City Council regular meeting — November 18, 2025

amendment request for the property located at 767 New Haw Creek, zoned Residential Expansion

• Conditional Zone (RES EXP-CZ), 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 in that the request: 1) provides development that maximizes real estate development to meet the needs of the residential community; and, 2) makes streets more walkable and connected especially where sidewalks and greenways are located at street crossings and where connectivity eliminates gaps proximate to greenway(s). This motion was seconded by Councilwoman Roney and carried on a 6-1 vote, with Councilwoman Turner voting “no.”.

Three individuals spoke against removing Jared Wheatley from the Asheville Planning & Zoning Commission.

Background:

• As part of the I26 improvement project the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is seeking to condemn a 0.387 acre property situated at 99999 Wilmington Street in Asheville, NC, with the Parcel Identification Number (PINNUM) 963856154, and otherwise known as Parcel 67 on NCDOT’s TIP #I-2513B.
• The disposition of this property is a necessary step in the NCDOT's right-of-way acquisition process, which aims to secure all required land parcels for the expansion and improvement of the Interstate system.
• The City of Asheville has been working with NCDOT to ensure that all necessary municipal approvals and processes are completed efficiently to support timely project execution.
• A real estate appraisal generated by NCDOT as part of this potential condemnation estimates the property’s fair market value to be $135,000. Staff agrees with this estimate. Committee(s):
• None Pro(s):
• Facilitates a state transportation improvement project to expand local infrastructure.
• Eliminates City responsibility for vacant land that has no current or future municipal transportation purpose.
• Supports the City’s broader goals of implementing master plans. Con(s):
• The City maintains an existing 10-inch water line that crosses this property. Disposition of this parcel will require increased coordination with NCDOT to relocate the water line prior to installing planned improvements on this parcel.

Fiscal Impact:

• The offer of $135,000 from NCDOT will be recorded as revenue in the General Fund.

Background:

• On September 27, 2024, the City's Parks and Recreation Maintenance Facility at 81 Thompson St. was destroyed by Tropical Storm Helene.
• The Parks Maintenance Facilities staff have operated under a scattered site model while searching for a replacement facility.
• The search for a suitable maintenance facility that met requirements proved challenging.
• The Parks Management and the Maintenance team, along with Capital Management, Development Services, IT, Legal, and Real Estate,determined that a facility located at 599 Tunnel Road met the maintenance and office requirements.
• City staff worked with the property owner to negotiate a lease so that Parks maintenance could take possession at the beginning of October.

Lease Terms:

• 13,361SF of combined office and maintenance space;
• Base rent $240k/yr (0% annual escalation); plus additional rent of annual property taxes and insurance;
• Initial term of three years beginning October 2, 2025, with an option to renew for two (2) additional one-year periods.
• To ensure this property was not leased to another party, the City Manager signed this lease on October 2, 2025.
• North Carolina General Statute 160A-240.1 provides that the City may acquire by lease or any other lawful method, the fee or lesser interest in real property for use by the City of any department or agency of the City.
• Approval of the City Council is not required by the statute, but the City’s Contracting Policy requires City Council approval of such lease acquisitions if the total lease amount exceeds $90,000. Committee(s):
• None Pro(s):
• The Parks maintenance team can operate more efficiently in a dedicated, centralized location. Con(s):
• The short lease will require relocation within three to five years.

Fiscal Impact:

• Funding for this contract is available in the FY26 Parks and Recreation operating budget.
• Initial term of three years beginning October 2, 2025 at a base rate of $240k per year plus additional rent in property taxes and insurance with an option to renew at the same rate for two additional one-year periods.

