Town Council Regular Meeting - Feb 24 2025 (Part 1)

The Town Council held its Regular Meeting on February 24, 2025, to review administrative records, approve zoning actions, and address community events. The meeting began with the approval of minutes from numerous previous sessions, including regular, special called, and workshop meetings held between December 16, 2024, and February 1, 2025. These approvals covered various topics, including town manager candidate reviews and zoning requests. The Council also approved the agenda for the current meeting by a unanimous vote of 6-0.

Significant decisions were made regarding land use and municipal operations. The Council approved the annexation and conditional district zoning for 21 Parker Cove Road, which includes revisions for 27 units, increased vegetative buffers, and greenway easements. Staff and the Town Attorney are tasked with drafting an ordinance for formal action at a future meeting. Additionally, the Council unanimously approved the annexation and conditional district zoning for AdventHealth. The Council also voted unanimously to draft a non-discrimination ordinance with an enforcement mechanism, scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2025. Other approvals included a mutual aid agreement with Buncombe County and the Weaverville Police Department, amendments to the Southern Disaster Recovery contract for storm debris removal, and changes to the position classification and pay plan, which created two new positions: an Assistant Town Manager and a Facilities Maintenance Technician.

During the meeting, the Council held a public hearing regarding updates to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and proposed amendments to Town Code Chapter 20 concerning parking, tree conservation, and setbacks. No public comments were received during the hearing, and it was subsequently closed. The Council also approved a consent agenda containing monthly tax reports, budget amendments, responses to the Local Government Commission, and a proclamation honoring Black History Month. The Council adopted ordinances allowing a temporary road closure and creating a social district for the Weaverville Business Association’s St. Patrick’s Day event on March 16, 2025. A proclamation recognizing the Town’s 150th anniversary, beginning March 16, 1875, was also read.

The Interim Town Manager provided updates on various operational matters, including federal funding requests for water meters, a rescue truck, and sanitation equipment, as well as progress on the MSD Weaverville Pump Station and the assessment of the water wheel. Quarterly reports from the Fire Department and Police Department were presented, highlighting increasing call volumes and response times, as well as updates on an officer-involved shooting investigation. The Council entered a closed session to discuss legal matters, employment contracts, and personnel qualifications related to the town manager selection process.

No specific follow-up actions were explicitly agreed to by individual members during the meeting beyond the general directives for staff to draft ordinances and provide future updates. The Council will receive further updates on the town manager selection process, quarterly reports from the Fire and Police Departments, and the response letter to the Local Government Commission regarding water asset depreciation. These actions impact residents by shaping local zoning laws, emergency response capabilities, and the town’s administrative structure, while the approval of the St. Patrick’s Day event and 150th anniversary proclamation directly affects community scheduling and local regulations for alcohol consumption during that event.