# City Council Meeting (Mar 11, 2025)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** March 11, 2025 12:00 PM EDT (2025-03-11T12:00:00-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838

## Summary

The Asheville City Council held a combined meeting on March 11, 2025, consisting of a Budget Work Session beginning at 3:00 PM and a formal Council meeting beginning at 5:00 PM. The agenda addressed the financial impacts of Tropical Storm Helene, the development of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, emergency recovery contracts, and significant amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding housing and zoning.

**Key Decisions and Votes**

The Council voted unanimously (7-0) to ratify an emergency contract with Campbell Inc. for the Mills River Water Treatment Plant, waiving standard contracting procedures due to the urgency of the storm response. The total cost of this emergency work was $267,718.50. Additionally, the Council approved a resolution authorizing the reallocation of $200,000 in undedicated public art funds to support Helene recovery efforts through ArtsAVL, which will provide grants to arts businesses and support marketing for the River Arts and Downtown Arts Districts.

In a significant financial move, the Council passed a 7-0 vote to amend the General Capital Projects Fund by $80,000,000 to budget for capital improvements approved by voters in the November 2024 General Obligation Bond referendum. Staff noted that a property tax rate increase will be required in fiscal year 2026-27 to cover the debt service on these bonds. The Council also unanimously approved a contract with Cherry Bekaert, LLP for the city’s annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, with a maximum fee of $168,600.

The Council approved several service contracts and permits by unanimous vote. These included:
*   A sole-source contract with Central Nebraska Packing Inc. for carnivore diets for the WNC Nature Center, costing $12,500 per year.
*   Amendments to existing contracts with Ken Wilson Ford and Freightliner of Arizona (d/b/a Velocity Truck Center) to increase funding for vehicle repairs, adding $150,000 and $80,000 annually, respectively.
*   Not-to-exceed on-call contracts with four vendors for fire apparatus repair: All Pro Fire & Safety, Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Carolina 1926 d/b/a Carolina Caterpillar, and Allsource Enterprises dba Safe Industries.
*   A service contract with Wilde Acre Landscapes for mowing maintenance of city parks, not to exceed $213,109 for the initial year.
*   A service contract with Rivertop Contracting, NC for mowing and maintenance of Riverside Cemetery, not to exceed $66,240 for the initial year.
*   Resolutions permitting the possession and consumption of malt beverages and/or unfortified wine at the Chai Pani Holi Celebration, Downtown After 5 events, the Community Concert, and Asheville Veganfest.
*   A resolution of support for the N.C. Department of Transportation to abandon a 0.45-mile segment of Campus Drive as requested by the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
*   A contract with Jarrett Walker & Associates, LLC to conduct a Comprehensive Operational Analysis of the Asheville Rides Transit system, not to exceed $299,877.

Regarding zoning and development, the Council held public hearings on several UDO amendments. The Council voted 4-3 to approve amendments related to cottage development standards, flag lot standards, and updates to definitions and commercial zoning districts. Councilmembers Mosley, Roney, and Smith voted against these specific amendments. The Council also approved a resolution of intent to close a portion of an unopened right-of-way connected to Morningside Drive, with a public hearing scheduled for April 8, 2025.

**Budget Work Session Highlights**

During the Budget Work Session, staff presented initial projections for the FY26 general fund, anticipating a potential revenue shortfall of $1 to $4 million due to economic uncertainty and the lingering effects of Tropical Storm Helene. Staff proposed cost-saving measures, including pausing the strategic partnership grant program and the neighborhood matching grant program, as well as reducing training and travel expenses.

A major portion of the discussion focused on maintaining a healthy fund balance. Staff presented scenarios that would require property tax increases ranging from 4.65% to potentially higher rates, depending on salary adjustments. The Council discussed the second year of a three-year phase-in of water rate adjustments, with staff anticipating a 7.5% increase for residential and commercial customers in FY26. The Council supported staff bringing the FY26 fee approvals to the April 8, 2025, meeting for a formal vote. Additionally, the Council approved a new fee of $15 per hour for groups using the newly renovated Memorial Stadium track.