. Councilwoman Roney said the East/West Asheville Neighborhood Association did present some questions and also the Heart of West Asheville Coalition Business Owners and neighbors on the corridor as well have more curiosity about what public safety looks like and would like to be more engaged in the decision on the police station on Haywood Road. Mayor Manheimer also received a request to remove Consent Agenda “R” from the Consent Agenda for discussion and/or an individual vote. A. APPROVAL OF THE COMBINED MINUTES OF THE AGENDA BRIEFING WORKSESSION HELD ON OCTOBER 23, 2025, AND THE FORMAL MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 28, 2025; AND THE NOVEMBER 7, 2025, SPECIAL MEETING

Background:

• Cavanaugh and Associates, P.A. was selected through a Request for Qualifications and they are currently under contract with the City for On-Call Professional services, executed in 2020.
• The City of Asheville entered into a three (3) year contract with Cavanaugh and Associates, P.A. for project management services for the Water Resources Department Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project on August 31, 2022.
• This project is to replace the aging, failing meters currently in use by the City customers.
• Additional services are required beyond the original contract scope to accommodate a project schedule extension and other related services due to delays resulting from Tropical Storm Helene.
• The AMI project was delayed several months due to the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. The cumulative impact of delays associated with Helene increased the length of project delivery by approximately one year, and required additional support work with the City of Asheville, Aclara and PVI.
• This contract amendment is not related to a minor warranty issue that requires replacement by the contractor.

Vendor Outreach Efforts:

• Cavanaugh and Associates, P.A. is already under contract.
• As this is a contract amendment, no further outreach was performed. Committee(s):
• N/A Pro(s):
• Replacement of failing infrastructure
• Reduces the need to deploy vehicles to read meters, perform re-reads, etc.
• Allows customers to interface and manage water usage, detect leaks, etc.
• Provides a smooth transition to monthly billing Con(s):

None Fiscal Impact:

• $679,650.00 to be funded within the existing Water Capital Projects Fund budget.

Background:

• A request for proposals (RFP-WATERAMI-21-298) was issued on July 7, 2021.
• Aclara was selected as the preferred responsive provider for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project.
• The AMI project included retro-fitting existing large meters, rather than replacement of those large meters.
• New large meters will need to be installed by the City in the future, either for replacing existing large meters as they fail, or to accommodate new customers and system growth.
• It is necessary to standardize the large customer meter manufacturer and type, to ensure compatibility with the AMI system and operational efficiency.
• A sole source for large customer meters provides standardization of equipment that accommodates the installation needs for system upkeep and system growth.
• Pricing will be calculated at the time of purchase based on the Producer Price Index.
• Sole source arrangement will be applicable for the life of the AMI system.

Vendor Outreach Efforts:

• Staff performed outreach through solicitation processes which include posting on the State’s Interactive Purchasing System and requiring prime contractors to perform outreach to subcontractors in accordance with applicable purchasing policies. The solicitation was conducted as an IT-Exception Request for Proposals (RFP).
• RFP Responses were received from six (6) respondents, and scored by an evaluation committee following the City’s standard evaluation procedures.
• Kamstrup Water Metering, LLC received the highest evaluation score among all RFP respondents, and is the preferred responsive provider.. Committee(s):
• N/A Pro(s):
• Replacement of failing infrastructure
• Standardization of infrastructure materials and equipment
• Support full functionality and future expansion of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure system Con(s):

None Fiscal Impact:

• The contract is anticipated to cost $69,654.12. Funding is available in the Water Resources Fund. Motion(s):
• Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the sole source purchase with Kamstrup Metering, LLC as a sole source provider of large customer meters in connection with the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project.

Background:

• The City of Asheville contracts with RSS to provide individual counseling services to employees and their families.
• The current contract expired 10-31-25 and the Department issued an RFP on August 20, 2025, but the process was unsuccessful. No submissions met the unique needs of our public safety employees and their families.
• The amendment will extend the contract through 3-31-26 and increase the total contract amount by $43,500 to for a total amount of $224,749.
• The requested amendment will allow time for HR to develop an updated RFP while ensuring no disruption in services to employees and families utilizing counseling services.

Vendor Outreach Efforts:

• Current Contract
• N/A Committee(s):
• N/A Pro(s):
• Fulfills employee and employee family benefit needs. Con(s):

None Fiscal Impact:

• Funding for this contract is available in the Health Fund operating budget.

