# City Council Meeting (Jul 23, 2024)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** July 23, 2024 12:00 PM EDT (2024-07-23T12:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532

## Summary

The Asheville City Council held a regular meeting on July 23, 2024, focusing on significant infrastructure investments, financial approvals, and land use decisions. The agenda included the acceptance of state funding for water infrastructure, the approval of multiple engineering and construction contracts, the authorization of a $80 million bond referendum for voters, and public hearings regarding historic preservation and residential development.

**Key Decisions and Votes**

The Council voted unanimously (6-0) to accept $1,998,965 in funding from the N.C. Department of Water Infrastructure for lead service line replacement and approved the corresponding budget amendment. This funding is interest-free, with 60% to be forgiven, and will be used to replace lead and galvanized service lines in underserved areas, with a state deadline for inventory submission set for October 16, 2024.

The Council also unanimously approved several contracts related to water infrastructure and public works. These included resolutions authorizing the City Manager to enter into contracts with WK Dickson for the Shiloh Service Line Find and Replace Project, Kimley Horn for engineering services for Water Distribution Project No. 4 (Coxe Avenue Water Main), CDM Smith for the PLC/SCADA Process Automation Upgrade Program, and Cavanaugh & Associates for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project. Additionally, the Council approved a contract amendment with Johnson, Mirmiran and Thompson for the Vance Gap Slide Repair Design and Inspection Project.

In financial matters, the Council voted 6-0 to approve the 2024 Water Revenue Bonds, including the adoption of the Bond Order and approval of the Bond Resolution. This borrowing, up to $30 million, is intended to fund the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project, with bonds scheduled for sale in August 2024. The Council also approved a budget ordinance amendment to adjust the effective date of the amended Pay & Classification Plan to June 22, 2024.

Regarding community programs and sustainability, the Council unanimously approved agreements with Asheville GreenWorks for waste reduction and sustainability programming, Bountiful Cities to implement the City’s Food Policy Action Plan, and Green Built Alliance to continue the Blue Horizons Project for renewable energy and efficiency. The Council also approved a resolution to join an opioid settlement agreement with Kroger Co., which is expected to bring approximately $80,463.90 to Asheville.

For the General Obligation (GO) bond referendum, the Council held public hearings and voted to adopt the bond orders and set the referendum for November 5, 2024. The proposed $80 million bond is divided into four $20 million categories: Housing, Transportation, Parks & Recreation, and Public Safety. If approved by voters, this would result in an estimated property tax increase of $110 for an average residential property.

In land use and historic preservation, the Council approved the designation of the F.W. Woolworth Building as a local historic landmark, following a unanimous recommendation from the Historic Resources Commission. The Council also voted 5-1 to approve the conditional zoning for the Meadows at New Haw Creek development at 767 New Haw Creek Road, with Councilwoman Kim Roney voting against. This approval allows for an 84-unit residential development (49 single-family homes and 35 townhomes) with conditions including sidewalk construction, tree preservation, and down payment assistance education for homebuyers.

**Discussion Highlights and Community Input**

During the public hearing for the Meadows at New Haw Creek project, the Council reviewed the proposal to rezone the 27.05-acre property from medium-density single-family residential to a Residential Expansion - Conditional Zone. The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously approved the request with conditions, which the Council adopted. While the transcript summary notes that public comment was received during this hearing, it does not provide specific details on the content of those comments or any responses from Council members.

The Council also discussed the McCormick Field renovation project, approving a contract with Frank L. Blum Construction Company for a total project budget of $30,969,957, plus a $2,000,000 contingency. Construction is slated to begin in September 2024, with completion by April 2026. The Council also approved a lease amendment with DeWine Seeds - Silver Dollar Baseball LLC (the Tourists), extending the lease retroactively from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026, with lease revenues directed toward the renovation.

**Follow-ups**

The City Clerk is responsible for publishing notices of adoption regarding the bond orders. A public hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2024, to consider the permanent closure of a paper right-of-way on 34 Hiawassee Street, which would facilitate a land exchange with Duke Energy for a downtown substation rebuild. The Asheville Regional Housing Consortium will continue evaluating applications for the remaining HOME funds, and the City will explore options for pursuing a NC Civil Rights trail marker at the Woolworth site.

