# City Council Meeting (Oct 28, 2025)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** October 28, 2025 5:00 PM EDT (2025-10-28T17:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - City Hall - Council Chamber

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62

## Summary

The Asheville City Council convened on October 28, 2025, for a packed meeting addressing recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Helene, routine approvals, and several key policy discussions. Attendance was broad, encompassing city staff, board members, community stakeholders, and interested residents. The meeting included a worksession (closed to the public) followed by a formal session with presentations, consent agenda items, and public hearings.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on financial approvals related to ongoing recovery efforts and standard city operations. The council unanimously approved a 5-year agreement with Homeward Bound of WNC for street outreach services, and authorized an emergency contract with Schnabel Engineering South to address damage at the Bee Tree Dam. They also approved a $8,473,770.66 installment financing contract for vehicles and equipment, accepted $50,000 in disaster recovery grant funds, and authorized a contract with Systel Business Equipment for cloud connectors. A notable approval was the ratification of a grant from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) for $2,983,890 to support the Coxe Avenue Complete Street project.

Beyond financial approvals, the council addressed several operational matters. They renewed a mutual aid agreement with Reem’s Creek Fire Department, approved a boundary adjustment for Murray Hill Park, and authorized applications and acceptances of various grant funds related to transit operations and water system resilience. The council also approved a contract for sports officiating services, ratifying technical amendments to bus technology procurement resolutions.

The public hearing regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) was continued to January 27, 2026. A public hearing regarding a site plan amendment for new housing units was continued to November 18, 2025. The council did approve a resolution regarding the Community Reparations Commission Dissolution, allowing its members to form a separate non-profit organization.

A key discussion centered on the proposed Noise Ordinance Amendment, which would increase the number of events where performance centers can exceed established decibel limits. While approved in principle, this change was postponed until November 2025 to allow for further discussion and community engagement. The council also engaged in a lengthy debate regarding the Social Districts Pilot Program, ultimately postponing a decision to allow for more community input.

Finally, the council dedicated time to appointments across numerous boards and commissions, with several vacancies requiring readvertisement. The meeting concluded with a commitment to addressing community needs and fostering economic development while navigating the ongoing challenges posed by disaster recovery and evolving city priorities. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for November 2025, with a focus on continued discussions regarding the Social Districts Pilot Program and further appointments to vacant board positions.

## Agenda

- [October 2025 as "Sister Cities Month"](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20087)
- [Approval of the combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on October 9, 2025, and the formal meeting held on October 14, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20088)
- [Resolution ratifying a 5-year agreement with Homeward Bound of WNC for Street Outreach services from July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2027, subject to budget approval and availability.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8625)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Trinity United Methodist Church to provide nightly Winter Shelter in the 2025-26 Code Purple season.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8626)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an emergency professional services contract with Schnabel Engineering South for Phase One repairs at the Bee Tree Dam and associated structures due to Tropical Storm Helene.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8627)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to contract with Systel Business Equipment for 3-year contract for Smart Integration Cloud Connectors.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8628)
- [Resolution authorizing execution of an installment financing contract with JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. for Capital Improvement Program vehicles and equipment in an amount not to exceed $8,473,770.66.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8629)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept grant funds from the N.C. Dept. of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal's Helene Disaster Recovery Grant; and the associated budget amendment, in the amount of $50,000 to the Special Revenue Fund.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8630)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew the automatic mutual aid agreement with Reems Creek Fire Department.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8631)
- [Budget amendment in the General Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $126,121 to allow for payment to Asheville-Buncombe Youth Soccer Association in alignment with the terms of the property lease.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8632)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with T&T Cleaning for custodial services in recreation facilities to increase the funding amount and to execute all documents necessary to effect the amendment.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8633)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Boundary Agreement between the City and Owner of 290 Depot Street (Depot St QOZB LLC) to correct a gap in the property line which occurred when Nelson Street was closed in 2004, which will result in adding 0.07 acres to the City's adjacent property at Murray Hill Park.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8634)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Tennyson Rucker to provide sports officiating and referee services for all Asheville Parks & Recreation youth and adult sports leagues.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8635)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for the annual Fiscal Year 2026 N.C. Dept. of Transportation State Maintenance Assistance Program grant funds to support transit operations, accept the funds, and sign all associated documents.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20089)
- [Resolution ratifying technical amendments to three resolutions that had authorized the City Manager to purchase sole-source bus technology to identify the correct vendor for Asheville Rides Transit's CAD/AVL ITS system, which is Hanover, not Clever Devices IVN5.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20090)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application for funding from the N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality State Revolving Fund and Environmental Protection Agency Grant Program for water system resilience improvements; to accept said grant funds if awarded; and enter into any agreement documents necessary for such acceptance.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20091)
- [Resolution ratifying the grant application and contract agreement with the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to accept the Legacy Investment from Tourism Grant in the amount of $2,983,890 for Coxe Avenue Complete Street project; and approval of a budget amendment to add $2,983,890 to the General Capital Projects Fund.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8636)
- [Manager's Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20092)
- [Capital Quarterly Update](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20093)
- [Public hearing to consider a resolution amending the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Annual Action Plan to (1) raise the maximum grant amount for the State of North Carolina Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Program; (2) decrease the minimum project award under the Housing and Economic Security Support Services Program; and (3) and correct a citation under the Affordable Multi-Family Housing Program.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8637)
- [Public hearing to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to amend Section 7-14-1 that would allow existing nonconforming structures to be converted into Accessory Dwelling Units without Board of Adjustment review. This public hearing will be continued to January 27, 2026.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20094)
- [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/62/item/8638)
- [Second reading of Ordinance No. 5181 - 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. No additional public comment will be taken.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8639)
- [Appointments to 4 Helene Recovery Boards](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8640)
- [Economy](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20095)
- [Housing](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20096)
- [Infrastructure](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20097)
- [People and Environment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20098)
- [Boards & Commissions: (Council to determine who, if any, to interview)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/8641)
- [Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (no applications received)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20099)
- [African American Heritage Commission](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20100)
- [Alcoholic Beverage Control Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20101)
- [Asheville-Buncombe Riverfront Commission](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20102)
- [Audit Committee (no applications received)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20103)
- [Board of Adjustment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20104)
- [Design Review Committee](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20105)
- [Downtown Commission](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20106)
- [Human Relations Commission](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20107)
- [Metropolitan Sewerage District Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20108)
- [Multimodal Transportation Commission](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20109)
- [Neighborhood Advisory Committee](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20110)
- [Noise Advisory Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20111)
- [Planning & Zoning Commission](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20112)
- [Soil Erosion & Stormwater Review Committee (no applications received)](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20113)
- [Sustainability Advisory Committee](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20114)
- [Urban Forestry Commission](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62/item/20115)

