The Franklin Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on May 3. The agenda included approval of updates to three ordinances and a presentation from the Nikwasi Initiative.
Nikwasi Initiative receives Creative Give Back award
Elaine Eisenbraun, executive director of the Nikwasi Initiative, reported the group’s Nikwasi Mound project has been selected to receive the Creative Give Back award for 2021.
Each year since 2014, Creative Economic Development Consulting, based in Elkin, N.C., has donated one consulting project a year through a competitive application process. The award comes with up to $25,000 in consulting services.
The plan for the Cultural District developed around the Nikwasi Mound in downtown Franklin includes a Cherokee farm and restaurant with a learning center and marketplace.
“This gives everyone an opportunity to have a voice and what is going to happen here,” Eisenbraun said. “This is huge for the Town of Franklin and us too.” She pointed out the project is about the Cherokee history and culture, but also about bringing new business to Franklin. The award will provide eight months of consulting on the economic development impact of the plan. Eisenbraun said they have their fingers crossed to receive a grant that will address the design aspects of the project.
Request to use
board room
Dave Linn presented a request to use the town boardroom during an event hosted by the Scottish Tartans Museum on June 19. Town Manager Summer Woodard had already declined the request due to staffing concerns because the event is on a Saturday and also regarding COVID safety protocols. Linn made an appeal to the council saying the event would help bring people downtown and support other businesses as well. Mayor Bob Scott offered to be available that day to open the room.
Ordinances approved
Following public hearings, the council approved the Unified Development Ordinance, the Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance and the Minimum Housing Ordinance.
The council approved a resolution to adopt the Macon County Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
The council also approved the following agenda items:
• The re-appointment of Josh Drake and Cheryl Pullium to the Tourism Development Authority for two-year terms beginning June 3, 2021.
• The re-appointment of Farrell Jamison and Sissy Patillo to the ABC Board.
• A July 4th fireworks display on the Whitmire property.
• A public hearing for the sign ordinance at 6:10 p.m. during the regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 7.
The Town Council will hold a budget work session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 18 at Town Hall. The public hearing for the 2021-2022 budget will be held at 6:05 p.m. during the June 7 meeting.