Event Recap
Meeting Overview The Woodfin Town Council held its regular meeting on April 16, 2024, at Town Hall. The session addressed routine administrative matters, received updates from regional partners and town departments, and made decisions on land use and municipal boundaries. The council also heard public comment and presentations on local community needs and infrastructure.
Key Decisions The council recorded five formal votes during the meeting. First, the council approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the April 2, 2024, budget work session, the Tax Collection Report for February 2024, and Resolution 2024-04 regarding surplus community center tables and chairs; this motion passed unanimously (6-0). Second, the council approved Ordinance #2024-09, which closes approximately 400 feet of an unnamed right-of-way between 35/41 Fox Road and 8 New Hope Road; this motion also passed unanimously (6-0). Third, the council approved Resolution #2024-05, formally opposing a de-annexation request for properties west of the French Broad River; this motion passed unanimously (6-0). Fourth, the council voted to omit the scheduled presentation on electric vehicle infrastructure from the agenda, passing the motion unanimously (6-0). Finally, the council voted to rescind the authority previously granted to Mayor McAllister to discuss potentially owning the Old Leicester/Craggy Bridge with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NC DOT); this motion passed 5-1, with Council Member Philip Cohen voting against it.
Discussion Highlights A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the de-annexation request for properties west of the French Broad River. Staff reported that while the town has provided services such as solid waste collection, police, and zoning to the area since 2007, efforts to extend public water and sewer services were unsuccessful. The council noted that the petition includes a mix of property owners, making it difficult to act on without excluding some residents. Following this discussion, the council voted to oppose the de-annexation. Regarding the Old Leicester/Craggy Bridge, the council discussed the town’s interest in accepting and maintaining the structure before voting to rescind the mayor’s authority to negotiate ownership with NC DOT.
Community Input During the public comment period, Laura Cleveland, a social worker at Woodfin Elementary School, expressed gratitude for the council’s support of local organizations like ABCCM Crisis Ministry and highlighted a concerning increase in overcrowded living situations. Daniel Embler and Ron Wilburn, residents of Fox Road, spoke in support of the right-of-way closure, explaining that the area is historically developed with existing homes and utilities. Judy Butler, a community volunteer, shared an update on the monthly food distribution program at the Woodfin Community Center, noting its transition to New Bridge Baptist Church in June and its impact on over 5,800 families. Drew Ball, representing the Natural Resources Defense Council and Sierra Club, advocated for continued efforts to reduce plastic waste.
Presentations and Reports Mayor McAllister read a proclamation identifying April 22, 2024, as Earth Day. Sheryl Olsen from ABCCM Crisis Ministry reported that the town’s Community Grant provided $31,674 in rent assistance and $9,239.30 in utility assistance to 56 households. Anne Keller, Chair of the Asheville Buncombe Riverfront Commission, presented on the commission’s strategic priorities, focusing on regional riverfront development and environmental protection along the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers. Town Manager Shannon Tuch provided a report covering administrative updates, including the approval of contracts for public safety interoperability programs, progress on HVAC improvements at the community center, and updates on stormwater improvements, including a sinkhole identified near Riverside Drive. Although a presentation on electric vehicle infrastructure by Ian Baillie was originally scheduled, the council voted to omit this item from the agenda.
Follow-ups The transcript summary does not record any specific follow-up actions explicitly agreed to by council members or staff during this meeting.
Impact These decisions clarify the town’s stance on municipal boundaries and infrastructure. By opposing the de-annexation, the council maintains its service obligations to residents west of the French Broad River, despite the lack of water and sewer infrastructure. The approval of the right-of-way closure resolves a land use issue for residents of Fox Road and New Hope Road. The rescission of the mayor’s authority regarding the Craggy Bridge indicates a shift in the town’s approach to maintaining that specific infrastructure, pending further discussion or action.