Mayor’s Meeting Summary
Mayor’s Summary of the September 11, 2025 Town Council Meeting
Greetings Montreaters,
We had a full house tonight, which always encourages me and the Commissioners. Thank you for your interest in Town government.
My meeting summary follows below. Remember that the official minutes with far more detail will be in next month’s agenda packet. And, you can view tonight’s meeting recording by CLICKING HERE.
Public Forum
I opened the meeting by asking everyone to stand for a moment of silence to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 catastrophe and the thousands of people who were killed and others who were affected. I then opened the Forum to questions:
- Mari Gramling spoke in favor of the Lookout Road bridge proposal to be considered later in the Council meeting.
- Wade Burns commented about legal issues regarding his house and the Conditional Zoning request he will be submitting.
- Town Manager Savannah Parrish offered a brief FEMA update, stating that we received a small payment ($6,000) but not the $100,000+ payment we were expecting. She offered several other updates regarding road projects and the water system. It will be a long process.
- Commissioner Mason Blake asked why the road paving the Council approved in July has not been completed. Savannah said it has been hard to get a commitment from the paving contractor.
Council Meeting
After the Pledge and a moment of silence to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 disaster, I reminded everyone of the upcoming anniversary of Hurricane Helene. I thanked the entire staff for their hard work in the last year and said we need to be patient in this long-term process.
In her comments, Savannah expressed appreciation to Montreat Presbyterian Church for speaking at their Montreat Wednesdays program yesterday, giving an update on the town’s restoration progress.
She also reminded everyone about the Montreat Trivia Night at the Town Hall next Thursday, September 18 at 7:00pm. The event will raise funds for beautification of the Town Hall and pocket park after the hurricane. Residents Maggie Elliott and Jan Swetenburg are leading the effort on this unique fundraiser.
Public Comments Summary
- Ellen Henschen offered appreciation for the new stop signs, but made suggestions for other stop sign and no parking sign needs.
- Dean Carter expressed concern about a continuing pedestrian safety issue on Texas Road due to fast, blind traffic.
Old Business- There was none
New Business
- Commissioner Tom Widmer provided a summary analysis of the recent Montreat Police Department Community Survey. There was excellent participation by residents with meaningful suggestions and ideas. Additionally, the MPD received very high scores for their work. Commissioner Widmer’s slide presentation can be found HERE, and a copy of the full report HERE. Savannah then talked about how Administration and the Police Department will be using the information. Kudos to Chief Jeff Eaton for suggesting the idea of the survey.
- The Council approved a proposal to rebuild the superstructure of the Lookout Road bridge in the historic “Montreat Style” using round river rock in the design of the original stone bridges that graced Montreat in the early days and to accept a generous, anonymous donation to pay for the rebuild. We are most grateful for this wonderful opportunity from a resident who loves Montreat history.
- The Council approved the appointment of Alexis Baker as the Interim Zoning Administrator.
- The Council approved a budget amendment to appropriate the State Hurricane Helene cashflow loan in the amount of $79,655 and Hurricane Helene donations in the amount of $31,184, for a total of $110,839.
- The Council approved a series of small debt write offs for a total of $7,225. Commissioner Blake asked if the Town had a policy on debt collection and write offs. Savannah stated there were no policies but they are working on them now.
- The Council approved acceptance of the State Round 3 Cash Flow Loan in the amount of $65,472. This third load brings the total of state sponsored Hurricane Helene cash flow assistance to $272,000.
Council Communications
- Commissioner Blake thanked MPD Police Chief, Jeff Eaton, for suggesting the idea of the Police Department Community Survey and Commissioner Widmer for doing the survey.
As I look back on these meeting notes, I’m so proud of our Town and its people for where we are one year after Hurricane Helene. Thank you for your support, suggestions, and patience. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, please write me at thelms@townofmontreat.org or call me at 828/669-3852.
Thank you again,
Mayor Tim Helms on behalf of the Town Council