**Impact on Residents**

These decisions have significant implications for Asheville residents. The lead service line replacement funding ensures safer drinking water in underserved communities, while the water infrastructure contracts aim to improve system reliability and security. The $80 million bond referendum, if approved in November, will fund critical improvements in housing, transportation, parks, and public safety, though it will also increase property taxes. The historic designation of the Woolworth Building preserves a key site of civil rights history, and the approval of the Meadows at New Haw Creek development adds new housing stock with conditions intended to benefit the community, such as down payment assistance education and greenway access. The McCormick Field renovation will modernize the stadium for year-round use, and the opioid settlement funds will support local efforts to combat the opioid crisis.

## Agenda

- [Approval of the combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on June 20, 2024, and the formal meeting held on June 25, 2024.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/20231)
- [Resolution for City Council to accept the N.C. Dept. of Water Infrastructure Lead Service Line Replacement funding.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/20232)
- [Budget amendment, in the amount of $1,998,965, to accept the N.C. Dept. of Water Infrastructure Lead Service Line Replacement funding.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/20233)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with WK Dickson for the Shiloh Service Line Find and Replace Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9180)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Kimley Horn for engineering services associated with Water Distribution Project No. 4 - Coxe Avenue Water Main Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9181)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services contract with CDM Smith for Task Order 3 - PLC/SCADA Process Automation Upgrade Program Services Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9182)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a professional services contract with Cavanaugh & Assoc. for Task Order 12 - Construction Management and Inspection Support Services for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9183)
- [2024 Water Revenue Bonds](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9184)
- [Adoption Bond Order](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9185)
- [Approval Bond Resolution](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9186)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement and subsequent amendments and renewals with Asheville GreenWorks to provide waste reduction and sustainability programming.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9187)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Bountiful Cities to implement programs and activities to address the City’s Food Policy Action Plan, with an option to renew for two additional years.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9188)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the current contract with Green Built Alliance to continue the implementation and management of the Blue Horizons Project and Blue Horizons Project Community Council.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9189)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Johnson, Mirmiran and Thompson for the Vance Gap Slide Repair Design and Inspection Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9190)
- [Budget ordinance amendment to change Section 9 of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Ordinance to adjust the effective date of the amended Pay & Classification Plan from July 6, 2024 to June 22, 2024.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9191)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing lease with DeWine Seeds - Silver Dollar Baseball LLC for the use of McCormick Field.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9192)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a general services contract with MB Haynes Corporation for the repair and replacement of HVAC parts and equipment in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9193)
- [Resolution of intent to permanently close a paper right-of-way located on 34 Hiawassee Street, and to set a public hearing for August 27, 2024.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9194)
- [Resolution authorizing an amendment to the Training Development Associates contract for the purpose of supporting the Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs administration.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/20234)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with T.P. Howard’s Plumbing Co. for the Parking Garage Americans with Disabilities Act Improvements Project; and execution of any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9195)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Walker Consultants for the engineering of various repairs at the Wall Street, Rankin Avenue, Harrah’s Cherokee Center and Biltmore Avenue Parking Garages.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9196)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to use Lochinvar boilers as an owner’s preferred alternate for the Municipal Building Capital Repairs and Restoration Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9197)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Attorney to enter into an opioid settlement agreement with Kroger Co.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9198)
- [Motion approving the Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Travel Policy adopted January 26, 2016.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9199)
- [Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-38.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9200)
- [Public hearing to consider the adoption of an ordinance designating the property known as the F.W. Woolworth Building, located at 25 Haywood Street, as a local historic landmark.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9204)
- [Public hearing to consider adoption of a (1) resolution authorizing the submittal of the 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnerships Program to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; (2) budget amendment (a) to adopt the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant Fund budget in the amount of $1,003,034 and (b) to adopt the HOME Investment Partnerships Program Fund budget in the amount of $1,011,026.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9205)
- [General Obligation Bond(s)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/20235)
- [Public hearing on Bond Order authorizing the issuance of $20,000,000 General Obligation Housing Bonds of the City of Asheville, N.C.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9206)
- [Adoption of Bond Order authorizing the issuance of $20,000,000 General Obligation Housing Bonds of the City of Asheville, N.C. without change or amendment and direct the Clerk to publish a notice of adoption.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/20236)
- [Public hearing on Bond Order authorizing the issuance of $20,000,000 General Obligation Transportation Bonds of the City of Asheville, N.C.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9207)
- [Adoption of Bond Order authorizing the issuance of $20,000,000 General Obligation Transportation Bonds of the City of Asheville, N.C. without change or amendment and direct the Clerk to publish a notice of adoption.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/20237)
- [Public hearing on Bond Order authorizing the issuance of $20,000,000 General Obligation Parks and Recreation Bonds of the City of Asheville, N.C.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9208)
- [Adoption of Bond Order authorizing the issuance of $20,000,000 General Obligation Parks and Recreation Bonds of the City of Asheville, N.C. without change or amendment and direct the Clerk to publish a notice of adoption.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/20238)
- [Public hearing on Bond Order authorizing the issuance of $20,000,000 General Obligation Public Safety Bonds of the City of Asheville, N.C.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9209)
- [Adoption of Bond Order authorizing the issuance of $20,000,000 General Obligation Public Safety Bonds of the City of Asheville, N.C. without change or amendment and direct the Clerk to publish a notice of adoption.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/20239)
- [Resolution setting a Special Bond Referendum and directing the publication of Notice of a Special Bond Referendum and Notification of the Buncombe County Board of Elections.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9210)
- [Public hearing to consider conditional zoning of 767 New Haw Creek Rd from RS-4 Single-Family Medium Density to Residential Expansion - Conditional Zone for the purpose of building 95 new single-family housing units.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9211)
- [McCormick Field](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/20240)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract amendment with Frank L. Blum Construction Company, in association with W.C. Construction Company for the construction of the McCormick Field improvements; and any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount of ~10%.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9201)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Terracon Consultants, Inc. for the special inspections of McCormick Field Construction and any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount of ~10%.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9202)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to use the preferred alternate of Schlage hardware in the bid specifications for the McCormick Field Renovation Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532/item/9203)

