Spruce Pine Police Chief Bill Summerlin is ready to do something about roadside trash.
He spoke about the issue Monday, Feb. 28 during the regular meeting of the Spruce Pine Town Council.
He thanked the council members who spent their morning on Saturday, Feb. 26 picking up litter on the side of the road between Hardee’s and Appalachian Eye Associates, leaving behind a trail of bags full of roadside refuse.
Summerlin wants to see more. He recently approached businesses in town to ask for their support in cleaning up the streets.
Summerlin said he would love to see business owners and local residents get together to regularly pick up trash, perhaps as often as two times each month.
Summerlin asked the council to consider purchasing tools, bags and gloves. Councilmember Larry McKinney said he could likely get some trash “grabbers” for free.
Volunteers should wear bright, reflective vests while working, Summerlin added while also saying he would provide some officers to patrol the areas volunteers work in.
The council agreed to look into purchasing the necessary items. Mayor Darla Harding suggested the initiative be posted on the town’s Facebook page for more eyes to see.
In other action, the council:
• Heard from Mitchell County Transportation Authority Director Sheila Blalock. She gave an update on the Pine Line Shuttle, saying the route grows in popularity each month and has steadily increased in popularity since its inception.
They’ve integrated a smartphone app and a Spanish flier. She hopes to see the route expand to connect Spruce Pine and Bakersville. The grant funding for the Pine Line will last through February 2023.
• Received a report from Finance Officer Crystal Young. She said the town’s general fund is in fine shape but said the water and sewer funds need to be built up via rate increases.
She added that if the county raises its tax rate, the town would need to follow. She also said that the council should consider cost of living adjustments for the next fiscal year and noted that most departments will likely ask for new vehicles in the next budget cycle.
• Heard a report from Town Manager Darlene Butler. Butler said the new town attorney is looking into potential condemnation for buildings on South Dale Street and Pitt Road. She said that Mitchell County Chamber Director Patti Jensen will retire at the end of the month.
• Discussed the newly-instated Spruce Pine Recreation Park Activity Permit Application. The application is live now and there has been one request— Sherry Sautner of Spruce Pine Southern Shows submitted an application for a Spring Easter Egg Hunt and Festival at Riverside Park. Due to the “general conditions of the permit application,” the council’s consensus was to deny the application.
• At the request of councilmember Rocky Buchanan, discussed the council as a whole becoming part of the Adopt-a-Highway program. The council tabled the matter until Summerlin gets his proposed pickup plan in motion.