Before he left the Board of Commissioners to raucous applause and a standing ovation, Phil Pickett joined the other Commissioners in unanimously approving a North Carolina Department of Transportation proposal to repave Main Street at the state's expense as compensation for a largely botched patching job over the summer. The accomodation was fashioned by re-elected incumbent Albert Yount, on his own initiative after meeting with state officials.

The Commissioners approved an amended agreement with the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce to use the Maple Street Parking Lot and Ice House for the 2012 Blue Ridge Wine Festival from April 11-16, 2012. In place of a five-year event agreement with option for renewal, the language was changed to a five year agreement with automatic renewal unless previous notice was given by the Commissioners.  The Council also approved a proposed permanent anchor placement system that is designed to eliminate the need for annual temporary tent stake placement on the lot, hopefully preventing incidences such as occurred during the 2011 event when high winds caused the tent to collapse.

A final "Sound Survey" report was received by the Commissioners from Watts Services, Inc., with supporting documentation, that provided data on noise problems arising from the heating and air conditioning system at the new Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM). While the BRAHM-financed report concluded that significant improvements were gained by BRAHM's noise abatement-focused improvements, including contruction of fencing around HVAC units, installation of compressor blankets for noise abatement, installation of noise abatement blankets on enclosure walls, installation of landscaping, securing any loose HVAC sheet metal, and three decibel tests.

No action was taken other than hearing the report.  Ann and Mike Rhyne, who own a residence and rental property adjacent to the BRAHM and parking structure complex, made passionate appeals to the Commissioners that the noise created by the HVAC unit was still at unacceptable levels.  While acknowledging that everyone concerned had worked hard at solving the problem, the noted that they had objected to the location of the HVAC position when first shown the plans and suggested that it be moved. "Then it would only have cost the amount for (a new design)," Mrs. Rhyne stated. "Now relocating it is still the solution."  Added Mr. Rhyne, "We can only urge the Council to do the right thing."

With the close of business, Mayor J.B. Lawrence recognized outgoing Commissioner Phil Pickett, who received a standing ovation in acknowledging his service on the Board of Commissioners.

Then Town Clerk Sharon Greene administered the oath of office to re-elected Mayor J.B. Lawrence, when officiated the swearing in of re-elected Commissioner Albert Yount and newly elected Commissioner Dan Phillips.

The Council heard miscellaneous department reports on various projects' progress before adjourning.

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