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

March 13, 2026

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.
  • Shirley Mitchell offered a thoughtful remembrance of Gene Shuford on his recent passing. She also suggested several changes/additions to the Arbor Day Proclamation. She concluded with some spiritual thoughts about our Town and people.
  • Arrington Cox made a strong statement and appeal to residents to voluntarily cease putting out bird feeders as the bears have emerged from their winter “siestas” and are looking for food like bird seed. We do not want another spring like last year when bears got into houses and several were put down.

Council Meeting

In calling the meeting to order, I asked everyone to remember special Montreaters who recently died, including Dr. Henry Neale, Dr. Adlai Boyd, William (Bill) Lee, William (Bill) Graham, Dr. Gene Shuford, and Katherine (Kitty) Neil. I also reminded everyone that despite the wide range of weather conditions recently, Spring will be here before long!

Town Manager Savannah Parrish shared information on several topics:

  • The sign ordinance that was continued to the April meeting will likely be continued again to the May meeting as the Council has not had an opportunity to have a workshop session on the ordinance, which means it won’t be ready for an April vote. It’s an extremely important ordinance, and we want to make sure it’s done right for the Town.
  • March 18 will be MPD Chief Jeff Eaton’s last day, so please stop by to wish him well. We have received four very solid applications. MPD Chief Tim Bradley will be Interim Chief until a full-time replacement is found.
  • There is really no FEMA progress update of any consequence as the FEMA office we deal with has been closed since the February Homeland Security shutdown began.

Public Comments- There were none

Old Business- There was none

New Business- There was a lot!

  • The Council approved a proclamation designating Saturday, April 11, 2026, as Arbor Day in Montreat.
  • The Council approved a budget amendment transferring $47,096 of FEMA reimbursement funds into the Hurricane Recovery Fund.
  • After discussion of road paving projects and status, the Council approved a budget amendment transferring $640,000 of funds into the General Fund for road repairs. The sources of the funds were $118,000 of Powell Bill (road projects) funds, $300,000 of our Fund Balance, and $222,000 from the Hurricane Recovery Fund. Savannah commented that due to our strong Fund Balance position, the transfer from the Fund Balance will still provide a very healthy margin beyond what is required by the State and our own Ordinance.
  • The Council approved a budget amendment transferring $30,000 of FEMA Recovery funds from one line item to another within the  Hurricane Recovery Fund.
  • The Council approved sign locations for the PHC’s Montreat History Trail, which should be completed by the summer.
  • After months of work by many people, the Council approved the proposed amendments to Montreat’s Solid Waste Disposal and Refuse Collection article within the General Ordinance. The Town will be sending information to residents explaining the changes and timeframes to the sanitation ordinance.
  • The Council approved a budget amendment transferring $13,697 FEMA reimbursement funds From the Hurricane Recovery Fund to the Police Department account as reimbursement for a destroyed police vehicle.


Council Communications

  • Commissioner Alexander reported on a conversation she had with resident Perrin Wright about suggestions on what caused the severe damage to Appalachian Way and how best to rebuild it. She has passed on the information to both Savannah and Public Works Director Barry Creasman.
  • Commissioner Blake stated that the Council received a very positive and encouraging note from resident Mari Gramling about assistance “above and beyond the call of duty” from Town Clerk, Angela Murphy. While recovering from a severe health issue, Mari contacted Angie about a building permit issue. Angie not only explained what the proper procedure was, she personally undertook some of the steps that had to be done. Mari commended Angie for her heart to help others.

Although I probably sound like a broken record, I say it again that the Council and staff are blessed by your encouragement and volunteerism. 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

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