Event Recap
City Council Meeting Recap: November 12, 2024
The Asheville City Council held a regular meeting on November 12, 2024, with a primary focus on the ongoing recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. The agenda included the ratification of numerous emergency contracts entered into during the state of emergency declared on September 25, 2024, as well as routine city business and updates on disaster recovery funding.
Key Decisions The Council voted unanimously (7-0) to ratify a series of emergency contracts related to storm response and recovery. These approvals included agreements with T&K Utilities, Inc. and T.P. Howard’s Plumbing Co. Inc. for water system repairs; Tennoca Construction Co., DebrisTech, LLC, and Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC for debris removal and stabilization; and Curbside Management, Inc. and Waste Management of Carolinas, Inc. for waste collection. The Council also ratified contracts with SAFE Industries for vehicle maintenance support, Confer and Associates, LLC for meal services, and Biltmore Farm Hotel Group for emergency lodging. Additionally, the Council approved a resolution ratifying a contract with Hagerty Consulting, Inc. to assist with federal and state recovery funding.
In other financial and administrative matters, the Council passed a $4.2 million budget amendment to cover disaster recovery expenses, which are expected to be reimbursed by FEMA. The Council also voted to approve a contract with RATPDev USA, LLC for supplemental transit services provided since September 27, 2024, and authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with AAR of North Carolina, Inc. for the replacement of the Municipal Building roof. Other unanimous votes included resolutions to amend contracts with Fiserv and Responder Support Services, to correct loan terms for the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity Down Payment Assistance program, and to authorize the temporary suspension of affordable housing loan payments. The Council also voted to dissolve the Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee and to permit the consumption of malt beverages and unfortified wine at the Holiday Jamboree and Grove Arcade Tree Lighting events.
Discussion Highlights A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Hagerty Consulting, a contracted firm assisting with recovery, who outlined the city’s operational recovery framework and alignment with federal and state resources. Council members discussed the pace of recovery, raising concerns about rental assistance and support for impacted businesses. They explored potential collaborative approaches, including the possibility of direct cash assistance programs. The Council also addressed the city’s projected revenue losses, estimated at $17 million due to the storm, which will impact future budget decisions.
Concerns were raised regarding the Housing Authority (HACA) board and eviction rates within public housing, with a call for resident representation on the board. Additionally, representatives from Asheville Food and Beverage United (AFBU) spoke about the financial hardships faced by hospitality workers, calling for direct financial aid and a reevaluation of how the Tourism Development Authority allocates funds. Mayor Esther Manheimer emphasized the support received from sister cities following the storm, while City Manager Debra Campbell stressed the importance of collaboration and partnerships in addressing recovery challenges.
Follow-ups The Council scheduled a dedicated work session for December 10, 2024, to focus on recovery efforts, including a vote on the allocation of $1.748 million in additional Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Regular recovery briefings are planned for November 19, December 5, and mid-December, with a Council retreat scheduled for January 2025. The Council also approved a resolution adding a City Council organizational meeting to the schedule for December 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
Impact These decisions formalize the city’s emergency response actions, ensuring that contracts entered into during the crisis are legally ratified and that funds are properly budgeted for ongoing recovery. The dissolution of the Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee reflects a shift toward a broader Continuum of Care partnership for addressing homelessness. For residents, the approval of supplemental transit services ensures continued transportation access until water systems are fully restored, while the budget amendment and contract ratifications provide the financial and operational framework necessary to repair critical infrastructure and support local businesses and workers affected by the storm.