Beech Mountain public meetings in 2023
41 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
The Tourism Development Authority reviewed financial reports and ongoing committee updates. The board approved funding for interior furnishings for the Visitor Center and addressed budget status and project payments.
- Approved up to $25,000 from the 2/3 fund for Visitor Center interior furnishings
- Approved a $99.68 payment for Farmers Market overage
- Reported August gross receipts of $1.966 million and occupancy tax collection of $114,590
- Awarded Southern Rail Jam sponsorship
- Reviewed progress on Christmas Lights/Décor funding
Planning Board Meeting
The Planning Board will consider rezoning approximately 2.13 acres of recently annexed, town-owned property from unzoned Avery County to PS Public-Private Service zoning. The property contains public utilities, infrastructure, and a solid waste convenience station.
- Rezoning REZ 2023-0521 for 2.13 acres at the intersection of Buckeye Creek Road and Buckeye Road
- Proposed change from unzoned Avery County to Town of Beech Mountain PS Public-Private Service zoning
- Adoption of minutes from the October 31, 2023, Planning Board meeting
Regular Town Council
The Town Council will conduct public hearings regarding the annexation and rezoning of Buckeye Nest NC property. The meeting also includes the oath of office for elected officials and a presentation of the 2023 audit results.
- Public hearing on the annexation of Buckeye Nest NC property
- Public hearing on the rezoning of Buckeye Nest NC property
- Presentation of 2023 Audit Results and Financial Statement
- Oath of Office ceremony for elected officials
- Resolution regarding the sale of town-owned real property
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
The Tourism Development Authority board approved a multi-year funding contract for the Christmas lights walking trail. The meeting also included reviews of occupancy tax collections and updates on various recreation and marketing projects.
- Approved three-year contract for Christmas lights walking trail: $49,554.78 (Year 1), $42,121.56 (Year 2), and $35,803.32 (Year 3)
- Approved $145.83 Farmers Market grant overage
- Reported August occupancy tax collection of $98,380, a decrease of 8.57% year-over-year
- Confirmed $175,000 payment to the Town for Visitor Center expansion
- Reviewed September budget showing total revenue of $104,000 against expenditures of $210,547
Regular Town Council
The Town Council is considering a public hearing for the rezoning of Buckeye Nest NC, LLC property and resolutions regarding several annexations. The meeting also includes a proclamation honoring state legislators for securing $14 million for a secondary water source at Lake Coffey.
- Proclamation of appreciation for $14 million in state funding for Lake Coffey water infrastructure
- Public hearing call for rezoning of Buckeye Nest NC, LLC property (REZ 2023-0502)
- Acceptance of West Consultants, Benjie Thomas as engineering firm for 2023 Water and Sewer Project RFQ
- Resolution regarding annexation of Buckeye Nest NC, LLC property (ANX 2023-0496)
- FY 2023 Budget Amendment #2024-03
Planning Board Meeting
The Planning Board is considering a staff-initiated rezoning to extend R-1 Low Density Single-Family Residential zoning to an annexed area. The board will also discuss updates to the 2020-2035 Comprehensive Plan and elect officers following the appointment of new member Tim Holland.
- Rezoning REZ 2023-0502: Extending R-1 zoning to a 19.943-acre property at Buckeye Creek Road and Pinnacle Ridge Road
- Election of Board Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary
- Review of the 2020-2035 Comprehensive Plan
Neighborhood Skiloft Road Meeting
The town is holding a neighborhood meeting to provide a project update regarding Skiloft Road. The session includes a period for questions from citizens.
- Project update for Skiloft Road
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
The Beech Mountain Tourism Development Authority approved a $175,000 payment to the Town of Beech Mountain as part of a $600,000 commitment to the Visitor Center expansion. The board also reviewed July occupancy tax collections of $108,718 and discussed potential additional marketing fund allocations.
