While the recent county commissioner’s business agenda was light with time spent saying goodbyes to outgoing members, one request did raise a controversial issue.
During the public comment session, Macon County Republican Party Chairperson Patti Trick implored commissioners to partner with the sheriff’s office in conducting a full, independent investigation into the law enforcement agency’s recent internal issues.
She specifically mentioned the Flock camera controversy.
Trick said transparency is an ongoing shortcoming and wants a process implemented for better private citizen protections and management of deputy conduct.
“We were ensured that strict protocols governed the [flock camera] database. We later learned that was not true,” Trick said. “That breach of trust ultimately led to an employee being terminated from the sheriff’s department.”
Trick went on to request that commissioners keep pressing law enforcement to uphold their duty in carrying out tasks in a responsible and legal way.
As usual during and after most public comments, commissioners did not opine or engage in a discussion.
Disc golf course expansion
Kyle Ledford addressed commissioners on behalf of the Franklin Disc Golf Club and Friends of the Greenway to support the expansion of the current disc golf course from nine to 18 holes.
The course in question is located along the Greenway below the Macon County Library and the Southwest Community College building.
Ledford said the project requires no financial input from the county, uses existing equipment relocated from Sunnyside Park and leverages vacant county-owned property. Also, no county nor Town of Franklin permitting is required.
He said the project represents a low-risk, low-cost, high-impact enhancement to the existing Greenway recreational assets that could attract sanctioned disc golf tournaments, tourists and additional spending into the area.
Ledford reminded commissioners that in addition to having a sanctioned course, local youth will have another avenue of recreation. The club hopes to start with quarterly tournaments to generate interest and grow from there is the demand exists.
“We don’t need any funding. We’re just looking for a piece of property that is completely unused and overgrown so that we can beautify and create what we’re looking for – an extra four or five holes,” he stated.
The Franklin Disc Golf Club has a membership of 75 persons currently, which is small in comparison to regional metropolitan areas like Asheville, Charlotte, or Atlanta. But the plan is to have some of those regional players, now participating in tournaments there, play here in Macon County.
“At the end of the day, as far as removal goes, if the county wants the property back, we pull four baskets, four tee pads, and are out of there in less than eight hours,” Ledford concluded.
The motion passed unanimously.
Outgoing commissioners praised
Macon County Commissioners recognized outgoing members Danny Antoine and Gary Shields.
Antoine stepped down this year to pursue other goals while Gary Shields won his election to the county school board.
County Manager Warren Cabe presented the departing commissioners with plaques and applauded their service.
About Antoine, Cabe said, “For me, it’s been a pleasure serving with you. Your career has always been an advocacy for the youth of Macon County. When you find a topic you want to address, you always follow it through to the end. I think that says a lot about your dedication.”
Chairman Josh Young spoke of his passion, and conviction, “You’re one of the guys that you just don’t run into very often. I want you to know how much it means to me that you believed in me and the time you gave back to this community. We all know it hasn’t been easy,”
Shearl appreciated Antoine’s service and that his heart was dedicated to taking care of kids.
“Public service is one of the greatest honors a person can be given. I’ve never taken that lightly,” said Antoine. “It’s been a privilege to represent the people of Macon County. Serving as a commissioner has given me a deeper appreciation for this community and the many people who work every day, often behind the scenes, to make our county a better place.”
Next, Cabe thanked Shields for his 12 years of service as a county commissioner.
“Your career has been directed toward youth and education. You made it a priority on this board. You always treated everyone with respect,” Cabe said. “When we needed someone to be the face of Macon County, Chairman Young and I always chose you. I think that says a lot about what this Board thinks of you.”
Commissioner Barry Breeden, who attended high school when Shields was principal, thanked him for his wisdom and leadership, “It’s meant a lot to me.”
Young added, “You were a mentor for me from a very young age. I watched your actions and the way you handled crowds, and your demeanor. You’re the picture of leadership. I want everyone to know that this board works really hard. But if we combined all the hours we give to this county, it still wouldn’t equal those you put in every week. You have a servant’s heart.”
Fire service and appointments
In other business, Shearl and Cabe announced a new position to help oversee fire service in Macon County.
“We took the fire marshal duties and split those out into a couple different positions. The new position is for a Fire Coordinator and Dustin Pendergrass, the current EMS coordinator for Macon County, will fill it,” explained Cabe. “This position is designed to assist fire departments with paperwork issues, and serve as a liaison between the departments and the county commissioner board.”
Finally, two appointments were made at the meeting:
- Mark Lathrop and Darren Chastain for the Airport Authority.
- Travis Tallent was re-appointed to the Town of Franklin Planning Board but as the extra-territorial jurisdiction member since he recently moved outside of town.
