The Blue Ridge City Council has agreed to re-open the farmer’s market through December 2022.
After months of citizens advocating for a re-opening of the market, council members agreed unanimously, with Councilman Harold Herndon absent, to allow a committee to get the farmer’s market back going during a regular meeting Tuesday, August 17.
At the end of 2022, the council will judge the operation to determine whether or not they will continue to use the facility for a market.
A committee has already been formed, which includes Councilwoman Rhonda Haight and citizens. The committee will help establish official plans for a farmer’s market.
Anyone interested in joining the committee should contact city hall at 706-632-2091.
Members also discussed eventually hiring someone to manage events at the farmer’s market but will use someone who is already in the office for the meantime.
As a result of a sinkhole on the city’s street-side of Haight’s driveway due to a broken city water line, an emergency patching was completed by the Street Department.
“There was a storm drain that was caving in because we had an eight-inch water line that had broke, and this has happened twice at my house, and anyway, I had a big sinkhole, and they got that up,” Haight said.
Since this seems to be a reoccurring issue in other areas throughout the city as well, Haight moved to amend the purchasing policy to allow the Street Department more leniency with funds.
As part of her motion, the policy will be moved into an ordinance and voted upon this month.
Mayor Donna Whitener and Councilman Mike Panter made note of their dissatisfaction with a storm drain completed by the Street Department near Joe Chancey’s house, while Haight claimed it was working “effectively.”
Street Department Supervisor Tony Byrd explained that the drain had to be installed a certain way to prevent it laying on a terracotta sewer line.
Whitener also expressed concern with the $5,000 bill that was associated with the work that came from a paving company, and she said she also made the paving company aware of her concerns.
In addition, members agreed to accept the mayor’s veto to the amendment of the short-term rental ordinance.
A second reading for the tap fee surcharge was read and adopted.
Last month, the council accepted a bid to contract out taps. The contractor, Mullins, allegedly did not understand the need initially and added a few more terms.
After Utilities Director Rebecca Harkins determined it would be easier to do it themselves, the council agreed to terminate any contract discussions with Mullins.