# City Council Meeting (Sep 24, 2024)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** September 24, 2024 12:00 PM EDT (2024-09-24T12:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Asheville City Council held a combined agenda briefing work session and formal business meeting on September 24, 2024. The work session focused on preparing for the full council meeting, discussing the disposition of city-owned land, and reviewing updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding affordable housing and anti-displacement strategies. The formal meeting addressed various infrastructure contracts, public safety agreements, and several public hearings concerning zoning, land use, and tree preservation.

**Key Decisions and Votes**
The Council approved the majority of the consent agenda items unanimously, which included contracts for concrete repair, pavement management software, debt refinancing, public safety system interoperability with Buncombe County, fire department aid, and parking garage customer service. Councilor Kilgore recused herself from one vote within the consent agenda due to a conflict of interest.

Regarding specific public hearings, the Council took the following actions:
*   **Sawyer Street Closure:** The Council approved a resolution to permanently close a portion of Sawyer Street to facilitate an affordable housing project requested by Buncombe County.
*   **107 Glendale Avenue Rezoning:** The Council voted 4-3 to rezone the property from RS-8 to RM-16, allowing for higher-density multi-family housing. Councilors Mosley, Roney, and Smith voted against this measure.
*   **Tree Canopy Protection Standards:** The Council approved amendments to the UDO with a 4-3 vote, also opposed by Councilors Mosley, Roney, and Smith. The approved changes include a new "heritage tree" classification and increased canopy credit incentives for preserving large trees.
*   **Asheville Sanctuary Master Plan Amendment:** The Council considered a public hearing regarding an amendment to the Urban Village Master Plan for 5 Michael Street. Staff recommended approval, noting the project aligns with the Comprehensive Plan.
*   **148 River Ford Parkway:** The Council considered motions to modify deed restrictions and reallocate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a supportive and affordable housing development.

**Discussion Highlights**
During the work session, Real Estate Manager Kimmy Hunter presented proposed improvements to the city’s land disposition policy, emphasizing a collaborative process to ensure responsible disposal. City Manager Campbell highlighted the importance of this comprehensive plan. Councilwoman Ullman expressed concerns about potential impacts on economic development and affordable housing if land is disposed of without careful consideration, while Councilwoman Mosley emphasized the need for community engagement and alignment with city goals.

Regarding the Community Responder Program, staff discussed a potential name change to "Asheville Fire Department Resource and Engagement Support Team" (AFD-REST) to clarify its scope. The Environment and Safety Committee had previously recommended this name change. Additionally, the City Manager reported on the Community Engagement Academy, which graduated 18 "Community Connectors," and announced an upcoming Career Fair Block Party.

**Community Input**
No public comments were taken during the agenda briefing work session. During the public hearings for the formal meeting, the Council reviewed the proposed changes. Council members raised questions and concerns regarding the Sawyer Street closure, the rezoning request on Glendale Avenue, and the Community Responder Program name change. Specific public testimony details from individual citizens are not provided in the summaries, though the hearings allowed for the standard allocation of time for public comment.

**Follow-ups**
*   **Sawyer Street Closure:** Staff will provide additional information and clarification on the closure, including details about the proposed development project. Buncombe County will finalize and submit a development plan/application to the City.
*   **UDO Updates:** Staff will share a slide deck with council members outlining the proposed UDO updates and anti-displacement strategies. Staff will continue engagement with the community regarding these strategies and provide updates to Council committees.
*   **Neighborhood Housing Overlay:** Staff will develop this overlay with further engagement with neighborhood leaders, with a target for Council consideration of the final concept by January 2025.
*   **Community Responder Program:** Staff will finalize the program design for AFD-REST, including year-one goals, and develop a communication plan for the name change. Remaining staff (two peer support specialists) are to be hired this fall.
*   **Transit Funding:** Staff will bring forward a contract for the purchase of additional buses, leveraging funds from the Buncombe County rescission.

