2025.01.21 Woodfin January Town Council Meeting

Meeting Overview The Woodfin Town Council held its regular meeting on January 21, 2025. The session addressed routine administrative matters, financial reports, and significant new business, including a public hearing on a conditional zoning request and a review of solid waste collection standards.

Key Decisions The Council began by unanimously approving the agenda and the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the December 17, 2024, regular session and the tax collection report for the period ending November 2024. Both motions were moved by Vice Mayor Elisabeth Ervin and seconded by Council Member Ken Kahn, passing with a 6-0 vote.

The most significant decision of the evening was the approval of Ordinance 2025-01. Council Member Edgerton made a motion to approve the ordinance, which conditionally rezones 13.25 acres at 455 and 467 Weaverville Road from Residential District R-21 and Community Shopping to Community Shopping 2-Conditional Zone. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0. This approval includes specific modifications to town requirements, such as LED lighting with dark sky compliance, increased allowable land disturbance from 15% to 48%, increased impervious surface limits from 8% to 25%, and an increase in the percentage of units used as short-term rentals from 10% to 60%. The Council also amended the Woodfin Together Future Land Use Map for the identified areas.

Regarding solid waste, the Council decided that the Town of Woodfin will temporarily pick up trash for the Crest Mountain Condominiums until service with the current waste management provider, FCC, is established. Staff will assist in contacting FCC to resolve the service gap.

Discussion Highlights Town Manager Shannon Tuck provided a report on the ongoing recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. She noted that FEMA site inspections for SLP and RSP are complete, emergency bank repairs have begun, and public road debris collection is nearing completion. Intake for Private Property Debris Removal is scheduled for January 22 and 29. Tuck also reported that a contract for the Geneva Maney Community Garden water line extension was approved, with work to be completed that week. Additionally, the Police Department welcomed two new officers, Dimitri Fiscus and Jennifer Laird, and is exploring the use of Nextdoor as a communication tool.

Finance Director Sheri Powers presented the Mid-Year Finance Report, stating that the General Fund has collected $4,654,613 to date against an amended budget of $8,566,545. She noted that while the community experienced an economic hit due to Helene, projections suggest budget requirements will likely be met. The total General Fund balance stands at $6,609,167, and the town has $5,442,971 in outstanding debt.

Town Attorney John Henning presented an overview of the new Disaster Recovery Act and its implications for zoning regulations. He highlighted that new state laws, Session Law 2020-5 and Session Law 2024-57, restrict zoning changes that decrease density or create nonconformities unless all property owners consent or the local government initiates the change. These laws apply to ordinances adopted after December 11, 2024, and retroactively to those within 180 days prior.

Community Input During the public comment period, five residents spoke primarily regarding solid waste services in the Chimney Crest Drive area. Marcia Posner-Thompson raised concerns about inconsistent trash and recycling pickup, requesting a return to previous practices. Ricky Robinson expressed frustration with a lack of police presence and road maintenance in the area. Donna Seheyev and Sid Seheyev echoed these concerns and formally requested a code waiver to allow Woodfin to resume trash collection. Monty English elaborated on the financial burden of maintaining infrastructure in the area, and Jim Thompson questioned the town's ability to resolve the pickup issues.

Follow-ups Town staff agreed to assist in contacting FCC to establish service for the Crest Mountain Condominiums. Staff will also continue to work with FEMA on storm recovery efforts and explore options for the Community Garden water service. The Council indicated it will hold budget workshops in March to discuss financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year.

Impact The approval of Ordinance 2025-01 allows for a mixed-use development at 455 and 467 Weaverville Road, including nine short-term rental cabins, five single-family homes, an affordable housing unit, and a 11,000 square foot commercial building. This decision modifies existing zoning standards for lighting, land disturbance, and short-term rental density in that specific area. The temporary solid waste pickup for the Crest Mountain Condominiums addresses immediate service gaps reported by residents in the Chimney Crest area while the town works to resolve the contract with FCC.