# Town Council Regular Meeting - Feb 23 2026

**Body:** Town of Weaverville — Town Council
**Date:** February 23, 2026 6:00 PM EST (2026-02-23T18:00:06-05:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1811

## Summary

The Town Council held its Regular Meeting on February 23, 2026, to address infrastructure planning, zoning amendments, public safety, and community recognition. The body approved the agenda unanimously and proceeded through a consent agenda that included the approval of minutes from previous meetings, monthly tax reports, budget amendments, board appointments, and water commitment renewals for specific developments. Additionally, the Council adopted ordinances related to the upcoming Weaverville Business Association’s Shamrock Festival, including road closures and the establishment of a temporary social district.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on major infrastructure and community development projects. The Council received an update on the planned Advent Health hospital, which was described as a 67-bed facility with plans for expansion to over 200 beds, aiming for tertiary care center status by 2028. The Town Manager provided updates on critical utility infrastructure, including state permits for the Water Treatment Plant expansion and the I-26 bridge replacement project. The Council also approved a Project Partnership Agreement for a $4 million US Army Corps of Engineers grant for water system improvements, requiring a $1 million town cost share, and selected three on-call engineering firms for future services.

The most substantive debate centered on proposed text amendments for two new high-density residential districts, R6 and R10. Planning Director Miller clarified that these amendments create the language for the districts but do not automatically apply to any property; implementing them would require a separate map amendment process with public hearings. Despite concerns raised by residents regarding the potential impact on the town’s historic character, property values, and fire safety setbacks, the Council voted 5-2 to adopt the ordinance. The Town Manager emphasized the need to carefully manage growth to align with the community’s long-term vision, while proponents argued the tools were necessary to accommodate housing needs associated with new developments.

Public commenters engaged directly with the Council on specific issues. Resident Darla LeTourneau commended the Town Manager for prioritizing community engagement in the annual budget process. Resident Alan Sheppard spoke regarding zoning standards, and Attorney Frue addressed concerns raised by Hilary Hatch about the traffic and environmental impact of the R-12 development at 75 Cole Road. In response to these concerns, the Council renewed the water commitment approval for the 223-unit development at 75 Cole Road, while residents requested that the town participate in a new traffic impact study and environmental analysis for the site.

The Council formally recognized Rodney Edwards for his decades of charitable contributions to the community, which have raised over $100,000 through various events. Quarterly reports from the Fire and Police Departments highlighted the town’s Class Two fire rating, recent training accreditations, and ongoing fraud prevention efforts. Looking ahead, the Council agreed to develop "Operating Guidelines for High Quality Governance" to streamline business conduct. Department heads are scheduled to begin presenting departmental budgets, with the first workshop sessions set for March 9, and the town will proceed with the Asheaville Butterfly Trail dedication planned for Earth Day.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyKAzeTql5I
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1560/segments

## Documents

- [minutes_2026-02-23.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1811?document=14472)
- [agenda_packet_2026-02-23.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1811?document=14471)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyKAzeTql5I)