# Town of Black Mountain Regular Town Council Meeting, October 13, 2025

**Body:** Town of Black Mountain — Town Council
**Date:** October 13, 2025 5:46 PM EDT (2025-10-13T17:46:39-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493

## Summary

The Black Mountain Town Council convened on October 13, 2025, addressing a wide range of topics impacting the community, from ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene to discussions about future development and support for senior citizens. The meeting, attended by the full council, included significant public input and resulted in several key decisions that will shape Black Mountain's future.

A major focus of the meeting was addressing resident concerns regarding water pressure issues on Camp Branch Road, with several residents passionately voicing their frustrations. Alongside this, a significant portion of the public comment period was dedicated to advocating for the reopening of the Lakeview Center for Active Aging, a vital resource for Black Mountain's senior population. Linda Shuffield and Joyce Miller powerfully conveyed the social isolation many seniors are experiencing due to its closure, emphasizing the need for a safe space and access to information. Carl Bartlett offered a more critical perspective, questioning council decisions and the handling of ongoing recovery efforts. While these concerns were heard, no immediate action was taken to reopen the center; however, the council acknowledged the importance of exploring options and addressing structural concerns.

The Council took several significant votes throughout the evening, demonstrating a commitment to both immediate needs and long-term planning. They unanimously approved a resolution designating October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and readily passed the consent agenda, which included routine financial and administrative approvals. A key decision was the unanimous approval of a revised master plan for the Village of Cheshire TND zoning district, signaling continued development in that area. Additionally, the council streamlined regulations for mobile retail vendors by unanimously approving a text amendment removing setback requirements – a move expected to support local businesses. Finally, the council approved the transfer of a mobile office lease from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring continued access to temporary office spaces.

Beyond these formal votes, the council engaged in discussions surrounding several key projects. Luke Bennett presented a proposal for a Monarch butterfly sculpture at Lake Tomahawk as part of the Asheville Butterfly Trail, which was met with enthusiasm. Fire Chief Parker delivered a comprehensive annual report highlighting the department’s response to Hurricane Helene and the establishment of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), showcasing their dedication to community safety. Discussions also centered on potential improvements at Veterans Park and stormwater management projects, with contracts approved to move these initiatives forward.

Looking ahead, the Town Council has several action items on their plate. They will schedule a meeting to discuss alternative locations for the proposed tree planting project at Lake Tomahawk, responding directly to resident feedback. The council will also continue exploring options for restoring the Lakeview Center, addressing structural concerns and seeking funding. Finally, they will consider a proposal for a full-time public information officer and budget analyst to better serve the community's needs. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these ongoing efforts and participate in future council meetings, as the decisions made will directly impact the quality of life in Black Mountain.

