Black Mountain Town Council Meeting December 8, 2025

Black Mountain Town Council Meeting Recap – December 8, 2025

The Black Mountain Town Council convened on December 8, 2025, for a meeting that addressed a range of community concerns and ongoing projects. The session included public comments from numerous residents, staff updates on various initiatives, and several key decisions impacting Black Mountain. This recap summarizes the major points discussed and actions taken during the meeting, providing residents with a clear understanding of what transpired.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on addressing concerns raised by residents regarding Black Mountain Brewing and broader town management. Several speakers, including co-owner John Richardson, voiced frustration with the handling of the brewery’s permit issues and questioned the fairness of the process. Cheryl Milton, along with other citizens like Richard Hudson, raised broader concerns about town finances, staff conduct (particularly regarding social media), and the perceived lack of transparency in decision-making. Carl Bartlett specifically called for a forensic audit to assess the town's financial stability, highlighting concerns about the lack of a dedicated finance director. While these criticisms were prominent, Council member Sobel emphasized the importance of civic engagement and a commitment to transparency throughout these discussions.

Beyond public comment, the council recognized Assistant Town Manager Jessica Trotman for her receipt of the Robert E. Shepard Excellence in Local Government Award, acknowledging her contributions to regional resilience efforts. Town Manager Michelle Kennedy provided an update on the Black Mountain Brewing situation, detailing permit discrepancies and outlining a stop-work order. Staff also presented updates on recovery projects following Hurricane Helene, with Blake Martin from the Cheshire HOA praising town staff like Chloe Smith, Jennifer Tipton, and Ann Phillip for their exceptional work in restoring Camp Branch. Jamie Matthews discussed potential improvements to Ridgeway Avenue, including sidewalks and traffic calming measures, while Craigor Krieger from Buncombe County presented information on the upcoming property tax reappraisal.

The council approved a comprehensive consent agenda, streamlining approvals for routine items like the 2026 Town Council meeting schedule and holiday calendar, as well as resolutions supporting the Buncombe County Long-Term Recovery Plan and stormwater infrastructure funding. A particularly positive outcome was the approval of a partnership with Trout Unlimited to plant trees at Veterans Park and offer tree giveaways, demonstrating a commitment to community beautification. However, discussions regarding updates to the Town's Code of Ethics (specifically disciplinary procedures) and further review of Ridgeway Avenue improvement proposals were postponed to a future meeting.

Looking ahead, residents should review their property records in preparation for the Buncombe County tax reappraisal. The Ridgeway Avenue improvement plans will be revisited at a later date, providing opportunities for further public input. The council’s decision to postpone discussions on the Code of Ethics and Ridgeway Avenue proposals indicates that these matters will remain under consideration in upcoming meetings. Citizens are encouraged to continue engaging with town officials and advocating for positive change as the town navigates these ongoing challenges and opportunities.

This meeting highlighted a period of scrutiny for Black Mountain’s town government, with residents actively voicing concerns and demanding greater accountability. While some decisions were made to move forward on key projects, the postponed discussions signal that significant conversations about town governance and financial practices are still underway.