# City Council Meeting (Apr 23, 2024)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** April 23, 2024 12:00 PM EDT (2024-04-23T12:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932

## Summary

The City Council held an agenda briefing work session on April 23, 2024, to review upcoming agenda items, committee matters, and city updates. The session was open to the public and streamed online, though no public comment was taken during this work session. The meeting focused on reviewing the agenda for the subsequent council meeting scheduled for April 23 at 4 p.m. at the Harris Cherokee Center, which included proclamations recognizing April as Less Plastic Asheville Month, National Police Week, and Peace Officers Memorial Day.

A significant portion of the work session was dedicated to reviewing items for the consent agenda of the upcoming regular meeting. The Council approved an ordinance authorizing the demolition of 158 South French Broad, citing public safety concerns and the building's deteriorated condition, with costs to be recouped via a tax lien. Several Asheville Police Department grant authorizations and contract renewals were approved, focusing on crime prevention and community health worker partnerships. Additionally, budget amendments reflecting positive financial performance at the Harris Cherokee Center, Nature Center, and Municipal Golf Course were approved. Other consent items included an amendment to the Nasty Branch Greenway design contract to address stormwater revisions, a lease agreement to relocate Fire Department administrative functions to the Jackson Building, and a change order to resume the demolition of the Vance Monument following a favorable North Carolina Supreme Court ruling.

The Council received updates on several key city initiatives. A budget process update highlighted a focus on compensation and benefits, with staff committing to provide a detailed memo by April 29 and requesting feedback by May 3. The Council approved funding recommendations for Strategic Partnership Grants aimed at closing the opportunity gap for low-to-moderate income youth. Regarding the Housing Trust Fund, the Council discussed a proposed allocation of over $4.6 million across five projects to create 197 affordable housing units, based on a recommendation from the Housing and Community Development Council Committee. Presentations were also given on the National Community Survey results, noting resident praise for arts and culture alongside concerns about affordability and safety, and an overview of the city’s transit system, which highlighted challenges in funding and fleet maintenance.

Looking ahead, the Council outlined the timeline for the upcoming budget cycle, with budget presentations scheduled for May 14, a public hearing on May 28, and final budget adoption on June 11. Staff agreed to continue working on the Missing Middle Housing Study, with an alternative proposal to be presented to the Council in May. City staff will also collaborate with the county on a comprehensive operations and financial assessment of the transit system. Finally, the Council noted that the Vance Monument demolition would be revisited in July.

