# 2024.03.19 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

**Body:** Town of Woodfin — Woodfin Town Council
**Date:** March 19, 2024 5:00 PM EDT (2024-03-19T17:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Woodfin Town Council held its regular meeting on March 19, 2024. The session focused on legislative advocacy, community partnerships, and several public hearings regarding zoning and housing. The council approved the agenda and a consent agenda, which included the minutes from the February 20, 2024, regular meeting and the March 5, 2024, Budget Work Session, as well as the Tax Collection Report for the period ending January 31, 2024.

**Key Decisions**
The council voted unanimously (6-0) on all major motions presented. Council Member Edgerton moved to approve Resolution 2024-03, which requests that Woodfin’s local delegation to the NC General Assembly support a bill amending state statutes regarding stormwater utility fee collection; this resolution was approved as part of the consent agenda. The council also unanimously approved a two-year lease agreement with the Friends-Montessori School for the Woodfin Community Center, authorizing the town manager to enter into the lease. Additionally, the council approved an agreement with the Woodfin Community Garden Committee, authorizing the town manager, in consultation with the town attorney, to negotiate and enter into a one-year agreement with options for two additional one-year terms.

In the realm of zoning and ordinances, the council passed four ordinances by unanimous vote (6-0). Vice Mayor Ervin moved to approve Ordinance #2024-04, which amends Chapters 6 and 22 to remove criminal penalties associated with certain non-public safety related violations. The council also approved Ordinance #2024-05, conditionally rezoning 12.42 acres at 74 Washington Avenue from the R-10 Residential District to the Community Shopping - Conditional Zone. Furthermore, Council Member Edgerton moved to approve Ordinance #2024-08, conditionally rezoning 7.84 acres at 99999 Reynolds Mountain Blvd from the Community Shopping District to the Community Shopping 2 – Conditional Zone. Finally, the council approved Ordinance #2024-06, which includes text amendments to Chapter 54 of the Town Code to clarify definitions and development standards for Manufactured Housing, and Ordinance #2024-07, which applies the Manufactured Housing Overlay to specific areas.

**Discussion Highlights**
Town Manager Shannon Tuch provided a report highlighting several administrative and project updates. She announced that the town received CLOMAR approval for the Riverside Park/Taylor’s Wave project, a significant step forward for flood mitigation, with bids scheduled to open on March 21. Tuch also reported on contract approvals for park maintenance and engineering work, as well as progress on the town’s budget season, noting that a second work session was scheduled for the following week.

Council Member Edgerton presented Resolution 2024-03, emphasizing that amending state statutes to allow stormwater utility fees to be added to property tax bills is expected to significantly improve collection rates. He noted that this change could potentially lead to a 15% reduction in the stormwater fee itself.

Representatives from Beloved Asheville, co-directors Amy Cantrell and Ponkho Bermejo, presented on their organization’s work in affordable housing. They highlighted the construction of a new deeply affordable housing village in East Asheville, emphasizing their model of community-driven development, the use of over 1,000 volunteers, and sustainable practices.

Katie Cox and Lily Dancy-Jones presented a proposal to establish a community garden at Geneva Maney Park. They outlined plans for communal plots, rented beds, and educational opportunities, requesting town assistance with site preparation, including grading, drainage, and water access. The proposal noted that grant funding would cover the installation budget, estimated between $3,500 and $7,250, while the town would cover water costs, provide a portable toilet from April to October, and handle trash and recycling services.

**Community Input**
During the public hearings for the manufactured housing ordinances, a representative from the Emma Neighborhood Council spoke in favor of Ordinance #2024-06 and Ordinance #2024-07. No other public comments were recorded during the meeting.

**Follow-ups**
The Town Manager agreed to work toward finalizing the lease agreement with the Woodfin Community Garden Committee. The council stated it will continue budget discussions, with a second work session scheduled for the following week. Additionally, the town will proceed with the rezoning process for the Appalachian Way Village and continue efforts to recruit police officers.

**Impact**
These decisions impact residents through improved stormwater fee collection mechanisms, expanded affordable housing options via the manufactured housing ordinances, and new community amenities. The approval of the Friends-Montessori lease provides the school with a stable location in the Community Center, while the community garden agreement establishes a new green space and educational resource at Geneva Maney Park. The removal of criminal penalties for minor, non-public safety violations shifts the town’s approach to code enforcement for specific infractions.

