[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6166233,"mediaKeyId","5415905-8fa24a3693ae2f04cfb8daed6ed118f4","parentId",5415905,"title","Highlands discusses SRF pre‑application to finish water treatment improvements, including generator","audioSeconds",102,"startMs",1039000,"endMs",1141000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415905-8fa24a3693ae2f04cfb8daed6ed118f4&start=1039&end=1141","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415905-8fa24a3693ae2f04cfb8daed6ed118f4/thumbnail_1039000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6166233/Highlands/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Highlands-discusses-SRF-preapplication-to-finish-water-treatment-improvements-including-generator","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166233-46b6a24550d842ad53bc504bff035c78/orig.mp4?Expires=1775716862&Signature=Pi-KHeScIRYEJhKTZ4IlzIsHEFllbn28QmuLm1HkD3T66SfSYXPUEFfaUgtFCVWSwFAAYhhn2~HRw17eU2tPlX5RDlWNZTkaOXUS5gE8l8XrLNO9p7w8dPK7Ly93dad3NoQZQMqp5BF5KArIwHPZA9obiAO0XIIU8EgqPXI0RMTM7azbg3z4vq1HNxR7AXqXFrGb8KUJ9i0q7DvYfQSx3ue2Gr9lfZuiaPr2CvE7f9TSXbkOZKAaK~HLi2IjRlV5M2UAOms6RE8LZahp95EWV1-g9z-Nr4cbLYv2lBlBrx0XhIPE4LHDgmovk7trQzDW-Wkboy2aV5lh7PDzpOUDYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Highlands, NC","date","2025-07-17T22:57:59Z","article","During the July 17 meeting the Highlands board and staff discussed a State Revolving Fund (SRF) pre‑application intended to help complete water treatment improvements, including a generator.

A commissioner asked staff how much money remained to finish the plant work. Staff said the amount the town lacks to complete the improvements with the generator is about $1,386,000. Staff emphasized the pre‑application is an initial step to determine eligibility and whether available assistance will be a grant, a low‑interest loan or a combination.

Why it matters: The water treatment improvements and a reliable backup generator were discussed as resiliency measures tied to recent storm recovery funding. Staff told the board the project must demonstrate resiliency and benefits to small downtown businesses to be competitive for the Helene recovery funds and SRF assistance.

Details: Staff said WK Dixon prepared application materials and that Southwestern Commission had indicated the project was a good candidate for available funds. The town does not yet know which specific type of SRF assistance (grant vs low‑interest loan) it would receive; staff described a mix of potential funding sources. The consent agenda item authorizing staff to proceed with pre‑application work was approved as part of the consent agenda.

Ending: Board members said they appreciated staff outreach to regional partners and encouraged completion of the pre‑application; final funding terms will be known only after a full application and award process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Highlands Regular Board of Commissioners Meeting - July 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Town staff discussed submitting a pre‑application for SRF funding to help complete water treatment improvements and a new generator; the board discussed loan/grant options and noted the town may still need financing to cover the remaining cost.","taxTitle","Highlands, Macon County, North Carolina","taxId",54262,"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},6166238,"DEQ issues notice to award for Dog Mountain project; town expects construction this fall",58,969000,1027000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415905-8fa24a3693ae2f04cfb8daed6ed118f4&start=969&end=1027","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415905-8fa24a3693ae2f04cfb8daed6ed118f4/thumbnail_969000.jpg","/articles/6166238/Highlands/Macon-County/North-Carolina/DEQ-issues-notice-to-award-for-Dog-Mountain-project-town-expects-construction-this-fall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166238-b42b6f052388ac29cf11c972d38fc98a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775716862&Signature=OomHdzBIDd5AMania6HN5OQHI8wtt1FageDI8GyG5PBjLsfbT2iI1EE9hfxk9JDvvmvvgU5R~D1j71Kn~Swdvv2oV2C7K1vX~l05sjme6aOakkWHZ9mulN8A6kTeTRJnEpl5gq4LICIvV6HH-V3Ip~Tzby2MZHt53bggRibHLq0u12agLC8TCEZRsjucp1OES-31QGckIBx1hQ~wElNxFbvivV5CY-ZZKHDxjMCMEhnDmoioH27h4ZjBXeE0i41b0K~uY6RFqrKaLlxuL~Io1Bo79iCC1fXZtIHrJY85PWGzb8RlHdSUTa0j8zNoS52WJ2MZ4rPa59XMVxfgNK5XLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has issued a notice to award for the Dog Mountain project, Highlands town manager Josh Ward told the board on July 17, and the town expects construction to start this September.

