Robbinsville – Prior to Tuesday’s meeting of the Graham County Board of Commissioners, Chris Greene, Manager of Project Management for the Snowbird Community, offered a proposal for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to lease a piece of county land, while the tribe replaces the current Cornsilk Center.
Construction is expected to last two years, with both the dental and medical clinics being temporarily located to the leased county land. The property would be returned to its present state upon completion of the lease. Board Chairman Dale Wiggins agreed to take the matter into consideration, and Commissioner Connie Orr said that replacing the Cornsilk Center is “a service to the people of this county.”
The regular meeting then commenced, with Senior Center Director Wanda Hill asking permission to apply for a Dogwood Health Trust Foundation grant in the amount of $25,000. The grant would be used toward purchase a generator that would allow the center to function as a shelter. The board approved the application and County Manager Becky Garland added that the general fund should be able to make up any shortfall. Commissioner Lynn Cody then announced that the Stecoah Rescue Squad would also be applying for a Dogwood Health Trust grant in order to purchase defibrillators.
Other news and notes from the meeting included:
* Garland’s manger’s report included an announcement that driver’s license examiners would be visiting the county monthly rather than on the proposed schedule of only twice per year. She also reminded the board that Nantahala Gorge will be closed Thursday, for rockslide-related clean-up.
* The board voted to accept the Community Services Block Grant Submission by Four Square.
* Member reappointed Mike Teem and Sheriff Joseph Jones to the Economic Development Commission Board.
* The board also approved a new date of Jan. 27 for the Urgent Care Open House.