2023.02.21 TC Meeting

Woodson Town Council Meeting Recap: February 21, 2023

The Woodson Town Council convened on Tuesday, February 21st, for its regular meeting. This recap provides a summary of the key discussions, decisions, and next steps taken during the session, designed to keep residents informed about local government actions.

Key Decisions & Approvals: The Council approved both the meeting agenda and a consent agenda without discussion. The consent agenda included important updates like revisions to personnel policies (making them easier to update going forward) and a budget adjustment. This adjustment will allocate sales tax revenue towards supporting the newly formed Wipton Business Association and a small grant from the Police Department. A significant decision was also made to unanimously approve a new stormwater ordinance, designed to control runoff and ensure the town's compliance with state regulations. This streamlined approach aims to simplify development applications and give Woodfin greater control over stormwater management within the community.

Discussion Highlights: Community Garden & Environmental Initiatives: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposal for establishing a community garden in Woodfin, presented by Lily Dancy Jones and Katie (and KT). Their presentation highlighted the potential for community building, increased food access, and volunteer opportunities. The Council expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, recognizing its potential benefits. Following the public comment period, Asheville GreenWorks presented on their organization's 50th anniversary and ongoing environmental efforts. Eric Bradford emphasized the importance of Silver Line Park for river cleanups, showcased their innovative "Trash Trout" project (designed to remove trash from waterways), and highlighted the challenges facing recycling due to contamination. He also expressed interest in collaborating with Woodfin on future environmental projects.

Community Input: Voices Heard & Concerns Raised: Residents actively participated in the meeting, particularly during the public comment period dedicated to the community garden proposal. The presenters shared a survey gauging interest in potential garden locations and encouraged residents to contact Woodfin Gardens at [email protected] for more information. Concerns were also raised regarding the current state of Kirby Recycling, prompting a discussion among council members and an agreement to schedule a meeting with the owner.

Action Items & What's Next: Several key action items emerged from the meeting, impacting residents in various ways. The proponents of the community garden will present their detailed proposal to the Parks and Greenway Advisory Committee on March 8th. The Town Manager will provide a map of town-owned properties to the Council for review, potentially impacting future development or community projects. The Council will also be reviewing proposals for a Town Hall/Town Center feasibility study in early March, a crucial step towards planning the future of Woodfin's civic space. Finally, the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee will meet on March 20th to continue their work shaping Woodfin’s future. Staff will begin implementing the new stormwater ordinance, including developing a plan to detect and eliminate illicit discharges. The town will also provide support for the newly formed Olivet Community Neighborhood Watch program, demonstrating a commitment to community safety.

Why This Matters to You: The decisions made at this meeting will directly impact residents in several ways. If you're interested in gardening or volunteering, reach out to Woodfin Gardens at [email protected] to learn more about the community garden initiative. The new stormwater ordinance will influence future development projects and contribute to improved water quality within the town. Residents are encouraged to be mindful of recycling practices to minimize contamination and ensure that materials can be properly processed. Keep an eye out for updates on the Town Hall/Town Center feasibility study, as this will shape a vital community space.