**Community Input**

During the Budget Work Session, staff highlighted findings from a recent community survey regarding recovery priorities, emphasizing themes such as strengthening infrastructure, housing, economic recovery, food security, and sustainability. Staff also noted that five community members had spoken during a recent public hearing, advocating for climate action, living wages, increased transit services, and fiscal responsibility. During the formal meeting, a resident expressed concern about the financial state of the Muni Golf Course, which is experiencing losses, and asked for more information.

**Follow-ups and Next Steps**

Staff agreed to provide additional details on the Other Post-Employment Benefit (OPEB) liability and service delivery impacts. Staff will also explore additional cost-saving options for FY26. The Council will discuss employee compensation strategies at the next budget work session on March 25, 2025, where they are also expected to vote on a $2.8 million state cash flow loan to help with storm recovery expenses. The Council will vote on the FY26 fee adjustments, including water rates, at their April 8, 2025, meeting. A final FY26 budget is scheduled to be presented to the Council in May, with a public hearing and adoption scheduled for June.

## Agenda

- [March 18, 2025, as "Transit Staff Appreciation Day"](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/20180)
- [March, 2025, as "Red Cross Month"](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/20181)
- [Approval of the combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on February 20, 2025, and the formal meeting held on February 25, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/20182)
- [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/838/item/8946)
- [Resolution authorizing the reallocation of undedicated public art funds to enter into an agreement with ArtsAVL to support Helene recovery in the form of the arts business relief grants and activation of Asheville's Art Districts; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary, including contracts and grant agreements, to give effect to this resolution.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8947)
- [Budget amendment in the General Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $80,000,000 to budget capital improvements approved as part of the November 2024 General Obligation Bond Referendum and funded with future debt proceeds.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8948)
- [Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with Cherry Bekaert, LLP for auditing City accounts for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8949)
- [Resolutions to permit the possession and consumption of malt beverages and/or unfortified wine at the following events:](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8950)
- [Chai Pani Holi Celebration on March 14, 2025](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8951)
- [Downtown After 5 events on April 18, June 20, and August 15, 2025](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8952)
- [Community Concert on May 29, 2025](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8953)
- [Asheville Veganfest on June 22, 2025](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8954)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve Central Nebraska Packing Inc. as the City's sole source vendor for commercially prepared carnivore diets for the WNC Nature Center's carnivores.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8955)
- [Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to amend the existing contracts with Ken Wilson Ford for Ford OE Repairs and Freightliner of Arizona d/b/a Velocity Truck Center for heavy truck repair and service to supplement Fleet Maintenance capacity.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8956)
- [Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to execute not-to-exceed on call contracts for an initial one year term and option for two 1-year renewals with All Pro Fire and Safety, Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Weisiger Group d/b/a Carolina Caterpillar, and Allsource Enterprises dba Safe Industries for Fire Apparatus Repair and Service for the City's Fleet.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8957)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a service contract with Wilde Acre Landscapes for mowing maintenance of city parks.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8958)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a service contract with Rivertop Contracting, NC for mowing and maintenance of Riverside Cemetery.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8959)
- [Resolution of support for the N.C. Dept. of Transportation to abandon a segment of Campus Drive as requested by the University of North Carolina at Asheville.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8960)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Jarrett Walker & Associates, LLC to conduct a Comprehensive Operational Analysis of the City's Asheville Rides Transit system.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8961)
- [Resolution of intent to permanently close a portion of an unopened right-of-way connected to Morningside Drive between Coventry Circle and Brevard Road, and to set a public hearing for April 8, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8962)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept, expend, and disburse Federal Transit Administration Grants apportioned to the Asheville Urbanized Area for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, FY 2020, and FY 2023 from the Section 5307 Urban Transit Funding, Section 5307 Job Access Reverse Commute, and Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Programs; and to execute all necessary agreements between the City of Asheville and applicable transit subrecipients for the disbursement of approved funds.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8963)
- [Budget amendment, in the amount of $3,121,186 for previously unbudgeted pass-through funding from the Federal Transit Administration grants.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8964)
- [Budget amendment, in the amount of $61,500, for the Dept. of Energy Renewables Advancing Community Energy Resilience subaward grant.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8965)
- [Request of the Housing Authority for City Council to adopt a resolution affirming approval of a multifamily housing facility to be known as Laurel Wood Apartments in the City of Asheville, N.C., and the financing thereof with Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,775,000, with no City financial obligation associated with the bonds or any debt taken on by the developer.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8966)
- [Resolution of the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville to adopt a resolution approving the issuance of up to $1,000,000 Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds to provide financing for Battery Park Apartments to satisfy Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, with no City financial obligation associated with the bonds or any debt taken on by the developer.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8967)
- [Motion appointing Councilwoman Sage Turner (replacing Mayor Esther Manheimer) as one of the two members to the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8968)
- [Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8969)
- [Manager's Report - Asheville Recovers Website - ashevillerecovers.org](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8970)
- [Public hearing to consider amendments to Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances (Unified Development Ordinance {UDO}):](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/20183)
- [To increase the threshold for Level III site plan review, adjusting corresponding review thresholds and providing incentives for the inclusion of affordable housing along transit supportive corridors and within mixed-use districts.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8973)
- [To eliminate the requirement to provide a minimum number of parking spaces for residential development projects along transit supportive corridors and within mixed-used zoning districts.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8974)
- [To update the UDO's definitions, and certain commercial zoning districts to remove regulatory barriers and encourage the development of housing along transit supportive corridors.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8975)
- [Public hearing previously held Vote to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to revise the cottage development standards.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8971)
- [Public hearing previously held Vote to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to revise the flag lot standards.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838/item/8972)

