Blowing Rock public meetings in 2025
29 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
ABC Board
The Board approved the minutes from the previous meeting by unanimous vote. No other items were voted on or formally decided. The next meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2026.
- Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
Town Council
The Town Council will administer oaths of office to the Mayor, Mayor Pro-Tem, and two newly elected members. The body will also select a Mayor Pro-Tem and representatives for the Rural Transportation Advisory Committee and the Tourism and Development Authority.
- Budget Amendment #2025-20
- Middle Fork Greenway Resolution of Easements between Town of Blowing Rock and ARHS Properties
- Authorization for Interim Town Manager W. Lane Bailey to sign closing documents for land purchase from Blowing Rock Conference Center
- Approval of retreat dates for January 26-28, 2026
- Board signature of Code of Conduct
The Town Council approved the January 26‑28, 2026 retreat at the Blowing Rock Conference Center. It also approved the consent agenda items, including a budget amendment, a greenway easement resolution, and the interim manager’s authority to sign land‑purchase documents. Additional actions included selecting a new Mayor Pro‑Tem and moving several selections to the upcoming retreat.
- Approved November 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Moved special recognition of Council Members Pickett and Gherini to January meeting (consensus)
- Moved RTAC Member and TDA Council representative selection to Winter Retreat (consensus)
- Selected Council Member Harwood as Mayor Pro‑Tem (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda: Budget Amendment #2025-20, Middle Fork Greenway easement resolution, and interim manager signing land purchase closing documents (unanimous)
- Approved retreat dates Jan 26‑28, 2026 at Blowing Rock Conference Center (unanimous)
- Approved Code of Conduct signature (unanimous)
- Approved closed session to discuss judicial action, potential property acquisition, and personnel matters (unanimous)
ABC Board
The board approved the prior meeting minutes unanimously. It approved ordering 500 Crack N Peel stickers and scheduled tastings through the holidays. The board decided the current Town Manager position will be filled by an interim and that the Town Council will hire a permanent manager. It also approved turning on the outside Christmas lights, will seek options for an additional EXIT sign at the south entrance, and authorized holiday gifts for staff to be paid at the end of November.
- Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous vote)
- Approved ordering 500 Crack N Peel stickers
- Scheduled tastings through the holidays
- Designated an interim Town Manager and directed the Town Council to hire a permanent manager
- Approved turning on the outside Christmas lights
- Manager to request options for another EXIT sign at the south entrance of the ABC Store
- Approved holiday gifts for staff to be paid at the end of November
Town Council
The Blowing Rock Town Council will meet to approve budget amendments, tax releases, and a resolution regarding public rights of way for the Middle Fork Greenway. The meeting includes a public hearing on a project ordinance and a presentation on Japanese Knotweed.
- Budget Amendment 2025-19
- Tax Releases 2025-14 and 2025-15
- Resolution accepting rights of way for Middle Fork Greenway
- Project Ordinance
- Public hearing for Greenpark Inn and CZ 2025-02
The council approved Lucrum 7, LLC's conditional rezoning request for the Pine and Laurel Townhomes project, passing the motion 4-1. The council also adopted a three‑minute limit for public comments unanimously. Minutes from the October 8, 2024 meeting and the consent agenda (Tax Releases and Budget Amendment) were approved unanimously.
- Approved minutes from Oct 8, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda (Tax Releases, Budget Amendment) (unanimous)
- Approved Pine & Laurel Townhomes conditional rezoning (4-1)
- Adopted three‑minute public comment limit (unanimous)
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment will first approve the minutes from its September 4, 2025 meeting. It will then consider Variance Request 2025‑02 submitted by Robert and Abby Lesslie. The board may also address any other business items before adjourning.
- Approve minutes from September 4, 2025 meeting
- Consider Variance Request #2025-02 – Robert & Abby Lesslie
ABC Board
The ABC Board approved the minutes from the previous meeting with a unanimous vote. No other actions were approved, denied, or tabled during this session.
- Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
Planning Board
The Planning Board will meet to discuss one specific zoning case. The primary item on the agenda is CZ 2025-02 involving Laurel and Pine, LLC.
- CZ 2025-02 Laurel and Pine, LLC
The board rejected a motion to approve the project as presented. It then approved the rezoning amendment that limits building height to 35 feet and prohibits stucco. The agenda and minutes were also approved.
