# City Council Meeting (May 13, 2025) **Body:** City of Asheville — City Council **Date:** May 13, 2025 12:00 PM EDT (2025-05-13T12:00:00-04:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832 ## Summary The City Council held a busy meeting on May 13, 2025, tackling a wide range of issues impacting Asheville residents. Here’s a breakdown of what happened and why it matters to you: **1. Big Decisions & Votes:** * **Budget Approved (Coming Soon):** While the final vote hasn't happened yet, Council members engaged in extensive discussion about the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. Expect a final vote in June, which will include a small property tax increase to help cover rising costs and maintain essential city services. * **McCormick Field Funding Secured:** Council approved a plan to move forward with financing for renovations at McCormick Field, the Asheville Tourists’ baseball stadium. This will involve issuing bonds and sharing costs with Buncombe County and other partners, ensuring the field meets Major League Baseball standards. * **Transit Contract Extended:** Recognizing the challenges of finding a new transit provider, Council voted to extend the current contract with RATPDev for one year. This will ensure continued operation of Asheville Rides Transit (ART) while the city searches for a long-term solution. * **Rental Assistance Boost:** Council approved an additional \$135,074.80 to support rental assistance programs through Buncombe County, helping families facing housing insecurity, especially those impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. * **County Tax Agreement Renewed:** The City will continue relying on Buncombe County to handle property tax collection, a long-standing partnership that streamlines the process for residents. **2. Discussion Highlights: What Were They Talking About?** * **Hurricane Helene Recovery:** A significant portion of the meeting focused on recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. Council discussed funding for repairs, debris removal, and supporting residents affected by the storm. * **Staffing Challenges & Compensation:** The budget discussions highlighted ongoing challenges with staffing, particularly within the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) system. Council explored options to address these challenges and ensure fair compensation for city employees. * **Downtown Improvement District:** Council approved a slate of directors for the Asheville Downtown Improvement District, signaling continued support for revitalizing downtown businesses. * **Carbon Emissions Tracking:** The Council approved a contract with Enpira to track the city’s carbon emissions, supporting Asheville's commitment to sustainability. **3. Community Input: Voices Heard** While this was primarily a briefing and decision-making meeting, residents had opportunities to provide input through [https://publicinput.com/g1267](https://publicinput.com/g1267). Specific comments and concerns from the public were not detailed in the provided summaries, but citizen engagement is encouraged throughout the budget process. **4. Action Items: What Happens Next?** * **Final Budget Vote:** Keep an eye out for the final budget vote in June. This is your opportunity to learn more and voice your opinion on how city funds are allocated. * **Transit Procurement Process:** The City will begin the process of finding a new transit provider to operate ART, with community engagement planned. * **McCormick Field Construction:** Construction on McCormick Field renovations is expected to begin soon, bringing the stadium up to MLB standards. * **Continued FEMA Reimbursement Efforts:** City staff will continue pursuing reimbursement from FEMA for expenses related to Hurricane Helene recovery. **5. Why This Matters to You:** These decisions directly impact your daily life in Asheville: * **Property Taxes:** The budget vote will determine the amount you pay in property taxes. * **Public Transportation:** The transit contract extension ensures continued access to ART services. * **Housing Stability:** The rental assistance funding helps families stay in their homes and avoid homelessness. * **Community Amenities:** The McCormick Field renovations will enhance a beloved community gathering space and boost the local economy. The May 13th City Council meeting was a crucial step in shaping Asheville's future. Stay informed and engaged as these decisions are implemented, ensuring a vibrant and thriving community for all. ## Agenda - [Resolution ratifying an emergency contract with Campbell Inc.. for the Mills River Water Treatment Plant Emergency Response for Tropical Storm Helene](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8880) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the supplemental contract /change order for Professional Services Contract with GHD Engineering for the](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8881) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to use the sole source procurement method for the listed products in the bid specifications for the City's camera system for security](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8882) - [Resolution authorizing amendments to the Mountain Community Capital Fund and Technical Assistance Program allocation of Services and Duties agreement](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8883) - [Resolution ratifying a license agreement with Transform LeaseCo, LLC, for the purposes of temporary construction laydown and staging area at 1001 Patton Avenue (formerly KMart property) for water lines, equipment, and materials for City Water Department repair projects, parking of City vehicles, and for other City emergency uses and entered into on an emergency basis in the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8884) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an amendment to the existing interlocal agreement with Buncombe County to provide $135,074.80 in additional rental assistance to low-to-moderate income City of Asheville residents via the County's *Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant* program](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8885) - [Resolution appointing Deputy Finance Officers for the City of Asheville](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8886) - [Resolution establishing a special revenue fund for opioid settlement funds](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8887) - [Budget amendment, in the amount of $811,808, transferring existing opioid settlement funds into the new fund](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8888) - [Task Order 8 - DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant Chemical Bulk Storage Project](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8889) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an extension of the tax collection agreement with Buncombe