# 2024.11.19 Town of Woodfin Town Council Meeting

**Body:** Town of Woodfin — Woodfin Town Council
**Date:** November 19, 2024 5:02 PM EST (2024-11-19T17:02:01-05:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184

## Summary

The Woodfin Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 19th, addressing a range of topics from storm recovery to potential changes in waste management services. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing Council Member Johanna Young to participate remotely while supporting her family through a medical situation – a move met with widespread support from the council and community. The meeting provided updates on ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, heard a presentation from the YMCA of Western North Carolina, and engaged in significant discussion regarding the possibility of contracting out solid waste collection.

A key focus of the meeting was a detailed discussion surrounding the potential outsourcing of Woodfin’s solid waste collection services. Town Manager Shannon Tuck presented a preliminary financial analysis suggesting potential annual savings of $140,000 - $170,000 through contracting with a private company. However, this shift would likely involve reducing town staff and potentially altering services like bulky item pickup. This proposal sparked considerable debate amongst council members, who voiced concerns about the impact on current employees and the potential disruption to familiar community services. Residents Ronnie Lunsford and Laura Westbrook also addressed the council during public comment, expressing reservations about privatization. Lunsford emphasized the value of Woodfin's current Public Works staff and their responsiveness, while Westbrook praised the exceptional service provided by various town departments during Hurricane Helene. A discrepancy regarding a potential contract with FCC Environmental Services was raised, and the Town Manager clarified that no such agreement has been signed. Ultimately, **the council did not make a decision on the solid waste collection matter**, opting to continue exploring options and discuss it further during an upcoming retreat.

Beyond the waste management discussion, the meeting included a compelling presentation from Paul Vest and Tim Blanco of the YMCA of Western North Carolina. They highlighted the Little Woodfin Y's 15th anniversary and its significant contributions to the community, including nutrition hubs, mobile markets, and youth sports programs. They also advocated for support of childcare initiatives and legislative action to address wage subsidies for childcare workers, emphasizing the YMCA's commitment to serving Woodfin residents. The council also received an update on ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, including coordination with FEMA for public assistance applications and work with the Army Corps on stabilizing Riverside Park.

Community input was a notable feature of this meeting, with residents actively participating in the public comment period to voice their concerns and commendations. Laura Westbrook’s praise of Woodfin's Public Works, Fire Department, and Water departments resonated with the council. Councilman Kahn proposed a valuable addition to future decision-making: incorporating a "resilience lens" that encourages consideration of how policies and projects can strengthen Woodfin’s ability to withstand future challenges. 

**Looking Ahead:** The next steps for the Town Council include a meet-and-greet with police chief candidates on November 21st. The discussion regarding the potential outsourcing of solid waste collection remains ongoing, and residents can expect further opportunities to engage in this important conversation as the council continues its evaluation process. The decision on whether or not to contract out solid waste collection will be a significant one, impacting town employees and the services residents rely on. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in future discussions as the council works towards a resolution.

## Agenda

- [Consent Agenda- Staff Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/22294)
- [Approval of the October 15, 2024, regular and closed session meeting minutes.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/22295)
- [Approval of the August 14, 2024, Performance Plan Subcommittee Meeting minutes.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/22296)
- [Approval of the August 26, 2024, and September 23, 2024, Landscape Subcommittee Meeting minutes.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/22297)
- [Approval of the Tax Collection Report for the period ending September 2024: Net Collections Report, NCVTS Finance Report, Vehicle Tax Refunds Pending](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/22298)
- [Approval of Budget Amendment Ordinance 2024-018 to appropriate FEMA Grant Funds](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/19582)
- [State of North Carolina debris removal services contract related to State of Emergency.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/22299)
- [Town of Woodfin Notice to Proceed agreements for debris removal and monitoring authorized under state contract with:](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/22300)
- [SDR](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/22301)
- [Debris Tech](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/22302)
- [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. as per § 166A ‑ 19.24. Remote meetings during certain declarations of emergency. (a) Remote Meetings. – Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon issuance of a declaration of emergency under G.S. 166A ‑ 19.20, any public body within the emergency area may conduct remote meetings in accordance with this section and Article 33C of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes throughout the duration of that declaration of emergency. Compliance with this statute establishes a presumption that a remote meeting is open to the public. 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/1184/item/19583)
- [Presentations & Reports](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/22303)
- [Town Manager Report – Shannon Tuch, Town Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/19584)
- [Woodfin YMCA Presentation – Paul Vest, President & CEO, and Tim Blenco, Chief Operating Officer](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/19585)
- [New Business](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/22304)
- [Disaster Planning Policy Discussion. A Safe, Happy Hometown: Woodfin – Council members Kahn, Edgerton, & Young.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/19586)
- [Solid Waste Management Discussion – Staff Report Shannon Tuch, Town Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/19587)
- [Executive Session - The Town Council may adjourn to private chambers to discuss legal, personnel, contractual or similar matters protected by the NCGS 143-318.11(a) including subsections:](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/19588)
- [(3) to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184/item/22305)

## Votes

- Vice Mayor Ervin made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member Kahn seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Vice Mayor Ervin made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Council Member Kahn seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdWXWspMUb4
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/820/segments

## Documents

- [agenda_2024-11-19.html](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184?document=14371)
- [minutes_2024-11-19.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184?document=14372)
- [presentation_2024-11-19.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1184?document=14373)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdWXWspMUb4)