## Votes

- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Bountiful Cities to implement programs and activities to address the City’s Food Policy Action Plan, with an option to renew for two additional years. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Johnson, Mirmiran and Thompson for the Vance Gap Slide Repair Design and Inspection Project. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion approving the Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Travel Policy adopted January 26, 2016. — Passed, 6-0
- Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-38. — Passed, 6-0
- Public hearing to consider conditional zoning of 767 New Haw Creek Rd from RS-4 Single-Family Medium Density to Residential Expansion - Conditional Zone for the purpose of building 95 new single-family housing units. — Passed, 5-1
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Kimley Horn for engineering services associated with Water Distribution Project No. 4 - Coxe Avenue Water Main Project. — Passed, 6-0
- 2. Approval Bond Resolution — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement and subsequent amendments and renewals with Asheville GreenWorks to provide waste reduction and sustainability programming. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the current contract with Green Built Alliance to continue the implementation and management of the Blue Horizons Project and Blue Horizons Project Community Council. — Passed, 6-0
- Budget ordinance amendment to change Section 9 of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Ordinance to adjust the effective date of the amended Pay & Classification Plan from July 6, 2024 to June 22, 2024. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Walker Consultants for the engineering of various repairs at the Wall Street, Rankin Avenue, Harrah’s Cherokee Center and Biltmore Avenue Parking Garages. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to use Lochinvar boilers as an owner’s preferred alternate for the Municipal Building Capital Repairs and Restoration Project. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract amendment with Frank L. Blum Construction Company, in association with W.C. Construction Company for the construction of the McCormick Field improvements; and any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount of ~10%. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services contract with CDM Smith for Task Order 3 - PLC/SCADA Process Automation Upgrade Program Services Project. — Passed, 6-0
- 2024 Water Revenue Bonds — Passed, 6-0
- Budget amendment, in the amount of $1,998,965, to accept the N.C. Dept. of Water Infrastructure Lead Service Line Replacement funding. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Attorney to enter into an opioid settlement agreement with Kroger Co. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution setting a Special Bond Referendum and directing the publication of Notice of Special Bond Referendum and Notification of the Buncombe County Board of Elections. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a professional services contract with Cavanaugh & Assoc. for Task Order 12 - Construction Management and Inspection Support Services for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project. — Passed, 6-0
- 1. Adoption Bond Order — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with WK Dickson for the Shiloh Service Line Find and Replace Project. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with T.P. Howard’s Plumbing Co. for the Parking Garage Americans with Disabilities Act Improvements Project; and execution of any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution for City Council to accept the N.C. Dept. of Water Infrastructure Lead Service Line Replacement funding — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing lease with DeWine Seeds - Silver Dollar Baseball LLC for the use of McCormick Field. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Terracon Consultants, Inc. for the special inspections of McCormick Field Construction and any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount of ~10%. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to use the preferred alternate of Schlage hardware in the bid specifications for the McCormick Field Renovation Project. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a general services contract with MB Haynes Corporation for the repair and replacement of HVAC parts and equipment in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. — Passed, 6-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/5gWY8_sDHKc?si=1ejpZsXzMxJjY3Fv
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1289/segments
- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9RrkHGcW3w
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1655/segments

