By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — With little in the way of scheduled agenda items, the Town of Blowing Rock’s October meeting of the Board of Commissioners was one of the briefest on record, Oct. 10.
Except for approving the consent agenda and one “public comment” speaker, the meeting consisted of the various department head reports.
The public comment speaker was local resident Mike Reagan, who promoted the idea of renaming North Main Street between Valley Blvd. and the signal light at Yonahlossee Road after the late Kent Tarbutton, who owned Chetola from the 90s to his passing a few weeks ago.
“I never heard a bad word about him,” said Reagan. “He was always kind. All that he did for the Town of Blowing Rock and the business (Chetola Resort) that he ran for so long.”
Mayor Charlie Sellers thanked Reagan for his thoughts and pointed out that the town does not own North Main Street, that it is a state-owned and controlled highway. He offered, however, that they would research the possibility with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and take such a matter under consideration, if allowed.
I never heard a bad word about Kent Tarbutton.
The Consent Agenda consisted of a budget amendment (repairs to 1888 Museum), a tax release (Mountain Rentals, LLC), and to set in motion the proposed annexation of the Blowing Rock Lodge property.
With no scheduled business, Mayor Sellers went immediately into Managers and Departmental Reports:
- Mayor Sellers: expressed thanks to the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Civic Association, and the various Leadership Challenge alumni volunteers for staging the Oct. 9 Candidates Forum. He also expressed appreciation for the many citizens who attended. Sellers also explained or clarified the budget increases between 2019 and 2023, correcting what he stated was misinformation and outlining the town council’s response to citizen demands for increases in the police force, moving to a 24/7 police station walk-in capability, increases in paramedics, school resource officer, water and sewer, as welll as other infrastructure improvements.
- Commissioner Albert Yount pointed out that when he first was elected to the Council, a fully equipped police car cost $22,000. “They are now $68,000,” Yount said. he also pointed out that the Town’s debt is currently “way under” the amount that it has the authority to take on.
- Commissioner David Harwood pointed out that the statutory limit for the town’s debt is $133 million. He thanked the ABC Board for its gift to the town of $204,000. Harwood also wanted to publicly thank Interim Town Manager Kevin Rothrock for stepping into the role and having town operations continuing to run smoothly.
- Commissioner Melissa Pickett acknowledged the great participation by members of the Blowing Rock community in what she described as a very successful Candidates Forum, with one of the largest crowds, ever.
- Commissioner Doug Matheson provided highlights from the Blue Ridge Energy Community Leaders Council meeting on Sept. 26.
- Commissioner Pete Gherini noted that he had received several calls about speeding on North Main Street.
- Town Attorney Allen Moseley was introduced by Mayor Sellers as “going on an extended vacation,” retiring after 40 years of service to the Town of Blowing Rock. He will be replaced by Tucker Deal, Sellers said, “And we will try to get 40 years out of him, too.”
- Interim Town Manager Kevin Rothrock updates
- He going to Durham to attend a municipal finance class
- He has interviewed several candidates for the open finance director position
- Memorial Park bathrooms, progress continues and it is still on schedule
- Update on Water and Sewer line project
- Update on sidewalk project from Hill Street to the former El Rincon restaurant
- Comprehensive Plan subcommittee met last week, public workshop Oct. 30 at American Legion Bldg., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Automated water meter reading installation update
- Capital financing load of $665,000 for various items, including vehicle, communications building, trailer
- Halloween Festival is approaching, slated for Saturday, Oct. 28
- Child care facility has some detail work to finish up
At the conclusion of the departmental, commissioners and manager reports, the town council went into closed session for informational purposes.
