[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6592244,"mediaKeyId","2904719-3926b1c508920bc0b0d63d98c8d96bf2","parentId",2904719,"title","Macon County approves Veterans Park pickleball schematic, awards tennis court contract and backs state grant application","audioSeconds",1026,"startMs",1490000,"endMs",2516000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904719-3926b1c508920bc0b0d63d98c8d96bf2&start=1490&end=2516","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904719-3926b1c508920bc0b0d63d98c8d96bf2/thumbnail_1490000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6592244/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Macon-County-approves-Veterans-Park-pickleball-schematic-awards-tennis-court-contract-and-backs-state-grant-application","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592244-9b1edad7a3d23a6e5ff0a65a2c86b4dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148188&Signature=DZGkUy~J14k3-d~9LzgoL3n4pGVdLdcFaGNr2vYI3Ecs~uaXLUXcufF2nH~ocmCcwUqyOzX0Q0uqui-PeogL0e1oM4TZZ~6oYsGtezvbppflNAy6mOwhJ7gXDVt-p5vrKj-3-c5WgxS5D~TocfHs~k0wmth0gK3unydDhLddAmpFN0NlwefADBxYOqHBJIAzM5ih9L863fs~VQTQ-5SVdQ6AUjXG9HUO5kiH7R9sfixC5gCcoG4kmJxkwYEPOveRW2rnNMb~-mw3jc6lra0tngPBQDpr7brARgad70mvrmM2D276lm7fo3Gv-KdrHcOMY-HMd6wz3~-g~Xb8Cb8M~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Macon County","date","2025-04-09T01:10:56.79Z","article","The Macon County Board of Commissioners on April 8 approved a schematic design for a racket complex at Veterans Memorial Park focused on eight lit pickleball courts, gathering and shaded social areas, and a smaller restroom/maintenance building. The board also authorized a contract to fully replace six existing tennis courts and supported applying for a state Parks and Recreation Trust Fund matching grant that would require the county to pledge local matching funds if awarded.

County Parks and Recreation Director Seth Adams presented the racket complex schematic, saying the design moves beyond courts to provide social gathering areas, artificial-turf gathering zones and multiple shade opportunities. \"It's also a social gathering time,\" Adams said, describing precedent images and details included in the schematic.

Commissioners discussed site grades, restroom size and flood-plain requirements. Adams said the restroom building will need floodproofing measures because the site remains in a floodplain. Project consultant Curtis Grant told the board the schematic is a step above concept and that construction documents would follow if the board approved the plan.

The board voted 5-0 to approve the schematic and the direction to proceed to the next design phase, with commissioners noting additional design fees would be required and come back for approval.

Tennis courts: contract award and contingency

Seth Adams and staff recommended rebuilding six tennis courts in their current location, resurfacing from the base up and installing new LED lighting on existing poles. The board considered informal bids that ranged from about $373,370 up to $573,114, and approved a motion to contract with \"Manager In A Sports Incorporated\" in the amount of $373,200 plus a 10% contingency to cover unexpected issues, with county staff to serve as general contractor oversight. The motion passed 5-0.

Adams said the low bid represents a full removal and replacement from the ground up on a 4-inch stone base and that core drilling would be performed to verify subsurface conditions. He told commissioners that if crews encounter unknown subsurface conditions additional cost could be required, which the contingency is intended to cover.

State grant application (PARTF) and county match

Adams also asked the board to approve submission of an application to the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) for a package of park improvements tied to the master plan. The proposed grant application would seek the maximum PARTF award (up to $500,000) and would pair that with a county match to cover an estimated $1.4 million project that includes a pedestrian bridge connecting parking at Biddy Field to the new pickleball facility, an amphitheater, a covered multiuse court (two covered basketball courts), and restroom/locker-room facilities.

Adams told the board PARTF requires an explicit commitment from the local governing body to match awarded funds and to complete the project within the grant timeline. The board voted 5-0 to authorize the application; commissioners and staff said the county would return to the board for formal acceptance and budget amendments only if the grant is awarded.