Background:

• The City Attorney contracted with Teague, Campbell, Dennis & Gorham LLP on April 21, 2025 to cover gaps in case coverage following the resignation of two senior staff attorneys.
• The City Attorney’s Office is now fully staffed, but additional funds are needed for Teague, Campbell, Dennis & Gorham LLP to complete the case work they’ve already started.
• Funding for the contract is included in the Department’s Legal Services Budget.

Vendor Outreach Efforts:

• Vendor is self performing, and exempted per City Council Resolution
• not applicable Committee(s):
• Not applicable Pro(s):
• Provide crucial stop gap legal services to the City during legal staff turnover. Con(s):

None Fiscal Impact:

• The Contract Amendment will add $31,000 to the contract, for a total contract cost of $120,000.00. This is included in the City Attorney’s operating budget.

Background:

• The City of Asheville entered into a contract with First Due for a records management system for the Asheville Fire Department on August 25, 2023. This contract expired on June 30, 2024.
• The contract price for the initial term was $32,917.50.
• The Asheville Fire Department has continued to use, and First Due has continued to provide, the services past June 30, 2024 and intends to do so until December 31, 2025.
• This continued use requires an amendment to the initial contract, extending the term for 18 months, and adding an additional monetary amount of $80,797.50.
• Since the additional monetary amount brings the total contract amount to $113,715.00, in order for the amendment to be ratified by the City Manager, authorization by Council is required.
• This Records Management software provides the following services for the

Asheville Fire Department:

• Inspections: Field Inspections, Configurable Checklists, Violation Management, Virtual Inspections, Inspections Scheduler, and Integrated Pre-Incident Planning.
• Incident Reporting & Personnel Management: Store, Manage and Access Employee Records including demographic data, certifications and employment information.
• Basic Training Records: Assign Training, Record Completions, View Training Logs, and Manage Certifications.
• Events & Activities: Create Events, View Global Activity Log, and Access Global Calendar.
• Assets & Inventory: Assets, vehicles, equipment and inventory management, assets and equipment checks, and work order management.

Vendor Outreach Efforts:

• N/A Council Goal(s)):
• Clean, Safe, and Healthy Environment
• Financially Resilient City Committee(s):
• N/A Pro(s):
• Provides critical service to Fire for their records management software. Con(s):
• None noted

Fiscal Impact:

• $80,797.50 in City’s General Fund: contracted services included in the FY26 budget.

Background:

• The City of Asheville Public Works Streets Division administers the Street Cut Utility Program. This program is an enterprise fund that is supported by the participation and work generated by partner agencies (Current members: Metropolitan Sewerage District, Dominion Energy, City of Asheville Water Resources, and City of Asheville Stormwater Division, future potential member: Duke Energy).
• As part of this program, both internal and external utilities partner with the Streets Division to make repairs to City-owned infrastructure that results from utility improvements and repairs.
• At times, these activities cut into concrete infrastructure such as curbs and sidewalks. When this occurs, the Utility Cut Program must have a method to address these areas.
• The equipment and staffing needed for repair of these areas exceeds that which was available of the City’s internal capacity, rendering it necessary to contract for these services.
• City staff are currently in discussions with Duke Energy to join the Utility Cut Program. If they join, this will create an increased utilization of this contract and funds.
• An Informal Advertisement for Bids, Project No. 298-FY26-PW-Bid-UtilityCutConcrete1, was issued on September 23, 2025, and bids were opened on October 19, 2025. The following bid was received:
• Appalachian Paving and Concrete, Inc. of Swannanoa, NC bid $314,675.00.

