Blowing Rock, NC

Town Council

The Blowing Rock Board of Commissioners will hold a brief meeting on August 28, 2026, consisting primarily of procedural items and one substantive agenda item. The only decision or discussion scheduled is regarding an amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement for the EFLAP Grant related to the Middle Fork Greenway. No other business, public hearings, or contracts are listed on the agenda.

• EFLAP Grant MOA Amendment – Middle Fork Greenway

Planning Board

The Blowing Rock Planning Board will review a draft ordinance that removes minimum off-street parking requirements from the Land Use Ordinance, converting the existing parking table into recommendations. This is in response to House Bill 162, which takes effect January 1, 2027, and prohibits local governments from requiring minimum parking spaces. The board is also reviewing Appendix F draft and approving the June 18, 2026 minutes.

• Draft ordinance to change parking requirements to recommendations per House Bill 162
• House Bill 162 (Session Law 2026-39) prohibits minimum off-street parking requirements starting January 1, 2027
• Parking table moved to Appendix H as recommendations
• State law also restricts stormwater control requirements for redevelopment
• Review of Appendix F draft

Town Council

The Blowing Rock Town Council will consider a property exchange with Blowing Rock Brewery, the sale of town property to Watauga County, a speed limit ordinance for Green Hill Road, a proposed restriction on thru trucks, and a USDA water/sewer improvement project. The agenda also includes a presentation on the Watauga County Comprehensive Transportation Plan and several consent agenda items, including a budget amendment and a resolution to abandon a portion of Goforth Road.

• Ordinance #2026-02: Speed limit on Green Hill Road
• Proposed Ordinance 2026-03: Restriction of thru trucks
• Town of Blowing Rock and Blowing Rock Brewery Property Exchange
• Town of Blowing Rock's Sale of Property to Watauga County
• USDA Water/Sewer Improvement Project

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will meet to review and decide on a specific variance request. The meeting includes standard procedural approvals of previous minutes.

• Variance 2026-03 – Fred & Sandy Cerretti

ABC Board

This meeting has no agenda available. The agenda text only states that there is no agenda and directs readers to review minutes, so no specific items are scheduled for discussion or decision.

The Blowing Rock ABC Board met on July 16, 2026, and unanimously approved the prior meeting's minutes. The finance officer reported June 2026 sales of $256,984.08, up from $249,776.04 in June 2025. The board discussed old business, including a sign meeting, the pending HB 921-ABC Omnibus Bill, and a fiscal year inventory check. In new business, the board noted the termination of Carrie Triplett on July 10th and discussed researching a new employee and warehouse cameras.

• Approved prior meeting minutes unanimously
• Noted June 2026 sales of $256,984.08, an increase from June 2025
• Discussed contacting Frye Sign Company about a new sign
• Noted HB 921-ABC Omnibus Bill has not passed
• Noted fiscal year inventory was performed with minimal variances
• Noted Carrie Triplett was terminated on July 10th
• Discussed researching a new employee
• Discussed warehouse camera installation

Town Council

The Town Council will consider the FY 2026‑2027 budget, which includes a recommended property‑tax increase of 0.44 cents. A public hearing will be held on the budget and on a speed‑limit reduction for Green Hill Road. Additional agenda items include a Great Trails State Program grant, an annexation request for Rictur Inc., and a proclamation for Blue Ridge Conservancy Trails Month.

• Public hearing on FY 2026‑2027 budget with 0.44 cent tax increase proposal
• Speed limit reduction on Green Hill Road
• Great Trails State Program grant consideration
• Rictur Inc. annexation request
• Blue Ridge Conservancy Trails Month proclamation

