Montreat Minute 1/10/25
Montreat Minute for January 10, 2025
Mayor’s Summary of the January 9, 2025 Town Council Meeting
Hello Montreator’s
We had a small but hearty contingent who braved the cold to join the Council and staff for the first meeting of the new year. My summary follows below, but remember that the official minutes will be in next month’s agenda packet. Of course, you can view tonight’s meeting recording by CLICKING HERE.
Public Forum
At first, there were no public comments, so I took the opportunity to comment on all the work the Town staff have to do from the hurricane, I asked residents that if the work isn’t done as quickly as expected, to please be patient. The “To Do” lists are long and they will get to it eventually. I also reminded everyone that we are expecting snow this
To read the full meeting summary, CLICK HERE
Town Council Meeting Video Recording
As previously stated, we apologize that due to technical issues, last night’s Town Council meeting was not live streamed. However, it was video recorded and may be viewed by CLICKING HERE.
Progress!
Driven by Welch Field recently and noticed a change? The two story debris pile is slowly diminishing! Monday, a huge truck with a monster “claw” attached to the back showed up to begin removing the hurricane debris from the holding area on Welch Field. FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers arranged for the contractor to remove the debris pile. The truck operator reported that authorities estimated the pile was 5,000 cubic yards. He is able to remove approximately 500 cubic yards per day. He hauls the debris to the old Beacon Blanket factory property in Swannanoa where FEMA has set up chipping operations to mulch the debris. After nearly a week of work, it appears ten days may be optimistic to remove the entire pile!
Neighbors living near Welch Field report hearing deep, loud rumbling sounds when tree sections and stumps hit the truck’s sides when loading. They also report that it is a welcome sound!
Again, the Town is extremely grateful to MRA for allowing the field to be used in this most unique manner. We all look forward to seeing the field return to more “traditional” purposes!
2025 Sanitation Calendar Now Available
The Montreat 2025 Sanitation Calendar is now available. To save printing and mailing expenses, the calendar will not be mailed to cottage owners. Instead, it is available in several different ways:
- Download it by CLICKING HERE then print it or save it on your computer
- Stop by the Town office (currently in the Public Works building) and pick up a printed copy
- On the Town Website, go to the Sanitation page for the calendar and other helpful information (https://townofmontreat.org/sanitation/)
Town sanitation services remain unchanged for 2025. There will still be two bulk pickup days (July 8 and October 28). Curbside pickup will continue on Monday mornings as usual. The Town Convenience Center is open seven days per week from 7:00am to 7:00pm. Special collections can be arranged for additional leaf, yard waste or bulk item collection on unscheduled days at an additional fee. Call the Town Office at 828/669-8002, ext. 1 to make arrangements.
More Cold Weather Tips!
It may seem like we have been in a deep freeze recently. Director of Public Works, Barry Creasman, advises everyone to stay ahead of the cold. The American Red Cross offers tips to stay safe during cold weather:
1. Layer up! Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat help prevent losing body heat.
2. Don’t forget your furry friends. Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
3. Remember the three feet rule. If using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs at least three feet away.
4. Don’t catch fire! If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
5. Protect your pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Keep garage doors closed. Wind is often the culprit causing frozen pipes.
6. Unhook your hoses. Hoses that are still connected to hose bibs can cause the pipes to break, so unscrew hoses from the hose outlets.
7. Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you can avoid costly repair bills if pipes freeze and burst.
With all the part-time residences in Montreat, Barry suggests keeping an eye on your neighbors’ homes too. Watch for signs of broken water pipes, including condensation on the inside of windows. Look for doors and windows that may have been blown open during high winds. Your neighbors will appreciate your diligence. Finally, he suggests that in case of a prolonged power outage with the upcoming storm, remember to fill up bathtubs so you will have water to flush toilets, drink, and wash dishes.
- Town administrative offices are still temporarily located in the Public Works building while hurricane related renovations are being done at the Town Hall. Hours remain the same, 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.
- The Tree Board will meet on Tuesday, January 14th, at 9:30am in the Thompson-Brown Room on the first floor of the Moore Center. The meeting will not be live-streamed.
- The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet on Wednesday, January 15th, at 10:30am in the Thompson-Brown Room on the first floor of the Moore Center. The meeting will not be live-streamed.
- 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, an emergency communications system used a number of times during the hurricane? If not and you would like to be added to the list, CLICK HERE.
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 great weekend and enjoy the snow!