- Rejected motion to recommend approval as presented (3‑4 vote)
- Approved rezoning amendment with 35‑ft height limit and no stucco (4‑3 vote)
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved minutes (unanimous)
Town Council
The council will consider and approve a consent agenda that includes Budget Amendment 2025-18, Project Ordinance #2025-04, and tax releases. Public comments are limited to three minutes each. A special presentation will honor Tim Everhart for 40 years of service. The regular agenda includes the Valley View bid award and a closed‑session discussion of a potential property acquisition and personnel matters.
- Budget Amendment – 2025-18
- Project Ordinance – #2025-04
- Tax releases
- Valley View bid award
- Closed‑session discussion of potential property acquisition and personnel
The Town Council approved the $985,000 bid from Mountain Crest LLC to permanently repair the Valley View Road slope failure. The consent agenda items—including Budget Amendment #2025-17, a fireworks permit for Blowing Rock Country Club, and a DAR proclamation for Constitution Week—were also approved unanimously. The council entered and exited a closed‑session executive session and then adjourned the meeting.
- Approved $985,000 Valley View Road repair bid (unanimous)
- Approved Budget Amendment #2025-17 (unanimous)
- Approved Fireworks Permit for Blowing Rock Country Club (unanimous)
- Approved DAR proclamation for Constitution Week (unanimous)
- Approved minutes from September 9, 2025 (unanimous)
- Adopted regular agenda (unanimous)
- Entered executive session to discuss property acquisition and personnel (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
ABC Board
The board approved $16,000 in grant funding for three applicants: $4,000 to Alcohol Education (Mary Howell), $6,000 to CLUB 12, and $6,000 to Mountain Alliance. Andy Gaines was approved to return to work. Al Shackelford was appointed to the Ethics, Grievance and Bylaws Committee for the North Carolina Association of ABC Boards. In executive session the board decided to give staff a pay increase.
- Approved $16,000 grant funding (4k Alcohol Education, 6k CLUB 12, 6k Mountain Alliance)
- Approved Andy Gaines returning to work
- Appointed Al Shackelford to Ethics, Grievance and Bylaws Committee
- Manager tasked with increasing tastings in October
- Executive session approved staff pay increase
Planning Board
The Blowing Rock Planning Board will convene to approve the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting. The primary item on the docket is SUP 2025-01, which concerns the Hampton Inn Hotel project.
- Approval of August 21, 2025 minutes
- SUP 2025-01 Hampton Inn Hotel (Old Business)
Town Council
The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a $2.25 million debt approval. The meeting also includes a presentation on Hurricane Helene and a request for a five-year renewal for Art in the Park.
- Public hearing for $2.25 million debt approval
- Budget Amendment 2025-17
- Fireworks permit for Blowing Rock Country Club
- Art in the Park five-year renewal request
- Closed session to discuss potential property acquisition
The council approved the low bid from JP Morgan Chase for a $2.25 million, ten‑year installment loan at a 3.55% interest rate. Council also approved a three‑year renewal of the Art in the Park event on Park Avenue. The meeting concluded with an executive‑session vote and an adjournment, both unanimous.
- Approved minutes from August 12, 2025 (unanimous)
- Adopted regular agenda (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
- Approved low bid from JP Morgan Chase for $2.25M loan, 10‑year term at 3.55% (unanimous)
- Approved three‑year renewal of Art in the Park (unanimous)
- Approved executive session to discuss potential property acquisition (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment elected EB Springs as Chairman and Stephen Schiller as Vice Chairman, each by unanimous vote. The board also approved the minutes from the January 23, 2025 meeting, again unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided during this session.
- Elected EB Springs as Chairman (unanimous)
- Elected Stephen Schiller as Vice Chairman (unanimous)
- Approved January 23, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
Planning Board
The Board voted to add a Code of Ethics acknowledgment to the agenda and approved the May 15, 2025 meeting minutes, each with all members in favor. No other actions were decided; the remainder of the meeting consisted of updates on workforce housing and commercial design standards.
- Approved agenda amendment adding Code of Ethics acknowledgment (unanimous)
- Approved May 15, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
ABC Board
The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The Board also signed the Town of Blowing Rock ethics form. No other substantive actions were voted on; the remaining items are informational or scheduled for future meetings.
- Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous vote)
- Signed Town of Blowing Rock ethics form
Town Council
The Board of Commissioners will meet to consider a budget amendment for vehicle repairs and an easement for the Middle Fork Greenway. The council will also discuss equipment installment financing bids and a potential public hearing date for food trucks.
