# City Council Meeting (Nov 18, 2025)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** November 18, 2025 5:00 PM EST (2025-11-18T17:00:00-05:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - City Hall - Council Chamber

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Asheville City Council held its regular meeting on November 18, 2025, beginning with a closed session followed by a formal public session. The meeting addressed a wide range of operational, infrastructure, and recovery-related business, alongside significant public commentary and specific personnel actions.

**Key Decisions and Votes**
The Council took several concrete actions regarding city operations and personnel. A resolution was adopted to remove Jared Wheatley from the Planning and Zoning Commission; the vote passed 5-2, with Council members Mosley and Roney voting "no." The Council also denied a motion to approve a conditional zoning amendment for a housing development at 767 Haw Creek Road, with the vote resulting in 6-1, Council member Turner voting "no." Additionally, an ordinance establishing a downtown event-based Social District Pilot Program was withdrawn from the agenda.

Most other agenda items were handled via the Consent Agenda, where resolutions were adopted unanimously. These actions authorized the City Manager to execute various contracts and agreements, including the sale of city-owned property on Wilmington Street to the state for transportation improvements, leases for Parks & Recreation facilities and a new Police Department resource center, and contracts for infrastructure projects such as the Advanced Metering Infrastructure project, guardrail repairs, sidewalk construction, and McCormick Field improvements. The Council also authorized the City Manager to apply for and accept grants from FEMA, the North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund, and the State Budget & Management Office (OSBM) for disaster recovery. Furthermore, the Council adopted a section of the Buncombe County Helene Recovery Plan specific to Asheville.

**Discussion Highlights and Community Input**
Public comment was dominated by concerns regarding immigration enforcement. Speakers expressed fear of increased ICE activity and its impact on the community, particularly for people of color, citing potential due process violations and a lack of transparency. One speaker stated, "a lot of people are scared and worried about what’s going to happen next, and the city council needs to step up." Commenters emphasized the importance of Asheville standing against what they described as "authoritarianism" and providing a safe haven. While the issue was heavily debated, no vote or immediate action was taken on a proposed resolution restricting ICE agents from using city property.

A separate portion of public comment focused on the removal of Jared Wheatley from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Speakers questioned the removal process, citing a lack of concrete evidence in the staff memo and expressing concerns about political influence.

Other discussion items included an update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending, a presentation on Riverfront Revitalization projects, and a closed session regarding legal matters related to a lawsuit. The Council also issued a joint statement about community safety regarding potential immigration enforcement, though there was discussion regarding the timing of its release.

**Follow-ups and Next Steps**
The Clerk will re-advertise for another vacant seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission. The City Manager is authorized to proceed with executing the approved contracts and grant applications following standard departmental procedures. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for December 9, 2025.

## Agenda

- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the full and fair disposition of City-owned real property at 99999 Wilmington Street to the N.C. Dept. of Transportation for $135,000.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15948)
- [Resolution to ratify the execution of a lease with TPI Land Investment LLC at 599 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC, to provide ongoing operations of the City's Parks and Recreation maintenance and office facilities for employees; and to execute any necessary change orders to said lease.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15949)
- [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 and for the Asheville Police Department West.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15950)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Cavanaugh and Associates, P.A., for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15951)
- [Resolution authorizing the sole source purchase with Kamstrup Water Metering, Inc., for large customer meters in connection with the Advanced Metering infrastructure Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15952)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Responder Support Services for counseling services to employees and their families.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15953)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Attorney to amend a contract with Teague, Campbell, Dennis & Gorham LLP for external legal services for employment law matters.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15954)
- [Resolution ratifying a contract amendment with First Due for a record management system for the Asheville Fire Department to expire December 31, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15955)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Bullington Construction, Inc., for the Tropical Storm Helene Guardrail Repair contract, and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount; and approval of a budget amendment of $210,376 to add federal and state funds to the General Capital Projects Fund.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15956)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Appalachian Paving and Concrete, Inc., for the Fiscal Year 2026 Utility Cut Concrete Repair Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15957)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with NHM Constructors for the construction of the Airport Road Sidewalk project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15958)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Universal Security Guard Association, Inc. for City Building security to ensure the safety of City employees, visitors and other occupants of City facilities; and the associated budget amendment in the amount of $494,333, from Fund Balance to cover the unbudgeted cost increase associated with the expanded service levels.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15959)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Frank L. Blum Construction Company, in association with W.C. Construction Company, for the construction of the McCormick Field improvements; 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/385/item/15960)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for grants in the Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program; and authorizing the City Manager to accept funds if granted, and to execute all documents related to implementation and management of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15961)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for grants in the North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) - Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund 2025, and authorizing the City Manager to accept funds if granted, and to execute all documents related to implementation and management of NCEM - Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund 2025 projects.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15962)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for grants in the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) - Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program, and authorizing the City Manager to accept funds if granted, and to execute all documents related to implementation and management of OSBM - Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15963)
- [Resolution removing Jared Wheatley from the Planning & Zoning Commission.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15964)
- [Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15965)
- [Manager's Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15966)
- [Public hearing to consider an amendment to the conditional zoning of 27.05 acres at 767 New Haw Creek Road for the purpose of amending the site plan and conditions to build 49 new single-family housing units and 35 townhome units.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15967)
- [Ordinance amending Chapter 11 of the Code of Ordinances to establish a downtown event-based Social District Pilot Program for specified special events taking place in the South Slope during calendar year 2026.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15968)
- [Resolution adopting the long-term Recovery Plan Section 7.2 of the Buncombe County Helene Recovery Plan.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15969)
- [Resolution appointing a member to the Planning & Zoning Commission.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385/item/15970)

## Votes

- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the full and fair disposition of City-owned real property at 99999 Wilmington Street to the N.C. Dept. of Transportation for $135,000. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution to ratify the execution of a lease with TPI Land Investment LLC at 599 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC, to provide ongoing operations of the City's Parks and Recreation maintenance and office facilities for employees; and to execute any necessary change orders to said lease. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Cavanaugh and Associates, P.A., for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the sole source purchase with Kamstrup Water Metering, Inc., for large customer meters in connection with the Advanced Metering infrastructure Project. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Responder Support Services for counseling services to employees and their families. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Attorney to amend a contract with Teague, Campbell, Dennis & Gorham LLP for external legal services for employment law matters. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution ratifying a contract amendment with First Due for a record management system for the Asheville Fire Department to expire December 31, 2025. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Bullington Construction, Inc., for the Tropical Storm Helene Guardrail Repair contract, and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount; and approval of a budget amendment of $210,376 to add federal and state funds to the General Capital Projects Fund. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Appalachian Paving and Concrete, Inc., for the Fiscal Year 2026 Utility Cut Concrete Repair Project. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with NHM Constructors for the construction of the Airport Road Sidewalk project. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Universal Security Guard Association, Inc. for City Building security to ensure the safety of City employees, visitors and other occupants of City facilities; and the associated budget amendment in the amount of $494,333, from Fund Balance to cover the unbudgeted cost increase associated with the expanded service levels. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with Frank L. Blum Construction Company, in association with W.C. Construction Company, for the construction of the McCormick Field improvements; 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 authorizing the City Manager to apply for grants in the Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program; and authorizing the City Manager to accept funds if granted, and to execute all documents related to implementation and management of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for grants in the North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) - Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund 2025, and authorizing the City Manager to accept funds if granted, and to execute all documents related to implementation and management of NCEM - Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund 2025 projects. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for grants in the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) - Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program, and authorizing the City Manager to accept funds if granted, and to execute all documents related to implementation and management of OSBM - Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution removing Jared Wheatley from the Planning & Zoning Commission. — Passed, 5-2
- Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381. — Passed, 7-0
- Motion to Deny amendment to the conditional zoning of 27.05 acres at 767 New Haw Creek Road. — Passed, 6-1
- Ordinance amending Chapter 11 of the Code of Ordinances to establish a downtown event-based Social District Pilot Program for specified special events taking place in the South Slope during calendar year 2026. — Withdrawn
- Resolution adopting the long-term Recovery Plan Section 7.2 of the Buncombe County Helene Recovery Plan. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution appointing a member to the Planning & Zoning Commission - Appointed Lindsay Broughel & Clerk to Re-Advertise for Another Vacant Seat. — Passed, 7-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x19smufoTY
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/59/segments

## Documents

- [New B - P&Z Interview Schedule.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1480)
- [Consent A - Minutes - 11-7.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1474)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1255)
- [Consent Q  - OSBM - Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1319)
- [Consent H- Legal Svs Contract Amdt.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1418)
- [Consent N - McCormick Field CMAR Construction contract amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1358)
- [Presentations A - Manager's Report - Riverfront Projects Update.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1186)
- [Consent O - FEMA HMGP Application.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1345)
- [Consent K- Utility Cut Concrete Repair Contract.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1399)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - Appleby - The Haw Creek Bridge.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1180)
- [New A - Buncombe County Helene Recovery Plan.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1300)
- [agenda_2025-11-18.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1169)
- [Consent F - Sole Source - AMI - Large Meters.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1440)
- [Consent D - 822 Tanger Outlets APD .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1451)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1218)
- [Public Hearing A - CZ Amdt - 767 New Haw Creek.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1230)
- [Consent M - Building Security.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1370)
- [Consent L - Airport Road Sidewalk.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1385)
- [Consent E - AMI Contract Amdt - Cavanaugh.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1446)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1193)
- [Consent A - Minutes - 10-28.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1478)
- [Consent B - Wilmington St to DOT.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1271)
- [Consent J - Guardrail Repairs.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1283)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - CZ Amdt - 767 New Haw Creek Rd (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1240)
- [Consent G - Responder Support Services Contract Amdt.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1429)
- [Consent R - Removal of Jared Wheatley from the Planning & Zoning Commission.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1465)
- [Consent I - Fire Dept Records Mgt System.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1408)
- [Consent P - NC Emergency Mgt Disaster Relief.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1334)
- [New A - Presentation - Unified Helene Recovery Plan.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1206)
- [Consent C - 599 Tunnel Road Lease Ratification.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1456)
- [Presentations A - Manager's Report - ARPA Update.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1470)
- [Consent S - Tax Releases and Refunds.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1460)
- [minutes_2025-11-18.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/385?document=1174)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-nov-18-2025/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iurLdl--4EwX_vtHEI0YjZeM5XixUwci/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I18sm0_JYsYNyzQ7cCGHEuMVdSgAciIz/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)