**Impact**
These decisions directly affect Asheville’s housing supply, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety operations. The approval of the Sawyer Street closure and the Glendale Avenue rezoning moves forward specific affordable housing and higher-density development projects. The updated Tree Canopy Protection standards strengthen regulations for preserving large trees during development. The approval of various contracts ensures continued operations for road maintenance, public safety data systems, and transit services. The shift in funding for the 148 River Ford Parkway project alters the mix of supportive and affordable housing units planned for that site.

## Agenda

- [AFFORDABLE HOUSING/UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/20223)
- [October 2024 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month”](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/20224)
- [Approval of the combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on September 5, 2024, and the formal meeting held on September 10, 2024.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/20225)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with B.H. Graning Landscapes, Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Utility Cut Concrete Repair project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9111)
- [Resolution ratifying additional spending under the contract with AgileAssets for the pavement management system software.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9112)
- [Resolution approving the documentation and authorizing officers of the City of Asheville to pursue on behalf of the City debt financing associated with the refunding of the $42 Million 2022 Limited Obligation Bonds.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9113)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute contract amendments for the annual payments to Buncombe County for the ongoing existing Public Safety Interoperability System/Centralized Data Entry (PSIP/CDE); and a contract change order in the amount of $595,690 for the annual payments to Buncombe County for the County Identification (ID) Bureau interlocal agreement.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9114)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew the automatic aid agreement between the City of Asheville and Reems Creek Fire Department.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9115)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Parker Technology, LLC for the purpose of providing continued 24-7 video-based customer service at City parking garages.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9116)
- [Ordinance enacting (1) a 25 mph speed limit on Haywood Road (US 19-23 Business) from Patton Avenue to Oakwood Street and Haywood Road (S.R. 3548) from Westwood Place to Riverview Drive and (2) a 35 mph speed limit on Swannanoa River Road (N.C. 81) from Bryson Street (N.C. 81) to Tunnel Road (US 70).](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9117)
- [Resolution accepting a rescission of $1,374,797 of 5307 Urban Federal Transit Grant Funds from Buncombe County; agrees to comply with any lawful and reasonable conditions imposed upon such funds; authorizes expenditures from such funds; authorizes the City Manager to execute contracts with state or federal entities related to this funding or contracts or agreements with Buncombe County related to this funding; and approves a budget amendment to budget the funds in the Transit Services Operating and Multi-Year Funds for Fiscal Year 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9118)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services contract amendment with Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design of Asheville for the Swannanoa River Greenway Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9119)
- [Manager’s Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9120)
- [Community Engagement Academy](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/20226)
- [Name Change for Community Responder Program](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/20227)
- [City of Asheville Career Fair/Block Party - September 26, 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/20228)
- [Public hearing to permanently close approximately 140 feet of Sawyer Street, an open right-of-way, connecting to Coxe Avenue, between the parcels addressed as 50 and 52 Coxe Avenue.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9121)
- [Public hearing to amend the adopted Urban Village Master Plan for 5 Michael Street for the purpose of amending the site plan and proposed mix of land uses.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9122)
- [Public hearing to consider a rezoning request for 107 Glendale Avenue from RS-8 Residential Single-Family High Density District to RM-16 Residential Multi-Family High Density District.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9123)
- [Public hearing to consider an amendment to Article 19 of Chapter 7 the Code of Ordinances to update the tree canopy protection standards.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/9124)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the existing deed restriction on 148 River Ford Parkway (formerly the Ramada Inn property) to specify 50 units of supportive housing and 50 units of affordable housing and reallocation of $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding previously dedicated to permanent supportive housing at 148 River Ford Parkway.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529/item/20229)

