Montreat Minute 08/25/23

August 25, 2023

Friends Say “Welcome” and “Goodbye”

Two people stand behind a table with cookies, brownies, veggies, and flowers. Behind them is a wooden sign that says “Town of Montreat, North Carolina.” The cookies have messages: “Welcome Savannah” and “Goodbye/Good Luck Ben!”.

On Wednesday, more than 50 Town residents, staff and friends convened at the Town Hall to welcome new Town Manager, Savannah Parrish, and wish Interim Town Manager, Ben Blackburn, well as he returned to retirement. The reception, hosted by the Town Council, featured food and special cookies for Savannah and Ben.

Ben began as Montreat Interim Town Manager more than a year ago and served faithfully and effectively as the Council searched for a permanent Town Manager. He returns to Cherryville, NC, to be with his wife, Robin, and enjoy a well deserved retirement. Savannah began her new role in Montreat last week and works Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. More on Savannah in a future Montreat Minute.

Enjoy other photos from the reception…

Three people stand side by side indoors, smiling at the camera. The two men wear glasses and casual shirts, and the woman in the middle wears a green patterned top. An American flag is visible in the background.

Tree Board Chair Brad Hestir, Town Manager Savannah Parrish, P&Z Commission Chair Bill Scheu

A large cookie cake decorated with yellow and orange icing, featuring the words Goodbye (Again) Ben! written in orange frosting in the center.
An older woman and man stand close together, smiling at the camera. The woman holds a drink, and the man holds a plate with food and a cup. They are in a bright room with chairs and a nature photo on the wall behind them.

Landcare Chair Arrington Cox & Interim Town Manager Ben Blackburn

Town Fee Schedule Changes

A wooden plaque with the seal of the Town of Montreat, North Carolina, featuring an archway labeled Montreat, the year 1967, and decorative foliage.

At the August Town Council meeting, various changes were made to the Town’s Fee Schedule, effective September 1st. The increases were necessitated by the Town’s rising cost of providing the services and the fact there has been no increase in fees in a number of years. Here is a summary of the changes:

A fee chart comparing current and new charges for services including parking violations, mattress pickup, TV/computer monitor disposal, returned checks, water billing, sanitation, and copies. Some items have footnotes or are linked.

Flat Creek Crossing Gains Momentum

Hand-drawn site map labeled Area of Link Layout, Plat Creek Greenway. It shows trails, a creek, trees, parking, and labeled features such as bridges, picnic areas, and property boundaries with handwritten notes.
A dirt path winds through a forest with tall trees, sparse green foliage, and some rocks scattered along the ground. The scene looks peaceful and natural, with a small stream visible to the right.

After a summer of activity and visitors, Montreat Landcare Committee’s latest project, Flat Creek Crossing, is picking up momentum. The project is a welcome initiative for Montreaters and guests. Flat Creek Crossing will transform an unused road near the gate into an accessible “all persons” trail. In addition to creating an accessible trail to the creek, it will improve stormwater control measures and habitat protection on Flat Creek. There will be education stations along the trail highlighting natural features and educating about stormwater management.

The project was approved by the Town Council, and Landcare submitted a grant application to the state for a portion of the funds to build the trail. They expect to hear about the grant next month.

You can help by making a donation for Flat Creek Crossing. Make checks out to Town of Montreat with Flat Creek Crossing in the memo line. Mail to Town of Montreat, PO Box 423, Montreat, NC 28757. For more details, contact George Sawyer at 803/371-2524 or Patti Pyle at 262/573-8242.

Updates and Reminders

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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 great weekend!