Macon County • Solid Waste Management
Environmental Resource Center

Policies and Guidelines for Use of Macon County Environmental Resource Center

Application for Use of the Environmental Resource Center (print,fill & mail)

Operation of the Environmental Resource Center

The Environmental Resource Center, herein referred to as ERC, located adjacent to the Macon County landfill at 1448 Lakeside Drive is intended to support the development of environmental programs in Macon County by providing space, facilities and resource information related to such programs.

The Macon County Master Gardener Volunteer Association is currently developing the grounds of the ERC as a horticultural demonstration garden. Native and landscape plants that are useful in Western NC are being planted and labeled with their common and botanical names. A composting demonstration area has been constructed and future plans include installation of water permeable paving and a half mile nature trail. The Master Gardener program is taught, facilitated and advised by North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Macon County.

The Department of Solid Waste Management and Recycling is charged with the responsibility of administering and monitoring policies and procedures for use of the ERC.

The Department of Solid Waste Management and Recycling is further responsible for coordinating and scheduling requests for the use of the ERC.

Use of the Environmental Resource Center

Any County Department, Environmental and Volunteer group, Club or Organization may use the ERC with approval from the County Manager, County Commissioners or Solid Waste Management Department.

The following priority of use of the ERC shall apply:

1. Macon County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling
2. Agricultural Extension Office
3. All other County Departments
4. Appropriate outside Organizations

The head of the requesting department or group must receive approval for use of the ERC before a formal request is made to reserve the ERC. The head shall have ultimate responsibility for ensuring thst the participants abide by the rules and regulations of the ERC. The head must be present on-site at all times during the use of the ERC. Organizations utilizing the ERC are responsible for maintaining the facility in good repair. The Solid Waste Management Department will repair any and all damage occurring while in use by a specific organization and the organization will be billed for any repair costs.

The ERC will not be available for personal or private use of Macon County personnel or others without written authorization from the County Manager.

The ERC can accomodate groups of up to 45 persons.

Scheduling

All requests for the use of the ERC are to be submitted to the Department of Solid Waste Management at least two weeks prior to, and no more than one year in advance, of the meeting. Responses will be returned to the initiator as soon as possible.

The Solid Waste department will reserve the ERC based on availability and the priorities established above. Within each priority, all programs will be scheduled on a first-come first-serve basis.

Policies for Operation

1. The ERC is available Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm, and on Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00pm. The ERC will be closed on Sundays, County recognized holidays and others as determined by the County.
   
   
2. Only the ERC building and the surrounding grounds will be made available. Other areas of the landfill and recycling facilities are off-limits unless accompanied by by authorized personnel.
   
   
3. Users are responsible for setting up materials and equipment. If the group requires use of County equipment (TV, VCR, overhead projector, etc.) this information should accompany the reservation request. All furniture should be returned to it's original position at the conclusion of the meeting. All furniture must remain inside the building.
   
   
4. Smoking is not allowed inside the ERC building. Smoking is allowed outside on the back patio and cigarette butts must be placed in a proper container.
   
   
5. Use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited throughout the facility and grounds.
   
   
6. Users are responsible for providing all food and refreshments and must bear the expense. Catered services are permitted.
   
   
7. There is no charge for the use of the ERC.
   
   
8. Care should be taken to protect the furniture. All wooden tables could be damaged if hot items are placed on the surfaces. The Solid Waste Department should be notified immediately of any damage or spills on furniture or wood floor. There is to be no food or drink in carpeted areas.
   
   
9. Groups using the ERC are responsible for leaving it in an orderly and clean condition immediately after the conclusion of the meeting (See Clean up responsibilities below). Cleaning supplies are located in the right of the bathrooms. All trash should be bagged and left outside the front door. Lights should be turned off and all doors locked. Any group may pay a housekeeping fee of $25.00 in lieu of cleaning the facility after use. Any group that leaves the ERC in an unclean condition will automatically be assessed the housekeeping fee for all future meetings.
   
   
10. Due to parking constraints on the grounds, it is helpful for users of the ERC to carpool. Parking is permitted only in the parking area; no vehicles should be parked along the entranceway, or parked in a manner to block traffic flow through the driveways.
    
    
11. Only Solid Waste personnel are permitted to regulate heating, air conditioning or other electrical or mechanical units of the ERC.
    
    
12. Animals will not be permitted inside of the facility unless they are used for the visually, hearing and/or physically impaired.
    
    
13. The ERC does not provide storage for equipment and/or supplies.
    
    
14. No decorations or displays shall be placed on the walls, ceilings, windows or doors. No nails, staples, tape, etc. shall be used to affix such to any surface. Solid Waste Management staff shall approve plans for any decorations or displays at the time of application.
    
    
15. Other requests, which are not speciffically addressed in this document, may be approved at the discretion of the Solid Waste Management Department.
    
    
16. Reservations will only be issued to persons 18 years of age or older. An adult must accompany all persons under the age of 18 at all times.
    
    
17. Macon County will not be held responsible for the loss, damage or theft of equipment or articles owned by facility users.
    
    
18. Macon County does not accept any legal responsibility for any act or incident arising from use of county property or equipment by any organization or group.
    
    
19. Macon County can suspend use of the facility to those groups or individuals not complying with established policies and procedures.
    

Clean Up Responsibilities

1. All equipment used wiped clean and returned to original location.
2. All tabletops and counters and chairs wiped clean.
3. Floor swept/vacuumed and any spills cleaned.
4. Place trash in bags and place bags outside front door.
5. Remove all equipment, supplies, personal articles, displays, etc. immediately following cleanup.

To reserve the facility or for further information, contact:

Macon County Department of Solid Waste Management
109 Sierra Drive
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 349 - 2215