- $175,000 payment authorized for Town Hall/Visitor Center expansion
- July occupancy tax collected was $108,718, a decrease of 8.43% year-over-year
- Proposal to award $350,000 from marketing funds to the Town was tabled for further detail
- Review of July gross receipts totaling $1.88 million
- Update on QR code projects at trailheads, playgrounds, and kiosks
Regular Town Council
The Town Council will review a memorandum of agreement for municipal accounting, cybersecurity, and technical assistance. The agenda also includes a TDA Board appointment and a voluntary annexation petition for Buckeye Creek Rd.
- Resolution to approve Municipal Accounting Services, Cybersecurity and Technical Assistance MOA
- Appointment of one TDA Board Member
- Voluntary Annexation Petition - Buckeye Creek Rd
- Review of Finance Department August Report
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
The Tourism Development Authority reviewed financial reports and discussed upcoming marketing and capital projects. The board addressed grant allocations, including a one-time concession for the Chamber of Commerce to use Kite Festival funds for a Hog Roast.
- Allocated $1,000 for professional recording of 1620 AM non-emergency scripts
- Approved using Kite Festival funds for a Hog Roast event as a one-time concession
- Authorized up to $4,200 in Marketing funds to pay lodging invoices for Kite Clubs
- Reviewed FY 23 total revenue of $1,328,000 against expenditures of $841,713
- Discussed testing QR code plates at playgrounds for a potential larger order
Special Meeting of Town Council
The Town Council is reviewing a resolution to tentatively award two construction contracts for the 2022 Water & Sewer Systems Rehabilitation Project. The decision is subject to final funding and documentation approval from the NC Department of Environmental Quality.
- Contract A (Various Water & Sewer Improvements): Award to Buckeye Bridge, LLC not to exceed $6,245,000.00
- Contract B (Skiloft Road Area Improvements): Award to M&M Construction of Banner Elk, Inc. for $4,633,640.00
- Potential scope reduction for Contract A to remain within available NCDEQ funds
Regular Town Council
The Town Council will hold a public hearing regarding proposed text amendments to the town's code concerning driveway connections and public nuisances. The changes aim to clarify property owner maintenance responsibilities for drainage and culverts to prevent roadway hazards.
- Public hearing for amendments to § 91.04 Driveway Connections and § 94.03 Control of Other Nuisances
- Resolution to rename the Beech Mountain Visitor Center to the Elena Kontinos Visitor Center
- Land lease agreement with Walter Clifton Elder Sr. Revocable Trust
- Amendment to the FY 2024 Budget
- Water and Sewer Resolution
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
The Tourism Development Authority reviewed financial reports showing April occupancy tax collections of $35,571. The board approved the 2023-24 budget ordinance and authorized funding for the renewal of the 1620 AM radio station contract.
- Approval of 2023-24 Budget Ordinance
- Funding for 1620 AM radio station renewal
- Review of grant fulfillment and documentation requirements
- April occupancy tax collection of $35,571
- Appointment of Robert Pudney as a new signatory
Regular Town Council
The Town Council will consider revisions to the Town Personnel Policy and a funding resolution for Project SRP-W-0185. The agenda also includes a call for a public hearing regarding proposed text amendments for driveway connections.
- Revision of the Town of Beech Mountain Personnel Policy
- Acceptance of Funding Resolution NCDEQ Project SRP-W-0185
- Call for Public Hearing on Proposed Text Amendment on Driveway Connections
- 12-month extension of the Emerald Outback Trail System lease
- Amendment to the 2023 Water System Rehabilitation Project (DWI # H-SRP-D-18-0126)
Planning Board Meeting
The Planning Board will discuss a staff-initiated text amendment regarding driveway connections and nuisances. The proposal aims to strengthen regulations for the design, construction, and maintenance of private driveways and culverts related to surface water drainage. Additionally, the board will review the 2020-2035 Comprehensive Plan.
- Text amendment to § 91.04 Driveway Connections and § 94.03 Control of Other Nuisances
- Review of 2020-2035 Comprehensive Plan
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
The Tourism Development Authority reviewed financial reports showing April occupancy tax collections of $35,571. The board approved the new annual budget and authorized funding for the renewal of the 1620 AM radio station contract.
