Town of Black Mountain Regular Town Council Meeting, January 12, 2026

Black Mountain Town Council Meeting Recap – January 12, 2026

The Black Mountain Town Council convened on January 12, 2026, for their regular meeting. The session was well-attended by council members, town staff, and a number of Black Mountain residents eager to engage in local government. The meeting centered on recognizing key community contributors, reviewing ongoing projects, addressing citizen concerns, and laying the groundwork for future town initiatives.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring Town Manager Josh Harreld, who is concluding his eight-year tenure. A heartfelt resolution was passed acknowledging his leadership through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Helene. Council members and residents alike praised his contributions to sound governance, technological modernization (including a new stormwater database), the creation of vital emergency response teams like CERT, and his commitment to environmental stewardship. Several speakers highlighted Harreld’s dedication to the community, with Lisa Jennings specifically praising his efforts in securing water for residents during Hurricane Helene.

Beyond recognizing Harreld, the council addressed a range of important topics and made several key decisions. The Green Tee Grill lease renewal was approved, ensuring the continuation of this popular local eatery. Following a discussion about pedestrian and traffic safety at the intersection of Sutton Avenue and Black Mountain Avenue, the council voted to pursue a traffic study with a budget cap of $10,000. Recognizing the need for leadership transitions, they also voted to engage Piedmont Triad Regional Council to assist in recruiting both a new Town Manager and Finance Director. Finally, the council discussed extending park hours to 10 p.m., a proposal that sparked debate regarding safety concerns, particularly at Town Square due to inadequate lighting and handrails. While no immediate decision was made on park hours, the council agreed to revisit the matter in February and consider amending town code.

Citizen comments were a notable feature of the meeting, providing valuable insights into resident perspectives. David Bilstrom lauded the town's improvements and staff dedication, while Cheryl Hodge (Chamber of Commerce) emphasized Black Mountain’s welcoming atmosphere. Mark Hennigan brought to the council's attention a pressing issue regarding railroad tires obstructing pedestrian and parking access on Sutton Avenue, prompting a commitment from the council to investigate. John Richardson advocated for reopening the upper deck of Black Mountain Brewing, arguing against what he perceived as an overreach by town administration.

Looking ahead, the Town Council has several important dates and action items on their radar. The offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19th. Richard Hicks will transition into the role of interim Town Manager, beginning January 20th. The council also reaffirmed its commitment to reopening the Senior Center as soon as possible, a priority for many residents. The council approved grant applications from the Helene Recovery Fund to fund engineering and construction projects at both Black Mountain Golf Course and Veterans Park. Finally, the council formally dedicated Rantis Lane and Fay Jones Lane to the town’s street system.

This meeting demonstrated a council actively engaged in addressing community needs and planning for the future of Black Mountain. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting www.townofblackmountain.org for agendas and meeting materials.