# City Council Meeting (Jan 28, 2025) **Body:** City of Asheville — City Council **Date:** January 28, 2025 12:00 PM EST (2025-01-28T12:00:00-05:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846 ## Summary The Asheville City Council meeting held on January 28th was a busy one, with discussions and decisions heavily influenced by the ongoing recovery from Tropical Storm Helene and broader planning for the city's future. Here’s a breakdown of what happened, why it matters to you, and what's next. **1. Key Decisions: Approvals & Funding for Recovery & Essential Services** Council unanimously approved a significant number of items, primarily focused on supporting recovery efforts and ensuring essential city services continue to operate smoothly. Key decisions included: * **Hagerty Consulting Contract Amendment:** Approved an additional \$4.9 million for Hagerty Consulting to assist with FEMA recovery processes, bringing the total contract value to \$5.9 million. This funding is crucial for securing reimbursement for storm-related repairs and infrastructure improvements. * **Biltmore Farms Hotel Group Lodging Contract:** Extended and increased funding for lodging essential workers and first responders at the Hampton Inn & Suites, recognizing the ongoing need to support those on the front lines of recovery. * **Software Upgrades for Transit & Inspections:** Approved contracts to upgrade software used for transit scheduling and passenger counting, as well as inspection scheduling. These upgrades will improve efficiency and service delivery for residents. * **Zoning Text Amendments:** Approved changes to zoning regulations aimed at aligning with state building codes and flood protection requirements. This will impact how properties are rebuilt, particularly in areas affected by flooding. * **Legislative Agenda Adoption:** Council formally adopted a focused legislative agenda prioritizing support for recovery funding and addressing changes to local zoning authority. **2. Discussion Highlights: Navigating Recovery, Zoning Changes & Future Budgets** Beyond the approvals, several key discussions shaped the meeting: * **Hurricane Helene Recovery Challenges:** Council members acknowledged the ongoing challenges of navigating FEMA’s recovery process and ensuring equitable access to assistance for residents. There was a focus on streamlining the application process and providing targeted support through the FAST team (Focused Assistance for Storm Transformation). * **State Law Impacting Zoning:** A significant portion of the meeting centered on a recently passed state law that limits municipalities’ ability to downzone properties. Council discussed strategies for advocating against this legislation and exploring alternative approaches to land use planning. * **Budget Considerations & Fund Balance:** Council engaged in a discussion about the city's financial health and the use of fund balance. The response to an audit finding highlighted a need for careful budget planning in future years, potentially including property tax adjustments. * **Affordable Housing Plan Implementation:** The council heard an update on the implementation of the city's affordable housing plan, with a focus on integrating recovery efforts to address immediate needs and long-term affordability goals. **3. Community Input: Voices Heard on Floodplain Regulations & Other Concerns** While the meeting primarily focused on council business, there was some opportunity for community input: * **Feedback on Floodplain Ordinance:** Staff shared feedback from recent community meetings regarding proposed changes to the floodplain ordinance. Concerns were raised about a two-foot freeboard requirement for substantially damaged properties, prompting further discussion and consideration. * **Public Comments on Various Issues:** Residents voiced concerns about a range of topics, including affordable housing, tenant protections, and issues related to drug use in the community. **4. Action Items: What Happens Next?** Several key action items emerged from the meeting, setting the stage for future discussions and decisions: * **Council Retreat:** A Council retreat is scheduled for February 13-14 to discuss the budget outlook, organizational work plan, and long-term recovery strategies. * **Legislative Advocacy:** The city will continue to advocate for changes to the recently passed downzoning legislation and seek state coverage for the 10% local match required for FEMA public assistance projects. * **FAST Team Support:** The FAST team will continue to assist property owners navigating the FEMA process. * **Data Collection:** Staff will provide additional data to council on the number of historic structures impacted by Hurricane Helene. * **Continued UDO Discussions:** The Council will continue to review and refine proposed zoning text amendments. **5. Impact: Why This Matters to You** The decisions made at this meeting have a direct impact on Asheville residents: * **Recovery & Resilience:** The funding and support approved will help the city rebuild after Tropical Storm Helene, ensuring safer infrastructure and improved services. * **Housing Affordability:** Ongoing discussions about zoning regulations and the affordable housing plan will shape the future of housing options in Asheville. * **Financial Stability:** The budget discussions and focus on responsible financial management will influence the city's ability to provide essential services in the years ahead. * **Community Voice:** The opportunity for community input ensures that residents’ concerns are heard and considered as the city navigates these challenges. This meeting highlighted a period of significant change and challenge for Asheville, with council members working to balance immediate recovery needs with long-term planning goals. Stay informed and engaged as these issues continue to evolve! You can find detailed meeting minutes, videos, and agendas on the City of Asheville’s website: [https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-meeting-materials/](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-meeting-materials/) ## Agenda - [Resolution ratifying contract with Selectron Technologies and previous spending under that contract, and authorizing future spending under that contract for inspection scheduling software.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846/item/9006) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the contract with Biltmore Farms Hotel Group for the lodging for essential employees and first responders working on rescue and recovery efforts.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846/item/9007) - [Resolution of support from the City of Asheville to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization for Cooperative, Comprehensive, and Continuing Transportation Planning as required by federal and state law.