# 2026.02.17  Woodfin Town Council Meeting

**Body:** Town of Woodfin — Woodfin Town Council
**Date:** February 17, 2026 4:58 PM EST (2026-02-17T16:58:45-05:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1475

## Summary

The Woodfin Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on February 17, 2026, focusing on administrative approvals, a detailed presentation from the Fire Department, and the approval of a new residential development. The Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the January 20, 2026, regular meeting, the Town Council Retreat held on January 29, 2026, and the tax collection report for the period ending December 2025.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Chief Jeff Angel of the Woodfin Fire Department, who provided an overview of the department’s history, services, and current operational status. Chief Angel detailed that the department serves a six-mile district, employs 13 full-time and 14 part-time staff, and operates 13 apparatus. He highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain fire hydrants and noted that a new fire engine, costing $1.5 million, is on order for delivery in three years. A key point of discussion involved Buncombe County’s proposed "flat tax rate" for all county fire departments, which would replace the current system and potentially result in higher taxes for Woodfin residents, though the exact financial impact remains undetermined pending a final decision by the County Commissioners.

The Council also reviewed and unanimously approved the preliminary plat for a seven-lot major subdivision at 14 Crestfield Avenue. The development, proposed by Asheville Small Homes, LLC, covers 1.7 acres and is designated as affordable housing with an estimated price range of $250,000 to $375,000. The project includes a dedicated green space area that exceeds minimum requirements. The approval was granted subject to final review by town staff, following a unanimous recommendation from the Planning Board of Adjustment.

During the meeting, Council members engaged in a discussion with Chief Angel regarding safety concerns related to abandoned or dilapidated structures and the effectiveness of current ordinances. Town Manager Shannon Tuck highlighted the town’s proactive approach to flood resiliency, noting that the town received $284,000 from the state for Riverside Park flood mitigation as part of a grant program announced by Governor Josh Stein. Additionally, the town continues to process FEMA applications and demolition permits related to recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Helene.

There was no public comment period during this meeting. The Council did not take any action on public comments, as none were submitted. The meeting concluded with the Council noting that further budget discussions regarding the county-wide tax rate will continue in future meetings. The Planning Department is scheduled to hold a steering committee meeting in March to discuss a code update, and the Communications Subcommittee will prepare the next town newsletter to include information about flood mitigation efforts and a visit by the governor.

## Votes

- Council Member Bowers made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member Kahn seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 5-0. — Passed, 5-0
- Council Member Parton made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Council Member Kahn seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 5-0. — Passed, 5-0
- Council Member Cohen made a motion to approve the preliminary plat/concept plan for 1.7 acres as shown on Exhibit 1, subject to final review and approval by town staff. Council Member Parton seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 5-0. — Passed, 5-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLP7C66HSVc
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1063/segments

## Documents

- [agenda_2026-02-17.html](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1475?document=14303)
- [minutes_2026-02-17.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1475?document=14305)
- [presentation_2026-02-17.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1475?document=14304)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLP7C66HSVc)