# City Council Meeting (Jul 29, 2025)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** July 29, 2025 5:00 PM EDT (2025-07-29T17:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - City Hall - Council Chamber

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745

## Summary

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.

## Agenda

- [July, 2025 as "Independent Retailer Month"](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/20147)
- [Approval of the combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on June 18, 2025, and the formal meeting held on June 24, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/20148)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a design contract with Progressive Architecture Engineering, P.C., for the Walton Street Park Improvements 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/745/item/8765)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with ADW Architects, P.A. for the Oakley Fire Station 9 New Construction 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/745/item/8766)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with CDM Smith Inc. to provide a temporary turbidity reduction system for the North Fork Water Treatment Plant to ensure continued water treatment in all weather conditions until a permanent treatment solution can be installed; and associated budget amendment, in the amount not to exceed $36,905,584.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8767)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Bering-Weston JV, LLC, to provide a temporary turbidity reduction system for the William DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant to ensure continued water treatment in all weather conditions until a permanent treatment solution can be installed; and associated budget amendment in the amount not to exceed $18,802,253.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8768)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Professional Services Contract with CDM Smith Inc. to provide engineering, design services and provide construction oversight for the North Fork Water Treatment Plant Treatment Improvements Project; and associated budget amendment in the amount of $6,705,000.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8769)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Professional Services Contract with Garver USA Company to provide engineering, design services and provide construction oversight for the William DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant Treatment Improvements Project; and associated budget amendment in the amount of $3,326,469.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8770)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an emergency professional services contract with Schnabel Engineering, South for repairs at the North Fork Dam and Spillways due to Tropical Storm Helene.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8771)
- [Resolution ratifying a contract with Fayetteville Public Works Commission to provide mutual aid during the recovery process after Tropical Storm Helene.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8772)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with ImageTrend, LLC, for the Asheville Fire Department's Records Management System.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8773)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the license agreement with Bell Atlantic Mobile (dba Verizon Wireless) at 166 Reservoir Road (also referred to as Lower White Fawn Tower) allowing for additional equipment and increasing the monthly rent at the City-owned Lower White Fawn telecommunications tower.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8774)
- [Budget amendment, in the amount of $275,000, to accept awarded grant funds from Destination Home, SV for the Right at Home homelessness prevention initiative through the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8775)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit subapplications and receive funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8776)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Biohabitats of North Carolina, Inc. for design and engineering services to restore the front nine holes of the Asheville Municipal Golf Course; and the associated budget amendment, in the amount not to exceed $1,586,695, to add federal and state funds to the General Capital Projects Fund.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8777)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with United Casualty and Surety Insurance to complete the N.C. Dept. of Transportation funded Southside Connectivity Improvements Project, with Patton Construction Group, LLC.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8778)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with AVL Unpaved Alliance to allow them to build, manage, and maintain two natural surface trails - French Broad River West Trail and the Azalea Park Trail.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8779)
- [Resolution ratifying the not-to-exceed contract with Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC, to include all prior spending and future spending under said contract for the purpose of hauling and removal of disaster debris from Tropical Storm Helene.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8780)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with DebrisTech LLC for the provision of debris monitoring services.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8781)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute contract amendments with WNC Landscaping LLC and Steri-Clean of NC for the Litter & Cleanliness Program.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8782)
- [Motion approving the Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control's Travel Policy adopted January 26, 2016.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8783)
- [Resolution reappointing Jack Igelman to the Mills River Partnership Board of Directors.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8784)
- [Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8785)
- [Manager's Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8786)
- [Urban Land Institute Advisory Services Panel](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/20149)
- [Proposed Structure for Helene Recovery Boards](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/20150)
- [Continuation of public hearing to consider rezoning 99999 Trade Street from River Arts Form District Neighborhood Transition (RAD-NT) to RM-8 Residential Multi-Family Medium Density District.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8787)
- [Public hearing to consider conditionally zoning 93 and 95 Springside Road from RS-4 Residential Single-Family Medium Density to RS-4-CZ Residential Single-Family Medium Density - Conditional Zone for the purposes of constructing 36 single-family detached housing units.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745/item/8788)

