# Town Council Meeting **Body:** Town of Black Mountain — Town Council **Date:** May 11, 2026 6:00 PM EDT (2026-05-11T18:00:00-04:00) **Location:** Town Hall Council Chambers, 160 Midland Ave, Black Mountain, NC, 28711 **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637 ## Summary The Town Council convened on May 11, 2026, for a meeting focused on several key municipal issues impacting Black Mountain residents. The agenda included discussions surrounding zoning regulations, infrastructure maintenance, utility billing policies, and community safety concerns – all with the goal of ensuring responsible growth and a high quality of life for our town. The meeting saw robust debate, passionate community input, and several significant decisions that will shape Black Mountain’s future. A major focus of the meeting was addressing concerns surrounding data processing centers, or "data farms." Following a public hearing and extensive discussion, the Council approved amendments to existing zoning regulations aimed at mitigating potential negative impacts from these facilities. These updated rules will strengthen controls over utility burden, noise levels, and environmental concerns associated with data centers. Recognizing the rapidly evolving landscape of state regulations regarding these facilities, the Council also directed staff to draft language for a **temporary moratorium** on new data center development. This pause will allow the town to carefully evaluate and plan for future growth in light of ongoing reviews by state legislators and regional planning bodies. Beyond zoning, the Council tackled issues related to community safety and infrastructure. Residents voiced serious concerns about increasing bear activity in residential areas, prompting a call for more proactive mitigation strategies. Discussions also centered on maintaining professional standards during public meetings, with several speakers emphasizing the importance of respectful dialogue and protecting town staff from personal attacks. On a more practical note, the Council unanimously approved a new **Street Dedication Policy**, streamlining the process for approving and dedicating streets within town limits. This centralized approach, requiring review by both the Public Works Director and the Fire Marshal before Council consideration, aims to ensure technical feasibility and safety standards are met. Financial matters were also on the agenda, sparking debate about proposed changes to utility billing policies. The Council considered implementing electronic payment fees (surcharges) for convenience, but ultimately committed to revising the policy to address concerns about fairness and accessibility. Staff will explore options that balance convenience with free payment methods like cash or check, ensuring all residents have access to affordable billing options. The Council also approved a tax collection report and authorized purchases related to evidence storage, demonstrating their commitment to responsible financial management. Throughout the meeting, residents actively participated, sharing their perspectives and concerns. A recurring theme was a desire for greater financial transparency from the town government. One citizen urged the Council to expand monthly tax collector reports to provide a more comprehensive overview of town finances, allowing residents better insight into how funds are being utilized. The Council acknowledged this feedback and committed to exploring options for improved transparency. **Looking Ahead:** Several key action items emerged from the meeting, requiring further attention and follow-up. Staff will draft a moratorium proposal for data center development, revise the electronic payment policy, and present options for repairing the Lower Watershed Dam. The Council will also decide on whether to formally take ownership of water infrastructure installed by Sweet Birch Commons, a decision that will impact the town's long-term financial obligations. The next relevant meeting for residents to follow is scheduled for June 8, 2026, when the revised Electronic Payment Policy will be presented. This meeting demonstrated the Council's commitment to addressing critical issues facing Black Mountain, balancing growth with resident concerns and prioritizing responsible financial management. Your voice matters – stay informed and engaged as these ongoing discussions shape our community's future. ## Agenda - [1. CALL TO ORDER](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/509) - [1.A. Welcome](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/510) - [1.B. Pledge of Allegiance](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/511) - [1.C. Moment of Silence](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/512) - [1.D. Announcements](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/513) - [1.E. Ethics Statement](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/514) - [2. ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/515) - [2.A. Appointment to Fill the Vacant Seat on the Town Council](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/516) - [2.B. Administration of Oath of Office by the Appointed Council Member](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/517) - [2.C. Appointment to Black Mountain Center for the Arts Board of Directors - Primary Member](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/518) - [2.D. Appointment to French Broad River MPO Board of Directors - Alternate Member](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/519) - [3. PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS, SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/520) - [3.A. Resolution Recognizing Pam King for her Service to the Town of Black Mountain](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/521) - [3.B. Consideration of Resolution Asking HCA CEO Sam Hazen to Engage Directly with Stakeholders in Western NC.