Chimney Rock Village council discusses parking, recovery projects and infrastructure during July meeting
By Annie Dance | Cops & Congress | Reporting from Rutherfordton, NC
The Chimney Rock Village Council met July 21 for its regular monthly meeting, with discussions ranging from employee parking and downtown revenue to water, sewer and Hurricane Helene recovery projects.
Cops & Congress was the only news outlet present, providing an exclusive look at the discussion through an exclusive video and a written record, via a transcript of the public meeting.
The meeting marked the first council session attended by the village’s newly appointed town attorney, Patrick Twisdale. Twisdale was appointed by the Village Council effective July 1, 2026, replacing Ben Putnam of King Law.
One of the major topics discussed was employee parking in the village’s downtown area.
Village Administrator Stephen Duncan told council members that parking revenue is a critical part of the village budget, generating about $150,000 annually and supporting maintenance of public properties, parking lots, landscaping, restrooms and other services. Duncan said the revenue represents over 50% of the village’s entire budget.
Duncan presented a plan to expand and pave an existing employee parking area near the volunteer fire department. He estimated the project could add between 30 and 35 parking spaces.
Council members approved a motion allowing the village to proceed with expanding, paving, and lining the employee parking area.
Officials also discussed temporary parking changes while construction projects move forward. Duncan said additional employee parking could be created near the amphitheater area while road and infrastructure work continues. Council approved designating that area as temporary employee parking.
Water and sewer recovery efforts were another focus of the meeting.
Engineers updated council members on efforts to restore the village’s water tank, saying temporary water lines had been installed and samples were being tested before the system could return to service.
Officials also discussed ongoing coordination with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality on long-term sewer solutions, as well as FEMA-approved recovery work following Hurricane Helene.
The council also received updates on bridge repairs, grant applications and recovery projects. Officials said efforts were underway to secure funding for two private bridges and restore access to areas affected by storm damage.
Economic development and downtown revitalization projects were also discussed, including grant-funded streetscape improvements, business hub projects and continued work under the village’s “Raise the Rock” recovery plan.
Village officials said the council continues working with state and federal partners as Chimney Rock rebuilds after Hurricane Helene.
The town council includes: Mayor Peter O’Leary, Mayor Pro-Tem Buck Meliski, Bruce Godzik, April Schick and Patrick Warnke.
Godzik and Schick did not file to run for re-election this fall.
The council also touched on what was discussed at the planning board meeting.
The members of the Chimney Rock Planning Board include: Chair Barbara Meliski, Don Cason, Jessie Calloway, Teresa Cauthren and Nick Sotille.
Sottile is running for town council on the November ballot, along with Richard Duffy and W. Bennett Phillips.
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