- Budget Amendment #2025-16 for police and planning vehicle repairs ($5,904 and $5,980)
- Middle Fork Greenway easement
- 2025 Equipment Installment Financing bids
- Discussion on food truck regulations and possible public hearing date
- Shoppes on the Parkway presentation
The council unanimously approved the July 8 minutes, adopted the regular agenda, and approved the consent agenda items (Budget Amendment #2025-16 and Middle Fork Greenway easement). After a public hearing, the council voted to table the Shoppes on the Parkway conditional rezoning pending additional information and revisions. The town clerk administered oaths to three newly hired police officers.
- Approved July 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Adopted regular agenda (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda items – Budget Amendment #2025-16 and Middle Fork Greenway easement (unanimous)
- Shoppes on the Parkway conditional rezoning – tabled (no vote recorded)
- Administered oath of office to three new police officers
ABC Board
The Board approved the Town Manager's vacation from July 28 to August 5. The minutes from the previous meeting were adopted by a unanimous vote. No other actions were decided upon; the remaining items were informational reports and pending updates.
- Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous vote)
- Approved manager vacation July 28‑August 5
Town Council
The Town Council voted to create permanent loading zones on Sunset Drive near Maple Street and on Main Street in front of Memorial Park, eliminating three parking spots on Main Street. The Council also authorized the Town Manager to begin the bid process for a $2.25 million installment loan for the Memorial Park project and related upgrades, and adopted the amended Code of Conduct for elected officials and board members. A closed‑session was held to discuss a potential property acquisition before the meeting adjourned.
- Approved permanent loading zones on Sunset Drive and Main Street (unanimous)
- Authorized bid solicitation for $2.25 M installment loan (unanimous)
- Adopted amended Code of Conduct for officials and board members (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda items including Annual Tax Report and Fireworks Permit (unanimous)
- Approved minutes from June 10 and June 24 sessions (unanimous)
- Approved regular agenda adoption (unanimous)
- Authorized closed session to discuss potential property acquisition (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Town Council
The council approved the consent‑agenda items, including a budget amendment and the Hurricane Helene project ordinance, with unanimous votes. They also voted unanimously to enter a closed executive session for personnel matters. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.
- Approved Budget Amendment (unanimous)
- Approved Project Ordinance – Hurricane Helene (unanimous)
- Approved closed executive session for personnel matters (unanimous)
- Approved adjournment of meeting (unanimous)
ABC Board
The board unanimously approved the prior meeting minutes and adopted the proposed 2025‑2026 budget. It also directed the manager to prepare signage for the store closing on July 4 and to post signage restricting warehouse access to employees only. The staff will conduct an end‑of‑year fiscal inventory on June 28‑29 with a spot check by Jason Carpenter on July 1.
- Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Adopted 2025‑2026 budget (motion accepted)
- Approved signage for July 4 store closing
- Approved warehouse off‑limits signage
- Approved end‑of‑year fiscal inventory June 28‑29
- Approved spot check of inventory by Jason Carpenter on July 1
Town Council
The Town Council unanimously approved the meeting minutes, adopted the regular agenda, and passed the consent agenda. In a public hearing, Council members Perry, Pickett, Gherini and Mayor Pro‑Tem Matheson voted to approve the Bennett property rezoning from R‑15 to HSG (Ordinance #2025‑04) with a 4‑1 vote. The motion to close the public hearing was also unanimously approved.
- Approved May 13 & May 27 minutes (unanimous)
- Adopted regular agenda (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
- Approved rezoning of 1194 Laurel Lane to HSG (4‑1)
- Closed public hearing (unanimous)
ABC Board
The ABC Board approved the minutes from the previous meeting by a unanimous vote. No other actions were formally decided; the board received reports on sales, completed landscaping work, and upcoming budget preparation. A public hearing on the 2025‑2026 budget is scheduled for one hour before the June 19 meeting.
- Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
Town Council
The Town Council held a budget work session on May 27, 2025, and reviewed the proposed budget, including no property tax increase, modest sales tax growth, salary COLA, retirement and health insurance hikes, debt payment status, the capital plan, and a proposed 7% water rate increase. No budget items were formally adopted or rejected during the session. The only action taken was a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.
- Motion to adjourn work session – approved unanimously
Planning Board
The board approved its agenda and the April 17, 2025 minutes, each by unanimous consent. GK Naquin was recused from the re‑zoning case, a motion that passed unanimously. The board voted unanimously to recommend that Town Council approve the re‑zoning of Lot 5 and Lot 6 at 1194 Laurel Lane from R‑15 Single Family to Horse Show Grounds, a change that would allow livestock use and prevent residential subdivision of the parcels.
