Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 12:37:03 -0400
From: Debra Henzey
Subject: Chatham County Seeks Applicants for Planning Board  Vacancy

PITTSBORO, NC-Chatham County invites residents interested in serving on the Chatham County Planning Board to submit an application to fill a vacancy no later than June 8, 2012.  The Planning Board advises the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on planning, zoning and subdivision issues.

The duties include: monitoring trends related to land use, proposing needed amendments to the land use plan; establishing development principles and guidelines; proposing ordinances for orderly development in accordance with the land use plan; determining whether proposed developments conform to the land use plan and development principles; keeping the Board of Commissioners and the public informed on planning issues and reasons for board recommendations; and conducting meetings to get public input.

The existing vacancy is a seat that expires on Dec. 31, 2012, but the appointee would be eligible for reappointment to serve two complete four year terms.   The vacancy is a seat designated for Commissioner District 1; however anyone residing within the county can apply to serve.

The Planning Board typically meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm, usually in one of the county facilities in Pittsboro.

To submit an online application to serve and to view a map of the Districts of the Board of Commissioners, visit the following webpage: http://www.chathamnc.org/index.aspx?page=3D49  Or contact Lindsay Ray at 919-542-8200 to get a printed or emailed copy of the application form.  If you have questions about the Planning Board’s duties, contact Jason Sullivan, Planning Director, at 919-542-8233.

Debra J. Henzey
Director of Community Relations
Chatham County, NC

Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 11:01:50 -0400
From: Megan Coggins
Subject: Special Event Volunteers Needed at Chatham Council on Aging

Are you looking for a unique volunteer opportunity? Are you a talented event planner? The Chatham County Council on Aging is in need of special event/fundraising volunteers.

We are currently in need of volunteers to help with our annual fundraiser-Taste of Chatham. There are no specific qualifications except a passion for helping others as this fundraiser helps fund the Council’s programs and services for Chatham seniors. You can give as much or little of your time-it’s up to you!

The next meeting is scheduled for May 29th at 2:00 pm. If interested, please contact Megan Coggins at (919) 542-4512 or megan.coggins@chathamcouncilonaging.org.

Date: Mon, 21 May 2012 10:46:04 -0400
From: Jack Stevens
Subject: Chatham Chatlist #4356 – holly trees in downtown Pittsboro

I also saw the trees cut way back on the block on Hillsboro just north of the court house.  I suspect the trimming was not done by people well versed in pruning.

I’m speculating here, with minimal facts to back me up, so I may be wrong.

Perhaps they were cut back this severely in preparation to the water transmission line being replaced under Hillsboro Street, probably happening late June/July of this year?

I know generally horticulturists will advise cutting back the above-ground foliage prior to doing anything tot he root system, to help minimize the long-term damage done by the reduction in the root system.

Nothing has been mentioned at the last couple of Pittsboro BOC meetings about the tree trimming in preparation  This is speculation on my part.

I have to admit it was a bit of a shock to see them cut like that.

Date: Mon, 21 May 2012 08:46:24 -0400
From: Donna Horvath
Subject: Holly Trees

I was so angered and distraught when I saw those sad, butchered trees; what exactly was supposed to have been done to them? I moved here two years ago and not a drive through the traffic circle or a visit to the shops has gone by without appreciation for the well tended, gum drop shaped canopy of those trees and the chirping of the sparrows they sheltered. I’ve actually been detouring as not to feel the wrenching sadness…are they expected to recover?

Donna

Date: Mon, 21 May 2012 08:25:36 -0400 (EDT)
From: ahimsa8
Subject: Sad Looking Trees in Downtown Pittsboro

I have to agree with Betty Black in that the trees in the downtown area Pittsboro look atrocious.  Stripping the trees of its foliage which was a covering for birds and was welcome shade in the downtown area was not such a wise decision.

Were these people tree experts?

Now if there was a reason for this then I would love to know.

Thanks,
RC

Date: Sun, 20 May 2012 12:18:04 -0700 (PDT)
From: Betty Black
Subject: What happened to Pittsboro Trees?

