Village of Forest Hills Work Session Minutes

June 02, 2026

7:00 PM

Participants: Mayor Mau, Council member Ingersoll, Council member Couture, Council member Shields, Council member Bollinger, Planning Board member Donna Harris, Clerk Stephanie Gibson, and Attorney Jay Coward.

 

1.      Call to order: Mayor Mau called the meeting to order.

2.      Summer Social: 

Date: 7/25/2026

Location: Catamount Jax

Refreshments/Food – update:  Amy will manage refreshments, including snacks such as pinwheels and other finger foods. Soda and water will be provided. A cash bar will be available for other drinks.

Invitations were mailed, and most participants have received them.

Next Steps: (Signage) – Mayor Mau will check to see what we have used from the past and follow up. The old signs include too much text and are hard to read due to poor color choices. New, simpler signs may be needed to attract attendees who may not check the website. Council suggested creating generic, reusable signs with plain text like “Village Social Today” for future events.

3.      Planning Consultant and Land Use Plan Discussion: 

Why update – what are the legal requirements?

Budget impact – Mayor Mau said that the Village was awarded the $10k grant he applied for, but he has not received the contract.

What would VFH like to contribute to the process? Mayor Mau discussed revising the scope of the work and noted that the entire Council would still need to assist in recruiting volunteers, even with the grant matching.

WATR study – update:

4.       Planning Board update and correction to Land Use Plan: Planning Board member Donna Harris provided an update to the Council. She shared that the Planning Board is reviewing a document from the NC School of Government to guide planning and collaboration. The board unanimously agreed to advance a proposed amendment to the future land use map. The amendment proposes removing the mixed-use corridor along North and South Country Club Drive and restoring it to R-1 (single-family residential). The change restores consistency with the village’s historical character and the official zoning map. It does not alter existing zoning but reinforces the R-1 designation. Consistent with past actions and the community's desires.

·         Future Land Use Plan & Conservation Development:

The board discussed proceeding with an update to the Village’s Land Use Plan, partially funded by a $10,000 grant.

Conservation Development Option:  Introduce a “conservation development” option that permits smaller lot sizes, providing developers an alternative while conserving more open space.

Consultant Engagement: The initial consultant estimate of $50,000 is too high. The plan is to revise the scope and work backward from a more reasonable budget. The participant suggested the consultant present their revised proposal virtually.

·         Road and Capital Improvement Plan:  

The board is developing a capital improvement plan for VFH roads maintained by the village.

An email was sent to Western Carolina's College of Engineering to explore student assistance with a pavement condition survey and capital improvement plan development.

The plan is to prioritize repairs and repave in sections over several years to keep costs manageable and provide residents with a clear timeline.

5.      Rules and Procedures: Mayor Mau will follow up with his edits and legal reference.

6.      Planning Board vacancy: reminder: Mayor Mau noted that the Council will need to keep any residents in mind that may be willing to join the Planning Board since Clark Corwin has moved and will not be continuing indefinitely.

7.      Board member vacancy:  Mayor Mau noted that when Amy Bollinger moves, a replacement for the Council will be needed.

8.      Website update – live:  Mayor Mau shared that the website is working and will continue to be updated. He reminded Council member Couture to try and get updated photos of the village and its wildlife. Council recommended taking photos at the upcoming Village Social to add to the website.

9.      Items to keep on the radar and get completed: 

Fund Balance Policy: no update; long-range need to do a formal review.

Aggressive animal ordinance: no updates

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): have information, need to develop.

Calendar: reminder to look at what the Village should be tracking on an internal calendar and get the information to Stephanie.

Road Schedule: Mayor Mau discussed developing a road schedule for Village roads that are not state-maintained.

10.Adjourn: Councilmember Shields made a motion to adjourn at 7:40 pm.