# August 13, 2026 - Public Forum & Town Council Meeting

**Body:** Town of Montreat — Town Council
**Date:** August 12, 2026 8:00 PM EDT (2026-08-12T20:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3049

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Town of Montreat held a combined Public Forum and Town Council Meeting on August 13, 2026. The session began with a public forum from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, allowing community members to address the council, followed by the regular Town Council meeting starting at 6:00 PM. The council observed recent community losses, adopted the agenda, and reviewed several routine administrative items before addressing specific policy proposals and grant decisions.

**Key Decisions and Votes**
The Town Council approved several routine motions, including the donation of seven Axon Body 2 cameras to the Hot Springs Police Department, the annual tax collection order, and Budget Amendment No. 2, which recognized donations for Helene recovery and town landscaping. The council also approved an amendment to the Solid Waste Ordinance, changing the illegal dumping cleanup fee from an hourly rate to a flat $125 fee plus civil penalties. However, the council took two significant actions regarding policy and funding: they tabled a proposal to establish a one-way traffic pattern on Texas Road for further study, and they declined the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Helene Recovery Grant for the Flat Creek Crossing project. Commissioner Widmer moved to decline the grant, noting the financial burden it would place on the town, and the motion carried.

**Discussion Highlights**
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Flat Creek Crossing grant and Texas Road safety. Commissioner Widmer argued that declining the grant was necessary because the town’s financial resources are already heavily committed to 23 obligated FEMA projects totaling over $4.3 million. He stated it would be "irresponsible" to underwrite a $307,274 local match given these existing liabilities. Commissioner Dasher expressed similar conflict, citing the poor condition of the creek and the difficulty of justifying such a large town commitment while other critical infrastructure projects are underway. Regarding Texas Road, Commissioner Widmer suggested that a meaningful study could not occur until clubs reopen next year and proposed studying the traffic pattern from the swimming pool area down to the intersection.

**Community Input**
During the public forum, residents provided context and feedback on ongoing recovery efforts. Elizabeth Hamilton thanked staff and neighbors for beautification and cleanup efforts following Hurricane Helene. Patty highlighted the use of FEMA grants for Flat Creek restoration, describing it as the community’s "spiritual lifeline." Savannah, a staff member, provided an update on FEMA obligations, noting that 23 projects are obligated with two pending reviews, and that an expected reimbursement of just over $124,000 will help fund the Arbor Lane pedestrian bridge replacement.

Jean Norris, representing the Flat Creek Crossing Committee, urged the council to vote on the grant agreement to unlock engineering funding, clarifying that the town’s commitment is required to proceed with fundraising. She emphasized that the committee has raised approximately $290,000 in grant and private funds but needs the town’s commitment to finalize the match. Eric, a public commenter, suggested utilizing the tennis/pickleball area and a pedestrian bridge to solve Texas Road traffic issues, expressing frustration that the council seemed to overlook the community's fundraising success. After the vote, Jean Norris clarified that the declined grant included "get out of jail" clauses, meaning the town is not automatically on the hook for the full uncommitted amount if funds cannot be raised.

**Follow-ups and Next Steps**
Staff will proceed with the decision to decline the Flat Creek Crossing grant, and the committee indicated they would continue seeking other funding sources. Regarding Texas Road, Chief Whitson and staff agreed to study the possibility of expanding the one-way traffic pattern or changing the scope. They will send letters to every resident on Texas Road to gather input and bring a revised proposal back to the council in September. Commissioner Widmer offered to walk the route with staff to assist in this study. Additionally, staff will process the expected FEMA reimbursement of just over $124,000 to fund the Arbor Lane pedestrian bridge replacement and will continue processing bear-resistant trash can certifications, aiming for full certification by October 1 when the new ordinance takes effect.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHqJHDwiXf4
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2070/segments

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHqJHDwiXf4)