I have been out of town for over a month now – I came back last night and was horrified when I saw all the trees on main street had been scalped. How could anyone justify doing such a horrible thing? It looks awful and it makes the main street look shabby. I thought that sort of thing was supposed to be done before spring growth.

Shame-shame-shame on who made that decision –  Kick them out of position- Or was it unanimous with all town board members.?

Town board members-  take a good look at how sad your main street looks! You might be just as sad next election day!!!!!!!!!!

Betty Black

Date: Sat, 19 May 2012 10:23:29 -0700
From: N.A. Booko
Subject: Brutal cutting of Pittsboro’s  Hillsboro Street Holly Trees

It was only a week or so ago, I noticed the holly trees along Pittsboro’s main street were so beautiful- very green and full of foliage.  Yesterday morning I arrived there early and my eyes were assaulted with a horrible scene. All but a couple of the holly trees had been hacked to the quick –  squared off leaving multitudes of bare branches – many have no leaves at all.  

The over-all effect of the scene is large pcs of drift wood carefully placed about.  Most of the cuts are rough, flat with splinters and irregular edges.  Only a few branches are cut on an angle.  Some of the center trunks (main body of tree) are cut flat horizontally at the very top- a perfect place for germs, vermin, mold, etc. to grow. As an added insult, someone, in order to show where the limbs were to be cut back- SPRAY PAINTED ON THE GROUND AND CONCRETE- IN FLUORESCENT  ORANGE PAINT!- Dozens of  lines about five inches wide and over a yard long. ( each tree has at least four of these at the base) At the bottom of each and every tree-  That paint does not go away- it will be visible for a long time;.

I just can’t see how anyone would think this is the right time of year to do such a trim-  I may be dead wrong, but I feel that those trees are going to have a very difficult time leafing out and surviving the hot weather.

Speaking of spray painting lines in Pittsboro- it has become a craze-apparently-  White lines here, orange lines there, then there are the bright blue lines- and yes the ever popular highway yellow lines- Black lines, red lines,  green lines-  There have got to be pink spray lines there somewhere- I just haven’t seen them.

Please take a look at these trees yourself and make your opinion known .
.. .  Silence is not golden  . . .

N.A. Booko

Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 12:13:02 -0400
From: NW Girl
Subject: Reduce voter fraud! Please bring your photo ID to vote.

In a quest to reduce the possibility of voter fraud, please bring your photo ID with you to the vote on Tuesday.

Although it is not a requirement it will show the board of elections that we are serious about upholding the integrity of the voting process in Chatham County. Show your ID to the people looking up your name and information when you come in to vote.

Voting by dead people serves no purpose except to disenfranchise genuine registered voters.

Date: Wed, 2 May 2012 07:05:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: Linda Bienvenue
Subject: Pittsboro Eyes Tax Increases!

Just letting you know I made a mistake in the figures for the property tax increase.   Apparently, it might increase $80 to $120 for a property assessed at $200,000.   My bad.   I guess the blood shooting out of my eyes after reading the article in the Chatham Record caused me to misread the figures.

Linda Bienvenue
Pittsboro

Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:26:33 -0400
From: Chatham Conservative Voice
Subject: See what happens when ONE vote makes a difference?

I am so thankful for thoughtful, law abiding County leadership! For just a few years, county “policy” was created at the whim of a few and personal preference instead of our official rules and regulations.  These activities went unchecked for those dark years. No wonder we couldn’t get video taped meetings! Well, now we have transparent government that started video taping meetings immediately. In a matter of just 18 months our County Commissioners have been able to correct our path. Please view this video of Monday’s Commissioner’s meeting:

How is this business friendly? Why is ONE Commissioner refusing to follow the ordinances in place? Is this commissioner listening to the law? Why does Commissioner Kost feel the need to check in on Commissioner Cross’ vote?? He can speak his own mind. He doesn’t need Kost to check in on him. Unprofessional Unbelievable.

http://vimeo.com/channels/chathambocmeetings#40541156

The interaction with a basic explanation begins at 15:30 and gets ugly at 26:30

It is just jaw dropping – out of control over-reaching of government.