City Council

Town of Montreat Board of Commissioners Town Council Public Forum March 2, 2017 Walkup Building Board members present: Mayor Tim Helms Mayor Pro Tem Kitty Fouche Commissioner Bill Gilliland Commissioner Mary Standaert Commissioner Ann Vinson Board members absent: Commissioner Kent Otto Town staff present: Alex Carmichael, Town Administrator Angie Murphy, Town Clerk Call to Order Approximately 13 people were in attendance. Mayor Helms called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. and led the group in a moment of silence. Mayor Helms asked everyone in attendance to remember Montreat Coach Britten Olinger and his family in their thoughts and prayers. Agenda Approval Commissioner Vinson moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Commissioner Gilliland seconded and the agenda was approved 4/0. Public Forum Mrs. Shannon Ingersoll of 124 Eastminster Terrace, felt that the verbiage about Montreat being an inclusive community could be interpreted in numerous ways and was not sure why it was being included on the agenda again. Commissioner Standaert felt that there had been a lot of discussion in previous months about this topic and she did not think a little ambiguity was a bad thing. Mrs. Ingersoll asked if this would be an ordinance change. Commissioner Standaert stated that it would be a change to the Mission Statement and was not meant to be overly political. Mr. Gill Campbell of 149 Maryland Place, felt that due to the current state of the Nation it would not be a bad idea to emphasize to people that they are welcome in the Community. Mr. Mike Sonnenberg of 125 Virginia Road, felt that how you present yourself on a day to day basis is more important than Mission Statements and Vision Statements. Mr. Sonnenberg hoped there were plans in place on the Montreat side of the gate for connectivity to the new Town of Black Mountain sidewalk system on Montreat Road. Mrs. Alice Lentz of 115 Eastminster Terrace, stated that in her opinion the Mission Statement did Book 16; Page  Montreat Board of Commissioners Public Forum Minutes March 2, 2017 include inclusiveness and there would be no reason to change the verbiage. Mr. Tom Frist of 98 Frist Road, stated that the word inclusive could be considered a divisive word. Mr. Frist also felt that “inclusive” did not properly describe Montreat as a whole. Commissioner Standaert feels that “inclusion” means different of opinions. She also stated that her original motion was to be a “welcoming community” rather than an “inclusive community”. Mr. Frist questioned whether Montreat needed to add the verbiage because there are numerous welcome signs at the gate and he felt that actions speak louder than words. Commissioner Standaert stated that Montreat was not diverse which is different than inclusive. Mrs. Shannon Ingersoll of 124 Eastminster Terrace, asked if Council had any plans to review the Ordinances and eliminate redundancy. Commissioner Standaert stated that it had been brought up in the past but it was not an inexpensive undertaking. Mrs. Martha Campbell who served on Council at the time stated that some sections had been reviewed and pages of information were removed. Mrs. Martha Campbell of 149 Maryland Place, advised that inclusive means to treat all groups or all members of a group equally or without exception. Mr. Frist felt that it was a loaded term and not necessarily a true term. Mr. Mike Sonnenberg of 125 Virginia Road, asked when Budget conversations would take place. Mayor Helms stated that they would occur between the present time and June 30 th. Mr. Peter Boggs of 338 Chapman Road, asked if the inspection on the Texas Road Bridge had been completed. Mayor Helms advised that it is back and will be discussed at next week’s regular meeting. Mr. Tom Frist of 98 Frist Road, inquired as to whether any more money had been deposited into the Reconciliation Fund. Mayor Helms stated that Finance Director Stefan Stackhouse could report on the balance the following week. Mr. Mike Sonnenberg of 125 Virginia Road, would like to see the Budget handled in a conservative manner. Mrs. Shannon Ingersoll of 124 Eastminster Terrace, asked if the directional signs covered in black garbage bags would be removed once a decision was made upon Texas Road Bridge. Mayor Helms advised that they would be remedied. Adjournment There being no further discussion, Commissioner Vinson moved to adjourn the Public Forum Book 16; Page  Montreat Board of Commissioners Public Forum Minutes March 2, 2017 Meeting. Commissioner Gilliland seconded and the motion carried 4/0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m. __________________________________ ______________________________________ Tim Helms, Mayor Angie Murphy, Town Clerk Book 16; Page