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Flat Rock council approves new park gate, appoints park commissioner and defers Southside project in budget workshop
Summary
Council approved purchase of a new sliding rail gate for The Park at Flat Rock (estimate $32,000), appointed Danielle Linde to the Park Commission, adopted a resolution supporting the Land of Sky Regional Council's request for HCA engagement, and in a budget workshop unanimously approved an option that defers the Southside park project pending a lower-cost plan and potential grants.
The Village of Flat Rock council on April 9 approved several park- and region-related actions, including purchase of a new sliding rail gate for The Park at Flat Rock, the appointment of Danielle Linde to the Park Commission, and a resolution asking HCA Healthcare to engage local stakeholders through the Land of Sky Regional Council. In an immediate budget workshop, council adopted Budget Option 1 — which excludes the larger Southside project — and asked the project proponents to return with a lower-cost plan and grant proposals.
Park operations and gate purchase: Council Member Bass presented a proposed sliding-rail gate system and turned discussion to Park Director Michael Dages, who described an estimate from Superior Gate & Rail for approximately $32,000, including removal of the existing gate. Director Dages asked council to approve purchase this fiscal year; Council Member Bass moved and Council Member Carpenter seconded the motion. The council approved the gate purchase by unanimous vote. Director Dages noted funds of $36,000 have already been appropriated in this fiscal year's budget to cover the work.
Appointments and foundation updates: Council Member Bass moved to appoint Danielle Linde — who will transfer from the Flat Rock Park Foundation — to the Park Commission for a three-year term; Council Member Carpenter seconded the motion and the appointment passed unanimously. Vice Mayor and Budget Officer Toner reported the Park Foundation held $515,000 in assets at the end of March, with $488,000 in cash on hand, and that fundraising for the Southside project has lagged. The Foundation is reviewing bylaws, conflict-of-interest policy and a memorandum of understanding with the Village.
Regional resolution and public comment: Council Member Jeter moved to approve Resolution No. 249 supporting the Land of Sky Regional Council "in asking HCA Healthcare CEO Sam Hazen to engage directly with stakeholders in Western North Carolina;" Council Member Carpenter seconded the motion and it was adopted unanimously. Chief Will Sheehan of Blue Ridge Fire & Rescue testified during public comment to thank council for supporting the resolution.
Budget workshop decision on Southside: At the budget workshop immediately following the meeting, Budget Officer Toner presented two budget scenarios: Option 1 (without the Southside project) and Option 2 (including the Southside project at an estimated $100,000). Council members agreed action on the Southside project should wait for a reduced-cost plan; council asked Equinox to present a lower-cost planting plan and asked Tracey Daniels of the Park Foundation to pursue grant opportunities. Council Member Bass moved to approve Option 1; Council Member Stuller seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Context and next steps: The council approved the gate purchase and appointment to maintain park operations this season while deferring investment in a larger Southside plan until proponents identify lower-cost approaches and grant funding. The Budget Officer will present the final proposed budget in May and the council will consider budget adoption at the June meeting.