Vendor Outreach Efforts:

• Staff performed outreach to minority- and women-owned businesses through solicitation processes, which included posting on the State’s Interactive Purchasing System.
• The NC Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) and NCDOT DBE databases were checked for potential contractors, along with the City of Asheville’s ABI database.
• Ten companies from identified disparity groups (woman 4, Black 2, Hispanic 4) were found in the ten-county area, and staff directly contacted those companies. One of these companies submitted a bid
• Appalachian Paving and Concrete
• woman owned. Committee(s):
• None Pro(s):
• Provides for the timely repair of concrete infrastructure that has been damaged by the installation of utilities. Con(s):

None Fiscal Impact:

• The Street Cut Utility Program is an enterprise fund that is funded by fees paid by the four partner agencies participating in the program.
• The partners will be billed 100% of the repair cost, meaning that the City realizes full cost recovery.
• Funding for this contract is available in the FY 2025-26 Street Cut Utility Fund operating budget.

$255,325.00 for a total not to exceed contract of $2,808,566.00 for the construction of the Airport Road Sidewalk project. Background:

• The Airport Road Sidewalk is part of the 2016 Transportation Bond funded sidewalk improvements. This project will construct just over a half-mile of sidewalk along Airport Road (SR 3526) from the south Walmart Driveway to Hendersonville Rd (US 25). The purpose of this project is to expand the pedestrian network within the city, providing an ADA, PROWAG compliant and safe route for pedestrians to access amenities.
• Sidewalk construction also includes the installation of curb ramps, pedestrian safety railing, bus boarding areas, crosswalk striping, and pedestrian crossing improvements.
• The anticipated Construction timeline is QTR1 2026 – QTR1 2027.
• In June 2022, the City of Asheville entered into a design contract with SEPI Engineering & Construction, Inc. for the engineering and design of sidewalk along Airport Road. Final Design was completed in April 2023.
• Bidding required many rounds in order to receive acceptable bids:
• In May, 2023, the project was bid. No bids were received.
• In June, 2023 the project was rebid. No bids were received.
• In August, 2025, an updated project manual was bid and no bids were received.
• In October 2025, the project was rebid, and two bids were received. The bidders and bid totals listed below: NHM Constructors, LLC (Asheville, NC) ………………….$2,553,241.00 Appalachian Sitework, Inc. (Waynesville, NC)…………… $3,146,008.52
• NHM Constructors, LLC was deemed the lowest responsive, responsible bidder and therefore they are recommended for Award. .

Vendor Outreach Efforts:

• Staff performed outreach to minority and women owned businesses through solicitation processes that included emailing MWBE vendors after bid issue, posting on the State’s Interactive Purchasing System, and conducting a Pre-Bid meeting with the Asheville Business Inclusion Office (ABI), wherein ABI policy was clearly explained to attendees.
• The established goal for this project is 8.83% participation. The recommended Bidder will be utilizing minority-owned businesses with this participation representing 9.47% ($241,878) of the Total Bid. Committee(s):
• None Pro(s):
• Expanding the pedestrian transportation network which provides a safe and comfortable route that is ADA and PROWAG-compliant. Con(s):
• Impacts to local traffic due to construction (to be addressed through required traffic control and pedestrian safety measures).

Fiscal Impact:

• Funding for this contract is available in the General Capital Projects fund.

Background:

• The City of Asheville has owned the property located at 30 Buchanan Place, known as Lewis McCormick Field, since 1984 and leases the property for operation as a minor league baseball stadium.
• On March 14, 2023, the City Council authorized the City Manager to sign a funding letter of commitment to MLB regarding the City’s intent to bring McCormick Field into compliance with new facility standards.
• Buncombe County Government approved funding towards the project on March 21, 2023.
• In July 2023, staff advertised a request for qualifications for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services in accordance with N.C.G.S. 143-128.1. A construction contract was awarded in July 2024.
• In September 2024 the first phase of a three phase construction project began in the off season of Tourists baseball. The second construction phase began during the 2025 baseball season. The project is currently in its final phase, with completion planned by April 2026 in time for the Tourist baseball’s 2026 season.
• An increase in the construction contract is necessary to accommodate the addition of sports light poles, concrete repairs and parking lot improvements that were not anticipated in the original construction scope.
• The increase in construction contract is being funded by $175,000 in lease payments and the remaining balance by previously budgeted McCormick project contingency.

