Commissioners discuss health programs, data center moratorium and library services

The Swain County Board of Commissioners met Sept. 1 to discuss several issues affecting local residents, including new health programs, ongoing library renovations, the county's data center moratorium, election preparations, the proposed Duke Energy transmission line in the Needmore community and a county property purchase. Health Department announces new programsSwain County Health Department Director Allison Cochran announced a new pilot program called the "Swain County Duck Hunt," planned for October. As part of the program, the Health Department will hide maroon rubber ducks along public walking trails throughout the county. Each duck will include a QR code directing participants to a website where they can register where the duck was found. Those who find a duck will be entered into a drawing for prizes. The department also announced a partnership with Uncomplicated Kitchen, which will produce social media videos focused on educating residents about healthy meals that can be prepared on almost any budget. Cochran also provided an update on the department's LIFT program. The program is currently full, and the Health Department has provided participants with weights and exercise bands. "The program lets older adults maintain their flexibility and strength, allowing them to stay in the home," Cochran said. The Health Department will also conduct medical screenings during a Sept. 19 program at the Swain County Senior Center. Seniors attending the program will have the opportunity to receive free new shoes and connect with community resources. The programs are part of the county's Social Determinants of Health Plan, with funding and support from the Community Health Foundation, the Duke Endowment for Healthy Carolinians and Dogwood Health Trust. Library continues services during renovationsJeff Delfield provided an update on the Swain County Library, noting that the library has gone more than two years without employee turnover. "Is the library still open? Yes! Parking is a nightmare as everybody knows, but we have full service right now," Delfield said. The library is preparing for Phase 2 of its renovation, which will temporarily limit some services. Adult chair fitness classes, which are held several times each week, will have to move to another location during the next phase of construction. Tech Talk workshops and classes are being offered at the library and Senior Center. Two technology advisers are available at the library on Mondays at 10 a.m. to help residents with technology questions, devices and improving their technology skills. NCWorks is also available at the library two days a week to assist residents with employment services and Affordable Care Act health insurance enrollment. Delfield also thanked volunteers who helped relocate the Friends of the Library Bookstore. Plans for the next phase of the library renovation include a new community room that will provide space for community services while other portions of the building remain under construction. Data center committee continues researchCelia Baker provided an update from the county's Data Center Moratorium Committee. With the holidays approaching, the committee requested additional flexibility in scheduling meetings because members may not be able to attend every meeting in November and December. Baker said the committee continues to research the potential impacts data centers have had on communities across the country. The committee is also working with the Southern Environmental Law Center, which is providing information and assistance as the county researches possible ordinances. According to Baker, the committee has been advised that multiple restrictive ordinances may be necessary to address the various impacts that could result from a data center. While industries cannot simply be prohibited, local ordinances can establish requirements intended to protect community interests. Once the committee recommends ordinances, each proposed ordinance will be subject to public comment before the county commission votes on whether to adopt it. The committee requested that the county's existing data center moratorium be extended for an additional eight months, citing the volume of new information becoming available and changes in state legislation. "Our research is never actually going to stop," Baker said. Baker said as many as 15 restrictive ordinances could potentially be needed to address different aspects of data center development. The commission will consult with the county attorney before voting on proposed measures at a future meeting. Board of Elections prepares for upcoming electionJenna Hyatt provided an update from the Swain County Board of Elections. The county's main voting precinct will be located at the Swain County Business Education and Training Center facility. Use of the facility that will improve access, parking and traffic flow during elections. The building is also designed to accommodate voters with disabilities or mobility issues. Hyatt said the Board of Elections has received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the new location. A fire suppression system is being installed, and security measures are being added to protect voter information and the facility. The Board of Elections is also working with the Department of Homeland Security on election security. Hyatt noted that small counties are increasingly being targeted and said security measures are important not only for protecting election equipment and information but also for protecting election workers and poll workers from election-related violence. The county's Board of Elections currently lists its new location at the Business Education and Training Center at 45 East Ridge Drive in Bryson City. The county also lists the BC1 precinct as having moved to the Board of Elections office at that address. Duke Energy provides update on Needmore transmission projectLisa Leatherman, a representative for Duke Energy, provided an update on the company's proposed Almond/Needmore transmission project. The project has become a significant concern for residents in the Needmore community, with property owners raising concerns about potential impacts to private property, the surrounding environment and the character of the community. Leatherman told commissioners that the survey of the selected corridor has been completed and Duke Energy is now identifying property owners who will be affected by the project. She said Duke Energy expects to begin contacting affected property owners within the next three to four weeks. Leatherman also stated that the route has been selected and the project is moving forward despite strong community resistance. The project has been the subject of continuing discussion between Duke Energy, county officials and Needmore residents. Public information about the project indicates that Duke considered multiple potential routes before selecting the current corridor. The selected route has prompted questions from residents about property impacts, the route-selection process and environmental considerations. Community members have also requested additional information and documentation concerning the project. Leatherman told commissioners that affected property owners will receive compensation and that Duke Energy will work with individual property owners regarding the placement of transmission poles on their property.

Commissioners discuss health programs, data center moratorium and library services

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