Asheville City Council
June 25, 2024
Regular meeting
WaterPublic safetyOther City businessStreets and transitHousing
What it did
- Rezones 28 Roberts St, with conditions, from River Arts Form District - Neighborhood Transition (RAD-NT) to Residential Multi-Family Medium Density (RM-8).Passed. Voted no: Kim Roney.
- Motion to deny the zoning request for the properties located at 28 Roberts St died without a second.Failed.
- Rezones 172 Moody Ave, with conditions, from Highway Business (HB) and Residential Multi-Family Low Density (RM-6) to Commercial Expansion - Conditional Zone (COM EXP-CZ) with the four conditions amended by the applicant and read by Mr.Passed. Everyone present voted yes.
- Directs the application to the Local Government Commission for the 2024 water system revenue Bonds.Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
- Votes recorded
- 16
- Voted on separately
- 3
- Routine items, one vote
- 13
- Votes that split
- 1
Why it matters
Regular meetings are where Council votes on laws, the budget, contracts and zoning. Routine items pass together in one vote, called the consent agenda.
The recording
Everything on the agenda
From the minutes, in the order the City lists them. Each item's first lines are the minutes' own words.
PROCLAMATIONS
Proclamation proclaiming July 2024 as “Parks and Recreation Month”
“Mayor Manheimer read the proclamation proclaiming July, 2024, as "Parks and Recreation Month " in the City of Asheville.”
CONSENT AGENDA
13 routine items, passed together in one vote.
PRESENTATIONS & REPORTS
Manager’s report - employee recognition
“City Manger Campbell said that City of Asheville employees are heroes in many ways.”
State of the Airport presentation
“President and CEO of the Asheville Regional Airport Lew Bleiweis said “growth” and “change” have been consistent themes at Asheville Regional Airport for years, and 2023 was an important year for our region’s airport.”
Manager’s report - I-26 connector project update
“Nathan Moneyham, N.C. Dept. of Transportation Division Engineering Engineer, gave a project overview, along with the delivery method, schedule, scope and current funding of the south, west.”
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing to consider a resolution authorizing the submittal of the 2024-25 annual action plan for community development block grant and home investment partnership program to the U.S. dept. of housing & urban development
“Councilwoman Ullman moved to continue this public hearing until July 23, 2024.”
Public Hearing to consider the Conditional Zoning of 172 Moody Avenue from Highway Business District and RM-6 Residential Multi-Family Low Density District to Commercial Expansion - Conditional Zone: urban
“Urban Planner Clay Mitchell said that this is the consideration of an ordinance to consider the conditional zoning of 172 Moody Avenue from Highway Business District and RM-6 Residential Multi-Family Low Density District to Commercial Expansion - Conditional Zone.”
Public Hearing to consider the rezoning of Properties at 28 Roberts Street from River Arts Form District - Neighborhood Transition to RM-8 Residential Multi-Family Medium Density District: Page 34 Assistant Planning & Urban Design
“Page 34 Assistant Planning & Urban Design Director Chris Collins said that this is the consideration of an ordinance to consider the rezoning properties at 28 Roberts Street from River Arts Form District - Neighborhood Transition to RM-8 Residential Multi-Family Medium Density District.”
INFORMAL DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comment
- condemn all antisemitism speech
- Asheville is a hub of pre-terrorist activities
- Reparations Commission responsibility is not complete as they never looked at voter disenfranchisement
- support for zoning text amendments to adjust the conditional zoning project level thresholds and remove residential parking amenities
- Realignment Working Group is working on final recommendations on boards and commissions and believe that promoting and enabling hybrid meetings is an important item
- request for Council to adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza
- provide more metered parking as a revenue option
- need to resurface Bartlett Street, help maintain pool privileges for bipoc kids at the Grant Center pool
- increase police protection at South French Broad and Bartlett Street
- improve the Greyhound bus stops
- continue reparations process
Voted on separately
Each of these had its own motion and vote.
Motion to deny the zoning request for the properties located at 28 Roberts St died without a second.
Failed.
More from the minutes
- “Discussion was held regarding Planning staff’s reasons to not support the rezoning, need for a sidewalk on the other side of the road from the proposed rezoning parcels; whether nearby developments are occupied or still being constructed; and are we really getting what we wanted in this area.”
- “If approved: this site has potential to provide new homes for 6-10 families (possibly a few more) in the near future, in a manner compatible with the existing homes lining the east side of Roberts St.”
- “OR If denied: this site will remain vacant with the hope that one day a new developer will purchase it and provide a single structure containing new homes for 8-12 families (possibly a few more) plus a small commercial space.”
Passed. Everyone present voted yes.
More from the minutes
- “He said that the unit count is 35 studios, 86 one-bedroom units, 155 two-bedroom units and 69 3-bedroom units.”
- “He said that staff concurs with the Planning & Zoning Commission and recommends approval of the proposed conditional zoning.”