- Approval of Budget Ordinance 2023-24
- Funding for 1620 AM radio station renewal
- Grant extension for Beech Meadows Ski Shop
- Instruction to notify grant recipients regarding missing documentation
- Denial of ArchiveSocial digital archiving proposal
Regular Town Council
The Town Council will hold a public hearing regarding a bond order for $15,000,000 in General Obligation Water System Bonds. The agenda also includes approving the sale of two properties via online auction and reviewing a budget amendment.
- Public hearing for $15,000,000 General Obligation Water System Bonds
- Online auction approval for 189 Wild Daisy Ln for $17,700.00
- Online auction approval for 234 Wild Daisy Ln
- Budget amendment to transfer $11,870 to E911 Fund and $100,000 for Watauga Co. Sales Tax reimbursement
- Approval of Bark Park playground swingset
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
The Tourism Development Authority is reviewing the proposed 2023-24 budget ordinance and conducting a budget hearing. The meeting also covers committee updates, ongoing business such as the Farmers' Market, and several grant awards for local programs.
- Approved $25,000 grant to Parks and Recreation for website updates
- Approved $50,000 grant to Parks and Recreation for a Bark Park swing set
- Approved $6,000 grant to Parks and Recreation for a race timing system
- Awarded multiple grants including $15,000 to Beech Mtn Resort Summer Concert Series
- Amended budget line item for admin charge to reflect 3% of first $500,000 and 1% thereafter
Regular Town Council
The Town Council is conducting a second reading and public hearing for the fiscal year 2023-24 annual budget. The meeting also includes discussions on a $15 million water system bond order and a land lease agreement with Beech Mountain Resort.
- Public hearing for FY 2023-24 Annual Budget (second reading)
- Introduction of a $15,000,000 General Obligation Water System Bond Order
- Land Lease Agreement with Beech Mountain Resort
- Resolution of Acceptance of Grant Funding
- Creation of Capital Grant Project Budget Ordinance
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment will discuss and decide an appeal regarding a public nuisance citation for surface water discharge from 105 Cricket Way.
- Quasi-judicial hearing: Appeal of Notice of Abatement and Civil Penalties for Public Nuisance at 105 Cricket Way (APP 2023-156)
Town Council FY: 2023-2024 Budget Retreat
The Town Council is holding a retreat to review the proposed annual budget for fiscal year 2023-2024. The meeting includes discussion of the proposal and comments from the Council.
- FY: 2023-2024 Proposed Annual Budget
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
The Tourism Development Authority held a retreat to define long-term goals and project priorities. The board identified key focus areas including marketing enhancements, staffing needs, and support for local recreation.
- Allocated $3,000 to fund five Farmers' Markets
- Approved transfer of $140,000 to the Town with an additional $135,000 planned for end of FY23
- Reported January 2023 occupancy tax collection of $204,447
- Identified five priority goals: marketing materials, QR codes/STRs, staffing needs, Parks & Recreation support, and shoulder season projects
Mayors and Managers Luncheon
The Mayors and Managers Luncheon for Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, and Seven Devils includes a discussion on Senate Bill 317 and House Bill 562. These bills aim to address the workforce housing crisis by establishing specific criteria for workforce housing developments.
- Discussion of Senate Bill 3IT & House Bill 562 regarding workforce housing
- Review of proposed legislation to establish workforce housing developments
- Examination of new definitions for 'workforce housing development' and 'workforce housing improved lot'
Regular Town Council
The Town Council will conduct a first reading and public hearing regarding the proposed annual budget for fiscal year 2023-2024. The agenda also includes a resolution opposing state legislation SB 317/HB 562 and discussions on declaring town-owned lots as surplus.
