2024.05.21 Woodfin Town Council Meeting
May 21, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Event Recap
Woodfin Town Council Meeting Recap: May 21, 2024
The Woodfin Town Council held its regular meeting on May 21, 2024, at Town Hall. The session covered routine administrative approvals, departmental updates, a public hearing on a rezoning request, and the presentation of the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget. The council approved the agenda and the consent agenda unanimously, with both motions passing 6-0.
Key Decisions and Votes The council took several formal votes during the meeting. Council Member Kahn moved to approve Ordinance #2024-010, which rezones 1.45 acres from the Transitional District to the R-21 Residential District; this motion passed 1-0. Vice Mayor Ervin moved to approve the agenda, which was seconded by Council Member Kahn and passed unanimously, 6-0. Additionally, Vice Mayor Ervin moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Council Member Kahn, which also passed unanimously, 6-0. The consent agenda included the approval of the May 7, 2024, budget work session minutes, the Tax Collection Report for the period ending March 2024, a lease with Friends-Montessori School for property at 23 Community Rd., the reappointment of Coral Darby and Gerald Green to the PGAC, and Budget Amendment Ordinance #2024-011.
Public Hearing on Rezoning The council held a public hearing regarding Ordinance #2024-010, a request to rezone 1.45 acres located at 99999 Old Marshall from the Transitional District to the R-21 Residential District. The property is owned by the Town of Woodfin. Staff recommended approval, citing alignment with the Woodfin Together Comprehensive Plan, and the Planning Board of Adjustment had previously recommended approval on April 2, 2024. There was no public comment during the hearing, and the council approved the ordinance.
Departmental Updates and Presentations Thomas Bradley, Chair of the ABC Board, presented an update noting increased payments to the town of $60,000 and projected revenue of $2.6 million for the ABC store. He also discussed the retirement of Bradley and the appointment of Connie Walter to the board. Ian Bailey of the Land of Sky Regional Council presented on electric vehicle infrastructure, highlighting that 1.2 million EVs were sold in 2023 and that Western North Carolina saw a 24% growth rate in EV registrations between 2018 and 2023. Bailey noted that the region is understocked with charging infrastructure and encouraged the council to update zoning ordinances and seek legislative support.
Town Manager Shannon Tuch provided a report on various departmental activities. She noted that contracts were approved for cabling work, evidence management software, and a culvert replacement on Church Road. The police department recognized Officer Ian Bradley as "Officer of the Year" and awarded Josh Grier the Excellence in Service Award. Tuch also presented the proposed FY 2025 budget, which includes a recommended general fund revenue of $8,457,603 and funding for 39 full-time and 1 part-time positions.
Public Comment and Next Steps During the public comment period, one resident, Gina, spoke briefly. The council closed the public comment portion of the meeting at 5:00 PM. The council established a public hearing date of June 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM for the FY 2024-2025 fiscal budget. The meeting concluded with the council adjourning to an executive session to consult with the town attorney, followed by a final adjournment at 7:25 PM.