2026.04.21 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

Woodfin Town Council Meeting Recap: April 21, 2026

The Woodfin Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on April 21, 2026, focusing on the town’s recovery from Tropical Storm Helene, the adoption of 2026 strategic priorities, and community safety initiatives. The council approved the agenda, moving the discussion regarding "Lennie's Law" to the end of the new business section. Routine items were handled via the consent agenda, which included the approval of minutes from previous meetings, the February 2026 tax collection report, and Resolution 2026-02 requesting that HCA CEO Sam Hazen engage directly with stakeholders in Western North Carolina. The council also approved an amended meeting schedule, changing the time of the May 5, 2026, budget work session from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Key Decisions The council recorded five unanimous votes (6-0) during the meeting. First, Vice Mayor Ervin moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Council Member Kahn. Second, Council Member Parton moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Vice Mayor Ervin. Third, Vice Mayor Ervin moved to approve the revised Woodfin Town Council Strategic Priorities for 2026, seconded by Council Member Kahn. Fourth, Council Member Cohen moved to approve Resolution No. 2026-03 in support of "Lennie's Law," seconded by Council Member Parton. Finally, Council Member Young moved to have town staff determine the necessary steps to potentially implement a moratorium on data centers and similar land uses, a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Ervin.

Discussion Highlights A primary focus of the meeting was the Town Manager’s report on Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts. Town Manager Shannon Tuch reported that all four FEMA extensions for infrastructure and park projects were approved, providing the town with 18 to 24 months to complete these projects. The town is nearing full reimbursement for storm-related debris removal, with approximately $1.2 million remaining to be received from FEMA. Tuch noted that the town is exploring the CDBG Disaster Relief Grant Program as a potential backup funding source, though this option involves increased reporting requirements. Contracts for restoration projects at Silver Line Park and Riverside Park have been approved, and a stakeholder meeting regarding natural hazards is planned, followed by a larger community meeting in June.

The council also reviewed the Town Manager’s performance evaluation from the Performance Plan Subcommittee. Additionally, Chad Meadow of CodeWright Planners presented an update on the Land Development Ordinance, noting that a draft diagnosis is complete and a steering committee meeting is scheduled. The council discussed a proposed moratorium on data centers, which are currently restricted to heavy industrial zones and require special use permits. Following the discussion, the council voted to have staff investigate the potential moratorium.

The meeting concluded with a presentation by residents Adam Smith, Maddie Barondeau, and Griffin Tichenor regarding "Lennie's Law." The proposal, a response to the deaths of Leonard Antonelli and Jacob Hill in a cycling accident on NC-251, aims to designate "bicycle safety zones" on popular cycling routes with stricter speed enforcement. The council unanimously approved Resolution No. 2026-03 supporting the concept and encouraging state legislators to adopt similar legislation. The council also agreed to explore designating a bicycle safety zone within Woodfin, potentially on Riverside Drive.

Follow-ups Town Manager Shannon Tuch agreed to continue working on FEMA reimbursement, exploring CDBG funding options, and overseeing park and infrastructure projects. The Parks & Community Enrichment Committee (PACE) agreed to explore designating a bicycle safety zone within Woodfin. The Town Council agreed to continue budget discussions and work with state legislators to support the adoption of Lennie’s Law.

Impact These decisions underscore the town's active management of its post-storm recovery and its commitment to long-term planning. The approval of the 2026 Strategic Priorities establishes six high-priority goals for the year, including revisiting the Emergency Home Repair Program, strengthening Woodfin’s identity, advancing flood mitigation partnerships, modernizing the Police Department, planning for Town Hall and facilities, and completing Parks projects. The support for Lennie's Law highlights the council's focus on road safety for cyclists, while the directive to staff regarding data centers signals a proactive approach to regulating new land uses.