# City Council Meeting (In-Person) (Sep 9, 2025)

**Body:** City of Asheville — City Council
**Date:** September 9, 2025 5:00 PM EDT (2025-09-09T17:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, USA - City Hall - Council Chamber

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92

## Summary

The Asheville City Council held a regular in-person meeting on September 9, 2025. The session focused on approving infrastructure contracts, managing financial resources for disaster recovery, and addressing zoning and development proposals. The Council also received final reports from the Community Reparations Commission (CRC) and the I-26 Connector Aesthetics Committee.

### Key Decisions and Votes

The Council approved the Consent Agenda by a vote of 7-0. This package included the approval of minutes from previous meetings and the authorization of several contracts and budget amendments. Notable items within the Consent Agenda included:
*   **Infrastructure and Engineering:** A change order with CDM Smith Inc. for the Patton Avenue Water System Distribution Project 2, increasing the contract value to $2,308,101.00; a change order with Ardurra Group Inc. for the Shiloh Service Line Find and Replace Engineering Services, increasing the contract to $580,000; and a contract with NV5 Engineers and Consultants, Inc. for the London Road Sidewalk Improvements Project, totaling $292,340.
*   **Facilities and Operations:** An informal construction contract with United Elevator for the modernization of the freight elevator at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville; amendments to contracts with Daikin Applied for building automation and Pepsi Cola Bottling Company for beverage services at the same venue; and a contract with Passport Labs Inc. for a parking citation and permit management system, not to exceed $1,031,900.
*   **Financial and Administrative:** A budget amendment to accept $95,000 in grant funds from Dogwood Health Trust for the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care; a resolution to enter into a Round 3 cashflow loan agreement with the State of North Carolina in the amount of $12,218,317.22 to support Hurricane Helene recovery; and a lease renewal with the United States of America for 224 Louisiana Avenue.
*   **Other Approvals:** A resolution to extend the contract with Responder Support Services for employee counseling through October 31, 2025; a resolution to permit the consumption of malt beverages and unfortified wine at the Lovely Asheville Fall Festival on October 11-12, 2025; and a resolution to join the American Flood Coalition.

The Council also voted on specific ordinances and resolutions outside the Consent Agenda:
*   **Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Amendments:** Passed 7-0. These amendments to Chapter 7 align Board of Adjustment procedures with North Carolina state law, including changes to membership appointments and notification requirements for quasi-judicial hearings.
*   **Ordinance No. 5175:** Passed 7-0. This amends Chapter 7 regarding Board of Adjustment membership and legal advertisement notification requirements.
*   **Deerfield Retirement Community Expansion:** The Council held a public hearing and subsequently passed a resolution 7-0 to approve the conditional zoning amendment for the property at 1617 Hendersonville Road. This allows for a significant expansion of the retirement community, including new independent living, assisted living, and health center facilities.
*   **Affordable Housing Bond:** The Council voted to allocate $10 million from the Affordable Housing Bond to the WNC Affordable Housing Loan Fund. Mayor Esther Manheimer recused herself from this vote.
*   **Public Solicitation Ordinance:** The Council held a second reading on an ordinance expanding "high traffic" zones where public solicitation is restricted. One member voted against the ordinance.

### Discussion Highlights and Community Input

The meeting included a presentation on the final report of the Community Reparations Commission (CRC). The report outlines 39 recommendations for addressing systemic racism and includes the creation of a new non-profit, 40 Acres LOTSA CDC, to implement these initiatives. Staff indicated they will identify which recommendations fall under the City’s purview. The CRC is scheduled for formal dissolution at the October 14, 2025, City Council meeting.

The Council also received a report from the I-26 Connector Aesthetics Committee regarding design changes for the new bridge over West Patton Avenue. The committee recommended aesthetic improvements, including lighting and public art, with the City funding specific "betterment" items such as expanding the Smith Mill Creek Greenway multi-use path ($277,000) and adding form liners to the bridge span ($74,100).

During public comment, several residents addressed the Council. Steve Leger of the Freedman Reparations Fund Trust advocated for the city to prioritize funding and support for the trust to address historical inequities. Matt Zimmerman spoke about the need to address the compensation of city employees, particularly those earning less than a living wage. Thessa Pickett, also representing the Freedman Reparations Fund Trust, reiterated the importance of ensuring the fund’s resources are used effectively. Other speakers raised concerns regarding the affordability of living in Asheville, the impact of I-26 corridor development on accessibility, and public safety.