## Votes

- Resolution ratifying the grant application and contract agreement with the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution ratifying a 5-year agreement with Homeward Bound of WNC for Street Outreach services — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Trinity United Methodist Church — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an emergency professional services contract with Schnabel Engineering South — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to contract with Systel Business Equipment — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing execution of an installment financing contract with JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept grant funds from the N.C. Dept. of Insurance Office — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew the automatic mutual aid agreement with Reems Creek Fire Department. — Passed, 7-0
- Budget amendment in the General Capital Projects Fund — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with T&T Cleaning — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution ratifying a Boundary Agreement between the City and Owner of 290 Depot Street (Depot St QOZB LLC) — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Tennyson Rucker — Passed, 7-0
- Second reading of Ordinance No. 5181 - Ordinance amending Section 10-88 (Noise Regulations) — Passed, 4-3

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNMmtqG6j6s
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/38/segments

## Documents

- [Consent L - Sports Officiating & Referee Services.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1455)
- [Consent B - Homeward Bound St Outreach.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1477)
- [New B - Applications.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=229)
- [Consent F - Installment Financing Contract.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1509)
- [New A - People & Environment Recovery Board.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1489)
- [New A - Economy Recovery Board.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1494)
- [Public Hearing C - Presentation - CZ Amdt - 767 New Haw Creek Rd.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1497)
- [New B - Master Vacancy List.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1499)
- [New A - Housing Recovery Board.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1481)
- [New A - Infrastructure Recovery Board.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1485)
- [Consent I - JBL Soccer Turf Replacement .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1503)
- [Consent H - Automatic Aid Agreement with Reem's Creek (4).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1504)
- [Public Hearing C - CZ Amdt - 767 New Haw Creek (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1516)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1327)
- [Presentations A - Manager's Report -  Quarter 1 2025 Capital Update.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1349)
- [Consent E - Systel Smart Integration.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1362)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1390)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - CDBG-DR Housing Program Amendments.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1401)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1378)
- [Public Hearing A - CDBG-DR Action Plan Amendments 1.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1412)
- [Consent M - SMAP Grant Application.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1449)
- [Consent K - Boundary Agreement-290 Depot Street.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1459)
- [agenda_2025-10-28.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1299)
- [minutes_2025-10-28.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1311)
- [Consent G -  Disaster Relief from Fire Marshal Grant.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1507)
- [Consent A - Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1513)
- [Consent J - T & T Cleaning .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1464)
- [Consent P - Coxe Ave TDA Grant Ratification.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1420)
- [Consent O - DEQ Application .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1432)
- [Unfinished A - Noise Ord Amdt (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1511)
- [Consent N - Ratification of bus purchase resolutions with tech.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1442)
- [Consent D -Emergency Bee Tree Dam Repairs.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1469)
- [Consent C - CDBG-DDRF for Winter Shelter.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/62?document=1472)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-oct-28-2025/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e85QwaYC-8LBmSGFNj5Ve2Dsbbv7JKVl/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eBMPL_0wNqmXEV_3F0t4arRWe2jEOlMP/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)