Monterey Town Council’s August Meeting

The Monterey Town Council held it’s monthly meeting on Thursday August 5.

County Attorney Melissa Dowd gave a report on the recent Planning Commission meeting.  She said the Transportation Section of the Comprehensive Plan is being revised and the Planning Commission wants to include specific road improvement projects.   She explained that if specific improvements are included, there is a higher chance of receiving grant funding.  Dowd encouraged Town Council members to pass along to Zoning Administrator Josh Simmons any road improvement projects to be considered for the Comprehensive Plan.

Mayor Ron Wimer reported on the recent Bath-Highland Network Authority meeting.  He said MGW received grant money and is making plans on installing broadband in the eastern part of Highland.    Also, more funding will be available and the Network Authority, along with both Bath and Highland Counties, submitted a letter of intent to be eligible to apply for funding.

County Attorney Melissa Dowd also reported on the recent Board of Zoning Appeals meeting.  The BZA tabled action on the Family Dollar sign variance application.  The BZA has sixty days from the recent public hearing to take action on the application.   Dowd said the application has now been corrected with the land owners name and the correct applicants name and is ready for the BZA’s decision.  The BZA has not set the date for its next meeting.

Mayor Wimer reported that Amy Gaus with the Building and Zoning Office has accepted the temporary position as Town Clerk until the job is filled permanently.   The part-time position will be advertised.

And Town Employee Mike Isles reported that two officials from the Rural Water Association, which the town is a member of, visited and found no major issues with equipment and systems.   Addressing concerns about the recent dry weather, Isles said he has been able to maintain the water tanks within half a foot to being full and has been resting the water pumps.  He said demand is up and the water system is keeping up with that demand.