### Follow-ups

Staff agreed to identify recommendations within the CRC final report that fall under the City’s purview. Staff also agreed to schedule meetings with Council members within the next week or two to discuss the City’s drug testing policy for safety-sensitive positions. Additionally, the Transportation Department is working to repair a downed lighted crosswalk sign on Overlook Road, with an estimated completion in early next week.

### Impact on Residents

These decisions impact residents through improved infrastructure, such as new sidewalks on London Road and upgrades to the water system on Patton Avenue. The approval of the Deerfield expansion adds housing options for seniors in the Hendersonville Road area. The allocation of bond funds to the WNC Affordable Housing Loan Fund aims to leverage additional private investment to create affordable rental housing in the city. The cashflow loan ensures the City can continue its Hurricane Helene recovery efforts while awaiting federal reimbursements. Finally, the changes to the Board of Adjustment procedures aim to streamline the review of zoning appeals and improve communication with neighborhood associations.

## Agenda

- [Approval of the combined minutes of the agenda briefing worksession held on August 21, 2025, and the formal meeting held on August 26, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17177)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a change order with CDM Smith Inc. for the Patton Avenue Water System Distribution Project 2.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17178)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a change order with Ardurra Group Inc. for the Shiloh Service Line Find and Replace Engineering Services contract.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17179)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a lease renewal agreement between the United States of America and the City of Asheville for 224 Louisiana Avenue.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17180)
- [Budget amendment in the amount of $95,000 to accept awarded grant funds from Dogwood Health Trust for the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17181)
- [Resolution to enter into a Round 3 cashflow loan agreement with the State of North Carolina and to authorize the City Manager to execute the associated documents; and the associated budget amendment in the amount of $12,065,038.40 to budget the loan in the Helene Cashflow Loan Fund, as required by the loan agreement.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17182)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to extend the current contract with Responder Support Services to provide counseling services to employees through October 31, 2025; and to amend the current contract by increasing the not to exceed amount by $7,250.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17183)
- [Resolution to permit the possession and consumption of malt beverages and/or unfortified wine at the Lovely Asheville Fall Festival on October 11-12, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17184)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an informal construction contract with United Elevator for the modernization of the freight elevator at Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17185)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the contract with Daikin Applied for Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville's Building Automation.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17186)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville's contract with Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Hickory NC to extend the term of the agreement and increase the contract for product purchase.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17187)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with NV5 Engineers and Consultants, Inc. for design and construction administration services for London Road Sidewalk Improvements, and further, authorizing the City Manager to execute any additional service requests that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17188)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Olin Partnership Limited for design and engineering services required to rebuild the Azalea parks and infrastructure system; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount; and approval of a budget amendment, in the amount of $250,000, to add federal and state funds to the General Capital Projects Fund.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17189)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Novus Architects for design and construction administration services for "8 River Arts Place - Helene Recovery", and further, authorizing the City Manager to execute any additional service requests that may arise during the project up to the Contingency amount.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17190)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Samsara, Inc., for the provision of fleet telematics and camera solutions.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17191)
- [Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Passport Labs Inc. for a parking citation and permit management system and a parking enforcement license plate recognition system for an initial term of three years with two optional one-year renewals.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17192)
- [Ordinance enacting a 25 mph speed limit on: (1) Emma Road from Craven Street to 0.44 miles southeast of Bingham Road; (2) Emma Road from 0.44 miles southeast of Bingham Road to Bingham Road; (3) Craven Street in its entirety; (4) Miller Road from Hendersonville Road to Lee Street; (5) Lee Street from Miller Road to Rosscraggon Road; (6) Rosscraggon Road from Miller Road to Rathfarnham Road; (7) Rosscraggon Road from Rathfarnham Road to Sweeten Creek Road; (8) Rathfarnham Road from Rosscraggon Road to Sweeten Creek Road; and (9) Hominy Creek Road from Shelburne Road to 0.81 miles south of Shelburne Road.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17193)
- [Resolution supporting and requesting the N.C. Dept. of Transportation to dedicate a section of I-40 at Exit 51 in memory of Jim Daniels.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17194)
- [Resolution providing for the City of Asheville, North Carolina, to become a member of the American Flood Coalition.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17195)
- [Community Reparations Commission Final Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17196)
- [I-26 Connector Aesthetics Committee Final Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17197)
- [Manager's Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/20132)
- [Employee Recognitions](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/20133)
- [Tropical Storm Helene After Action Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17198)
- [Public hearing to amend the conditional zoning of properties located at 1617 Hendersonville Road for the purposes of amending the site plan and conditions.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17199)
- [Public hearing to consider amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance to (1) better align with N.C. Gen. Stat. and Buncombe County County Government practices by revising number of members, and appointments, (2) remove quasi-judicial public noticing; and (3) make submitting Board of Adjustment (BOA) applications and administrative appeals more efficient by submitting them directly to the Planning Director, or their designee, rather than the City Clerk's office.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17200)
- [Second and final reading of Ordinance No. 5170 - Ordinance amending the City of Asheville Code of Ordinances Section 11-5, Public Solicitation and Begging Regulated, specifically, to expand defined "high traffic" zones to include geographic locations on and around Haywood Road, Patton Avenue, and Merrimon Avenue. - Public comment was received on August 26, 2025.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17201)
- [Consent Agenda](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17203)
- [Resolution to allocate $10 Million of the Affordable Housing Bond to the WNC Affordable Housing Loan Fund to create affordable rental housing within the city limits, including a loan agreement with Self-Help Ventures Fund for the loan administration, underwriting, and servicing.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17202)
- [Ordinance No. 5175 - Amend Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Board of Adjustment membership and legal ad notification requirements](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17204)
- [Approve conditional zoning amendment for property at 1617 Hendersonville Rd (Deerfield), with amendment to Condition 7](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17205)
- [Recuse Mayor Manheimer from remainder of meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92/item/17206)

