City Council Meeting Recap: May 28, 2024

The Asheville City Council held a regular meeting on May 28, 2024, to address a wide range of municipal operations, infrastructure planning, and budgetary matters. The agenda included approvals for various contracts and grants, public hearings on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and zoning changes, and the initiation of the process for a potential General Obligation (GO) bond referendum. The council also recognized outstanding city employees and discussed the status of ongoing capital improvement projects.

Key Decisions and Votes The council voted on numerous resolutions, with most passing unanimously (6-0). Unanimous approvals included an ordinance amending Section 7-3-11 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Design Review Committee terms, a contract with Rock Creek Grading, LLC. for bridge maintenance, and the acceptance of a grant from the N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality for waste reduction. The council also unanimously approved the sale of a 2013 Freightliner Jet Vacuum Truck, a contract amendment with Smart Builders Construction for the Murphy Oakley Playground Renovation, and a resolution allowing the Housing Authority to issue up to $28,000,000 in Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds for a development in Weaverville. Additionally, the council unanimously approved a service agreement with Buncombe County for centralized data entry, a contract with Illumined Leadership Solutions for the Boosting the Block project, a $3 million budget amendment from the Mellon Foundation, and two resolutions directing the publication of notice and making statements of fact concerning a proposed bond issue.

Three items passed with a 5-1 vote. The council accepted the Office of National Drug Control Policy 2024 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) grant and the associated budget amendment in the City’s Special Revenue Fund. Councilwoman Kim Roney voted against both measures. The council also voted 5-1 on the public hearing adoption for the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Operating & Capital Budget and a related amendment to $20 million in each of four categories; Councilwoman Antanette Mosley voted against these items.

Discussion Highlights A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the proposed $75 million General Obligation bond package. Staff presented a detailed overview of current capital needs, noting that identified needs exceed available resources. Council members discussed prioritizing projects and the potential impact on taxpayers. Councilwoman Maggie Ullman expressed a desire to prioritize tangible community projects within the bond package. The council also discussed the "Boosting the Block" project, a Mellon Foundation-funded initiative to revitalize the area around Pack Square. Councilwoman Sage Turner emphasized the importance of local knowledge and expertise in the role of the community facilitator.

Regarding the HIDTA grant, Councilwoman Roney raised concerns about the program's focus and its potential impact on BIPOC communities, advocating for a more preventative approach to crime. In the context of the FY 2025 budget, Councilwoman Sheneika Smith advocated for a more significant raise for city employees, particularly first responders. Councilwoman Mosley shared a personal connection to the adaptive reuse project at 57 Max Street, highlighting its positive impact on the neighborhood.

Public Hearings and Zoning The council held public hearings on two conditional zoning requests. For 57 Max Street, the proposal involves the adaptive reuse of the Cappadocia Church into three residential units. The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously recommended approval, and the council voted to adopt the zoning change. For 21 London Road, the proposal seeks to rezone a vacant property to allow for a six-story, 208-unit apartment complex. The council held a public hearing on this request, which had been continued from previous meetings.

Follow-ups Staff agreed to provide additional data and analysis regarding the potential $75 million to $100 million general obligation bond package, including the impact on taxpayers and the capacity to deliver projects. Staff also agreed to provide data on the financial implications of various staff compensation adjustments. A follow-up memo was issued with a deadline of June 3, 2024, for further action on items including the Patton Avenue sidewalk project, the Housing Trust Fund, and the hotel community benefits program.

Impact on Residents The approval of the initial steps for the General Obligation bond package sets the stage for a voter referendum in November 2024. If approved, the $75 million in bonds would fund projects in housing, transportation, parks, and public safety, potentially resulting in a property tax increase. The FY 2025 budget, which includes a 4.11% salary increase for permanent employees and no change to the property tax rate, is scheduled for final adoption on June 11, 2024. The approval of the Weaverville housing bonds supports the construction of 156 affordable rental units, while the Boosting the Block project aims to enhance public spaces and community engagement in the downtown area.