2025.10.21 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

Woodfin Town Council Meeting Recap: October 21, 2025

The Woodfin Town Council convened on Tuesday, October 21st, holding a meeting that addressed several key issues impacting the community. The meeting was streamed live on social media, ensuring transparency and accessibility for residents. This recap highlights the major decisions made, discussions held, and actions planned moving forward.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on strengthening local governance. The Council voted 3-2 to expand the Woodfin ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) Board from three to five members, a decision aimed at ensuring the board can effectively manage its responsibilities. Simultaneously, they appointed Michael Carroll, Jackie Craig, and Ronnie Lunsford to fill the new positions. While some council members initially suggested interviews before appointments, the board ultimately decided against them. Public comment during this segment saw Bob Starr voice his support for Jackie Craig’s candidacy and express concern over recent comments made by council members regarding town employees, urging a more direct approach to addressing concerns.

Beyond governance, the Council recognized October as Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, unanimously approving a proclamation highlighting concerning statistics about domestic violence in Buncombe County – a nearly 40% increase in criminal cases over two years. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included a Justice Grant Award that will fund a specialist to assist with policy writing, accreditation processes, and risk management for the Police Department, alongside facility upgrades.

The meeting also provided important updates on ongoing community initiatives and recovery efforts. The Woodfin Community Garden steering committee presented a positive update, detailing the garden’s success in building raised beds, hosting volunteer events, and partnering with local schools. They are exploring a rental plot model for next year to ensure affordability and community engagement. Town Manager Shannon McDonald provided an update on the recovery from Hurricane Helene, outlining progress with FEMA public assistance projects, stormwater improvements, and renovations at Roy Pope Park. A review of municipal code enforcement was also presented, detailing the process for addressing violations across various categories.

Looking ahead, residents can expect several important developments. The town has launched a TextMyGov system for emergency alerts – residents are encouraged to sign up via social media or the town website. The next bulky item collection is scheduled for the first week of November, and the Council will be moving forward with interviews for the expanded ABC board. A discussion was initiated regarding potentially doubling fees for after-the-fact permit applications to encourage compliance with building codes. Finally, the council will explore inviting faith leaders to future meetings, fostering greater community collaboration and dialogue.

This meeting demonstrated the Town Council’s commitment to addressing key local issues, from strengthening governance structures and supporting community initiatives to ensuring a swift recovery from natural disasters. Residents are encouraged to visit the town’s website for full transcripts and related documents, ensuring they remain informed about their local government.