Mayor’s Summary of the August 13, 2026, Town Council Meeting

August 14, 2026
An older man with short white hair is smiling. He is wearing a dark blazer over a light pink collared shirt, standing in front of a plain light-colored background.

Greetings Montreaters,

We had a small but hardy group for our August meeting tonight. We appreciate their and everyone’s support for our Town.

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

  • Elizabeth Hamilton offered her appreciation to the people in our community, making Montreat a better place. She called out the Town staff as well as residents who do gardening on public grounds, those who raise funds for Town related projects, others who pick up trash, and so much more. She said Montreat is a wonderful place to live.
  • During a silent moment, I asked Savannah to give us a FEMA update. She read the article she wrote for last Friday’s Montreat Minute, summarizing that although FEMA is approving projects, we still do not have the money to do them all.
  • Patti Pyle spoke on the Flat Creek Crossing project, saying that Flat Creek is the lifeblood of the community and hopes the Council will vote to support the grant to be presented later in the meeting.
  • Jean Norris also commented on the Flat Creek Crossing project and spoke about the footbridge, saying that although construction is not included in the grant, they are seeking funding for its construction. I asked how much they have raised toward the $307,000 needed for the grant. Jean and others responded they have approximately $60,000 that could be used for the grant match, leaving $247,000 to be raised.

Council Meeting

After calling the meeting to order, I recounted two important Montreaters who passed away in the last week. Ron Vinson was the PHC Executive Director for 16 years and a very special Montreat neighbor. Judy Shillinglaw has left a legacy of friendship and teaching bridge to hundreds. We will miss them greatly.

I also offered appreciation to our Town legal counsel Brandon Freeman and the Planning and Zoning Commission for their work on dealing with MRA’s Planned Unit Development (PUD) request to build the Lodge. Everyone, including all sides on the issue, worked hard to come to an acceptable solution.

Town Manager Savannah Parrish stated she was finally able to speak to a key contact at the cell tower company. She is hopeful we are on our way to an aesthetically repaired tower. She also offered gratitude to everyone who has requested certification for their bear resistant trash containers. Due to the number of requests, staff is taking approximately a week to inspect and certify the trash containers. Email trash@townofmontreat.org to request certification. She also stated the Town offices will be closed September 7 for the Labor Day holiday.

Public Comments—There were none.

Old Business—There was none.

New Business

  • Savannah Parrish read a letter from the Black Mountain Police Department commending Montreat Police officers Morgan Bocanegra and Elijah Ammons for their support to the BMPD in an incident needing additional support. They were cited for their cooperation and continued support between both agencies.
  • The Council passed a motion to donate seven surplus body cameras to the Hot Springs Police Department, who lost nearly all their equipment during Hurricane Helene.
  • The Council deferred action on making Texas Road one-way from the swimming pool down to Community Drive. Further study and interaction with residents in the Texas Road neighborhood are needed.
  • The Council approved the Annual Tax Collection Order.
  • The Council passed a budget amendment depositing and transferring funds within Town accounts. Several of the items were from fundraising efforts for Town Hall landscaping and the Stone Bridges project. The Council offered accolades and appreciation to those involved with the fundraising.
  • The Council approved an update to the Solid Waste Disposal and Refuse Collection Ordinance revising the refuse cleanup fee to $125 per incident.
  • After much discussion, the Council did not approve the motion to accept the NC Parks and Recreation’s Helene Recovery Fund Project for Flat Creek Crossing. The Council felt it was not appropriate for the Town to guarantee payment on the $307,274 match when we have $4.3 million of FEMA projects, other infrastructure projects, equipment needs, and other town related expenses. The Council thanked the Flat Creek Crossing team for their work and encouraged them to continue with the initial project and seek other funding for the add on projects.

Public Comments

  • Eric Nichols commented on the importance of Texas Road and the need to think through any changes, It is a serious issue given it is one of few routes across Flat Creek. Eric also commented that the Flat Creek Crossing team could do the fundraising needed for the project the Council did not approve.
  • Jean Norris stated that even though a decision has been made, the contract with NC Parks and Recreation could be cancelled at any time.

Council Communications—There were none

Tonight’s meeting was hard. We so appreciate the excellent and extensive work done by the Flat Creek Crossing team and know how much blood, sweat and tears they poured into the funding proposal. But in the end, our responsibility is to you and our Town’s viability, which we thought was at stake if we approved the Town’s guarantee.

Thank you for your support of the work of this Town. 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 simple, cursive signature drawn in blue ink on a white background. The signature features a looping, flowing style with no clearly identifiable letters.

Mayor Tim Helms on behalf of the Town Council

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