## Agenda

- [1. CALL TO ORDER](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2713)
- [1.A. Welcome](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2714)
- [1.B. Pledge of Allegiance](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2715)
- [1.C. Moment of Silence](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2716)
- [1.D. Announcements](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2717)
- [1.E. Ethics Statement](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2718)
- [2. PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS, SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2719)
- [2.A. Domestic Violence Prevention & Awareness Month Proclamation](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2720)
- [3. CITIZEN COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2721)
- [4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF, COUNCILS, COMMISSIONS & AGENCIES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2722)
- [4.A. Presentation of Law Enforcement Risk Review Award from NCLM](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2723)
- [4.B. Fire Department Annual Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2724)
- [5. COMMUNICATION FROM TOWN ATTORNEY & TOWN MANAGER](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2725)
- [6. COMMUNICATION FROM MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2726)
- [7. CONSENT AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2727)
- [7.A. Monthly Tax Collector Reports](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2728)
- [7.B. Resolution to Apply for Community Development Block Grant - Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) Program](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2729)
- [7.C. Resolution to Apply for the Golden LEAF Foundation Open Grants Program](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2730)
- [7.D. Resolution Declaring Certain Property Surplus and Authorizing Private Sale per N.C.G.S. 160a-266(c)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2731)
- [7.E. Memorandum of Agreement with NC League of Municipalities (NCLM) for Disaster Recovery Services](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2732)
- [7.F. Debris Removal Cooperative Memorandum of Agreement with NC Division of Emergency Management (NCEM)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2733)
- [7.G. Resolution to Designate Certain Town Facilities as Critical Facilities for Hazard Mitigation Purposes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2734)
- [7.H. Resolution Approving a Master Services Agreement between Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. and Town for Continuing Professional Services (Veterans Park Ped. Crossings)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2735)
- [7.I. Resolution to Approve Contract with Anchor QEA for Restoration of N. Oconeechee Ave. Stormwater Management System](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2736)
- [7.J. Resolution to Amend Resolution R-25-45 Authorizing On-Call Contracts for Grant Writing & Consulting Services in Support of Recovery & Resilience Funding Opportunities.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2737)
- [7.K. Consideration of FY25-26 Budget Amendments](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2738)
- [7.L. Resolution to Amend the Town Budget to Transfer Funds from Unassigned Stormwater Fund Balance to the Helene Fund for Stormwater & Environmental Projects](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2739)
- [7.M. Resolution Selecting KCI Associates for the Asset Inventory & Assessment (AIA) and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Services, and Authorizing the Town Manager to Negotiate a Contract](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2740)
- [8. PUBLIC HEARING](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2741)
- [8.A. Public Hearing for Village of Cheshire Master Plan Amendment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2742)
- [8.B. Public Hearing for Text Amendment to Chapter 5, Section 5.17, Mobile Retail Vendors](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2743)
- [9. CITIZEN COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2744)
- [10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2745)
- [11. NEW BUSINESS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2746)
- [11.A. Eagle Scout Project - Handicap Accessible Fishing Pier at Lake Tomahawk Park](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2747)
- [11.B. Bee City USA Asheville Butterfly Trail Station at Veterans Park](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2748)
- [11.C. NC Wildlife Federation Habitat Restoration Proposal](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2749)
- [11.D. Transfer of Mobile Office Lease from USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers) to Town of Black Mountain.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2750)
- [11.E. Resolution To Apply For State Revolving Fund (SRF) Funding For Water System Improvements & Repeal of Resolutions No. R-25-41 and R-25-42.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2751)
- [11.F. Discussion of Emailed Public Comments Procedure](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2752)
- [11.G. Town Attorney Performance Evaluation Templates](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2753)
- [12. ADJOURNMENT](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493/item/2754)

## Votes

- Approve the tax collections reports as presented. — Passed
- I move that we approve the resolution to apply for the Community Development Block Grant — Neighborhood Revitalization Program. — Passed
- I move that we approve the resolution to apply for the Golden LEAF Foundation Open Grants Program. — Passed
- I move that Council approve the Resolution Declaring Certain Property Surplus and Authorizing Private Sale as presented. — Passed
- Motion to approve the Disaster Recovery Memorandum of Agreement Resolution with NCLM as presented. — Passed
- Motion to approve the Memorandum of Agreement as presented. — Passed
- Motion to approve the Resolution to Designate Certain Town Facilities as Critical Facilities for Hazard Mitigation Purposes. — Passed
- Motion to approve the resolution which approves the Master Services Agreement between Kimkley-Horn & Associates and the Town for the projects specified. — Passed
- Motion to approve the resolution approving contract with Anchor QEA for N. Oconeechee Ave. Stormwater Management System Project. — Passed
- Motion to approve the Resolution to amend Resolution No. R-2545 authorizing staff to enter into contracts and execute on-call professional service contracts with the seven qualified firms that responded to the Grant Writing and Consulting Services RFQ. — Passed
- Motion to approve the budget amendments as presented and recommended. — Passed
- Motion to approve the resolution as presented. — Passed
- Motion to approve the resolution as presented. — Passed
- I move that we approve the proposed amendment to the Village of Cheshire Master Plan and find the proposed amendment is consistent with current state regulations and promotes and protects the health, safety, and welfare and is in keeping with good zoning practice. — Passed
- I move that we approve the proposed text amendment to Chapter 5, Section 5.17, Mobile Retail Vendors, to remove setback requirements and find that the proposed change is consistent with current state regulations and find that the recommendation promotes and protects the health, safety and welfare and is in keeping with good zoning practice. — Passed
- Approved as presented. — Passed
- Approve the proposal and MOU. — Passed
- Motion to approve the mobile office lease transfer as presented. — Passed
- Motion to approve the resolution as presented. — Passed

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRr1GctMITw
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1794/segments

## Documents

- [minutes_2025-10-13.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493?document=14142)
- [agenda_2025-10-13.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493?document=5294)
- [agenda_packet_2025-10-13.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2493?document=5295)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRr1GctMITw)