Flat Rock council approves Bee City USA designation for Park at Flat Rock

The Village of Flat Rock council on March 12 unanimously approved Resolution No. 247 to designate the village as a Bee City USA affiliate.

Council Member Jeter moved for approval; Council Member Bass seconded the motion and the measure passed by unanimous vote. The resolution designates the Park Foundation’s Bee City Subcommittee as the program sponsor and names the park director as the Bee City liaison. The resolution calls for at least one annual educational or habitat event, placement of at least one authorized Bee City street sign, a webpage with program materials, a locally native plant list, and an integrated pest management plan.

Vice Mayor Toner and Park Foundation officers met with Village Attorney Sharon Alexander earlier in the packet process to review 501(c)(3) compliance and the relationship between the foundation and council; the resolution language includes direction to create a memorandum of understanding for asset transfers between the Village and the Park Foundation.

At the meeting’s public comment period, Rachelle Lyons thanked council for the designation and asked about the long-term vision for evolving the Park at Flat Rock into an arboretum; council members said they would share the Park’s five‑year plan and continue to discuss next steps. Chief Will Sheehan of Blue Ridge Fire & Rescue offered department property for parking when the Friends of Carl Sandburg hold a welcome event at Village Hall in July.

The resolution text included in the packet outlines annual renewal steps and reporting requirements to maintain Bee City USA affiliate status.