Event Recap
Weaverville Town Council Meeting Recap: January 22, 2024
The Weaverville Town Council held its regular meeting on January 22, 2024, focusing on infrastructure agreements, land use regulations, and annexation petitions. The council unanimously approved the agenda, with a motion to remove item 7(G) regarding a water commitment request for 75 Cole Road. The council also unanimously adopted the consent agenda, which included approval of minutes from previous meetings, a monthly tax report showing a 73% collection rate, budget amendments for the Recreation Complex and Police donations, acceptance of Greenwood Park Phase 3 waterline extensions, and a lease agreement for the Dry Ridge Historical Museum.
In key decisions, the council passed a 6-0 vote to approve the Woodfin-Weaverville Interlocal Agreement for the Greenway Connector and its associated feasibility study, authorizing the related budget amendment. Regarding land use, the council adopted resolutions for annexation petitions at 9 Pleasant Grove Road and 6 Pleasant Grove Road, directing the Clerk to investigate the sufficiency of these petitions. Additionally, the council approved a water commitment allocation for 6 Pleasant Grove Road, with the approval conditional upon the completion of the annexation process. Following a public hearing, the council passed a 6-0 vote to adopt an ordinance amending Code Chapters 2 and 20, which addresses places of gatherings, home occupations, conservation subdivisions, and fees in lieu of sidewalk construction. Finally, the council approved fees in lieu of sidewalk construction for the LDG Meribel Project.
Discussion highlights included updates from the Town Manager and regional representatives. The Town Manager reported that the town received a $1 million state grant for the water treatment plant expansion and is seeking an additional $4 million, noting that these funds reduce the need to raise rates. The manager also highlighted a delay in the Fire Department’s solar panel project due to the availability of U.S.-made panels and reported on the success of the Citizens Academy, which has graduated 160 residents over eight years. Vice Mayor Cordell provided an update on the Northwest Regional Planning Organization (NPO), discussing the Weaverville-Woodfin Greenway connector study, a wildlife crossing study, and a potential passenger rail study. A representative from the Metropolitan Sewerage District (MST) reported on the district’s $56.86 million budget and ongoing capital improvements, including pumping station upgrades in growth areas north of town.
Community input was provided during the public hearing and general comment periods. During the code amendment hearing, resident Jeff McKenna spoke in favor of caution regarding fee-in-lieu programs for sidewalks, noting the town’s success in maintaining a tax-neutral budget. During general public comments, Paul Corelli of Hoppy Trees expressed concerns about pedestrian access and parking on Florida Avenue, citing increased business activity. Another resident commented on the need to avoid tax increases and addressed housing affordability and short-term rentals. The council did not record specific responses to these comments in the summary.
Several follow-up actions were identified during the meeting. Staff will continue to analyze feedback from short-term rental listening sessions to develop regulations. The town attorney and manager will renegotiate the lease with the Dry Ridge Historical Museum. The town will authorize a cyber assessment through the North Carolina League of Municipalities. Additionally, the council gave consensus to apply for a Governor’s Highway Safety Grant to install solar-powered, push-button activated crosswalk signals. A strategic planning workshop was rescheduled for Saturday, February 24, and a presentation from the Land of Sky Regional Council regarding the Eller Cove Trail Planning Study is planned for February.
These decisions impact residents by establishing new regulations for home occupations and gathering places, facilitating regional connectivity through the Greenway connector, and managing growth through the annexation of properties on Pleasant Grove Road. The approval of the interlocal agreement and the focus on state and federal funding for water infrastructure aim to support town growth while managing costs. The adoption of the code amendments and the approval of fees in lieu of sidewalk construction for the LDG Meribel Project will shape future development standards and infrastructure funding mechanisms in the town.