- “Mr. Allen responded to Councilwoman Roney when she requested consideration of deeper affordability even if another factor needed to change, such as percentage of units, in order to consider voucher holders.”
Routine items, passed together
The consent agenda: items Council approves in one vote, without separate discussion. A member can ask to pull an item out for its own vote.
Directs the application to the Local Government Commission for the 2024 water system revenue Bonds.
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- The money, in the minutes' words: “To cover the expenses from the AMI project, debt issuance costs, and provide funding for other eligible water system capital expenses, staff plans, in consultation with our financial advisors and bond counsel, to issue the debt in an amount not to exceed $30 million.”
- “In July 2022, City Council adopted resolutions providing staff with authorization to enter into various contracts related to the Water System’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project.”
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- What the minutes say it will do: “The proposed amendment will be the 5th amendment to the contract and it will cover services provided between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.”
- The money, in the minutes' words: “Action Requested: Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the existing Transit Operations and Maintenance Contract between the City of Asheville and RATPDev USA for a total of $11,204,300 for Fiscal Year 2025.”
- “There are no proposed changes to the language of the Contract with this amendment, other than relating to increasing the contract amount.”
Changes the agreement with Motorola Inc. for Public Safety Radio System Maintenance.
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- What the minutes say it will do: “This new amendment to the contract will add services for Managed Detection and Response, which will provide around the clock cybersecurity operations center support.”
- The money, in the minutes' words: “Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the contract with Motorola, Inc., for Public Safety Radio System Maintenance and add $2,395,293 for a total contract amount of $4,215,978.64.”
- “Funding for the next year of this contract is included in the IT Services proposed operating budget.”
Directs the expenditure of opioid Settlement funds.
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- What the minutes say it will do: “The allocation, use, and reporting of funds stemming from these national settlement agreements and bankruptcy resolutions are governed by the Memorandum of Agreement Between the State of North Carolina and Local Governments on Proceeds Relating to the Settlement of Opioid Litigation (MOA).”
- The money, in the minutes' words: “As noted, the City is currently scheduled to receive a total of $2,746,294 in opioid settlement funds over 18 years, and will have received $811,808 by the end of next fiscal year.”
Signs a contract with Buncombe County for Mountain Mobility to provide the services for american…
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- The money, in the minutes' words: “6-25-24 Page 16 DISABILITIES ACT PARATRANSIT SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 Action Requested: Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Buncombe County for ADA Paratransit Services not to exceed $1,211,815 for Fiscal Year 2025.”
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- The money, in the minutes' words: “Under the requested change order, the construction contract will increase from $912,889.00 to a not to exceed amount of $1,002,889.00.”
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- The money, in the minutes' words: “Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Carolina Cornerstone Construction, Inc. in the amount of $530,000, for the Design-Build Upfit Project; further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount of $53,000 (10%).”
- “Legerton Architecture, P.A. is currently in the process of becoming certified as a woman-owned business.”
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- The money, in the minutes' words: “Contract is in the amount of $107,437.40.”
- “The proposed AV upgrades will allow hybrid meeting capability in City Hall’s First-Floor Conference Room, increasing the public’s ability to engage with Board and Commission meetings both in-person and remotely.”
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- What the minutes say it will do: “The requested Amendment #4 will add design services for a relocated APD Forensics lab, Forensics offices and renovated fitness center.”
- The money, in the minutes' words: “Action Requested: Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Terracon Consultants in the amount of $87,950 for additional design services on the Municipal Building Capital Repairs & Restoration Project.”
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- The money, in the minutes' words: “Action Requested: Adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Town of Black Mountain to provide $25,000 in funding support for Route 170 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025.”
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- “It is at the July 23 meeting when Council will be required to finalize the amounts in the four bond categories (amounts can be lowered from the current proposed amounts but can not be increased).”
- “Provide enhanced funding for transportation, parks and recreation, affordable housing, and public safety infrastructure needs as identified in City master plans and Council strategic goals utilizing GO Bonds, which come with the lowest possible interest rates.”
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- What the minutes say it will do: “The funding for this aspect of the project is budgeted in the Capital Improvement Fund.”
- “The project includes 1.91 miles of resurfacing and pedestrian improvements on US 19/23 (Haywood Road) from Patton Avenue to Ridgelawn Road.”
- “Many residents have contacted City staff wanting additional project details and advocating for additional pedestrian and bicycle improvements, NCDOT is the primary point of contact for the project and is responsible for community engagement.”
Passed with the routine items, in one vote, without discussion.
More from the minutes
- What the minutes say it will do: “This lease agreement will allow for planned structural repairs to proceed at the Municipal Building.”
The plain-language lines are written by fixed rules from each item's official title, which is on each decision's page. Every vote the minutes record is listed; procedural motions, like approving the minutes or adjourning, are left out.