Funding request for Civil War Days draws Council concern

A renewed Civil War Days won funding approval from the Town Council, but at least two Council members said they wanted to reconsider how such funds are spent.

The Yellow Trail Museum asked for $1,300 to again hold what had become a semi-regular event. This year's Civil War Days is planned for May 3rd through the 5th. The money would come from economic development income tax revenues that the town has slated for projects to increase tourism and spending in the town. Of that $500 would go for musical entertainment, $300 would go to fees for special presentations, and $500 for supplies, medical programs and kids activities.

However, Town Council members Clyde Compton and Ohmer Miller both expressed their frustrations with the EDIT applications and how the money is doled out. Compton and Miller also serve on the committee that oversees EDIT fund recommendations and both voted against the proposal at the committee level, before it came before the full council.

Compton said that he thought the request was for too much money especially for an event that has not been held in five to six years. He also said that the fact that a Masonic car show is scheduled on the Town Square for the same weekend indicated to him a lack of planning on the part of organizers.

Miller said that he was tired of groups coming for EDIT funding who had not done their own fund-raising. He said that as a business owner, he might have personally donated to such a proposal, but he was never asked.

"My concern is that people in the community feel like the EDIT money is something that they can come to and get money for any project or anything that goes on." Miller said.

Ultimately, Miller voted with Council members Nellie Meek and Jerry Bragg to approve the funding, with Compton voting against the proposal. Ed Johnson recused himself from the decision and discussion because his wife Barb is active in the museum's operations. Both Compton and Miller said the council should re-evaluate how these proposals are made and approved.

Meek has long suggested changes to the makeup of the committee that makes EDIT recommendations. She advocates only allowing town residents to serve on the committee, instead of allowing others to participate. Two committee members, Hope library branch manager Dave Miller and downtown business owner Vickie Tedder both serve on the committee but do not live in the town.

Other council members have continued to allow Miller and Tedder to serve.

In other business before the council last week:

• Council members sent a decision on a property owner's request back to the town's board of zoning appeals for a variance. The owner of 1107 Jackson St. had asked the town for permission to install a modular home on the lot, but because of the shape of the lot and the road condition it is impossible to face the front door onto an improved street. That is a requirement under town ordinances. The current street in front of the home is gravel and a variance would allow the property owner to go ahead with the project. it is already too late to get on the board of zoning appeals next meeting agenda, but the board of zoning appeals could consider holding a special meeting to expedite the process.
• Council members approved an extension of the terms of all those who serve on boards and commissions for the town. Council members have been wrangling over how those appointments are supposed to be staggered to expire at intervals and on finding people willing to participate.
• Eric Frey, with the Administrative Resources Association, said that several recent home improvement projects funded by grants have come in under budget. That will allow the town to complete work on two more homes under the owner-occupied housing improvement project.
• The Town Council and Main Street of Hope continue to hone in on a plan to improve the Town Square that will be submitted to the state for a grant request. Main Street has suggested that the town replace 43 street lights in and around the Town Square with antique-looking lights, with energy efficient bulbs, that would better illuminate the area. The current plan would be to go with a provider that is not Duke Energy. Duke would not provide the preferred style of light poles. However, Compton said that after a recent conversation with Duke officials, the company told him that if the town went with a different provider, they would rip out all of the wiring for lights in the Town Square, before letting the town use another company. That would dramatically increase the price of the lighting. Main Street director Susan Thayer-Fye said she would get clarification on the issue.