Town of Maggie Valley

Special Called Planning Board Meeting

July 29, 2004

MINUTES

Members Present: Chairman Pat Tilley, Billy Breede, Billy Case, and Jerry Zerbock

Members Absent: Richard Pierce and Joann Lyons

Staff Present: Manager Scott Buffkin and Town Clerk Vickie Best

Others Present: Dan and Lindia Massey

Meeting Called to Order

Chairman Tilley called the meeting to order at 3:13 p.m. on Thursday July 29, 2004 in the Town Hall Boardroom.

Oath of Office

The Clerk administered the oath of office to Mr. Breede and Case.

Campbell Creek Watershed Areas

A special called informational meeting will be held Tuesday August 3, 2004 to talk with the residents of the Campbell Creek area.

Regulations are enforced through the county limiting construction/impervious surfaces to 12% and 24% in the critical watershed area.

The planning board felt the designated zoning of the Campbell Creek watershed area should be Residential 1.

Increased Lot Sizes

The Planning Board will conduct a presentation to the Board of Aldermen in September.

Erosion Control

Due to problems with sediment and erosion control within the corporate limits as well as out laying areas that directly impact residents within town, the planning board felt erosion control should be handled through the town rather than through the county. The town could regulate a half acre or more of disturbed land. Currently Maggie Valley is operating under the State and County guidelines of an acre or more.

Planned Unit Development

Mr. Zerbock is gathering information pertaining to planned unit developments.

Chasing Lights

Mr. Massey submitted a petition with over 150 names of people wanting chasing lights. The petition did not include addresses.

Mr. Massey is requesting:

4All arrows must be attached to or be a message board.

4All lights must have a four second hold then chase.

4Allow an additional 32 square feet above the allowed 125 square feet for animation only.

4Allow chasing lights on eaves and columns of buildings.

4Any deviation from these rules would have to be approved by the aldermen.

State law allows advertising for business being conducted on premise.

Mr. Massey declared that chasing lights would improve business and make the town look more alive with activity.

Although signs are designed to get people’s attention, Chairman Tilley felt flashing lights on signs distracts drivers.

After further discussion, the board felt it would be wise to wait until after Dr. Cooper’s presentation on the strategic/comprehensive plan before proposing to amend the zoning ordinance.

Many resort towns are limiting signage rather than increasing size and flash.

Lights on roof lines and columns are already allowed.

Manager Buffkin informed the board that the sign ordinance can be changed at any time adding that a Cracker Barrel Restaurant wanting to locate in a town adjacent to the interstate was successful in getting the sign ordinance changed to allow for larger signs.

The definition for flashing signs per Maggie Valley Sign Ordinance reads:

A sign that incorporates flashing or blinking lights, or a sign with moving parts or parts which simulate movement, including signs or lights on signs reflecting or emitting a glaring light that could impair driver vision.

Signs are a big issue with everyone and can easily change the character of a town.

The planning board recognizes the need to entice tourist but questioned the idea of chasing lights being the answer. There is no data to confirm the speculation.

Mr. Massey disagreed. People from a wide area go to Gatlinburg to see the Christmas lights.

The TDA and Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce help to make Maggie Valley a destination. The town is charged with infrastructure and land use planning.

Mr. Pierce disagreed adding that the town is charged with helping businesses to attract people. Maggie Valley is the hub from which visitors travel to other locations. Tourist dollars are going elsewhere.

Mr. Zerbock reminded the board that in the past the planning board has touched on light pollution and agreed to add light pollution to the list of issues to address.

Mr. Breede agreed, adding that there must be continuity throughout the town. As for excitement, in a town, you need every shop and store to be open with bands playing and activities such as people making wares and crafts lining the streets. These activities should be organized by the chamber of commerce. Waynesville has done an outstanding job with the down town association especially with the improvements such as the cobblestone sidewalk with benches and trees. Mr. Breede felt signs and lights have little to do with luring people to your business district.

Mr. Zerbock felt the business community should attract tourist but should also attract residents to shop and eat within the town.

Again, the board members stressed the need to wait until after the strategic and comprehensive plan is presented and adopted before making a decision on chasing lights.

Mr. Pierce reiterated that the strategic/comprehensive plan is not the “end all” there is room for change depending on how the issues best fit Maggie Valley.

There being no further business to discuss, on motion by Mr. Breede, seconded by Mr. Pierce, the meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.

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Patricia Tilley, Chairman

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Vickie Best, CMC, Town Clerk