Why it matters

Commissioners said the combined set of decisions advances work under the county's parks and recreation master plan and aims to make Veterans Memorial Park a multiuse community hub. Several commissioners emphasized the projects are multi-year efforts that will require subsequent contract approvals and budget actions.

What's next

Staff will return with cost estimates for additional design services for the racket complex, finalize bid documents, and begin contract administration for the tennis work with construction targeted to begin in May so as to complete courts before the upcoming school seasons. The PARTF application is due next month; awards would be announced later in the year.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Macon County Commissioners Meeting 4-8-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Macon County Board of Commissioners on April 8 approved a schematic design for a racket complex at Veterans Memorial Park focused on pickleball and social space, awarded a low-bid tennis contract, and authorized applying for a state park grant that would require a county match if received.","taxTitle","Macon County, North Carolina","taxId",54261,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6592231,"Macon County commissioners: votes at a glance from April 8 meeting",4607,1213000,5820000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904719-3926b1c508920bc0b0d63d98c8d96bf2&start=1213&end=5820","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904719-3926b1c508920bc0b0d63d98c8d96bf2/thumbnail_1213000.jpg","/articles/6592231/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Macon-County-commissioners-votes-at-a-glance-from-April-8-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592231-25981a6193b1d5625ab15d52f47e8f9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148188&Signature=DMYs2aJDVf48ynq0S9Z8YraZnAsnW32abQObsCu7GRxsoan1lnpnmUQfhv8gvZhiXyORkin3dzAHa~hVlW2EoRFXipQvagLAT6~eArqN~EB4v~sHQA8WWKEF7mzWnFTlNoAPkjFyI2OQhlzczNS9hEMNB6BNaLGaEU3ISjrq-nVagUzJRGep1ANW1zZbpYG9oBzx-leW~5ifiTX8LxkMwiyiCWiHgp-5qbvMz3cwe4RbR9HZv9utZWrRh0k753pxkGFtkOQKmlCX7lwWtpB~QmH7r74Ls3L5X1oSX52zs0j2lBKyFY6c9CFwierC35gHAkDF3PX2~wYKpAFLHBBD~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Macon County Board of Commissioners took the following formal actions during its April 8, 2025 meeting. Vote tallies are shown where recorded.

Votes at a glance

- Approve agenda: Motion by Commissioner Sherrill; second by Commissioner Shields. Vote: 5-0. Outcome: approved.

- Approve schematic design for Veterans Memorial Park racket complex: Motion by Commissioner Sherrill; second by Commissioner Bridal. Vote: 5-0. Outcome: approved.

- Authorize contract for tennis courts (Manager In A Sports Incorporated): Authorize contract in amount $373,200 with 10% contingency and county general-contractor oversight. Motion by Commissioner Sherrill; second by Commissioner Antoine. Vote: 5-0. Outcome: approved.

- Approve change order for Macon County Public Library repairs: Wind River Construction $43,610 and Looper Architecture $1,500 (total budget amendment $45,110 from contingency). Motion by Commissioner Breen; second by Commissioner Scherrill. Vote: 5-0. Outcome: approved.

- Authorize PARTF (Parks and Recreation Trust Fund) grant application and county commitment to match if awarded: Motion by Commissioner Antoine; second by Commissioner Sherrill. Vote: 5-0. Outcome: approve application.

- Authorize advertising and reconstitution of community funding pool committee (to review $75,000 in budgeted funds): Motion by Commissioner Shields; second by Commissioner Antoine. Vote: 4-1. Outcome: approved (board to appoint members in May).

- Approve one-year lease renewal for Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center: Motion by Commissioner (recorded as) Bridal; second by Commissioner Antoine. Vote: 5-0. Outcome: approved.

- Accept upset-bid process result and sell 651 East Main Street for $175,000: Motion approved; Vote: 5-0. Outcome: approved; board chair announced property sale.