- Public hearing for FY 2023-24 Annual Budget
- Resolution No. 2023-06 opposing SB 317/HB 562 housing regulations
- Request to declare town-owned lots as surplus
- Approval of order to advertise 2022 delinquent property taxes
- General Obligation Bond Resolution intent to apply to LGC
Town Council FY: 2023-2024 Budget Retreat
The Town Council is meeting to review budget reports provided by the Town Manager. The session includes discussion of the annual budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
- FY:2023-2024 Annual Budget discussion
Regular Town Council
The Beech Mountain Town Council will hold a public hearing regarding a $550,000 deed of trust to finance the Town Hall/Visitor Center Project. The council will also consider several ordinances related to utility reserves, capital projects, and budget amendments.
- Public hearing on $550,000 financing for Town Hall/Visitor Center at 4.16% interest
- Capital Project Ordinance for Town Hall Visitor Center addition and renovation
- Source Water Development Ordinance Budget Amendment
- Resolution approving financing terms (Resolution #2023-01)
- Utility Capital Reserve Fund Ordinance #2019-07 Amendment #1
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
The committee will review the March 2023 recreation report and a presentation on spring and summer events. The meeting also includes the adoption of previous minutes and a period for public comment.
- Review of March 2023 total recreation revenue of $7,353.66
- Presentation of Spring/Summer Events by Program Coordinator Matt Robinson
- Review of March 2023 fitness class participation and facility usage
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
The Tourism Development Authority approved a budget amendment to reflect higher projected occupancy tax collections. The board also discussed updates for the Farmers' Market, a new BarkFest event concept, and changes to grant policies.
- Budget amendment to increase projected tax revenue to $1,200,000
- Farmers' Market update including potential costs for banners and market bags
- BarkFest preliminary event concept proposal
- Grant policy update regarding fund request deadlines and reimbursements
- Financial report noting December 2022 gross receipts of $2,985,641
Tourism Development Authority Budget Retreat FY: 2023-24
The Tourism Development Authority is conducting a budget retreat. The agenda consists of procedural items including call to order, adoption of the agenda, and budget discussion.
- Budget retreat for FY 2023-24
Regular Town Council
The Town Council is reviewing a classification and salary study alongside various departmental reports. Discussions also include future budgetary priorities such as water reservoir projects and infrastructure maintenance.
- Classification and Salary Study
- Amendment to the FY 2023 Budget Ordinance
- Lake Coffey/ Lake Santis water reservoir project
- Pinnacle Ridge well construction
- $5,000,000.00 State grant for water system improvements
Neighborhood Skiloft Road Meeting
The Town of Beech Mountain is holding a meeting to discuss a major infrastructure upgrade for Skiloft Road, including water, sewer, stormwater, and other utilities. The project is fully funded by a state grant and will require a complete road closure from April 2024 to October 2024. No costs will be passed to property owners.
- Full water and sewer system replacement on Skiloft Road funded by a state grant
- Road closure from April 1 to October 1, 2024, for utility and road reconstruction
- Coordination with Mountain Electric, Skyline/Skybest, and Charter Communications for utility replacements
- Stormwater drainage improvements and road width/drainage corrections
- Partnership agreement required from each property owner; no cost to owners
Planning Board Meeting
The Planning Board will review a request to allow A-frame single-family homes in the Commercial Thoroughfare Overlay District, where they are currently prohibited. The applicant proposes a multi-family development on Birchwood Lane and wants the board to either approve the A-frame design or confirm that an alternate design does not count as an A-frame. The board will also consider initiating a midterm review of the Comprehensive Plan.
- Review of A-frame architecture for single-family homes in the Commercial Thoroughfare Overlay District (ARCH 2023-0071)
- Discussion on whether state building code limits the town's ability to restrict A-frame designs on single-family structures
- Initiation of a midterm review of the Comprehensive Plan, recommended every five to seven years
- Adoption of minutes from the January 31, 2023 Planning Board meeting
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
The Beech Mountain Tourism Development Authority will discuss a budget amendment, grant policy updates, and committee assignments. The board previously approved $600,000 for the Visitor Center/Town Hall expansion, funded from the tourism-related expenditure budget.
