BOC Special Meeting - Sanitation Ordinance 2/20/26

Board of Commissioners Workshop Recap: Sanitation Ordinance Changes (February 20, 2026)

On February 20, 2026, the Montreat Board of Commissioners (BOC) held a special workshop meeting to discuss proposed changes to the town’s Sanitation Ordinance. This meeting was an opportunity for Commissioners and town staff to refine the ordinance before a final vote scheduled for March 12th. The focus was on gathering input and ensuring the changes are clear, effective, and consider resident concerns.

A major point of discussion centered on reducing interactions between residents and bears. The proposed ordinance aims to achieve this by requiring all homes utilizing curbside trash pickup to store their garbage in certified bear-resistant containers. Residents have the option of purchasing these containers or modifying existing ones to meet the required standards. The Board also clarified that residents who choose to use the town's convenience center instead of curbside pickup will not be required to have bear-resistant containers, as they are opting out of the curbside service. Beyond bear safety, discussions also covered proper disposal guidelines for yard waste and bulk items to prevent debris from entering waterways. A key detail agreed upon was specifying that recycling bags must be blue or clear to aid staff in identifying recyclable materials.

During the workshop, Commissioners engaged in a collaborative discussion about clarifying property owner responsibilities when contractors or service providers handle trash disposal. They also discussed ensuring a straightforward and clearly defined process for addressing violations of the ordinance. The Board supported edits proposed by Commissioner Blake, which aimed to streamline language and clarify requirements throughout the document. A change was made to specify that trash pickups will occur weekly, removing ambiguity from previous wording regarding potential twice-weekly collections. The definition of "resident" was also expanded to include visitors and renters, ensuring consistency across the ordinance. No formal votes were taken during this workshop; it was a working session focused on refining the proposal.

Several residents shared their thoughts during the public comment period. A primary concern raised was the potential financial burden of purchasing bear-resistant containers. The Board acknowledged this challenge and committed to exploring options like bulk purchase discounts with manufacturers and potentially a payment plan system. Another resident suggested creating a list of approved bear-resistant container manufacturers to help residents make informed choices, which was well received.

Looking ahead, several key action items have been identified: town staff will finalize the ordinance incorporating all feedback received during the workshop. A comprehensive educational campaign, including Q&A documents and updates to the town website, will be developed to inform residents about the new requirements. Staff is also investigating potential discount programs with bear-resistant container manufacturers to alleviate financial concerns for residents. Finally, the revised ordinance will be presented to the Board of Commissioners for a final vote on March 12th. The board also discussed adding a rule to the town's procedures for workshops on ordinances, ensuring similar collaborative processes in the future.

These changes to the Sanitation Ordinance are designed to enhance community safety and protect our environment. The Board emphasized a collaborative approach, recognizing the importance of resident understanding and compliance. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed as this process moves forward, with more details available on the town website and through upcoming community outreach efforts.