City Council Meeting Recap: July 29, 2025

The Asheville City Council held a regular meeting on July 29, 2025, focusing heavily on infrastructure contracts, disaster recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene, and public hearings on zoning changes. The meeting included a brief open session where the Council voted to enter a closed session to consult with the city attorney regarding two ongoing legal cases: City of Asheville v. HCA Healthcare Inc. and Meow v. City of Asheville. The remainder of the meeting’s substantive actions, including the approval of numerous contracts and budget amendments, were conducted in closed session or via the consent agenda, as detailed in the official minutes.

Key Decisions and Votes The Council passed a series of resolutions and budget amendments, most by a unanimous 6-0 vote. Major financial and contractual approvals included:

• Water Treatment Improvements: The Council authorized contracts with CDM Smith Inc. for a temporary turbidity reduction system at the North Fork Water Treatment Plant (approx. $36.9 million first-year cost) and with Bering-Weston JV, LLC for a similar system at the William DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant (approx. $18.8 million first-year cost). Additionally, professional services contracts were approved with CDM Smith Inc. ($6.7 million) and Garver USA Company ($3.3 million) for long-term treatment improvements at both plants, respectively.
• Emergency Repairs: An emergency professional services contract with Schnabel Engineering, South was approved for repairs to the North Fork Dam and spillways.
• Fire and Public Safety: The Council authorized a design contract with ADW Architects, P.A. for the new Oakley Fire Station 9 construction and a records management system contract with ImageTrend, LLC for the Asheville Fire Department.
• Parks and Recreation: A design contract with Progressive Architecture Engineering, P.C. was approved for the Walton Street Park Improvements Project.
• Disaster Recovery: The Council ratified a mutual aid agreement with the Fayetteville Public Works Commission for assistance provided during the Tropical Storm Helene recovery.
• Other Contracts: Resolutions were passed to accept $275,000 in grant funds from Destination Home, SV for the "Right at Home" homelessness prevention initiative, and to amend a license agreement with Bell Atlantic Mobile (dba Verizon Wireless) at 166 Reservoir Road.
• Zoning: In a 4-2 vote, the Council adopted the continuation of the public hearing to consider rezoning 99999 Trade Street. Councilwoman Roney and Councilmember Turner voted "no." The public hearing to consider conditionally zoning 93 and 95 Springside Road was continued to August 26, 2025.

Discussion Highlights During the open portion of the meeting, Councilman Hess presented a motion to enter closed session, citing North Carolina General Statutes regarding privileged and confidential information and attorney-client privilege. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. The closed session was specifically convened to discuss handling or settlement options for the two legal cases mentioned above.

In the regular meeting portion, the Council received a report from the City Manager regarding the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Advisory Panel, which is assisting the city in developing a strategic plan for economic and environmental recovery post-Helene. The Council also discussed a proposal to restructure existing advisory boards and create four new "Helene Recovery Boards" (focused on People & Environment, Housing, Infrastructure, and Economy). The Council deferred a final decision on this framework, with staff expected to present a final proposal at the August 21 Council Agenda Briefing and a resolution anticipated for adoption on August 26, 2025.

Follow-ups Staff agreed to develop an engagement, administrative, and legal framework for the proposed Helene Recovery Boards. The City Manager will provide a proposed structure for these boards, with a final proposal scheduled for the August 21, 2025, Council Agenda Briefing. Additionally, staff will continue working with the ULI Advisory Panel, with a public presentation scheduled for August 1, 2025, and a final report expected in late fall 2025.

Impact on Residents These decisions directly impact the city’s ability to restore and secure its water supply, as the temporary turbidity reduction systems ensure safe drinking water during extreme weather events while permanent improvements are designed. The approval of the Fire Station 9 design contract moves forward a voter-approved bond project to improve public safety facilities. The zoning decisions affect housing availability in the River Arts District and the Springside Road area, with the Trade Street rezoning contingent on the resolution of a property ownership dispute. The acceptance of homelessness prevention funds and the restructuring of recovery boards aim to address long-term community needs and streamline citizen engagement in the city’s recovery efforts.