Special Meeting: City Council Closed Session (In-Person) (Nov 14, 2025)

City Council Holds Closed Session Meeting on November 14, 2025

On November 14, 2025, the Asheville City Council convened a special meeting held in-person. The primary purpose of this meeting was a closed session, conducted under the authority of North Carolina General Statute Chapters 143-318.11 and 143-318.10e, which allows for confidential discussions regarding legal matters and protected information. Due to the nature of a closed session, specific details discussed are legally shielded from public disclosure, and this recap focuses on the procedural aspects of the meeting.

The Council initiated a discussion regarding the necessity of entering closed session, citing two key reasons: to prevent the disclosure of privileged and confidential information not considered public record under North Carolina law, and to consult with the city attorney on legal matters, including potential claim handling or settlement of judicial action, thereby preserving attorney-client privilege. Additionally, the agenda included discussion regarding the qualifications, performance, or employment conditions of a public officer or employee (or prospective employee). Councilwoman Ullman made a motion to enter closed session, which was seconded and approved unanimously by the council. Following this, Councilman Hess later made a motion to exit closed session which was also approved unanimously.

Notably, Councilmember Hess initiated the initial motion to enter closed session, explicitly referencing the relevant North Carolina General Statutes as justification. The meeting was facilitated by a speaker presumed to be the Mayor, who managed the procedural steps including recognizing speakers and confirming votes. It's important to note that Councilman Hess was absent from the meeting, and no public comments or community input were received during this closed session.

The immediate action item following the unanimous vote to enter closed session was, naturally, the transition into that confidential portion of the meeting. While the specific actions and decisions made within the closed session remain private, Councilmember Hess indicated that a key purpose was to provide instructions to the city attorney regarding legal matters and safeguard attorney-client privilege.

This meeting, while lacking public discussion due to its closed nature, highlights the City Council's ongoing commitment to addressing legal and personnel matters with appropriate confidentiality. Residents should understand that while the specifics of these discussions are not publicly available, they are undertaken to ensure legal compliance and responsible governance. The meeting concluded at 4:52 p.m. after the unanimous vote to exit closed session.