Vendor Outreach Efforts:

• Staff performed outreach on the CMAR selection to minority and women owned businesses, through solicitation processes using the State’s Interactive Purchasing System and requesting prime contractors to reach out to Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) service providers for subcontracted services.
• The selected Blum-WC Construction team is structured as an association with WC Construction, a certified HUB firm.
• MWBE Subcontractor participation as of September 2025 is tracking at 12.2% MWBE participation. Committee(s):
• None Pro(s):
• Provides for construction improvements on an asset with a demonstrated need for improvements.
• The construction improvements will allow for greater facility use for programming other than baseball including facility usage through all twelve months of a calendar year.
• Utilizes grant and lease funding to maximize non-City funding on a City owned asset. Con(s):
• When under construction, this project will have an impact on the activities that occur in this facility, in particular baseball.
• Construction activities may impact adjacent neighborhoods, similar to the current Memorial Stadium construction work.

Fiscal Impact:

• Funding for this contract was previously budgeted and is available in the General Capital Projects Fund. As previously shared with Council, the funding model for the project includes debt service contributions from the Asheville Tourists, Buncombe County, and BCTDA. Additional contributions have been committed to the project by the Asheville Tourists throughout the construction phase of the project.

Background:

• The Tropical Storm Helene Hazard Mitigation Program (HMGP) is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program uses a state-centric model. Program priorities are managed at the state level, and funds are distributed to the state as the primary applicant. Subapplicants (local governments, state agencies, etc.) apply to the state for project approval, and grant reimbursement.
• On July 29, 2025 City Council authorized nine infrastructure project applications based on the letter of interest (LOI) submitted to the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM).
• This resolution would authorize the submission of one new application and one amended application as follows:
• The City of Asheville is requesting $702,450.00 in funding to develop a strategic framework for the long-term stewardship of properties acquired by the City of Asheville as through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to reduce future risk from natural hazard to flooding, stormwater impacts, slope instability, and other natural hazards.
• Amend the North Fork Alternate Route Utility Protection application to include pretreatment to increase the city’s capacity to handle storm-induced sediment and turbidity. The total funding request for this application is amended to $233,830,105.00.
• City staff will submit all grant subapplications for projects based on the readiness of each submittal.
• Projects funded by this program are required to meet strict eligibility criteria, and most of the projects must demonstrate cost effectiveness as measured by the FEMA benefit cost analysis.
• The period to complete the project is 48 months, starting at the receipt of a letter of award.
• Future formal action for City Council, related to awarded projects, will come in the form of a Budget Amendment to receive the funding, and adjust the CIP. Council Goal(s) and

Priorities:

• Clean, Safe and Healthy Environment
• Financially Resilient
• Thriving Local Economy
• Well-planned and Livable Community Committee(s):
• Policy, Finance & Infrastructure Worksession Pro(s):
• Allows the City to participate in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and pursue projects that mitigate potential hazards caused by natural disasters, or improve resiliency measures.
• Matching funds are expected to be paid by the State.
• The scale of funding available provides an opportunity to make significant inroads towards mitigation and resiliency efforts, which may overlap with the City’s broader goals. Con(s):
• Mitigation projects that lead to construction are anticipated to have a lengthy FEMA review process, between one to three years.
• Program performance schedules are aggressive and will require significant staffing, and resources to meet deadlines.

Fiscal Impact:

• No fiscal impact at this time. A budget amendment will be presented to the City Council for each individual project grant award.
• All projects will be reimbursement based.
• FEMA requires a 25% match for HMGP community infrastructure mitigation projects. The City expects that matching funds are to be paid by the state of North Carolina.

