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

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** October 14, 2025 5:00 PM EDT (2025-10-14T17:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - City Hall - Council Chamber

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387

## Summary

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.

## Agenda

- [October 2025 as “National Community Planning Month”](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/20118)
- [Approval of the combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on September 4, 2025, and the formal meeting held on September 9, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/20119)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew a contract with CDW-G for Amazon Web Services Cloud Computing Services.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12621)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew the contract with ACME Technologies, Inc. for software licensing and maintenance at the WNC Nature Center.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12622)
- [Resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the State of North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization to provide repair and reconstruction for Asheville homeowners who were affected by Tropical Storm Helene; and to further authorize the City Manager to sign all necessary documents to this effect.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12623)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with Buncombe County to accept and administer their matching funds to support Code Purple Emergency Shelter in the 2025-26 season.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12624)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit grant applications for two proposals, an Arts and Entertainment Facility and a feasibility study for a fourth water treatment plant, to the Economic Development Administration and any related grants that support these applications, provided they do not require a match; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to give effect to this resolution.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12625)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to extend the current contract with McLaughlin Young Employee Services, Inc to administer the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to employees through November 30, 2025; and to amend the current contract by increasing the not to exceed amount.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12626)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a playground donation from Superior Recreational Products.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12627)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Appalachian Sitework, Inc. for the construction of the Johnston Boulevard Sidewalk Project.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12628)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with GFT, Inc. for the Johnston Boulevard Sidewalk construction engineering and inspection services; 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/387/item/12629)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with AAR of North Carolina, Inc. for the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Roof Replacement Project; 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 $538,460 to add federal funds to the General Capital Projects Fund, for both design and construction services.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12630)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the N. Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Restoration project (Woodfin to Walnut).](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12631)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the design contract with Clark Nexsen for the Malvern Hills Park Improvement project; 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/387/item/12632)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Olin Partnership Limited for Phase II design and engineering services required to rebuild Recreation Park & pool, Mamma T’s building, Azalea Park, Gashes Creek Bridge and Dam; 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 $4,651,200 to add federal and state funds to the General Capital Projects Fund.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12633)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an interlocal agreement with Land of Sky Regional Council for Climate Justice Data Map updates and improvements.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12634)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the existing paratransit contract with Buncombe County to reflect an increase in funding and to sign all documents necessary to effect this amendment.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12635)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Buncombe County's Supplemental Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program agreement to increase the local match for Fiscal Year 2024 Section 5310 Funds and to sign all documents necessary to effect this amendment.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/20120)
- [Resolution dissolving the Community Reparations Commission.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12636)
- [Resolution dissolving the I-26 Connector Aesthetics Task Force.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12637)
- [Motion appointing Susan Bean to the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (transit seat).](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12638)
- [Ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances by adding a new Section 2.51 in order to further define the membership status of all City Boards and Commissions.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12639)
- [Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12640)
- [Motion to Move to 10-28-25](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12644)
- [Public hearing to consider amending the conditional zoning ordinance (Ord. No. 5046) for property located at 30 Buchanan Place for the purpose of making amendments to the site plan and project conditions.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12641)
- [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. At the applicant’s request, this public hearing will be moved to October 28, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12642)
- [Downtown Activation Strategies](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/12643)
- [Open Streets Mini-Grants (no Council action required)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/20121)
- [Central Business District Food Trucks Pilot (no Council action required)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/20122)
- [Ordinance amending Section 10-88 (Noise Regulations) regarding increasing the event days of a Level 3 sound exceedance permit from 30 to 50 event days for a pilot program period with a sunset date of December 31, 2026.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/20123)
- [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/387/item/20124)
- [Appointments to 4 Helene Recovery Boards - APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR ALL 4 RECOVERY BOARDS UNTIL OCTOBER 21, AT 5:00 P.M.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/20125)
- [Economy](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/20126)
- [Housing](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/20127)
- [Infrastructure](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/20128)
- [People and Environment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387/item/20129)

