Recent correspondence between a town resident and the new zoning administrator escalated to the point that the issue was addressed amid a busy council meeting June 11.
Kim Matheson, who also serves as the town’s administrator, was recently appointed to the position of zoning administrator, which raised the dander of resident Jack Gross.
According to the council, in-person and written correspondence directed at Matheson by Gross has been received as “threatening,” with council member Keith Predmore thumbing through multiple emails during the conference and reading instances where Gross made perceived threats.
“The town has basically dumped you into that position and I agree the town does not require any specific education for the position of zoning administrator,” an email from Gross dated 3:13 p.m. June 5 reads.
“I also agree that the town doesn’t have a policy. Both of those issues put you (in my opinion) in a very dangerous position. They will throw you under the bus without blinking an eye.”
“Second request for closed session minutes of March 9, 2018, special meeting,” a separate email from June 5, timestamped at 7:37 a.m., reads. “What was supplied within your response to the first request is unacceptable. Covering the type written minutes with a sheet of lined paper is not ‘redaction.’
“So within this second public records request please provide the minutes and properly redact only specific attorney client privileged information. I will not make a third request.”
Gross – who repeatedly stated in the emails that his comments should not be perceived as threatening – remained silent while the council discussed the issue.
The council is seeking further advice from legal counsel on the matter, looking to protect both the office staff and Gross’ First Amendment rights. Attorney Brian Gulden – an assistant for town attorney Craig Justus, who was on vacation – agreed to peruse through the emails and get back to the council as soon as possible.
Council staying at 5
The council held a special public hearing on a proposed charter amendment, which would have dropped the number of members on the town council from five to three.
Six different residents spoke against the action. With several council members already teetering on the matter, the council voted to strike down the resolution and remain at five members.
Other news and notes
* Matheson gave the financial report. As of May 31, the town had a general account balance of $55,892.29 and a water operating account balance of $34,586.45. Matheson added that no taxes were collected in the month of May, but $3,737.69 is still due for the 2019-20 fiscal year.
* During public comment, Gross asked about the status of the council’s yearly donation to the Santeetlah Volunteer Fire Department. The council noted that while the annual request of $3,000 has not been received, it will still be dispersed.
* To date, $29,552.75 has been spent on the Santeetlah Trail Lawsuit. A motion made by Predmore to move funds from escrow to the general account for legal fees – and be identified as line items on future lawsuit expenses – passed unanimously.
* Regarding the front entrance renovations, two contractors should be submitting bids soon. Poles for security cameras were ordered four weeks ago and should arrive within the next month.
* The 2020-21 budget passed 4-1, with only council member Roger Carlton voting against it. The only changes since the public hearing was the tax collection percentage was lowered from 100 to 98, and the electric line item was increased in the water budget.
* Town Hall will reopen after July 4, with COVID-19 protocols in place.