# 2026.06.16 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

**Body:** Town of Woodfin — Woodfin Town Council
**Date:** June 16, 2026 4:59 PM EDT (2026-06-16T16:59:58-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901

## Summary

The Woodfin Town Council convened on June 16, 2026, to address a diverse array of municipal issues, including community safety, infrastructure recovery, economic development, and land use planning. The meeting focused on finalizing specific regulatory changes, approving financial partnerships, and advancing long-term planning initiatives. Key decisions included the unanimous approval of a comprehensive plan amendment regarding the Craggy Correctional Facility property and the approval of specific audit contracts, while other matters, such as the fiscal year 2027 budget, were postponed to a later date.

Regarding community safety and neighborhood improvements, the council addressed concerns raised by resident Joyce Roberts regarding large trucks using Elkwood Avenue as a shortcut. The council agreed to discuss potential solutions with Ms. Roberts after the meeting. The body also highlighted a successful compassionate code enforcement pilot program in partnership with New Bridge Baptist Church and initiated a new policy for traffic calming measures, which requires petitions signed by 75% of property owners. Additionally, Officer Logan Banks was recognized for graduating from the Western North Carolina Law Enforcement Leadership Academy, and the department announced plans to implement a Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) self-defense course for residents.

In terms of infrastructure and storm recovery, the town reported receiving $1.4 million in FEMA funding for stormwater repairs, which will be bundled with other improvements for cost efficiency. The town is pursuing a hazard mitigation grant application for Weaverville Road, having received a positive "Request for Information" from the state. Updates on the wave project indicated it remains on track for late summer or early fall completion, while work at Riverside Park was noted as temporarily paused pending repairs by the Metropolitan Sewerage District.

Economic development and financial matters were also central to the discussion. The council discussed strategies to support mixed beverage establishments and reviewed the financial performance of the Woodfin ABC Board, which plans to reinvest in the store and continue supporting the town. The council approved Ray Baumgarner and Kings Hill as auditors. However, the vote on the FY27 budget ordinance and tax rate was postponed until June 30th due to uncertainty surrounding Senate Bill 889 and its potential impact on property valuations. The council will continue monitoring SB 889 and SB 474, which exempts hurricane-ravaged areas.

On land use and future planning, the council unanimously approved an amendment to the Woodfin Together Comprehensive Plan, changing the designation for approximately 286 acres of land currently occupied by the Craggy Correctional Facility from Heavy Industrial to Cluster Residential. This change aligns with current land use and signals the town's vision for future development, though it does not guarantee specific outcomes. The council also approved a rezoning request for 1.68 acres at 7 & 23 Second Avenue, allowing an existing mobile home park to be officially recognized and potentially expanded.

Looking ahead, the council established several follow-up actions. A special meeting is scheduled for June 30th to finalize the budget ordinance and tax rate. Town staff are tasked with responding to the Hazard Mitigation Grant RFI within a week, advertising for a Public Works Department vacancy, and scheduling a broader community meeting for the Climate Smart Communities Initiative. Staff will also research cost-sharing practices for traffic calming measures and meet individually with council members to discuss land use designations for the Craggy property. The compassionate code enforcement program will continue, with efforts to explore further partnerships with local organizations.

## Agenda

- [Meeting Call to Order](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19298)
- [Consent Agenda- Staff Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/20731)
- [Approval of the May 19, 2026, regular meeting minutes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19300)
- [Approval of the Agenda](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19299)
- [Approval of April 21, 2026, closed session minutes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19301)
- [Approval of the tax collection report for the period ending April 2026. April 2026 Tax Collection Report, April Vehicle Tax Collection Report, April Vehicle Tax Refunds Pending](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19302)
- [Approval of Ordinance 2026-06 amending the general fund budgets for FY 2026-2027](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19303)
- [Approval of reappointment of David Clarke, Katie Cox, Melissa Dreannan, and Adam Smith to the Parks & Community Enrichment Committee](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19304)
- [Approval of reappointment of Chris DeRonne, Michael Hayes, and Jerry VeHaun to the Planning Board of Adjustment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19305)
- [Approval of reappointment of Bob Sterr to the ABC Board as Board Chairperson](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19306)
- [Approval of the fiscal year 2026 contract for annual audit contract with Ray, Bumgarner, Kingshill & Assoc.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19307)
- [Approval of Resolution No. 2026-04 including the Town of Woodfin in the Buncombe County Unified Fire District](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19308)
- [Approval of Resolution No. 2026-05 designating an agent for the Town of Woodfin when applying for Federal and State grants.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19309)
- [Public Comment – The public is invited to attend this meeting in person or view this meeting on YouTube Live: https://youtube.com/@townofwoodfinnc1104? si=JHD6vCmOzTqwfUKx. All documents related to agenda items not published on the website may be viewed in advance of the meetings in person at Town Hall, 90 Elk Mountain Rd, Woodfin.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/20732)
- [Presentations & Reports](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/20733)
- [Public Comment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19310)
- [Town Manager Report – Shannon Tuch, Town Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19311)
- [ABC Board Annual Financial Review, Bob Sterr, ABC Board Chairperson](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19312)
- [New Business](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/20734)
- [Public Hearing-Consideration of Ordinance 2026-07 requesting approval of proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget. -Budget Submittal Letter-Sheri Powers, Finance Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19313)
- [Review and approval of a policy regarding special events on public property. -Event Policies & Regulations for Riverside Park & Tayor's Wave -Staff ReportAdrienne Isenhower, Projects & Facilities Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19314)
- [Review and approval of a policy regarding traffic control. -Adrienne Isenhower, Projects & Facilities Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19315)
- [Public Hearing-Staff Report-Consideration of Ordinance 2026-08 a request to rezone 1.68 acres from R-10 Residential (R-10) to Manufactured Home Community (MHC) for properties located at 7 & 23 Second Street and identified in the Buncombe County tax record as PINs 9730-26-9183 & 9730-360-0410. The applicants/ property owners are Cassandra (Sandi) & Matthew Childs. -Ricky Hurley, Planning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19316)
- [Public Hearing –Staff Report-Consideration of Ordinance No. 2026-09 a request by the Town of Woodfin to amend the Woodfin Together Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designation for properties located at 2988, 2990, and 2992 Riverside Drive, further identified in the Buncombe County tax record as PINs 9721676131, 9721741929, & 9721561358 from Institutional to Cluster Residential. Property owner is the State of North Carolina. – Ricky Hurley, Planning Director.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19317)
- [Adjournment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19319)
- [Executive Session – The Town Council may adjourn to private chambers to discuss legal, personnel, contractual or similar matters protected by the NCGS §143-318.11(a) including subsections:](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/19318)
- [to prevent the disclosure of information that is privileged or confidential, pursuant to NCGS 160A-168, and](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/20735)
- [to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901/item/20736)

## Votes

- Vice Mayor Ervin made a motion to postpone the vote on the budget due to pending legislation, until Tuesday, June 30" at 5:00 pm at Town Hall. Council Member Kahn seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Council Member Kahn made a motion to approve the Special Events Policy as presented and authorize staff to implement the policies and associated administrative procedures. Council Member Cohen seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 6-0, — Passed, 6-0
- Council Member Parton made a motion to postpone the vote on the Traffic Calming Policy. Council Member Bowers seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Council Member Parton made a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-08 the rezoning of 1.68 acres from R-10 Residential District to Manufactured Home Community District (MHC) as shown on Exhibit A; and Amend the Woodfin Together Future Land Use Map for areas identified on Exhibit B from Residential 1 to Mobile Home Community and find that the request is reasonable, is in the public interest, is consistent with the Woodfin Together Comprehensive Plan, and meets the development needs of the community in that the request: 1. Uses the Future Land Use Map to guide development decisions (1.1.1). 2. Promotes an integrated mix of housing types and affordability options while discouraging gentrification and displacement of existing residents (1.1.2 & 1.2.1). 3. Protects existing affordable housing (1.2.2). Vice Mayor Ervin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Vice Mayor Ervin made a motion to postpone the public hearing and a vote on approval of Ordinance No. 202609 to July 21, 2026, the next regular Town Council Meeting. Council Member Parton seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Vice Mayor Ervin made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member Parton seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0
- Vice Mayor Ervin made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Council Member Kahn seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, 6-0. — Passed, 6-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwakZwvz10Q
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1965/segments

## Documents

- [agenda_2026-06-16.html](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901?document=14261)
- [minutes_2026-06-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901?document=14263)
- [presentation_2026-06-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2901?document=14262)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwakZwvz10Q)