By David Rogers. January 10, 2011. BLOWING ROCK -- We will have a more detailed report later tonight, but more than one issue considered by the Town Commissioners at tonight's Town Council meeting have generated significant dialogue, pro and con, around Blowing Rock of late. The meeting was moved to Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM). Starting shortly after 5 pm, it lasted until approximately 8:30 pm, with an estimated 140 people in attendance.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. A conditional use permit request was approved by the Commissioners, clearing the way for Stonetree Development, Inc. to renovate the construction office of Ebco Builders at 8433 Valley Blvd. and convert the space to a Subway restaurant. The subject property is zoned "GB" (General Business). The vote for approval was unanimous.
2. A town code amendment was passed as proposed by staff and approved by the Planning Board to maintain restrictions on gun possession at Memorial Park, Davant Field, and Robbins Swimming Pool. The vote for approval was split, 3-2, with Albert Yount, Doug Matheson, and Jim Steele were in favor.  Dan Phillips and Tommy Klutz opposed.
3. A resolution was passed authorizing Parks & Recreation to file a grant application to the North Carolina Park & Recreation Trust Fund, for American Legion Building improvements. The vote was unanimous.

OLD BUSINESS

1. A resolution was passed authorizing a corporate offer to exchange town property with the U.S. Park Service in order to acquire the Town Water Reservoir. The vote was unanimous.

NEW BUSINESS

1. A resolution was passed approving the concept of a Watauga County consolidated communications center, without a binding obligation of the Town to participate once all of the facts, circumstances and costs are known and been considered. The vote was unanimous.
2. A resolution was passed approving the 2010 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazardous Mitigation Plan Update. The vote was unanimous.
3. A property tax refund request was approved. The vote was unanimous.

There were no speakers from the floor and no depearmental reports.

Comments: