City Council Meeting Recap: January 23, 2024

The City of Asheville City Council held a regular meeting on January 23, 2024, addressing a wide range of agenda items including contract approvals, zoning amendments, infrastructure projects, and the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The session focused heavily on maintaining continuity for city services through short-term contract extensions, while also initiating significant changes to land use regulations and public facilities.

Key Decisions and Votes

The Council voted to approve several resolutions authorizing the City Manager to execute contracts and agreements. These approvals included:

• A contract with TRY, Inc. for summer bus transportation services for recreation programs, including options for two one-year renewals (Passed 6-0).
• An Interlocal Agreement with Asheville City Schools to allow the use of school facilities for expanded public recreation programs (Passed 6-0).
• A contract with Parker Technology, LLC for parking garage customer service, backdated to January 24, 2023, and extending to June 30, 2024 (Passed 6-0).
• A contract with Passport Labs, Inc. for mobile meter payment services, backdated to January 2, 2023, and extending to June 30, 2024 (Passed 6-0).
• A contract amendment with Passport Labs, Inc. for parking enforcement equipment and software to extend the current term (Passed 6-0).
• The purchase of a prefabricated single-occupant restroom structure from Madden Fabrication for the Downtown Restroom project (Passed 6-0).

Two items were tabled for further discussion:

• A resolution requesting the N.C. Department of Transportation to consider reducing the design speed on Patton Avenue was tabled.
• A resolution authorizing a contract with B. Allen Construction, Inc. for the installation of a prefabricated restroom was tabled.

Additionally, the Council voted to recommend approval of proposed text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to align with state law, specifically replacing “conditional use” terminology with "special use." This amendment was adopted 5-1, with Councilwoman Roney voting no. Public hearings regarding cottage development standards and flag lot standards were continued to February 13, 2024.

Discussion Highlights

During the consent agenda, discussion centered on the recently adopted disparity study and its impact on contracting outcomes, with an emphasis on building capacity for minority and women-owned businesses. Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt received recognition for improvements within his division. The Council also received a report from the Realignment Working Group, which presented findings from a survey of board members indicating recurring themes of "powerlessness" and a need for improved communication and clarity of goals between boards, council, and city staff.

Regarding the Downtown Restroom project, Capital Projects Director Jade Dundas presented details on installing a permanent "Portland Loo" at the Rankin Parklet. While the Council expressed support for the concept, they deferred voting on the construction contract, directing staff to investigate the feasibility of reopening existing restrooms and exploring partnerships for restroom access. Further discussion on this item is planned for February.

The Council also discussed the proposed $240 million operating and $71 million capital budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The presentation emphasized service delivery, customer value, and community goals. Additionally, the Council reviewed a proposal for "The Asheville Community," a free grocery store with an integrated music venue, with a proposed budget of $250,000.

Community Input

Extensive public comment was received, with speakers calling for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict between Gaza and Israel and expressing concerns about humanitarian issues. Other speakers criticized past council decisions and demanded action to address inequities in education, housing, and economic opportunity, with some advocating for reparations. Gene Bell presented data on the achievement gap and urged increased funding for the PEAK program, while Jonathan Wayne Scott advocated for eliminating Asheville’s at-large election system.

Follow-ups

• Council member Ben Chao will follow up with the NCDOT district engineer regarding the Patton Avenue design speed resolution.
• Staff will ensure the Realignment Working Group survey report is posted online.
• Staff will provide additional details about the Downtown Restroom Project during the February 8 Agenda Briefing.
• The Council will revisit the downtown restroom proposal in February, potentially including a vote.
• The Council will review the PEAK program and consider a tour invitation from Gene Bell.
• The Council will reconsider Asheville’s at-large election system.
• The City Manager and relevant departments will work to improve contract expiration tracking.

Impact

These decisions ensure the continuity of essential city services, such as parking payments and summer recreation transportation, while the city initiates formal processes to select new vendors by June 30, 2024. The adoption of UDO amendments brings local zoning laws into compliance with North Carolina General Statute 160D, shifting final decision-making authority for special use permits to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The deferral of the downtown restroom construction contract allows for further exploration of alternatives, while the approved purchase of the restroom structure moves the project forward toward a permanent solution for downtown sanitation and safety. The budget discussions set the stage for the Fiscal Year 2025 planning process, with public input encouraged through an online survey available until February 23, 2024.