Town Council Meeting

Town of Black Mountain Regular Town Council Meeting Recap Date: July 13, 2026

The Town of Black Mountain held its Regular Town Council Meeting on July 13, 2026, focusing on organizational appointments, infrastructure updates, and community service initiatives. The meeting began with the filling of a council vacancy; after an initial vote failed to reach consensus, a second vote resulted in the election of Lawrence Lytle as the new Council Member. Lytle took the oath of office and was subsequently appointed as the primary member of the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Executive Board and as an alternate delegate for the Land of Sky Regional Council Board of Directors. The Council also approved Resolution R-26-57, unanimously recognizing outgoing Council Member Doug Hay for his service from December 2020 to June 2026, specifically highlighting his leadership during Hurricane Helene.

Significant discussion centered on public safety and infrastructure projects. Staff presented an update on the Fairway Drive/Tomahawk Avenue stormwater diversion project, noting delays caused by Hurricane Helene and unexpected utility hits. The Mayor expressed frustration that the Council was not fully informed about the project’s impact on the local golf course, specifically the conversion of a par 4 hole to a par 3. Staff committed to providing an updated construction schedule by early next week and consulting with the golf course operator regarding the specific design of the new hole. Additionally, the Council voted to award the bid for the Highway 70 waterline project to Cooper Construction Company and concurred with NCDOT’s bid award for the 9th Street Bridge to Kester Construction, pending a budget amendment in August. The Council also approved initial testing for two inactive town wells.

A notable debate occurred regarding emergency housing and equipment financing. The Council discussed a request from NC Baptist on Mission to extend their temporary emergency housing use at 1114 Montreat Road for one additional year. Zoning Administrator Russell stated that under current ordinances, he was required to grant the extension if criteria were met, confirming he would do so, though no formal council vote was taken on the extension itself. Regarding fire safety, the Council voted to adopt a resolution for financing a new mini-pumper fire truck with Pinnacle Financial Partners. However, the Mayor voiced concern over the necessity of the purchase, noting that the town already possesses six fire trucks for a population of 8,900, suggesting the town has "plenty of equipment."

Public commenters provided diverse perspectives on town operations. Matthew DeForest and Cheryl Pitt supported the proposed Bear Wise ordinances, with Pitt urging strong enforcement to prevent bear habituation. Conversely, Frank Capelli opposed the extension of the emergency housing facility at 1114 Montreat Road, arguing the building was not damaged by Hurricane Helene and did not fit the ordinance’s intent. Ken Floyd, President of the Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, and Cheryl Hyde, Executive Director, called for greater transparency and partnership between the government and local businesses. John Richardson criticized the Council for a perceived lack of transparency regarding budget crises and staff leadership changes, calling for efforts to restore public trust.

The meeting concluded with several administrative follow-ups and appointments. The Council appointed several members to various boards, including Melissa Presley to the ABC Board, Angela Levine to the Planning Board, and members to the Board of Adjustment, Active Mobility Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission. Staff agreed to provide the Council with copies of the town’s Standard Operating Procedures for emergencies at the next meeting. Additionally, the Council agreed to consider adding the Library Maintenance Board to the annual appointment process, noting that further review was required. No motion was made to proceed with a forensic audit of town email practices, and the Council moved on to other business without voting on that request.