The Blowing Rock ABC Board approved the prior meeting's minutes unanimously. The finance officer reported June 2026 sales of $256,984.08, up from $249,776.04 in June 2025. The board discussed old and new business, including a sign meeting, inventory check, and employee termination, but took no substantive votes beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Noted June 2026 sales of $256,984.08, up from $249,776.04 in June 2025
• Chair to contact Frye Sign Company to discuss new sign
• Noted HB 921-ABC Omnibus Bill has not passed
• Noted fiscal year inventory performed with minimal variances
• Noted Al Shackelford running for District 1 Board of Directors at 2026 Annual Conference
• Terminated Carrie Triplett on July 10th
• Discussed researching new employee and warehouse cameras

ABC Board

The Board adopted the 2026-2027 Budget as presented following a public hearing. The meeting included introductions for the new Town Manager and Finance Officer.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted the 2026-2027 Budget

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to discuss commercial design and appearance. The meeting also includes the approval of the agenda and the minutes from April 16, 2026.

• Discussion of Commercial Design and Appearance

Town Council

The Blowing Rock Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget and a code amendment to remove special use permit reviews from the Planning Board. The consent agenda includes fireworks approval for Chetola, a budget amendment, and an audit contract. A special presentation will cover the American Legion selling 40 cemetery plots back to the town. The council will also discuss ABC store legislation changes and receive a Watauga County EMS update.

• Public hearing on FY 2026-2027 Budget
• Code amendment to remove SUP from board review
• Fireworks approval for Chetola
• Budget Amendment #2026-06
• American Legion selling 40 cemetery plots back to the town

The Town Council approved the May meeting minutes and adopted the agenda with two corrections. The consent agenda, including updates to items 3 and 6, was approved unanimously. No final vote on the FY 2026‑2027 budget was recorded.

• Approved May meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with corrected signature requirement and open‑session wording (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda item 3 contingent on signature (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda item 6 with open‑session wording (unanimous)
• Approved entire Consent Agenda with updated items (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

ABC Board

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The standup cooler item was tabled for the near future. The board voted to give the Finance Officer permission to make budget transfers without calling a meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled standup cooler item
• Approved Finance Officer budget transfers without meeting

Town Council

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the manager's recommended budget and a potential speed limit reduction on Green Hill Road. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding an annexation request from Rictur INC.

• Public hearing for Annexation Request – Rictur INC – Ordinance #2026-01
• Budget Amendment 2026-05 including $30,000 for Laurel Lane culvert emergency repairs
• Fireworks approval for Blowing Rock Country Club on July 4, 2026
• Legal Services Agreement for USDA Water & Sewer Improvements Project
• Proposed speed limit reduction on Green Hill Road

The Council unanimously approved the April 14 minutes, adopted the regular agenda with minor changes, and approved the consent agenda items. It also set a July 14, 2026 public hearing on a Green Hill Road speed‑limit reduction and unanimously tabled the Rictur Inc. annexation request until the July meeting for further clarification.

• Approved April 14 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted regular agenda with changes (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items: budget amendment, fireworks approval, findings resolution, legal services agreement (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing (unanimous)
• Tabled annexation request until July meeting (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for Green Hill Road speed‑limit reduction on July 14, 2026

Town Council

The council reviewed a proposed budget that included a 5‑cent property tax increase, a 3% cost‑of‑living salary adjustment, and various rate and retirement changes. No formal votes were taken on any of the proposals. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 5:40 p.m.

• Adjourned work session (unanimous)

Town Council

The Blowing Rock Board of Commissioners will meet to appoint and swear in a new Finance Director, Margaret M. Pierce. They will also consider a special event permit for the Farmers Market, discuss Budget Amendment #2026-04, and set a date for a budget work session.

• Appointment of Margaret M. Pierce as Finance Director
• Administration of Oath of Office to Finance Director
• Special Event Permit Request – Farmers Market
• Budget Amendment #2026-04
• Budget Work Session date approval (May 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.)

The Town Council unanimously appointed Margaret M. Pierce as Finance Director, effective May 4, 2026, and updated bank account signatories accordingly. The Council also approved a special event permit for the Farmers Market at 132 Park Ave, adopted Budget Amendment #2026-04, and set the Budget Work Session for May 20, 2026. All motions were approved without dissent.

