City Council Meeting (In-Person) (Oct 14, 2025)

The Asheville City Council met on October 14, 2025, beginning with a closed session to consult with city attorneys regarding a claim or judicial action, as authorized under North Carolina General Statute Chapters 143-318.11 and 143-318.10. Councilmember Hess moved to enter the closed session, and the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Following the closed session, the Council convened for its formal public meeting to address a range of infrastructure, recovery, and administrative matters.

The Council approved a series of resolutions, all passing with a 7-0 vote, to authorize the City Manager to enter into or renew various contracts and agreements. Key approvals included renewing a contract with CDW-G for Amazon Web Services Cloud Computing Services and renewing a software licensing contract with ACME Technologies, Inc. for the WNC Nature Center. The Council also authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the State of North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization to support homeowners affected by Tropical Storm Helene, and to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with Buncombe County to administer matching funds for the Code Purple Emergency Shelter. Additionally, the Council approved the extension of the Employee Assistance Program contract with McLaughlin Young Employee Services, Inc., and accepted a playground donation from Superior Recreational Products.

In the realm of infrastructure and construction, the Council unanimously approved contracts for several major projects. These include a construction contract with Appalachian Sitework, Inc. for the Johnston Boulevard Sidewalk Project, and a contract with GFT, Inc. for construction engineering and inspection services for the same project. The Council also authorized a contract with AAR of North Carolina, Inc. for the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Roof Replacement Project, and a contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the N. Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Restoration project. The Council further approved the submission of grant applications for an Arts and Entertainment Facility and a fourth water treatment plant.

One item on the consent agenda received a split vote. The resolution to amend the design contract with Clark Nexsen for the Malvern Hills Park Improvement Project passed with a 5-2 vote, with Councilmembers Mosley and Smith voting "no." The amendment addresses the replacement of the park's 90-year-old municipal pool with a new, accessible aquatic facility, incorporating community feedback and updated cost estimates.

Under new business, the Council considered downtown activation strategies, including a proposed ordinance to establish an event-based Social District Pilot Program in South Slope and an amendment to the noise ordinance to allow performance venues to exceed noise limits for up to 50 days per year, effective through December 31, 2026. The Council also voted to dissolve the Community Reparations Commission and the I-26 Connector Aesthetics Task Force, both of which had completed their respective charges. Additionally, the Council approved an amendment to the City Code to standardize the membership status of boards and commissions, clarifying that appointments are at the pleasure of the City Council unless otherwise dictated by state law.

The Council held a public hearing regarding a conditional zoning amendment for McCormick Field, which seeks to allow two lighting fixtures to exceed the standard 90-foot height limit to align with Major League Baseball standards. The Planning & Zoning Commission had previously recommended approval, and staff concurred. The Council also heard an update on the Azalea Parks & Infrastructure Recovery Project, approving a contract with Olin Partnership Limited for Phase II design and engineering services to rebuild storm-damaged facilities.

Regarding follow-ups, staff provided updates on several topics, including the creation of a FAQ document for yard waste collection and a response to inquiries regarding the city’s health insurance and clinic contract. Staff also noted that Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association (ABYSA) would host a community meeting regarding the soccer field reopening on October 16, 2025, after which staff would provide an email update to neighbors. The Council deferred appointments to four Helene Recovery Boards to the October 28, 2025 meeting, with applications re-opened until October 21, 2025. A second reading for the downtown activation ordinances is also scheduled for October 28, 2025.