Event Recap
Meeting Overview The Woodfin Town Council held a regular meeting on January 16, 2024. The agenda included routine approvals, a year-end review from the Town Manager, discussions on a new Code of Conduct, and authorization for the Mayor to inquire about the future of the Old Craggy Bridge.
Key Decisions The Council approved the meeting agenda and the Consent Agenda, both by a vote of 5-0. The Consent Agenda included the approval of minutes from the December 19, 2023 meetings, the tax collection report for the period ending November 30, 2023, an amendment to the 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule, and a revised Landscape Maintenance Agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for I-26, Exit 23. Under the revised agreement, NCDOT will resume full maintenance of the landscape, including fence removal, after the Town had been responsible for the upkeep for approximately 15 years.
The Council also approved the Council Code of Conduct and Ethics, including changes in sections 2.7 and 4.2, by a vote of 5-0. A final copy of the document is to be posted on the town website. Additionally, Council Member Kahn moved to give Mayor McAllister authorization to pursue discussions and inquiries regarding the future of the Old Craggy Bridge with the Woodfin Town Manager, members of the Buncombe County Commission, and the NC Department of Transportation. This motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Discussion Highlights Town Manager Shannon Tuck presented a "Year in Review" report detailing the Town’s accomplishments in 2023. Key areas of progress included providing excellent town services through successful budgeting and improved communication, identifying high-priority policies such as street acceptance and traffic calming, and strengthening community partnerships with organizations like Catholic Charities and the YMCA. The report noted progress in affordable living initiatives, including short-term rental standards and support for affordable housing, as well as investments in transportation infrastructure, such as street repaving and grants for bike and pedestrian plans. Tuck also highlighted efforts in community policing, government facility improvements, and sustainability, including the purchase of a hybrid police vehicle.
The Council discussed the "Woodfin Together" Comprehensive Plan, which is currently in its third draft and was approved by the Planning Board earlier in the month. The plan, which envisions Woodfin as a safe, livable, and welcoming mountain town in 2040, will be up for a public hearing at the February council meeting.
Regarding the Old Craggy Bridge, Mayor McAllister and Council Member Edgerton discussed the authorization to explore preserving or repurposing the structure, even as the Town moves forward with a new bridge. The Council emphasized the importance of reporting back to the Town Manager and Council on any findings from these inquiries.
Follow-ups The Town Manager is scheduled to present a report on the Woodfin Comprehensive Plan, which will go to a public hearing in February and March to gather community input before final adoption. Mayor McAllister is authorized to pursue discussions with the Town Manager, Buncombe County Commission, and NCDOT regarding the Old Craggy Bridge and is expected to report back to the Council on any findings.
Impact These decisions reflect the Town’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, maintain ethical governance, and engage with the community. The shift of landscape maintenance responsibilities to NCDOT addresses a long-standing cost burden for the Town. The approval of the Code of Conduct establishes clear guidelines for council members' ethical behavior, while the inquiry into the Old Craggy Bridge demonstrates a commitment to exploring options for preserving community assets. Residents will have the opportunity to provide input on the Comprehensive Plan during the upcoming public hearings.