- Reappoint county attorney Eric Ridenour (revised agreement through a four-year term on record; attorney serves at pleasure of board): Motion made and seconded; Vote: 5-0. Outcome: reappointment approved.

- Appoint Courtney Patrick to Macon County Board of Health (pharmacist seat): Motion by Commissioner Shields; second by Commissioner Young. Vote: 5-0. Outcome: appointed.

- Consent agenda (including fireworks permit): Motion by Commissioner Bridal; second by Commissioner Antoine. Vote: 5-0. Outcome: approved.

Notes on votes and procedure

All formal motions noted above passed by the tallies recorded in the meeting transcript and minutes. Where the transcript did not name a mover/second for every item, the summary records recorded votes and outcomes as announced by the chair. For items requiring future budget actions (for example, the PARTF match or library repairs), staff will return to the board with formal budget amendments if grants are awarded or additional costs are identified.","This roundup lists formal actions taken by the Macon County Board of Commissioners on April 8, 2025, including contract awards, budget amendments and appointments. Vote tallies are included where recorded.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6592235,"Board authorizes reconstituting community funding pool committee after debate; measure passes 4-1",1045,4130000,5175000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904719-3926b1c508920bc0b0d63d98c8d96bf2&start=4130&end=5175","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904719-3926b1c508920bc0b0d63d98c8d96bf2/thumbnail_4130000.jpg","/articles/6592235/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Board-authorizes-reconstituting-community-funding-pool-committee-after-debate-measure-passes-4-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592235-73879d61fb6e077d90d983a26bcdbf1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148188&Signature=XfK4iyyFarmd7UoewkYHJc~XgOINsSjbDUlLFMonPN~U~RNDdTq-Vpl3wWNFbYm2w4ytTq~8Iy67y-aF2GN0rPw9BCj5aXdUodSkyMEjyHjXe0Vw~VhPeWaRp9kztJic3ErDxlH-96CqezJreM1vqXW9qKSKQQlCkFuW6VH8UdGvkvIfoGKYvf4hsCPjXC5PdsPPDzd8PTG6MvLA7YX3jNIbPTsbylxDe7hAGLo7KW7HkhjMFZvw9407Q6H5WHhDNeL2D4KsUJsrZvxW56PZ7xTNKrrZ-OwQ23Qk31jQOXFqWhvkoCqr-v1O1foPfkrnQm6SfekP5ZTe3aokBspSjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Macon County Board of Commissioners voted to re-establish a community funding pool committee and instructed county staff to advertise openings for members to consider grant applications for $75,000 currently budgeted in this fiscal year.

County Manager Warren Cade told the board the line item exists and the committee historically has evaluated nonprofit applications and recommended allocations. Cade said the committee has operated under a 2017–2021 resolution and that some agency-designated seats on the prior panel no longer reflect current local nonprofit presence.

Commissioners asked staff to advertise and bring a recommended slate of applicants back in May for board appointment. Manager Cade said the county would return for direction if timing affected the fiscal-year schedule or required funds to roll into the next budget year.

Board debate

Commissioner John Young (identified in public remarks as opposing continued county funding for nonprofits) argued that county government should focus on core government responsibilities and not direct tax dollars to nonprofits; he said municipalities in the area have eliminated similar funding pools. Several other commissioners pushed back, saying many local nonprofits use county funding to leverage other grants or deliver services that would otherwise fall to county departments or cost the county more if provided by government.

Commissioner Shields moved to advertise for committee membership; Commissioner Antoine seconded. The motion carried 4-1.

Why it matters

The committee distributes a discretionary county line item intended to support local nonprofit programs. Staff said some organizations use a county commitment as evidence of local investment when applying for larger grants. Commissioners said the board can change criteria or oversight for the committee when candidates are presented.

