Other residents asked about the whether the village expects to receive money from a government Covid relief grant, how much it will receive and how the money will be spent.
The village is expected to receive $1,078,153.45 from the American Rescue Plan grant, Weedman said. But the money must be spent on “Covid-related” projects and is subject to audit, he said.
“The more we learn about it, the more narrow it gets,” he said.
John Gerni, who moved to Flat Rock from Brevard a few weeks ago, asked Weedman if the definition of Covid-related was made clear.
Flat Rock does not have its own police department, fire department or public works department, which means much of what could be covered by the grant does not apply to the village, Weedman said.
“We’re getting more information,” he said.

Flat Rock council hears from residents at first town hall

John Gerni moved to Flat Rock from Brevard.

Filing makes Hensley-Smith race official for mayor - Hendersonville ...

2026 North Carolina General Election

As of January 5, 2026, John Gerni did not have a website or any information online.

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John Gerni

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Other residents asked about the whether the village expects to receive money from a government Covid relief grant, how much it will receive and how the money will be spent.
The village is expected to receive $1,078,153.45 from the American Rescue Plan grant, Weedman said. But the money must be spent on “Covid-related” projects and is subject to audit, he said.
“The more we learn about it, the more narrow it gets,” he said.
John Gerni, who moved to Flat Rock from Brevard a few weeks ago, asked Weedman if the definition of Covid-related was made clear.
Flat Rock does not have its own police department, fire department or public works department, which means much of what could be covered by the grant does not apply to the village, Weedman said.

John Gerni's campaign for Flat Rock Village Council Member, District 1 is his first entry into politics.