Town Council Regular Meeting - Jun 23 2025

Weaverville Town Council Regular Meeting Recap Date: June 23, 2025

The Weaverville Town Council held its regular meeting on June 23, 2025, marking the town’s 150th anniversary. The session addressed zoning amendments, budget approvals, employee recognition, and various community updates. The Council approved the minutes from previous meetings and adjusted the agenda by removing the Maple Trace Streets and Stormwater Update due to incomplete information, postponing that item until July 15.

Key decisions included the unanimous approval of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget, which incorporates a 3-cent property tax increase dedicated to street improvements, alongside a 5% water rate increase and specific staffing additions. The Council also voted 5-2 to rezone 21 College Crescent Street from R1 (single-family residential) to R2, accepting the Planning Board’s recommendation for a conditional district that allows lot splits but prohibits multi-family housing. Additionally, the Council unanimously approved a $901,500 bid from Appalachian Sitework, Inc. for the Waterline Replacement Project, excluding the Teaberry Lane portion to remain within budget. The repaving project bids were not opened due to insufficient submissions and will be re-advertised.

During the public hearing for the 21 College Crescent zoning change, resident Jerry Davis spoke in favor of the amendment, stating his desire to sell a portion of his property while remaining in his home. In public comments, Andrew Shelton expressed concerns regarding the town’s definition of "progress," highlighting issues related to greenspace, affordable housing for service providers, and the need for managed growth to preserve Weaverville’s character. The Council also recognized Senior Officer Chris Workman for completing the Criminal Investigation Certificate Program and presented certificates to the 2025 Citizens Academy graduates.

Follow-up actions explicitly agreed to during the meeting include Town staff continuing value engineering discussions with the contractor for the Water Treatment Plant Expansion Project to explore cost-saving options. The Town will re-advertise the paving project and accept new bids on July 15. Staff will continue working with FEMA to finalize reimbursement for private property debris removal resulting from Hurricane Helene. Furthermore, the Council agreed to explore potential host sites for the Butterfly Trail Project and engage with the Arbor Day Foundation, while also developing programs for student involvement in public service through school partnerships.

These decisions impact residents through updated zoning regulations affecting property use near College Crescent, increased property taxes and water rates to fund infrastructure and staffing, and ongoing infrastructure projects including waterline replacements and stormwater management. The approval of grant applications for tree recovery and infrastructure repair following Hurricane Helene indicates continued reliance on external funding for community resilience. The postponement of the Maple Trace stormwater project and the repaving project bids means these specific infrastructure improvements are delayed until further information or new bids are available.