Background:

• North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) is administering the Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund (DRMF), authorized through multiple legislative acts including the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 to directly address impacts experienced during Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters.
• The program is designed to reduce future flooding and transportation disruptions by investing in both structural (e.g., drainage upgrades, culvert replacements) and non-structural (e.g., relocation, elevation) mitigation strategies.
• Approximately $20 million in State funds are available statewide, with a minimum of $15 million dedicated to the Helene-impacted region — emphasizing support for the most vulnerable communities.
• Projects can be funded at 100% with no local match, up to $2 million per project and $4 million per county, and may span up to 36 months from award to completion.
• Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis, requiring standard documentation, inspections, and compliance measures.
• Applications are evaluated by NCEM’s Long-Term Recovery Group based on impact, mitigation value, cost clarity, readiness, and community benefits.
• Application deadline: November 28, 2025, with awards anticipated in January 2026 and grant agreements finalized February 2026.
• If awarded, Council will approve all applicable procurements.
• Should community engagement be needed prior to the implementation of any resulting projects, the relevant Recovery Boards will be engaged prior to Council consideration.
• The State intends to notify applications in January 2026.
• All grant funded projects must be completed within 36 months or by February 2029. Committee(s):
• Policy, Finance & Infrastructure Worksession Pro(s):
• Provides 100% State funding for mitigation projects, easing local budget burdens.
• Prioritizes Hurricane Helene–impacted communities ($15M minimum allocation).
• Supports both construction and engineering/design for shovel-ready projects.
• Enhances public safety, infrastructure resilience, and community preparedness.
• Aligns with long-term mitigation and capital planning goals. Con(s):
• Reimbursement structure may require upfront cash flow capacity.
• Limited eligible categories, primarily flood and transportation resilience.
• A competitive scoring process may reduce funding certainty.
• Administrative compliance required (quarterly reporting, inspections, documentation).
• Grant administration costs are not eligible for reimbursement.

Fiscal Impact:

• No fiscal impact at this time. A budget amendment will be presented to City Council for each individual project grant award.
• All projects will be reimbursement-based and require no cost share.

Background:

• The Office of State Budget and Management is administering the Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program, authorized through multiple legislative acts including the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 to directly address impacts experienced during Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters.
• The program funds capital projects to repair, renovate, or replace damaged infrastructure that is ineligible or denied for FEMA Public Assistance.
• Grant prioritization favors communities with populations under 300,000 and projects ineligible under FEMA PA, verified in coordination with NC Emergency Management.
• Nearly $50 million in funding is available, with OSBM awarding grants according to statutory caps of 20% per county and 5% per eligible recipient or qualifying zip code.
• Grant funds must be spent by June 30, 2030, are disbursed as a lump sum up front, and recipients must report project expenses to OSBM.
• Applicants should submit each project individually, can indicate priority projects via a written explanation, and are encouraged to apply for smaller projects as well.
• If awarded, Council will approve all applicable procurements. Should community engagement be needed prior to the implementation of any resulting projects, the relevant Recovery Boards will be engaged prior to Council consideration. Committee(s):
• Policy, Finance & Infrastructure Worksession Pro(s):
• Provides 100% State funding for mitigation projects, easing local budget burdens.
• Enhances public safety, infrastructure resilience, and community preparedness.
• Aligns with long-term mitigation and capital planning goals.
• Projects ineligible or denied for FEMA Public Assistance can still receive support.
• Funds are disbursed upfront once the grant contract is executed, helping with project cash flow.
• Multiple projects can be submitted individually, and applicants can highlight priority projects. Con(s):
• Applications are due by November 21, with no rolling submissions.
• All grant funds must be spent by June 30, 2030, which may limit long-term or phased projects.
• Statutory caps may limit funding: Maximums per county, recipient, and zip code could restrict funding for larger projects.
• Evaluation is competitive: Grants are awarded based on statutory priorities and eligibility verification, so not all applications may be funded.

Fiscal Impact:

• No action at this time. A budget amendment will be presented to City Council for each individual project grant award.
• Funding will be disbursed in a lump sum once the grant contract is approved. The grantee will need to report expenses for the grant project to OSBM, but the funds are disbursed up front.

