# City Council Meeting (In-Person) (Apr 14, 2026)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** April 14, 2026 5:00 PM EDT (2026-04-14T17:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458

## Summary

Okay, here's a comprehensive recap of the April 14th, 2026 City Council Meeting, synthesizing all provided documents and summaries. This recap is designed for citizens seeking a clear understanding of what transpired.

**Overview & Context:** The April 14th, 2026 City Council meeting was a significant day for Asheville, encompassing budget discussions, ordinance amendments, and key decisions regarding city infrastructure and partnerships. The meeting was structured into a budget work session followed by a formal council meeting, addressing a broad range of topics.

**Budget Deliberations & Financial Matters:** A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to budget discussions stemming from a new projected $10.5 million budget gap. The Council engaged in detailed reviews of various enterprise funds (Water, Stormwater, Transit, Parking, etc.), the Business Improvement District (BID) fund, and the General Fund. Discussions centered on potential property tax rate adjustments to balance the budget, with a revenue-neutral rate being considered. Staff was directed to present options for utilizing sales tax revenue generated by the BID and consider proposed savings measures. The Council also approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for Tourism Development Authority (TDA) grants and directed staff to explore options for a replacement AVL App.

**Infrastructure & Development Decisions:** The Council approved several key infrastructure projects and ordinances:
*   **McCormick Field Renaming:** In a 6-1 vote, the Council approved renaming Lewis McCormick Field to "Hometrust Park" as part of a major renovation project.
*   **Abandoned Structures Ordinance:** The Council approved an ordinance allowing the city to take action on abandoned structures, potentially leading to repairs, closures, or demolitions.
*   **Right-of-Way Closure:** The Council initiated the process of permanently closing a portion of right-of-way on Saint Dunstan's Road, scheduling a public hearing for May 12th.
*   **SmartConnect Radio System:** The Council unanimously approved a sole-source purchase of SmartConnect cellular service for the Asheville Police Department's radios, enhancing radio communication capabilities.

**Public Safety & Community Initiatives:** The Council addressed several public safety and community-focused items:
*   **Graffiti Ordinance Amendment:** The Council approved an ordinance amending the definition of graffiti, excluding temporary chalk markings (unless posing a safety risk) to streamline enforcement efforts.
*   **Police Background Checks & MOU:** Approved contracts for police applicant background checks and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Asheville Housing Authority to provide supplemental police presence at housing authority properties.
*   **Fair Chance Hiring Week:** The Council proclaimed April 12th-18th, 2026 as "Fair Chance Hiring Week," encouraging inclusive hiring practices for formerly incarcerated individuals.

**Accessibility & Advocacy:** Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of proposed surveillance technology (specifically, a "Real-Time Intelligence Center") on privacy and disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.  Public comments strongly opposed the expansion, citing fears of government overreach and potential misuse of data. The Council also discussed ongoing efforts to comply with digital accessibility regulations by April 24th, including website updates and YouTube video remediation.

**Next Steps & Future Meetings:**
*   The Policy, Finance and Infrastructure Committee will meet on April 28th at 3:30 PM to discuss the funding resolution.
*   The City Council will hold a second and final reading on the graffiti ordinance amendment on April 28th.
*   A public hearing will be held on May 12th to consider the permanent closure of a portion of Saint Dunstan’s Road.
*   The City Manager will present the FY27 proposed budget in May, incorporating feedback from the budget work session.



This recap aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key discussions, decisions, and action items from the April 14th, 2026 City Council Meeting. For detailed information and supporting documentation, citizens are encouraged to visit [https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-meeting-materials/](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-meeting-materials/).

## Agenda

- [April 12-18, 2026, as “Fair Chance Hiring Week”](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17116)
- [Approval of the combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on March 19, 2026; and the formal meeting held on March 24, 2026.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17117)
- [Resolution to authorize the City Manager to submit an application to the Tourism Development Authority Legacy Investment from Tourism Grant for 3 city projects, to accept said grant funds if awarded; and enter into any agreement documents necessary for such acceptance.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17118)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with US ISS Agency, LLC on behalf of the City of Asheville for a Police Applicant Background Check and Polygraph Testing Provider, with two additional one-year options to renew, not to exceed budgetary approval by City Council each fiscal year.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17119)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and sign all of the appropriate application and acceptance documents for the Community Project Funding Award allocated to the City of Asheville as secured through Congressman Chuck Edward’s Office and managed through the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, Byrne Justice Grants; and adopt a budget amendment in the City’s Special Revenue Fund in the amount of $1,141,255.56.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17120)
- [Resolution authorizing the City to procure, through a sole source purchase, SmartConnect subscription from the current authorized distributor, Motorola Solutions Inc, and any successor in interest to it, for all Motorola radio purchases since it cannot be competitively bid.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17121)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville (HACA) for supplemental Asheville Police Department personnel to serve all HACA properties; and approval of a budget amendment, in the amount of $33,000, for additional revenue received as part of the agreement.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17122)
- [Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with Cherry Bekaert, LLP for auditing City accounts for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17123)
- [Resolution authorizing the Finance Director of the City, or his designee, with advice from the City Attorney and bond counsel to file an application with the Local Government Commission for its approval of the issuance of Water System Revenue Bonds and certain related matters.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17124)
- [Resolution of intent to permanently close a portion of unopened right-of-way on the western edge of Saint Dunstan’s Road between 159 Saint Dunstan’s Road and 183 Saint Dunstan’s Road, and to set a public hearing for May 12, 2026.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17125)
- [Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-38.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17126)
- [State of the Airport](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17127)
- [Manager’s Report  - Digital Accessibility](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17128)
- [Public hearing to consider amending the conditional zoning ordinance (Ordinance No. 5180) for property located at 30 Buchanan Place for the purpose of making amendments to the project conditions.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17129)
- [Ordinance amending Article VI, Regulation of Graffiti, of Chapter 10, Nuisances, of the Asheville Code of Ordinances to amend the definition of “Graffiti”.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17130)
- [Ordinance amending Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Asheville to provide for repair, closing, or demolition of abandoned structures.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17131)
- [Resolution updating the lease agreement with Dewine Seeds Silver Dollar Baseball LLC for McCormick Field.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17132)
- [Informal Discussion & Public Comment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/17133)
- [Authorize renaming of Lewis McCormick Field to Hometrust Park](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458/item/16958)

