Montreat Minute for May 8, 2026

May 8, 2026

May Town Council Meeting Cancelled 

Circular logo for the Town of Montreat, North Carolina, featuring a brick stone gate with MONTREAT written on it, trees on both sides, and the year 1967 below. The text encircles the image.

Due to lack of a quorum, the Montreat Town Council May meeting has been cancelled. Three Commissioners will be out of Town, preventing a quorum. We appreciate your understanding. The June 11 Council meeting will occur as scheduled. 

Going Away? Ask MPD to do a House Check 

A small yellow vintage car with a large stack of suitcases and bags tied to its roof, isolated on a white background.

Cottagers are always on the go, sometimes for days or weeks at a time. If so, submit a Montreat Police Department House Check Request form. When you do, MPD will periodically check your home during your absence to ensure all is well. The form is on the website. CLICK HERE for a quick link. There is no charge for this special service provided by our police department. Thanks to the MPD for this valuable service. 

Sanitation Ordinance Public Forum Introduces New Resources 

A sign with a black bear silhouette and text reading “Keep Bears Wild.” Above the bear, large green text says “Bear Aware.” The background is white with a green accent behind the bear.

Yesterday afternoon more than 20 people attended a public forum to discuss the newly revised Sanitation Ordinance and the issues related to bear resistant trash containers. Town Manager Savannah Parrish started the forum with a few slides explaining various portions of the ordinance related to bears, then opened the floor to questions. 

At the end of the meeting, she handed out a new resource sheet with various options for bear resistant containers as well as permanent bear resistant solutions. For a copy of the list, CLICK HERE. If you have questions about the ordinance or anything related to being bear ready, email trash@townofmontreat.org or call 828/669-8002, ext 1. 

Montreat Celebrates Public Works Week 

A proclamation document for National Public Works Week 2026, featuring a colorful Service in Our Community graphic at the top, followed by official text and two signatures at the bottom.

Mayor Tim Helms signed a Proclamation designating May 17-23 as the 66th Annual National Public Works Week. The people of Montreat are indebted to the Public Works staff, including Director Barry Creasman, Michael Harrison, Jarod McIntosh, Daniel Wiggs, and Drew Brown for their untiring work.  

Our staff focus on maintaining and building infrastructure including roads, stormwater management, the water system, aesthetics of the Town, tree management, and so much more. Their services are vital in maintaining public health, high quality of life, and the well-being of residents and visitors. 

To read the complete Proclamation, CLICK HERE. 

Dates to Remember 

At each Town Council meeting, Mayor Helms reads the “Dates to Remember” for the upcoming 30 days. Because there will be no May meeting, we are providing a list of the upcoming Dates to Remember: 

  • Tree Board will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Town Hall 
  • Town Office will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026
  • Board of Adjustment will hold a Regular Meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in Town Hall
  • Town Council will hold a Regular Meeting on Thursday, June 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Town Hall 

Updates and Reminders 

A hand writes the word REMINDERS in black marker, with a red line drawn underneath the text on a white background.
  • The state of North Carolina has lifted the statewide open burning ban. Fire-pit fires are now allowed. Of course, Montreat does not allow open burning of leaves and other debris. But please use care and caution as there is still fire danger potential 
  • 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 Angela Murphy at info@townofmontreat.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Have a good weekend!