## Votes

- Resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the State of North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Revitalization to provide repair and reconstruction for Asheville homeowners who were affected by Tropical Storm Helene; and to further authorize the City Manager to sign all necessary documents to this effect. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit grant applications for two proposals, an Arts and Entertainment Facility and a fourth water treatment plant, to the Economic Development Administration and any related grants that support these applications, provided they do not require a match; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to give effect to this resolution. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to extend the current contract with McLaughlin Young Employee Services, Inc to administer the Employee Assistance Program to employees through November 30,2025; and to amend the current contract by increasing the not to exceed amount. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Appalachian Sitework, Inc. for the construction of the Johnston Boulevard Sidewalk Project. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with GFT, Inc. for the Johnston Boulevard Sidewalk construction engineering and inspection services; 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 enter into a contract with AAR of North Carolina, Inc. for the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Roof Replacement Project; 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 $538,460 to add federal funds to the General Capital Projects Fund, for both design and construction services. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the N. Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Restoration project (Woodfin to Walnut). — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the design contract with Clark Nexsen for the Malvern Hills Park Improvement project; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount. — Passed, 5-2
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Olin Partnership Limited for Phase II design and engineering services required to rebuild Recreation Park & pool, Mamma T’s building, Azalea Park, Gashes Creek Bridge and Dam; 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 $4,651,200 to add federal and state funds to the General Capital Projects Fund. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an interlocal agreement with Land of Sky Regional Council for Climate Justice Data Map updates and improvements. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend Buncombe County's Supplemental Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program agreement to increase the funding and to sign all documents necessary to effect this amendment. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution dissolving the Community Reparations Commission. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution dissolving the I-26 Connector Aesthetics Task Force. — Passed, 7-0
- Motion appointing Susan Bean to the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (transit seat). — Passed, 7-0
- Ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances by adding a new Section 2.51 in order to further​ define the membership status of all City Boards and Commissions. — Passed, 7-0
- Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381. — Passed, 7-0
- Public hearing to consider amending the conditional zoning ordinance (Ord. No. 5046) for property located at 30 Buchanan Place for the purpose of making amendments to the site plan and project conditions. — Passed, 7-0
- 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. — Passed, 7-0
- Motion to Move to 10-28-25 — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew a contract with CDW-G for Amazon Web Services Cloud Computing Services. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew the contract with ACME Technologies, Inc. for software licensing and maintenance at the WNC Nature Center. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with Buncombe County to accept and administer their matching funds to support Code Purple Emergency Shelter in the 2025-26 season. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a playground donation from Superior Recreational Products. — Passed, 7-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdkhsNvf72g
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/53/segments
- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJuC-lJsj28
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/15/segments

## Documents

- [agenda_2025-10-14.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=1165)
- [Consent C - ACME Software.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=8003)
- [Consent B - Amazon Web Svs CDWG.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=8001)
- [Consent F - Economic Development Administration Grants.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=8007)
- [Consent J - Johnston Blvd Sidewalk Eng & Inspections.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=8010)
- [New A-4 - Social District Pilot Program.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7949)
- [Consent K - Thomas Wolfe Roof .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7984)
- [Consent M - Malvern Hills Park Design .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7968)
- [New A-3 - Noise Ord Amdt.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7976)
- [Consent U - Update to Boards and Commissions Membership Status .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=8027)
- [Consent R - Community Reparations Commission Dissolution .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=8023)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7931)
- [Consent Q - Section 5310 Local Match.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7990)
- [New A - Presentation - Downtown Activation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7915)
- [Consent D - CDBG-DR Single Family Home Repair Program.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7958)
- [Consent I - Johnston Blvd. Sidewalk.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=8012)
- [Consent N - Azalea Parks & Infrastructure Design, Ph II.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7980)
- [Consent L - N. Lex Ave Sidewalk Restoration.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7999)
- [Consent P - Paratransit Services Contract with County (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7997)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7913)
- [Consent O - Climate Justice Map.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=8025)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - CZ for Buchanan Pl.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7922)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7940)
- [Consent V - Tax Releases and Refunds.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7973)
- [Consent E - Code Purple Funding .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=8018)
- [Consent S - I-26 Connector Aesthetics Committee Dissolution .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=8021)
- [Consent H - Playground Donation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=7993)
- [Consent G - EAP for Employees.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=8015)
- [Public Hearing A - CZ Amdt - 30 Buchanan Pl - McCormick Field.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=8029)
- [Consent A - Minutes](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/387?document=14892)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-in-person-oct-14-2025/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LRR1Z8__tys4KZsLwBZI7AO8cnk1Yg2_/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dEkC3g1xQY-Md4I1UljfB67lrovFe92G/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)