Montreat Minute for March 13, 2026
Mayor’s Summary of the March 12, 2026 Town Council Meeting
Hello Montreaters,
We had a good crowd for our third meeting of the year. There was a lot of discussion and much action taken by the Council. My meeting summary follows below.
I do these summaries so you know what is happening in our Town immediately and you don’t have to wait a month for the official minutes in next month’s agenda packet. If you want, you can view tonight’s meeting recording by CLICKING HERE.
Public Forum
- Ashley Manson gave an update on the Montreat Landcare Festival and Arbor Day Celebration on April 11th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Moore Field. The community event will have activities, events and food vendors. Ashley also stated that she has connected with a manufacturer of attractive bear resistant permanent refuse systems in keeping with the new sanitation ordinance. She can be contacted for further information.
For more of the Meeting Report, CLICK HERE
Sanitation Ordinance Passed Last Night
As Mayor Helms stated in his Meeting Summary, last night the Town Council passed what has been commonly called the sanitation ordinance. The revised ordinance section of the overall General Ordinance, entitled Solid Waste Disposal and Refuse Collection, addresses a number of issues including requiring the use of bear resistant trash containers (BRC) and systems, solid waste and recycling collection, Convenience
Center usage and enforcement, and other related items. Although the revised ordinance goes into effect immediately, residents will have more than six months (October 1)to purchase or modify a BRC in order to comply with this requirement.
The Town will be providing much information about the changes including public information sessions. Stay tuned for more information.
A Message About Bird Feeding
He’s hungry at 10:00 am. Note the hanging bird feeder behind him.
Resident Arrington Cox is Montreat’s Bear Wise contact. She has an important message about feeding birds.
It’s that time! Bears are getting into feeders and that means trouble! Please take them in beginning now. Don’t think the feeders are safe in the daytime as that doesn’t seem to matter to the bears!
If you see a bear causing trouble, notify your neighborhood Bear Watcher asap or me, Arrington Cox. Bears are being seen all over Montreat! Thank you so much- let’s not let this March be like last March!!
Arrington’s comment about “last March” references that there were three bear break-ins into houses while residents were home. Two bears had to be euthanized. Please bring in your bird feeders until next December.
Further Explanation on Road Repairs
Assembly Drive immediately after the Hurricane
We recently announced an initial paving schedule for Montreat roads damaged by Hurricane Helene. With limited funds available, we are unable to repair all the roads at one time. Thus, a schedule has been prepared based on various factors including condition, usage, and funds availability.
We understand that it can be frustrating for residents whose roads are not included in the first round of paving projects. Please know that we will address all roads in need of repair. Some roads must undergo significant infrastructure repairs before paving can occur. For example, Lookout Road and Greybeard Trail require significant culvert repairs prior to paving to ensure the work is done properly and lasts long-term. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through these projects in a thoughtful and responsible way.
2026 Sanitation Calendar Available
You may have noticed that you did not receive a 2026 Sanitation Calendar in January as usual. The reason was that the sanitation ordinance revisions were in process and would possibly affect the schedule. Now that the ordinance is passed, we are issuing the 2026 calendar today. CLICK HERE for a copy or stop by Town Hall for a printed copy.
Several items of note:
- Monday collection days are unchanged. Wednesday brush and leaf pickup are also unchanged.
- Bulk pick up will remain as in the past in July and October.
- Note the Police contact number; although it is unchanged, many people were not aware of it.
- We have added an emergency number for all sewer issues. Sewer issues are handled by the Metropolitan Sewerage District, not Town staff. Please call the number shown. MSD is very responsive to emergency calls.
Updates and Reminders
- 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 CodeRED alerts, an emergency communications system used a number of times during the hurricane? If not, CLICK HERE to register and ensure you will be contacted in the event of an emergency.
Questions or Comments?
Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? If so, please send them to Angie Murphy at info@townofmontreat.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Have a good weekend!
