Weaverville Town Council Meeting March 25, 2024

The Weaverville Town Council convened on March 25, 2024, for a regular meeting that addressed a wide array of municipal operations, including zoning, public safety, and financial planning. The session opened with a presentation from Congress Jackson regarding the Society of Sons of the American Revolution, which presented the town with a Certificate of Commendation recognizing its patriotism and display of the American flag. The Council then proceeded to review and approve the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings and various financial reports.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on annexation and zoning matters. The Council held public hearings and voted to approve the voluntary annexation and R-3 zoning for the property at 6 Pleasant Grove Road, covering approximately six acres. This approval paves the way for potential development, with staff projecting the annexation could add $43,750 in annual property tax revenue. In contrast, action on the annexation and zoning for 9 Pleasant Grove Road, a 10.5-acre property planned for a 40-unit townhouse development, was postponed at the developer's request. The Council decided to delay action until June to allow the developer more time to finalize civil engineering plans.

The Council also approved text amendments to Chapters 13 and 20 concerning environmental protection, focusing on steep slopes, mountain ridge protections, and stormwater management. Minor adjustments were made to recognize existing variances along Long Street and clarify regulations regarding charity car washes. Additionally, the Council unanimously approved regulations allowing golf cart operations on specific town roads near the Reems Creek Golf Course, along with associated fee schedules. Other approvals included an updated Automatic Aid Agreement with the Reems Creek Valley Fire Department, a three-year audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group, and the recognition of retiring Police Chief Ron Davis, who was awarded his badge and service sidearm for $1.00.

Public safety and infrastructure were further addressed through the approval of agreements for the Public Safety Interoperability Partnership (PSIP) and Central Data Entry (CDE) with Buncombe County, formalizing coordinated emergency services. The Council reviewed a presentation from Shannon Moore of Withers-Ravenel regarding a Water Fund Financial Analysis and Rate Study. The presentation highlighted the fund’s strong financial performance, projected capital needs for the next 10 years, and proposed rate adjustments to encourage conservation. The Council received this presentation and will consider the recommendations as part of the upcoming budget process. The Council also agreed to maintain the water commitment condition for the Northridge Farms project unless NCDOT denies encroachment agreements.

During the public comments section, a citizen named Bo Platt spoke about the importance of providing cost-of-living raises for town employees to help retain skilled workers. The Town Manager provided updates on various ongoing projects, including the budget process, crime commission grant challenges, pickleball court noise reduction efforts, and strategic planning. The Council directed staff to review Buncombe County and Woodfin regulations regarding whole-house short-term rentals, with consideration of implementing similar regulations. The Council also agreed to move forward with re-establishing an independent Tree Board and approved amendments to its Rules of Procedure.

Looking ahead, the town will hold budget workshops on March 19 and April 16 to finalize the proposed budget, which is expected to be presented on April 16. The Planning Board will continue to review and develop recommendations regarding short-term rentals following direction from the Town Council. Residents interested in serving on the Tree Board are encouraged to submit applications. The town will also hold an Arbor Day celebration on April 26, planting a new oak tree, and will continue street milling and paving projects with its paving company. A public hearing on the golf cart ordinance is proposed for April 22.