# City Council Meeting (In-Person) (Dec 9, 2025)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** December 9, 2025 5:00 PM EST (2025-12-09T17:00:00-05:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - City Hall - Council Chamber

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37

## Summary

The City of Asheville City Council held a formal meeting on December 9, 2025, following a work session. The agenda focused heavily on routine administrative approvals, financial adjustments, and infrastructure contracts, while also addressing significant community concerns regarding housing affordability. All recorded votes on the action agenda passed unanimously (7-0).

### Key Decisions and Votes

The Council adopted a series of resolutions and motions, all passing with a 7-0 vote:
*   **Infrastructure and Utilities:** Authorized a contract with JR Merrimon & Co., LLC for a service line inventory in the Shiloh Community and an Easement Agreement with the Emerson Ridge Subdivision Homeowners' Association for property on Spivey Mountain Road.
*   **Software and Services:** Amended a general services contract with Benevate LLC (dba Neighborly Software) to include modules for Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery management, and executed an agreement with Vertosoft for transit planning software.
*   **Budget and Finance:** Adopted a budget amendment to appropriate funds from restricted balances and change accounting practices, and adopted the 2026-27 Budget Calendar.
*   **Public Safety:** Accepted a donation of a pickup truck, trailer, and all-terrain vehicle from the Asheville Police Foundation.
*   **Contract Extensions:** Extended the contract with Loomis Armored US, LLC for cash pickup and delivery services for an additional five years.
*   **Planning and Transit:** Supported the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Safe Streets for Western North Carolina Safety Plan; authorized the acceptance of Federal Transit Administration Grants for the Asheville Urbanized Area; and authorized applications for a Fiscal Year 2027 Unified Planning Work Program grant and a Section 5307 Job Access Reverse Commute grant.

Additionally, the Council voted to recommend Jonathan Anzalito for the Planning and Zoning Commission and approved the consent agenda, with one item (a lease with Tanger Asheville LLC) removed for later discussion in January.

### Discussion Highlights

The most extensive portion of the meeting involved public comment and subsequent discussion on housing. Residents and advocates spoke passionately about the affordability crisis, citing high rental costs and limited options. There was strong support voiced for implementing the recommendations of the Missing Middle Housing Study to increase housing density and variety. Discussions also centered on balancing new housing development with the protection of legacy neighborhoods and mitigating displacement, as well as concerns regarding the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability.

In response to these comments, Mayor Esther Manheimer emphasized the need for action and acknowledged the ongoing housing crisis. Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley supported moving forward with implementing recommendations from the Missing Middle Housing Study. Several council members expressed a commitment to finding solutions and working collaboratively with the community, referencing the Bowen Report and demographic changes in North Carolina to underscore the need for proactive housing solutions.

### Community Input

A strong showing of community members participated in the public comment period, primarily focusing on housing issues. Speakers highlighted the difficulty residents face in affording housing and advocated for the City Council to take action on the Missing Middle Housing Study. They also raised concerns about short-term rentals and emphasized the importance of equity and inclusion in housing solutions, particularly for marginalized communities.

### Follow-ups

*   **Tanger Lease:** The resolution to ratify the lease with Tanger Asheville LLC was removed from the consent agenda and will be discussed at a later meeting in January.
*   **Housing Agenda:** Council members committed to including discussions about housing and short-term rentals in the city's legislative agenda and stated they will continue to engage with community groups and residents on these issues.
*   **Budget Process:** The adopted 2026-27 Budget Calendar sets key dates for the upcoming fiscal year, including a public comment period on January 27, 2026, a budget presentation on May 12, 2026, and a public hearing on May 26, 2026.

### Impact on Residents

These decisions impact residents through improved infrastructure, public safety, and transit services. The service line inventory in the Shiloh Community is a step toward replacing older, potentially lead-containing water lines. The acceptance of vehicles from the Asheville Police Foundation enhances the police department's search and rescue capabilities in difficult-to-access areas. The extension of the Loomis Armored contract ensures continued secure cash handling for city departments, while the new transit software (Swiftly) will provide real-time bus location data and trip planning tools for riders.

The budget amendments and the adoption of the 2026-27 Budget Calendar establish the financial framework for the coming year, including adjustments for Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts. The approval of the regional Safe Streets plan positions the city to pursue grant funding for road safety improvements. Finally, the Council’s commitment to addressing housing affordability and implementing the Missing Middle Housing Study signals a focus on creating more diverse and accessible housing options for Asheville residents.

## Agenda

- [December 21, 2025 as "Evergreen Arbor Day"](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/20077)
- [Approval of the minutes of the (1) special meeting held on November 13, 2025; (2) special meeting held on November 14, 2025; (3) special meeting held on November 16, 2025; and (4) combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on November 13, 2025, and the formal meeting held on November 18, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/20078)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with JR Merrimon & Co., LLC to perform service line inventory in the Shiloh Community for the Water Resources Department.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8569)
- [Resolution to ratify the execution of a lease with TANGER ASHEVILLE LLC at Suite 822, Tanger Outlet "Shopping Center", Asheville, NC, to provide a new resource centre location for the Asheville Police Department West.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8570)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Easement Agreement with Emerson Ridge Subdivision Homeowners' Association, Inc., for property located on Spivey Mountain Road.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8571)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a general services contract with Benevate LLC, dba Neighborly Software to include funding and modules for Community Development Block Grant - Disaster | Recovery grant management.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8572)
- [Budget amendment in each of the City's annual operating funds to: 1) Appropriate from restricted and assigned fund balance the required budget authorization for prior year contracts, purchase orders, and other carry-over appropriations that rolled from Fiscal Year 2024-25 to Fiscal Year 2025-26; and 2) Adjust the budget to reflect a change in the accounting treatment of cost allocation charges in the General Fund.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8573)
- [Motion adopting the 2026-27 Budget Calendar.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8574)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept donation of a pickup truck, a trailer, and an all-terraine vehicle from the Asheville Police Foundation to the Asheville Police Department.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8575)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to extend the contract with Loomis Armored US, LLC, for safepoint, cash pickup and delivery services for an additional 5 years through December 2030.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8576)
- [Resolution supporting the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization's Safe Streets for Western North Carolina Safety Plan.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8577)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept, expend, and disburse Federal Transit Administration Grants apportioned to the Asheville Urbanized Area for Fiscal Year 2017 and Fiscal Year 2018 from the Section 5307 Urban Transit Funding, Section 5307 Job Access Reverse Commute, and Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Programs; and to execute all necessary agreements between the City of Asheville and applicable transit subrecipients for the disbursement of approved funds.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8578)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Vertosoft under The Interlocal Purchasing System Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for the purchase of Swiftly Real-Time Transit Planning Software under a three-year contract plus two one-year options.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8579)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for a Fiscal Year 2027 Unified Planning Work Program grant from the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization for a planning study for the Hilliard Avenue corridor, and if awarded, accept the funds and sign all necessary agreements.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8580)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply to the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization for the annual Fiscal Year 2025 Section 5307 Job Access Reverse Commute Grant Program to fund existing transit operations for Routes 170, S3, and S6.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8581)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for the N.C. Dept. of Transportation (NCDOT) Public Transit Apprenticeship Grant Program and if awarded, authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with NCDOT to fund the Apprenticeship for Fiscal Year 2027.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8582)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with CDR Maguire, Inc., for the purpose of Tropical Storm Helene-related debris removal monitoring recovery efforts; and the associated budget amendment in the amount of $4,000,000 to be reimbursed with FEMA-PA and State of NC funds.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8583)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the not-to-exceed contract with Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC, to include all prior spending and future spending under said contract for the purpose of Tropical Storm Helene-related debris removal recovery efforts; and the associated budget amendment in the amount of $26,000,000 to be reimbursed with FEMA-PA and State of NC funds.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8584)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Bolton Construction and Services of WNC, Inc. for the City Hall Chiller Replacement Design Build Contract; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8585)
- [Resolution adopting the 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8586)
- [Resolution of the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville to adopt a resolution approving the issuance of up to $24,000,000 Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds to provide financing for Rocky River Apartments to satisfy Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, with no City financial obligation associated with the bonds or any debt taken on by the developer.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8587)
- [Resolution appointing Christopher Serzan (utility representative) to the Board of Electrical Examiners.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8588)
- [Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8589)
- [Consideration of a resolution appointing a member to the Planning & Zoning Commission.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37/item/8590)

