2025.04.15 Town of Woodfin Town Council Meeting

Woodfin Town Council Meeting Recap: April 15, 2025

The Woodfin Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on April 15, 2025, in a hybrid format that allowed for both in-person and remote participation. The council unanimously approved the agenda and conducted a roll call vote to verify participation. During the meeting, the council recognized Council Member Eric Edgerton for his service to the town, noting that he is resigning due to a move out of town, and unanimously approved a proclamation designating May as "Celebration of Public Servants" Month to honor local government employees.

Key Decisions The council took several significant votes during the session. First, the council unanimously approved (6-0) the consent agenda, which included an amendment to add a contract with Withers-Ravenale for engineering services related to Tropical Storm Helene damage repairs. The council also unanimously approved (6-0) Ordinance 2025-03, an update to the Flood Damage Prevention ordinance. This ordinance increases the minimum elevation requirement above base flood elevation from two feet to four feet, maintains the substantial improvement threshold at 50%, and changes the look-back period from one year to five years. Additionally, the council unanimously approved (6-0) Ordinance 2025-04, which conditionally rezones 11.25 acres at 215 Macedonia Road and Mayapple Bridge Road for the development of 61 townhome sites. This approval included an additional condition requiring new units to include photovoltaic or solar cell systems.

The council also voted to establish three new advisory bodies. A motion to establish a standing Communications Subcommittee, with membership to be appointed by the council, passed unanimously (6-0). A motion to establish an ad hoc Water Infrastructure Advisory Committee, including Council Members Philip Cohen, Betsy Ervin, and Johanna Young, passed unanimously (6-0). Finally, a motion to establish a time-limited Community Partnerships Taskforce, chaired by Mayor McAllister with Council Member Philip Cohen as a member, passed unanimously (6-0). The council also unanimously approved (6-0) a motion to authorize the town manager to enter into a contract with CodeWright Planners, LLC for assistance with a comprehensive development code update.

Discussion Highlights A presentation by Mary Love and Carla Parvin of the Greenbuilt Alliance highlighted the benefits of modular homes, noting they are built to HUD and ANSI standards, can be completed in 8 to 12 weeks, and are typically 15% to 25% less expensive than stick-built homes. Town Manager Shannon Tuch provided a report on Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts, noting that FEMA Public Assistance contracts have been approved and that Buncombe County is leading a regional long-term recovery plan with a goal completion date of September 2025. Tuch also reported on administrative contracts, including one with CodeWright for $176,000 and another for $24,778, as well as a contract with CERT Equinox WithersRavenel for $24,778. The council acknowledged the completion of a staff strategic plan designed to improve internal operations.

Community Input During the public comment period, resident Brian Newport spoke regarding flood preparedness, sharing a letter he sent to county commissioners with recommendations for improvement and referencing Austin, Texas ordinances as a model. Resident Ken Buckner shared his experience with a police encounter, alleging misconduct and perjury, and stated he is pursuing legal action. Ken Brane, representing the Sierra Club, recognized Council Member Edgerton’s contributions to environmental protection. Council Member Edgerton emphasized the need to consider long-term flood preparedness and the impact of building decisions on future risks.

Follow-ups The Town Manager reported that the town continues to work with FEMA on Tropical Storm Helene recovery, including debris removal and repairs, and is working to align Riverside Park improvements with the comprehensive plan to seek FEMA reimbursement. The town is participating in the Buncombe County-led regional long-term recovery plan. Red Tree Organization LLC will begin a comprehensive development code update with public engagement opportunities planned. The town continues to recruit for a new police detective, who is scheduled to start on April 21, and a patrol officer. The council will continue budget discussions, including reviewing expansion budgets.

Impact These decisions directly affect residential development and safety standards in the town. The approval of the floodplain ordinance update raises the bar for new construction in flood-prone areas, requiring higher elevations for structures. The conditional rezoning allows for the development of 61 townhome units, adding to the town's housing stock with specific energy efficiency requirements. The establishment of the new committees and task forces signals the council's intent to focus on communication, water infrastructure, and community partnerships in the coming months.