Town Council Regular Meeting - May 19 2025 -

The Town of Weaverville Town Council convened for its Regular Meeting on May 19, 2025, at the Weaverville Community Room. The session covered a broad range of municipal business, including administrative approvals, departmental updates, and strategic planning discussions. The council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings, monthly tax reports, and various contracts. Additionally, the council held a public hearing regarding code amendments and received updates on local infrastructure and public safety initiatives.

Key decisions made during the meeting included the unanimous approval of a three-cent property tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year, with one cent specifically designated for street repaving. The council also approved a letter of support for AdventHealth’s application to expand its hospital by 129 beds, a move that could bring the total bed count to over 300. Other significant actions included the adoption of an amended resolution for the Maple Trace stormwater system, requiring the Homeowners Association to pay $6,000 immediately with the remaining $6,000 due in the first quarter of 2026. The council also authorized a five-year contract with Kirby Recycling to shift to bi-weekly collection at a rate of $3.65 per month and approved the acceptance of water lines from the Encore at Reems Creek development into the town’s system, subject to staff approval.

Discussions highlighted the town’s ongoing strategic planning efforts, with the Mayor noting that work is underway to align the strategic plan with revisions to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the County’s Long-Term Recovery Plan, with finalization expected in November or December 2025. Police Chief Oberlin reported increased call volume, noting 638 calls and a focus on speed enforcement along U.S. 2570, while Fire Chief Hunter reported similar trends with 276 calls in the North Buncombe District. The council also approved ordinances allowing road closures for upcoming community events, including Music on Main and the Fourth of July celebration, and adopted changes to the Town Code regarding parking, tree conservation, and setbacks.

Public comments featured several residents advocating for property tax increases to support town services and prepare for future growth. Tom Belt, John Phillips, and Darla Latourneau all spoke in favor of increasing the property tax, with Belt specifically advocating for a four-cent increase. Gail Solomon donated a painting from the "Preserving a Picturesque America" project to the town, requesting its display at the Community Center, and connected town officials with Doc Varn regarding potential support for the water wheel restoration project. The council did not respond to these comments during the meeting but noted the community’s engagement with fiscal and cultural issues.

Following the meeting, the Town Manager is tasked with implementing the approved three-cent property tax increase. The town will draft and send a letter of support for AdventHealth’s expansion, and a public information session for the hospital project is scheduled for May 22 at 3:30 p.m. at the Community Center. The Public Works Director will set a water line repair at 2,500 to cover defects within three years of acceptance, and Tree Board appointments will be finalized. A public hearing regarding a zoning map amendment for 21 College Crescent is scheduled for June 23 at 6:00 PM.