Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05

Avery Commissioners Hold Monthly Meeting

Story by Ron Fitzwater

The Avery County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting Monday, May 7, and addressed several agenda items, among them a resolution in support of House Bill 262 and Senate Bill 238, legislation to provide additional funds to improve the eligibility of fire departments to receive statewide grants, a proclamation to make May Workforce Development Professionals Month in Avery County and approval of a lease agreement between the Avery County Airport Authority and Ryan Airplane Company.

Additionally, the board approved a request from R.D. Daniels of Avery Senior Services for a letter of support asking the Social Security Administration to resume providing a visiting representative to the county on a regular monthly basis. However, funding is currently unavailable for the service, although courtesy visits by an SSA staff member are scheduled for Tuesday, May 15, and Tuesday, June 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. County Manager Robert Wiseman informed the board that in the past a representative from Social Security was regularly scheduled for county visits available and the need continues. However, SSA funding is currently uncertain, and the SSA district manager could not commit to visits after June.

The board also approved several items by consensus. The board expressed support for NCDOT feasibility studies on traffic safety and efficient movement of vehicles on Highways 184 and 194. The towns of Seven Devils, Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain and Banner Elk requested the studies. The board also agreed to a request to exempt the Avery YMCA from paying the permit fee for Phase II of renovations.

The board announced an active meeting schedule for the remainder of the month. Meetings of key interest are budget workshops on May 9 and 21, both at 3:00 p.m.; a special meeting concerning the proposed quarry on Burleson Bald Mountain, followed by a public hearing for development moratorium on May 14 beginning at 6:30 p.m.; and a state public hearing on the proposed quarry on May 22 at the Avery County Courthouse at 7:00 p.m.