The Franklin Town Council met for its annual retreat this past weekend and identified priorities for the coming year.
The retreat began the evening of Friday, Feb. 17 at Town Hall with the staff and council members listing their top concerns in the following categories: policies, infrastructure, operations, economic development/tourism, recreation/culture/beautification, and other. In order to set the priorities, each council member was given a colored round circle to place on the items they felt of the most importance. Going into Saturday’s portion of the retreat, the list had been narrowed to the following nine priorities:
Potential new ABC store location. This has been a topic for the Town Council off and on for more than 10 years. In 2012, the council considered moving the store to the then-new Walmart shopping center, but it would have required a $1.25 million loan, which was not a popular idea, and a bank denied the town’s loan application. The topic came up again in 2017 and 2018 when it was time to renew the lease on the building.
The lease for the location at Macon Plaza is $7,571.60 per month. With utilities and insurance, it totals approximately $10,000 per month, according to Town Manager Amie Owens.
“The town is considering a new location for the ABC Store, much like Highlands, as a stand-alone building rather than a leased one, as it could lead to additional revenues for the town,” Owens said. A site has not been selected, but they are continuing to look at potential locations.
Completing the recreation plan for the Whitmire property. In August the town voted to dedicate the majority of the Whitmire property for recreation. Of the 12.7-acre tract about 6.5 acres would be for recreation. Construction of the new skate park is slated to begin there in June. About 4.5 acres will be considered for residential or possible mixed use, with the remainder left undeveloped for possible use in the future. The town is currently conducting a citizen survey to gather input on what type of recreation people would like to see there. The online survey is available on the town website, franklinnc.com. Drop-in public meetings will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Community Building, noon to 2 p.m. at Town Hall, and 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library.
Potential use of Tourism Development Authority funds for tourism-related projects. The Town of Franklin collects a 3% lodging tax, with two-thirds of the collections earmarked for tourism advertising and marketing and the remaining third for tourism-related expenditures. Last year there was some discussion about if the money allocated for “tourism-related expenditures” could be used for improvements that would benefit tourists and locals alike. Some counties in the region have used lodging tax funds to support hiking/biking trail construction, parks and other recreational amenities. Council members Stacy Guffey and David Culpepper attended the October Tourism Development Authority meeting to discuss the idea with the TDA members. Overall, the TDA seemed open to hearing ideas that would benefit tourism but did not make a financial commitment.
Housing. Housing, particularly affordable housing, is an issue throughout the county. Creating affordable housing for senior citizens was the initial idea for the old Angel Medical Center property on Riverview Street. HCA, which owns the hospital, has offered the property to the town. However, after completing a feasibility study, the town found it would be cost prohibitive to develop for that purpose. The town plans to continue working with HCA and other community partners to determine the next steps.
Sidewalks and paving. The Public Works Department and town leaders are working to identify paving priorities for 2023/24 with a Request for Proposals to follow. An RFP has been drafted for sidewalk repairs and refurbishments and will be reviewed by the town attorney. Making the town more walkable and accessible for people of all abilities was also identified as a priority at the 2022 council retreat. Sidewalks and paving projects will be part of the town’s Capital Improvement Plan being developed for 2024-2028.
Cost of Service Analysis. According to Owens, the analysis would look at the various resources needed to provide services versus the revenue from the service. “This would be specific to water and sewer line extensions,” she said. “It was listed as a priority due to the fact that there is growth anticipated in the next 5-10 years in Franklin/Macon County and we need to determine when and where it would be feasible to add new lines and/or tanks for service.”
Homelessness. The town will look at resources and ways the town can help address the needs of homeless people, and the public safety issues related to the homeless population.
Ensuring resources are available for town events. Availability of restrooms and trash collection were two items specifically mentioned. The courthouse restrooms are not open during downtown events such as Pickin’ on the Square and the annual festivals, and many businesses open their restrooms only to their customers. The Town Hall restrooms are open to the public during events and on the weekends, but many people do not realize that. To help better inform people, during the past year the town put up “public restroom” signs directing people to Town Hall.
Possible establishment of a social district. In 2021, the General Assembly passed legislation that allows the establishment of social districts where people can consume alcohol off-premises but within the defined social district. For instance, someone dining at one of the Main Street restaurants could take their drink with them once they leave the restaurant. The social district could operate only during special events or it could be allowed at all times. Sylva has established a social district that operates seven days a week, with limited hours on Sunday.
Sylva’s policy was shared with the council during the retreat to give them an idea of how it works and the pros and cons that town has encountered with the district.
On Main Street, the county owns the four corners on the square, and alcohol is not allowed on those properties. The town leases the property where the gazebo is for Pickin’ on the Square and other events.
Council Member David Culpepper said a social district would create a more “lively atmosphere” downtown, especially at night. He suggested the town reach out to the county and see if the “no alcohol” policy must remain part of the lease agreement.
Mayor Jack Horton said he wants to get more input from the public as well and Stacy Guffey said it would be important to set the geographic boundaries of the district.
The establishment of a social district would require an ordinance, state approval and education for participating businesses and the public.
Owens said once they talk to the county to learn more about what they would allow on county property, she hopes to present some initial educational materials to the council in April with a possible vote in May or June.
Additional coverage from the retreat will be included in the March 1 edition of The Franklin Press.
The next regular Town Council meeting will be Monday, March 6 beginning at 6 p.m. in the board room on the lower level of Town Hall.