Special Meeting: City Council Closed Session (In-Person) (Nov 13, 2025)

Recap of City Council Special Meeting – November 13, 2025

On November 13, 2025, the Asheville City Council convened two special meetings, both conducted primarily in closed session. These sessions were held to address confidential legal matters and personnel-related discussions, specifically concerning the ongoing search for a new City Manager. All council members were present, along with key city officials, ensuring full participation in these important deliberations.

The primary focus of both closed sessions, as legally permitted under North Carolina General Statutes, revolved around two key areas: protecting privileged and confidential information, and evaluating candidates for the City Manager position. Council members engaged in interviews with prospective candidates, carefully considering their qualifications and performance. A significant portion of the discussions also centered on developing a negotiation strategy for potential employment contracts, including compensation and other crucial terms. Councilman Hess initiated the motion to enter closed session in both meetings, clearly outlining the legal justifications under North Carolina law and explicitly stating the purpose of interviewing candidates.

It's important to note that due to the closed nature of these meetings, specific details regarding candidate discussions or negotiation strategies cannot be publicly disclosed. North Carolina law strictly limits the information that can be shared following closed session meetings to protect confidential legal advice and ongoing employment negotiations. A voice vote confirmed the passage of all motions to enter and exit closed session in both meetings, demonstrating unanimous agreement among council members.

There was no opportunity for public comments or community input during either of these closed sessions, as the purpose was to address matters legally restricted from public view. The first special meeting ran from 9:00 a.m. to 10:55 a.m., while the second meeting took place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:03 p.m., indicating a significant investment of time by the council in this critical process.

Looking ahead, residents can expect further information regarding the City Manager appointment as it becomes publicly available following the conclusion of negotiations and any necessary formal approvals. While details from the closed sessions remain confidential, this process is a vital step in ensuring strong leadership for our city. The Council's dedication to carefully evaluating candidates and developing a fair compensation package reflects their commitment to securing the best possible individual to lead Asheville.