Event Recap
City Council Meeting Recap: February 27, 2024
The Asheville City Council held a regular meeting on February 27, 2024, focusing on capital improvements, homelessness strategy, and various operational contracts. The session included a proclamation recognizing March as Procurement Month, updates on the city’s shelter strategy and capital improvement program, and a review of the consent agenda. The Council approved the consent agenda with the exception of one item, which was set aside for review at a later meeting.
Key Decisions and Votes The Council voted to pass a series of resolutions authorizing the City Manager to execute contracts and apply for funding. These approvals included:
- A contract with Illumined Leadership Solutions for a Community Facilitator.
- A $3 Million budget amendment from the Mellon Foundation for the Boosting the Block Project.
- A contract with Swim Club Management Group Inc. for the management of City aquatic facilities.
- A contract with PC Construction Company for the North Fork Filter 3 Rehabilitation Project.
- An application for Lead Service Line Replacement funding.
- A contract with East Coast Truck Shop for body work and paint repairs.
- Exceptions to competitive bidding and a one-year contract with Atlantic Emergency Solutions for fire apparatus services.
- Permissions for the possession and consumption of malt beverages and unfortified wine at specific events, including Downtown After Five, Asheville SpringFest, Claxton Centennial Celebration, and Carolina Ciderfest.
- A three-year Event Production Agreement with the Asheville Downtown Association for Independence Day and Holiday Parades.
- Applications for federal transit funding and the purchase of three new diesel buses for the Asheville Rides Transit System.
- A change order with Cinderella Partners, Inc. for additional structural repairs to parking garages.
In addition to these resolutions, the Council voted unanimously to direct the City Manager to coordinate with Asheville PEAK Academy to develop a grant agreement using remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Council also voted unanimously to close the session, citing attorney-client privilege regarding a pending legal matter.
Discussion Highlights City staff provided updates on the city’s shelter strategy, noting that a needs assessment identified a requirement for 95 additional shelter beds, of which 43 have been added through local partnerships. Staff outlined plans for a new emergency shelter designed to include 100 non-congregate beds and flexible space for up to 50 congregate beds, along with case management and behavioral health support. Additionally, the City Manager detailed the restructuring of the Continuum of Care (COC), which is transitioning to a self-governing planning body. The city will serve as both a member organization and the lead agency providing administrative support, while the existing Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee (HIAC) will be dissolved once the new COC board is elected.
Capital projects updates included progress on the McCormick Field Renovation and sidewalk improvements in downtown. Staff highlighted upcoming construction impacts on downtown areas and the creation of a communication specialist position to improve transparency during these projects. During the discussion, Councilwoman Kim Roney expressed concern about the lack of local Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) contractors involved in certain projects, emphasizing the importance of building capacity for local businesses. Mayor Esther Manheimer acknowledged the importance of reparations and highlighted the need for a community-driven approach to addressing complex issues.
Community Input A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment. Several speakers advocated for the city to support PEAK Academy, a charter school, with remaining ARPA funds. Other speakers passionately advocated for the City Council to pass a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing humanitarian concerns and alignment with other municipalities. One speaker presented historical context regarding the ethnic cleansing of Jewish communities from Arab countries, arguing for recognition and understanding.
Follow-ups and Next Steps The Council agreed to revisit the single item excluded from the consent agenda at a future meeting. The City Manager will work with Asheville PEAK Academy to develop a grant agreement using the remaining ARPA funds, with the formal grant agreement and budget amendment scheduled for Council consideration on March 12, 2024. The city will proceed with the transition of the Continuum of Care, including electing a board member and dissolving HIAC. Staff will also proceed with hiring a communication specialist to improve transparency during capital projects. Finally, the Council stated it will submit the ceasefire resolution to congressional representatives.