## Votes

- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a change order with Ardurra Group Inc. for the Shiloh Service Line Find and Replace Engineering Services contract — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to extend the current contract with Responder Support Services to provide counseling services to employees through October 31, 2025; and to amend the current contract by increasing the not to exceed amount by $7,250 — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution to permit the possession and consumption of malt beverages and/or unfortified wine at the Lovely Asheville Fall Festival on October 11-12, 2025 — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville's contract with Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Hickory NC to extend the term of the agreement and increase the contract for product purchase — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Olin Partnership Limited for design and engineering services required to rebuild the Azalea parks and infrastructure system; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount; and approval of a budget amendment, in the amount of $250,000, to add federal and state funds to the General Capital Projects Fund — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution to allocate $10 Million of the Affordable Housing Bond to the WNC Affordable Housing Loan Fund to create affordable rental housing within the city limits, including a loan agreement with Self-Help Ventures Fund for the loan administration, underwriting, and servicing — Passed
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with NV5 Engineers and Consultants, Inc. for design and construction administration services for London Road Sidewalk Improvements, and further, authorizing the City Manager to execute any additional service requests that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a change order with CDM Smith Inc. for the Patton Avenue Water System Distribution Project 2 — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a lease renewal agreement between the United States of America and the City of Asheville for 224 Louisiana Avenue — Passed, 7-0
- Budget amendment in the amount of $95,000 to accept awarded grant funds from Dogwood Health Trust for the Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution to enter into a Round 3 cashflow loan agreement with the State of North Carolina and to authorize the City Manager to execute the associated documents; and the associated budget amendment in the amount of $12,065,038.40 to budget the loan in the Helene Cashflow Loan Fund, as required by the loan agreement. — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an informal construction contract with United Elevator for the modernization of the freight elevator at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the contract with Daikin Applied for — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Novus Architects for design and construction administration services for "8 River Arts Place - Helene Recovery", and further, authorizing the City Manager to execute any additional service requests that may arise during the project up to the Contingency amount — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Samsara, Inc., for the provision of fleet telematics and camera solutions — Passed, 7-0
- Ordinance enacting a 25 mph speed limit on: (1) Emma Road from Craven Street to 0.44 miles southeast of Bingham Road; (2) Emma Road from 0.44 miles southeast of Bingham Road to Bingham Road; (3) Craven Street in its entirety; (4) Miller Road from Hendersonville Road to Lee Street; (5) Lee Street from Miller Road to Rosscraggon Road; (6) Rosscraggon Road from Miller Road to Rathfarnham Road; (7) Rosscraggon Road from Rathfarnham Road to Sweeten Creek Road; (8) Rathfarnham Road from Rosscraggon Road to Sweeten Creek Road; and (9) Hominy Creek Road from Shelburne Road to 0.81 miles south of Shelburne Road — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution supporting and requesting the N.C. Dept. of Transportation to dedicate a section of I-40 at Exit 51 in memory of Jim Daniels — Passed, 7-0
- Resolution providing for the City of Asheville, North Carolina, to become a member of the American Flood Coalition — Passed, 7-0
- Public hearing to amend the conditional zoning of properties located at 1617 Hendersonville Road for the purposes of amending the site plan and conditions. — Passed, 7-0
- Public hearing to consider amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance. — Passed, 7-0
- Move 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) align boards and commissions with statutory requirements; and, 2) improve the efficiency of city operations. — Passed, 7-0
- Moved to approve the conditional zoning amendment request for the property located at 1617 Hendersonville Rd, zoned Commercial Expansion - Conditional Zone (COM EXP-CZ), with the amendment to Condition 7 on Exhibit E reading "The project will comply with maximum parking requirements as stated in UDO Sec. 7-11-2", 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. — Passed, 7-0
- Consent Agenda. — Passed, 7-0
- Second and final reading of Ordinance No. 5170 - Ordinance amending the City of Asheville Code of Ordinances Section 11-5, Public Solicitation and Begging Regulated, specifically, to expand defined "high traffic" zones to include geographic locations on and around Haywood Road, Patton Avenue, and Merrimon Avenue. - Public comment was received — Passed, 6-1

