Susan S. Phillips Village Manager Stacy C. Eggers IV Village Attorney (828)898-9292 www.seesugar.com  D SU(  Gunther Jochl Mayor Scott J.1 Brown Mayor Pro Tem Council Members David Ammann Wade Wittman Dick Casey  NC.  THE VILLAGE OF SUGAR MOUNTAIN 251 Dick Trundy Lane Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 Manager's Monthly Report December 19, 2023  Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board Meeting: The P&Z Board met on Wednesday, November 29th. The Board reviewed a draft ordinance amendment to consider regulations regarding the development on steep slopes within the Village's planning jurisdiction. The Board made a recommendation to forward the draft amendment to the Council for consideration of calling for Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Board Meeting: The TDA Board met on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Misty Watson presented the FY 2022-23 audited Financial Statements, reporting an increase in the total net position of $155,714, with an available fund balance of $1,102,474. Revenues totaled $896,512 and expenditures $740,798 for the year. The Board discussed purchasing a software program to track short-term rentals and industry data for marketing purposes. Following the discussion and weighing the pros and cons of the usefulness to the Village, the Board tabled the item at this time. The Board approved a six month contract extension with Mark File for marketing, website content and photography in the amount of $15,000. The Board also approved the 2024 Gold Partnership in the amount of $5,000 with the Avery County Chamber of Commerce. Mark File submitted the attached November 2023 marketing The October 2023 collections of the occupancy tax showed a decrease of 2% in comparison to October 2022. The occupancy tax collections for the period November 2022 through October 2023 ($866,787) have shown a decrease of $171,274 or 19.76% decrease in comparison to the Wildlife Educational Brochure: The brochure with educational information obtained from the NCWildlife Resources Commission has been mailed to all property owners. It will also be included ini the Village new property owner'sinformation packet and distributed to propertymanagement companies to include in their rental packets. Information can be found on the Village website at Homewood Suites by Hilton (across from New River Building Supply): As reported in early October, the Village received a conditional annexation petition, a special use permit application and related plans from Morlin Hospitality to construct a five story, 116 room Springhill Suites  ap public hearing and adoption of the ordinance.  update.  same period of 2022 ($1,038,061).  https/lseesugar.com/wildlife    hotel on Tynecastle Hwy; the property across from New River Building Supply. After identifying several items that needed to be addressed before moving forward, they have now resubmitted plans to build a Homewood Suites by Hilton. Four, Tammy and I met with the developer and planning team, reviewed the application, and again identified several items that need to be addressed before it would go to the Board of Adjustment for approval of a special use permit. Four also advised them before a BOA meeting, the jurisdictional issue of annexation must be Board of Adjustment: The Board of Adjustment was scheduled to hold a hearing on Tuesday, November 28th at 10:00 to hear an appeal from Mr. Carl Taylor, property owner at 1144 Grouse Moor Drive. Mr. Taylor was appealing the action of the Village requiring the construction of a retaining wall on the property. The meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January: 23,2024, due to scheduling conflicts. The property owner contacted the Village this week and informed us that a new contractor has been hired for the project and will be collaborating with an engineer inj planning to construct retaining walls and reconstruction oft the driveway on the property. Police Vehicles: The 2023 Dodge Durango that was purchased in Julyi is now fully equipped and in service at this time. The Dodge Durango that was approved for purchase by the Council at the November meeting will be placed in service in the upcoming week. This vehicle will replace the  addressed between the Village and the Town of Banner Elk.  Ford Expedition which will be sold on govdeals.com in early March.  Property Tax Collections: Of the $1,410,225 total 2023 levy, $965,466 or 68.46% has been collected with a balance of $444,759 uncollected through December 14, 2023. A balance of  $5,982 remains uncollected for the 2014-2022 tax years.    Administrative Matters: Iwould like to welcome Kyle Osborne tot the Village as our newest police officer. Kyle has five years of experience in law enforcement with university law enforcement agencies; most recently employed with Appalachian State University. Kyle will begin his employment with the Village after Christmas. The Police Department will then be at full staff. The Village office will be closed Monday, December 25th and Tuesday, December 26th for the Christmas Holiday. Residential trash pick-up will be on Tuesday and Thursday the week of The Village offices will be closed Monday, January 1st for New Years Day. Residential trash pick- The Police Department will be on a regular schedule throughout the holiday week. Reserve officers will be staffed to provide additional coverage between Christmas and New Years. The Public Works: staff will also be scheduled as needed in the case ofi inclement weather.  Christmas.  up will be on Tuesday and Thursday the week of New Year's.  The Village staff and lwish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday season!  Respectfully: submitted, Amrf.lpo  Susan Phillips Village Manager