## Agenda

- [Consent Agenda-Staff Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/23056)
- [Approval of the February 20, 2024, regular meeting minutes and March 5, 2024, Budget Work Session Minutes.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19705)
- [Consent Agenda - Staff Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19704)
- [Approval of the Tax Collection Report for the period ending January 31, 2024. Net Collections Report, NCVTS Finance Report, Vehicle Tax Refunds Pending](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19706)
- [Resolution 2024-03 requesting Woodfin’s local delegation to the NC General Assembly to support a bill amending NC General Statute 160A‑314(a1) (4) regarding stormwater utility fee collection.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19707)
- [Public Comment – The public is invited to attend this meeting in person or view this meeting on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/townofwoodfin. 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/1203/item/19708)
- [Presentations & Reports](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/23057)
- [Presentation from Beloved Asheville – Co-directors Amy Cantrell and Ponkho Bermejo](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19709)
- [Town manager report – Shannon Tuch, Town Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19710)
- [New Business](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/23058)
- [Consideration of a lease proposal from FriendsMontessori School for the Woodfin Community Center.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19711)
- [Consideration of an agreement between the Town of Woodfin and the Woodfin Community Garden Committee to establish a new community garden.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19712)
- [Approval of Ordinance #2024-04 amending Chapters 6 and 22 removing criminal penalties associated with certain violations.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19713)
- [Public Hearing – Ordinance #2024-05 - A request to conditionally rezone 12.42 acres located at 74 Washington Avenue from Residential District R-10 (R-10) to Community Shopping - Conditional Zone (CSCZ). The property is identified in the Buncombe County tax record as PIN 9730-56-6180. The property owner is Buncombe County Board of Education, and the project contact is Ariel Regnier on behalf of the property owner.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19714)
- [Public Hearing – Ordinance #2024-08 - A request to conditionally rezone 7.84 acres located at 99999 Reynolds Mountain Blvd from Community Shopping (CS) District to Community Shopping 2 – Conditional Zone (CS2-CZ). The property is identified in the Buncombe County tax record as PIN 9730-79-9689. The applicant is Andera Gonzalez/Rocky River NC LLC on behalf of the property owner Shri Hari Krupa LLC.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19715)
- [Public Hearing –Staff Report- Expanding options for Manufactured Housing:](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/23059)
- [Ordinance #2024-06 - A request for text amendments to Chapter 54 of the Town of Woodfin Code of Ordinances to clarify and update definitions and development standards affecting Manufactured Housing, to create a new Manufactured Housing Overlay district and a new Manufactured Home Community district and;](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19716)
- [Ordinance #2024-07 - A request to apply the Manufactured Housing Overlay to specific areas of the town by rezoning as provided for under GS 160D-910(e). Specifically described as Northside Estates development along Riverside Drive. Areas within the town limits west of the French Broad River and east of Olivette Road, south of Farm Road to include areas along Gorman Bridge Road but excluding Rock Springs and Crest Mountain subdivisions.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/23060)
- [Department Reports](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/23061)
- [Police – February 2024 Totals](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19717)
- [Planning and Zoning – February 2024 Permit Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19718)
- [Finance – Report | Expenditures | Revenues.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19719)
- [Public Works – February 2024 Totals](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19720)
- [ABC Board – February Minutes |February 2024 P&L | Budget Amendment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/19721)
- [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/1203/item/19722)
- [(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; (5)(ii) the amount of compensation and other material terms of an employment contract or proposed employment contract; and (6) to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203/item/23062)

## Votes

- Council Member Edgerton made a motion to authorize the town manager to enter into a lease agreement with the Friends-Montessori School for a period of two years, with an option to renew for one, one-year term. Council Member Young seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Vice Mayor Ervin made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member Young seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Council Member Edgerton made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Vice Mayor Ervin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Council Member Edgerton made a motion to authorize the town manager in consultation with the town attorney to negotiate and if appropriate enter into an agreement with representatives of the Woodfin Community Garden Committee for a period of one year, with an option to renew for two, one-year terms. Council Member Kahn seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Vice Mayor Ervin made a motion to approve Ordinance #2024-04 removing criminal penalties associated with certain, non-public safety related violations. Council Member Cohen seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Vice Mayor Ervin made a motion to approve Ordinance #2024-05 the conditional zoning of 12.42 acres as shown on Exhibits A & B from R-10 Residential District to Community Shopping-Conditional Zone, subject to the conditions identified in the Exhibit D-Project Conditions and find that the request is reasonable, is in the public interest, is consistent with the Woodfin Together Comprehensive Plan, and meets the development needs of the community in that the request: 1. Protects land and buildings for small scale employment uses (1.2.5), 2. supports jobs that are locally accessible for residents to both live and work in Woodfin, and 3. Supports area partners and education institutions (3.2) Council Member Kahn seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Council Member Edgerton made a motion to approve Ordinance #2024-06 the proposed text amendment and find that it is reasonable, is in the public interest, is consistent with the Woodfin Together comprehensive plan, and meets the development needs of the community in that the request:1. Promotes an integrated mix of housing types and affordability options, discourages the displacement of existing residents,and protects existing affordable housing through regulatory tools. (1.1.2, 1.2.1, & 1.2.2), 2. Balances the supply of land for housing and employment. (3.1.5}, 3. Ensures Woodfin is a place where residents have opportunities to engage on community issues, (4.4), 4. Modernizes zoning districts to better align with the FLUM while using zoning tools to protect manufactured housing {A.1.1 & A.1,3). Council Member Kahn seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Council Member Edgerton made a motion to approve Ordinance #2024-08 the conditional zoning of 7.48 acres as shown on Exhibits A & B from Community Shopping to Community Shopping 2-Conditional Zone, subject to the conditions identified in the Exhibit D-Project Conditions and subject to one change as noted in the new condition 4 regarding the blended 60 percent rate median income for the community, and find that the request is reasonable, is in the public interest, is consistent with the Woodfin Together Comprehensive Plan, and meets the development needs of the community in that the request:1. Promotes a mix of housing types and affordability options by working with developers to incorporate income-restricted housing into new developments (1.1.2 & 1.2.4); 2. Promotes long-term fiscal responsibility by growth in areas with existing services. {1.2.6}; 3. Supports walkable employment centers so that residents may both live and work in Woodfin (3.1.4). Vice Mayor Ervin seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Council Member Cohen seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLYULxJj6Ek
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/930/segments

## Documents

- [minutes_2024-03-19.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203?document=14339)
- [presentation_2024-03-19.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203?document=14340)
- [agenda_2024-03-19.html](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1203?document=14338)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLYULxJj6Ek)