Ward said Steelwell Enterprises submitted the low bid and that Representative Carl Gillespie helped secure initial funding in the 2021 state budget, which staff credited with keeping the project viable. Ward added that the final bid amount came in slightly under budget and that the town has contingency funds available.

Why it matters: The Dog Mountain project is a capital infrastructure project funded in part with state resources secured through legislative support. Moving to construction will involve standard contractor coordination and may require short schedule adjustments for overhead electrical work in some segments.

Details: Ward also told the board that a caution light work on Little Bear Pen could not be installed underground as planned and will require overhead conduit until additional electrical work is completed. Board members expressed appreciation for Representative Gillespie’s assistance in securing the state funding.

Ending: Staff described the award as a milestone that will allow the town to proceed with contracting and preparation for a September start. No formal board vote was required on the notice to award during the meeting.","Town manager Josh Ward said the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued a notice to award for the Dog Mountain project; Steelwell Enterprises was the low bidder and construction is expected to begin in September.",{"_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},6166243,"After crowded July 4, Highlands board asks staff and attorney to review Founders Park alcohol rules",1148,2652000,3800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415905-8fa24a3693ae2f04cfb8daed6ed118f4&start=2652&end=3800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415905-8fa24a3693ae2f04cfb8daed6ed118f4/thumbnail_2652000.jpg","/articles/6166243/Highlands/Macon-County/North-Carolina/After-crowded-July-4-Highlands-board-asks-staff-and-attorney-to-review-Founders-Park-alcohol-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166243-bc5d789a3df71ece98d07a30c6a72f62/orig.mp4?Expires=1775716862&Signature=OqZIfEda8cTq76MqvSb-FMK9yfOUf6G3vX8nFjTQmZ4trveAlBvjJpsy~9r0HmRCQNHk7KUR91K0b8RTSuLYv0SIfUoPBVbBsUIQBGEI1dZMUElk5YPzHF0AKXfMG22tHYzAWaXNpIx~BLGMgIRXtbbN5MKukOVYAkXPnwIKGhnh2xh2TPR793gk-F1rHIK44pbsDPQA~BAGYJ6zY2L1HU5cUEACfweFeIWvCkPBnc0eFtd8qr7o9dd74SZX--IK87Xeli-OBcqFuJrW5GDHv9Nn1Xn9Is9~kUzjVMLp4PJuROPD7v~3d9IigIAFIzG4150wDF6rP0s381pqD73ohQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Highlands town officials on July 17 heard from Police Chief Holland about enforcement difficulties during the July 4 celebration at Founders Park and asked legal and operational staff to review the town’s alcohol permitting and enforcement policies.

Holland told the board the park hosted an estimated 2,000 people for July 4, and that with two officers on duty it became impractical to prevent attendees from consuming alcohol in violation of the existing park rule that normally forbids alcohol on that date. “It was the fullest I’ve ever seen it,” he said, adding that officers could not safely move through the crowd to enforce the no‑alcohol restriction.

Why it matters: The board identified a conflict between the town code and the town’s outdoor recreation policy. Staff said the town code (cited in meeting as “section 9.2”) states a permit for alcohol in town parks is issued by the town board, while the outdoor recreation policy delegates a permit/waiver process to the recreation director. Town legal staff suggested a permit that incorporates a waiver and release and explicit security requirements could reduce the town’s liability for permitted events.

Discussion and options: Legal advisor Nick (staff member) recommended a permit form that includes waiver and release language and sets security and operational conditions — and that staff and the board decide whether the board or the recreation director should retain final permit authority. Chief Holland said the scale of the July 4 crowd and the fact the town could not meaningfully maneuver through the gathering justified reexamining the policy. Board members discussed whether allowing alcohol at certain events (as currently allowed for Saturday concerts) but not at others creates public confusion.

