# 2026.09.15 Woodfin Town Council Meeting

**Body:** Town of Woodfin — Woodfin Town Council
**Date:** September 15, 2026 4:59 PM EDT (2026-09-15T16:59:30-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146

## Summary

**Woodfin Town Council Meeting Recap: September 15, 2026**

The Woodfin Town Council convened on September 15, 2026, to address routine administrative matters, review infrastructure updates, and hold public hearings. The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, which included the approval of the August 18, 2026, regular and closed session minutes, the tax collection report for the period ending July 2026, and the opening of a portion of the June 16, 2026, closed session minutes.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Tom Hartye, General Manager of the Metropolitan Sewerage District (MSD). Hartye outlined the district’s operations, noting it serves over 277,000 people across 264 square miles. He detailed a $795 million capital improvement program planned for the next decade, which includes a $171 million sludge drying facility and a $250 million biological process upgrade. Hartye also provided updates on specific projects, such as the Weaverville pump station replacement, which is expanding capacity from 22 to 40 million gallons per day, and river crossings completed following Hurricane Helene. Regarding financial status, Hartye stated that the MSD holds a AAA bond rating with current debt at $80 million, and a new $120 million bond resolution is scheduled for sale on October 7. When asked about the hydroelectric dam, Hartye noted that an appraisal is nearly complete but emphasized that dam removal poses risks to the interceptor system.

The council voted unanimously to approve Resolution #2026-09, which recognizes the 25th anniversary of the federal roadless area conservation rule and urges the U.S. Forest Service to retain it. The council authorized the distribution of this resolution to federal and state officials. Additionally, the council interviewed and unanimously appointed Melanie Petrolo to the Planning Board of Adjustment (PBOA). During the interview, Petrolo discussed the importance of balancing the housing shortage with the maintenance of green space and infill development.

A public hearing was held regarding Ordinance #2026-11, a request to conditionally rezone a 0.5-acre portion of a 1.67-acre parcel at 291 Weaverville Road from Community Shopping (CS) to Community Shopping 2 – Conditional Zone (CS2-CZ). Because the applicant was not present to answer questions, the council voted to continue the public hearing to the October meeting. Staff agreed to bring the zoning application back at that time.

During the public comment period, resident Jonathan Gilbert of 209 Mostert Drive addressed the council regarding the Baird Cove Road property. Gilbert raised concerns about traffic safety, suggesting that driveways should be located on Fisher Lane rather than Baird Cove Road to avoid congestion caused by reduced speed limits on Weaverville Highway and future I-26 projects. He requested a "no parking" zone on Baird Cove Road near Fisher Lane and advocated for requiring new developments to install sidewalks along Weaverville Highway, noting the current lack of pedestrian infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with the adjournment. Staff committed to arranging a tour of the MSD facilities for council and board members, as requested by a council member. The zoning hearing for the Weaverville Road property will resume at the October meeting.

## Agenda

- [Meeting Call to Order](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146/item/19320)
- [Approval of the Agenda](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146/item/19321)
- [Consent Agenda - Staff Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146/item/19322)
- [Approval of August 18, 2026, regular and closed session meeting minutes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146/item/19323)
- [Approval of the tax collection report for the period ending July 2026](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146/item/19324)
- [Approval to open a portion of June 16, 2026, closed session minutes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146/item/19325)
- [Public Comment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146/item/19326)
- [MSD Report - Tom Hartye, General Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146/item/19327)
- [Approval of Resolution #2026-09 Recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146/item/19328)
- [Planning Board of Adjustment Interview](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146/item/19329)
- [Approval of Ordinance #2026-11 - a request to conditionally rezone a 0.5-acre portion of a 1.67-acre parcel located at 291 Weaverville Rd](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146/item/19330)
- [Adjournment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146/item/19331)

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuLMFB3lsbU
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2123/segments

## Documents

- [presentation_2026-09-15.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146?document=14331)
- [agenda_2026-09-15.html](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3146?document=14330)

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuLMFB3lsbU)