## Votes

- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Bering-Weston JV, LLC, to provide a temporary turbidity reduction system for the William DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant to ensure continued water treatment in all weather conditions until a permanent treatment solution can be installed; and associated budget amendment in the amount of $18,802,253. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Professional Services Contract with CDM Smith Inc. to provide engineering, design services and provide construction oversight for the North Fork Water Treatment Plant Treatment Improvements Project; and associated budget amendment in the amount of $6,705,000. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an emergency professional services contract with Schnabel Engineering, South for repairs at the North Fork Dam and Spillways due to Tropical Storm Helene. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with ADW Architects, P.A. for the Oakley Fire Station 9 New Construction Project; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Professional Services Contract with Garver USA Company to provide engineering, design services and provide construction oversight for the William DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant Treatment Improvements Project; and associated budget amendment in the amount of $3,326,469. — Passed, 6-0
- Budget amendment, in the amount of $275,000, to accept awarded grant funds from Destination Home, SV for the Right at Home homelessness prevention initiative through the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit subapplications and receive funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with ImageTrend, LLC, for the Asheville Fire Department’s Records Management System. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Biohabitats of North Carolina, Inc. for design and engineering services to restore the front nine holes of the Asheville Municipal Golf Course; and the associated budget amendment, in the amount not to exceed $1,586,695, to add federal and state funds to the General Capital Projects Fund. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute contract amendments with WNC Landscaping LLC and Steri-Clean of NC for the Litter & Cleanliness Program. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with United Casualty and Surety Insurance to complete the N.C. Dept. of Transportation funded Southside Connectivity Improvements Project, with Patton Construction Group, LLC. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with AVL Unpaved Alliance to allow them to build, manage, and maintain two natural surface trails - French Broad River West Trail and the Azalea Park Trail. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend a contract with DebrisTech LLC for the provision of debris monitoring services. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution reappointing Jack Igelman to the Mills River Partnership Board of Directors. — Passed, 6-0
- Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with CDM Smith Inc. to provide a temporary turbidity reduction system for the North Fork Water Treatment Plant to ensure continued water treatment in all weather conditions until a permanent treatment solution can be installed; and associated budget amendment, in the amount of $36,905,584. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a design contract with Progressive Architecture Engineering, P.C., for the Walton Street Park Improvements Project; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution ratifying a contract with Fayetteville Public Works Commission to provide mutual aid during the recovery process after Tropical Storm Helene. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the license agreement with Bell Atlantic Mobile (dba Verizon Wireless) at 166 Reservoir Road (also referred to as Lower White Fawn Tower) allowing for additional equipment and increasing the monthly rent at the City-owned Lower White Fawn telecommunications tower. — Passed, 6-0
- Resolution ratifying the not-to-exceed contract with Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC, to include all prior spending and future spending under said contract for the purpose of hauling and removal of disaster debris from Tropical Storm Helene. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion approving the Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control's Travel Policy adopted January 26, 2016. — Passed, 6-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/BgO_wKTQGB8?si=KbW08gDxxwSLrIp3
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/646/segments
- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDeJ198UnNw
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/339/segments

## Documents

- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2009)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2001)
- [Consent E - Bering-Weston Wm DeBruhl - Turbidity.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2032)
- [Consent N - Municipal Golf Course (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2048)
- [Consent R - DebrisTech  (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2057)
- [Consent P - AVL Unpaved.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2059)
- [Consent Q - Ratify Southern Disaster - Debris.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2063)
- [Consent D- CDM Smith - North Fork - Turbidity.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2016)
- [Consent L - Right at Home.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2066)
- [Consent K - Verizon Amendment to License Agreement  - 166 Reservoir Rd.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2067)
- [Consent I - Fayetteville PWC for Water Resources.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2069)
- [Consent C - Oakey Fire Station 9 .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2076)
- [Consent H - Schnabel - North Fork .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2074)
- [Consent B - Walton St Park Imvpts.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2077)
- [Public Hearing A -  Rezoning 99999 Trade St.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2079)
- [Consent V  - Tax Releases and Refunds.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2082)
- [Consent J - AFD Records Management System Contract.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2089)
- [minutes_2025-07-29.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=1983)
- [Presentation A - Manager's Report - Recovery Boards Framework.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=1991)
- [agenda_2025-07-29.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=1980)
- [Presentation A - Manager's Report - ULI Advisory Panel.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=1987)
- [Consent S - Litter & Cleanliness Program Amdt.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2054)
- [Consent G - Garver - Wm DeBruhl WTP - Design.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2070)
- [Consent U - Reappoint Jack Igelman.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2084)
- [Consent O - DOT Southside Connectivity Impvt Proj.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2064)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=1999)
- [Consent M - FEMA Haz Mitigation Grant Prog.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2065)
- [Consent F - CDM Smith - NF WTP Design.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2072)
- [Consent T- ABC Travel Policy.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2080)
- [Consent A - Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=2091)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - Rezone 99999 Trade St.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/745?document=1995)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-jul-29-2025/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cy0jniwCqdHj-rHZZbODXGmxVwrI_0Dz/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hxHkI8P5JwWWX-Y6WnMVonc04QjgdWxi/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)