Price gouging, vile cars discussed by town council

Listen to Hayesville’s February 8, 2010 Town Council meeting

Hayesville, N.C. – Continuing its crusade against the unsightly and corrupt, Hayesville’s town council discussed the removal of parked vehicles at the First United Methodist Church and possible price gouging by propane companies.

Town council member Gwen Weaver voiced concern that local propane prices lack regulation, citing charges upwards of $3 per gallon.

“It seems maybe like this is taking advantage of the older people,” she said. “These old people, these shut-ins, they’re the ones who absolutely get hit.”

Town council member Harry Baughn suggested that encouraging people to price shop was the only solution.

“I don’t know that we have any jurisdiction [on propane] since it’s an open and free market,” he said.

Zoning Administrator George Schaff said price shopping wouldn’t provide realistic prices.

“The quote that you get with a new dealier, it’s at least a dollar less, but it’s only for the first fill,” he said. “That’s just a bit of a promotional gimmick… after that you go back up to the regular prices.”

Hayesville Mayor Harrell Moore recommended that the Better Business Bureau be notified.

Weaver also noted that drivers using Old Highway 64 as a shortcut into town face a dangerous corner at the intersection of Hiawassee Street.

“When you come around [the curve] you have to go out in the middle of the street,” she said. “You could certainly get hit.”

The vehicles blocking the edge if the road have not been moved in a long time, Weaver said.

Schaff said the issue had been discussed with the state a few years ago, but that little could be done.

“You can’t do spot parking,” he said. “You have to have some rhyme and rhythm.”

He said that it might be possible to get the Department of Transportation to prohibit parking on the curve as an issue of public safety.

Removing several parking spots would only push the degenerate autos further in front of First United Methodist Church, he said.

“Some vehicles don’t look very good. There are some vehicles that are parked there all the time and they’re all rusted and falling apart,” Schaff said.

Weaver suggested that the cars be moved to the back of the church. Schaff said he would reinstate discussion with the DOT on the issue.

Schaff also told the town council that he is preparing an updated reprint of the town’s official Zoning and Sign Ordinance handbook.

He said Hayesville Printing would publish 50 bound books for $115, besting other regional competitors.

“I would much rather see us spend local,” Baughn said.

Schaff said he’ll ask the Planning and Zoning Board to proofread the handbook and return in May with changes.

“We could have it to the printer by June,” he said.

The ordinance handbook was last published in 2003.