By Lorraine Bennett
Staff Writer
The Hayesville Town Council divided $4,500 in grants among four local non-profits Monday evening and heard details on a proposed project to improve landscaping around Town Hall.
The council had received proposals from the four recipients, the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association, the Peacock Performing Arts Center, REACH of Clay County and the Clay County Historical & Arts Council.
The CCCRA and Peacock Playhouse each had requested $1,500, REACH had asked for $750 and the Historical & Arts Council did not specify an amount in its request.
After some discussion over whether to just divide the available funds evenly among the four, the council voted to award $1,500 each to CCCRA and the Peacock Playhouse and $750 each to REACH and the Historical & Arts Council.
Councilwoman Lauren Tiger made the final motion and Councilman Harry Baughn offered the second. According to the requests presented, the Peacock Playhouse will use the funds for interior painting and REACH will use its funds for a new hot water heater.
Before Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting the council held a public hearing on the Town of Hayesville’s proposed 2024-2025 budget. No members of the public appeared to offer comments and the budget of $296,423.69 was approved without discussion.
Tiger made the motion to approve the budget as presented and Baughn seconded.
Landscape designer Linda Milt presented ideas for a proposed planting plan around the Town Hall area. She said the project could be accomplished in stages, beginning with removal of overgrown shrubbery, amending the soil and working on the flower beds.
Clay County Master Gardeners and Historic Hayesville Inc. have assisted in planting and tending the area in front of Town Hall and it is a profusion of blooms, prompting Milt to say of that area, “I wouldn’t touch it.”
She said some shrubs are overgrown in front of the windows and she would recommend removing them, adding low-growing hollies and planting dianthus in front of the hollies.
She recommended transplanting some hostas, taking out invasive privets and adding junipers and hydrangeas.
When the council questioned her about cost, Milt said she does not do installations and hesitated to estimate what someone else might charge for plants and labor. She estimated $1,200 might be needed to cover plant costs alone.
David Alsobrook, co-president of Clay County Master Gardeners, who also attended the council meeting, said some volunteer labor could be provided for the project. He agreed that buying the plants, amending the soil and adding mulch could be done in phases.
Historic Hayesville Inc.’s Sandy Zimmerman said Lowe’s has given past discounts when plants are purchased for the Hayesville Square and Town Hall areas and might do so again.
Milt said autumn would be a great time for the project.
Under old business, Town Clerk/Finance Officer Suzanne Hedden said the town is successfully transitioning its telephone service from Frontier to Blue Ridge Mountain EMC/Ellijay. She said Frontier is calculating what its final bill will be.
Zoning Administrator Ron Wallace told the council updated zoning ordinances and signage regulations are almost ready to go on the town’s website.
The Board of Adjustment and Planning and Zoning Board have no meetings this month, he said.
Wallace offered the council a slide presentation on work completed on Mayor’s Park and the bridge installation over Town Creek. Mayor Joe Slaton said the park is 95 percent finished and open for walking.
After its regular meeting the council went into closed session but took no action, the mayor said.