Decision approved with one vote opposed

A public hearing was held this week to address a special use application permit for the creation of a 50-unit apartment complex adjacent to Sanctuary Village located on Crisp Street. The complex, termed Sanctuary Terrace, is an affordable housing complex to be based upon family income.

Town Manager Sam Greenwood’s employment contract was extended for two more years with little discussion at this month’s regular Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen meeting, held Monday night, March 1.

Greenwood is employed by the town for 1,000 hours per year and, according to his employment contract, is paid $68,270 annually with $10,000 contributed annually to his retirement plan and $500 provided monthly for travel.

The contract states that “the town recognizes that the furtherance of town interests includes the social entertainment of various individuals and groups” and “participation at business and social meetings and functions of various community organizations and agencies.” In addition to Greenwood’s salary, retirement and travel allowances, he is also allotted $750 annually for organization membership dues as well as a provided cell phone.

Alderman Bob Scott asked if Greenwood was provided with both a car and travel allowances due to the wording of the contract. Greenwood said he is not provided a vehicle by the town.

Alderman Joyce Handley made a motion to renew the contract. It passed with one opposing vote.

Scott voted against the contract renewal. “I voted against the contract with Sam Greenwood because I believe it is not in the best interest of the Town of Franklin to continue this two-year contract without looking for a permanent, full-time town manager,” said Scott. “It bothers me that the town board has not advertised for this position although it was my understanding that Mr. Greenwood was to serve two years during which the town would begin a search for a town manager. I was concerned two years ago when the town did not advertise the town manager position and that was why I voted against it at that time.”

According to an online poll conducted by The Macon County News over the last week, 84.5 percent of those who responded said they do not support a part-time town manager position with a salary of $85,000 per year. Only 15.5 percent said they do support Greenwood’s salary and benefits package.

Housing development receives special use application

“The public hearing is the final step in the process,” said Land Use Administrator Michael Grubermann. However, no one came to speak at the hearing.

“The development conforms to the low income housing tax credit as administered by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency,” said Grubermann, a credit applied to the developer. He said the plan complies with the town’s Unified Development Ordinance and was approved and recommended by the town planning board. A traffic impact study will be completed, and all property owners within 400 feet of the project have been notified of the plans.

The application was approved unanimously.

Revisions to sign ordinance pass

Revisions to the town sign ordinance passed with one opposing vote: Alderman Jerry Evans. He said he was against the sign ordinance when it was initiated several years ago. “I am a business man,” said Evans, adding that he feels the sign ordinance is not very business friendly.

Grubermann said the revisions simplified some areas of the original document, completed in 2004. Grubermann indicated that old signs should be altered or fixed to comply with the ordinance. “That’s the only was for us to move forward,” he said, adding that signage restrictions should help make the town’s corridors more attractive. To view the ordinance, visit Town Hall.

Water improvements bid awarded

The board awarded a bid of $471,798 to Buckeye Construction Company of Canton for the East Main Street water and sewer system improvements. Buckeye Construction was the low bidder for the project out of eight bids received. The project consists of the installation of approximately 4,800 linear feet of new 12-inch and 8- inch water line and 1,200 linear feet of new 8-inch sewer line.

The Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen will meet will again at Town Hall on Monday, April 5 at 7 p.m.