## Votes

- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with JR Merrimon & Co., LLC to perform service line inventory in the Shiloh Community for the Water Resources Department. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Easement Agreement with Emerson Ridge Subdivision Homeowners' Association, Inc., for property located on Spivey Mountain Road. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a general services contract with Benevate LLC, dba Neighborly Software to include funding and modules for Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery grant management. — Passed, 7-0
- Budget amendment in each of the City’s annual operating funds to: 1) Appropriate from restricted and assigned fund balance the required budget authorization for prior year contracts, purchase orders, and other carry-over appropriations that rolled from Fiscal Year 2024-25 to Fiscal Year 2025-26; and 2) Adjust the budget to reflect a change in the accounting treatment of cost allocation charges in the General Fund. — Passed, 7-0
- Motion adopting the 2026-27 Budget Calendar. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to extend the contract with Loomis Armored US, LLC, for safepoint, cash pickup and delivery services for an additional 5 years through December 2030. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution supporting the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization's Safe Streets for Western North Carolina Safety Plan. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept, expend, and disburse Federal Transit Administration Grants apportioned to the Asheville Urbanized Area for Fiscal Year 2017 and Fiscal Year 2018 from the Section 5307 Urban Transit Funding, Section 5307 Job Access Reverse Commute, and Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Programs; and to execute all necessary agreements between the City of Asheville and applicable transit subrecipients for the disbursement of approved funds. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Vertosoft under The Interlocal Purchasing System Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for the purchase of Swiftly Real-Time Transit Planning Software under a three-year contract plus two one-year options. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for a Fiscal Year 2027 Unified Planning Work Program grant from the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization for a planning study for the Hilliard Avenue corridor, and if awarded, accept the funds and sign all necessary agreements. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for the N.C. Dept. of Transportation (NCDOT) Public Transit Apprenticeship Grant Program and if awarded, authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with NCDOT to fund the Apprenticeship for Fiscal Year 2027. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with CDR Maguire, Inc., for the purpose of Tropical Storm Helene-related debris removal monitoring recovery efforts; and the associated budget amendment in the amount of $4,000,000 to be reimbursed with FEMA-PA and State of NC funds. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Bolton Construction and Services of WNC, Inc. for the City Hall Chiller Replacement Design Build Contract; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution adopting the 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution of the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville to adopt a resolution approving the issuance of up to $24,000,000 Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds to provide financing for Rocky River Apartments to satisfy Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, with no City financial obligation associated with the bonds or any debt taken on by the developer. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution appointing Christopher Serzan (utility representative) to the Board of Electrical Examiners. — Passed, 7-0
- Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept donation of a pickup truck, a trailer, and an all-terraine vehicle from the Asheville Police Foundation to the Asheville Police Department. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization for the annual Fiscal Year 2025 Section 5307 Job Access Reverse Commute Grant Program to fund existing transit operations for Routes 170, S3, and S6. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the not-to-exceed contract with Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC, to include all prior spending and future spending under said contract for the purpose of Tropical Storm Helene-related debris removal recovery efforts; and the associated budget amendment in the amount of $26,000,000 to be reimbursed with FEMA-PA and State of NC funds. — Passed, 7-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SeRfK0d-C8
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/105/segments

## Documents

- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1050)
- [Consent O - Transit Apprentice FY 27.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1105)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1038)
- [Consent V - Tax Releases and Refunds .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1063)
- [Consent T - HACA - Rocky River Apartments.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1075)
- [New A - Planning and Zoning Commission - Applications.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1146)
- [Consent Q - So Disaster Debris Removal Contract Amdt.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1092)
- [Consent I - Armored Carrier Service - Contract Extension.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1059)
- [Consent U - Bd of Elec Examiners.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1067)
- [Consent S - 2026 Council Mtg Schedule.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1082)
- [Consent R - City Hall Chiller Replacement Design Build.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1087)
- [minutes_2025-12-09.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1808)
- [Surveyed area.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=8977)
- [Location Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=8980)
- [Consent D - Subsurface Easement Disposition to Emerson Ridge LLC.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1043)
- [Consent A - November 13 Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1160)
- [Consent A - November 16 Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1162)
- [agenda_2025-12-09.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1033)
- [Consent H - Donation of Items from Asheville Police Foundation to APD.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1149)
- [Consent E - CDBG-DR Neighborly Software .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1151)
- [Consent B - Shiloh Com Service Line Inventory.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1153)
- [Consent F - Fund Balance Reserve.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1154)
- [Consent G - FY27 Budget Calendar.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1156)
- [Consent A - November 18 Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1158)
- [Consent A - November 14 Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1164)
- [Consent N - FBMPO - Apply for Section 5307 (JARC) Funds .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1111)
- [Consent P - CDR Maguire Debris Monitoring.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1099)
- [Consent M -FY2027 UPWP Grant Application.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1119)
- [October 2025 Refunds and Releases Report.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=8978)
- [Consent K - FY 2017 and FY 2018 Section 5307 and 5310 fund disbursement.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1127)
- [Consent J - Safe Streets for WNC Safety Plan.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1132)
- [Consent L - Vertosoft TIPS Cooperative Contract for Swiftly.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=1139)
- [ .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=8976)
- [Resolution w/ Public Hearing Certification.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/37?document=8979)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-in-person-dec-9-2025/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AyPuhvkWZEBMoYBDCu0QPFjkCZ2ZFlxR/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DzG6J87qjdb76a8jcmup47QLKsTaNO5j/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)