## Agenda

- [April 2024 as “Less Plastic Asheville Month“](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/20270)
- [May 12-18, 2024, as “National Police Week” and May 15, 2024, as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day”](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/20271)
- [Approval of the combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on March 21, 2024, the formal meeting held on March 26, 2024; and the budget worksession held on April 9, 2024.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/20272)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Rock Creek Grading Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Vance Gap Slide Repair Project, and authorize the City Manager to approve any right-of-way acquisitions necessary to complete the project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9291)
- [Resolution for City Council to accept a grant from the N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality - Division of Water Infrastructure for Stormwater Infrastructure Investments Grant for Stormwater Asset Inventory and Assessment Services Project, and authorize the City Manager to sign all of the appropriate documents.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9292)
- [Budget amendment, in the amount of $400,000, for the Stormwater Asset Inventory and Assessment Services Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9293)
- [Ordinance authorizing the City of Asheville Compliance Division of the Development Services Department to demolish an abandoned single family home at 158 S. French Broad Avenue, Asheville, NC.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9294)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager, or its designee, to apply for the U.S. Dept. of Energy Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funds to purchase electric vehicles for the City’s fleet.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9295)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Leica Geosystems Inc. for the current renewal and an additional two years of optional renewals for continuing the maintenance, service, and subscriptions for the Asheville Police Department’s Leica RTC 360 Laser Scanner contract.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9296)
- [Resolution for City Council to accept the United States Department of Justice 2023 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance grant and authorize the City Manager to sign all of the appropriate agreements.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9297)
- [Budget amendment, in the amount of $83,673, in the City’s Special Revenue Fund, for the 2023 Edward Byrne Justice Grant.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9298)
- [Resolution for City Council to accept the 2023 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant from the United States Department of Justice and authorize the City Manager to sign all of the appropriate agreements.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9299)
- [Budget amendment, in the amount of $40,972.40, in the City’s Special Revenue Fund for the 2023 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9300)
- [Resolution for City Council to authorize the City staff to apply for the 2024 Office of Community Oriented Police Services (COPS), U.S. Dept. of Justice Law Enforcement and Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Grant.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9301)
- [Resolution for City Council to authorize the City staff to apply for grant funds from the Office of National Drug Control Policy for the 2025 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) grant on behalf of the Asheville HIDTA branch.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9302)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to a contract with Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Hickory, NC, at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9303)
- [Budget amendment to the HCCA Operating Fund in the amount of $200,000 to reflect updated Fiscal Year 2023-24 revenue and expenditure projections.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9304)
- [Ordinance amending Article III, Chapter 2, Division 2 and Article II, Chapter 11, Section 11-32 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances to expand the Commission’s duties and functions to include advising on Department of Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities matters and to change the name of the “Civic Center Commission” to the “Community Entertainment Facilities Commission” to better reflect the Commission’s expanded role.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9305)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Friends of the Western North Carolina Nature Center.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9306)
- [Budget amendment, in the amount of $56,000, from donations from the Donald Ross Society Foundation and facility management fees for capital improvements at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9307)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a interlocal joinder agreement to join the North Carolina CLASS Investment Pool.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9308)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Sitework Studios for Nasty Branch Greenway construction drawing and specification revisions; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders up to the contingency amount.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9309)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement with Pack Square Property, LLC for real property located in the Jackson Building Complex at 22 S. Pack Square, 14 S. Pack Square and 8 Market Street for office space for the Asheville Fire Department administrative operations displaced due to upcoming construction at Municipal Building.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9310)
- [Resolution ratifying a change order with Chonzie, Inc., in relation to the Vance Monument removal.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9311)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with J. Bartholomew Construction for the Western North Carolina Nature Center Gateway to the Appalachians Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9312)
- [Budget amendment, in the amount of $350,000, for the Nature Center Gateway to the Appalachians Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9313)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply to the Federal Transit Administration Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program for the purchase of fifteen (15) biodiesel 30’ buses with associated transit technology equipment and accessories, to purchase an upgraded fare payment system, including upgraded fareboxes for all existing buses with obsolete systems, and a new administrative billing system and associated farebox servicing equipment for the transit garage.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9314)
- [Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9315)
- [Resolution allocating Housing Trust Funds to specific affordable housing projects.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9316)
- [Resolution approving recommendations for Strategic Partnership Grant program awards and authorizing for City Manager to execute grant agreements.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9317)
- [Public hearing to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to revise the cottage development standards.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/20273)
- [Public hearing to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to revise the flag lot standards.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9319)
- [Motion to Continue to 9-10-24](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/17891)
- [Public hearing to consider conditional zoning of 767 New Haw Creek Rd from RS-4 Single-Family Medium Density to Residential Expansion - Conditional Zone for the purpose of building 95 new single-family housing units.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9320)
- [Public hearing to consider a Business Improvement District.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932/item/9321)

