Special Called Emergency Town Council Meeting - 5:00 PM

The Town Council convened a Special Called Emergency Meeting on March 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM to address urgent structural concerns regarding the municipal building. The primary focus of the session was the immediate displacement of town staff and emergency responders due to safety risks, alongside the exploration of temporary and long-term housing solutions. Staff presented a comprehensive overview of the building’s status, including ongoing negotiations with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding the building’s classification and potential eligibility for federal repair funding.

Key discussions centered on immediate logistical needs and long-term facility planning. Staff highlighted the urgency of relocating sleeping staff before sub-freezing temperatures could damage fire trucks left outside, noting that while the main office area is near the compromised structure, the fire bays remain structurally sound. To address immediate housing, staff proposed utilizing Ridgecrest, a local nonprofit facility, which offered to close a hallway containing 14 bedrooms for town use. For long-term solutions, staff presented options including purchasing a used "triple-wide" modular home from the Hendersonville Fire Department for $50,000 or leasing a new modular unit. Three potential sites for a new combined fire and police facility were also evaluated, with Honeycutt Road identified as the preferred location due to existing utilities and heated bays, contingent on closing the road.

The Council made a unanimous decision to approve immediate actions regarding staff displacement. A motion was passed to move staff to Ridgecrest for temporary housing and to initiate the process of purchasing or leasing a modular home. During the discussion, a Council Member emphasized that ensuring the safety of firefighters and police officers was a top priority, describing the immediate action as an "obvious choice." Staff members noted that the $50,000 cost for the used modular unit represented a significant savings compared to its original price and could be funded through existing insurance proceeds, while also noting that FEMA funding might cover leasing costs if the building’s classification remains unchanged.

There were no public comments from residents recorded during this meeting. Input was provided exclusively by town staff, who detailed the emergency measures, FEMA negotiations, and facility options. Council members asked clarifying questions regarding the square footage of the modular home, the safety of the current office location, the timeline for FEMA’s decision, and the logistics of closing Honeycutt Road.

Several follow-up actions were explicitly agreed upon by staff and the Council. Staff will continue working with FEMA to secure a "Class B" classification and associated funding for temporary housing and repairs. Additionally, staff will follow up with Ingalls regarding the use of their property as a potential site, noting that the representative is out of office until next week. The Council agreed that the closure of Honeycutt Road should be approved contingent upon the start of construction, accompanied by a public social media campaign. Finally, staff will consult with engineers to confirm the safety of the Chief’s office location relative to the roof structure.