussions about maintaining roads at their current level.

The appropriation in last year’s budget was $26,000. The first budget submitted by Manager Buffkin reflected a .35 cent tax rate. The remaining four cents reflecting a .39 cent tax rate was put in road improvements.

Donations

Council approved the following donations.

EElk Foundation $1,000

E Clean County $100

EMountain Mediation $100

ECentennial Committee $2,000

E EDC $500

E Good Samaritan $100

E Fire House $100

Council commended the Centennial Committee for their dedication in making the celebration a success.

All agencies making a request for a donation must provide the proper paperwork before receiving money.

Mr. Blythe informed Council that the Elk Foundation will be meeting on Sunday at J Arthur’s Restaurant.

Mayor’s Pay

Mayor Pinter asked that the monthly salary allocated for Mayor’s pay be placed in a line item to be used for traveling, meals, entertaining officials, etc.

Alderman DeMeola felt it a good will jester for Mayor Pinter to use her pay to enable council to strengthen relationships with legislators and surrounding officials.

Cost of Living Raise

Council approved a 2% COL raise for the employees. Alderman Higel suggested giving the department heads the lump sum allowing the department head to decide how the funds should be distributed. “The department head knows how the employees perform and should be given the latitude to make those decisions.”

Alderman Aldridge agreed adding that council is not trying to take from the employees but rather trying to survive and improve services to the tax payer. “We need to work on the budget all year long.”

Alderman Higel stated that he receives complaints that council always gives raises.

Alderman Taylor felt each employee should receive the 2% COL and let the department head give a portion of their COL to their employees if they so desire.

Some employees may deserve more than the 2%; especially if more duties are assigned. Police Officer Henson and Moody are going to be asked to help with code violations. Alderman Higel agreed but added that new employees should not be given a raise so soon after employment.

Space Needs Assessment

Manager Buffkin met with the space needs expert that is currently working with Waynesville. Manager Buffkin expects a proposal that will be close to $10,000.

Building Improvements

It would be cost effective to lower the ceiling, install air conditioning in the board room, and install new windows. Manager Buffkin will explore the options.

Festival Grounds

Council has discussed fencing and signage at the festival grounds several months now. The Town is responsible for making the festival ground payments and will expend the funds to install a decorative fence and gate (along the front). In an effort to avoid taxpayers having to pay the monthly installments on the reader board sign, Alderman Higel suggested selling advertising spots to generate funds.

Manager Buffkin will solicit bids for Council to award a contract at the June 15, 2004 meeting.

The town will continue to seek grant funding for the festival grounds. Manager Buffkin will contact Pigeon River Fund to see if a stream bank stabilization grant would be possible. Council would like to see picnic tables and a walking trail along the back of the festival grounds along Jonathan Creek.

The public works department will move the chain link fence along the back.

Bids will be solicited for both decorative fencing with rock columns and gates as well as stucco columns. Council will award the bid at the June 15, 2004 meeting.

To eliminate interruptions, the electric needs will be addressed after the tourist season ends. To date there have been no complaints from promoters about using generators.

Council then discussed the silo mural. The color seems to not be penetrating the surface of the concrete and the elk should be larger and more visible.

Council was also concerned about the length of time it is taking to complete the mural. Public Works Director Mike Mehaffey had the bucket truck waiting and Mr. Perry never showed up for work. Nothing has been done on the back side of the silo.

ON MOTION BY ALDERMAN HIGEL, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN ALDRIDGE THE WORKSHOP RECESSED UNTIL 1:00 P.M. ON JUNE 14, 2004.

MOTION CARRIED.

The meeting recessed at 4:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Monday June 14, 2004.

____________________________________

Jo Pinter, Mayor

ATTEST:

________________________________________

Vickie Best, CMC

Town Clerk