Mayor Pro Tem’s Summary of the February 13, 2025 Town Council Meeting
Hello Montreaters,
Mayor Tim is out of town, so I presided at tonight’s meeting. We appreciated the 13 folks who joined us. We all enjoyed and appreciated being back in the Town Hall again. 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
- Wade Burns, representing the Hitches as their architect, explained their upcoming request for a right-of-way abandonment. He offered information to the Commissioners about the project in advance of next month’s agenda item. He also offered appreciation to the Town staff, saying he was amazed at the progress being made after the storm.
- Shirley Mitchell thanked the Town Council for our willingness to serve. She also praised Public Works Director Barry Creasman for his responsiveness on dealing with an issue on Harmony Lane. She also reminded us that she had a problem with music being played too loudly by contractors last year and hopes that it won’t happen again this year.
- Tom Frist asked what was the process and authority of the Town Council to deal with set backs related to walls on home owners’ properties and cars parking next to the walls blocking the road. After some discussion, we advised Tom that if there are issues with cars blocking the road, especially blocking emergency vehicles, they should contact the Montreat Police Department through the dispatch number (828/250-6670) and they will take care of it.
Council Meeting
- After I opened the meeting, I announced that Town Manager Savannah Parrish is at home with the flu but is joining us by Zoom.
- Savannah stated she is working with our consultant, Withers-Ravenel, on organizing all FEMA paperwork to maximize reimbursement for all our hurricane related expenses. She also commented that they are investigating an issue related to water production and billing. Commissioner Widmer further explained that in January the town pumped 24% more water (+! million gallons) over January ’23, yet revenues for January ’24 were 17% lower than the previous year. Barry Creasman commented that there were line breaks in January which may have resulted in lost revenue. They will continue to investigate and report back next month.
Public Comments – There were none.
Old Business – There was none
New Business
- The Council approved a change to the Tree Board ordinance to increase the board by two additional members to five members plus a Town Council representative.
- The Council then approved the appointment of Elizabeth Hamilton and Ann Vinson to the Tree Board.
- The Council approved a budget amendment to transfer funds to the Hurricane Relief Fund from other various Funds.
- The Council approved another budget amendment to appropriate funds for disaster recovery services with Withers-Ravenel.
- Finally, the Council passed a resolution to accept the donation of a 2017 FordExplorer/Police Interceptor from the Sunset Beach Police Department with gratitude.
Commissioner Communications:
- Commissioner Alexander reminded everyone that the Montreat Cottagers Voting Procedure Review Committee meetings will be held on Thursday, March 13th and Thursday, March 20th at 2:00pm in the Town Hall.
- Commissioner Blake praised the Town staff for their hard work and dedication during a very difficult time.
- Ithen read through the Dates to Remember and added one additional event not on the list: the special Town Hall Re-Opening party on Tuesday, February 25th from 4-6pm at the Town Hall. Everyone is invited.
We appreciate your support and encouragement in the work we do, especially in this post-hurricane period. We are honored to serve you.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please write me at [email protected] or call me at 828/357-8488.
Thank you from all of us,
Mayor Pro Tem Kitty Fouche on behalf of the Town Council