# City Council Agenda Briefing (Virtual) (Jun 18, 2025)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** June 18, 2025 11:00 AM EDT (2025-06-18T11:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802

## Summary

The City Council held a busy meeting on June 24th, addressing a wide range of issues impacting Asheville residents. Here's a breakdown of what was decided, discussed, and what it means for you:

**1. Key Decisions & Votes:**

*   **Affordable Housing Boost:** Council unanimously approved a \$3 million loan and tax grants for the 319 Biltmore project, paving the way for a new affordable housing development. This is a significant step towards addressing Asheville’s critical need for more accessible housing options.
*   **Supporting Downtown Businesses:** Following a discussion about the challenges facing downtown businesses, Council directed staff to explore options like temporary adjustments to noise ordinances and social district opportunities. This shows a commitment to revitalizing the downtown area and supporting local entrepreneurs.
*   **Green Initiatives Approved:** Council approved receiving \$59,098 in tax credits for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and solar panels at the Broadway Public Safety Station. This aligns with Asheville’s sustainability goals and demonstrates a commitment to reducing our environmental impact.
*   **Sidewalk Improvements & Street Resurfacing:** Council approved a contract for \$1.85 million to resurface 21 streets across the city, improving road conditions for drivers and pedestrians. They also approved a resolution to reinstate sidewalk construction requirements in the UDO, ensuring that new developments contribute to pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
*   **Hazardous Materials Response Contract:** The Council approved a contract with the State for regional hazardous materials response services, ensuring Asheville residents have access to critical support in emergency situations.
*   **Speed Limit Changes:** Council approved lowering speed limits to 20 mph in the Burton Street Neighborhood, aiming to improve safety for residents and pedestrians.
*   **Waste Collection Clarification:** The Council approved an amendment to the Solid Waste Management ordinance, clarifying rules for waste collection on private roads.
*   **Alcohol Permits Granted:** Council approved permits allowing alcohol consumption at several upcoming events, including the Independence Day Block Party and Blue Ridge Pride Festival.

**2. Discussion Highlights:**

*   **Financial Matters & Storm Recovery:** A significant portion of the meeting focused on financial matters, including approving a \$1.8 million cash flow loan from the state to bridge spending gaps related to storm recovery and approving a budget amendment. Council Member Turner raised concerns about the financial viability of some projects, prompting further discussion on investment priorities.
*   **Rezoning Request (Trade Street):** While a vote wasn't taken, the Council engaged in discussion regarding the rezoning request for 99999 Trade Street.
*   **Housing & Development Funding:** A detailed discussion occurred regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Program funding, with staff presenting a five-year consolidated plan.

**3. Community Input:**

*   While this was primarily a decision-making meeting, Council members acknowledged the importance of continued community engagement and encouraged residents to provide feedback on ongoing projects.

**4. Action Items & What Happens Next:**

*   **Downtown Revitalization Study:** City staff will work with the Downtown Association and relevant departments to explore options for supporting downtown businesses and workers, potentially including adjustments to regulations or social district opportunities.
*   **319 Biltmore Project Funding Gap:** Staff will explore additional funding sources to cover the remaining \$7 million needed for Phase II of the 319 Biltmore project.
*   **Continued Monitoring:** City staff will continue to monitor the Elective Pay program and pursue clean energy tax credits for future eligible projects.
*   **Signage Installation:** The Public Works Streets Division will begin installing new speed limit signs in the Burton Street Neighborhood.

**5. Why This Matters to You:**

These decisions will directly impact your daily life in Asheville. The investments in affordable housing, improved roads, and sustainable infrastructure demonstrate a commitment to building a more vibrant, equitable, and resilient city for all residents. The focus on supporting downtown businesses signals a dedication to revitalizing our local economy and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs. By staying informed about these decisions, you can better understand how your local government is working to shape the future of Asheville.



**For more detailed information, you can review the full meeting minutes and agenda documents on the City of Asheville website.**

## Agenda

- [Upcoming City Council Agenda Review - June 24, 2025](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802/item/20155)
- [Council Committees](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802/item/8827)
- [Review of 8 Week Agenda Items](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802/item/8828)
- [Discussion of key items coming to Council](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802/item/20156)
- [Other Issues & Updates](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802/item/8829)

