Montreat Minute 10/11/24

Town Manager, Savannah Parrish, opened the meeting with a small but upbeat group of Montreaters in attendance. She indicated that progress is slowing down somewhat as the recovery work (as opposed to rebuilding) is now focusing on major projects which proceed at a slower pace. She offered a number of updates:
Water
- We estimate approximately 95% of the homes now have water and are hoping to have 100% soon.
- All but one of the well pumps are now operating. The largest well is still offline because it is located near the campground, which is still inaccessible. Barry Creasman expects to get it online in the next day, which will improve our capacity significantly.
- We will then send off samples for testing and expect to receive the results by midweek. At that time, a decision on the boiled water advisory will be made.
- But for now, the boiled drinking water advisory is still in effect. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consuming.
- Savannah offered several other tips regarding water and dishwashing, including using boiled water to rinse hand washed dishes; if using a dishwasher, there are no concerns about boiled water because dishwashers amp up water temperatures.
- Please remember to turn off your ice makers and do not use them until the boiled water advisory has been lifted. Then let it run through several cycles before ensuring ice is consumable.
- In addition to the boiled water advisory, we are still asking residents to conserve water until we are at full capacity. We will advise you at that point.
- Savannah has been working with other Buncombe County municipalities and reported that Montreat’s water situation is far and away the best in the county. We are extremely grateful to our Public Works team, especially the water specialists, for their unprecedented efforts to bring our water back online.
Power:
- We estimate between 60-70% of all homes have power. Work crews can be seen around Town to bring power to those without. Please stay away from work trucks and down wires for your own safety.
- Unfortunately, Duke Power has not communicated any timetable for bringing full power to Montreat
Roads:
- Providence Terrace is now open, with Frist Road expected to be open later today.
- Calvin Trail remains closed, as it was the hardest hit of all Montreat roads.
- Please be careful when driving and walking as all the roads have been damaged, with sections of asphalt collapsed.
Zoning and Permitting:
- If you have zoning or permitting questions in regard to repairs to your property, please contact Zoning Administrator, Kayla DiChristina, at [email protected].
Police/Security:
- As mentioned previously, Chief Eaton has made arrangements for law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions to be here in Montreat. We are grateful for their support. Please thank them, and our own officers, for their work.
MRA Update:
- The Huckleberry remains open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am-2:00pm. Although no food or drink is available (except bottled water), electricity, internet and a printer is available for your use.
- There is a “Needs” board at the Huck for people to list anything they are in need of.
Montreat College:
- The college will resume online classes this Monday, October 14 and in person classes a week later on October 21. Students will be returning to campus on Sunday, October 20.
Other Announcements:
- When filling out a FEMA application, you will be asked your street address. If you try to complete it with your street address and Montreat, 28757, it will be rejected as their system does not recognize our zip code outside of the physical location of the Post Office. Instead, use your street address and Black Mountain, 28711. You will also be asked your mailing address, for which you can use your PO Box and Montreat 28757.
- Town offices have been temporarily moved to Convocation Hall at Assembly Inn. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. For best access, use the outside entrance on Georgia Avenue near the William Black Lodge or simply call the office at 828-669-8002.
- Please do not use the water payment drop box at the Town Hall for the time being. Instead, either mail your payment to PO Box 423, Montreat, 28757 or drop it off at the temporary offices at Convocation Hall.
The next Town meeting will be on Monday, October 14, at 9:00am in the Assembly Inn registration lobby.
Postal Service Returns to Montreat October 14

At today’s Town meeting, there was discussion about when the Montreat Post Office would reopen. There was no definitive answer at that time.
Since then, it has been learned that Montreat postal service will resume on Monday, October 14. Postmaster Jordan Henry stated that a temporary office has been set up in the Post Office parking lot and all mail will be delivered to the Post Office boxes commencing Monday.
Jordan asked that residents wait until Monday for complete mail service and not go to the Ridgecrest PO today or tomorrow, as they are in the process of transferring everything back to Montreat. You are welcome to check your boxes over the weekend, but full service will resume on Monday.
Cancellations and Postponements

With the effects of Hurricane Helene, many meetings and activities have been cancelled or postponed. Here are what we are aware of:
- The October Town Council meeting, postponed from last night, will be rescheduled to later this month. Watch for the official meeting notice of the new date.
- Made in Montreat craft show and sale, originally scheduled for tomorrow, October 12, has been postponed indefinitely
- The October Planning and Zoning Commission meeting has been cancelled. Watch for noticing of a new date.
- The Cottagers Special Voting Procedures Meetings, originally scheduled for October 24 and 29, have been postponed to a later date to be determined.
- The Presbyterian Heritage Center’s 2024 Distinguished Lecture on the Reformation, originally scheduled for October 25, has been cancelled for this year.
- Montreat Conference Center has cancelled all groups and activities at the conference center scheduled through October 27. For more about MRA and hurricane related information, visit their website by CLICKING HERE.
Updates and Other Reminders
- Especially Important at this Time: Do you receive your own copy of the Montreat Minute or know someone who doesn’t? Sign up for the Sunshine List to receive the Montreat Minute and stay “in the know” about the Town’s happenings. CLICK HERE to sign up for the list!
- Do you receive Montreat Code Red alerts, a communications system used a number of time during these past two weeks? If not and you would like to be added to the list, email [email protected] and provide your name and phone number to be called in the event of an emergency.
Questions or Comments?
Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? If so, please send them to Angie Murphy at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Have a restful weekend!