City Council

Town of Montreat Board of Commissioners Town Council Public Forum July 7, 2016 Walkup Building Board members present: Mayor Tim Helms Mayor Pro Tem Kitty Fouche Commissioner Bill Gilliland Commissioner Kent Otto Commissioner Mary Standaert Commissioner Ann Vinson Board members absent: None Town staff present: Ron Nalley, Town Administrator Jack Staggs, Chief of Police Steve Freeman, Public Works Director Barry Creasman, Senior Water Operator Angie Murphy, Town Clerk Call to Order Approximately 25 people were in attendance. Mayor Helms called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the group in the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. Agenda Approval Mayor Helms welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked everyone who attended the Public Forum. Commissioner Vinson moved to adopt the agenda as amended. Mayor Pro Tem Fouche seconded and the agenda was approved 5/0. Public Forum Mike Sonnenberg of 125 Virginia Road, suggested that safety features should be enhanced on the reconstruction of the Montreat Gate. Mr. Sonnenberg mentioned increased height, enlarged openings and lasers to trigger warning signals. Shannon Ingersoll of 124 Eastminster Terrace, asked if the community could be notified when Public Works began flushing water lines. Mr. Freeman advised that Public Works Crews do not do a lot of flushing in the summer months due to the fact that a lot of water is being used on a regular basis. In the off season flushing occurs every two weeks. Mr. Freeman will notify the Town Clerk when flushing will begin and it will be distributed to the community via the Town Website, Facebook and Sunshine List. Clare Frist of 98 Frist Road, felt that a comprehensive study of evacuation options needs to be Book 15; Page  Montreat Board of Commissioners Public Forum Minutes July 7, 2016 looked into especially with the gate being out of commission. Another consideration would be an alternate exit route in case of terrorism or fire. Ted Carey of 116 John Knox Road, expressed his opinion that Town Hall belongs in the empty lot right outside the gate. Mr. Carey inquired whether anyone on the Board had spoken to the Town of Black Mountain Mayor and Commissioners about the possibility of annexation of that property. Mayor Helms advised that until the lawsuit was settled Council could not explore other options. Mr. Nalley advised that prior conversations with Black Mountain were not encouraging with regards to annexation. Mr. Carey also inquired whether conversations had occurred between the Board and the current administration of Mountain Retreat Association (MRA) with regards to MRA-owned properties. Mayor Helms advised that he has had conversations with President DuBose and properties are still available. Tom Frist of 98 Frist Road, elaborated on Clare Frist’s comments about alternative exits. Mr. Frist suggested that the alternative route should link up West Virginia Terrace, Virginia Road and Alabama Terrace to make a parallel exit aligned with Assembly Drive to end outside of the gate. Eric Nichols of 527 Suwannee Drive, expressed his gratitude for all of Mr. Nalley’s hard work over the past 11 years. Mr. Nichols stated that Montreat is losing a tremendous public servant and the Town of Lake Lure is gaining a great leader. Adjournment Mayor Helms reminded everyone that a reception would be held in Mr. Nalley’s honor at 6:30 p.m. prior to the start of the July Town Council Meeting. There being no further discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Fouche moved to adjourn the Public Forum Meeting. Commissioner Otto seconded and the motion carried 5/0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m. __________________________________ ______________________________________ Tim Helms, Mayor Angie Murphy, Town Clerk Book 15; Page