County](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8890) - [Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute the FEMA Community Disaster Loan (CDL) Loan Agreement and Promissory Note](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8891) - [Resolution authorizing the procurement of Paratech rescue equipment for the Asheville Fire Department from sole source vendor Safe Industries](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8892) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a long term lease with Dewine Seeds - Silver Dollar Baseball LLC for the use of McCormick Field](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8893) - [Resolution authorizing the acceptance of Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority grant funding and authorizing the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to give effect to this resolution](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8894) - [Resolution correcting the License Fee amount on the previously approved License Agreement with Highland Brewing Company for emergency temporary public access to the Gashes Creek Neighborhood](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8895) - [Resolution authorizing the City Attorney to enter into a contract for one-year with Blanchard, Miller, Lewis & Isley P.A. for government relation services, with two additional one-year optional renewal periods](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8896) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute up to two one-year contract renewal options with Sullivan Soft Wash to provide continued pressure washing services in City owned parking garages](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8897) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Town of Black Mountain for funding support for Route 170 for Fiscal Year 2026](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8898) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Buncombe County for Americans with Disabilities Act Paratransit Services for Fiscal Year 2026](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8899) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the existing Transit Operations and Maintenance Contract between the City of Asheville and RATPDev USA to extend the contract for one year and to add funds for Fiscal Year 2026](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8900) - [Resolution accepting a rescission of Section 5307 Urban Federal Transit Grant Funds from Buncombe County and include the funds in the Fiscal Year 2025 Transit Operations Fund](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8901) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign an agreement with Buncombe County Health & Human Services for Riverside Cemetery staff to continue receiving unclaimed cremated remains for interment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8902) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Enpira to provide carbon emissions tracking services](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8903) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing contract with Atlantic Emergency Solutions for Heavy Truck Repair and Service to supplement Fleet Maintenance capacity](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8904) - [Budget amendment, in the amount of $3,894,000 in the City’s General Capital Projects Fund, funded with Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8905) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with J. Bartholomew Construction, LLC, for the 29 Haywood Roof Replacement 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/832/item/8906) - [Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8907) - [Manager's Report - Employee Recognitions Heard Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8908) - [ICTAIU REPORT](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8909) - [State of the Airport Heard Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8910) - [Presentation of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Operating Budget Heard Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8911) - [Public hearing on proposed financing for McCormick Field improvements. Hearing](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832/item/8912) ## Votes - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the supplemental contract /change order for Professional Services Contract with GHD Engineering for the — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution appointing Deputy Finance Officers for the City of Asheville — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the procurement of Paratech rescue equipment for the Asheville Fire Department from sole source vendor Safe Industries — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute up to two one-year contract renewal options with Sullivan Soft Wash to provide continued pressure washing services in City owned parking garages — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Buncombe County for Americans with Disabilities Act Paratransit Services for Fiscal Year 2026 — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution accepting a rescission of Section 5307 Urban Federal Transit Grant Funds from Buncombe County and include the funds in the Fiscal Year 2025 Transit Operations Fund — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign an agreement with Buncombe County Health & Human Services for Riverside Cemetery staff to continue receiving unclaimed cremated remains for interment — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing contract with Atlantic Emergency Solutions for Heavy Truck Repair and Service to supplement Fleet Maintenance capacity — 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 use the sole source procurement method for the listed products in the bid specifications for the City's camera system for security — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing amendments to the Mountain Community Capital Fund and Technical Assistance Program allocation of Services and Duties agreement — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution establishing a special revenue fund for opioid settlement funds — Passed, 6-0 - Task Order 8 - DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant Chemical Bulk Storage Project — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute the FEMA Community Disaster Loan (CDL) Loan Agreement and Promissory Note — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a long term lease with Dewine Seeds - Silver Dollar Baseball LLC for the use of McCormick Field — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the City Attorney to enter into a contract for one-year with Blanchard, Miller, Lewis & Isley P.A. for government relation services, with two additional one-year optional renewal periods — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Enpira to provide carbon emissions tracking services — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with J. Bartholomew Construction, LLC, for the 