Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Montreat commissioners begin discussion on pet‑waste ordinance; staff to redraft after public and campus outreach
Summary
Town Manager presented a sample pet‑waste ordinance and commissioners and staff discussed enforcement, misuse of private bear‑proof containers, and outreach to Montreat College and the Mountain Retreat Association; staff will redraft the ordinance for next month’s meeting.
Town Manager Savannah Parrish introduced a sample pet‑waste ordinance at the Aug. 8 Montreat Board meeting as a conversation starter and asked for commissioner and public feedback. Mayor Pro Tem Mason Blake flagged recent complaints about dog‑waste bags being placed in other residents’ bear‑proof containers and said the sample ordinance did not clearly address that practice.
Public Works Director Barry Creasman noted that Sanitation Specialist Drew Brown empties the town’s designated pet‑waste containers on Thursdays and suggested that installing additional pet‑waste receptacles at trailheads — possibly by the Mountain Retreat Association — could reduce misuse of private bear boxes. Commissioner Grant Dasher suggested the town distribute informational magnets for bear boxes that outline proper disposal practices. Commissioner Kitty Fouche emphasized education as an important first step.
Parrish said staff will gather comments, reach out to Montreat College and the Mountain Retreat Association, and redraft the ordinance for consideration at the next council meeting. No formal ordinance or enforcement changes were adopted at this meeting.