## Votes

- Motion to approve the combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on June 5, 2025, and the formal meeting held on June 10 , 2025 — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to adopt 1) a resolution to enter into a Round 2 cashflow loan agreement with the State of North Carolina and to authorize the City Manager to execute the associated documents; and 2) a budget amendment in the amount of $1,842,175.47 to budget the loan in the Helene Cashflow Loan Fund, as required by the loan agreement. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract extension agreement with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety to provide regional hazardous materials emergency response for region 6. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to adopt a resolution repealing Resolution No. 22-16 which authorized the City Manager to execute a N.C. Dept. of Transportation (NCDOT) Funding Agreement in the amount of $90,000.00 for Patton Avenue Sidewalk Improvements and replacing it with a new resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a new NCDOT Funding Agreement up to $150,000 maximum reimbursement. — Passed, 6-0
- Non-Public Services Funding Recommendations — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to adopt resolutions to permit the possession and consumption of malt beverages and/or unfortified wine at the Independence Day Block Party, Asheville Half Marathon 10K & 5K, Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL, and Blue Ridge Pride Festival — Passed, 6-0
- Councilwoman Roney moved to approve the proposed wording amendments to Chapter 7 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances and find that the proposed amendments are reasonable, are in the public interest, are consistent with the City's comprehensive plan and meet the development needs of the community in that the amendments will: 1) make streets more walkable, comfortable, and connected by eliminating gaps in the city-wide sidewalk network; and, 2) enhance the safety of the public realm by constructing pedestrian facilities that enhance pedestrian safety. — Passed, 6-0
- Councilwoman Ullman moved to approve the submission to HUD of the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan and Amendments to prior year Annual Action Plans which are hereto summarized and provided as Exhibit A; City Council authorizes the City Manager to sign all contracts, grants, and loan agreements, after approval by the City Attorney, with HUD and other designated agencies for the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan and related amendments; and City Council approves the associated budget amendment for CDBG and HOME to accept the grant awards from HUD. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to delegate the authority to the City Manager of their designee to accept donations offered to the City. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement whereby the City receives compensation from Buncombe County for fire protection and rescue services in certain areas of the County. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to adopt a resolution to permit the possession and consumption of malt beverages and/or unfortified wine at the Independence Day Block Party on July 4, 2025 — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to adopt a resolution to permit the possession and consumption of malt beverages and/or unfortified wine at the Asheville Half Marathon 10k & 5k on August 23, 2025 — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Tarheel Paving and Asphalt in the amount of $1,850,118.10 plus a 15% contingency of $277,517.72 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $2,127,635.82 for the FY 25 Asphalt Resurfacing contract. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 15, Solid Waste Management, of the City Code of Ordinances to provide language regarding the provision of waste collection services on private roads, effective June 24, 2025. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to adopt a resolution repealing and replacing Resolution No. 22-16 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a new Funding Agreement with the NCDOT for reimbursement of up to $150,000.00 for construction costs related to curb and gutter installation on the Patton Avenue Sidewalk Improvements Project. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Haynes Electric Utility, a division of MB Haynes Corporation in the amount of $399,350 with a contingency amount of $59,900 for a total not to exceed contract amount of $459,250. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion authorizing City Council to accept the U.S. Internal Revenue Service clean energy tax credit funds and authorizing the City Manager or her designee to sign and execute any related documents. — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda. — Passed, 6-0
- Councilwoman Smith moved to continue this public hearing until July 29, 2025. — Passed, 6-0
- Councilwoman Roney moved to approve Resolution No. 25-145 authorizing the submission of the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) to the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, as well as substantial amendments to previous Action Plan; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to give effect to this resolution. — Passed, 6-0
- Amendment to cancel project and allocate funding to FY 25/26 projects — Passed, 6-0
- Amendment to cancel project and move funding to Homeward Bound — Passed, 6-0
- Add $24,000 for new budget line item for "Contracted Services" — Passed, 6-0
- Public Services Funding Recommendations — Passed, 6-0
- Councilwoman Ullman moved to approve a $250,000 grant for the purchase of 32 Grail Street and 32 Olive Street by the Asheville-Buncombe County Land Trust to allow the homes to be sold to qualifying households at or below 80% AMI and be permanently affordable — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to award the Asheville Buncombe Community Land Trust (ABCLT) a $250,000 grant from the 2016 bond to fund homes at 32 Grail Street and 32 Olive Street. — Passed, 6-0
- Councilwoman Smith moved to approve a $250,000 grant to the Asheville Buncombe Community Land Trust to fund the purchase of 32 Grail Street and 32 Olive Street for permanently affordable homeownership to qualifying households. — Passed, 6-0
- Councilwoman Smith moved to approve a Development and Lease Agreement with Laurel Street Residential LLC for the development of mixed-income and affordable housing at 319 Biltmore Avenue (3 & 4 John Walker Avenue). — Passed, 6-0
- Motion to authorize the City Manager to accept a financial donation of up to $110,000 from Brown Parker & DeMarinis Advertising, LLC on behalf of Mission Health Hospital Manager, LLC to help reduce the costs associated with establishing temporary recreation amenities and to execute any documents necessary related to the use of these donated funds. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a financial donation of up to $110,000 from Brown Parker & DeMarinis Advertising, LLC on behalf of Mission Health Hospital Manager, LLC to help reduce the costs associated with establishing temporary recreation amenities and to execute any documents necessary related to the use of these donated funds; and approval of a budget amendment to budget the funds within the Special Revenue Fund. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract for internal audit program services with Plante Moran for a term of one year, with two additional one year renewal options, and further authorizing the execution of change orders to adjust the total amount of the contract in future fiscal years, contingent on budget appropriations in future fiscal years. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion to adopt: A Technical Budget Amendment in the amount of $4.2 million in the City's Multi-Year Enterprise Funds for year-end clean up related to Tropical Storm Helene budgets adopted earlier in the fiscal year, and in the amount of $776,000 in the Transit Services Fund for debt refunding expenses. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion to adopt a resolution to enter into a Round 2 cashflow loan agreement with the State of North Carolina and to authorize the City Manager to execute the associated documents. — Passed, 5-0
- Motion to repeal ordinance sections and replace with the revised ordinance sections to enact a 20 mph speed limit on the following streets in their entirety: Atlanta Avenue, Baker Avenue, Boyd Avenue, Bryant Street, Buffalo Street, Clay Street, Downing Street, Edgar Street, Fayetteville Street, Ivy Street, Mardell Circle, Martin Avenue, Ohio Street, Saratoga Street, and Texas Street. — Passed, 5-0
- Councilwoman Smith moved to approve the rezoning request for the property located at 99999 Trade St from River Arts Form District - Neighborhood Transition (RAD-NT) to Residential Multi-Family Medium Density (RM-8) and find that the request is reasonable, is in the public interest, is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan and meets the development needs of the community in that the request: 1) promotes zoning policies to encourage more housing; and, 2) supports contextually appropriate infill development and a variety of housing types. — Failed
- Councilwoman Smith moved to continue this public hearing until July 29, 2025. — Passed, 5-0
- Approval of the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan — Passed, 3-0
- Approval of a Development and Lease Agreement will obligate the City to lease the land to LSR for 99 years. — Passed, 3-0
- Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter into a Development and Lease Agreement with Laurel Street Residential for the development of 319 Biltmore, which will include 162 units affordable for 40 years and a 99-year ground lease; and reaffirm the 2022 decision (Resolution No. 22-184) to “sell” the property, but now as a ground lease and according to the new project proposal of greater number of affordable units and longer period of affordability. Additionally, we recommend that City Council approve a $3 million loan to Laurel Street Residential and a tax grant for each parcel up to $100,000 per year for 20 years. — Passed, 5-0
- (1) reappoint Amy Moxley to serve a three-year term, term to expire June 30, 2028, or until Amy Moxley's successor has been appointed; and (2) appoint Amy Gharst to serve a three-year term, term to expire June 30, 2028, or until Amy Gharst's successor has been appointed. — Passed, 5-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/tbjOEUnfWJo?si=DtD7sKNi9mFVKOE8
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/661/segments