What's next

Staff will advertise for the committee's 13 positions, collect applications, and return with recommended appointees for the board's consideration at the May meeting. The board noted it can modify the committee's bylaws or application criteria before appointments are finalized.","The board directed county staff to advertise for members of a community funding pool committee that will review applications for $75,000 budgeted in this fiscal year. Commissioners debated whether county government should allocate tax dollars to nonprofits; the motion passed 4-1.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6592240,"Commissioners approve $45,110 change order for Macon County Public Library repairs after rot, leaking discovered",396,2520000,2916000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904719-3926b1c508920bc0b0d63d98c8d96bf2&start=2520&end=2916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904719-3926b1c508920bc0b0d63d98c8d96bf2/thumbnail_2520000.jpg","/articles/6592240/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-approve-45110-change-order-for-Macon-County-Public-Library-repairs-after-rot-leaking-discovered","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592240-86bfafd4733388ed17a1b6d465cb56eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148188&Signature=dUI6IFf6aoylVKAGZC5fV0rrtM1RIr4X292LfJ5x-ZRGf5e~5-t64EmktZA6ZZecxmBjzFE0M1McMfOFE01gRjSncfAdEzqBUXFqJmxRbC0QVgDxB-ieBYBbEMz~PYYUw5u8NWp3gvseUh3ZG9rbYF9v260CFSXSNocNWqk~WqK3yRRG5SMGpA216ERIRPFU8FVc4gsasvVQNF~5rh2TX-f1BHVdyD7taAvWUodqp370FhvQIGm23NN6XBMqTh-WzXxni0LgDKl-op6DRrAY71PWFBfjD6-CHO9Cmka2AJJK0NwcTaPlkzVC8H-xWWBczOj3sAu~iNzgMPX6aT~tAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Macon County Board of Commissioners on April 8 approved a change order of $43,610 to Wind River Construction plus a $1,500 design/inspection fee to Looper Architecture — a total budget amendment of $45,110 from contingency — to address rot and water damage in the timber-frame entry of the Macon County Public Library.

County staff member Joe Allen described extensive deterioration discovered behind the entry stone and within SIPs panels between timber beams. Allen said crews found panels that have rotted where the timber frame ties into the masonry and that some posts were out of plumb by as much as 10 inches. The work approved includes reframing the gable wall, removing and replacing rotted SIPs panels with conventional framing and spray foam insulation, and new siding options.

Allen told commissioners that crews expect to begin interior ceiling work in approximately three weeks, weather permitting, and that the base bid schedule for interior repairs is roughly two months. He said additional roofing panel removal may be needed once the ridge cap is removed and the scope could expand depending on what is found.

Options and costs

Allen outlined two siding options to stop continued water infiltration around beams: a stucco option (approximately $11,700) or a cedar-shake/board-and-batten option (approximately $13,050). Allen recommended removing the SIPs panels and reframing with conventional framing and spray foam and noted the larger change order covers the reframing, knife-plate detail design, dumpster and security fencing time on-site.

The board voted 5-0 to approve the change order and corresponding budget amendment from the general fund contingency.

Why it matters

County staff said the rot is allowing water to penetrate behind the entry wall stucco and around exposed beams; failing to address the damage now would likely cause more costly repairs later. Commissioners and staff emphasized prompt attention to county-owned buildings and to reporting leaks inside county-occupied facilities.

What's next

Staff will execute the change order, proceed with the work outlined by Wind River Construction and Looper Architecture, and provide updates to the board on the schedule and any additional scope changes. The county will return to the board for any further budget actions if additional work is required.","The board approved a change order to cover unforeseen framing, siding and design work at the Macon County Public Library entry timber frame; staff said additional interior roof work may be required and crews expect a roughly two-month base timetable for interior repairs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Macon County approves Veterans Park pickleball schematic, awards tennis court contract and backs state grant application

Macon County commissioners: votes at a glance from April 8 meeting

Board authorizes reconstituting community funding pool committee after debate; measure passes 4-1

Commissioners approve $45,110 change order for Macon County Public Library repairs after rot, leaking discovered