# 2025.08.19 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

**Body:** Town of Woodfin — Woodfin Town Council
**Date:** August 19, 2025 4:58 PM EDT (2025-08-19T16:58:17-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162

## Summary

The Woodfin Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on August 19, 2025. The session focused on routine administrative approvals, updates on recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene, and several public hearings regarding land use and zoning changes. The council also reviewed annual reports from various town departments and discussed the allocation of specific state funds to support local infrastructure.

**Key Decisions**
The council approved the agenda, including a last-minute addition to discuss the designation of Woodfin ABC store allocations. The Consent Agenda was approved unanimously (5-0), covering the approval of the July 15, 2025, meeting minutes, the tax collection report for the period ending June 2025, Ordinance 2025-17 (Budget Amendment), the Annual Property Tax Settlement for Fiscal Year 2025, Resolution 2025-08 (disposal of a surplus police vehicle), the Walk Bike Woodfin Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, and a contract with French Broad Paving, Inc. for work at 5 Taylor Street.

In new business, the council passed three ordinances by unanimous vote (5-0). Ordinance 2025-14 was approved to modify the conditional zoning for 7.99 acres at 99999 Reynolds Mountain Boulevard, allowing for a 120-unit apartment building with specific modifications to lighting, height limits, and parking. Ordinance 2025-15 was approved to conditionally rezone a 0.92-acre parcel at 3 Puffin Lane from residential to community shopping-conditional zone for a landscaping business. Ordinance 2025-16 was approved to close the unopened right-of-way of Crescent Avenue between 74 and 86 Crestfield Avenue.

The council also voted unanimously (5-0) to authorize the Town Manager to renew funding agreements for the Community Partners Grant Program. This includes renewing the agreement with ABCCM for $50,000 for emergency assistance, entering a new agreement with New Bridge Baptist Church for $6,000 for non-food items, and updating the existing agreement with MHO. Finally, the council passed a motion (5-0) to designate the town’s Woodfin ABC store allocations to support parks and greenways.

**Discussion Highlights**
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Town Manager’s report on Tropical Storm Helene recovery. The Town Manager reported that Silver Line Park is open and waterway work is nearly complete. A feasibility study for Riverside Drive sidewalks received funding from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). However, delays are occurring with engineering work for road and culvert repairs, which may impact Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement deadlines. Additionally, some debris removal projects are facing eligibility challenges with FEMA, particularly regarding trees that do not pose an immediate threat. The Town Manager noted that the town is exploring options for a "shop-of-the-cop" program to support families in need and is working on a long-term recovery plan to be presented to the community in September.

Departmental annual reports provided further context on town operations. The Facilities & Public Works Director reported that while solid waste collection rates are stable, recycling fees continue to increase. The Planning Director noted that building permits were down compared to the previous year, likely due to the storm and economic factors. The Planning Director also highlighted the launch of a feasibility study for a greenway connecting Woodfin and Weaverville and the town’s takeover of floodplain permitting. A Communications Subcommittee update indicated that the group is developing a mission statement, creating an emergency resource card for residents, and exploring improvements to the town’s website and social media presence.

**Follow-ups**
The council stated that it will review progress on the town’s strategic plan in September. Staff are monitoring the engineering delays and potential impacts on FEMA funding related to the Helene recovery. The town is continuing to work on updating its development code and will be seeking community input. The Communications Subcommittee will continue its work on improving town communications and is exploring options for a Citizens Academy.

**Impact**
These decisions and updates reflect the town’s ongoing efforts to manage the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene while maintaining routine infrastructure and community services. The approval of the conditional zoning for the Rocky River Apartments project and the rezoning at 3 Puffin Lane will allow for specific commercial and residential developments in the area. The designation of ABC store allocations toward parks and greenways directs state revenue toward outdoor recreation and environmental improvements. The renewal of grant agreements ensures continued support for emergency assistance and non-food items for residents in need.

