Erwin board adopts cryptocurrency-mining zoning, approves Purdue opioid-settlement resolution; advances data-mining ordinance

The Erwin Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Oct. 13 adopted Ordinance No. 768-25, a cryptocurrency-mining zoning ordinance; approved Resolution No. 1321-25 concerning the Purdue opioid settlement; advanced Ordinance No. 769-25, a data-mining zoning ordinance, on first reading; and approved a special-event parking request for the 2026 Apple Festival.

Alderwoman Angie Vaughn moved to consider Ordinance No. 768-25 on second reading; Alderwoman Cathy Huskins seconded. The minutes record a roll call with ayes from Alderman Michael Baker, Alderman Gary Chandler, Alderwoman Cathy Huskins, Alderwoman Angie Vaughn and Mayor Glenn White; James "Mickey" Hatcher was absent. Mayor Glenn White had opened a public hearing on the ordinance and the minutes state there were no public comments before the hearing closed.

Alderwoman Vaughn also moved, with Alderwoman Huskins seconding, to place Ordinance No. 769-25 (data-mining zoning) on first reading. The minutes record the same roll-call ayes for that item. The record does not include debate text or ordinance details beyond the titles and roll-call results.

Alderman Michael Baker moved, and Alderman Gary Chandler seconded, approval of a special-event request from the Unicoi County High School Softball Team to use the Morgan Property for parking at the 2026 Apple Festival; the motion passed with all ayes.

On Resolution No. 1321-25, described in the minutes as the "Purdue Opioid Settlement," Alderman Michael Baker moved and Alderwoman Cathy Huskins seconded approval. The minutes record unanimous ayes from the five members present; the record does not detail the resolution's terms.

Mayor Glenn White announced the next regular meeting of the board will be Oct. 27, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., and the meeting was then adjourned.