Board direction: The board did not change the rule at the meeting. Instead it asked the town attorney, the police chief and town manager to review the code and the outdoor recreation policy, reconcile inconsistencies (for example who issues permits) and return to the board with specific options and recommended language — staff and legal counsel were asked to report back in the coming months for formal consideration.

Ending: Commissioners emphasized public safety and clarity for both residents and event sponsors; staff will draft permit language and procedural options for the board’s future review.","Chief Holland described enforcement challenges during a heavily attended July 4 event; the board directed staff and legal counsel to reconcile the town code with its outdoor recreation policy and return with options later this year.",{"_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},6166248,"Highlands board gives community 60 days to propose alternatives before Playhouse demolition",453,1903000,2356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415905-8fa24a3693ae2f04cfb8daed6ed118f4&start=1903&end=2356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415905-8fa24a3693ae2f04cfb8daed6ed118f4/thumbnail_1903000.jpg","/articles/6166248/Highlands/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Highlands-board-gives-community-60-days-to-propose-alternatives-before-Playhouse-demolition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166248-8456aebb994326ee164c0ea4668c8749/orig.mp4?Expires=1775716862&Signature=jMAAtDyMJxTsN-v8WEDsGyJC-XNPFMi8pMRwKcFzJ0d1rHv15dSs6WpditzrWxGxkB6RY9x59UhvYHCynTKLhivijzAejQIeTORPV3~nbzd2Y7Z4xLA4X0OpJIhaZBxHwFM3OM1jasVaRJiXs73JRiyEzrW3t0noYmFCJNYMQeaJBnGxbkxkNGzrzNmDSq7oMaq5o2xbg9eXGdex8lb6~7FQyYl89pE3B-5PNJ617IibMYDY2F43yMwEaMq7UzuxOjrRP7ftV-wQ7d5DgTcrW91Wze-s241E6ATVa-G3WsfOaY2v3somFNaFhEri~BC6NQLcHRa9-AD6iWatj1Jghg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highlands Town Board on July 17 decided to give the community 60 days to propose alternatives for the Highlands Playhouse building before proceeding with demolition.

Town manager Josh Ward told the board the town received two proposals for demolition and that only one bid was acceptable: Bryson Grading and Paving at $75,523.50. Ward also relayed a request from Playhouse representative Pam Carver to salvage memorial bricks and some theatre chairs if demolition proceeds.

Why it matters: Board members cited a study that estimated full rehabilitation of the theater structure could cost in the multimillions. One commissioner paraphrased the earlier study’s estimate as roughly $2.6 million to fully renovate, and others referenced figures approaching $3 million–$3.5 million. The property’s deed restricts use to town/public purposes, which limits private‑sector redevelopment options, board members said.

Board action and next steps: Rather than immediately awarding a demolition contract, the board voted — by voice — to postpone a final demolition decision and asked staff and the local newspapers to publicize the opportunity for the community to bring ideas and funding plans. Commissioners also agreed to place the matter on a future work session agenda so interested parties could present formal proposals.

Details from the meeting: Several speakers urged one final outreach effort. Playhouse representative Pam Carver asked if memorial bricks and some salvageable theater chairs could be preserved for returning to volunteers or donors. Commissioners said local contractors could remove and preserve bricks and that the town would consider requests to salvage specific items. Staff noted that due to deed restrictions the property must be used for public, nonprofit or town purposes and not for general private profit uses.

Clarifications: The town manager said that of the two proposals received, only one met the town’s informal bidding criteria. The board directed staff to advertise the 60‑day window and to include discussion at the next work session. If no viable, funded alternative emerges within the period, commissioners indicated they will move forward with demolition planning.