## Documents

- [Public Hearing D - CZ 767 New Haw Creek (4).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3689)
- [Public Hearing D - Public Comment Jonathan Wainscott (2).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3699)
- [Consent I - Bountiful Cities.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3841)
- [Consent G - 2024 Water Revenue Bonds.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3762)
- [Public Hearing A - Local Historic Landmark - Woolworth Bldg.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3702)
- [Consent H - Asheville Greenworks.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3845)
- [Public Hearing B - Presentation FY24-25 Annual Action Plan.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3745)
- [Consent E - Water Process Automation Upgrade Program Services.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3771)
- [agenda_2024-07-23.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3685)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - Woolworth Building Landmark Designation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3754)
- [Consent D - Water Distribution Project 4 - Coxe Ave 12” Main Design.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3775)
- [Consent Q - Parking Garage ADA Impvts.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3817)
- [Unfinished A-2 - McCormick Field Special Inspections .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3794)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3725)
- [Public Hearing D - Presentation CZ 767 New Haw Creek.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3707)
- [Consent B - Lead Service Line Replacement Funding Acceptance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3785)
- [Consent C - Shiloh Service Line Find & Replacement.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3782)
- [Consent V - Tax Releases and Refunds.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3856)
- [Unfinished A-1 - McCormick Field CMAR Construction.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3731)
- [Consent P - TDA Consulting Amendment for CDBG & HOME Admin Support.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3821)
- [Unfinished A-3 - Preferred Alternate for Hardware for McCormick Field.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3790)
- [Consent A - Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3871)
- [Consent F - Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3850)
- [Consent J - Green Built Alliance (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3837)
- [Consent K - Vance Gap Rd Slide.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3834)
- [Consent S - Preferred Alternate Muni Boiler.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3801)
- [Consent U - ABC Travel Policy.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3859)
- [Consent T -  Opioid Settlement .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3854)
- [Consent O - Intent to close ROW - Hiawassee.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3825)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3713)
- [Public Hearing B - CDBG & HOME Annual Action 2024-2025,.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3768)
- [Public Hearing C - Pressentation GO Bond Action .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3739)
- [Consent M - Tourists Lease.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3829)
- [Consent R - Parking Garage Repairs (2).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3810)
- [Consent N - TWA HVAC Repairs (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3756)
- [Consent L - Compensation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3863)
- [Public Hearing C - GO Bonds.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3866)
- [minutes_2024-07-23.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1532?document=3687)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-jul-23-2024/)
- [Agenda Briefing](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1e903zHLdNM5vhRo1MuDQ0aFaLQ6jZggv?usp=drive_link)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gqE7q-vyKyLh6JLxVRjNgj41Dih1xE1i/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gsF4QxEoJ__3xjHmP867-pUxoTNAjd1g/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/b1244)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)