Event Recap
Woodfin Town Council Meeting Recap: February 18, 2025
The Woodfin Town Council held a regular meeting on February 18, 2025, focusing on committee appointments, storm recovery updates, and land use reviews. The council unanimously approved the agenda and the consent agenda, which included the approval of minutes from the January 21, 2025, regular and closed session meetings, the January 22, 2025, retreat minutes, and the tax collection report for the period ending December 2024. Additionally, the consent agenda covered the approval of SDR Contract Amendments #001 and #002, as well as an addendum to the Woodfin Tax agreement with Buncombe County.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. The Town Manager provided updates on recovery efforts, noting that stormwater and street repairs are approximately 30-40% complete, with an estimated three weeks remaining to finish, subject to weather conditions. The coffer dam repair is reported to be 80% complete. Debris removal continues with final sweeps underway, and private property debris removal applications are being accepted starting February 19. The Town Manager also discussed a state bridge loan program offering $100 million at 0% interest to assist municipalities with cash flow during FEMA reimbursement delays; current storm-related costs for the town are approximately $5.7 million, and a loan request has been submitted.
The council conducted interviews and voted on appointments to two advisory bodies. For the Parks and Greenways Advisory Committee, the council interviewed Adam Smith, Melissa Drennan, and Katie Cox. Following the interviews, Council Member Edgerton moved to approve the appointment of all three candidates, a motion that passed unanimously (5-0). For the Planning Board of Adjustment, the council interviewed Jerry VeHaun. Council Member Edgerton moved to approve his appointment, which was seconded by Council Member Young and passed unanimously (5-0).
In land use matters, the council conducted a ministerial review of the preliminary subdivision plat for the High Hopes subdivision, located off Ben Lippen Rd. and Desperate Ln. The proposal involves a 19-lot major subdivision on 2.8 acres. Staff recommended approval with conditions to clarify access and note that the open space tract is not for future construction. Council Member Kahn moved to approve the preliminary plat, finding it complies with all applicable technical requirements. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). The council also discussed the nature of ministerial reviews, noting that they limit council discretion, and sparked conversation about potentially revisiting those standards in the future.
The Woodfin Police Department presented its 2024 Annual Report. The report highlighted 7,381 calls for service, with suspicious activity being the most frequent call type. Self-initiated activities accounted for 38% of police work, the crime rate was 11.49, the case clearance rate was 258, and the average response time was 4 minutes and 35 seconds. The report also included updates on traffic stop data, which highlighted a focus on warnings, and ongoing efforts to recruit new officers. Additionally, the Town Manager provided updates on the completion of a streambank restoration project with assistance from NC State and RiverLink, and noted that a Silver Line Park Community Clean-up is scheduled for March 1 and 2.
Regarding follow-ups, staff indicated they will continue working with FEMA to expedite reimbursement for storm-related expenses and will finalize and submit the application for the state bridge loan program. Staff also stated they will continue reviewing proposed code updates, including a completed draft of updates to the Flood Ordinance, and plan to present them to the council in March or April. The meeting adjourned at 7:06 pm.