## Votes

- Budget amendment in the General Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $80,000,000 to budget capital improvements approved as part of the November 2024 General Obligation Bond Referendum and funded with future debt proceeds. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolutions to permit the possession and consumption of malt beverages and/or unfortified wine at the following events: — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve Central Nebraska Packing Inc. as the City's sole source vendor for commercially prepared carnivore diets for the WNC Nature Center's carnivores. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to amend the existing contracts with Ken Wilson Ford for Ford OE Repairs and Freightliner of Arizona d/b/a Velocity Truck Center for heavy truck repair and service to supplement Fleet Maintenance capacity. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to execute not-to-exceed on call contracts for an initial one year term and option for two 1-year renewals with All Pro Fire and Safety, Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Weisiger Group d/b/a Carolina Caterpillar, and Allsource Enterprises dba Safe Industries for Fire Apparatus Repair and Service for the City's Fleet. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a service contract with Wilde Acre Landscapes for mowing maintenance of city parks. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a service contract with Rivertop Contracting, NC for mowing and maintenance of Riverside Cemetery. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution of support for the N.C. Dept. of Transportation to abandon a segment of Campus Drive as requested by the University of North Carolina at Asheville. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Jarrett Walker & Associates, LLC to conduct a Comprehensive Operational Analysis of the City's Asheville Rides Transit system. — Passed, 7-0
- Budget amendment, in the amount of $3,121,186 for previously unbudgeted pass-through funding from the Federal Transit Administration grants. — Passed, 7-0
- Budget amendment, in the amount of $61,500, for the Dept. of Energy Renewables Advancing Community Energy Resilience subaward grant. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution of the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville to adopt a resolution approving the issuance of up to $1,000,000 Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds to provide financing for Battery Park Apartments to satisfy Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, with no City financial obligation associated with the bonds or any debt taken on by the developer. — Passed, 7-0
- Motion appointing Councilwoman Sage Turner (replacing Mayor Esther Manheimer) as one of the two members to the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization. — Passed, 7-0
- Monthly municipal property tax refunds or releases per N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 105-381. — Passed, 7-0
- Public hearing previously held - Vote to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to revise the cottage development standards. — Failed, 1-5
- Public hearing previously held - Vote to consider an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to revise the flag lot standards. — Passed, 4-3
- Public hearing to consider amendments to Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances (Unified Development Ordinance {UDO}) to increase the threshold for Level III site plan review, Carried on 4-3 vote adjusting corresponding review thresholds and providing incentives for the inclusion w/Mosley, Roney & of affordable housing along transit supportive corridors and within mixed-use districts. — Passed, 4-3
- Public hearing to consider amendments to Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances (Unified Motion to Approve Development Ordinance {UDO}) to update the UDO's definitions, and certain commercial zoning districts to remove regulatory barriers and encourage the development of housing along transit supportive corridors. — Passed, 4-3
- Resolution ratifying an emergency contract with Campbell Inc. for the Mills River Water Treatment Plant emergency response for Tropical Storm Helene — Passed, 7-0
- Request of the Housing Authority for City Council to adopt a resolution affirming approval of a multifamily housing facility to be known as Laurel Wood Apartments in the City of Asheville, N.C., and the financing thereof with Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,775,000, with no City financial obligation associated with the bonds or any debt taken on by the developer. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the reallocation of undedicated public art funds to enter into an agreement with ArtsAVL to support Helene recovery in the form of the arts business relief grants and activation of Asheville's Art Districts; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary, including contracts and grant agreements, to give effect to this resolution. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with Cherry Bekaert, LLP for auditing City accounts for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept, expend, and disburse Federal Transit Administration Grants apportioned to the Asheville Urbanized Area for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, FY 2020, and FY 2023 from the Section 5307 Urban Transit Funding, Section 5307 Job Access Reverse Commute, and Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Programs; and to execute all necessary agreements between the City of Asheville and applicable transit subrecipients for the disbursement of approved funds. — Passed, 7-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/mrPee0TbMUY?si=mejBLRnwnCQf8NCw
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/566/segments
- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kce-VwtG60M
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/328/segments

