Commissioner John Dotson
At the Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, Commissioner John Dotson announced he will step down from his position, effective Dec. 31. The longtime commissioner, who has served on the board since being sworn in on Dec. 5, 2007, said he is looking to downsize his commitments and hopes his successor will share similar philosophies.
“I would like to thank the mayor and commissioners and town board and certainly the community of Highlands for their support,” said Dotson. “It’s been my complete, absolute honor and privilege to serve the citizens of the town of Highlands.”
Dotson wishes to spend more time with his wife and family and focus on his real-estate business. The board will begin the process of appointing a new commissioner in the new year.
Festival safety concerns
Chief Andrea J. Holland of the Highlands Police Department submitted a statement regarding concerns about the Highlands Food and Wine Festival. She said increased attendance created several hazards that hindered law enforcement, emergency services and overall public safety. Crowd congestion and excessive drinking led to multiple medical incidents, including two cases in which individuals fell and struck their heads. Following the conclusion of the event, some attendees berated officers and refused to leave.
“Given the ongoing safety and operational challenges, consideration should be given to whether this location remains suitable for hosting the event in future years,” said Holland.
The board hopes to sit down for a workshop with the festival’s organizers in January to discuss ways to address these issues.
Hudson Library renovations
Hudson Library Foundation Board of Trustees member Andy Chmar, President Philip Curcuru and Hank Ross of Ross Landscape Architecture, PLLC, presented their renovation plans for the Hudson Library, which has gone without major upgrades since 1985.
The interior plan features two additional study and conference rooms, an updated quiet reading area, new furniture, shelving and lighting, a covered pavilion and a designated young adult space.
“I think there is a limited amount of safe places in town for young adults,” said Curcuru. “So, I think having this one that they feel like is their own is really important.”
The exterior plan includes a walking trail, native plantings, bench seating, stone bridges and a water feature. While 85% of the funds needed for the outdoor space have been raised, the foundation needs an additional $1.5 million to complete the full project.
“We have been a bargain to this county since 1989, when the agreement was signed at $1 a year,” said Chmar. “We’re going to ask them to support this because we are their constituents and they’ve spent more than a dime, but not much more in the last 30 years.”
The next steps involve signing a contract with Futral Enterprises, the leading contractor, and presenting to the Macon County Board of Commissioners in December. Mayor Patrick Taylor asked that the group return to the Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners afterward to discuss potential partnerships.
Other business
The board approved the Hardscrabble Subdivision preliminary and final plans and the $13,555.05 payment for the remaining cost of the Little Bear Pen caution light project, pending a budget amendment at the December meeting.
A motion was also approved to begin negotiations on a maximum price with Kompan Inc., which was recommended to design and build the ADA-accessible playground at Harris Lake Park.
“Kompan Inc. received a selection due to the company’s experience and ability to design, manufacture and install their product,” said Town Manager Josh Ward. “The company also offers a selection of wooden materials as preferred for this project.”
The town has raised $1.56 million out of the estimated $1.6 million budget.
In other news, the construction of the third electrical circuit on Cashiers Road has concluded and will likely be connected by the end of Thanksgiving week. The board will open bids for the fourth circuit on Franklin Road on Dec 2.
K-9 Xena, the last active K9 in the Highlands Police Department, was approved for retirement and will be purchased by Officer John Cherry for $1.
The next board meeting will be held on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and will be preceded by a workshop.
- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com