Town Council Meeting for June 9, 2025 - Town of Black Mountain, NC

Black Mountain Town Council Meeting Recap – June 9, 2025

The Black Mountain Town Council convened on June 9, 2025, addressing a wide range of community priorities from storm recovery to budget planning. The meeting was attended by all council members and featured public input on several key issues, providing residents with a comprehensive update on town operations.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to acknowledging important community observances. The council unanimously approved resolutions recognizing both Juneteenth and Pride Month, demonstrating Black Mountain's commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusivity. Following this, a heartfelt apology was issued by the Mayor regarding the prolonged closure of the Lake Tomahawk Clubhouse, impacting Black Mountain’s senior citizens. Council members emphasized their commitment to reopening the main floor as quickly as possible, prioritizing safety and ensuring compliance with fire code requirements while acknowledging its historical significance.

A notable point of discussion arose during the public comment period when resident Mark White voiced concerns about the town's water system. He questioned the progress on the Local Water Supply Plan, highlighted reduced water pressure experienced by residents, and raised concerns about potential delays in water sample testing. While town staff defended the current operations as compliant with regulations, Councilman Ray expressed a need for further investigation. A presentation from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is planned to address these concerns, providing residents with a clearer understanding of the situation.

Beyond public comments, the council approved a substantial consent agenda that streamlined several routine items. This included approving minutes from previous meetings, the monthly Tax Collector Report, grant funding for the Carver School drainage mitigation project, and various amendments to ordinances related to Tomahawk Dam and Hurricane Alene recovery efforts. A particularly important action was the appointment of Michelle Kennedy as an alternate member to the Asheville Regional Housing Consortium, recognizing her expertise in affordable housing.

The council also addressed ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, receiving an update on debris removal and insurance claims. Staff highlighted the collaboration with UNC Chapel Hill students (Morehead-Cain Scholars) to document the storm's impact and develop long-term resilience strategies, demonstrating a commitment to proactive planning. A key decision was the temporary reduction of the town’s unassigned fund balance target to between 10% and 15%, providing greater financial flexibility during the ongoing recovery period.

Finally, a vote on an ordinance granting rights-of-way to Enbridge (a gas utility company) was deferred. Councilman Ray raised concerns about potential conflicts with future infrastructure projects, prompting a request for revised language from the town attorney. This matter will be revisited at a future meeting, potentially with a 60-day extension to allow for thorough review. The council also approved the FY26 budget, including a planned increase in water rates for both in-town and out-of-town customers.

What's Next? Residents can expect the following developments: a presentation from DEQ regarding concerns about the water system, further discussion and potential vote on the Enbridge ordinance after revisions, and continued progress in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the town website and official communications channels, as well as attend future council meetings. The upcoming Hart on the Tracks concert series and opportunities to apply for advisory boards and commissions were also highlighted as avenues for community engagement.