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Flat Rock council approves park gate purchase, appoints Park Commission member and adopts budget option; backs regional HCA engagement resolution
Summary
Council unanimously approved a new park gate purchase and the appointment of Danielle Linde to the Park Commission, endorsed Resolution No. 249 asking HCA’s CEO to engage Western North Carolina stakeholders, and approved the recommended FY2026–27 budget Option 1 (excluding the Southside project).
At its April 9 meeting, the Village of Flat Rock Council approved several routine and policy items, including authorization to buy a new park gate system, the appointment of a new Park Commission member, endorsement of a regional resolution asking HCA Healthcare leadership to meet local stakeholders, and adoption of the administration’s recommended FY2026–27 budget Option 1.
Old business: Park gate purchase Park Director Michael Dages described a sliding-rail gate proposed for the park entrance. Superior Gate & Rail provided an estimate of roughly $32,000 for installation and removal of the old gate; $36,000 in the current fiscal budget is available to cover the cost. Council Member Bass moved to purchase the gate; Council Member Carpenter seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Appointments and resolution Council Member Bass moved to appoint Danielle Linde to the Park Commission for a three-year term; Council Member Carpenter seconded and the appointment carried unanimously.
Council Member Jeter introduced and moved Resolution No. 249 to support the Land of Sky Regional Council’s request that HCA Healthcare CEO Sam Hazen engage directly with stakeholders in Western North Carolina. Council Member Carpenter seconded the resolution and council members voted unanimously to adopt it. Blue Ridge Fire & Rescue Chief Will Sheehan offered public comment thanking the council for supporting the resolution.
Budget workshop and Southside project discussion Budget Officer Toner presented two budget options in a workshop following the meeting. Council voted unanimously to approve recommended Option 1, which does not include the Southside project. Option 2 would have included the Southside project at an estimated $100,000. Council members raised concerns that Equinox’s previously presented plan for the Southside project had an estimated cost of about $500,000 and requested a lower-cost planting plan and exploration of grant funding; Tracey Daniels of the Flat Rock Park Foundation was asked to pursue possible grants. Toner said the final proposed FY2026–27 budget and ordinance will be presented for approval at the May regular council meeting and scheduled for adoption in June.
Votes at a glance - Park gate purchase (motion by Council Member Bass; second Carpenter): approved unanimously. Estimated cost: ~$32,000; budgeted: $36,000. - Appointment of Danielle Linde to Park Commission (motion by Bass; second Carpenter): approved unanimously. - Resolution No. 249 supporting Land of Sky Regional Council (motion by Jeter; second Carpenter): approved unanimously. - Budget Workshop — Option 1 recommended budget (motion by Bass; second Stuller): approved unanimously.
What’s next Staff will proceed with procurement steps for the gate purchase and follow procurement policy for the King Creek capital project and other work. The council will consider the final proposed budget at the May meeting and vote on the budget ordinance in June.