## Votes

- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew the automatic aid agreement between the City of Asheville and Reems Creek Fire Department. — Passed, 7-0
- Ordinance enacting (1) a 25 mph speed limit on Haywood Road (US 19-23 Business) from Patton Avenue to Oakwood Street and Haywood Road (S.R. 3548) from Westwood Place to Riverview Drive and (2) a 35 mph speed limit on Swannanoa River Road (N.C. 81) from Bryson Street (N.C. 81) to Tunnel Road (US 70). — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services contract amendment with Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design of Asheville for the Swannanoa River Greenway Project. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the existing deed restriction on 148 River Ford Parkway (formerly the Ramada Inn property) to specify 50 units of supportive housing and 50 units of affordable housing — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution for reallocation of $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding previously dedicated to permanent supportive housing at 148 River Ford Parkway. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution ratifying additional spending under the contract with AgileAssets for the pavement management system software. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Parker Technology, LLC for the purpose of providing continued 24-7 video-based customer service at City parking garages. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution accepting a rescission of $1,374,797 of 5307 Urban Federal Transit Grant Funds from Buncombe County; agrees to comply with any lawful and reasonable conditions imposed upon such funds; authorizes expenditures from such funds; authorizes the City Manager to execute contracts with state or federal entities related to this funding or contracts or agreements with Buncombe County related to this funding; and approves a budget amendment to budget the funds in the Transit Services Operating and Multi-Year Funds for Fiscal Year 2025. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with B.H. Graning Landscapes, Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Utility Cut Concrete Repair project. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution approving the documentation and authorizing officers of the City of Asheville to pursue on behalf of the City debt financing associated with the refunding of the $42 Million 2022 Limited Obligation Bonds. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute contract amendments for the annual payments to Buncombe County for the ongoing existing Public Safety Interoperability System/Centralized Data Entry (PSIP/CDE); and a contract change order in the amount of $595,690 for the annual payments to Buncombe County for the County Identification (ID) Bureau interlocal agreement. — Passed, 7-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/psTxXJ6qD8U?si=fnxUsbKhw5XO487L
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1285/segments
- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxakjub5Hjw
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1156/segments

## Documents

- [Consent A - Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3937)
- [Worksession - City Council Housing.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3838)
- [Public Hearing C  - Rezone 107 Glendale Ave.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3884)
- [Public Hearing B - Staff Presentation - Asheville Sanctuary UV Master Plan Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3843)
- [Consent G - Parking  Garage Call Center.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3901)
- [Consent D - LOBs refunding .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3906)
- [Consent I - County Transit Funds.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3890)
- [Presentations A - Manager's Report (5).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3826)
- [minutes_2024-09-24.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3814)
- [Public Hearing B - UV MP 5 Michael St Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3880)
- [Consent F - Automatic Aid Agreement with Reem's Creek (3).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3917)
- [Consent H - Speed Limit Changes (6).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3923)
- [Consent C - Pavement Management System.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3877)
- [Public Hearing C - Presentation - Rezoning 107 Glendale Ave.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3851)
- [agenda_2024-09-24.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3808)
- [Consent B - Utility Cut Concrete.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3894)
- [New A - Housing Development at 148 River Ford Parkway.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3888)
- [Consent E - County change order interlocal agrmt.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3912)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3862)
- [Public Hearing D - UDO - Tree Canopy Preservation Updates.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3928)
- [New A - Presentation - Housing Development at 148 River Ford Parkway.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3874)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation Sawyer St RoW Closing.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3932)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3868)
- [Public Hearing A - ROW Sawyer St Closing (50 & 52 Coxe Ave) (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3830)
- [Public Hearing D - Presentation - Tree Canopy Preservation Ord Updates (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3848)
- [Consent J - Swannanoa Greenway Project.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3898)
- [Public Hearing B - Presentation - Applicant UVMP - Asheville Sanctuary.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1529?document=3858)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-sep-24-2024/)
- [Agenda Briefing](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1odq8Aj6QO5dwnHIK9XCTrHTtB9Lfut-V?usp=drive_link)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pWQfeb6e9OPjo8yVhFGECZDACWrTIOUN/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pYIJxtqFRIQ1XD3WYcL9hV9dHkEYIfPH/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)