## Votes

- Resolution to authorize the City Manager to submit an application to the Tourism Development Authority Legacy Investment from Tourism Grant for 3 city projects, to accept said grant funds if awarded; and enter into any agreement documents necessary for such acceptance. — Passed, 7-0
- Move to authorize the renaming of Lewis McCormick Field at 30 Buchanan Place in the City of Asheville, North Carolina, to Hometrust Park. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with US ISS Agency, LLC on behalf of the City of Asheville for a Police Applicant Background Check and Polygraph Testing Provider, with two additional one-year options to renew, not to exceed budgetary approval by City Council each fiscal year. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with Cherry Bekaert, LLP for auditing City accounts for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026. — Passed, 7-0
- Ordinance amending Article VI, Regulation of Graffiti, of Chapter 10, Nuisances, of the Asheville Code of Ordinances to amend the definition of "Graffiti". — Passed, 7-0
- Ordinance amending Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Asheville to provide for repair, closing, or demolition of abandoned structures. — Passed, 6-1
- Resolution updating the lease agreement with Dewine Seeds Silver Dollar Baseball LLC for McCormick Field. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City to procure, through a sole source purchase, SmartConnect subscription from the current authorized distributor, Motorola Solutions Inc, and any successor in interest to it, for all Motorola radio purchases since it cannot be competitively bid. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville (HACA) for supplemental Asheville Police Department personnel to serve all HACA properties; and approval of a budget amendment, in the amount of $33,000, for additional revenue received as part of the agreement. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the Finance Director of the City, or his designee, with advice from the City Attorney and bond counsel to file an application with the Local Government Commission for its approval of the issuance of Water System Revenue Bonds and certain related matters. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution of intent to permanently close a portion of unopened right-of-way on the western edge of Saint Dunstans Road between 159 Saint Dunstans Road and 183 Saint Dunstans Road, and to set a public hearing for May 12, 2026. — Passed, 7-0
- Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-38. — Passed, 7-0
- Public hearing to consider amending the conditional zoning ordinance (Ordinance No. 5180) for property located at 30 Buchanan Place for the purpose of making amendments to the project conditions. — Passed, 7-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHT2NetBNmI
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1836/segments

## Documents

- [Exhibit C - Existing Future Land Use Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8726)
- [Consent E - SmartConnect Sole Source.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6054)
- [Consent H -  2026 Water Revenue Bonds.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6050)
- [Consent I -  Intent to close a portion of ROW St. Dunstans .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6049)
- [New A - Graffiti Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6060)
- [New C - McCormick Stadium Naming Approval.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6038)
- [Exhibit A - Existing Zoning Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8720)
- [Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8742)
- [Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8734)
- [PZC Recommendation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8740)
- [Marked up changes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8743)
- [minutes_2026-04-14.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6608)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6610)
- [Signage Drawings & Renderings.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8732)
- [Public Comment - Presentation No on Surveillance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6032)
- [action_agenda_2026-04-14.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6030)
- [Worksession - Budget.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6033)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6039)
- [Presentation - Budget Worksession.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6036)
- [New C - Presentation - McCormick Field Naming Approval.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6042)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - CZ 30 Buchanan .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6043)
- [Consent B - LIFT TDA Applications.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6044)
- [Consent G - FY2026 Annual Audit Contract .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6045)
- [Consent A - Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6046)
- [Consent C - US ISS Contract for Police Background & Polygraph Testing.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6058)
- [New B  - Presentation  - Abandoned Building Ordinance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6066)
- [Presentations A - Airport Presentation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6068)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6037)
- [Ordinance Draft.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8744)
- [Presentations B - Manager's Report - Digital Accessibility.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6041)
- [Exhibit E - Project Conditions.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8730)
- [Consent F - HACA MOU.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6052)
- [Public Hearing A - CZ - 30 Buchanan Avenue - McCormick Field Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6062)
- [New A - Presentation - Graffiti Ordinance Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6064)
- [Consent D - Community Project Funding Award.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6056)
- [PZC Staff Report.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8741)
- [Exhibit D - Site Plans & Elevations.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8728)
- [ here.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8708)
- [here.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8705)
- [New B - Abandoned Buildings.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6048)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6040)
- [options.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8703)
- [Stadium Lease and Improvement Agreement.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8714)
- [Ord. No.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8736)
- [Consent J - Tax Release & Refunds.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=6047)
- [viewable directly.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8717)
- [February 2026 Refunds and Releases Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8711)
- [Exhibit B - Aerial Imagery Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8723)
- [Ord. No.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1458?document=8738)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-in-person-apr-14-2026/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M963fa5cN78ryPiv-a02YxJSkTSZQrxJ/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RuQY7iI_fuX9kf_akb5w4BC-eum10SIs/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)