## Documents

- [Request - IRA Tax Credit .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1898)
- [Request - Rezoning 99999 Trade St.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1866)
- [Request -  MLK/Charlotte St Signal Poles.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1894)
- [Request - Asphalt Resurfacing.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1896)
- [Agenda](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=9222)
- [agenda_2025-06-18.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1863)
- [minutes_2025-06-18.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1864)
- [Request - Helene Cash Flow Loan #2.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1876)
- [Request - Alcohol Events .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1879)
- [2025](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=9221)
- [Request -  319 Biltmore .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1868)
- [Request - 32 Grail St & 32 Olive St Funding.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1869)
- [Request - Year End Amendments.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1870)
- [Request - Delegate Authority to Accept Donations to City Manager or Designee.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1874)
- [Request - Haz Mat Response Team contract amdt.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1877)
- [Request - Ordinance Amdt of Waste Collection for private roads.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1890)
- [Request -Speed Limit Changes in Burton St Neighborhood.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1892)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1872)
- [Request -  Sidewalk Requirements Cleanup ZTA.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1881)
- [Request - AFD Buncombe County Fire Protection Agreement.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1882)
- [Request - Patton Sidewalk NCDOT Funding Agreement.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1885)
- [Request - Donation for Park Amenities.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1888)
- [Request - 2025-29 Con Plan, 2025-26 Annual Action Plan, and Substantial Amendments.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1867)
- [Request - Internal Audit Contract.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1883)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/802?document=1865)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-agenda-briefing-jun-18-2025/)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)