June Town Council Meeting 6/13/24

Montreat Town Council Meeting Recap: June 13, 2024

The Montreat Town Council convened on June 13th for a comprehensive meeting addressing key town matters, including budget approval, the ongoing concerns surrounding the cell tower, and progress on the Texas Road Pedestrian Bridge. All council members were present, along with Brandon Freeman from Allen Stall and Kilbourne, the town's new legal counsel, who was introduced to the council and community. The meeting aimed to provide updates on ongoing projects and address resident concerns, ultimately shaping the direction of Montreat's local government.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around resident concerns regarding the cell tower located within town limits. Mary Standert, a concerned citizen, voiced strong objections to its current state of disrepair – specifically noting missing limbs that she believes violate a 2010 agreement stipulating it should resemble a tree. She also questioned the recently proposed $15 sanitation fee, suggesting a tax increase as an alternative and raising concerns about its impact on residents with wells. Commissioner Widmer, drawing upon his experience with the Planning and Zoning Commission in 2010-2011, confirmed that the town historically held authority to regulate cell tower aesthetics. In response to these concerns, the Council unanimously agreed to engage legal counsel to review the existing cell tower agreement and explore potential corrective actions. This demonstrates a commitment to addressing resident concerns and ensuring adherence to previous agreements.

Beyond the cell tower discussion, the Council tackled several critical decisions related to town finances and infrastructure. Following a public hearing, the Council approved the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, which includes a 9.96% increase over the previous year while maintaining the current ad valorem tax rate of $0.43 per $100 valuation. Notably, a portion ($150,000) will be allocated from the town's fund balance to complete the Texas Road Pedestrian Bridge Project. To further support this project, the Council approved a motion directing the Town Manager to negotiate a loan with First Bank for $100,000, a reduction from the originally proposed $200,000. These decisions reflect the Council’s focus on responsible financial management and prioritizing key infrastructure improvements for Montreat residents.

Throughout the meeting, citizen participation was evident through public comments and questions. Residents actively engaged in discussions about the sanitation fee and its potential impact, demonstrating a strong interest in local government decisions. The Council acknowledged and appreciated the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s generous $34,000 grant supporting the Flat Creek Crossing accessible trail. Staff recognition was also a highlight, with commendations extended to Finance Director Rachel for her diligent work on the budget and recognition of her recent scholarship achievement. Finally, the Council announced a change to future meeting schedules, with public forums and regular meetings now beginning earlier at 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM, respectively.

Looking ahead, several key action items will be pursued by the Town Manager and staff. This includes engaging legal counsel to review the cell tower agreement, gathering data on households without water bills to refine sanitation fee billing practices, and exploring the feasibility of adding trash cans near the bridge and along the dam/lake. The Council also indicated a need for a broader review of various town fees, particularly those related to zoning. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the Town of Montreat website for official meeting minutes and agendas, and to attend future Council meetings to remain actively engaged in shaping the community's future.