• Appointed Margaret M. Pierce as Finance Director (unanimous)
• Removed Michael Stanley from bank account signatories (unanimous)
• Approved Farmers Market special event permit at 132 Park Ave (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Amendment #2026-04 (unanimous)
• Scheduled Budget Work Session for May 20, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

ABC Board

The Board approved the minutes from the previous meeting by unanimous vote. It decided to research replacing the ABC sign. The manager will contact the town landscaper about planting in front of the store, and the proposed 2026‑2027 budget will be made available for review.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Board will research replacing ABC sign
• Manager will contact town landscaper for planting
• Budget for 2026‑2027 to be provided for review

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss a draft ordinance that would remove the board from the Special Use Permit review process. This proposal follows a general consensus reached by the board during its March meeting.

• Discussion of draft ordinance to remove Planning Board review from the Special Use Permit process

Town Council

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding a conditional rezoning request for the Laurel Hotel Project. The council will also consider an annexation request and a budget amendment.

• Public hearing for Laurel Hotel Project (CZ 2024-02) to rezone from CB to CZ-CB
• Annexation request for Rictur LLC (Lots 5 and 6 Sunrise Cove)
• Budget Amendment #2026-03
• Request from Village Foundation for bicycle racks and benches
• Closed session to negotiate the price and terms for real property acquisition

The council unanimously approved the March 10, 2026 minutes and adopted the regular agenda with two changes. It approved the consent agenda, including an annexation request for lots 5 and 6 Sunrise Cove, the Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K race, and a budget amendment. The council also approved the Village Foundation’s donation of five park benches and five bicycle racks. Finally, the council entered a closed session to discuss real‑property contract negotiations and then adjourned.

• Approved March 10, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted regular agenda with historic proclamation moved and Laurel Hotel withdrawn (unanimous)
• Approved annexation request – Rictur LLC – Lots 5 and 6 Sunrise Cove (unanimous)
• Approved Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K race (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Amendment #2026-03 (unanimous)
• Approved Village Foundation donation of five benches and five bike racks (unanimous)
• Approved motion to enter closed session on real‑property contract negotiations (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)

ABC Board

The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting by unanimous vote. Al Shackelford was appointed the new Chair of the ABC Board. Daniel Harris was named the new ABC Officer, replacing T. Gunnells. Alice Derian will assume the role of Town Manager after June.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Al Shackelford as new Board Chair
• Promoted Daniel Harris to ABC Officer
• Scheduled Alice Derian to become Town Manager after June

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will convene to approve minutes, swear in new members, and select a chair and vice-chair. The meeting agenda includes a variance request from KB2 Properties, LLC.

• Swearing in of new Board members
• Selection of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Variance 2026-01 – KB2 Properties, LLC

The Board approved the February 26, 2026 minutes with a correction (3 in favor, 2 abstentions). It adopted a resolution requiring a certified paper copy of any town ordinance used as evidence (unanimous approval). The board elected EB Springs as Chairman and Brandon Walker as Vice Chairman, both unanimously.

• Approved Feb 26 minutes (3 yes, 2 abstain)
• Adopted evidence resolution (unanimous yes)
• Elected EB Springs as Chairman (unanimous yes)
• Elected Brandon Walker as Vice Chairman (unanimous yes)

Planning Board

The Blowing Rock Planning Board will consider Council's recommendation to study removing the board's advisory step in the special use permit review process (option 4). The board will also review Conditional Zoning Permit #2024‑02 for The Laurel. Routine items such as agenda approval, minutes approval, and officer selections will be completed.

• Conditional Zoning Permit #2024‑02 – The Laurel
• Discussion of Special Use Permit Process (option 4 to remove Planning Board advisory role)
• Approval of agenda
• Approval of October 16, 2025 minutes
• Selection of Chair and Vice‑Chair

The board unanimously approved the amended agenda and the October 16, 2025 minutes. New members Leslie Joyce and Sarah Murphy were sworn in. Chris Squires was elected chairman and Lindsay Cook was elected vice‑chairman, both by unanimous vote.