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846/item/9008) - [Resolution ratifying the contract renewal for remaining option years and authorizing the City Manager to increase the existing contract amounts as follows: (1) With Via Transportation Inc. for Transit Scheduling and Planning Software for the final option year; and (2) With Urban Transportation Associates, Inc. for Automatic Passenger Counter Software for the final two option years.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846/item/9009) - [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the contract with Hagerty Consulting Inc. for recovery management services from Tropical Storm Helene.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846/item/9010) - [Budget amendment, in the amount of $4,994,885 in the City’s Special Revenue Fund, for recovery management services from Tropical Storm Helene.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846/item/9011) - [Resolution appointing Vice-Mayor S. Antanette Mosley as the ex-officio non-voting member on the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846/item/9012) - [Motion to direct staff to send the "Response to the Auditor's Findings, Recommendations, and Fiscal Matters" to the Secretary of the Department of State Treasurer regarding City's 2024 audit, upon obtaining signatures from the majority of City Council members.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846/item/9013) - [Manager's Report - Affordable Housing Plan Implementation Through Lens of Recovery Heard Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846/item/9014) - [Public hearing previously held - Vote to consider proposed zoning text amendments to Chapter 7 of the City's Unified Development Ordinance to better align existing city regulations with the North Carolina State Building Code.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846/item/9015) - [Resolution adopting the Asheville City Council 2025 Legislative Agenda.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846/item/9016) ## Votes - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the contract with Biltmore Farms Hotel Group for the lodging for essential employees and first responders working on rescue and recovery efforts. — Passed, 7-0 - Resolution of support from the City of Asheville to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization for Cooperative, Comprehensive, and Continuing Transportation Planning as required by federal and state law. — Passed, 7-0 - Motion to direct staff to send the "Response to the Auditor's Findings, Recommendations, and Fiscal Matters" to the Secretary of the Department of State Treasurer regarding City's 2024 audit, upon obtaining signatures from the majority of City Council members. — Passed, 7-0 - Manager's Report - Affordable Housing Plan Implementation Through Lens of Recovery Heard Report — Passed, 7-0 - Resolution ratifying contract with Selectron Technologies and previous spending under that contract, and authorizing future spending under that contract for inspection scheduling software. — Passed, 7-0 - Resolution ratifying the contract renewal for remaining option years and authorizing the City Manager to increase the existing contract amounts as follows: (1) With Via Transportation Inc. for Transit Scheduling and Planning Software for the final option year; and (2) With Urban Transportation Associates, Inc. for Automatic Passenger Counter Software for the final two option years. — Passed, 7-0 - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the contract with Hagerty Consulting Inc. for recovery management services from Tropical Storm Helene. — Passed, 7-0 - Budget amendment, in the amount of $4,994,885 in the City’s Special Revenue Fund, for recovery management services from Tropical Storm Helene. — Passed, 7-0 - Resolution appointing Vice-Mayor S. Antanette Mosley as the ex-officio non-voting member on the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. — Passed, 7-0 - Resolution adopting the Asheville City Council 2025 Legislative Agenda. — Passed, 7-0 ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQRal6K9qaU - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/450/segments - Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/a-Jxvg7u4EI?si=Ps9yPK8-gNX5sdKD - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/666/segments ## Documents - [Consent D - FBRMPO Reso of Support .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2263) - [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2212) - [Consent B - Selectron Software Contract 4th Renewal.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2261) - [Presentations A - Affordable Housing Plan, Housing RSG.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2222) - [Consent G - TDA.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2255) - [Consent E - Transit Scheduling & Planning Software.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2259) - [Consent A - Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2267) - [Consent H - Local Government Com Findings Letter.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2253) - [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2231) - [New A - Presentation of 2025 Legislative Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2242) - [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2237) - [Public Hearing A - Presentation - Flood Protection Ordinance Updates.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2217) - [Consent C -Biltmore Farms Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2257) - [agenda_2025-01-28.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2202) - [Public Comment - Jared Wheatley.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2227) - [minutes_2025-01-28.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2206) - [Consent F - Hagerty Contract Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2250) - [Public Hearing A - Flood Protection Ordinance Updates (3).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2265) - [New A - Legislative Agenda V2 - 2025 (Long Session).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/846?document=2246) ## Sources - [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-jan-28-2025/) - [Agenda Briefing](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1x9p4gJIVjW3tHWDwSkrXOmeZiVsfdiCP?usp=drive_link) - [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cp984GwSHkllY56m0cIxjAZvYV4T4cfV/view?usp=drive_link) - [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CqP8_RIXdTsMqRc6VotM8QwYhcqJt-AZ/view?usp=drive_link) - [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267) - [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)