29 Haywood Roof Replacement 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 amend the existing Transit Operations and Maintenance Contract between the City of Asheville and RATPDev USA to extend the contract for one year and to add funds for Fiscal Year 2026 — Passed, 6-0 - Budget amendment, in the amount of $3,894,000 in the City’s General Capital Projects Fund, funded with Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution correcting the License Fee amount on the previously approved License Agreement with Highland Brewing Company for emergency temporary public access to the Gashes Creek Neighborhood — Passed, 6-0 - Budget amendment, in the amount of $811,808, transferring existing opioid settlement funds into the new fund — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Town of Black Mountain for funding support for Route 170 for Fiscal Year 2026 — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution ratifying an emergency contract with Campbell Inc.. for the Mills River Water Treatment Plant Emergency Response for Tropical Storm Helene — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an extension of the tax collection agreement with Buncombe County — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution ratifying a license agreement with Transform LeaseCo, LLC, for the purposes of temporary construction laydown and staging area at 1001 Patton Avenue (formerly KMart property) for water lines, equipment, and materials for City Water Department repair projects, parking of City vehicles, and for other City emergency uses and entered into on an emergency basis in the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an amendment to the existing interlocal agreement with Buncombe County to provide $135,074.80 in additional rental assistance to low-to-moderate income City of Asheville residents via the County's *Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant* program — Passed, 6-0 - Resolution authorizing the acceptance of Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority grant funding and authorizing the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to give effect to this resolution — Passed, 6-0 ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/xJmkzSueIzs?si=nhoWclAfZQqjaIq3 - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/641/segments - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOmbA-pnO04 - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/405/segments ## Documents - [Consent O - Highland Brewing License Agreement Correction.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1862) - [Presentations B - State of the Airport.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1819) - [Consent T - Amend Transit Maintenance and Operations Contract (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1842) - [Presentations C - Manager's Proposed Budget (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1811) - [Public Hearing A - Presentation - McCormick Field LOBs .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1813) - [Consent X - Heavy Truck Repair.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1838) - [Consent AA - 29 Haywood Roof Construction .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1836) - [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1823) - [Consent B - Mills River WTP - Campbell.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1851) - [Consent W - Carbon Tracking Software.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1839) - [Consent Z - Recovery for Small Projects.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1837) - [Presentations C - FY26 Proposed Budget Document - FINAL (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1815) - [Consent R - Black Mountain Route 170 Donation (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1844) - [Consent V - Unclaimed Remains.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1840) - [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1827) - [Consent G - Buncombe County - Rental Assistance (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1832) - [Consent M - Tourists Lease .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1856) - [Consent C - Change Order -DeBruhl WTP Chemical Bulk Storage Project.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1850) - [Consent L - Fire Dept Sole Source with Paratech.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1859) - [Presentations A - Manager's Report - Employee Recognition, AFD Accreditation.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1810) - [Consent E - Mtn Com Capital Fund.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1848) - [Consent P - NC Lobbyist Contract FY26.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1857) - [minutes_2025-05-13.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1807) - [Consent F - 1001 Patton License Agreement Ratification.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1847) - [Public Hearing A - LOBs 2025 McCormick Field - Initial (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1852) - [Consent H - Deputy Finance Officers.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1860) - [Consent N - McCormick BCTDA Grant Acceptance.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1858) - [Consent Q - Parking Garage Pressure Washing.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1845) - [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1809) - [Consent U - FY 26 Buncombe County 5307 Recission.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1841) - [Consent A - Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1853) - [Consent I - Opioid Settlement Special Revenue Fund .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1855) - [Consent S - County - Paratransit Services.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1843) - [Consent D - Sole Source for Camera System.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1849) - [Consent J - County Tax Agreement Extension.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1861) - [Consent K - FEMA Community Disaster Loan.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1846) - [Presentations C - FY 2026 Proposed City Manager's Message.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1829) - [agenda_2025-05-13.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1806) - [Consent BB - Tax Releases and Refunds.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/832?document=1854) ## Sources - [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-may-13-2025/) - [Agenda Briefing](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1p1CvOUsCfU3kxszxZVt5bLL_PZddRYUq?usp=drive_link) - [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PHKsOwbDZkv5FzfLoEhCtYEgCFQElgJb/view?usp=drive_link) - [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Luhm7iMY14slReiepT6Pvvza23iLAKUI/view?usp=drive_link) - [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267) - [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)