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/522) - [4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF, COUNCILS, COMMISSIONS & AGENCIES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/523) - [4.A. Introduction of Jacob Guiot, Recreation & Parks Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/524) - [4.B. Presentation on Town Capital Projects and Grants](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/525) - [4.C. Update on Water Use Restrictions](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/526) - [5. CITIZEN COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/527) - [6. COMMUNICATION FROM MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/528) - [7. COMMUNICATION FROM TOWN ATTORNEY & TOWN MANAGER](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/529) - [8. CONSENT AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/530) - [8.A. Adoption of Meeting Minutes from March 5, 9, 12 & April 1, 9, 13, 2026](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/531) - [8.B. Monthly Tax Collector Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/532) - [8.C. Consideration of Resolution Repealing Resolution No. R-25-103 Entitled "A Resolution to Amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for Golf Course Bridge Repairs and Cart Path Repairs."](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/533) - [8.D. Resolution Approving the Purchase of a Conex Box for Evidence Storage and Armory](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/534) - [8.E. Resolution Authorizing Agreement with Anchor QEA of NC, PLLC for Professional Engineering & Architectural Services](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/535) - [9. PUBLIC HEARING](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/536) - [9.A. Public Hearing to Amend Chapter 1, Section 1.2.3, Definitions; Chapter 4, Section 4.7.14, Table of Uses by Zoning District; and Chapter 5, Section 5.19, Data Processing Centers, to add a definition, use, and requirements for data processing centers.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/537) - [10. CITIZEN COMMENTS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/538) - [11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/539) - [12. NEW BUSINESS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/540) - [12.A. Review of Electronic Payments & Associated Fees and Consideration of Policy](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/541) - [12.B. Presentation and Consideration of Street Dedication Application & Policy](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/542) - [12.C. Consideration of naming the Lake Tomahawk Tennis Courts after Judy Eubanks](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/543) - [12.D. Acceptance of Water Line Infrastructure within Sweet Birch Commons for Public (Town) Ownership & Maintenance.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/544) - [12.E. Lower Watershed Dam - Repair Options Discussion](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/545) - [12.F. 2026 Audit Contract and Audit Engagement Letter](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/546) - [13. ADJOURNMENT](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637/item/547) ## Votes - Motion to approve the meeting minutes as presented. — Passed - Approve the tax collection report as presented. — Passed - Motion to approve the resolution repealing Resolution No. R-25103 as recommended. — Passed - Motion to approve the resolution as presented and recommended. — Passed - Motion to authorize town staff to create an Electronic Payment Policy to Impose Fees on Electronic Payments, as recommended, and to present a draft to Council at the June 8, 2026 meeting. — Passed - Motion to adopt the Street Dedication & Policy as presented. — Passed - Motion to consider naming Lake Tomahawk Tennis Courts in honor of Judy Eubanks and approval of a sign to be placed at the tennis courts. — Passed - I move that Council approve the acceptance of the water line infrastructure within Sweet Birch Commons for public (Town) ownership and maintenance. — Passed - Council should discuss and provide direction to staff on whether to pursue the alternative as a preferred method of repair. — Passed - Approve the Fiscal Year 2026 Contract to Audit Accounts and Audit Engagement Letter from Gould Killian, CPA Group, P.A., as recommended. — Passed - Motion to approve the resolution as presented. — Passed - I move that we approve the proposed text amendments to Chapter 1, Section 1.2.3, Definitions; Chapter 4, Section 4.7.14, Table of Uses by Zoning District; and Chapter 5, Section 5.19, Data Processing Centers as presented and find that the proposed changes are consistent with current state regulations and find that the recommendation promotes the general welfare and in keeping with good zoning practice. — Passed ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9MsjlM2bVI - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1879/segments ## Documents - [agenda_packet_2026-05-11.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637?document=7031) - [agenda_2026-05-11.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637?document=7030) - [agenda_packet_2026-05-11.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637?document=7134) - [minutes_2026-05-11.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2637?document=12419) ## Sources - [CivicClerk](https://blackmountainnc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/708) - [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9MsjlM2bVI)