- Approved agenda (all in favor)
- Approved April 17, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
- Accepted GK Naquin’s recusal request (all in favor)
- Recommended approval of re‑zoning of 1194 Laurel Lane lots to Horse Show Grounds (all in favor)
Town Council
The council approved hiring two part‑time parking ambassadors and set a public hearing for June 10 to consider a contract with Passport Parking and possible ordinance changes. It also instructed the manager and attorney to move forward with buying a .81‑acre tract from the Blowing Rock Conference Center. The 2025‑2026 budget was presented, with a work session scheduled for May 27 and a public hearing for June 10.
- Approved minutes from May 13, 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
- Approved hiring of parking enforcement personnel (unanimous)
- Set public hearing for June 10 to discuss Passport Parking contract and ordinance changes (unanimous)
- Authorized purchase of .81‑acre tract from Blowing Rock Conference Center (unanimous)
- Approved motion to enter closed session (unanimous)
- Approved adjournment (unanimous)
ABC Board
The board approved the prior meeting minutes unanimously. It decided to update the employee handbook, meet with new employee Frank Gioscio, have the manager contact Torres Landscaping for mulching, and proceed with embroidery of employee shirts. The 2025‑2026 proposed budget and the 2024‑2025 budget amendments will be available for review at the May 29 meeting. Two board members attended an alcohol‑education presentation at Blowing Rock School.
- Prior meeting minutes approved unanimously
- Employee handbook to be updated and made available
- Board to meet with new employee Frank Gioscio before May meeting
- Manager to contact Torres Landscaping for mulching
- Employee shirts to be embroidered
- 2025‑2026 proposed budget to be available for review at May meeting
- 2024‑2025 budget amendments to be available for review at May meeting
- Two board members attended Alcohol Education presentation at Blowing Rock School
Planning Board
The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the March 20 minutes. A motion to form a subcommittee to study workforce housing was passed, naming Lindsay Cook, Steve Cohen, Brandon Walker and Woody Hubbard as members. The board also decided to keep commercial design‑standards work in‑house rather than hire an outside consultant.
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved March 20 minutes (unanimous)
- Created workforce‑housing subcommittee; members: Lindsay Cook, Steve Cohen, Brandon Walker, Woody Hubbard (unanimous)
- Retained commercial design‑standards work in‑house (no external consultant)
Town Council
The council unanimously approved the Tour of Homes request to use the lower level of the BRAHM parking deck from July 14‑16, 2025. It also approved the Hanna Family Trust minor amendment to CUP 2006‑02, allowing a $45,000 payment to the Parking Fund and removal of the residential parking requirement. Council directed the Planning Board to study workforce‑housing options and report at its April meeting. Finally, the council instructed staff to move forward with buying an 8.548‑acre tract west of Tipton Lane.
- Approved Tour of Homes lower parking deck use July 14‑16 (unanimous)
- Approved Hanna Family Trust minor amendment to CUP 2006‑02, $45,000 payment and removal of residential parking requirement (unanimous)
- Directed Planning Board to review workforce housing options and report at April meeting (unanimous)
- Approved motion to enter closed session (unanimous)
- Instructed Town Manager and Attorney to proceed with purchase of 8.548‑acre tract west of Tipton Lane (unanimous)
ABC Board
The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting by unanimous vote. The finance officer reported sales of $168,573.92, a decrease from $196,020.42 in February 2024. The board discussed and scheduled several operational items, including painting the showroom ceiling, a staff vacation, employee meetings at the May meeting, a landscaping discussion, and an inventory on April 6. No other formal votes were recorded.
- Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Scheduled painting of showroom ceiling
- Approved Brent Jessee vacation April 14‑19
- Planned employee meetings at May board meeting
- Manager to meet town representative about landscaping
- Staff to conduct inventory on April 6
Planning Board
The board approved its agenda and the February 20, 2025 minutes. New member Brandon Walker was sworn in, and Tom Barrett and Chris Squires began new terms. Chris Squires was elected Chairman and Tom Barrett Vice Chairman, each by unanimous vote.
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved February 20 minutes (unanimous)
- Elected Chris Squires as Chairman (unanimous)
- Elected Tom Barrett as Vice Chairman (unanimous)