## Votes

- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Rock Creek Grading Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Vance Gap Slide Repair Project, and authorize the City Manager to approve any right-of-way acquisitions necessary to complete the project. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager, or its designee, to apply for the U.S. Dept. of Energy Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funds to purchase electric vehicles for the City’s fleet. — Passed, 6-0
- Budget amendment, in the amount of $400,000, for the Stormwater Asset Inventory and Assessment Services Project. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution for City Council to accept the United States Department of Justice 2023 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance grant and authorize the City Manager to sign all of the appropriate agreements. — Passed, 5-1
- Budget amendment, in the amount of $83,673, in the City’s Special Revenue Fund for the 2023 Edward Byrne Justice Grant. — Passed, 5-1
- Resolution for City Council to authorize the City staff to apply for grant funds from the Office of National Drug Control Policy for the 2025 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) grant on behalf of the Asheville HIDTA branch. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to a contract with Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Hickory, NC, at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution ratifying a change order with Chonzie, Inc., in relation to the Vance Monument removal. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with J. Bartholomew Construction for the Western North Carolina Nature Center Gateway to the Appalachians Project. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply to the Federal Transit Administration Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program for the purchase of fifteen (15) biodiesel 30’ buses with associated transit technology equipment and accessories, to purchase an upgraded fare payment system, including upgraded fareboxes for all existing buses with obsolete systems, and a new administrative billing system and associated farebox servicing equipment for the transit garage. — Passed, 6-0
- Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution allocating Housing Trust Funds to specific affordable housing projects. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution approving recommendations for Strategic Partnership Grant program awards and authorizing for City Manager to execute grant agreements. — Passed, 6-0
- Ordinance authorizing the City of Asheville Compliance Division of the Development Services Department to demolish an abandoned single family home at 158 S. French Broad Avenue, Asheville, NC. — Passed, 6-0
- Budget amendment, in the amount of $56,000, from donations from the Donald Ross Society Foundation and facility management fees for capital improvements at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Leica Geosystems Inc. for the current renewal and an additional two years of optional renewals for continuing the maintenance, service, and subscriptions for the Asheville Police Department’s Leica RTC 360 Laser Scanner contract. — Passed, 6-0
- Budget amendment, in the amount of $40,972.40, in the City’s Special Revenue Fund for the 2023 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Friends of the Western North Carolina Nature Center. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement with Pack Square Property, LLC for real property located in the Jackson Building Complex at 22 S. Pack Square, 14 S. Pack Square and 8 Market Street for office space for the Asheville Fire Department administrative operations displaced due to upcoming construction at Municipal Building. — Passed, 6-0
- Budget amendment, in the amount of $350,000, for the Nature Center Gateway to the Appalachians Project. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution for City Council to accept a grant from the N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality - Division of Water Infrastructure for Stormwater Infrastructure Investments Grant for Stormwater Asset Inventory and Assessment Services Project, and authorize the City Manager to sign all of the appropriate documents. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution for City Council to accept the 2023 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant from the United States Department of Justice and authorize the City Manager to sign all of the appropriate agreements. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution for City Council to authorize the City staff to apply for the 2024 Office of Community Oriented Police Services (COPS), U.S. Dept. of Justice Law Enforcement and Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Grant. — Passed, 6-0
- Budget amendment to the HCCA Operating Fund in the amount of $200,000 to reflect updated Fiscal Year 2023-24 revenue and expenditure projections. — Passed, 6-0
- Ordinance amending Article III, Chapter 2, Division 2 and Article II, Chapter 11, Section 11-32 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances to expand the Commission’s duties and functions to include advising on Department of Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities matters and to change the name of the “Civic Center Commission” to the “Community Entertainment Facilities Commission” to better reflect the Commission’s expanded role. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a interlocal joinder agreement to join the North Carolina CLASS Investment Pool. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Sitework Studios for Nasty Branch Greenway construction drawing and specification revisions; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders up to the contingency amount. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to Continue to 9-10-24 — Passed, 6-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/eZIfHlQLw0U?si=mRx3B2s7BQUzF3V6
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1579/segments
- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMX5GkF62YI
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1487/segments

## Documents

- [Public Hearing D - Presentation - BID.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4330)
- [Consent S - Vance Monument Removal Change Order.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4367)
- [Consent F - Leica contract.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4410)
- [Consent A - Minutes 4-9-24.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4445)
- [Consent K - HCCA Pepsi Cola Contract Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4387)
- [New B - Strategic Partnership Grants.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4352)
- [New A - Presentation - Housing Trust Fund Review.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4334)
- [Consent C - NCDEQ Grant Stormwater Assest Inventory.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4418)
- [Consent A - Minutes 3-26-24.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4449)
- [Consent N - Friends of Nature Center MOU (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4384)
- [Consent G - 2023 JAG grant (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4398)
- [Consent E - Energy Efficiency Grant Fund App.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4414)
- [Public Hearing D - BID .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4430)
- [New B - Presentation - Strategic Partnership Grant Program.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4357)
- [Consent P - NC CLASS Investment Pool.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4379)
- [Consent H - Slide by Councilwoman Roney.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4328)
- [Consent U - Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Application.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4360)
- [Consent L - Harrah's Operating Budget Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4438)
- [Consent V - Tax Releases and Refunds  (9).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4347)
- [Consent D - 158 S. French Broad SFR - Demolition.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4442)
- [Consent Q - Nasty Branch AE Construction Document.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4375)
- [Consent B - Vance Gap Slide Project.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4422)
- [Consent R - Jackson Bldg Lease .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4370)
- [Consent O - Golf Course.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4434)
- [New A - Housing Trust Funds.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4395)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4337)
- [Consent I - DOJ Wellness Coord Grant.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4402)
- [Consent M - Civic Center Commission Ordinance Revisions .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4426)
- [Consent J - 2025 HIDTA grant.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4391)
- [Consent H - 2023 BVP grant.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4405)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4343)
- [minutes_2024-04-23.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4325)
- [agenda_2024-04-23.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4321)
- [Consent T - Nature Center Gateway.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1932?document=4364)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-apr-23-2024/)
- [Agenda Briefing](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fT3VG_BCwxs7JomGVzF9MLBaagupACP4?usp=drive_link)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SKH3StUY5n2iqqAKoFTTJuLsz7Ix48F4/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SKn0-cS69RulEYUxhNjyIDYIHW2IPb4t/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/w2402)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)