After hearing from town business owners in December, the Franklin Town Council discussed moving the Macon County Farmers Market for this year.
During its first year, the market was located on Iotla Street and required closing of both Iotla and Phillips streets, where they intersected with Main Street. Additionally, vendors and customers routinely used parking designated for business shoppers.
Town Manager Amie Owens updated the council on progress regarding the market relocation.
“We were given direction to find a compromise and we feel like we’ve done so with Macon County Farmers Market agreeing to use the Town Hall parking lot. They may also have some tents up on the lawn in the front area to help advertise,” she said.
Council members unanimously agreed to provide space within the Town Hall parking lot to host the market, beginning Saturday, May 3, through Nov. 29, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Any date that might correspond with town-sponsored events will necessitate market closure if the parking lot space is required. So far, Pumpkinfest in October is the only event applicable on the calendar.
Two other approval requests were tabled at the meeting: one for replacement globes on three town streets and the other for a Western North Carolina (WNC) wagon parade.
A contract with Duke Energy for street light replacement was discussed. Lights scheduled for replacement include those on Main, Iotla, and Phillips streets. Replacement includes an “early retirement fee” of $2,523.76 in addition to a targeted annual fee of approximately $14,472.00, which is based on a monthly per-pole billing cycle. The contract is for 10 years, and the globes were described as “traditional, not frosted, and projecting a light-emitting diode (LED) warm light.”
“We are looking to lease, over 10 years, 51 new globe sets … the total cost for the period is $152,816.40, billed monthly,” stated Owens. The added cost reportedly increases the Town’s monthly energy bill by approximately $1,273 a month. Because of the contract length and total cost, Macon County commissioners were required to approve the expenditure.
Said Mayor Jack Horton, “There’s no doubt about it, the globes need replacing and have for quite a while.”
Following a motion by Council Member Mike Lewis and seconded by Rita Salain, contract approval for design and replacement was granted.
On June 29, the WNC Wagon Train is scheduled to pass through downtown Franklin. The parade would begin at approximately 2:30 p.m. and proceed through Porter, Palmer, Depot, and Wayah streets before passing back down Porter Street to Old Murphy Road.
Reminisced Horton, “I can remember years and years ago when my children were small, they used to look forward to this event every year.”
“This will be an opportunity for the public to interact with the wagoners and the horses. They will get to see about our history and how the wagon train goes from place to place throughout the region,” expressed Owens.
In attendance were three individuals representing the WNC Wagon Train, one of whom briefly addressed council members.
Wagon Master Mark Hoyle relayed, “This is the 68th year of the WNC Wagon Train. We’ll ride about a week; one day we’ll ride toward town and have a parade, if that’s alright. The rest of the time [in Macon County] we’ll be out in the country riding around.”
Asked about how many wagons would be involved in the parade, Hoyle estimated, “Last year we brought about 30 through Sylva and they enjoyed it. This year it’s hard to say how many you’ll have, for sure, I would imagine around 30.”
Owens advised that she and Town of Franklin Police Chief Devin Holland met with the wagon train group to discuss the best, least intrusive route for the parade. The Franklin Police Department (FPD) will assist with traffic control and lead/follow the wagon train within town limits. The FPD will also coordinate with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office for assistance once the train has left Franklin town limits.
“Sunday afternoon, it would be something neat to come out with your children after church and see the wagon train go through town,” said Owens.
Approval for the parade was granted unanimously by council members.
Lastly, Owens and Town Attorney John Henning Jr., requested council approval on a contract with Carolina Parks and Play, LLC., for the Whitmire Inclusive Playground Project. The proposed cost for playground equipment and installation is nearly $1.16 million. A North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant of $500,000 will be used for this project but is designed as reimbursement, which requires town funds to be expended first.
Henning provided particulars on processing through the contract.
“I think we are going to move to a model of a third of the contract amount at a time to be paid out – a good chunk of which is grant-funded anyway. We feel good about where we’ve gotten to with contracting; they are very easy to work with.”
Owens added, “We will have Capital Project Ordinance with this, so that does allow you [Town] to cross budget years should construction not be completed by June 30 [2026]. We are going to have a 240-day contract.”
Based on when ordered equipment is received, construction is expected to begin sometime this summer. Owens noted further that the contractor intends to be done much sooner but the Town preferred allowing ample time to avoid anything that might prevent proper completion.
Following a motion by Lewis, which was seconded by Council Member Robbie Tompa, approval for the request and a related budget amendment for funding from the General Fund Balance passed unanimously.
The Town Council will have a joint meeting with Macon County Commissioners and the Town of Highlands, Feb. 13, starting at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands.
The next regular Town Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 3, at 6 p.m. in the Town Hall Boardroom.