## Documents

- [Worksession - Budget.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2120)
- [Consent H - Heavy Truck Repair Contracts.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2136)
- [Public Hearing A-1 - UDO - Project Level Thresholds (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2245)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2133)
- [Consent Q - HACA - Housing Authority - Laurel Wood.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2183)
- [Consent I - Fire Apparatus Repair.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2143)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2108)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2130)
- [Consent O - Sec 5307 and 5310 Fund Disbursement.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2157)
- [Consent J- Parks Mowing (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2172)
- [Consent N - Intent to close a ROW Morningside Dr.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2195)
- [Consent B - Mills River Water Treatment Plant Hurricane Helene Emergency Contract - Campbell, Inc..pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2177)
- [Consent T- Tax Releases and Refunds  (19).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2219)
- [Public Hearing B - Final - Cottage Developments  (3).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2232)
- [Consent F - Alcohol at Events (3).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2226)
- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - 3 UDO Amdts .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2116)
- [Consent R- HACA - Battery Park Additional Bonds $1M.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2147)
- [Public Hearing C - Appendix 7-F. Map and Parcel PIN List Final.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2102)
- [Consent P - Dept of Energy Grant.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2205)
- [Consent E- Financial Audit Contract (2).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2122)
- [Public Hearings B and C - Presentation - Flag Lot and Cottage Dev Standards .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2111)
- [Public Hearing C -  Final - Flag Lots (3).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2236)
- [Public Hearing B - Appendix 7-F. Map and Parcel PIN List Final.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2105)
- [Consent L - Campus Drive-Abandonment Petition.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2151)
- [Manager's Report - AshevilleRecovers.org .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2113)
- [agenda_2025-03-11.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2095)
- [Consent G - Carnivore Diet at Nature Center.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2190)
- [Consent A - Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2215)
- [Public Hearing A-3 - UDO - Commercial Zoning District Updates (2).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2209)
- [Consent C - Public Art Funds Reallocation for Arts Recovery.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2169)
- [Consent M - Transit Comprehensive Operational Analysis.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2163)
- [Consent K - Cemetery Mowing .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2126)
- [Public Hearing A-2 - UDO - Parking Standards (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2241)
- [minutes_2025-03-11.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2099)
- [Consent D - General Obligation Bonds .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/838?document=2199)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-mar-11-2025/)
- [Agenda Briefing](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dsYikl3bbkWi8F4CBN9HySK4xR7GkVQw?usp=drive_link)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gs6Wk9fIVFiJdjKXXPTXUxBuZ0EES-3T/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vct0g9o_gOLjP9r3HuBjaJB6-w_WH3RR/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)