Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

March 15, 2018

Welcome/Introductions

Rick Davis, GREAT Executive Director recognized the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, host and sponsor for today’s meeting. The meeting was held at the Snowbird Youth Center and the meal was catered by Lynn’s Place.

Larry Bythe welcomed everyone to the Snowbird Youth Center

Chief Richard Sneed told the group that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians wanted to support the community and the endeavors of the GREAT organization

Vice Chief Alan Ensley also confirmed the desire of the tribe in supporting the community and GREAT

General Items

Rick Davis recognized the GREAT Board of Directors and asked for a motion to accept the minutes from the November 9, 2017 meeting. A motion was made by Dick Evans, seconded by Zelerie Rogers. The motion carried.

The agenda for today’s meeting was approved

Guest Speaker

Kevin Corbin, NC House Representative gave an update on the budget, mandated classroom size, job report, state wide house districts, impact of Tri County enrollment and several other issues. Opportunities for questions were provided.

Reports/Discussion Items

Committee reports were not given due to time frame but were included in the packet of information.

The GREAT financial report was presented.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of the passing of Dave Dodson. Dave was a member of the GREAT BOD and Chairman of the Natural Resource committee. He loved Graham County and dedicated many volunteer hours to improving our county. Dave will be greatly missed.

Funding has been approved for all 100 counties in NC for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Beth Booth, Graham County Health Director presented the 2017 State of County’s Health Report (SOTCH). See copy attached. This is the third and final year.

Zelerie Rogers gave an update from the Town of Fontana. She discussed the Town of Fontana’s Appalachian Community Trail Designation, recycling, Hwy 28 now open from slide, remodeling in the grill, electrical upgrades, water plant doing good and septic updates.

Mayor Jim Hager provided an update on the Town of Santeelah and land use ordinance (zoning) and scholarship

Becky Garland gave an update on the P and J building with the upcoming move of the health department and DSS, internet up grades, urgent care to open 4/1/18, dialysis to open by the end of 2018 and community forums

Connie Orr gave an up-date on low income housing that the school carpentry shop under the guidance of Rick Parham is working on at Mill Creek

Gary Cosair, editor of the Graham Star, voiced his support of GREAT

Robin Ramsey gave an up-date from the office of Senator Burr.

Drew Christy, Director Governor’s Western Office gave an up-date on several issues such as physicians only being able to prescribe five days of pain medicines, Hometown Strong Project – sitting down with local government and counties working together, internet service and Blue Ridge National Heritage Area support.

Brandon Houck, USFS Interim District Ranger, reported that a new ranger will be on board in May, there have been over 25,000 volunteer hours, mostly trail work, Brookfield River access, new and improved trails and timber sales.

Shannon Powell with Balsam West reported on wireless internet becoming more available for homes

Nan Kramer with MountainWise reported on the Robbinsville Pedestrian Wayfinding Project.

Shelley Foreman with Vaya reported on state and Medicaid funding, school based mental health services

Jennifer Trippe with Manna Food Bank gave a report on healthy food options for Graham County

Jordan Smith with Mainspring Conservation reported on activities in Graham County and working with Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

Angie Chandler reported on Blue Ridge National Heritage Area activities and impact on visitation to the area The Junior Appalachian Music Festival will be at Stecoah Valley 4/21/18

Sarah Thompson reported on Southwestern Commission Reg A and ARC funding for wayfinding, internet, medical field project

Jill Gottesman with the Wilderness Society discussed a DRAFT USFS management plan. There will be three panel events this month in Sylva, Brevard and Andrews.

Diane from Murphy reported on a “60’s” fund raiser and a Youth Leadership.

Kaylie with the Graham County Historical Association reported on the progress of Snider’s Dept Store as a museum

Mary Griffin reported on library activities. The author of a book about Hazel Creek will be at the library on May 22 @ 6:00 pm. She also discussed books about moonshining and car racing events published by the author.

The next meeting will be held at the Stecoah Valley Center and sponsored by Snowbird Mtn Lodge.

The meeting was adjourned