Ending: The board’s motion to give the community a 60‑day period for proposals passed by voice vote; staff will schedule a work session and publicize the opportunity for proposals.","After receiving two demolition bids and hearing public sentiment and cost estimates for rehabilitation, the Highlands Board voted to give the community 60 days and a work session opportunity to propose alternatives to tearing down the Playhouse building.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166253,"Highlands board boosts all‑accessible playground pledge by $50,000, raising town share to $300,000",364,1396000,1760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415905-8fa24a3693ae2f04cfb8daed6ed118f4&start=1396&end=1760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415905-8fa24a3693ae2f04cfb8daed6ed118f4/thumbnail_1396000.jpg","/articles/6166253/Highlands/Macon-County/North-Carolina/Highlands-board-boosts-allaccessible-playground-pledge-by-50000-raising-town-share-to-300000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166253-9bbad0767a8d697a6ec4afc244253d15/orig.mp4?Expires=1775716862&Signature=NIa3YgDfQBse8G5GHVDVd8ybQncylCjYQaA7uM9jCoYK91ehVtJLUYTcmR2E2i0vpR6eubo9jZWM~vQo15~HmVgZ6ZOIpqHJMSuiKvXeegO29iw3Xdtu5ix0jvFOPCKnsmQBdnW31VABijfnXLt9JDAKsPH4S93Ixglj-mOX~vBq0-bHega~u4S~P5BC0fDQrxg88biQClCsgv7mAWeiiZu58Daxuc8Y~JHL9bjFWKq6J4vSzYfqCllo3TSwIKNnmb5F7MwzyD~bfl0O5i84qR-Ow-ARl3G1dZFXJ2Lg-ll8k6wZJzZ-~yQTCP2dCq0HsjcYj8dmRH93sSqeA~WH4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners voted July 17 to increase the town’s pledge for a new all‑accessible playground by $50,000, bringing the town contribution to $300,000.

Commissioner Steven, who led the fundraising effort, told the board the project already has $752,131.10 in private donations, a $250,000 town pledge and $400,000 from Macon County, and that he had secured additional local matching donations. “What I’m asking for the town board to consider is another $50,000 contribution to the playground,” he said during the meeting. The board approved the increase by voice vote.

Why it matters: Town and county funding plus private donations are intended to cover site work, equipment and subsequent soft costs (for example fencing). Commissioners and staff said they want to begin site preparation and place equipment orders this fall if fundraising and contracting proceed as planned.

Details: Commissioner Steven said a local individual has offered a $50,000 matching grant and another donor pledged $10,000; together with the requested town increase those additions would substantially close the remaining funding gap. He said the project team’s target funding threshold for starting site prep and ordering equipment is roughly $1.45 million (the group would prefer $1.6 million to fully cover all costs). Staff said even after the town’s additional $50,000 the project will still need about $100,000–$140,000 in fundraising to reach the most comfortable funding level.

Procurement and timeline: Town staff said the three playground vendors under consideration hold state contract status, which allows the town to negotiate under an existing state contract rather than run a standard competitive bid that would compare proprietary systems. Town manager Josh Ward told the board the procurement path means the town can proceed by selecting a state‑contracted vendor and negotiating a guaranteed maximum price (GMP). Commissioners said they expect to share vendor proposals at the August meeting and, if funding allows, to begin site preparation and equipment ordering in the fall with a possible Memorial Day 2026 opening.

Budget and next steps: Board members noted a formal budget amendment will be required to move the additional $50,000 from town reserves into the playground account. Commissioners emphasized continued community fundraising will be necessary. The board’s vote to increase the pledge passed by voice vote with all commissioners present signaling approval.

Ending: Officials asked residents and businesses that have not yet contributed to continue fundraising efforts and said staff will bring procurement details and budget amendments to the next regular meeting.","The Highlands Town Board voted to increase the town’s pledge for a new all‑accessible playground from $250,000 to $300,000 after hearing fundraising progress and procurement details from staff and commissioners.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Highlands discusses SRF pre‑application to finish water treatment improvements, including generator

DEQ issues notice to award for Dog Mountain project; town expects construction this fall

After crowded July 4, Highlands board asks staff and attorney to review Founders Park alcohol rules

Highlands board gives community 60 days to propose alternatives before Playhouse demolition

Highlands board boosts all‑accessible playground pledge by $50,000, raising town share to $300,000