Blue Ridge Approves Rink Contract

In a long-awaited move, the Blue Ridge City Council approved the contract for the city’s new ice skating rink this week. During a special called meeting Tuesday, the council passed a motion to grant Mayor Donna Whitener the authority to sign the contract with Proteus On-Demand Facilities LLC for the temporary structures for the rink. According to the contract, the agreement includes the tent or Aluminum Hall Structure, 40’ by 82’, with 8’ side walls; Interlocking Floor System, 40’ by 70’ and eight High Bay Lights, which does not include power source. The cost of all three items listed in the document is $13,688. During the discussion this week, City Manager Bill Sowers said Tri- State is expected to install power the second or third of November. According to previous discussions, Mayor Whitener said the cost will be offset by hotel/motel tax funds and a list of local donors. The rink is expected to be up and running by November 24th for the Light up Blue Ridge celebration.

Council also approved a recommendation from the planning and zoning board to amend the city’s zoning ordinance. The amendment extends the allowance of business owners to live above their businesses, also called “Loft Dwellings,” to areas zoned Light Commercial (C1) and General Commercial (C2). Previously, the city’s zoning ordinance allowed loft dwellings in the Downtown Central Business District only.

The vote for the changes, though, resulted in a tie; Rhonda Thomas and Harold Herndon voted for the changes, while Michael Eaton and Rodney Kendall voted against them. Since the vote was a tie, Mayor Whitener cast the deciding vote, voting in favor of the zoning board’s recommendation.

The city also approved the renewal of its five-year plan. The plan is required for the city to maintain its qualified government status, which, if lost, could prevent the city from receiving funding. Council passed the approval of the plan unanimously.