Mayor’s Summary of the November 12, 2026 Town Council Meeting

November 13, 2026
A smiling older man with white hair wearing a dark blazer over a light pink button-down shirt.

Hello Friends,

Despite a cold and blustery night, the Community Room was full for tonight’s Council meeting. We’re grateful for your interest in our governmental process.

As I have said before, I do these summaries so you know what is happening in Montreat immediately after our Town Council meeting and you don’t have to wait a month for the official minutes. You can also view tonight’s meeting recording by CLICKING HERE.

Public Forum

  • Martha Campbell asked what was the best way to let our new trash pickup vendor, CWS, know that they are not fastening locks and chains on trash cans after pickup. Town Manager, Savannah Parrish, said to contact either herself or Town Clerk Angie Murphy if there are any customer service issues related to the new vendor. Contact them at 828/669-8002, extension 1 or 5. Or email info@townofmontreat.org.
  • George Sawyer spoke about progress with Flat Creek Crossing. Excavation and grading of the path has been done along with stormwater drainage systems and preliminary work for the picnic area.
  • Elizabeth Hamilton shared that Ashley Manson and Joe Sandaert will be speaking at the Montreat Presbyterian Church Montreat Wednesdays on the subject of saving the Hemlocks. They will speak on Wednesday, November 18, at 4:00 pm in the Walkup building.
  • I asked Savannah to give us a quick FEMA update and about her meeting with Senator Budd. She spoke with Senator Budd’s staff about FEMA denying four of our projects involving embankment failures and they will get involved in the appeal. She also said there is a new Hurricane Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program that will reimburse communities for projects that were not approved by FEMA. She has applied for the grant for the four projects.

Council Meeting

We began the meeting with a presentation by Dr. Jennifer Reed, Superintendent of Buncombe County Schools. Dr. Reed began her responsibilities on Oct. 1 but has lived in the area and attended county schools. She shared that the 45 schools in the county are doing well, with progress being made each year. She looks forward to building relationships and connections with local communities.

In my communications, I reminded everyone that the newly elected Commissioners, Mason Blake, Danny Sharpe, and Clay Hamilton will be sworn in at the December Council meeting.

In the Town Manager’s communications, Savannah gave three updates:

  • The transition to a new sanitation services vendor, CWS, is in its second week. They are still “ironing out the wrinkles”, but service seems to generally be going well. Call the Town offices if there are any problems to report.
  • Work on the Lookout Road stone bridge is proceeding. The Stone Bridges Advisory Committee is selecting stone varieties and some larger rocks will be put in place next week. Be careful around the construction zone.
  • Manna FoodBank’s food drive continues through November 23rd. Food can be taken to the Town Hall drop off location.

Public Comments

  • Tanner Pickett, MRA Vice President, shared three items of interest from MRA:
    • Trail improvements to Elizabeth’s Path were made this week improving access to and safety along the path. Damage from Hurricane Helene and heavy use of the path caused the need for the repairs.
    • MRA is sponsoring a Holiday Market on December 12th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm in the field next to Moore Center and all are invited to the festivities.
    • Montreat was the recent host to the Public Information Officers of WNC. Tanner praised Savannah for her presentation on how the Town handled communications during Hurricane Helene and its aftermath.

Old Business

  • The proposed ordinance for MRA’s Planned Unit Development (PUD) request was heard after being continued from the previous two Council meetings.  
  • First on the agenda was a Public Hearing for individuals to comment about the request. Speakers included Priscilla Hayner, Mary Standaert, Richard DuBose, and Betsy Shoenfelt.
  • The Council then discussed their positions on the PUD request and proposed ordinance. A vote was then called on the motion. The decision was unanimous to approve the PUD request. Commissioner Blake was unable to attend the meeting but had expressed his support for the motion.

New Business

  • I administered the Oath of Office to our new Zoning Administrator, Graham Crawford, who began work on November 1. Graham came to us from Weaverville and will be a full-time employee of the Town, not a contract employee. Stop by to welcome Graham.
  • The Council appointed Laura Alexeichik from Montreat College to the Landcare Committee. I always say this but it’s true: we are extremely grateful for the willingness of people to serve in these important and voluntary positions.
  • The Council then discussed issues related to the General Ordinance regarding Yard Waste Collection. Commissioner Widmer pointed out that brush pickup, per the ordinance, is limited to approximately three cubic feet, enough to fill a medium size pickup truck. Secondarily, the ordinance prohibits professional landscape firms from placing brush at the curb for Town pickup. Both sections of the ordinance are not well understood and are being violated without the Town enforcing the ordinance. Tom suggested the Council have a special work session to discuss and resolve the issues and inconsistencies within the ordinance. Everyone agreed to the suggestion and a work session will be scheduled.
  • The Council passed one budget amendment depositing and transferring funds for a HUGE FEMA reimbursement in the amount of $676,578 to the Hurricane Helene Recovery account. The funds will be used for culvert and road repair projects.

Council Communications

  • Commissioner Alexander offered praise to MPD Chief Justyn Whitson for helping resolve an ongoing issue of a Montreat College dumpster blocking traffic on South Carolina Terrace. Justyn met with college staff to discuss and develop solutions for the “moving dumpster” issue. Jane said the problem has been fixed.
  • Commissioner Widmer offered thanks to fellow Council members, staff and residents for making his nine years on the Council very fulfilling. He said it was a joy to serve.

Tonight was the culmination of a six year process of planning, discussion, revision, waiting, public dialogue, even consternation. But, I believe everyone worked to see it come to an acceptable solution. And in the end, we expect Montreat will be a better place. Thanks to everyone for their participation, prayers, patience, and the process that guided us to tonight’s decision.

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,

A blue ink signature on a white background.

Mayor Tim Helms on behalf of the Town Council