The Highlands Town Board met Thursday and the agenda included approval of the final plat in Sunset Rock Estates Subdivision, the Highway 106 sidewalk, and accolades for local firefighters.
Highlands Fire Chief Ryan Gearhart addressed the board regarding a contract with Macon County. Following his presentation, there was a firefighter pinning ceremony to celebrate the first responders.
“As you all know, it has been a goal of mine for a long time to have paid firemen,” Gearhart said. “The fire department was able to staff six full-time, paid positions, and continues to run with volunteers as well.”
For the A-shift, Gearhart mentioned Lieutenant Travis Brooks, accompanied and pinned by wife Devin Brooks, and firefighter Jacob Pressler, pinned by girlfriend Maggie Masters.
Brooks has been with the Highlands Fire Department for six years and has completed EMT certifications from Southwestern Community College. Pressler has five years of fire service and will soon complete his level two firefighter certifications before moving onto EMT basics.
For the B-shift, Gearhart introduced Lieutenant Matt Pruett, pinned by wife Emily Pruett, and firefighter Clay Gibson, pinned by girlfriend Brandy Dills.
Pruett has 15 years of service under his belt along with years of EMT and paramedic work. He is a level one fire instructor and level two firefighter. Gibson has eight years of fire service and will soon complete firefighter level two training before EMT basics.
Finally, Gearhart announced C-shift Lieutenant Jeff Burnette, pinned by wife Sarah. Burnette, who holds 17 years of fire service experience, is a level one fire instructor, level two firefighter, and has completed EMT basics.
“I would like to say thank you to these guys. They make my life a lot easier and hopefully make your lives a lot easier,” Gearhart said. “I wanted to do this so you could put a face to the name when you see them out and about in the town. If you need anything, give us a call.”
Comments and reports
Alice Nelson spoke in front of commissioners regarding opposition to plans for a sidewalk around the future Sanctuary on 1st subdivision. Nelson thinks the sidewalk was unnecessary for many reasons, including the fact there are already sidewalks around the property toward The Bascom, the removal of trees, and a lack of danger and/or pressing safety needs.
Mayor Patrick Taylor then discussed his reports. He said there will be possible committee openings heading into 2024 and he encouraged interested citizens to go to the town office, located at 210 N. 4th Street, for applications. He gave recognition to Maxine and Steve Ramey, Craig James, David Ledford, and Norman Howell for their service to Highlands. They are all heading into retirement.
Taylor applauded the poll workers and encouraged eligible citizens to vote. Early voting is available at the Highlands Civic Center and Recreation Park Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early voting ends Nov. 4, which is election day.
The commissioners then discussed the pending Sunset Rock Estates Subdivision. The final plat was presented to the planning board in September. The planning board recommended approval of the plat. The applicant is waiting for the town to install water and sewer access along Gibson Street. The contractor has 150 days to complete the job. The board of commissioners approved the final plat.
The planning department received requests to install a 59-foot-long fence along 258 N. 5th Street. The proposed fence would be located at least 12 feet from the edge of North 5th Street and stand around five feet tall. The homeowner wants the fence for privacy reasons and to limit foot traffic and pet waste.
Commissioner Amy Patterson said she can’t see a reason to put the fence on public property unless there is an absolute need. She believes it could lead to right-of-way complications.
“We need those right-of-ways and we need them to be unencumbered,” Patterson said. “We can’t do our job as efficiently or effectively if we have to take [the fence] down. We have right-of-ways for a reason.”
The board of commissioners unanimously rejected the request for the fence following a motion from Patterson.
NC106 sidewalk
The NC 106 sidewalk discussions continued and ultimately moved forward following board action. The board of commissioners had been in discussion with both the NCDOT and homeowners at Shelby Place about the location of the proposed sidewalk. Shelby Place previously expressed support for the project under set criteria, but they are no longer in support of an elevated walkway around Shelby Place property.
Public Works Director, Lamar Nix, and Town Manager, Josh Ward, met with the NCDOT about an alternative solution with a crosswalk near Dusty’s Superette. NCDOT would permit the crosswalk across the south side, but they would prefer it stay on just the north side.
The board of commissioners made a motion, and approved, proceeding with the sidewalk along the north side of 106 to Cobb Road from the post office. They also made a motion to design the sidewalk and submit for grant funding. If crosswalks are needed, they will be discussed in the future.