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVuW4HrBQzU
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/13/segments

## Documents

- [Public Hearing A - Presentation - CZ - 1617 Hendersonville Road.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1515)
- [Consent F - Helene Cash Flow Loan Round (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1521)
- [Agenda.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1528)
- [Consent E - Dogwood Grant for CoC .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1544)
- [Consent B - Water System Distribution Proj Change Order.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1547)
- [Memo - Follow-Up.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1519)
- [Presentations B - West Patton Avenue I-26 Bridge Presentation Final.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1512)
- [Memo - Follow-Up-2.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1501)
- [Consent P - Parking Citation & Permit Management.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1536)
- [Consent K - Pepsi Cola Contract Amendment.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1539)
- [Consent J - Harrah's Building Modernization.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1541)
- [Consent I - Harrah's Freight Elevator.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1542)
- [Consent A - Minutes.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1550)
- [Unfinished A - Solicitation Ord.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1549)
- [agenda_2025-09-09.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1493)
- [minutes_2025-09-09.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1498)
- [Consent S Attachment - American Flood Coalition Policy Booklet.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1533)
- [Presentations A - Community Reparations Commission Final Report.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1506)
- [Presentations C - Manager's Report - Helene After Action.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1508)
- [Consent Q - Speed Limit Changes (8).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1535)
- [Public Hearing B - UDO - BOA Amendments.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1523)
- [Consent R - Jim Daniels I-40 Dedication.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1529)
- [Presentations C - Manager's Report - Employee Recognition .pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1518)
- [Consent N - 8 River Arts (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1526)
- [Agenda - Spanish.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1525)
- [Public Hearing A - CZ 1617 Hendersonville Road (5).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1520)
- [Consent L - London Road Sidewalk.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1538)
- [New A - WNC Affordable Housing Loan Fund (1).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1527)
- [New A - Presentation - Housing Bond & WNC AH Loan Fund.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1522)
- [Public Hearing B - Presentation - BOA Amendments.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1524)
- [Consent D - 224 Louisiana Avenue Lease.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1545)
- [Consent C - Shiloh Service Line Change Order.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1546)
- [Consent H - Alcohol Permitted.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1530)
- [Consent M - Azalea Parks & Infrastructure Design.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1548)
- [Consent O - Samsara Amdt for Fleet Telematics.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1537)
- [Consent S - Member of American Flood Coalition.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1531)
- [Consent G - Responder Support Svs Amdt (2).pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/92?document=1543)

## Sources

- [City of Asheville WordPress](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/meetings/city-council-meeting-in-person-sep-9-2025/)
- [Resolutions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cJ23p6Pu_j6bvIJKAkcdNX0kQCYrDGq8/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Ordinances](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LCniKq60ry0FE5adSqscH8YkfmEeNKRE/view?usp=drive_link)
- [Public Input](https://publicinput.com/g1267)
- [City Council agenda page](https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/city-council-agenda/)