- Approved $600,000 for Visitor Center/Town Hall expansion from 1/3 tourism-related expenditure budget
- Financial report shows $2,091,729 gross receipts for November 2022, occupancy tax collected $118,785
- Discussion of updating the Grant Policy and reinstating the Financial/Legal Sign-off Form
- Upper Fork Trail easement issues and Buckeye Road sign installation delayed to Spring
- Board voted 4-1 to primarily use Town attorney instead of outside counsel
Regular Town Council
The Beech Mountain Town Council will consider approving a bid for the Town Hall/Visitor Center project, with staff strongly recommending approval. The council will also review consent agenda items including the 2023 financial audit, budget amendment, and tax refunds, as well as receive monthly reports from the fire, police, and recreation departments.
- Approve bid for Town Hall/Visitor Center Project (staff strongly recommends approval)
- Amend FY 2023 Budget Ordinance
- 2023 Financial Audit and Financial Statement Preparation
- Tax Release & Refunds
- Parks and Recreation Committee resigned term
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
The Tourism Development Authority is meeting to discuss specifications, funding, and a motion for the Visitor Center/Town Hall Expansion Project. The agenda contains only this single substantive item plus procedural items.
- Discussion of project specifications for the Visitor Center/Town Hall Expansion
- Funding discussion for the expansion project
- Motion regarding the expansion project
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
The committee will hear a monthly report on the recreation center for December 2022, discuss marketing, and consider new projects for 2023. New members Sheri Roberts and Michael Harmon will be introduced.
- New member introductions for Sheri Roberts and Michael Harmon
- Monthly Recreation Center report for December 2022
- Discussion of new projects for 2023
Planning Board Meeting
This is a largely procedural meeting. The board will elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary for the year, adopt minutes from August and September 2022 meetings, and set the next meeting date. No new substantive items are on the agenda.
- Elect Planning Board officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary) for one-year term
- Adopt minutes from August 30, 2022 regular meeting
- Adopt minutes from September 20, 2022 special meeting
- Next meeting scheduled for February 28, 2023
Town Council FY: 2023-2024 Budget Retreat
The Town Council is meeting to review previous goals and brainstorm a priority list for upcoming projects. The session includes discussing status reports on past priorities and establishing procedures for future budgeting.
- Review of 2022-2023 top priorities including EMS station, recycle center improvements, and employee pay plan
- Discussion of water system improvements involving a $5,000,000.00 state grant
- Status update on Pinnacle Ridge well construction targeting 150,000 gpd by 6/1/2024
- Review of ongoing street lighting LED change out with Mountain Electric
- Discussion of various infrastructure and beautification projects including Bark Park and Beech Mountain Parkway
Rescheduled: Tourism Development Authority Meeting
The Beech Mountain Tourism Development Authority will consider the Visitor Center/Town Hall expansion project, which has a bid of $1.9 million plus $117k in design and engineering. The board will also discuss an attorney's opinion on whether the TDA can commit future funds, review the 2023 auditor contract, and consider bylaw adjustments and a budget retreat.
- Visitor Center Expansion Project update — bid came in at $1.9 million plus $117k in design and engineering
- Attorney discussion on whether TDA can encumber future board funds, referencing a pending lawsuit in Currituck County
- Auditor 2023 Contract and Engagement Letter to be considered
- Occupancy tax of $118,785 collected in December 2022, down 5% from December 2021
- TDA Budget Retreat and Adjustment of Bylaws on the agenda
Regular Town Council
The Town Council will discuss amending the Planning and Inspection Fee Schedule and filling vacant board and committee terms. The meeting also includes reviews of monthly reports from town departments and finance.
- Planning and Inspection Fee Schedule Amendment
- Board and Committee vacant terms
- Tax refunds
- Finance Report for November 2022
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment will hold quasi-judicial hearings to consider appeals from Fred and Misty Upthagrove. The appeals concern notices of violation issued by staff for unauthorized tree cutting and grading on Bear Cub Lane.
- Case # APP 2022-175: Appeal of Notice of Violation for cutting 258 trees on Bear Cub Lane, including a $258,000 civil penalty
- Case # APP 2022-176: Appeal of Notice of Violation for grading on Bear Cub Lane
- Election of Board of Adjustment Officers