• Approved amended agenda to adopt revised September 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 16, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Swore in new members Leslie Joyce and Sarah Murphy (unanimous)
• Elected Chris Squires as chairman (unanimous)
• Elected Lindsay Cook as vice chairman (unanimous)

Town Council

The Blowing Rock Town Council will review the FY 2024‑2025 audit and discuss a sewer project for the Green Park Inn, presented by Hannah Leskovec of Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co. with Planning Director Kevin Rothrock. The meeting also includes a consent agenda covering a 2026‑03 budget amendment, approval of an April 15, 2026 tax advertisement date, and an appointment to the Watauga County Comprehensive Steering Committee. A closed‑session will address a potential property acquisition and the qualifications of a prospective public officer.

• FY 2024‑2025 audit presentation
• Green Park Inn – sewer project (presented by Hannah Leskovec, Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co.)
• Budget amendment – 2026‑03 (consent agenda)
• Tax advertisement date approval – April 15, 2026 (consent agenda)
• Closed‑session discussion of potential property acquisition (NC 143‑318.11 (5))

The council approved the meeting minutes and adopted the regular agenda. All items on the consent agenda—including a budget amendment, tax advertisement date, a county steering committee appointment, and the Town Manager contract—were approved unanimously. The FY 2024‑2025 audit and a $56,183 sewer‑line cost‑share with an easement agreement were also approved. The council entered a closed session on property acquisition and then adjourned.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted regular agenda with changes (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Amendment – 2026‑03 (unanimous)
• Approved Tax Advertisement Date – April 15, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved appointment to Watauga County Comprehensive Steering Committee (unanimous)
• Approved Town Manager contract (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2024‑2025 audit (unanimous)
• Approved $56,183 sewer cost‑share and easement agreement (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment approved the January 29, 2026 minutes after corrections were made by Chairman Springs. The motion was seconded by Stephen Schiller and all members voted in favor. No final decision was recorded on the Jerzembeck garage variance request.

• Approved January 29 minutes with corrections (unanimous)

Town Council

The Board of Commissioners will meet to conduct a closed session. The session is designated to discuss the qualifications, performance, and employment conditions of a public officer or employee.

• Closed session regarding personnel matters under NC 143-318.11 (6)

The council voted to enter a closed session to consider personnel qualifications, and the motion passed unanimously. After returning to open session, the council voted to adjourn the meeting, also unanimously.

• Approved closed session to consider personnel matters (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Town Council

The Town Council will open with routine items, including a call to order, a pledge of allegiance, and the administration of the oath of office to Interim Finance Director Mike Stanley. The primary business is a closed‑session discussion under NC 143‑318.11 (6) to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, and appointment conditions of an individual public officer or employee. No other decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Administer oath of office to Interim Finance Director Mike Stanley
• Closed‑session review of qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, and appointment conditions of a public officer under NC 143‑318.11 (6)

The council voted to enter a closed session to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, or conditions of appointment of a public officer, and the motion passed unanimously. After returning from lunch, the council voted to adjourn the meeting, which also passed unanimously.

• Approved closed session to consider personnel qualifications (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Town Council

The Blowing Rock Town Council will open the meeting with a call to order and a pledge of allegiance. The only substantive agenda item is a closed‑session discussion under NC 143‑318.11 (6) to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, and appointment conditions of a public officer or prospective employee. No other decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Closed session: review qualifications and fitness of a public officer (NC 143‑318.11 (6))
• Call to order and roll call
• Pledge of allegiance

Mayor Pro-Tem David Harwood moved to place the meeting in closed session and the motion was unanimously approved. Council Member Wayne Miller later moved to adjourn the meeting, which was also unanimously approved. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Closed session motion approved (unanimous)
• Adjournment motion approved (unanimous)

