# Town Council Meeting for January 13, 2025 - Town of Black Mountain, NC **Body:** Town of Black Mountain — Town Council **Date:** January 13, 2025 5:49 PM EST (2025-01-13T17:49:07-05:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503 ## Summary The Black Mountain Town Council convened on January 13th for a busy meeting addressing immediate recovery efforts from Hurricane Helen, laying the groundwork for upcoming budget discussions, and responding to community concerns. This recap highlights key decisions, significant conversations, and what residents can expect moving forward. A major focus of the meeting was Hurricane Helen recovery. The council received a preliminary overview from IEM International, outlining the timeline for FEMA assistance and emphasizing the importance of thorough documentation. While Councilmember Bill expressed frustration with the pace of aid, Mayor Don Chapman defended FEMA’s efforts, stating they are providing assistance despite not being able to perform “miracles.” The council acknowledged the challenges faced by residents and committed to working closely with IEM International to navigate the FEMA application process, a lengthy undertaking requiring detailed documentation and inspections. This underscores the ongoing need for patience and vigilance as Black Mountain works to secure necessary funding for recovery. Beyond immediate disaster response, the council engaged in discussions with significant implications for Black Mountain’s future. A key decision was approving text amendments to the Land Use Code, allowing for temporary emergency housing options in response to future disasters. This proactive measure aims to provide flexibility and support during times of crisis. The council also approved a lease renewal for the Green Tee Grille, temporarily waiving monthly payments until the golf course reopens. Recognizing potential budget challenges ahead due to storm-related expenses, council members initiated discussions about a special budget retreat in March. This retreat will focus on addressing these financial impacts, potentially including adjustments to fund balance requirements – a crucial step in ensuring the town's long-term financial stability. Community voices were heard during the public comment period. Tyler Atkins, representing the Owen Babe Ruth League, passionately advocated for funding to repair fencing at Veteran’s Park, a vital resource for youth baseball. Doug Brock raised concerns about the lack of local news coverage and emphasized the importance of transparency in government decisions, particularly regarding town services like garbage collection. The council responded by approving a quote from Ground Staff for fencing at Veteran’s Park, demonstrating their commitment to addressing community needs. Regarding Mr. Brock's concerns about transparency, the council agreed to schedule a future meeting with Buncombe County Library Director Jason Hyatt to address questions about recent library hour changes, reflecting a willingness to engage with citizen concerns. **Looking Ahead:** The council has several key action items on their plate. IEM International will continue assisting with the FEMA application process, and preparations are underway for a special budget retreat in March. Residents can expect further updates on the town’s financial situation and recovery efforts as these processes unfold. Additionally, a floodplain regulations workshop is scheduled for January 21st at Town Hall, providing an opportunity for residents to learn more about flood mitigation strategies. Finally, the council directed staff to conduct a study on potential parking changes along Broadway Street, responding directly to citizen feedback and demonstrating their commitment to improving the town's infrastructure. This meeting highlighted both immediate challenges and proactive planning for Black Mountain’s future, emphasizing the council's dedication to supporting residents through recovery and ensuring a stable financial foundation for years to come. ## Agenda - [CALL TO ORDER](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6401) - [PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS, SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6402) - [CITIZEN COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6403) - [COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF, COUNCILS, COMMISSIONS & AGENCIES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6404) - [Black Mountain Library Update](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6405) - [CONSENT AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6406) - [Resolution to Approve a Memorandum of Understanding Through the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Continuing, Cooperative, and Comprehensive Planning Services.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6407) - [Monthly Tax Collector Report.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6408) - [Appointment of Town Tax Collector.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6409) - [VETERAN’S PARK BALL FIELD FENCING (FIELDS 2, 3, 4).](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6410) - [GREEN TEE GRILLE LEASE RENEWAL.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6411) - [NC LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES 2025-26 BIENNIUM LEGISLATIVE GOALS & SELECTION OF VOTING DELEGATE.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6412) - [DISCUSSION OF PARALLEL PARKING ON SUTTON AVE.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6413) - [DISCUSSION OF UNMUFFLED ENGINE BRAKING.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6414) - [DUKE ENERGY EASEMENT CONSIDERATION.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6415) - [PUBLIC HEARING- Public Hearing for Text Amendments to Chapter 1, Section 1.2.3, Definitions, Chapter 4, Section 4.7.11.4 (Uses) and Section 4.7.14 (Table of Uses by Zoning District), Chapter 5, Section 5.18, and Chapter 5, Section 5.7 to add definitions and standards for emergency temporary housing.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503/item/6416) ## Votes - Council Member Ryan Stone made a motion to approve these meeting minutes as presented. — Passed, 5-0 - Council Member Ryan Stone made a motion to approve the following resolution as presented. — Passed, 5-0 - Council Member Ryan Stone made a motion to approve the following tax collector report as presented. — Passed, 5-0 - Council Member Ryan Stone made a motion to approve the following resolution to appoint Laurel Mabery as Town Tax Collector. — Passed, 5-0 - Council Member Doug Hay made a motion to approve the quote from Asheville Fence as presented for fencing of fields 2, 3, and 4 at Veteran’s Park. — Passed, 5-0 - Council Member Pam King made a motion to renew the Green Tee Grille Lease for an additional year to expire January 14, 2026. — Passed, 5-0 - Council Member Ryan Stone made a motion to approve the following resolution that includes the ten chosen legislative goals that received a majority vote by Council Members, and to appoint the Town Clerk to serve as the voting delegate on behalf of the Council. — Passed, 5-0 - Council Member Ryan Stone made a motion to approve the easement as presented. — Passed, 5-0 - Council Member Pam King made a motion to approve the proposed text amendments to Chapter 1, Section 1.2.3, Definitions, Chapter 4, Section 4.7.11.4, Uses, Chapter 4, Section 4.7.14, Table of Permitted Uses, and Chapter 5, Section 5.18 and Chapter 5, Section 5.7, Manufactured Homes on Individual Lots to add definitions and standards for emergency temporary housing as presented and find that the proposed changes are consistent with state and county regulations and find that these recommendations promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare and are in keeping with good zoning practice, and align with the Comprehensive Plan. — Passed, 5-0 ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2f9GCIRsMY - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1778/segments ## Documents - [minutes_2025-01-13.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503?document=5145) - [agenda_packet_2025-01-13.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503?document=5144) - [agenda_2025-01-13.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2503?document=5143) ## Sources - [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2f9GCIRsMY)