Montreat Minute for May 9, 2025
Mayor’s Summary of the May 8, 2025 Town Council Meeting
We were grateful for the small but august crowd this evening. My meeting summary follows below. The official minutes will be in next month’s agenda packet. And, you can view tonight’s meeting recording by CLICKING HERE.
Public Forum
- Tom Frist expressed his appreciation for the work done near Frist Road removing trees in the right-of-way. He spoke of some very sophisticated equipment needed to remove the trees. He also asked if there was a way to increase the number of bulk pickups, since we have only two per year. He mentioned Black Mountain has them every Friday. We reminded Tom of the piles of debris still on and near Montreat Road in Black Mountain, which you don’t see in Montreat. Town Manager Savannah Parrish reminded everyone that on-demand bulk pickup is available for $30 at any time.
To read the complete meeting summary, CLICK HERE
More Foreign Objects Found in Brush Piles
It may seem like we are harping too much about brush pick up and the problems associated with it. But unfortunately, foreign objects, including wood boards, metal and Styrofoam, continue to be found in curb-side brush piles. As you know, we were forced to purchase a new woodchipper because a metal bar was mixed into a brush pile and totally destroyed our one year old $30,000 woodchipper. Fortunately, the foreign materials were found this time and no damage was done. But we may not be so fortunate next time. So please remember brush only in brush piles. No Metal.
As a reminder, if foreign material is found in a resident’s brush pile, it will not be collected and the resident will be notified of the infraction. If multiple infractions occur, the resident will lose the privilege of brush pickup. If equipment is damaged due to foreign objects in the brush pile, the resident will be responsible for the cost of repair.
Here are several other reminders about brush:
- Do not combine your brush and your neighbors brush into one big pile unless you are prepared to pay on their behalf.
- Do not put resident brush on Town rights-of-way, such as beside stop signs or street signs. Keep brush on or near your property.
- If you clean up public space (and we appreciate such efforts!) and want to stack in the right-of-way, please call the Town Hall at 828-669-8002, ext. 1 and make them aware of where you are putting it.
If you employ others to do yardwork, please inform them of the brush pickup standards, as you do not want to be held responsible for their actions. Thank you for abiding by the brush standards so we can continue this free privilege for residents.
Special Proclamations Celebrate Town Staff
As noted in the Mayor’s meeting summary from last night’s Town Council meeting, this month brings many special proclamations that are worthy of repeating:
- The 56th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week is celebrated May 4-10, and we celebrate Montreat’s own Angela Murphy for the excellent job she performs.
- National Law Enforcement Officers Week is celebrated May 11-17 and we acknowledge the fine work of Montreat’s own officers including Police Chief Jeff Eaton, Captain Tim Bradley, Patrol Officers Gin Johnson, Morgan Bocanegra, Justyn Whitson and Brandon Collins, a new officer working with the department. We are also grateful for our reserve officers.
- National Public Works Week is celebrated May 18-24 and we are particularly thankful for our own Public Works staff including Director Barry Creasman, Drew Brown, Mike Harrison, Jarod McIntosh, and Daniel Wiggs.
Please take time to thank our dedicated Town staff for their efforts on our behalf.
Buncombe County Wants Your Thoughts
As we know all too well, Tropical Storm Helene left its mark on Buncombe County and its municipalities. While the storm has passed, questions remain: How does a community recover stronger, better, more resilient? How are all voices heard to make sure no one is left behind?
Before the storm devastated many parts of our community, Buncombe County Commissioners were working to shape strategic priorities for the next five-year Strategic Plan. In the wake of Helene, those priorities may look different.
Because of the storm, Buncombe County is launching Envision Buncombe—a community-wide opportunity to shape long-term recovery together. A brief survey has been developed to share your needs and priorities. Take the survey by CLICKING HERE. The survey takes only five minutes. It will help shape long-term plans for the area.
Updates and Reminders
- The Montreat Tree Board will meet on Tuesday, May 13th, at 9:00am in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed, with instructions available by CLICKING HERE. All are invited to attend.
- 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 Redalerts, an emergency communications system used a number of times during the hurricane and wildfires? To learn more about Code Red or 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 Angela Murphy at info@townofmontreat.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Have a great weekend!