ABC Board

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. It confirmed that store tastings will continue to be scheduled and that the showroom ceiling painting and W‑2 distribution are complete. The board postponed the scheduled inventory because of inclement weather and will reschedule it later. The board noted that Al Shackelford will attend the NCABCOA Conference and that the Town Council appointed a new board member to replace Susie Greene.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Continued scheduling store tastings
• Postponed scheduled inventory due to weather
• Al Shackelford will attend NCABCOA Conference
• Town Council appointed new board member to replace Susie Greene

Town Council

The Blowing Rock Town Council will discuss a consent agenda that includes a budget amendment, tax release, tax refund, and a 3‑way stop at Wonderland Drive and Green Hill Road. They will also consider a request for the town to contribute $55,310 to extend a public sewer line for the Frantz property on Laurel Park Road. Special recognitions for the Watauga High School cross‑country and football state championship teams will be approved. The meeting includes public comments, closed‑session discussions on a potential property acquisition, and standard reports from officials.

• Budget Amendment – #2025-21 (consent agenda)
• Tax Release – #2025-16 (consent agenda)
• Tax Refund – #2025-02 (consent agenda)
• 3‑Way Stop at Wonderland Drive and Green Hill Road (consent agenda)
• Laurel Park Road Sewer Extension – $55,310 cost request

The council voted unanimously to allocate $55,000 for a public sewer extension on Laurel Park Road serving the Frantz property. The same meeting also approved the consent agenda items—budget amendment, tax release #2025-16, and tax refund #2025-02—and confirmed board appointments for the Planning, Adjustment, ABC, and TDAB boards. Minutes from the January 13, 2026 regular session and the regular agenda were also approved unanimously.

• Approved $55,000 town contribution for Laurel Park sewer extension (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items: Budget Amendment 2026‑02, Tax Release #2025‑16, Tax Refund #2025‑02 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from the January 13, 2026 regular session (unanimous)
• Adopted the regular agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved board appointments for Planning, Adjustment, ABC, and TDAB boards (unanimous)
• Approved board member appointments by ballot (unanimous)

Town Council

The Blowing Rock Town Council meeting will include discussions on a SUP versus conditional rezoning proposal, a historic district matter, and workforce housing options. Additional topics include a shuttle service discussion, a parking enforcement update, and plans for a new website and council chambers audio/video system. The council will also receive board appointment information and address a Greenhill speeding issue.

• SUP vs Conditional Rezoning Discussion
• Historic District Discussion
• Workforce Housing Discussion
• Shuttle Discussion
• Parking Enforcement Update

The council unanimously approved the motion to open the annual retreat on February 4. Later, the council unanimously approved the motion to adjourn the retreat on February 5. No other actions, approvals, or denials were recorded in the minutes.

• Opened retreat – motion approved unanimously
• Adjourned retreat – motion approved unanimously

Town Council

The Blowing Rock Town Council will review a mid‑year financial update and several infrastructure projects, including a reservoir evaluation and storm‑damage repair on Valley View Road. A discussion will focus on bonds for 2027‑2028 to fund paving, sidewalks, and sewer expansion. Additional topics include USDA water and wastewater projects, water distribution system replacements, and a water quality overview. The meeting will conclude with a TDA update before adjourning.

• 2025‑2026 Mid‑Year Financial Update
• Reservoir Evaluation
• Valley View Road Storm Damage Repair
• USDA Projects – Mayview and Water/Wastewater Plants
• Discussion of bonds for 2027‑2028 paving, sidewalks, and sewer expansion

The Town Council opened the February 4‑5 retreat with a unanimous motion and spent two days discussing financial updates, infrastructure projects, zoning, housing, and other topics. No formal approvals, denials, or votes on specific projects were recorded. The meeting was unanimously adjourned on February 5.

• Approved opening of the retreat meeting (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the retreat meeting (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will discuss common law and ordinances regarding short-term rentals. The meeting also includes an appeal from Rock Pine Rentals, LLC.

• Discussion of common law and ordinances related to short-term rentals
• Appeal 2025-01 – Rock Pine Rentals, LLC