Residents report bear break-ins and call for action; business owners and commenters urge staff accountability

During the public-comment period at the May council meeting, multiple residents asked the town to take action after a spate of serious bear encounters. Lisa Milton said a bear entered her home on April 30 and that her daughter narrowly avoided harm; she and other speakers described bears repeatedly returning to yards, opening cars and damaging property. Speakers said Bearwise and NC Wildlife have set traps, but that habituated bears often must be euthanized; they urged enforcement of anti‑feeding laws, better trash/security rules, and convening a community meeting with NC Wildlife.

Mayor and staff acknowledged the severity of the incidents and said the town will work with NC Wildlife and host a community meeting at the Black Mountain Library to develop a plan. Council members discussed voluntary conservation measures and how waste and bird feeders contribute to attractants, and staff said they will track pump/tank data and state reports to determine whether mandatory restrictions are required.

Separately, public commenter Frank Capelli accused town planning and zoning staff of using draft email folders and other practices to avoid public‑record disclosure and called on council to authorize an independent third‑party audit of email metadata related to named staff. A business owner, John Richardson, alleged the town improperly placed a fence on private property and later built public parking with the same configuration; he said he will pursue legal action. Council thanked commenters, reiterated expectations for professional staff treatment, and said staff will follow up where appropriate.