2024.08.20 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

Woodfin Town Council Meeting Recap: August 20, 2024

The Woodfin Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. The session covered routine administrative approvals, updates on major town projects, a review of the Planning Department’s annual performance, and a decision regarding the Community Partners Grant Program.

Key Decisions The Council approved the meeting agenda and the Consent Agenda, both of which passed unanimously with a 6-0 vote. The Consent Agenda included the approval of minutes from the July 16, 2024, meetings, the tax collection report for the period ending June 2024, the Annual Property Tax Settlement for Fiscal Year 2024, Budget Amendment Ordinance #2024-016 for the General Fund, and Resolution 2024-09 to dispose of surplus Police Department vehicles. In new business, Council Member Cohen moved to renew funding agreements with 2023 funding partners for the same amounts granted previously for a period of one year, and to designate $25,000 for an Emergency Home Repair grant. This motion passed unanimously with a 6-0 vote. The Council also considered Budget Amendment Ordinance #2024-017 to support the Asheville Buncombe Community Land Trust (ABCLT), though the specific vote outcome for this ordinance was not detailed in the transcript summary beyond the general approval of the grant program structure.

Discussion Highlights Town Manager Shannon Tuch provided a report highlighting several administrative and operational updates. She noted that the town is working with TSA Choice to enhance email security following recent infiltration attempts and approved a contract for $22,500 for Community Center roof repairs. Tuch also reported on the recruitment for the Police Chief position, noting over 40 applications, and the promotion of Officer Ian Bradley to Sergeant. Additionally, she discussed the town’s participation in an Affordable Housing Forum and the progress of the Woodfin Greenway and Blueway project, including construction at Riverside Park.

Planning Director Ricky Hurley presented the Planning Department FY2024 Review, noting a slight decrease in overall permits compared to the previous year, with 350 total permits issued in 2023-24 compared to 400 in 2022-23. Despite the drop in total permits, the town approved 156 new dwelling units, including projects such as Springs at North Asheville and City View West. Hurley also highlighted the adoption of the Woodfin Together Comprehensive Plan and updates to the zoning code for various districts, including the Mountain Village District and Accessory Dwelling Units. He indicated that a Text Amendment for the Table of Uses and Definitions is anticipated in September 2024.

Regarding the Community Partners Grant Program, staff recommended renewing funding commitments for 2023 grantees and allocating $150,000 from the fund balance to subsidize affordable homes in Woodfin through ABCLT. ABCLT is seeking this amount to make an offer on two homes. The Council reviewed its 2024 strategic goals, reaffirming priorities such as completing the Greenway and Blueway project, supporting affordable housing, and improving public services.

Follow-ups The Council recommended that Town Staff continue working toward or completing the 2024 strategic priorities and revisit them in the winter for 2025 planning. Staff indicated they will focus the next six months on completing the Riverside Park Expansion, Silver Line Park restrooms, and Geneva Maney waterline, alongside stormwater repairs, affordable housing research, Police Chief recruitment, and a zoning code update. An RFP for stormwater management is scheduled to be released next week.

Impact These decisions and updates reflect the town’s ongoing efforts to manage infrastructure and public safety. The approval of the Community Partners Grant Program ensures continued support for local organizations and introduces new funding for affordable housing through the ABCLT. The Planning Department’s review provides transparency into development activity, showing a steady stream of new housing units despite a slight dip in total permit volume. The Town Manager’s report highlights active efforts to secure IT systems, maintain public facilities like the Community Center, and address staffing needs in the Police Department.