Assistant Planning & Urban Planning Director Chris Collins said that this is the consideration of adoption of a resolution to officially adopt the Long-Term Recovery Plan, Section 7.2 of the unified Buncombe County Helene Recovery Plan, which details the City’s recovery projects. Background:

• The City has partnered with Buncombe County, all municipalities within the county, and FEMA to develop a consolidated countywide recovery plan.
• The purpose of the Helene Recovery Plan is to help the City of Asheville focus its work and prioritize projects.
• The plan will serve as a guide for the community in following recovery efforts and understanding project complexity that will evolve as recovery progresses.
• City Council will be made aware of any significant changes to the adopted plan.
• City of Asheville Projects were selected based on City Council vision, priorities and goals for recovery, community input, previously adopted planning efforts and the city’s organizational work plan priorities.
• The draft plan was released by Buncombe County on September 16, 2025 and community feedback was accepted through a unified survey managed by the county until October 3, 2025.
• A total of 100 community feedback responses were received on the draft plan with 52 of those provided by City of Asheville respondents.
• The majority of City stakeholder comments (34 of 52) focused on ensuring that the River Arts District (RAD) was sufficiently represented in the projects within the plan.
• City staff have worked with FEMA and the county to incorporate edits to the plan to ensure that the projects intended to encompass the infrastructure and economic recovery of the district are made clear through edits to the following projects:
• French Broad Riverfront Parks
• Revitalization of Flooded Commercial Corridors
• Assess ULI Recommendations
• It is the declared intention of Buncombe County and all municipalities within the County to officially adopt their section of the Recovery Plan.
• The City of Asheville City Council is only being asked to adopt the City of Asheville section of the plan. Committee(s):
• Planning, Economic Development, and Environment: June 17, 2025, Update Provided
• Council worksession on Policy, Finance & Infrastructure: August 26, 2025, Update Provided Pro(s):
• The plan provides a high-level overview of a selection of major recovery projects to assist the public in following recovery efforts and understanding project complexity.
• The plan assists the City with the organization, understanding and prioritization of major recovery projects.
• The plan includes cross-jurisdictional efforts with the County and other Municipalities to promote cooperative projects that benefit those within and beyond the City limits. Con(s):
• None

Fiscal Impact:

• No direct fiscal impact. Each project that is funded within the plan is done so outside of this process. Mr. Collins provided the following key takeaways from his presentation: (1) The City has partnered with Buncombe County, all municipalities within the county and FEMA to develop a consolidated countywide recovery plan; (2) The purpose of a Long Term Recovery Plan (LTRP) is to inform the public and help the City of Asheville focus its work and prioritize projects; (3) The LTRP will serve as a guide for the community, that will evolve as recovery progresses; (4) City of Asheville Projects were selected based on City Council vision, priorities and goals for recovery, community input, previously adopted planning efforts and the city’s organizational work plan priorities; and (5) The draft plan was released to the public for comment. Comments have been considered and incorporated into the final plan. He said the long term recovery plan is (1) Created in collaboration with the City of Asheville, the 5 towns & the County; (2) Tailored to each local government’s organizational scope; (3) Reflective of community voice; (4) Grounded in impact & needs data; (5) Aligned to strategic organizational objectives; and (6) A list of projects we can reasonably plan to deliver on. The plan is not (1) an overall community plan; (2) A funding plan; (3) An implementation plan; (4) A guarantee that these projects will come to fruition; (5) Set in stone (as circumstances change, the plan can be updated); and (6) A fully inclusive list of all ongoing recovery projects. He then reviewed the project selection process, along with the draft recovery plan timeline. They have heard (1) Public feedback was requested September 16
• October 3; (2) 52 of 100 total responses submitted by Asheville respondents; (3) Strong desire for River Arts District (RAD) inclusion and investment, with opposition to the concept of relocation (34 of 52 Comments); (4) Concerns regarding project prioritization and scope; (5) Points raised on housing density, environmental impact and regulatory adherence; (6) Infrastructure suggestions focused on water/electrical, runoff management and floodplain health; and (7) Need to focus resources on South Asheville, working families and emergency support for people with disabilities. At the River Arts District, they heard (1) 34 of 52 Asheville responses focused on the RAD; (2) Focus on the River Arts District (RAD): Comments requested dedicated projects due to the RAD's cultural and economic importance; (3) Requests for RAD-focused projects: Common requests for dedicated projects for the RAD, highlighting its significance as a cultural hub and economic contributor; (4) Opposition to relocating the RAD: Strong consensus was shown against the ULI recommendation to relocation of the RAD emphasizing its physical location as essential to its unique character; and (5) Suggestions for RAD investment: Comments focused on thoughtful investment in the RAD's resilience, sustainability, and new commercial uses. Regarding revisions to the plan, (1) Focus: Revisions were focused on the prevailing comments regarding the presence of the RAD in the plan. Revisions were made to projects that impact the RAD heavily to emphasize their role in the recovery of the district; (2) French Broad Riverfront Parks: Content was edited to emphasize the RAD infrastructure investment that is contained within this project; (3) Revitalization of Flooded Commercial Corridors: Added specificity to reflect the intended economic investment in the RAD within this project. Removed reference specifically to ULI recommendations; and (4) Assess ULI Recommendations: Added clarity to this project regarding the assessment of and not dedication to the recommendations made by the ULI panel. Next steps are (1) Each local government governing board will be asked to consider endorsement of the Helene Recovery Plan and adoption of their projects; (2) Buncombe County is also adopting the plan at tonight’s County Commission Meeting; and (3) City of Asheville Staff and Recovery Team will oversee the coordination and implementation of the City of Asheville Projects. In response to Councilwoman Turner, Mr. Collins said that there are a lot of other public engagements, similar to the Riverfront Revitalization Projects. There will be a lot of more opportunities for engagement as we move forward, noting that we are encompassing a lot of other initiatives that are also underway. When Mayor Manheimer asked for public comments, none were received. Mayor Manheimer said that members of Council have previously received a copy of the resolution and it would not be read.

Vice-Mayor Mosley, former Chair of the Boards & Commissions Committee, said that this is the consideration of appointing members to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Due to the unexpected passing of Byron Greiner as a member on the Planning & Zoning Commission, there exists a vacancy until August 14, 2026. The following individuals applied for the vacancy: Liz Avery, Mike Thomas Carpenter, Lindsay Broughel, Christopher Horton, Micah Rogers, Michael Speciale, David Russell, Julie O’Dwyer, Robert Sack, Matthew Doran, Will Deter, Jonathan Anzollitto, Randall Barnett, Bandon Bryant, Joseph Chesler, Seth Connelly, Jason Hambley and Michael Pesant. The Chair recommends Jonathan Anzollitto, Randall Barnett and Michael Speciale. The Planning & Zoning Board also recommends Michael Pesant and Seth Armstrong. Staff recommends Lindsay Broughel and Julie O’Dwyer. On October 28, 2025, it was the consensus of City Council to interview Jonathan Anzollitto, Randall Barnett, Michael Speciale, Lindsay Broughel, Seth Armstrong and Julie O’Dwyer. Julia O’Dwyer was unable to attend the interview, but contacted Council members individually. Vice-Mayor Mosley noted that since we have removed a member from the Commission from an earlier action of Council, she asked if Council wanted to appoint for the Byron Greiner vacancy tonight, or both vacancies. It was the consensus of Council to only appoint for the Byron Greiner vacancy and asked the Clerk to re-advertise the other vacancy for 2 weeks. At the December 9, 2025, Council meeting, City Council could either fill the vacancy or ask for interviews. After Council spoke highly of all interviewees, and each Council member voting for one candidate, ultimately Lindsay Broughel was appointed to serve as a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission to serve the unexpired term of Byron Greiner, for a term lasting until August 14, 2026, or until their successor has been appointed or unless modified by Council action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all members shall serve at the pleasure of Council, and may be removed at any time with or without cause.