Mayor Pro Tem’s Summary of the January 8, 2026 Town Council Meeting
Happy New Year Montreaters,
Mayor Tim wasn’t feeling well, so I presided tonight. As he always says, the official minutes with far more detail will be in next month’s agenda packet. This is just a quick, timely summary for you of what happened tonight. You can view tonight’s meeting recording by CLICKING HERE.
Public Forum
· Jean Norris, representing both Landcare and Flat Creek Crossing, gave a report about a grant proposal they are working on for Flat Creek Crossing. The NC State Parks and Recreation Trust Fund created a Hurricane Helene Recovery Fund to help local communities recover from damage caused by Helene. Landcare will be submitting a grant proposal primarily focused on bank stabilization, as the damage is far in excess of what was originally thought. The proposal is due by January 31, and Jean will keep us informed.
· Letta Jean Taylor, speaking about the Conditional Zoning Request on the agenda, reminded the Council that the issue at hand is about a piece of property, not an individual. She also said the 2026 living wage is likely to be increased, so we should consider that change in the upcoming budget. Savannah thanked Letta Jean and commented that all Town employees are at or above the current Living Wage.
Council Meeting
I called the meeting to order and explained why I was presiding tonight. We wish Tim a quick recovery.
In the Town Manager’s communications, Savannah Parrish shared that:
· The Town offices will be closed on January 19th for the MLK holiday
· We received $24,892 in FEMA reimbursement last month
· The date for the Montreat Police Department “Drop In Gathering” at Elizabeth and Clay Hamilton’s home has been changed to Friday, January 16th at 10:00 am. The Hamiltons are at 160 Maryland Place.
Public Comments– There were none
Old Business– There was none
New Business
· The first item of New Business was consideration of a Conditional Zoning Request and Public Hearing. The Public Hearing included testimony from applicant Wade Burns, his attorney, his stormwater expert witness, neighbor Will Hamilton and, by Zoom, neighbor Jim Hamilton. Toward the end of the hearing, the Burns and the Hamiltons agreed to work together to seek a mutually acceptable solution. The Public Hearing will continue at the April 9th Commission meeting.
· The Council approved the 2026 Town Council meeting schedule as well as the December Audit Committee meeting.
· The Council reappointed Kathy Putnam and Jean Norris as the Town’s representatives to the Landcare Committee. We are thankful for their volunteerism.
· The Council put off action on the revised Sanitation Ordinance until the February 12 Council Meeting in order to do some final “clean up” on the draft ordinance.
· The Council approved a budget amendment to appropriate FEMA payments of $24,842 and contributions of $14,948.
· The Council did not take action on the Wildlife Feeding Ordinance, but will consider it after the revised sanitation ordinance has been in effect for a year.
· The Council approved the Audit Committee’s recommendation on the FY 24-25 Town Audit.
Council Communications
· Commissioner Blake announced that former Montreat resident John Ellington’s book, If Bears Could Talk, will be available for sale at the Montreat Store. It is an excellent story about bears and what we need to do to live in harmony with the bears.
· Commissioner Widmer, offered accolades to Town Financial Director, Rachel Eddings, for her excellent work on the Town’s financial reporting. He commented that the Auditors gave very high praise to Rachel for her financial accounting and excellent work on the audit.
I appreciate that your Town ordinance allows me to step in to preside over the Town Council meeting so we don’t have to wait for the next month’s meeting. I also appreciate your confidence in me to fill in for Tim.
If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, please write me at kfouche@townofmontreat.org or call me at 850/529-5366.
Thank you again,
Mayor Pro Tem Kitty Fouche on behalf of the Town Council
