Glasgow Town Council on June 23 approved a budget for fiscal year 2026-27 that went into effect on July 1.
Town Council and the Planning Commission held a joint public hearing on an amendment to Chapter 18, Article 1 of the town’s zoning code. The amendment, which was approved, adds standards for residential structures. The standards include specifying the length to width ratio of structures, orientation of structures to the street, a five-year age limitation on the placement of manufactured homes and designation of manufactured homes as real property.
At Council’s June 9 meeting, Billy Thomas was appointed to the Council seat recently vacated by Kent Dunn. Council appointed Tom Camden to be an especial member in an advisory capacity to the Planning Commission. Kristof Springer was added to the Planning Commission and Natalie Harris was removed. Thomas, already a member of the Planning Commission, was appointed to be Council’s member representative. A committee for zoning appeals is to consist of Ashley Fitzgerald, John Pollock, Debra Farina, Donna Dunn and a fifth member yet to be named.
Mayor Paul Williams read aloud a proclamation honoring the Glasgow-Natural Bridge Food Pantry for its 30 years of service to the community. A framed copy of the proclamation was presented to pantry representatives John Pollock, Dave VanVorst, Scott Hannah and Chrissy Rogers.
Williams noted that the first Rockin’ the Gorge music concert is scheduled for July 25 with Little Marvin and the Martians. Food concessions will be available. There will be a ‘Cruise In’ as well.
Fred Smith, code enforcement officer gave his report for April and May. In April, 22 notices of violations went out, with 10 complying and 12 non-complying. In May, sixteen notices went out, with only half having complied as of the June 9 report.
Reports from public works and utilities included routine items such as mowing, weed eating around town, mulch being obtained for the garden club to finish the park and area around the library. Work upgrading the wastewater treatment plant has been ongoing. Work was completed on the oxidation ditch cleanout. Seven hundred tons of grit/solids were taken to the landfill. Michael Ramsey has been conducting tests for waste water and water, and painting areas at the plant.
Mike Finchum, interim town manager, reported that the town has received ten applications for a part-time maintenance position. The position of town police officer was eliminated for now.
During the citizens comment period, Susan Wood asked about the updating of the town web site. Mike Finchum explained that he is working on this. She was also concerned about abandoned houses in town and questioned why there were mostly parttime employees. Smith said he was looking into the issue of abandoned houses, seeking out those who might be responsible for the properties. Allison Finchum noted part-time staff is less costly than full time.
Lewis Hamilton, owner-operator of the carwash facility in town, spoke to Council concerning water rates. After coming before Council last year, he said, his water rates were adjusted for commercial use, but this seems to have changed since then. He was advised that the town staff will investigate the issue and get back with him.
Responding to a question about the schedules for the farmers and flea markets, Allison Finchum replied that the market along Blue Ridge Road, where the picnic tables are lined up, has been changed from every Saturday to the first Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All vendors are welcome to take part in this market. The market at the Farmers Market building is being held each Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Produce, baked goods and homemade crafts are housed under the pavilion, while folks with yard sale and flea market items are set up on the outer edges of the lot.
