Mayor’s Meeting Summary of the May 9, 2024 Town Council Meeting

May 10, 2024

Greetings Montreaters!

We are thankful for those who joined us. We missed Commissioners Widmer and Dasher who were unable to attend the meeting.

My meeting summary follows below, but the official minutes will be in next month’s agenda packet. And remember that you can view tonight’s meeting recording by CLICKING HERE.

Public Forum

  • Although we had a few folks join us, there were no comments at the public forum.

Council Meeting

  • After I opened the meeting, I thanked Public Works for their efforts to keep trees in the right-of-way pruned and to quickly remove dead trees. Their efforts helped mitigate the effects of the storm early Wednesday morning.
  • Town Manager Savannah Parrish thanked the Black Mountain Fire Department and the Montreat Public Works Department for their efforts to clear debris after early morning storms swept through Western North Carolina on Wednesday. She also mentioned that the Treasured Tree Walk has been rescheduled for May 19th at 2 p.m.
  • No Public Comments
  • No Old Business:
  • Under New Business:
    • The Council discussed the proposed engagement agreement with Allen, Stahl + Kilbourne. The council approved the agreement and Derek Allen of the firm will provide legal services to the Town.
    • The Council approved an update to the BOC Rules of Procedure. As of July 1, 2024 regular meetings of the council will be held at 6 p.m. and will be preceded by a public forum to be held at 5:30 p.m.
    • The Council adopted a National Public Works Week Proclamation and recognized our hardworking public works staff.
    • The Council discussed a memorandum provided by the Planning and Zoning Commission which requested funding for a traffic study. Council directed staff to discuss traffic calming and related safety issues with the MRA and the College. The commissioners are hopeful that the three entities can work together to find a comprehensive plan.

Under Commissioner Communications, Commissioner Fouche again expressed her concern about the Montreat Steward signs and red bows that have been up for nearly four years. She appealed to Montreaters to speak to their neighbors about removing the signs and bows before people arrive for the summer.

Mayor Pro Tem Blake reminded everyone that bears are active. Consider a bear proof trash receptacle. The Town will be enforcing the sanitation ordinance very strictly in the interest of public safety.

Thank you for your participation, encouragement, and interest in the work of our Town.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please write me at [email protected] or call me at 828/669-3852.


Mayor Tim Helms on behalf of the Town Council