Hayesville's town council members decided to forego their April meeting in order to maintain social distancing. Hayesville Mayor Harry Baughn said the group will meet in May. "The April meeting agenda was very light so a cancellation was not significant," Baughn explained. "However, May will be more important, so I sincerely hope we can meet openly. Worst case, we will comply with the 10 person limit and live stream."
Baughn said the May council meeting is needed to review the proposed budget for the new fiscal year, which begins July 1. After the council reviews the budget, they can offer adjustments, then give approval to hold a public hearing about the budget in June. "There may be some adjustments needed to the current budget as the year winds down," he said. "Also, the council will review grant applications from non-profits that are eligible within the city limits for possible awards in June. So, May will be a 'must have' meeting."
Neither Hayesville Planning and Zoning, nor Hayesville Board of
Adjustment will meet this month, according to Zoning Administrator George Schaaf. Planning and zoning has no pending applications. "The board has started a review of ordinance text to eliminate duplication, obsolete terminology and to improve layout for easier reference," Schaff said. "This is some- thing we can work on via email exchanges." The Hayesville Board of Adjustment has one pending application, which is a Special Use Application from the Hayesville Church of Christ at the intersection of Highway 64 West and Old 64. Schaaf said the church's request
is for an electronic sign with a streaming message. A permit was issued to operate the sign in fixed copy mode. "They are satisfied to running a fixed copy sign until the board meets again," he said. Schaaf has been working from home, but he has all town zoning records downloaded to a laptop and can issue sign permits, as well as zoning compliance certificates and more. "If a hardship situation requires a meeting, we are looking into doing it by phone conference call and confirming votes by email," he said.
In addition, Schaaf reported Bert Schafer was appointed to the Hayesville Board of Adjustment by the Clay County Board of Commissioners to serve the unexpired term of John Mazza, who has resigned. Schafer lives in Riverwalk, which is within the town's extended jurisdiction. "Bert is an active volunteer in the community and serves as a Guardian ad litem volunteer representing minors in court for custody and other youth issues," Schaaf added. "I believe he will be a great addition to the board."
Hayesville Town Hall is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call (828) 389-1862.