Resident offers turnkey bear‑resistant bins as council considers waste‑ordinance edits

Montreat residents and commissioners spent the forum discussing new waste‑management rules and neighborhood solutions to reduce bear encounters.

Resident Ashley Manson told the council she has developed a turnkey bore‑resistant trash bin option for Montreat homeowners, describing wrought‑iron framed units in three capacities (four, eight and 12 bag) that include installation, a plastic inner container and a trash notification flag. “They come in 3 sizes, a 4 bag, an 8 bag, or a 12 bag capacity,” Manson said, and she quoted a price range “from $1,499 to just under $2,000.” She also said the manufacturer — a father‑and‑son team — reported a roughly 50% reduction in bear incidents in its hometown after adoption.

At the same time the council addressed formal edits to the town’s waste ordinance. Town staff summarized proposed changes intended to clarify who counts as a Montreat resident and to tighten enforcement language. Staff said the draft adds that “Montreat resident” includes any full‑ or part‑time resident or an overnight guest or lessee, and it expands enforcement language to cover violations “by a person or the real property owned by a person in whole or in part.” The draft also adds a caption for a “convenience center,” revises language describing first/second/third offense penalties, and allows the town to order reimbursement for cleanup costs when a violation causes extra expense to the town.

Commissioners and staff questioned whether the attractive wrought‑iron units are technically certified as bear‑resistant and whether they could be approved under the ordinance. Town staff said the ordinance allows items that are certified or approved by the town and noted some homes already use non‑certified boxes that staff would consider for approval. Manson offered to supply flyers and photos and said she would be available to answer questions after the meeting.

The council moved to consider the proposed ordinance amendments and the motion carried by voice vote; staff said the matter remains on a continued public hearing calendar for the April meeting. The next procedural step is formal council consideration of the final ordinance language at a future meeting.

If residents seek the wrought‑iron units, town staff advised owners to confirm any approval or certification requirement with the town before purchase.