Some town residents take advantage of offer of cash for proof of vaccination

So far, 88 Hayesville town residents have taken advantage of the town council’s offer last month to receive a $100 “token of appreciation” for offering proof they have been vaccinated against the Covic-19 virus.

Hayesville Town Clerk/Finance Officer Susan Morgan told the Town Council Monday evening about the response to the town’s offer.

“The response has been very positive,” she said.

In Monday’s short council meeting, Mayor Harry Baughn said the November meeting will be his last before leaving office and Councilman Joe Slaton takes over. Slaton was the only person who filed for the office of mayor.

Baughn said existing street lights down Sanderson Street have been upgraded in wattage but he couldn’t see a huge difference in lighting in the area. The council agreed to pursue adding two new street lights, provided Blue Ridge EMC can add lights attached to a long overhanging arm.

The council approved a proclamation citing Saturday, Oct. 23 as Red Ribbon Day when red ribbons will be appearing on the town square to kick off Red Ribbon Week. The week is celebrated annually as the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program.

October 23 also has been designated as drug take back day when residents may turn in old prescription drugs, the mayor said.

During Monday’s meeting, the council approved two budget amendments, the first adding $2,000 to cover the installation of the street lights. Councilman Joe Slaton moved to amend the budget; Councilwoman Lauren Tiger offered the second.

Mayor Baughn said the State of North Carolina has come through with a grant of $58,000 for pedestrian and biking trails.  Because the town must supply a 10 percent match and had expected a grant of only $20,000, the budget required an amendment upping the amount from $2,000 to $5,000.

Councilman Austin Hedden moved for the amendment and Councilwoman Tiger seconded.

Newly minted Hayesville Zoning Administrator Sandy Benson gave the council an update on how well she is adapting to her new office and duties.  She said her work continues on getting organized and learning the ropes and praised the mayor for giving her a tour and introducing her around to county officials.

Since the last council meeting she said her office has issued a sign permit and is following up on a nuisance compliant.

The Board of Adjustment cancelled its October meeting since no applications had been received. That board’s next regularly scheduled meeting date is Nov. 11.

The Planning and Zoning Board’s next meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26. That date was chosen in lieu of a November date because Town Hall is a polling place on that board’s regularly scheduled November meeting time.

Mayor Baughn said he has been made aware of partygoers in the lower parking lot below Town Hall. He said he has discussed the matter with the sheriff and new security cameras are being installed to cover that area.

Halloween this year again will have drive-through trick or treating on the square, the mayor said. Festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Before Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting, the Town Council held a public hearing on changes to the town’s Zoning and Sign Ordinance. The changes were mandated by the state so that local regulations comply with state building codes. No members of the public appeared to comment on the changes.

The council met in closed session to change the Hayesville Town Attorney from Nolan Smith, who is in Murphy, to local attorney Paul Lipof.