## Agenda

- [Consent Agenda- Staff Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/21757)
- [Approval of the July 15, 2025, regular session meeting minutes.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19452)
- [Consent Agenda - Staff Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19451)
- [Approval of the tax collection report for the period ending June 2025: June 2025 Tax Collection Report, Vehicle Tax Collection Report, Vehicle Tax Refunds Pending.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19453)
- [Approval of Ordinance 2025-17 Budget Amendment amending the adopted FY 2026 General Fund and the Stormwater Utility Fund budgets.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19454)
- [Approval of the Annual Property Tax Settlement for Fiscal year 2025 and Order of Collection to the Tax Collector: Woodfin FY 2025 Collection Order.Fiscal Year 2025 combined Settlement,](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19455)
- [Approval of Resolution 2025-08 Disposal of a Surplus Vehicle for Woodfin Police Department.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19456)
- [Approval of Walk Bike Woodfin Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19457)
- [Approval of contract with French Broad Paving, Inc. for 5 Taylor Street.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19458)
- [Public Comment – The public is invited to attend this meeting in person or view this meeting on YouTube Live: https://youtube.com/@townofwoodfinnc1104? si=JHD6vCmOzTqwfUKx. All documents related to agenda items not published on the website may be viewed in advance of the meetings in person at Town Hall, 90 Elk Mountain Rd, Woodfin. Citizens may address the council concerning various topics after being recognized by the mayor and are limited to 3 (three) minutes speaking time.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19459)
- [Presentations & Reports](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/21758)
- [Town Manager Report – Shannon Tuch, Town Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19460)
- [Facilities & Public Works Department Annual Report – Adrienne Isenhower, Facilities & Public Works Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19461)
- [Planning Department Annual Report – Ricky Hurley, Planning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19462)
- [Committee & Subcommittee Liaison Updates](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19463)
- [New Business](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/21759)
- [Public Hearing -Staff Report- Consideration of Ordinance #2025-14, a request to modify an existing conditional zoning approved on March 19, 2024, (Ordinance #2024-08) for the property located at 99999 Reynolds Mountain Blvd. and identified in the Buncombe County tax records as PIN 9730-79-9689. The property is currently zoned Community Shopping 2 – Conditional Zone (CS2-CZ). The applicant is Andera Gonzalez, on behalf of property owners Rocky River Apartments NC LLC. -Ricky Hurley, Planning Director.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19464)
- [Public Hearing -Staff Report- Consideration of Ordinance #2025-15, a request to conditionally rezone a 0.92-acre parcel from R-10 Residential District (R-10) to Community Shopping – Conditional Zone (CS-CZ). The property is located at 3 Puffin Lane and identified in the Buncombe County tax records under PIN 9730-66-9486. The applicant is Jeff Young, on behalf of property owners, Northside LLC. -Ricky Hurley, Planning Director.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19465)
- [Public Hearing -Staff Report- Consideration of Ordinance #2025-16, a request to close an unopened right-of-way known as Crescent Avenue, located between 74 and 86 Crestfield Avenue. The petitioners are Eric D. Boyles, Stephanie Gosnell, and Andrew Taylor. -Ricky Hurley, Planning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19466)
- [Review of allocations for the Town of Woodfin - Community Partners Grant Program. Staff Report Shannon Tuch, Town Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19467)
- [Discussion on designating Woodfin ABC store allocations to the Town of Woodfin to address specific town needs. Woodfin Town Council.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162/item/19468)

## Votes

- Council Member Kahn made a motion to approve the agenda adding tt5 under new business, a discussion on designating Woodfin ABC store allocations to the Town of Woodfin to address specific town needs. Council Member Thornton seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 5-0. — Passed, 5-0
- Vice Mayor Ervin made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Council Member Kahn seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 5-0. — Passed, 5-0
- Vice Mayor Ervin made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-14 to approve the conditional zoning of 7.99 acres as shown on Exhibits A & E for the Community Shopping 2-Conditional Zone, subject to the conditions identified in the Exhibit D-Project Conditions; and find that the request is reasonable, is in the public interest, is consistent with the Woodfin Together Comprehensive Plan, and meets the development needs of the community in that the request: 1. Promotes a mix of housing types and affordability options by working with developers to incorporate income-restricted housing into new developments (1.1.2 & 1.2.4) 2. Promotes long-term fiscal responsibility by growth in areas with existing services. (1.2.6) 3. Supports walkable employment centers so that residents may both live and work in Woodfin (3.1.4). Council Member Cohen seconded the motion, which passed unanimously,5-0. — Passed, 5-0
- Council Member Cohen seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 5-0. — Passed, 5-0
- Council Member Kahn made a motion to designate the Woodfin ABC store allocations that the town receives to be directed to address supporting our parks and greenways. Vice Mayor Ervin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 5-0. — Passed, 5-0
- Council Member Cohen made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-16, a petition for the right-of-way closure of Crescent Avenue currently submitted as it is in the public's interest and meets the development needs of the community in that the closure request: 1. Will not impede access to existing property or preclude further subdivision or infill development. 2. Will convert the land area into taxable property, and subject to the following condition that any non-conforming lots be recombined. Vice Mayor Ervin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously,5-0. — Passed, 5-0
- Council Member Cohen made a motion to authorize and direct the town manager to: 1) Renew funding agreements with ABCCM for FY 2026 in the amount of $50,000 for emergency assistance,2) Enter into a new agreement with New Bridge Baptist Church in the amount of $6000 plus $2,500 for non-food and supplemental food items, and 3) Update the existing agreement with MHO to extend the window through FY 2026. Vice Mayor Ervin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 5-0. — Passed, 5-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIPsDn1-jbU
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/804/segments

## Documents

- [minutes_2025-08-19.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162?document=14260)
- [agenda_2025-08-19.html](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162?document=14258)
- [presentation_2025-08-19.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1162?document=14259)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIPsDn1-jbU)