Mayor’s Meeting Summary 01/11/24

January 12, 2024

Greetings Montreaters!

We were thankful for the hearty group who braved the cold to join us for the January Town Council meeting. My summary follows below. The official minutes will be in next month’s agenda packet. Please remember you can view tonight’s meeting recording by CLICKING HERE.

Public Forum

  • Letta Jean Taylor offered some thoughts about financial issues related to Town operations and budgeting. She spoke of our need to be competitive with wages to attract and retain the best staff, an aging infrastructure that needs attention, and how we use the fund balance. She urged the Council to be careful in the Town budgeting process.

Council Meeting

  • After I opened the meeting, I wished everyone a great 2024 and that we’re ready for spring!
  • During the Town Manager’s report, Savannah Parrish:
    • Shared thatthe Town has purchased a Dodge Durango police cruiser, as outlined in the 23-24 budget. It is not a new vehicle, but a high value 2021 model. It will be put into service as soon as it is fitted out.
    • Welcomed Josh Greene back. Josh is the Town AV technician who handles the streaming of the Public Forums, Town Council Meetings, and BOA meetings.
  • There were no Public Comments tonight.
  • Under New Business:
    • The Council adopted three ordinances, of which the text of the ordinances had been previously approved. This action was simply an administrative step to officially adopt the ordinances.
    • The Council approved the sale of the 2010 Ford Escape to Montreat College for $4,250. The trade-in value of the vehicle was $3,500 to $4,200.
    • The Council approved the re-appointment of Julie Schell to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a three year term expiring  January 31, 2027. WE are grateful to Julie for her willingness to serve.
  • Under Commissioners’ Communications:
    • Commissioner Fouche announced that the new Presbyterian Heritage Center Executive Director, Anne Chesky, began her new duties on January 1. She is highly qualified, and Commissioner Fouche urged residents to stop by the PHC to meet Anne.
    • Commissioner Widmer expressed appreciation to Town Manager, Savannah Parrish, for all the detail work she is doing to review and update policies, ordinances and other important matters.
  • The Council then adjourned to Closed Session to discuss a personnel matter. No further action was taken, and I adjourned the Council meeting when we returned from the Closed Session.

On behalf of the Town Council, I thank you sincerely for your encouragement in our work. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please write me at [email protected] or call me at 828/669-3852.


. Mayor Tim Helms for the Town Council