Town Council Meeting 05/09/24

Town Council Meeting Recap: May 9, 2024

The Montreat Town Council convened on May 9th, 2024, addressing a range of topics impacting the community. The meeting, attended by all council members and key town staff, focused on recognizing local workers, clarifying legal representation, streamlining meeting schedules, tracking progress on the town's comprehensive plan, and addressing ongoing concerns about traffic safety and bear activity.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to formal approvals. The Council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing National Public Works Week, acknowledging the vital contributions of Montreat’s public works professionals. They also approved a revised engagement agreement with their legal counsel, Allen, Stahl & Kilbourne, ensuring representation aligns with professional conduct rules. A key change approved was an amendment to the Board of Commissioner Rules of Procedure, shifting regular council meetings from 7:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with a public forum preceding the regular meeting at 5:30 PM. This change will take effect on July 1st, aiming to improve accessibility for residents.

Discussion centered around a request from the Planning and Zoning Commission for funding to conduct a traffic study on Assembly Drive. While acknowledging the concerns raised by the commission, the Council ultimately decided against immediate funding. Instead, they directed town staff to engage in broader discussions with key stakeholders including the Montreat Residents Association (MRA), the college, and community members regarding broader public safety concerns. Commissioner Widmer will lead this effort, encompassing traffic calming measures, pedestrian safety improvements, and addressing issues on Greybeard Road. This decision reflects a desire for a more comprehensive approach to address the underlying safety concerns rather than focusing solely on Assembly Drive.

Community input was limited, with minimal comments during the designated public forum. However, Kitty Helms addressed the Council, urging residents to remove signs and ribbons related to ongoing legal matters. She expressed concern that these displays detract from Montreat’s appearance and are unlikely to influence the court's decision. Town Manager Mason highlighted the ongoing need for increased enforcement of garbage storage regulations, emphasizing that proper management is crucial to minimizing bear activity within the town.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified. Town staff will initiate discussions with the MRA, college, and community regarding public safety concerns under Commissioner Widmer's leadership. Residents are encouraged to voluntarily remove signs and ribbons, and town staff will intensify efforts to enforce existing garbage storage regulations. Residents should also note the Budget Workshop scheduled for Friday, May 10th at 2:00 PM and the Open Space Conservation Committee Meeting on Tuesday, May 14th at 3:30 PM.

This meeting demonstrated the Council’s commitment to addressing community needs, from recognizing essential workers and streamlining internal processes to tackling complex issues like traffic safety and wildlife management. The decision regarding the Assembly Drive traffic study highlights a focus on collaborative problem-solving, involving various stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions.