[0:05] Good evening. It is 5:45,
[0:09] so I will call to order the August 6th,
[0:13] 2026 regular meeting of the
[0:15] Hendersonville City Council. We begin
[0:18] our meetings with a silent invocation
[0:20] for people to pray or meditate as they
[0:22] choose, followed by the pledge of
[0:24] allegiance. You'll rise, please.
[0:45] You'll join me in the pledge. I pledge
[0:48] allegiance to the flag of the United
[0:51] States of America and to the republic
[0:54] for which it stands, one nation under
[0:56] God, indivisible, with liberty and
[1:00] justice for all.
[1:01] >> Thank you.
[1:05] Okay, we have uh public comment. We have
[1:09] two people signed up for public comment
[1:11] this evening. Is there anyone online
[1:15] seeking recognition for public comment?
[1:19] >> No, Madame Mayor.
[1:20] » No, Madame Mayor.
[1:20] >> Okay. Um so if we could limit the
[1:25] » Okay. Um so if we could limit the
[1:25] um time to about no more than five
[1:29] minutes since there are only two of you
[1:32] and we'll ask you to come to the
[1:33] microphone give your name and your
[1:36] address for the clerk's record. First
[1:39] Eva Richie
[1:51] Good evening.
[1:53] My name is Eva Richie. I live at 1928
[1:56] Bvard Road in Henderson County.
[2:01] In 1968, the National Park Service
[2:05] became the stewards of the Carl Sandberg
[2:07] home. But by virtue of its location in
[2:10] our community, we also became the
[2:13] stewards of the Carl Sandberg home of
[2:16] this special place. Over the years, the
[2:19] home and property has become a valuable
[2:21] cultural and economic gift to us.
[2:25] During the last 50 years, we have been
[2:28] good stewards of this gift. But the
[2:30] question now is, are we being good
[2:34] stewards of this gift? Now,
[2:38] in 2022, due to weather, not Helen, and
[2:42] age, the front lake dam built in the
[2:44] 1850s failed. In 2024, before Hurricane
[2:48] Helen, the National Park Service
[2:50] authorized 1,81,600
[2:55] for the repair.
[2:57] Since then, it seems the money has
[3:00] disappeared.
[3:02] It should be noted that these monies
[3:03] from the National Park Service are
[3:05] separate from FEMA funds and would not
[3:08] affect the restoration funds for
[3:11] Hurricane Helen victims. The question
[3:14] has come up, where did the money go? And
[3:18] I can tell you that nobody up to this
[3:20] point seems to be able to say where the
[3:24] money went to.
[3:26] Here we are in the 250 year anniversary
[3:29] of America. And another question should
[3:32] be asked, shouldn't one of America's
[3:34] greatest poets and patriots, the writer
[3:37] of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography
[3:39] on Abraham Lincoln, be treated with more
[3:42] respect? The Carl Samberg home national
[3:46] historic site with 149,000 visitors in
[3:51] 2023 was the first US poet's residence
[3:56] designated as a national historic site.
[3:59] Yet he and Mrs. Samberg's home is being
[4:03] neglected.
[4:06] Before I go on to just the last two
[4:08] paragraphs, I wanted to make one
[4:09] personal remark about it and why I know
[4:12] so much about it, too. In 2022, when the
[4:16] dam fell uh failed, that meant the
[4:18] bridge went out. There was no way to get
[4:20] older folks and others up to the house.
[4:23] So they called my company, the trolley
[4:26] company, and asked, would we consider,
[4:29] excuse me, offering, you know,
[4:32] transportation? Could we do that? This
[4:34] was the Friends of Carl Samberg that
[4:36] called us. Uh, and I said, "Yes, I I
[4:39] think we can do that for a month." And
[4:41] so we did. And I drove it. Uh, not all
[4:44] the time. We have different drivers, but
[4:46] I drove it. I think there's a feeling
[4:48] among many communities and all of us
[4:51] that when something is in your backyard,
[4:53] it just becomes common. You know, you
[4:56] kind of take it for granted. So, I think
[4:58] there's a feeling out there that the
[5:00] Carl Samberg home has become a basically
[5:04] a walking trail for locals. And I'm here
[5:07] to tell you that is not true.
[5:10] One of the most special people I think
[5:13] that I transported during that time. It
[5:16] was a couple. He was he was very
[5:17] elderly. He and his wife had come there
[5:20] because he loved the writings of Carl
[5:22] Samberg. And he this was on his bucket
[5:25] list. And they had come all the way from
[5:28] Indiana to come and visit the Carl
[5:31] Samberg home. And I can tell you that he
[5:35] was not the exception. that people are
[5:37] coming here from out of the county, out
[5:40] of the state, and in some cases out of
[5:42] the country to visit this home.
[5:47] We have now a nonpartisan petition to
[5:51] restore the funds has g garnered over
[5:54] 237 signatures from fi citizens who
[5:58] value both the economic and cultural
[6:00] importance of the Carl Samberg home as
[6:03] well as taxpayer accountability. it. And
[6:06] I'm going to uh leave a copy of this
[6:08] with the secretary. I would ask that she
[6:11] would distribute it to you. You can see
[6:12] all the names that are on there. We, the
[6:15] sign of this petition, are asking two
[6:19] things of you. One, an accountability
[6:22] report for the taxpayer funds that were
[6:24] appropriated. and two, a letter of
[6:26] support and request from you to the
[6:29] National Park Service and our federal
[6:32] officials asking that the monies be
[6:34] returned. The taxpayers of Henderson
[6:37] County and the region have a right and
[6:39] responsibility to know that their tax
[6:42] dollars are being spent for the purpose
[6:44] intended. The Carl Samberg home is a
[6:48] unique and special place and it is our
[6:51] responsibility to maintain it. I just
[6:54] feel as though it is such an
[6:57] embarrassment to our community to go
[7:00] over there and see what it's looked like
[7:03] for four long years and before Helen and
[7:07] I would say to you as elected officials,
[7:10] it's going to take you to help us. We've
[7:13] got to have you to contact the federal
[7:17] um people and to say this is important
[7:19] to us. Where's the money? We want to
[7:23] move ahead and we don't want to be here
[7:25] four years from now, which I can see it
[7:26] could be, you know, if we don't. So,
[7:29] thank you so much for the time to bring
[7:30] this to your attention.
[7:33] >> Thank you, Miss Richie, for the
[7:34] » Thank you, Miss Richie, for the
[7:34] reminder. Uh, Jeff Gro.
[7:40] » Good evening, council. My name is Jeff
[7:42] Gro. I live on North Main Street here in
[7:44] Hendersonville, and as you know, I'm
[7:46] running for council as well. Want to
[7:48] thank you for your service to the
[7:49] residents of Hendersonville. I want to
[7:51] comment uh on the meeting la the last
[7:54] meeting concerning the data center
[7:57] moratorum. Um while I understand the
[8:00] pressure that you're under for this
[8:02] moratorum I would personally urge
[8:04] caution particularly in terms of banning
[8:07] data centers I believe is a knee-jerk
[8:09] reaction. I ask I'm asking basically
[8:12] that you provide more information at
[8:14] your second meeting the end of August uh
[8:17] about what your plan really is for this
[8:21] uh before you take the vote on September
[8:24] 4th because by that time it'll be too
[8:26] late for the public really to understand
[8:29] what your what your rationale is and
[8:31] what the plan is. I'm personally
[8:33] skeptical of banning these facilities
[8:35] for a variety of reasons. Uh first, you
[8:38] already have some powerful zoning tools,
[8:40] though I'm not sure the impact of SB 382
[8:43] and how that restricts your down zoning
[8:45] ability. Uh there's also tools that are
[8:48] proposed in SB730 that address some of
[8:51] the negative impacts on the communities.
[8:54] Secondly, the technology for these
[8:55] centers is rapidly changing to reduce or
[8:59] eliminate the burden uh on particularly
[9:01] on water and electric use. And there are
[9:03] basic economics at work here. uh these
[9:06] companies want to reduce their biggest
[9:08] input cost which is electric uh and
[9:10] water uh in order to improve their
[9:13] profitability. Third, these facilities
[9:15] pay uh provide very highpaying jobs uh
[9:19] pay taxes and are relatively clean as
[9:22] far as manufacturing facilities are
[9:24] concerned. So I'd hate to see us
[9:26] restrict that opportunity here for the
[9:28] community. And fourth, whether you like
[9:30] it or not, AI is coming and more data
[9:33] centers are going to be built. I
[9:35] fortunately had an opportunity to speak
[9:37] with Gordon G. Chang, a well-known China
[9:40] expert, and also former US Senator Rick
[9:42] Santorum about the efforts nationally to
[9:45] ban these centers. Uh they were both
[9:48] here recently locally to give some
[9:50] talks. They made three really important
[9:52] compelling points to me. one is, you
[9:56] know, if you think more globally and not
[9:58] just what's happening here in
[9:59] Hendersonville, uh we have to win the AI
[10:02] battle with China. We are in a battle
[10:04] with China on AI. Um and it's for the
[10:09] control of this technology versus
[10:10] whether it's going to be controlled in
[10:12] the US or it's going to be controlled by
[10:13] China, which means controlled by the
[10:15] CCP. Uh second, a lot of the grassroots
[10:19] opposition to this to these centers
[10:22] around the country is being funded by
[10:25] nefarious groups that don't necessarily
[10:28] agree with our our uh our vision of
[10:32] society here, many of them linked to the
[10:34] CCP. Third, and this is, I think, an
[10:38] important point, given the choice
[10:40] between your data being stored here in
[10:42] the US, uh, or stored in China and
[10:46] controlled by the CCP, I'll I'll take
[10:48] the US every time. And finally, I think
[10:51] in general, the more government gets in
[10:54] the way of commerce, the worse things
[10:56] can get. Uh, I think government should
[10:59] stay out of the way as much as possible.
[11:01] So effort's going to cost money uh and
[11:04] time, legal time, legal fees and money
[11:07] for the staff. And I just question
[11:09] whether that money wouldn't be better
[11:10] spent on other priorities. Finally, I
[11:13] think it's somewhat ironic that council
[11:15] might potentially ban data centers, but
[11:18] without much public discussion, as far
[11:21] as I'm aware, you can correct me if I'm
[11:23] wrong, you've embraced the AI powered
[11:26] flock surveillance cam cameras. In all
[11:28] fairness
[11:30] uh to you, the police department
[11:32] recently released clear policies that
[11:34] are in place to safeguard the use of
[11:36] that technology and there are certainly
[11:38] benefits, you know, to law enforcement.
[11:40] But I I might suggest that you consider
[11:43] getting out in front of this issue,
[11:45] maybe do a public presentation uh to
[11:48] explain better how those cameras are
[11:50] being used and how you're uh protecting
[11:53] the data. Thank you.
[11:55] >> Thank you, Mr. Crow.
[11:58] » Thank you, Mr. Crow.
[11:58] All right.
[12:00] Um,
[12:01] agenda. Is there anything anyone would
[12:04] like to have added to or removed from
[12:07] this evening's agenda?
[12:10] >> A motion to approve.
[12:11] » A motion to approve.
[12:12] >> Madam, mayor, I move the city council
[12:13] » Madam, mayor, I move the city council
[12:13] approve the agenda as presented.
[12:15] >> Is there any discussion?
[12:18] » Is there any discussion?
[12:18] Not. Those in favor of approving the
[12:20] agenda as presented say I.
[12:23] >> I. Those oppos say no. Eyes have it. We
[12:26] » I. Those oppos say no. Eyes have it. We
[12:26] have our agenda, consent agenda. Is
[12:29] there anything on the consent agenda
[12:31] anyone would like to have moved to the
[12:33] regular agenda so it can be discussed
[12:38] or a motion to approve?
[12:40] >> Madame Mayor, I move that city council
[12:41] » Madame Mayor, I move that city council
[12:41] approve the consent agenda as presented.
[12:43] >> Thank you. Is there any discussion?
[12:47] » Thank you. Is there any discussion?
[12:47] Not those in favor of approving the
[12:49] consent agenda say I. I.
[12:51] >> Those opposed say no.
[12:53] » Those opposed say no.
[12:53] >> Eyes have it. We've got that. Okay,
[12:57] » Eyes have it. We've got that. Okay,
[12:57] we have several presentations this
[12:59] evening. First one is an introduction
[13:04] and this is of the new director of
[13:07] handson.
[13:10] You just come.
[13:11] >> Mayor V, members of city council,
[13:13] » Mayor V, members of city council,
[13:13] Lindsay. Lindsay, come on up. Um, I
[13:15] didn't feel like you should introduce
[13:16] yourself, so I uh we have not formally
[13:20] met, but I I am glad to have Lindsay
[13:22] Gordon here, who's the new executive
[13:24] director at Hands-On Children's Museum.
[13:26] So, I'll let her tell you about herself
[13:29] and introduce herself.
[13:31] >> Well, thank you so much for that
[13:33] » Well, thank you so much for that
[13:33] introduction and good evening, mayor,
[13:35] council members, and city staff. Again,
[13:38] my name is Lindseay Gordon and I
[13:40] recently had the privilege of becoming
[13:41] the executive director of the Hands-On
[13:43] Children Museum. And I wanted to take a
[13:45] moment to introduce myself, express my
[13:47] appreciation for the warm welcome I've
[13:49] received and thank you for your
[13:51] continued support for both Hands-On
[13:52] Children's Museum and the People's
[13:54] Museum.
[13:56] Your investment in these community
[13:57] resources help preserve our history
[13:59] while creating opportunities for
[14:01] children and families to learn, explore,
[14:04] and connect.
[14:05] I am a Bvard native. Um, but I also have
[14:08] family ties here in Hendersonville. My
[14:10] dad actually graduated, well, didn't
[14:12] graduate, he attended, uh, North Avenue
[14:14] School. Um, it's especially meaningful
[14:16] now to serve a community that has been
[14:19] part of my family's story and my own
[14:21] roots here in Western North Carolina.
[14:24] Throughout my career, I have been
[14:25] passionate about using museums to
[14:27] strengthen communities through
[14:29] education, accessibility, and meaningful
[14:32] engagement. I believe hands-on is much
[14:34] more than a children's museum. It's a
[14:36] place where curiosity is sparked,
[14:39] lifelong learning begins, and families
[14:42] from across our region come together. It
[14:44] is a haven. As I begin this role, I look
[14:48] forward to building strong partnerships
[14:49] with the city, our community
[14:51] organizations, and each of you.
[14:54] I'm excited to work together to ensure
[14:56] our museum continues to enrich the lives
[14:58] of residents and visitors for years to
[15:01] come. So, thank you again for your
[15:03] continued support for the Hands-On M
[15:05] Children's Museum and the People's
[15:06] Museum, and I look forward to working
[15:08] alongside each of you and creating those
[15:10] meaningful opportunities for children
[15:11] and families here in the city of
[15:13] Hendersonville. And again, thank you for
[15:15] your time. So, do you have any questions
[15:17] for me um about my first role weeks in
[15:21] this role? I'm 30 days old today. So, do
[15:24] you have any questions for me?
[15:26] >> Any questions for Lindsay?
[15:29] » Any questions for Lindsay?
[15:29] >> Well, good to see you again. and I'm
[15:31] » Well, good to see you again. and I'm
[15:31] sure we will see you back here again in
[15:33] the future.
[15:34] >> Yes, sir. Thank you.
[15:35] » Yes, sir. Thank you.
[15:35] >> Just want to thank Mr. John um and just
[15:39] » Just want to thank Mr. John um and just
[15:39] thank you for all your all your
[15:41] thoughtfulness and and for the
[15:43] opportunity. Um I recognize that the
[15:45] city is also entering into a period of
[15:46] transition um over the next coming
[15:49] months um as Mr. Connor prepares his
[15:51] well-earned retirement and I wanted to
[15:54] thank you for your years of service and
[15:56] dedication to Hendersonville. Um, and I
[15:58] look forward to working with whomever
[15:59] you all select in the future. So,
[16:03] >> thank you.
[16:03] » thank you.
[16:03] >> Thank you.
[16:07] » Okay. Uh, next is recognition of city
[16:10] employees earning NCTA
[16:15] roads scholar certifications.
[16:19] Okay. And if you can explain what that
[16:21] is.
[16:21] >> Yeah. Good evening, mayor and council.
[16:23] » Yeah. Good evening, mayor and council.
[16:23] Uh, first of all, I'd like to have a few
[16:25] folks come up here. Uh, could I have
[16:28] Steve Alverson,
[16:30] Tammy Hensley,
[16:32] Jeremy Buckner, and Brent Pope come up?
[16:42] Uh, why don't why don't you just stay
[16:44] here and then
[16:46] >> Brandy can figure out where to take
[16:48] » Brandy can figure out where to take
[16:48] photos from. So, we are here to
[16:51] recognize uh our road scholar
[16:53] recipients. And tonight, we're
[16:55] recognizing three city employees who
[16:56] have earned road scholar status through
[16:59] the Institute for Transportation
[17:01] Research and Education at NC State
[17:03] University. So, Steve Alverson, our risk
[17:06] and safety officer, Timmy Hensley,
[17:08] street maintenance supervisor, Jeremy
[17:10] Buckner, uh, traffic engineering
[17:12] technician, have each completed seven,
[17:16] uh, NCLTP, which is the local technical
[17:18] assistance program, uh, courses covering
[17:22] road maintenance, safety, drainage, and
[17:26] related technical and managerial skills
[17:28] to earn this professional distinction.
[17:31] And I would also like to have a special
[17:34] recognition of Brent Pope, our traffic
[17:36] engineering supervisor, who has earned
[17:39] the highest distinction offered through
[17:40] the program, the Master Road Scholar.
[17:43] And to reach this level, Brent completed
[17:45] the road scholar, the advanced road
[17:48] scholar, those two programs. And then in
[17:51] addition, completed six advanced level
[17:53] courses and completed a case uh study
[17:56] paper on local trans on a local
[17:58] transportation project. and he'll
[18:00] describe that in more detail here in a
[18:02] second. I'm just kidding. [laughter]
[18:06] So, I'd like to congratulate all four of
[18:09] you and thank you for investing in your
[18:12] professional development and for the
[18:14] work you do to uh keep Hendersonville
[18:16] streets safe and well-maintained.
[18:20] These out
[18:22] [applause]
[18:43] And while they're still up there and
[18:44] super uncomfortable, I do want to public
[18:47] so much of what they do is thankless. I
[18:50] wanted to publicly thank them. I'm sure
[18:52] if some of you have been downtown
[18:53] recently, um especially in the morning,
[18:56] you've seen a lot of activity going on.
[18:58] There is uh some grinding of sidewalk,
[19:01] replacement of sidewalk, removing of
[19:03] sidewalk. There are our brick crosswalks
[19:06] that are meticulously being pulled out
[19:09] and and leveled all ahead of Apple
[19:11] Festival when we have a quarter of a
[19:13] million plus people here. So, I kind of
[19:15] want to take the opportunity to thank
[19:17] them as well as Brendan Shanahan and
[19:19] Chris Connard over there that have been
[19:21] directing that activity. But uh much of
[19:24] what these guys do is very thankless and
[19:27] it's very behind the scenes and I just
[19:29] wanted to take the opportunity again
[19:30] while they're up here standing in front
[19:32] of everybody and super uncomfortable to
[19:34] thank them publicly. [applause]
[19:40] » [applause]
[19:43] » Thank you all for taking your time to
[19:46] improve your knowledge and skills and uh
[19:50] being able to come back and share it
[19:52] with the city and all of our residents.
[19:54] Thank you.
[19:55] >> Mayor, if I may.
[19:57] » Mayor, if I may.
[19:57] >> Yes.
[19:57] » Yes.
[19:57] >> Personal privilege. Brian, are in your
[19:59] » Personal privilege. Brian, are in your
[19:59] um report with the strategic plan, are
[20:02] you going to talk about um the positive
[20:05] momentum we made with Timmy Hensley with
[20:09] uh the pavement cuts? Are you going to
[20:12] mention that? I want to make sure why
[20:14] Timmy's here.
[20:15] >> I am going to council know that um the
[20:18] » I am going to council know that um the
[20:18] message has been heard. Fix the damn
[20:20] streets. Right, Timmy? And you Timmy has
[20:22] taken that motto um taken it seriously
[20:25] and you will hear later um what a great
[20:28] job that street uh division is doing um
[20:32] fixing the um utility cuts and the
[20:35] potholes around the street as they're
[20:37] reported to us. So, um, I just wanted to
[20:39] recognize Timmy, everybody. And then, I
[20:41] mean, I could go on about Brett and the
[20:44] parking deck and Jeremy. I could go on
[20:46] forever about the whole team, but I
[20:48] Timmy doesn't like to come into places
[20:50] like this often. So, um, I want to make
[20:53] sure we recognize him and tell him we
[20:55] appreciate what he's doing.
[20:58] [applause]
[21:03] All right. Thank you.
[21:06] Okay.
[21:08] All right. Well, it's almost the end of
[21:12] summer, so it is time to hear from our
[21:16] student interns.
[21:20] First, we have Jules Chapensai
[21:24] and the MSD case study.
[21:42] Good evening, madame mayor and members
[21:44] of the city council. Thank you all for
[21:46] being here. My name is Jules Chapensai
[21:49] and Ethan and I have had the privilege
[21:51] of working with the city as summer admin
[21:53] interns this summer. Over the past three
[21:56] months, we have worked on our own
[21:57] individual research projects which we
[22:00] will be presenting to you today. This
[22:03] evening, I am presenting my research on
[22:05] the 7th AB city investment through the
[22:07] years 2010 to present day 2026.
[22:12] A little bit about me. I am a rising
[22:14] junior at Brimar College near the
[22:16] Philadelphia area. I am pursuing a
[22:19] bachelor's of arts degree in the growth
[22:20] and structure of cities and frank French
[22:22] and franophhone studies. and I have an
[22:25] interest in pursuing urban planning or
[22:27] civil engineering.
[22:29] I am here before you today to inform you
[22:32] about the past and recent city
[22:34] investment in the seventh a while
[22:37] analyzing the impacts of not only the
[22:39] economic development of the business
[22:41] corridor but also the surrounding
[22:42] neighborhoods around it. The key
[22:45] research question that I will be
[22:46] analyzing today is how can local
[22:49] governments use tools such as municipal
[22:51] service districts or MSDS alongside
[22:54] various other city investments to
[22:56] promote economic revitalization while
[22:59] minimizing gentrification and the risk
[23:01] of resident displacement. Along with my
[23:04] individual research, I also had the
[23:06] chance and opportunity to interview
[23:09] community members as well.
[23:12] For the purpose of this presentation,
[23:14] gentrification is explored as more than
[23:17] a process of neighborhood redevelopment.
[23:19] It is understood as a process of
[23:21] displacement and transformation. As new
[23:23] res as new residents and investment
[23:25] enter a neighborhood, they can reshape
[23:28] its physical landscape, economic
[23:30] conditions, and cultural character.
[23:32] often reorienting how the community is
[23:35] identified, represented, and valued.
[23:39] On this map shown here is the 7th A
[23:42] municipal service district. A municipal
[23:45] service district or MSD is a defined
[23:48] area within a municipality in which the
[23:50] unit's governing board levies an
[23:52] additional property tax in order to
[23:55] provide extra services to the residents
[23:57] or properties in the district.
[24:01] Local governments have long grappled
[24:03] with the challenge of revitalizing areas
[24:06] affected by disinvestment, crime, and
[24:08] economic decline. Hendersonville's 7th
[24:11] Avenue Municipal Service District or MSD
[24:14] demonstrates a case study in which city
[24:17] investment can help transform a
[24:18] historically stigmatized area marked by
[24:21] vacant buildings, homelessness, and
[24:24] public safety concerns and turn it into
[24:26] a vibrant business district while also
[24:29] influencing the surrounding
[24:30] neighborhoods. Here shown on the map is
[24:32] the seventh a which I will be analyzing
[24:35] today.
[24:37] In highlighted in burgundy red is the
[24:39] 7th a MSD I was mentioning earlier. Um
[24:42] some key places to note is the train
[24:44] depot, the rescue mission, some
[24:47] businesses around the 7th a area in this
[24:49] corner. Um as well as the police station
[24:52] and then some couple parks which is the
[24:54] H William H. King Memorial Park as well
[24:57] as Sullivan Park and then Boys and Girls
[24:59] Club here and then the yellow hashed um
[25:02] parcels are the Green Meadows
[25:04] neighborhood.
[25:08] Next, I will go into some demographics.
[25:10] I use publicly available 2010 and 2020
[25:13] census data. I highlight three different
[25:16] geographic areas. Henderson County, City
[25:19] of Hendersonville, and the Seventh A,
[25:22] which consists of 36 census blocks.
[25:25] Since I use publicly available census
[25:27] data, these following charts have a
[25:29] slight margin of error.
[25:32] This is a population chart showing the
[25:34] population changes from 2010 to 2020.
[25:38] The population in Henderson County
[25:40] increased by 8.9%.
[25:43] In the city, it increased by 15.2%.
[25:46] And in the 7th A area, it decreased by
[25:49] tw by 10.2%
[25:52] losing 82 residents.
[25:55] Next, these are the race demographics
[25:59] shown as a sidebyside comparison between
[26:02] 2010 and 2020 in race ethnicity pie
[26:05] charts. The data here shows a noticeable
[26:08] shift toward greater racial and ethnic
[26:11] diversity from 2010 to 2020 in the
[26:14] seventh AB area
[26:16] with the mixed race defined as two or
[26:18] more races increasing by 7%. While black
[26:23] or African-American residents remained
[26:25] one of the largest groups, their share
[26:28] declined by 13%. Hispanic residents
[26:31] increased to 30% in 2020 with an
[26:34] increase of 6% from 2010, while white
[26:37] stayed roughly the same, only decreasing
[26:39] by 2%.
[26:43] Shown on these swipe maps, you can see
[26:47] the changes in the same exact data that
[26:50] was on the previous slide.
[26:52] This is the map showing 2010 changes and
[26:55] then this is the map showing 2020.
[26:58] Each dot represents one person. In these
[27:02] white maps, you can visually see the
[27:03] increase in mixed population identified
[27:06] in bright pink as two or more as well as
[27:09] the increase of Hispanic in dark purple.
[27:12] To note, the race dots shown here are
[27:14] just a visual representation where each
[27:16] race dot is randomly placed within each
[27:19] census block which may show a small
[27:21] margin of error.
[27:25] Next, I will go to talk about the
[27:28] historical context. I will show share a
[27:31] brief timeline um of key moments um talk
[27:34] about the train depot then a little bit
[27:36] about urban renewal and then the
[27:38] Brooklyn neighborhood which is now
[27:39] considered as the green meadows
[27:41] neighborhood.
[27:44] Some key moments in time in the 7th a
[27:47] area.
[27:49] The train arrives in Hendersonville in
[27:51] 1879.
[27:53] In 1960s and 70s is urban renewal and
[27:57] resident housing displacement. In 1968
[28:01] the passenger rail service stopped and
[28:03] in 1971 MLK Junior Boulevard was
[28:06] constructed into the 7th AB area.
[28:09] Sometime in the 1980s Zolivan Park was
[28:12] created and in 1998 the the 7th AB MSD
[28:17] was established.
[28:19] In 2015, the 7th Avenue MSD came under a
[28:23] city management as well as a district
[28:25] expansion. And between 2018 to current,
[28:28] there are some infrastructure projects
[28:30] that I will highlight later on in the
[28:32] presentation.
[28:34] And finally, Hurricane Helen hit in
[28:36] 2024.
[28:40] The historic train depot.
[28:42] Hendersonville's first train depot was
[28:44] built in 1879. With the new mode of
[28:47] transportation connecting Hendersonville
[28:49] to Saluda and other cities, this area
[28:52] became a bustling hub of commercial
[28:54] business. The historic train depot used
[28:56] for passengers as well as for business.
[28:59] However, the train stopped passenger
[29:01] service in 1968.
[29:05] Urban renewal happened in the 1960s and
[29:08] 1970s. Urban renewal started with the
[29:11] Housing Act of 1949.
[29:14] It was a federal government-led strategy
[29:16] aimed at revitalizing declining city
[29:19] areas considered as blighted and
[29:21] upgrading infrastructure, in this case
[29:23] housing, and spurring private
[29:24] development. Urban renewal was also
[29:27] known as the era of slum clearance.
[29:31] This is a 1930s red lining map of
[29:34] Hendersonville.
[29:36] As you can see on this map, the only
[29:38] area considered as blighted in the
[29:40] Hendersonville in Hendersonville was the
[29:42] 7th A area across the train tracks, also
[29:45] known as the Brooklyn neighborhood. The
[29:48] other categories labeled on this map are
[29:50] best residential, good residential,
[29:54] poor residential, and industrial.
[30:00] Next is the Brooklyn neighborhood.
[30:02] Brooklyn neighborhood was historically
[30:04] primarily African-American neighborhood
[30:06] which is now considered present day as
[30:08] Green Meadows neighborhood. Brooklyn
[30:10] took root in the late 1800s as
[30:13] emancipated slaves sought work and
[30:15] settled around h settled in houses along
[30:19] a brook explaining the likelihood of the
[30:21] name Brooklyn.
[30:22] During urban renewal, residents were
[30:25] offered a meager stipen to move
[30:27] elsewhere. By 1972, all the homes in the
[30:30] neighborhood were demolished to create
[30:32] new housing development, now renamed to
[30:35] Green Meadows Neighborhood.
[30:37] However, the neighborhood's culture and
[30:39] sense of community were largely lost as
[30:42] a result of urban renewal.
[30:43] [clears throat and cough]
[30:44] Many displaced families were unable to
[30:46] return because of the new housing's
[30:48] unaffordability.
[30:49] Although some families were able to move
[30:52] back, the neighborhood's community
[30:53] spirit had already diminished due to the
[30:56] displacement and dispersion of longtime
[30:58] residents.
[31:01] This is the original map of the Brooklyn
[31:03] neighborhood.
[31:08] Next is Green Meadows Park, which was
[31:10] renamed to William H. King Memorial Park
[31:13] in 1982.
[31:15] In this preliminary plan, Green Meadows
[31:17] Park was going to have a lake, a
[31:19] softball and football field, as well as
[31:22] tennis and shuffleboard courts. Selvin
[31:25] Park was planned to have a plaza, a
[31:27] multi-purpose court and tables. However,
[31:29] this plan never came to be.
[31:34] This is a map showing the same exact
[31:37] preliminary map on aerial imagery.
[31:51] Next, I will be going into the views
[31:55] into the case study to better understand
[31:58] all the different ways to explore to to
[32:01] explore city investment in the seventh a
[32:03] area. After establishing the municipal
[32:05] service district, we can look at six key
[32:08] focus areas to better understand the
[32:11] impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods
[32:12] and community.
[32:15] First is neighborhood history and
[32:17] community organizations.
[32:19] In 1989, the 7th Avenue Historic
[32:22] District was established in the National
[32:24] Register. A key community-led project is
[32:28] the community garden. The revitalization
[32:31] started in 2023 and the project secured
[32:34] roughly $55,000
[32:36] from various nonprofits in the city of
[32:37] Hendersonville. In an effort to preserve
[32:41] neighborhood identity and culture, an
[32:43] unnamed creek in the Green Meadows
[32:45] neighborhood was given the name Brooklyn
[32:47] Creek. Along with it, there is a bird
[32:49] sanctuary.
[32:51] Some community organizations include the
[32:53] Rescue Mission, which is a nonprofit
[32:55] that provides shelter and resources for
[32:58] people experiencing homelessness.
[33:00] Another is the Boys and Girls Club,
[33:02] which provides a recreational and
[33:04] educational space for the youth.
[33:07] Next is zoning and policy. Another
[33:10] policy tool that the city considered was
[33:12] developing an urban redevelopment area,
[33:15] which is defined as a geographic area
[33:18] targeted for redevelopment by a local
[33:20] government in compliance with the urban
[33:22] redevelopment law. For an area to be
[33:25] eligible for a designation, the targeted
[33:28] area must be classified as blighted. And
[33:31] once designated, the local government
[33:33] may use special statuary powers designed
[33:35] to attract private investment and
[33:38] facilitate redevelopment. However, the
[33:40] city did not choose to pursue this
[33:42] option.
[33:45] Here shown is the 2011 and 2026 zoning
[33:49] changes map. This is 2011 and this is
[33:52] 2026.
[33:55] As shown on this map, the primary
[33:57] changes occur within the 7th AB MSD
[34:00] where several industrial and residential
[34:02] parcels have been reszoned to central
[34:05] mix use, creating greater flexibility
[34:08] for a mix of residential and commercial
[34:10] new development.
[34:14] Next is public safety. The new police
[34:16] station construction was completed in
[34:18] 2021 with the total project cost around
[34:22] $1.5 million. There have also been
[34:25] lighting improvements with new street
[34:27] lighting along 7th Avenue and some
[34:29] public safety cameras were put up in
[34:31] addition throughout the city, not just
[34:34] 7th Avenue. The city continues and
[34:37] provides numerous opportunities for
[34:39] public input with the upcoming splash
[34:42] day at Sullivan Park where residents and
[34:45] more will have a chance to provide
[34:46] feedback and concerns related to public
[34:49] safety.
[34:50] Next is strong infrastructure. Since
[34:53] 2018, the city has invested around $9.5
[34:57] million in sidewalk improvements, water,
[35:00] sewer, and storm water improvements. And
[35:03] in addition, upcoming this year projects
[35:06] include street resurfacing, and curb
[35:08] ramps to be compliant with ADA
[35:10] standards. Future allocated projects in
[35:13] 2027 have an allocated cost of a little
[35:16] over $1.6 million.
[35:19] Next is housing. The housing rehab
[35:22] program was centered around the 7th AB
[35:24] area within the municipal service
[35:26] district or MSD between Cherry and Beach
[35:29] Street. The city was granted the
[35:31] CDBGNR21
[35:34] grant, also known as the community
[35:36] development block grant, neighborhood
[35:38] revitalization.
[35:40] With these funds and alongside the
[35:42] partnership with housing assistance, we
[35:44] rehabbed three homes and added
[35:46] sidewalks. The total investment for the
[35:49] program bringing approximately $931,000
[35:53] included the CDBG grant as well as
[35:56] additional financial support from the
[35:58] city.
[36:00] Next is economic development. As I said
[36:03] earlier in 1998 the 7th Avenue MSD was
[36:08] established. By 2015 the 7th A MSD was
[36:12] expanded in under city management. And
[36:15] for the Main Street program, the Main
[36:16] Street program switched from nonprofit
[36:18] to a city program around the same time
[36:21] the 7th AB MSD came under city
[36:23] management. Since 2020, facade grants
[36:27] have been given in partnership with the
[36:28] nonprofit Friends of Downtown
[36:31] Andersonville, and they are incentives
[36:33] for exterior improvements to properties
[36:35] of Main Street and 7th Avenue historic
[36:38] districts with awards which are based on
[36:41] the quality of proposed improvements in
[36:43] compliance with historic preservation
[36:45] guidelines. Downtown beautifification
[36:48] initiatives included the installation of
[36:50] hanging flower baskets along 7th Avenue
[36:53] as well.
[36:54] as a an additional initiative included
[36:58] the creation of dedicated downtown event
[37:01] staff positions to support programming,
[37:04] community events, and economic activity
[37:07] within the district. To add, the farmers
[37:10] market on Maple Street started in 2020
[37:12] has brought many people together across
[37:15] Henderson County every Saturday.
[37:18] Next are some value per acre maps that
[37:21] are 3D that I will be showing next.
[37:28] On these maps, yellow are residential
[37:31] parcels, red represents commercial,
[37:33] lavender purple are nonprofits,
[37:36] governmental is in blue, and gray is
[37:38] vacant land.
[37:40] From 20 an overview of total average
[37:43] value per acre from 2011 to 2016, the
[37:47] total average value per acre decreased
[37:50] by 19%. Quick note, many of the
[37:53] nonprofits do not have substantial value
[37:56] per acre until 2020.
[37:58] From 2016 to 2020, the total average
[38:03] value per acre increased by 47%.
[38:07] From 2020 to 2026, it increased by 136%.
[38:13] The tallest tower shown on this map in
[38:15] blue is the new PlayStation.
[38:19] Over the whole time period between 2011
[38:22] to 2026, the total average value per
[38:25] acre increases by 176%.
[38:29] For just commercial parcels from 2011 to
[38:32] 2026, the average value per acre
[38:35] increased by 61%.
[38:38] For residential, however, the in the
[38:40] same time period of 2011 to 2026, it
[38:44] increased by 115%.
[38:46] Roughly increasing 8% per year. Since
[38:49] this percent increase seems shockingly
[38:51] high, in comparison with the citywide
[38:53] average, the assessed value growth over
[38:56] the same time period is about 185% or
[38:59] increasing by 12% per year.
[39:03] Over the years, there have been a lot of
[39:05] commercial land infill, especially
[39:07] within the 7th AB municipal service
[39:09] district. Like I said with zoning
[39:12] previously, the zoning changes within
[39:14] the MSD from residential or an
[39:16] industrial to central mixed use within
[39:18] the MSD allows for new development
[39:22] to occur.
[39:24] To add, several 7th Avenue parcels
[39:27] transitioned from commercial to
[39:28] nonprofit land classification between
[39:31] 2011 and 2026.
[39:33] Despite the land class change, property
[39:35] values per acre remain strong with some
[39:39] increasing more than 120%.
[39:42] For residential, many homes on Pac Grove
[39:46] Street experienced some of the largest
[39:48] percentage increases in value per acre
[39:51] between 2011 and 2026.
[39:54] Martin Circle also had several parcels
[39:57] doubling in value per acre during the
[39:59] same time period.
[40:10] This is a table of the overall average
[40:13] value per acre percent changes that I
[40:15] mentioned previously.
[40:18] In conclusion, revisiting the original
[40:21] research question, this case study shows
[40:24] overall that the use of the MSD along
[40:26] with city investment strategies has
[40:28] revitalized the seventh AB area and the
[40:31] data we analyzed does not show trends
[40:33] that would risk and heighten that would
[40:35] heighten the risk of displacement.
[40:38] This successful case study shows how a
[40:40] disinvested area like 7th Avenue could
[40:43] change into a vibrant business corridor,
[40:46] thus creating the potential for future
[40:48] municipal service district expansions.
[40:50] Some commercial MSD highlights in the
[40:53] 7th AB MSD since 2018 include
[40:56] approximately n 27 net jobs gained, 12
[41:01] net businesses added, and $1.45 $45
[41:04] million in private investment including
[41:07] commercial building renovations and
[41:08] uplifts.
[41:11] Thank you. And I would like to open the
[41:12] floor for any comments and qu questions.
[41:16] Okay. Thank you. Comments or questions.
[41:23] [applause]
[41:27] » I have a question. I have a question.
[41:29] >> This was awesome.
[41:29] » This was awesome.
[41:30] >> Thank you.
[41:30] » Thank you.
[41:30] >> Oh, sorry. Um, do you know um who
[41:36] » Oh, sorry. Um, do you know um who
[41:36] managed the 7th Avenue MSD prior to 2015
[41:39] and what was the reasoning to to move it
[41:42] under city management?
[41:44] >> I am pretty sure from my knowledge that
[41:47] » I am pretty sure from my knowledge that
[41:48] it was
[41:50] a bunch of community members um that
[41:52] managed it um called like the seventh
[41:55] revitalization committee. Um I got this
[41:58] information from the local newspapers um
[42:01] in Times New in the 7th A historic train
[42:04] depot. So if you have are curious more
[42:06] about that history, you could check it
[42:08] out.
[42:09] >> Jules, I can help a little bit. Um so it
[42:11] » Jules, I can help a little bit. Um so it
[42:11] was a group of citizens. Dennis Dunlap,
[42:14] Chris Cormier was part of the group. Um
[42:18] >> the Wagner sisters were part of the
[42:20] » the Wagner sisters were part of the
[42:20] group. um, City Tire, um, a group of
[42:24] citizens who helped form it originally
[42:27] and they treated it like a nonprofit um,
[42:29] and they hired their own staff person
[42:32] for a while, very similar to what was
[42:35] um, DHI downtown Hendersonville
[42:37] Incorporated was a separate nonprofit
[42:40] where they took their tax money and
[42:41] hired and um, we had seen the success of
[42:46] uh, moving DHI into the city with LSE
[42:49] hiring um, in 200 2011
[42:52] 2011. And so in 2015, we were seeing
[42:56] loss of traction um despite
[43:01] very hard work and efforts um that we
[43:04] were able to put the Main Street program
[43:06] um and bring the um 7th Avenue District
[43:10] into the city into our downtown and and
[43:14] coordinate it being one downtown because
[43:16] there was this feeling that that we we
[43:17] had two separate downtowns. We had Main
[43:19] Street and we had and we wanted it to be
[43:21] clear that we have one downtown
[43:23] Hendersonville. So that's kind of the
[43:26] history of Brian. I don't if you want to
[43:27] add anything.
[43:30] >> So there was a council member years ago,
[43:32] » So there was a council member years ago,
[43:32] Steve Carricker, who really focused a
[43:34] lot on 7th Avenue revitalization and he
[43:37] passed away several years ago, but he
[43:39] would be like very very proud of all of
[43:42] this. So
[43:43] >> hopefully he's watching somewhere.
[43:45] » hopefully he's watching somewhere.
[43:46] >> Yeah.
[43:48] » Yeah.
[43:48] >> Cool. Thank you.
[43:49] » Cool. Thank you.
[43:49] >> And I just want to thank Jules and
[43:51] » And I just want to thank Jules and
[43:51] commend her. She came in uh with a lot
[43:54] of skill sets in mapping and GIS and she
[43:56] really showcased those tonight with her
[43:58] swipe maps and her tower charts. It's
[44:00] it's not an easy thing to do and she was
[44:02] very committed to that process. So,
[44:04] thank you, Jules.
[44:05] >> Thank you.
[44:06] » Thank you.
[44:06] >> Thank you, Jules. Great job,
[44:07] » Thank you, Jules. Great job,
[44:07] >> Jules.
[44:12] » Thank you, Jules. Um, for your research,
[44:15] could you give me the property value
[44:17] increase on Pace and Cherry Street
[44:19] again?
[44:21] >> Um,
[44:23] » Um,
[44:23] I don't have the data with me directly
[44:27] on the property.
[44:29] >> What was that? What was the tax value?
[44:31] » What was that? What was the tax value?
[44:31] >> Oh, the tax increase. Yes.
[44:32] » Oh, the tax increase. Yes.
[44:32] >> On those properties on Pace and Cherry
[44:35] » On those properties on Pace and Cherry
[44:35] Jonas.
[44:37] >> So,
[44:39] » So,
[44:39] I did I mention that? I may have mis
[44:42] misheard you, but I thought you
[44:44] mentioned something about the the value
[44:47] increased those those homes.
[44:49] >> Yeah. Um I didn't provide actual numbers
[44:53] » Yeah. Um I didn't provide actual numbers
[44:53] for the homes on Pace and Grove Street.
[44:55] I just said that it was one of some of
[44:58] the largest um percent increases in
[45:00] value per acre. Um however, I do have
[45:02] that data. Um I could I'd be happy to
[45:06] send over the data if since you're
[45:07] curious.
[45:08] >> Yeah. and
[45:09] » Yeah. and
[45:09] >> don't have it currently with you.
[45:10] » don't have it currently with you.
[45:10] >> Did you in your research did you find
[45:13] » Did you in your research did you find
[45:13] out why they did not why they changed it
[45:17] from Brooklyn to Green Meadows? Green
[45:19] Meadows to me sounds reminds me of Green
[45:21] Acres.
[45:23] >> Yeah,
[45:23] » Yeah,
[45:24] >> it should have remained Brooklyn. So, in
[45:26] » it should have remained Brooklyn. So, in
[45:26] your research, did you find out why that
[45:28] was changed?
[45:29] >> I agree with you. Um,
[45:32] » I agree with you. Um,
[45:32] I unfortunately did not find anything
[45:36] about why the name change, but I did
[45:39] find many Brooklyn neighborhood
[45:42] community members want like wanted to
[45:46] bring back the name Brooklyn and rename
[45:48] it. Um, however, it never happened. So,
[45:51] I'm not really sure why, but I pretty
[45:54] sure to my best knowledge the um it was
[46:00] during the time of urban renewal that
[46:02] they kind of changed um into Green
[46:04] Meadows neighborhood. I don't really
[46:06] know um why where that name came from,
[46:09] but I'm sure I could find out for you if
[46:12] you're interested.
[46:13] >> Once again, thank you for your research.
[46:15] » Once again, thank you for your research.
[46:15] >> Thank you.
[46:18] » Good job, Julie.
[46:20] >> Great job.
[46:25] Okay. [applause]
[46:31] All right. Uh, next we'll hear from
[46:33] Ethan Walls on encampment procedures.
[46:48] Good evening, madame mayor, members of
[46:50] the city council. I come before you
[46:52] today to present on my summer internship
[46:54] project which focuses on policy
[46:56] approaches to address encampments.
[46:59] Before we get too far into the content
[47:01] of the presentation, I would like to
[47:02] talk a little bit about myself. I am
[47:04] currently living in Asheville, North
[47:07] Carolina. I have lived there for 13
[47:09] years and I'm specifically from South
[47:11] Asheville. So, I'm not too terribly far
[47:14] from here. I am currently studying
[47:16] political science and public policy at
[47:18] the University of North Carolina at
[47:19] Chapel Hill, which I will be graduating
[47:21] from in May of 2027. I am particularly
[47:24] interested in local government and
[47:26] eventually want to pursue my masters of
[47:28] public administration at the UNCC School
[47:31] of Government.
[47:33] So, now we'll get into the desired
[47:34] outcomes for this presentation. The
[47:36] first is to get direction from council
[47:38] on how to address encampments. The
[47:40] second is to protect the health and
[47:42] safety of the community, including
[47:44] people experiencing homelessness. The
[47:46] third is to give staff tools to provide
[47:47] a healthier and safer environment for
[47:49] the community. The fourth is to ensure
[47:51] consistent enforcement of city policies.
[47:54] The fifth is to assist private property
[47:56] and business owners. And the last is to
[47:58] explore opportunities to address
[47:59] contributing factors to encampments. So
[48:02] now I'll give a quick overview of the
[48:03] presentation before we go too much
[48:05] further into it. I'll start with a
[48:07] little bit of background on homelessness
[48:08] specifically in the US. Then I'll look
[48:11] at homelessness specifically in
[48:12] Hendersonville and Henderson County.
[48:14] Then I will do a review of the existing
[48:16] methods that the city has used to
[48:18] address encampments in the past. Then
[48:19] I'll do a quick overview of the current
[48:21] legislative and legal environment
[48:23] surrounding encampments. Then I'll look
[48:26] at some new encampment policy options
[48:28] for you to consider as well as
[48:30] additional opportunities to address
[48:31] encampments. And a quick note, the
[48:34] policies I am presenting here, we are
[48:35] not considering any sort of binding vote
[48:38] on these. These are just presenting some
[48:40] options for you to consider.
[48:42] So now I'll go into a little bit of
[48:44] background on the subject. So when we're
[48:46] looking at homelessness, we're
[48:47] specifically looking at people who are
[48:49] considered chronically homeless. So HUD
[48:51] defines chronically homeless as a
[48:53] homeless individual with a disability.
[48:55] And that can include a lot of things. It
[48:57] can include people with a physical or
[48:59] mental health challenge or somebody with
[49:01] a substance use challenge who lives in a
[49:04] place not meant for human habitation, a
[49:06] safe haven or in an emergency shelter
[49:09] and has lived under these conditions for
[49:11] 12 months. This also includes people in
[49:13] jails or treatment facilities who met
[49:15] these criteria prior to entry and
[49:17] families in which the head of household
[49:18] meets these criteria. So if we look at
[49:21] the data and specifically for the entire
[49:23] country of there's around 170,000
[49:27] individuals in the US who are considered
[49:29] chronically homeless and that makes up
[49:31] around 30% of all homeless individuals
[49:34] and if we look at this chart from HUD
[49:36] the percentages are actually fairly
[49:38] close to where they were around 2008
[49:41] 2009 when the great recession happened
[49:44] and increases in chronic homelessness
[49:46] are a big factor in nationwide increases
[49:48] in homelessness rates And in North
[49:50] Carolina specifically, there is around
[49:52] 2560 individuals who are considered
[49:54] chronically homeless. So now we'll look
[49:57] at homelessness specifically in
[49:58] Hendersonville and Henderson County. So
[50:00] most of the information on homelessness
[50:02] in Henderson County comes from what are
[50:04] called point in time or pit counts. And
[50:07] they represent all homeless persons who
[50:08] meet HUD's definition of sheltered and
[50:10] unsheltered on a single night during the
[50:12] last 10 days of January. And for those
[50:16] definitions, the HUD's definition of
[50:18] shelter focuses on an individual or
[50:20] family living in a supervised publicly
[50:22] or privately operated shelter designated
[50:25] to provide temporary living arrangement,
[50:27] including congregate shelters,
[50:28] transitional housing, and hotels and
[50:30] motel paid for by charitable
[50:32] organizations or by federal, state, or
[50:34] local government programs for low-income
[50:36] individuals. HUD's definition of
[50:38] unsheltered focuses on an individual or
[50:40] family with a primary nighttime
[50:41] residence that is a public or private
[50:43] place not designed for ordinarily used
[50:46] as a regular sleeping accommodation for
[50:48] human beings including a car, park,
[50:50] abandoned building, bus or train
[50:52] station, airport or campground. So pet
[50:55] counts do provide important context on
[50:58] the homelessness situation in
[51:00] Hendersonville, but they are imperfect.
[51:02] They don't include people in
[51:04] institutions such as jails, foster care,
[51:07] hospitals, etc. They also don't include
[51:09] people who are temporarily staying with
[51:11] family or friends. So, people who are
[51:13] doubled up or couch surfing. And the US
[51:16] off government accountability office
[51:18] actually did a study on this in 2020
[51:20] that found that pit counts likely
[51:22] underestimate the size of the homeless
[51:24] population. So, while this data does
[51:26] provide some good information, it should
[51:28] be taken with a little bit of a grant.
[51:30] So,
[51:32] So now we'll look into the data
[51:34] specifically. So if we look at the last
[51:36] five pick counts from 2021 to 2025, the
[51:39] the average number of people
[51:40] experiencing homelessness each year in
[51:42] Henderson County is around 182 and
[51:45] people per year. And then if we look at
[51:48] the last five pit counts o over time,
[51:51] you will notice that there's been a
[51:52] dramatic increase in the number of
[51:54] people experiencing homelessness in
[51:55] Henderson County. An important thing to
[51:57] point out, you will notice that for the
[51:59] 2025 pit count, there was around 600
[52:01] people experiencing homelessness in
[52:03] Henderson County. That number is heavily
[52:05] inflated by posting
[52:08] displacement. There was no pit count in
[52:10] 2026 due to wintertorrm fern last
[52:13] January. And the city will be taking a
[52:16] more active role in the 2027 pit count,
[52:19] which should give more context not only
[52:20] on the state of homelessness in
[52:22] Hendersonville and Henderson County, but
[52:24] should also provide details on permanent
[52:27] displacement from Helen.
[52:29] So now we'll look at the shelter
[52:31] situation specifically in Henderson
[52:33] County. So there is one homeless shelter
[52:36] in Henderson County which is operated by
[52:37] the Hendersonville Rescue Mission that
[52:39] has around 82 beds in total. Some of the
[52:42] requirements with the shelter are that
[52:43] guests have to be able-bodied. There are
[52:46] also sobriety requirements and the
[52:48] shelter also requires three night
[52:49] minimum stays and Henderson County
[52:51] residency. These can make the shelter a
[52:54] lot less accessible for people who have
[52:56] a physical or mental disability or
[52:58] people who need help but are not quite
[53:00] ready to quit substance use. So there
[53:03] are several actions being taken by
[53:04] community partners that can help people
[53:07] become eligible for the shelter which
[53:09] can include physical and mental health
[53:11] services, coordination with county
[53:13] services, specifically the drug court
[53:15] and addiction counseling and support.
[53:17] However, shelter accessibility remains
[53:19] an issue and because of the lack of
[53:21] shelter accessibility, it becomes a lot
[53:24] easier for people experiencing
[53:25] homelessness to consider encampments as
[53:28] a form of living accommodation.
[53:30] So why is it important that the city
[53:32] address encampments? The first
[53:34] [clears throat] are public health and
[53:35] safety issues. For people living in
[53:37] encampments, they are more vulnerable to
[53:39] being exposed to violent crime. They
[53:42] also expose the community to unsanitary
[53:44] conditions, especially when there is
[53:46] trash present. They also deter if an
[53:48] encampment is in a public space such as
[53:50] a public park, it may deter use of that
[53:53] public space. Encampments also present a
[53:56] lot of challenges for the Hendersonville
[53:57] Police Department. From June 2025 to
[54:00] June 2026, PD responded to around 1,816
[54:04] incidents involving people experiencing
[54:07] homelessness, which was an increase from
[54:09] June 2024 to June 2025. So this chart
[54:12] does a good job of breaking down those
[54:14] incidents. If we look at this chart, the
[54:17] most common category of incidents were
[54:19] suspicious activity, person or vehicle
[54:21] incidents. The second largest was other,
[54:23] which includes things such as warrant
[54:26] services and traffic stops. And the
[54:28] third biggest is medical and behavioral
[54:30] incidents which involves things such as
[54:32] health and wellness checks. And many of
[54:34] these medical and behavioral incidents
[54:36] can be difficult for law enforcement to
[54:38] navigate. So having some more on
[54:40] concrete policies on encampment would
[54:42] help inform some create some procedures
[54:46] and help with creating procedures in
[54:48] place to de deal with encampment
[54:51] specifically the role of the police
[54:53] social worker in dealing with medical
[54:55] and behavioral incidents.
[54:57] So now I'm going to go into a heat map
[54:59] that shows several of these encounters.
[55:01] An important thing about this data and
[55:03] the data I mentioned earlier is that
[55:05] this is based on reported incidents and
[55:07] so there will be some margin of error,
[55:09] but some of the most common locations of
[55:12] police encounters include right around
[55:13] downtown, especially around Main Street
[55:15] and 7th Avenue. There's also a lot north
[55:18] of I26 near where Walmart is. There's
[55:21] also several south of downtown near
[55:24] where Spartanberg Highway is, especially
[55:26] around Engles and Publix. There's also a
[55:28] lot of incidents near nonprofits that
[55:31] provide resources to people experiencing
[55:33] homelessness. A lot around several
[55:35] vacant structures and a lot around sites
[55:38] that are geocoded as homeless sites,
[55:40] which are encampments that the city has
[55:41] dealt with in the past.
[55:44] So, now I'll go into the existing
[55:46] methods that the city uses to address
[55:47] encampments. The f first is code
[55:50] enforcement which particularly involves
[55:52] property maintenance specifically
[55:54] through the enumeration section of the
[55:55] code of ordinance. This can include
[55:57] things such as having weeds or grass
[55:59] over 24 in accumulation of animal or
[56:02] vegetable matter, accumulation of
[56:04] undisposed trash and graffiti. The other
[56:06] way that the city addresses it is
[56:08] through its police powers, which
[56:10] includes se enforcement of several
[56:12] different ordinances, including blocking
[56:14] or impending street and sidewalk access,
[56:16] as well as trespassing, just to name a
[56:19] few. So, now we'll go into some new
[56:21] encampment policy options for you to
[56:24] consider and give guidance on. The first
[56:26] is an ordinance which focuses on camping
[56:28] on public property and the second are
[56:30] zoning ordinance amendments. Before we
[56:33] go too deep into these policies, I would
[56:35] like to give a quick overview of the
[56:37] current legal environment around
[56:38] encampments. So in 2024, the Supreme
[56:41] Court case grants pass v. Johnson
[56:43] established that local governments
[56:44] regulating encampments even when shelter
[56:46] space is unavailable is not considered
[56:48] cruel or unusual punishment per the eth
[56:50] amendment. Now there were several points
[56:53] of contention in the litigation that are
[56:54] important to note as they do show other
[56:56] ways in which camping ordinances could
[56:58] be challenged. This includes selective
[57:00] enforcement of camping ordrances and
[57:02] other camping regulations exclusively
[57:04] against people experiencing homelessness
[57:06] as well as barriers associated with
[57:08] shelterance as we've discussed before
[57:11] and policies cannot criminalize someone
[57:13] based on their status such as being
[57:14] homelessness based on the Robinson v
[57:16] California president. So now I'll do a
[57:19] quick overview of the current
[57:20] legislative environment on encampment
[57:22] specifically at the state level. So,
[57:24] back in July, the general assembly
[57:26] ratified House Bill 437, which
[57:29] establishes drug-free homeless service
[57:30] zones, increases penalty for drug use in
[57:33] these zones, and restricts local
[57:35] governments from allowing camping on
[57:36] their property. So, the governor vetoed
[57:38] the bill on July 8th, it is currently
[57:41] being reconsidered in the state
[57:42] legislature right now. While we don't
[57:45] know a 100% what they will do with the
[57:47] bill, specifically with regards to
[57:49] overriding it, the if the bill were to
[57:52] become law, we want the policies to be
[57:54] crafted
[57:55] and to ensure that they are complying
[57:57] with the new rules that HB437 would put
[58:00] in place. So, now I'll go into the
[58:02] potential impacts that HB437 would have
[58:05] on the city's current and future
[58:06] operations. The first thing it would do
[58:09] is create a state definition for public
[58:11] camping or sleeping, which the city
[58:13] could not allow on city-owned or
[58:15] city-controlled property. Where this
[58:17] makes things a little different, though,
[58:18] is that if the city wanted to set up a
[58:20] regulated encampment on its property, it
[58:23] would could, but it would need approval
[58:25] from the Department of Labor. And in
[58:27] this request to the Department of Labor,
[58:29] they would have the city would have to
[58:30] prove the following. that there was a
[58:32] lack of shelter bed availability and
[58:34] that the designated property was not
[58:36] next to an area zone for residential use
[58:38] would not negatively affect property
[58:40] values or child safety and meet certain
[58:42] public health and safety standards. So
[58:45] now we will go into the camping
[58:47] ordinance. So there are many
[58:48] municipalities across the state of North
[58:50] Carolina that have specific policies to
[58:53] regulate camping on public property, but
[58:55] the city of Hendersonville currently
[58:57] does not have such an ordinance. So this
[58:59] would make it unlawful to camp or store
[59:01] personal belongings on cityowned or city
[59:03] controlled property. For the definition
[59:06] of camping, we recommend that the city
[59:09] use the state definition as provided in
[59:11] HB437
[59:13] to ensure compliance with state law
[59:15] should HB437 be enacted. So the city
[59:18] could choose to go further than this
[59:20] definition in how they define camping,
[59:21] but they could not go less than this
[59:23] definition. So the definition according
[59:26] to HB437
[59:27] for public camping or sleeping is
[59:29] lodging or residing overnight in a
[59:31] temporary outdoor habitation used as a
[59:33] dwelling or living space and evidenced
[59:35] by the erection of a tent or other
[59:37] temporary shelter, the presence of
[59:39] bedding or pillows, or the storage of
[59:40] personal belongings or lodging or
[59:42] residing overnight in an outdoor space
[59:44] without a tent or other temporary
[59:46] shelter. The term does not include
[59:48] loding or residing overnight in a motor
[59:50] vehicle that is registered, insured, and
[59:51] located in a place where it may lawfully
[59:53] be used or camping for recreational
[59:55] purposes on property designated for
[59:57] those purposes. So, as far as
[59:59] enforcement goes for this ordinance, the
[1:00:02] ordinance we would need to be written to
[1:00:04] give PD discretion to enforce either
[1:00:07] civil or criminal penalties. So for
[1:00:09] first offenses, PD could issue a written
[1:00:12] warning or a criminal penalty if they
[1:00:14] felt that the encampment presented a
[1:00:16] significant public health or safety
[1:00:18] risk. And then for subsequent offenses,
[1:00:20] they could pro issue either civil or
[1:00:22] criminal penalties. And criminal
[1:00:24] penalties in this case would be a
[1:00:26] misdemeanor as provided in general
[1:00:28] statute 144. This is the statute that
[1:00:30] many local governments that have camping
[1:00:32] ordrances have used to regulate camping
[1:00:36] on [clears throat] public property
[1:00:37] specifically. So that ordinance was
[1:00:39] focused mostly on camping on public
[1:00:41] property while zoning ordinance on the
[1:00:43] other hand amendments on the other hand
[1:00:46] are focused on camping on private
[1:00:48] property. So camps are currently listed
[1:00:50] as a use in the zoning ordinance but are
[1:00:52] not clearly defined and because of that
[1:00:54] ambiguity camps could mean a lot of
[1:00:56] things. Are they summer camps? Are they
[1:00:59] recreational campgrounds? Do encampments
[1:01:02] fall under that? There's a lot of
[1:01:03] questions. And so to clarify this
[1:01:06] ambiguity, we recommend that the city
[1:01:08] look into the following zoning text
[1:01:10] amendments, which would be to define
[1:01:12] camps, create a new use called
[1:01:14] campgrounds that would be
[1:01:15] distinguishable from camps that
[1:01:17] encampments would fall under, and also
[1:01:19] establishing sanitation standards for
[1:01:21] camps and campgrounds. Examples of these
[1:01:24] specifically for campgrounds would
[1:01:26] include that they would need to have
[1:01:28] tables, refuge containers, flush
[1:01:30] toilets, bathing facility, and water,
[1:01:33] specifically running water. So, now I'll
[1:01:35] go into the specific definitions for
[1:01:38] camps and campgrounds. For camps, it
[1:01:40] would include establishments consisting
[1:01:42] of one or more permanent buildings, not
[1:01:43] including recreational vehicles or
[1:01:45] mobile homes used periodically for
[1:01:47] temporary or seasonal accommodation of
[1:01:49] individuals, typically providing
[1:01:51] programmed activities, including outdoor
[1:01:53] recreational or educational
[1:01:55] opportunities. So a summer or
[1:01:57] recreational camp while campgrounds on
[1:02:00] the other hand would focus on any parcel
[1:02:01] or tract of land under the control of
[1:02:03] any person, organization or governmental
[1:02:06] entity where in sites are offered for
[1:02:08] the use of the public or members of any
[1:02:10] organization for the establishment of
[1:02:12] temporary living sites for two or more
[1:02:14] recreational vehicles or camping units.
[1:02:16] So campgrounds would have to have
[1:02:18] designated sites for tents or other
[1:02:20] temporary shelters. This is a definition
[1:02:21] that was borrowed and modified from the
[1:02:23] town of Indian Trail, North Carolina. So
[1:02:26] if an encampment was in a private
[1:02:28] property that was not where campgrounds
[1:02:31] were not allowed, it would be a zoning
[1:02:33] violation and if it wasn't an area where
[1:02:36] campgrounds were allowed, it would still
[1:02:38] have to meet certain public health and
[1:02:40] safety standards. So these are the
[1:02:42] policies that focus on regulating
[1:02:44] encampment. However, regulating
[1:02:46] encampment can only be a short-term
[1:02:48] solution to the issue of encampments as
[1:02:52] in the long run it will just simply move
[1:02:55] people around. There are additional
[1:02:57] opportunities to address encampments
[1:02:58] that should also be considered that get
[1:03:00] towards some of the contributing factors
[1:03:02] behind encampments. The first is to
[1:03:04] address the shelter accessibility
[1:03:07] issues in Hendersonville. This would
[1:03:10] involve looking at a lot of different
[1:03:11] shelter models to determine a more
[1:03:14] accessible model that is appropriate for
[1:03:16] Hendersonville as well as get providing
[1:03:18] more resources to help people who have
[1:03:21] physical me and mental health challenges
[1:03:24] as well as substance abuse challenges.
[1:03:27] This could include things such as
[1:03:28] establishing centralized wraparound
[1:03:30] services in which these resources would
[1:03:32] be located in one centralized location
[1:03:35] as well as leveraging relationships with
[1:03:37] local healthcare providers for a
[1:03:38] behavioral health urgent care or behing
[1:03:42] courts to direct people to mental health
[1:03:44] services. Another big part of this is
[1:03:47] encampment response which will
[1:03:48] specifically come through the developing
[1:03:50] an encampment response policy and
[1:03:52] standard operating procedures. The point
[1:03:54] of this is to first ensure consistent
[1:03:57] enforcement, two ensure that when the
[1:04:00] city is responding to encampments, they
[1:04:02] are treating people experiencing
[1:04:03] homelessness with dignity and respect.
[1:04:06] And three, to help build trust amongst
[1:04:09] people experiencing homelessness. And
[1:04:11] the last part of this is implementing
[1:04:13] the strategic housing plan. Ultimately,
[1:04:15] the goal to help people experiencing
[1:04:17] homelessness should be be to help them
[1:04:20] find a stable and affordable residence.
[1:04:22] And the strategic housing plans focus on
[1:04:25] permanently affordable units for low to
[1:04:27] moderate income households is meant to
[1:04:29] help provide this opportunity so that
[1:04:32] people experiencing homelessness can
[1:04:34] have a safe a stable and affordable
[1:04:37] resident. And and so a lot of these
[1:04:41] policies are issues that the city will
[1:04:43] need to address and take a lead on, but
[1:04:46] they will require the city cannot do
[1:04:48] these opportunities alone. There will
[1:04:51] need to be help from the nonprofit
[1:04:53] community, the county, as well as state
[1:04:55] and federal partners.
[1:04:58] So, that's all I have for my
[1:05:00] presentation, and I would now like to
[1:05:01] open up to the floor to any feedback or
[1:05:04] questions. Thank you very much.
[1:05:07] >> Thank you. All right, questions,
[1:05:10] » Thank you. All right, questions,
[1:05:10] comments.
[1:05:15] Ethan, so you would suggest that maybe
[1:05:18] looking at abandoned some of the
[1:05:20] abandoned buildings that are around or
[1:05:22] properties in the city, maybe
[1:05:24] co-artnering with other organization and
[1:05:26] turning those into suitable housing for
[1:05:29] the unhoused.
[1:05:31] >> Yes, I think turning a lot of the vacant
[1:05:33] » Yes, I think turning a lot of the vacant
[1:05:33] structures into affordable housing units
[1:05:35] or would be a great opportunity to help
[1:05:39] people experiencing homelessness. I
[1:05:41] think there if we have a lot of vacant
[1:05:43] structures, potentially rehabbing those,
[1:05:45] especially through the home rehab
[1:05:47] program would be a great way to address
[1:05:49] that issue. Thank you for bringing that
[1:05:51] up.
[1:05:52] >> Thank you.
[1:05:55] » Thank you.
[1:05:55] >> Um my question is, is it appropriate to
[1:05:58] » Um my question is, is it appropriate to
[1:05:58] provide housing before you actually
[1:06:00] address the reason of the homelessness?
[1:06:02] because um if there are severe mental
[1:06:05] health issues and drug addiction,
[1:06:08] it to me it doesn't seem like providing
[1:06:11] housing will fix that part of it. So, I
[1:06:15] mean, I understand having a behold,
[1:06:33] fine and dandy, but that's not even
[1:06:35] remotely close enough. And so, um, what
[1:06:39] is a drug-free homeless zone? So,
[1:06:43] drug-free homeless zones are something
[1:06:44] that were crafted in HB437.
[1:06:48] If you want it, I do not have entirely
[1:06:51] know all of the details on the bill, but
[1:06:54] it is available on the general
[1:06:56] assembly's website. So, if you want some
[1:06:58] more information on that, it would I
[1:07:00] would recommend you take a look at that,
[1:07:02] especially as it continues to be
[1:07:04] considered in the general assembly and
[1:07:06] potentially considered for an o veto
[1:07:09] override.
[1:07:10] >> Thank you.
[1:07:12] » Thank you.
[1:07:12] It's 300 feet around a facility based
[1:07:16] service right now.
[1:07:19] >> Um Ethan, I just wanted to thank you for
[1:07:22] » Um Ethan, I just wanted to thank you for
[1:07:22] bringing this. It's really timely,
[1:07:23] especially with 437 in tox override. It
[1:07:28] has been a big conversation in the
[1:07:29] social services world and um I think
[1:07:33] it's important that we
[1:07:36] acknowledge that there are not enough
[1:07:38] beds right now. Yes.
[1:07:40] >> So, thank you for bringing it to us and
[1:07:41] » So, thank you for bringing it to us and
[1:07:42] thank you for doing the work on it. It's
[1:07:43] timely.
[1:07:46] » Ethan has worked very hard all summer on
[1:07:48] this and um lots of great information.
[1:07:51] information has probably been scattered
[1:07:53] around our building and he's coalesed it
[1:07:56] together um and has is going to leave a
[1:08:00] great um package for Jenny Floyd to move
[1:08:02] forward with um with our um homeless
[1:08:06] resource group that we have put together
[1:08:08] that include the nonprofits and and our
[1:08:11] shelters and and various other agencies.
[1:08:13] So, um it's been a good good work.
[1:08:16] >> Okay, any other questions? Oh, um, by
[1:08:19] » Okay, any other questions? Oh, um, by
[1:08:19] the way, thank you for bringing up Jenny
[1:08:21] Floyd. I want to say that thank you,
[1:08:23] Jenny, very much for being a big help
[1:08:25] with this project and all the work that
[1:08:27] you've been doing to address
[1:08:28] homelessness in the community. I hope
[1:08:31] that this project has been very
[1:08:32] informative for you and provides a good
[1:08:34] foundation for you as you continue to
[1:08:37] look at several of these policy
[1:08:39] approaches.
[1:08:41] >> You're welcome,
[1:08:42] » You're welcome,
[1:08:42] >> John. Um will RD behavioral be uh is
[1:08:47] » John. Um will RD behavioral be uh is
[1:08:47] part of that group?
[1:08:48] >> Yes, we we've had several they are
[1:08:51] » Yes, we we've had several they are
[1:08:51] invited as part of our group and their
[1:08:53] behavioral group does participate
[1:08:56] >> and there Thank you. Thank you again,
[1:08:58] » and there Thank you. Thank you again,
[1:08:58] Ethan. Yeah, I wish I was as intelligent
[1:09:00] as you were too.
[1:09:03] >> Thank you very much.
[1:09:04] » Thank you very much.
[1:09:04] >> And pretty high. [applause]
[1:09:08] » Thank you. Um, and mayor, while we have
[1:09:13] the interns, uh, tomorrow is their last
[1:09:16] day. They'll be heading back to their
[1:09:19] maybe a little bit of vacation before
[1:09:21] they head back for their respective
[1:09:22] universities. But, um, we're going to
[1:09:24] take them to lunch. But, it's been a fun
[1:09:26] summer having these sharp, energetic,
[1:09:29] um, young folks. I was telling Council
[1:09:32] Member Baxter earlier, it's just really
[1:09:34] been a breath of fresh air in the
[1:09:35] building. um and enjoyed um these two
[1:09:38] keeping us straight. Um they did not
[1:09:41] hold back at all. So um y'all did a
[1:09:43] great job. Parents, you should be very
[1:09:45] proud of of
[1:09:48] >> Jules and I'm sure Ethan, I will tell
[1:09:50] » Jules and I'm sure Ethan, I will tell
[1:09:50] your parents that, too. [clears throat]
[1:09:52] >> Yeah. Well, I
[1:09:55] » Yeah. Well, I
[1:09:55] appreciate that we have the
[1:10:00] staff and the
[1:10:03] funding that we are able to sponsor
[1:10:06] interns.
[1:10:08] >> Um, not every city can do it and uh I
[1:10:12] » Um, not every city can do it and uh I
[1:10:12] think we're very fortunate that we have
[1:10:14] this opportunity to have have these
[1:10:16] young folks with us. So,
[1:10:18] >> thank you.
[1:10:24] All right.
[1:10:26] Okay. We do have a couple public
[1:10:28] hearings. First one is an annexation.
[1:10:32] Merman Avenue.
[1:10:37] Mr. Hayes going to do that tonight?
[1:10:39] >> Yes, I will. Um I hope it's just as
[1:10:43] » Yes, I will. Um I hope it's just as
[1:10:43] exciting as the intern presentation.
[1:10:46] I'll try my best. [laughter]
[1:10:48] >> You'll have to go a long way to
[1:10:49] » You'll have to go a long way to
[1:10:49] >> Yeah.
[1:10:51] » Yeah.
[1:10:51] Yes. Uh so the city has received a
[1:10:53] petition for a contiguous annexation on
[1:10:56] Marryiam uh road. Uh the petitioners are
[1:11:00] Greg Grooms. He's the applicant and Juan
[1:11:03] Borges is the owner of the property.
[1:11:06] It's located uh so it is a contiguous
[1:11:08] annexation. It's located at the very
[1:11:11] northern boundary of our uh city limits.
[1:11:14] Uh you can see it highlighted in red
[1:11:16] there. It's off of Asheville Highway. Um
[1:11:19] and uh the it's one lot and it is 0.5
[1:11:23] acres.
[1:11:25] Um and we have a motion for approval, a
[1:11:28] motion for denial, and then we have the
[1:11:29] annexation plat. And I'm happy to answer
[1:11:31] any questions.
[1:11:33] >> Anyone have any questions?
[1:11:37] » Anyone have any questions?
[1:11:37] >> No. Okay. Would the applicant like to
[1:11:40] » No. Okay. Would the applicant like to
[1:11:40] say anything?
[1:11:42] You don't have to, but
[1:11:46] if not. Okay. Um,
[1:11:51] Madame Clerk, has this public hearing
[1:11:52] been advertised in accordance with
[1:11:54] general statutes?
[1:11:55] >> Yes, Madam Mayor, it has.
[1:11:56] » Yes, Madam Mayor, it has.
[1:11:56] >> Okay. We'll open this public hearing. No
[1:11:58] » Okay. We'll open this public hearing. No
[1:11:58] one here signed up to speak. Is there
[1:12:02] anyone online seeking recognition to
[1:12:05] speak?
[1:12:06] >> No, Madame Mayor.
[1:12:08] » No, Madame Mayor.
[1:12:08] >> Okay. Last call. Anyone?
[1:12:12] » Okay. Last call. Anyone?
[1:12:12] Okay, we'll close that public hearing.
[1:12:14] Councel discussion or a motion.
[1:12:22] Madame Mayor, I move that city council
[1:12:25] adopt an ordinance of the city of
[1:12:26] Hendersonville to extend the corporate
[1:12:28] limits of the city as a continuous
[1:12:31] annexation to annex that property owned
[1:12:33] by Warren Carlos Boes identified as PN
[1:12:37] 9569-37-
[1:12:40] 3239. finding that the standards
[1:12:42] established by the North Carolina
[1:12:44] General Stat 1608A-31
[1:12:48] have been satisfied and that the
[1:12:50] annexation is in the best interest of
[1:12:52] the city. Thank you. Is there any
[1:12:54] discussion?
[1:12:57] Not those in favor of this annexation
[1:13:00] say I. I. I.
[1:13:01] >> Those opposed say no.
[1:13:04] » Those opposed say no.
[1:13:04] Eyes have it. Motion carries and uh that
[1:13:08] property is annexed. Thank you.
[1:13:12] All right. Next, we have a resoning, a
[1:13:14] standard resoning of Ironwood Square.
[1:13:19] >> Yes. So, this is a an initial zoning and
[1:13:23] » Yes. So, this is a an initial zoning and
[1:13:23] the city has initiated this zoning. So,
[1:13:25] this was a property that was annexed um
[1:13:28] into the city at the last city council
[1:13:30] meeting, the July 2nd meeting. Um it is
[1:13:33] actually three properties located off of
[1:13:36] Case Street um which is very close to
[1:13:39] Upward Road.
[1:13:40] The applicant or sorry the owners are
[1:13:43] conserving Carolina and the children and
[1:13:45] family resource center of Henderson
[1:13:47] County. And then as I mentioned this is
[1:13:49] a city initiated initial zoning. It is
[1:13:53] 87 acres and um the proposed zoning is
[1:13:56] C3 and the future land use designation
[1:14:00] for this area is mixeduse commercial. So
[1:14:03] here you can see uh two site photos. Um
[1:14:05] it's an undeveloped site um off of, as I
[1:14:09] mentioned before, off of Case Street.
[1:14:13] The um comprehensive plan staff found it
[1:14:17] to be and planning board uh recommended
[1:14:19] that it was consistent with the
[1:14:21] comprehensive plan uh mixeduse
[1:14:23] commercial um future land use
[1:14:26] designation. And um I'm not going to go
[1:14:29] through the rationale for that. That was
[1:14:31] provided in the packet. I'm happy to
[1:14:32] answer any questions about any of that.
[1:14:34] though. Um at the planning board meeting
[1:14:37] there was a discussion about um so staff
[1:14:41] uh has uh recommended C3 for this zoning
[1:14:45] district. We um aren't normally
[1:14:47] recommending C3. However, the adjacent
[1:14:50] property that is owned by the property
[1:14:52] the uh same property owners is currently
[1:14:55] zoned C3 and their plans are to combine
[1:14:57] those two properties. So it made sense
[1:15:00] um to recommend C3 in this case. Um, in
[1:15:03] other instances along Upward Road, we uh
[1:15:06] normally recommend CHMU, commercial
[1:15:08] highway mixed use. Um, and then at the
[1:15:10] planning board meeting, there was also
[1:15:12] discussion of uh potentially MIC uh
[1:15:14] which staff uh did not recommend because
[1:15:17] it would be uh we we thought it would be
[1:15:19] considered spot zoning. So ultimately,
[1:15:22] planning board uh did make the
[1:15:23] recommendation for C3 zoning. Um and
[1:15:27] here you can see the current zoning. So,
[1:15:29] it's um currently Henderson County
[1:15:31] Community Commercial. Um and then you
[1:15:33] can see that C3 that's directly adjacent
[1:15:36] to the south of the subject property.
[1:15:40] Um and then uh we have a draft
[1:15:42] comprehensive plan consistency statement
[1:15:44] and then a draft reasonable statement
[1:15:46] rationale for approval or denial. And
[1:15:48] I'm happy to answer any questions.
[1:15:50] >> Any questions?
[1:15:54] No. Okay. Uh would the applicant like to
[1:15:57] say anything?
[1:16:01] All right. Uh, madame clerk, has this
[1:16:04] public hearing been advertised in
[1:16:05] accordance with general statutes?
[1:16:07] >> Yes, Madam Mayor, it has.
[1:16:08] » Yes, Madam Mayor, it has.
[1:16:08] >> We will open that p this public hearing.
[1:16:11] » We will open that p this public hearing.
[1:16:11] Um, no one here signed up to speak. Is
[1:16:14] there anyone online wishing recognition
[1:16:16] to speak?
[1:16:17] >> No, madame mayor.
[1:16:19] » No, madame mayor.
[1:16:19] >> Okay. Thank you. Anyone? All right.
[1:16:23] » Okay. Thank you. Anyone? All right.
[1:16:23] We'll close that public hearing. Council
[1:16:26] discussion or a motion.
[1:16:29] >> Madame Mayor, I would like to recuse
[1:16:31] » Madame Mayor, I would like to recuse
[1:16:31] myself from the discussion and vote. The
[1:16:33] property owner is my employer.
[1:16:36] >> Okay. Is that a an acceptable reason? If
[1:16:41] » Okay. Is that a an acceptable reason? If
[1:16:41] someone would move to
[1:16:44] excuse
[1:16:48] Madame Mayor, I move that we excuse
[1:16:50] Council Member Baxter from this
[1:16:52] discussion and vote. Okay. Thank you. Is
[1:16:55] there any discussion?
[1:16:57] Not those in favor of excusing council
[1:17:00] member Baxter from the discussion
[1:17:03] say I. I. Those oppos say no. Eyes have
[1:17:07] it. Okay.
[1:17:11] » Anyone else?
[1:17:13] >> I'll enter a motion. Madame Mayor, I
[1:17:16] » I'll enter a motion. Madame Mayor, I
[1:17:16] move that city council adopt an
[1:17:17] ordinance amending the official zoning
[1:17:19] map of the city of Hendersonville,
[1:17:20] changing the zoning designation of the
[1:17:22] subject property pins 9577-79-2337,
[1:17:27] 9577-79-3365
[1:17:30] and 9577-79-4384
[1:17:34] from Henderson County Community to City
[1:17:37] of Hendersonville C3 Highway based on
[1:17:39] the following. petition is found to be
[1:17:41] consistent with the city of
[1:17:42] Hendersonville GenH comprehensive plan
[1:17:44] based on the information from the staff
[1:17:46] analysis and because the proposed zoning
[1:17:47] of C3 aligns with the GenH 2045
[1:17:50] comprehensive plan future land use and
[1:17:52] conservation map and the character area
[1:17:54] description for mixeduse commercial.
[1:17:56] Furthermore, we find this petition to be
[1:17:58] reasonable and in the public interest
[1:18:00] based on the information from the staff
[1:18:01] analysis, public hearing, and because C3
[1:18:04] would allow for greater economic use of
[1:18:05] the subject property given the wide
[1:18:07] range of permitted uses and C3 zoning
[1:18:09] along this corridor could lead to
[1:18:11] additional opportunities for commercial
[1:18:12] uses along a corridor that is seeing
[1:18:14] moderate development pressure.
[1:18:15] >> Thank you. Is there any discussion?
[1:18:20] Not those in favor of this resoning say
[1:18:24] I.
[1:18:25] >> I. Those oppose say no. Eyes have it.
[1:18:28] » I. Those oppose say no. Eyes have it.
[1:18:28] Motion carries and that resoning has
[1:18:32] been granted. All right. Thank you.
[1:18:37] New business. Okay. Strategic plan
[1:18:41] closeout fiscal year 24 to 26.
[1:18:46] Mr. Volley. Madame Mayor, members of
[1:18:48] city council, I'm here tonight to
[1:18:50] present the closeout of the FY24 through
[1:18:53] FY26 strategic plan that closed on June
[1:18:56] 30th of 2026 this year. Um, I do
[1:19:00] apologize about the quality of this
[1:19:02] presentation. Um, one of my co-workers
[1:19:05] significantly distracted me last week,
[1:19:07] so
[1:19:08] [laughter]
[1:19:09] I've not been able to focus as much on
[1:19:12] the presentation I was thinking about uh
[1:19:14] before I heard certain news. Um
[1:19:19] [laughter]
[1:19:20] >> uh the agenda for this evening uh I'm
[1:19:23] » uh the agenda for this evening uh I'm
[1:19:23] going to talk a little bit just about
[1:19:24] the plan structure of what this plan
[1:19:25] looked like right because it it is
[1:19:27] different than the current plan we're
[1:19:28] entering into. I'll go through just a
[1:19:30] highle overview of the plan completion
[1:19:33] um some highlights by each goal area uh
[1:19:37] importantly what was not achieved or
[1:19:39] cancelled or delayed um and then our
[1:19:42] next steps. Um so just a little bit
[1:19:44] about the plan structure. This was
[1:19:45] developed in the spring of 2023. So um
[1:19:48] over three years ago at this point we
[1:19:50] were at uh the police station and we
[1:19:52] were talking about different priorities
[1:19:54] and developing the plan for the next
[1:19:56] three years. Um and we adopted this plan
[1:19:58] with the FY24 budget and we ranked uh 10
[1:20:02] goal areas. Um I think it's important to
[1:20:04] note you know these plans um they change
[1:20:07] and they can change yeartoyear with
[1:20:09] different councils. they are a
[1:20:11] three-year look, but as you all know,
[1:20:13] right, there was different council
[1:20:14] members at the start of this plan than
[1:20:15] that are sitting on the board now. So,
[1:20:18] um I think it's just important to note
[1:20:19] that um and I appreciate all of the
[1:20:21] effort this council has put into the
[1:20:23] plan and the previous council members
[1:20:25] who supported it as well. Um our current
[1:20:27] breakdown is the city's vision, mission
[1:20:29] and values which the strategic plan
[1:20:32] tries to uplift and then all the other
[1:20:35] departmental plans, the comp plan, the
[1:20:37] budgets every year, our performance
[1:20:39] indicators and our goal tracking leads
[1:20:41] into that strategic plan. Um and then
[1:20:43] every um year we try to celebrate
[1:20:45] accomplishments. We had been doing these
[1:20:47] big um you know pieces of paper uh every
[1:20:51] three years and this was the one that um
[1:20:53] we had celebrated leading into the FY24
[1:20:56] through FY26 plan. Um just really some
[1:20:59] things to note back u when you go back
[1:21:01] five years is the completion of the U
[1:21:04] Hill reservoir. That that project really
[1:21:06] paid off during Hurricane Helen having
[1:21:08] 10 million gallons of water available
[1:21:10] for our community. That's something that
[1:21:11] was set forth in a strategic plan uh
[1:21:14] over eight years ago. Um, and just kudos
[1:21:16] to the strong infrastructure work. We we
[1:21:18] focused on pay and benefits. You heard
[1:21:21] about all the Seventh Avenue work from
[1:21:22] Jules's presentation. Uh, and really,
[1:21:25] you know, we've been following this
[1:21:27] process and I I I hope it's been
[1:21:30] fruitful and successful for city council
[1:21:32] in advancing our community goals. Um, as
[1:21:36] a reminder of our vision and mission
[1:21:37] statement and our values that we have on
[1:21:39] the wall here, um, Hendersonville is a
[1:21:41] vibrant mountain city where government
[1:21:42] and citizens work together for a high
[1:21:44] quality of life. And we're committed to
[1:21:45] providing highquality, efficient
[1:21:47] services to all citizens, visitors, and
[1:21:49] businesses through open communication,
[1:21:51] timely responses, and quality results.
[1:21:55] So the plan at a glance um ultimately
[1:21:58] this plan had some you know we we've had
[1:22:00] co in the middle of plans before but I
[1:22:02] would dare to say that hurricane Helen
[1:22:04] was one of the largest disruptors since
[1:22:06] my time uh here with the city that has
[1:22:08] impacted a strategic planning process
[1:22:11] and and even though that came through
[1:22:13] and really um changed the way we were
[1:22:15] doing business and and what our focus
[1:22:17] and priorities were uh we still achieved
[1:22:20] 76.8% 8% of our plan. Our stated goal
[1:22:24] out of the gate was to achieve at least
[1:22:25] 70%. So I'm very happy to say that we
[1:22:28] have achieved more than our initial
[1:22:30] stated goal even considering the impacts
[1:22:32] of Hurricane Helen. And then a huge
[1:22:34] shout out to all the staff that helped
[1:22:35] me with this. All 167 items in the plan
[1:22:40] uh were 100% up to date by our staff at
[1:22:42] the end of the process. They update
[1:22:43] these quarterly and I couldn't thank
[1:22:45] them enough for all the work they do
[1:22:46] with that. Um, and off on the left you
[1:22:49] can just see the total number of items
[1:22:50] that were achieved, on track, off track,
[1:22:53] not started, not achieved, or canceled.
[1:22:55] And I'm going to go into those a little
[1:22:56] bit more detail. So, highlights by goal
[1:23:00] area. Um, ranked number one was public
[1:23:02] safety. Um, we achieved about 70% of
[1:23:04] those goals. Some of the bigger
[1:23:06] highlights were the hiring of our
[1:23:07] downtown police officer and installing
[1:23:09] downtown security infrastructure. We
[1:23:11] also installed a social worker
[1:23:14] co-responder in the police department to
[1:23:15] assess uh
[1:23:17] to help out with um supporting those in
[1:23:20] crisis. Uh we also installed the quick
[1:23:23] response vehic ve vehicle with the fire
[1:23:25] department to help preserve our fire
[1:23:27] apparatus and prolong their useful life.
[1:23:29] Uh we were averaging about 10 shifts per
[1:23:31] month uh with the QRV once we put it in
[1:23:34] service. So that is uh you know sending
[1:23:36] a smaller vehicle to some of these
[1:23:38] smaller medical calls that don't require
[1:23:40] a large apparatus when we have the
[1:23:42] staffing capacity to do so. Um, we also
[1:23:45] expanded a second code enforcement
[1:23:47] position and uh, if you notice around
[1:23:49] town, we're having a lot of activity
[1:23:50] with our code enforcement team. Really
[1:23:52] appreciate them and we have established
[1:23:54] a new vacant property registry that uh,
[1:23:57] different departments are contributing
[1:23:58] to the community development department
[1:23:59] to maintain.
[1:24:02] Our second ranked goal was compensation,
[1:24:04] benefits, and staff development. We
[1:24:05] achieved about 93% of those items. Uh,
[1:24:08] this council has always been super
[1:24:10] supportive of our staff and it doesn't
[1:24:12] go unnoticed. We appreciate everything
[1:24:13] you do for our staff and uh over the
[1:24:16] years we've done career ladders. We've
[1:24:19] invigorated our performance pay program,
[1:24:21] implemented paying class studies, and
[1:24:24] have pursued a living wage um for all of
[1:24:27] our staff in the city of Hendersonville.
[1:24:31] Number three was strong infrastructure
[1:24:32] with 74.9% completion. Uh some really
[1:24:36] big highlights. We had zero SSOs or
[1:24:39] sanitary sewer overflows last quarter of
[1:24:41] the plan period. Uh we've completed near
[1:24:45] completion of all three of our water
[1:24:47] sewer master plans and um to John's
[1:24:51] point earlier, Timmy Hensley has uh
[1:24:54] completed near 98% of his work orders
[1:24:57] within 30 days that we've really focused
[1:25:00] especially in the past budget on hiring
[1:25:02] additional staff. So, um, when we were
[1:25:05] down in solid waste, we're not pulling
[1:25:07] from our other divisions in public
[1:25:08] works, which is delaying their needed
[1:25:10] work that needs to get done for the
[1:25:11] city. Um, so that has worked out really
[1:25:14] well and we are seeing great success uh
[1:25:15] with that streets division. Appreciate
[1:25:17] Brent and the team. And then, uh, just,
[1:25:20] you know, a small generational project
[1:25:23] of expanding the water treatment plant
[1:25:25] to 15 million gallons, uh, daily um, and
[1:25:29] the, uh, construction of the French
[1:25:30] Broad River intake. That is uh nothing
[1:25:33] to sneeze at and it's a ton of hard work
[1:25:35] that our staff has put in and it really
[1:25:38] will benefit benefit the community for
[1:25:39] generations to come.
[1:25:43] The strategic housing plan was ranked
[1:25:44] number four. Uh thank you Angie for this
[1:25:47] one and thank you Lou. You know we have
[1:25:48] adopted the strategic housing plan
[1:25:50] council. You were a huge piece of this.
[1:25:52] Um we do have work to do on affordable
[1:25:54] units as we know but we are making
[1:25:56] headway on the market rate units and
[1:25:58] we've also hired a housing planner uh
[1:26:01] with some of our ARP funds or sorry
[1:26:04] dogwood health trust funds.
[1:26:07] The fifth ranked was growth management
[1:26:09] and community character. Uh we achieved
[1:26:11] about 72% of that goal area. Big again
[1:26:14] generational type uh achievement was the
[1:26:17] adoption of the new comprehensive plan.
[1:26:18] A really robust planning process. We put
[1:26:21] ton of effort into get getting the
[1:26:23] community's input on that and we have a
[1:26:25] good guide now that is also influencing
[1:26:28] the development of our overlay districts
[1:26:30] and more specifically the downtown
[1:26:31] design overlay which you heard I believe
[1:26:33] in June of this year. Uh also uh the
[1:26:36] missing middle housing objectives that
[1:26:39] we established uh planning staff has
[1:26:41] done a really good job of diligently
[1:26:43] adopting zoning text amendments that are
[1:26:45] supporting the infill of missing middle
[1:26:47] housing. Some of those are minor PRD
[1:26:49] allowances, double density for half-unit
[1:26:51] allowances, and small lot provisions.
[1:26:53] So, kudos to the planning staff and
[1:26:55] thank you all for for pushing that
[1:26:57] forward. Those are not necessarily easy
[1:26:59] things to solve, and they've gotten
[1:27:01] really creative on how to go about uh
[1:27:03] implementing that for the future.
[1:27:07] Uh number six, invest in parks. This was
[1:27:09] the lowest. This is probably the most
[1:27:10] impacted by Hurricane Helen uh with 50%
[1:27:14] achieved. Uh big kudos to Brennan
[1:27:16] Shanahan and the team on uh beginning
[1:27:18] construction of the Clear Creek
[1:27:19] Greenway. That was a a big one coming
[1:27:21] down to the wire at the end of the plan,
[1:27:22] but we got it rolling uh with some help
[1:27:24] from our NPO chair uh co-chair and uh
[1:27:27] the money coming in to make that uh
[1:27:29] happen. So, thanks to everybody for
[1:27:31] that. That's going to be a great
[1:27:32] project. Uh we installed pickle ball
[1:27:34] courts at Patton Park. We've installed
[1:27:36] bike racks uh citywide. Um but the
[1:27:38] biggest thing is right, we deferred the
[1:27:40] parks bond I think just based on staff
[1:27:43] capacity at this point. That's probably
[1:27:45] a good thing. Um, we're really focusing
[1:27:47] on the transportation bond right now and
[1:27:49] we have brought the parks bond into the
[1:27:51] new strategic plan and we'll be looking
[1:27:53] at park improvements uh post hopefully
[1:27:56] FEMO awards to repair our parks.
[1:28:00] Uh, number se seven was enhanced
[1:28:02] sustainability citywide with 85%
[1:28:04] complete. Uh, we adopted a new tree
[1:28:06] ordinance here uh new sustainability
[1:28:08] plan. We planted over a 100 trees
[1:28:10] annually which was double our stated
[1:28:12] goal of 50 trees annually and we have
[1:28:15] implemented a sustainable fleet policy.
[1:28:19] Number eight was transportation
[1:28:20] planning. Uh big one here. Uh we know in
[1:28:23] March we passed the general obligation
[1:28:25] bond for transportation projects. So
[1:28:27] that is well underway. I know some of
[1:28:29] you are more familiar with the first
[1:28:30] project than others, but uh if you're
[1:28:33] down on Bearecat Boulevard, you'll see
[1:28:35] um road and sidewalk improvements are
[1:28:37] hard at work. Uh and also uh King
[1:28:40] Street. I would be remiss to note this
[1:28:42] as the mayor has brought King Street up
[1:28:45] I think maybe for my uh first days on
[1:28:47] the job. I've been hearing about King
[1:28:48] Street in our planning processes and
[1:28:50] that actually received some of the
[1:28:52] highest scoring in the recent spot
[1:28:54] scores. Uh and we do have money now set
[1:28:56] aside in the transportation bond to um
[1:28:58] hopefully implement that project.
[1:29:02] Uh number nine was city boards and
[1:29:03] volunteers with 75% of that area
[1:29:06] complete. A huge one. Shout out to Jenny
[1:29:08] Floyd for um and Jill Murray for really
[1:29:11] knocking out the core of the city
[1:29:12] academy. We had our first citizens
[1:29:14] academy this spring uh with 19 of the 20
[1:29:17] participants graduating from that class
[1:29:19] and we held four appreciation dinners
[1:29:20] for our boards and committees over the
[1:29:22] plan period.
[1:29:24] And lastly, support downtown businesses.
[1:29:27] We completed about 94% of these areas.
[1:29:30] Uh really big one um which I think you
[1:29:33] know kind of an unsung hero is our our
[1:29:35] downtown program. They're they do
[1:29:37] amazing work and a lot of times we not
[1:29:40] everyone I think notices how much
[1:29:42] they're actually doing. Some of these
[1:29:43] numbers I think are a real testament to
[1:29:45] their work. Uh we had opportunity fund
[1:29:47] loans that was established in this plan
[1:29:49] period which we distributed $1.2 million
[1:29:52] of loans to startup businesses in our
[1:29:54] downtown. Uh this was far exceeding the
[1:29:56] $100,000 target we set out to uh
[1:29:59] hopefully achieve at the start of the
[1:30:00] plan. Uh we also distributed $101,734
[1:30:05] in business support grants over the
[1:30:07] planned period uh ranging from facade
[1:30:10] grants, art grants, and pivot grants for
[1:30:12] local businesses. So uh kudos to our
[1:30:14] downtown team. They do a ton of great
[1:30:16] work and they are hard at it right now
[1:30:18] this time of year.
[1:30:21] Uh so what wasn't achieved, right? This
[1:30:23] this is just as important as what was.
[1:30:25] Um, of the 167 items, 33 closed. The
[1:30:30] plan period is off track, not achieved
[1:30:32] or cancelled. Some of the bigger things
[1:30:34] are mostly related to Helen, but we also
[1:30:37] have some headwinds from uh regulatory
[1:30:40] challenges and just the status of um the
[1:30:43] ability for local governments to
[1:30:45] implement ordinance and regulation uh
[1:30:48] with current state uh oversight. And so
[1:30:52] uh the first of those was flood response
[1:30:54] and ordinance. We've talked a lot about
[1:30:55] that. We're still working on flood
[1:30:57] response procedures. However, we've kind
[1:31:00] of held off on pursuing any major flood
[1:31:03] ordinance changes, awaiting to see kind
[1:31:06] of the mood at the legislature around
[1:31:07] some of these changes. Uh, also we have
[1:31:10] not fully addressed motor vehicle
[1:31:12] accidents. We are still working on that.
[1:31:14] That's going that's a major part of our
[1:31:15] new plan period. And it's something that
[1:31:18] I think the transportation bond, our
[1:31:20] traffic unit teams, and the work that
[1:31:22] Brent's team is doing on analyzing
[1:31:25] intersections, which you'll hear about
[1:31:26] later on tonight, of how to address
[1:31:28] these motor vehicle accidents we're
[1:31:29] having in our community. Uh the other
[1:31:31] was housing entitlements, right? We just
[1:31:33] have not gotten enough affordable
[1:31:35] housing, but we have the housing plan.
[1:31:36] We have the housing planner. We're going
[1:31:37] to continue to push that ball in the
[1:31:39] next plan. And then park investments
[1:31:41] obviously was the other largest area
[1:31:42] which um was predominantly damaged
[1:31:45] through Helen and we've been working to
[1:31:47] rebuild that.
[1:31:49] So with that um don't want to take too
[1:31:51] much time tonight. I do send the
[1:31:52] quarterly updates on the strategic plan
[1:31:54] and so I want you to know you have that.
[1:31:56] If you have questions about that or you
[1:31:58] want it in different formats, please let
[1:31:59] me know. Um and we'll continue to
[1:32:01] provide those to you as we move forward.
[1:32:05] >> Um I just have a comment. So the
[1:32:07] » Um I just have a comment. So the
[1:32:07] affordable housing piece um when we
[1:32:10] approve
[1:32:11] >> Oh, okay. Sorry. So when we approve a
[1:32:14] » Oh, okay. Sorry. So when we approve a
[1:32:14] market rate project that we include
[1:32:17] affordable units in
[1:32:20] >> um just to point out we can still use
[1:32:22] » um just to point out we can still use
[1:32:22] that as a tool to kind of tick away at
[1:32:26] the affordable units. And so just
[1:32:29] hopefully using more of those
[1:32:30] opportunities when we have market rate
[1:32:32] to
[1:32:34] require some of the affordable units to
[1:32:36] be a part of it, especially if the
[1:32:38] developer is willing to add affordable
[1:32:40] units. I think that's a discussion too
[1:32:42] that we should definitely keep having.
[1:32:43] >> Yeah. And we're definitely working on
[1:32:45] » Yeah. And we're definitely working on
[1:32:45] including that in our tracking um to
[1:32:48] ensure that we're not just classifying
[1:32:49] one development as a single type of
[1:32:51] category, right? There could be multiple
[1:32:53] categories in a single development.
[1:32:55] That's a
[1:32:55] >> great point.
[1:32:58] else.
[1:33:00] Okay,
[1:33:02] thank you for keeping track of all of
[1:33:04] this for the regular updates that we've
[1:33:07] been getting and
[1:33:10] on to the next.
[1:33:11] >> Right.
[1:33:13] » Right.
[1:33:13] >> Thank you.
[1:33:15] » Thank you.
[1:33:15] >> All right.
[1:33:20] Next uh discussion regarding 4th Avenue
[1:33:24] Halloween street closure.
[1:33:26] >> Mayor vault, members of city council. Um
[1:33:29] » Mayor vault, members of city council. Um
[1:33:29] I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but
[1:33:31] that is my job tonight as it relates to
[1:33:35] um Halloween um street closure on on
[1:33:38] Fourth Avenue. Um stra uh several years
[1:33:42] ago um the council was concerned about
[1:33:46] safety um due to the number of folks
[1:33:48] that were um trick-or-treating
[1:33:51] particularly on 4th Avenue and uh staff
[1:33:54] brought a recommend a couple different
[1:33:55] recommendations to council um and
[1:33:58] council chose to um direct staff to do a
[1:34:01] partial closure um of 4th Avenue to try
[1:34:05] to provide at least some sense of safety
[1:34:08] on Fourth Avenue. Um it it worked. We
[1:34:12] have created this what I will call an
[1:34:14] attractive nuisance
[1:34:16] um where people after we we have a full
[1:34:19] closure on Main Street and have a
[1:34:22] trick-or- treat street and all the
[1:34:24] activities between the downtown group as
[1:34:26] well as um the um Henderson County Parks
[1:34:30] and Recreation Department. And those
[1:34:32] folks enjoy that for a while and then
[1:34:34] they move on across Church Street down
[1:34:36] to 4th Avenue. Um, and it has become its
[1:34:41] own trick-or- treat street there. And,
[1:34:45] uh, the reason we did the partial
[1:34:47] closure, if you remember, is that staff
[1:34:50] capacity, barricade capacity, um, just
[1:34:52] capacity to have two large hall
[1:34:54] Halloween events um, was was not in our
[1:34:58] ability um, from our organ the size of
[1:35:00] our organization and activities going
[1:35:03] around the rest of the city, right? I
[1:35:04] mean, we still had to have police
[1:35:06] patrols throughout the rest of the city,
[1:35:08] plus fire and EMS had to be available.
[1:35:11] So, we did a partial closure where we
[1:35:14] closed the two ends of the of Fourth
[1:35:17] Avenue for about a mile and then we left
[1:35:19] the cross streets open with um limited
[1:35:23] barricading and VIPs so that we could
[1:35:26] try to control traffic there so that
[1:35:28] residents could get in and out of their
[1:35:29] homes. And if we needed to get emergency
[1:35:33] um apparatus or police or whatever
[1:35:36] through 4th Avenue, we could in a in a
[1:35:39] manner. Well, we have created this
[1:35:40] nuisance and um attractive nuisance.
[1:35:43] That's a good thing, I think. But um uh
[1:35:46] so many people are coming there. The
[1:35:48] state the police started looking at
[1:35:50] options
[1:35:52] to how do we control this that may could
[1:35:55] get out of hand because we were still
[1:35:56] having vehicles drive down Fourth Avenue
[1:35:59] and we were worried about somebody
[1:36:00] getting hit or safety in that area. So
[1:36:04] we met with a variety of folks including
[1:36:06] our risk management group from the
[1:36:08] insurance company and we really
[1:36:09] determined that there were only two
[1:36:11] options for us. Um, one would be to do a
[1:36:14] com total complete street closure like
[1:36:17] we do on Main Street, not allow any
[1:36:19] traffic for a period of time along um,
[1:36:23] 4th Avenue from Washington Street down
[1:36:27] to Valley Blle Valley
[1:36:32] down the valley or down to Ble closing
[1:36:35] all the cross streets and there's a
[1:36:36] number of intersections that don't line
[1:36:38] up going through there. So it provides
[1:36:40] some other challenges to completely
[1:36:42] close off the street. So it would take
[1:36:44] significant resources for us to do that.
[1:36:46] So we insurance company said, "Hey, you
[1:36:48] got to do one of two things. You either
[1:36:50] got to have complete closure um of that
[1:36:52] area to to to really protect your
[1:36:55] liability and protect the citizens and
[1:36:58] and
[1:36:59] you know to to deal with this attractive
[1:37:02] nuisance or you're going to have to get
[1:37:04] out of the Fourth Avenue street closure
[1:37:06] business." and staff has evaluated and
[1:37:08] looking at cost in those thing and we
[1:37:11] just bearer of bad news we just don't
[1:37:13] have the capacity to do a complete
[1:37:15] street closure also I'd be concerned
[1:37:18] that if there's a medical emergency on
[1:37:20] 4th Avenue at a residence that the
[1:37:23] public that we couldn't get fire and
[1:37:25] police and EMS apparatus in there quick
[1:37:27] enough to deal with that emergency. So,
[1:37:30] um staff comes to you as the manager
[1:37:33] comes to you with the bear of bad news
[1:37:35] tonight. um with the recommendation that
[1:37:37] we um end discont continue any closure
[1:37:40] whatsoever. It was never meant to be a
[1:37:42] city event. Um it was meant to be a a
[1:37:46] city um resident kind of partnership and
[1:37:51] at this point I think um I'm going to
[1:37:53] have to ask that we cease our
[1:37:55] involvement in it. Realize that not
[1:37:57] everybody will get the word between now
[1:38:00] and Halloween. So, I would propose to
[1:38:02] you that we we discontinue any closure
[1:38:05] portion of this. However, that we
[1:38:07] utilize our message board um at the
[1:38:10] Washington Street end um of 4th Avenue
[1:38:14] as a reminder of folks that it is a
[1:38:17] congested area. There will be a number
[1:38:19] of trick-or-treaters encourage people to
[1:38:21] use the sidewalks and also talking to
[1:38:24] the chief and the police department that
[1:38:26] we um provide for uh police officers
[1:38:30] like we typically do in this area just
[1:38:32] to as we phase away from any kind of
[1:38:35] street closure. So that is where we are.
[1:38:37] That is our recommendation. Um this is a
[1:38:39] council decision but that is our that is
[1:38:41] our recommendation since you directed us
[1:38:44] to begin with. council.
[1:38:51] Any discussion
[1:38:54] for a motion?
[1:38:57] >> Madame Mayor, I move that the city
[1:38:59] » Madame Mayor, I move that the city
[1:38:59] council discontinue the 4th Avenue
[1:39:00] Halloween street closure. Thank you. Is
[1:39:04] there any discussion?
[1:39:07] Not those in favor of the motion to
[1:39:10] discontinue the street closure say I. I.
[1:39:14] Those oppose say no. Eyes have it.
[1:39:17] Motion carries. And uh we'll not
[1:39:20] continue with that. Good intentions
[1:39:23] don't always work out the way we'd like
[1:39:25] them to.
[1:39:30] » Okay. Next, approval of on street
[1:39:32] parking signage and pavement marking
[1:39:34] plan for South Whitted and Jordan Street
[1:39:37] 4th Avenue acousta trail intersection.
[1:39:41] Mayor Council
[1:39:43] here to present something much less
[1:39:45] controversial.
[1:39:50] » So, uh, so the city engaged, uh, McAdams
[1:39:53] Company, formerly TPD, who we've worked
[1:39:56] with over the years to evaluate traffic
[1:39:58] parking, multimodal safety conditions
[1:40:00] along Southwitted and at Jordan and
[1:40:04] Fourth Avenue intersection adjacent to
[1:40:06] the acoustic trail. I don't want to say
[1:40:09] it's a an attractive nuisance, but the
[1:40:11] Acusa Trail opened last summer and it
[1:40:15] has brought uh some definite um areas
[1:40:18] where we saw that uh there needed to be
[1:40:20] some safety traffic safety improvements.
[1:40:24] Um there was on street parking uh
[1:40:26] previously along Southwitted.
[1:40:29] our public safety folks came to our uh
[1:40:33] to public works folks about a year or so
[1:40:36] ago and asked um if we could post uh
[1:40:41] some no parking signage out there. We
[1:40:43] did and since then we've uh we've worked
[1:40:47] on a plan with McAdams to uh to come up
[1:40:50] with something
[1:40:52] a little in between uh where we are
[1:40:54] allowing parking on one side of the
[1:40:56] street. Um, like I said, McAdams put
[1:41:00] together a plan. I'll go over some of
[1:41:01] the highlights here in a second. Uh, why
[1:41:03] it matters. Motor safety, bicycle
[1:41:06] connectivity with the acousta trail, and
[1:41:08] obviously pedestrian trail safety.
[1:41:12] Uh, real quick, uh, Brent Pope and his
[1:41:14] team, uh, Brent and Jeremy were here
[1:41:17] earlier from our traffic engineering
[1:41:19] group, uh, division. Uh, they did a
[1:41:22] speed study in July, July 8th through
[1:41:25] the 15th. I unfortunately I apologize I
[1:41:28] have the labels mixed. So southbound is
[1:41:31] actually on the left side and northbound
[1:41:34] is on the right. But you can see that
[1:41:37] the um posted speed limit in each
[1:41:40] direction is 25. The 85th percentile
[1:41:43] which is a a factor that goes into a lot
[1:41:46] of our when it comes to traffic calming.
[1:41:49] Uh right now our current traffic calming
[1:41:51] policy says if you're 10 miles over um
[1:41:55] that triggers looking into some traffic
[1:41:58] calming measures. So you can see from
[1:42:00] the northbound on the right side should
[1:42:03] be northbound. Uh we're close to the 10
[1:42:06] mph average speed of about 30 miles per
[1:42:10] hour. Uh vehicles over that limit uh 86%
[1:42:15] and the AAD is another traffic
[1:42:18] engineering term. It's uh annual average
[1:42:20] daily traffic uh which is basically we
[1:42:24] we count count cars for about a week or
[1:42:27] so at a time and we project that we
[1:42:29] interpolate that number over a year and
[1:42:32] then divide by 365. And so ballpark
[1:42:35] you're seeing about 670
[1:42:38] vehicles or so in each direction. I did
[1:42:41] want to point out it's not on here but I
[1:42:44] jotted down some notes um from the
[1:42:47] report. The max speed in either
[1:42:50] direction uh was about 50 miles per
[1:42:53] hour. So, um we were out there uh uh
[1:42:58] Brendan and I were out with the with the
[1:43:00] engineer from McAdams um
[1:43:03] uh several weeks ago and we probably saw
[1:43:07] somebody that was going 50 miles an hour
[1:43:09] uh coming down the hill there. So, um,
[1:43:11] and I did want to point out, you'll see
[1:43:14] here, I'll have a a diagram here in a
[1:43:16] sec. Uh, but Hebrin, uh, which is a DOT
[1:43:20] road, which is, uh, um, witted spits out
[1:43:24] onto on its south end. Um, it is at
[1:43:28] about 3,000 AAT.
[1:43:32] So, in comparison, about five times the
[1:43:34] amount of traffic.
[1:43:36] Um key improvements for Southwitted
[1:43:40] revised on street parking updated the
[1:43:42] sherros which is the bicycle uh uh
[1:43:46] vehicle shared lane marking uh advanced
[1:43:50] warning signage trail crossing
[1:43:52] visibility. We've actually cleared some
[1:43:54] vegetation around an existing sign that
[1:43:57] was there that was perhaps blocking uh
[1:44:00] uh motorists being able to see the stop
[1:44:03] sign at the trail or near the trail.
[1:44:06] um speed limit uh reinforcement signage
[1:44:10] and then I'll talk about potentially
[1:44:13] some traffic calming for future
[1:44:15] consideration.
[1:44:17] So hopefully this works okay. Um so
[1:44:23] I should have made that bigger. Um so at
[1:44:25] the south end um you've got Hebrin. We
[1:44:29] I'll just go over kind of the
[1:44:31] highlights. So, we are going to add
[1:44:33] there is currently no crosswalk painted
[1:44:36] on that end. So, we are proposing to add
[1:44:38] a crosswalk and then it's I apologize
[1:44:42] it's pretty hard to see at that uh
[1:44:45] screen or at that level, but we would
[1:44:47] paint a kind of tri triangular areas and
[1:44:50] and get in this would be three parking
[1:44:53] spaces here. Um and then also do the
[1:44:58] same here. So have plenty of space to uh
[1:45:01] you know around the drives that are on
[1:45:04] the west side of Witted. And then um
[1:45:07] this would be a total of I want to say
[1:45:11] uh I think that's 13
[1:45:14] uh it's six 16 spaces on on this on this
[1:45:20] end as you get closer to Linux Park
[1:45:23] Drive. Um some other highlights. Stop me
[1:45:27] at any time if you have any questions.
[1:45:28] Uh, some other highlights, uh, obviously
[1:45:31] we'll remove the no parking signs that
[1:45:33] are out there currently on that side of
[1:45:35] the street. We will add a no parking.
[1:45:38] It's flipped upside down. Um uh but uh
[1:45:43] these traffic engineers uh the no
[1:45:46] parking sign uh or no parking anytime
[1:45:49] with the arrow, you know, clearly
[1:45:51] designated that uh you're not to park
[1:45:54] beyond the area where we've got the uh
[1:45:57] where we've got the paintings or painted
[1:46:00] markings. There's also a uh a stop ahead
[1:46:04] that is uh that we'll be painting on the
[1:46:06] road. Um and then some uh a stop ahead
[1:46:11] uh sign
[1:46:13] and relocating some sherrows. Uh that
[1:46:17] was one thing that I missed on here. So
[1:46:20] some of the sheros would actually be in
[1:46:21] that parking lane if you will. We would
[1:46:25] shift the sher so it's very obvious that
[1:46:27] it's in the travel lane. Um and one
[1:46:30] thing to note again apologize it's
[1:46:33] really small. Uh but maybe you can see
[1:46:35] it on your screens a little bit better
[1:46:37] if you're looking. But uh what we'll
[1:46:39] have left for pavement would be about 16
[1:46:42] ft. So it' be about 8 foot travel lanes
[1:46:45] isn't unheard of around town.
[1:46:48] Um any questions on southwitted?
[1:46:51] [snorts]
[1:46:53] I would I will say just to as it relates
[1:46:56] to the speed 8 foot lanes will feel much
[1:46:59] tighter than what is there now which is
[1:47:02] a positive on slowing people as they go
[1:47:05] down that hill. So that is so
[1:47:08] >> yeah and I I'll mention it now because
[1:47:11] » yeah and I I'll mention it now because
[1:47:11] uh regarding the traffic coming because
[1:47:13] it applies to the to this project if you
[1:47:16] will. I'll get into the other project
[1:47:18] here in a second, but the plan would be,
[1:47:21] you know, the the striping is painted or
[1:47:23] this Yeah, the striping is painted. The
[1:47:26] the road will be striped, right? But
[1:47:28] that doesn't really it's not anything
[1:47:30] hard to kind of direct traffic.
[1:47:32] Hopefully, the vehicles abide by the
[1:47:34] striping if there is nobody parked
[1:47:36] there, right? But so if you've got times
[1:47:38] where there's nobody parked there, say
[1:47:41] trailides closed or early in the morning
[1:47:43] or whatever, you know, we hope that
[1:47:45] people actually follow the the markings
[1:47:48] and stay out of the uh out of the
[1:47:50] parking lane, if you will. Uh there's no
[1:47:54] guarantee. So what we'll do is we'll
[1:47:56] kind of assess things, particularly as
[1:47:58] the fall comes up and as we go into
[1:48:01] winter, and maybe assess it over a
[1:48:04] couple different time periods. So, kind
[1:48:05] of a busy busier time and then maybe a
[1:48:08] slower time over the winter. Do some
[1:48:10] speed um counts and see if we've
[1:48:15] actually helped to kind of reduce the
[1:48:17] speeds in the area. Um, and if we
[1:48:21] haven't, we may come back to you at some
[1:48:23] point and want to make some of those
[1:48:25] those bulb out areas, those painted
[1:48:28] areas, maybe maybe harden them with
[1:48:30] curving, which we could do um with your
[1:48:34] approval, of course.
[1:48:36] Uh, Jordan and fourth. Um, this one is
[1:48:39] really really um kind of confusing if
[1:48:43] you've been through there. Um, we're
[1:48:45] talking about an all-way stop
[1:48:47] conversion, advanced [snorts] warning
[1:48:49] signage, and trail crossing protection.
[1:48:52] And, um, this one, so as it stands, uh,
[1:48:58] there is not a stop coming south on uh,
[1:49:02] Jordan to fourth until you get to the
[1:49:04] trail itself. So,
[1:49:07] um, so basically what you have is you've
[1:49:09] got folks coming through here. People do
[1:49:12] stop on fourth. I guess this is midway
[1:49:15] on this side, but people do stop at
[1:49:17] either side here, but they're kind of
[1:49:20] confused if somebody's coming up on the
[1:49:22] trail. There's basically just general
[1:49:24] confusion there. It's not an ideal
[1:49:27] scenario even for, you know, we kind of
[1:49:30] went back and forth with the traffic
[1:49:32] engineer. Brandon and Chris had some
[1:49:34] good feedback and we came up with a kind
[1:49:37] of a a joint solution to post this as an
[1:49:41] all-way stop in all directions including
[1:49:44] the trail. So So really what you'll have
[1:49:47] is, you know, we'll be adding that's why
[1:49:49] they're in red. We'll be adding the
[1:49:51] hallway to the stop signs that are
[1:49:53] currently there at Midway and Fourth.
[1:49:56] And we'll add a stop sign with the
[1:49:58] hallway and then a stop ahead um on um
[1:50:03] Jordan coming south.
[1:50:07] So,
[1:50:09] and hopefully that will, you know, this
[1:50:11] is not I didn't we don't have I didn't
[1:50:13] pull the ADT the the counts for this
[1:50:17] area. It's not a very heavily traveled
[1:50:19] area, but um hopefully this will
[1:50:21] alleviate some of the some of the
[1:50:22] confusion that's out there. Um be happy
[1:50:26] to go back and look at any of that
[1:50:28] again. We've got a motion. It's here for
[1:50:32] your benefit. Um and um this there's a
[1:50:36] resolution that goes with it. Obviously,
[1:50:38] it's referred to in the motion. and it
[1:50:41] would approve the signage and signing
[1:50:43] and payment plan. Um, authorize city
[1:50:46] manager or designate to actually install
[1:50:49] the devices coordinated to MUTCD
[1:50:53] and then direct staff to update our
[1:50:56] official traffic control and parking map
[1:50:58] which is currently in progress.
[1:51:03] >> Will you go back to south witted
[1:51:06] » Will you go back to south witted
[1:51:06] >> to wed?
[1:51:09] Okay. So,
[1:51:14] um,
[1:51:16] you said we're going to take the plan is
[1:51:18] to take down the no parking signs that
[1:51:20] are on the opposite side of the street
[1:51:22] >> on the on the west side.
[1:51:25] » on the on the west side.
[1:51:25] >> Okay.
[1:51:25] » Okay.
[1:51:26] >> We're going to keep them on the east
[1:51:27] » We're going to keep them on the east
[1:51:27] side.
[1:51:28] >> Okay. Gotcha.
[1:51:28] » Okay. Gotcha.
[1:51:28] >> Yeah.
[1:51:29] » Yeah.
[1:51:29] >> Um,
[1:51:29] » Um,
[1:51:29] >> yeah. The um Yeah, this that in the
[1:51:32] » yeah. The um Yeah, this that in the
[1:51:32] center of the circle here, that's
[1:51:35] leadering and that that leader or that
[1:51:37] arrow is going to the east side. So,
[1:51:38] it'll it'll remain no parking on the
[1:51:40] east side.
[1:51:41] >> Okay. And then will there be center
[1:51:45] » Okay. And then will there be center
[1:51:45] lines painted?
[1:51:46] >> No. Um it's really the street it's a
[1:51:49] » No. Um it's really the street it's a
[1:51:49] local road. It's really too narrow to
[1:51:52] paint.
[1:51:53] >> Um like a double yellow. We are really
[1:51:56] » Um like a double yellow. We are really
[1:51:56] hard to see. Um I'd be happy to get you
[1:51:59] all, you know, I could print something
[1:52:01] larger and get it to you all. Um or or
[1:52:05] send everyone an email. um because it is
[1:52:08] really hard to see there. Our plan is to
[1:52:10] paint a double yellow as you turn on to
[1:52:14] uh say if you're coming from Hebrin in
[1:52:16] either direction and turning on to u
[1:52:19] southwitted. So it's very very obvious
[1:52:22] where the lane is where the northbound
[1:52:25] lane is.
[1:52:26] >> Okay. Gotcha.
[1:52:27] » Okay. Gotcha.
[1:52:27] >> So but that that line would only go so
[1:52:30] » So but that that line would only go so
[1:52:30] far. I my eyes aren't good enough to to
[1:52:34] see the dimension on that, but it's only
[1:52:35] going to go so so far down.
[1:52:37] >> Okay.
[1:52:40] » Okay.
[1:52:40] >> Does that Does that make sense?
[1:52:44] » Does that Does that make sense?
[1:52:44] >> Yes, it makes sense that that is the
[1:52:46] » Yes, it makes sense that that is the
[1:52:46] plan. Why? It's only it's only going
[1:52:48] down so far so that it directs traffic
[1:52:51] flow and then people will
[1:52:52] >> Yeah, just go to
[1:52:54] » Yeah, just go to
[1:52:54] >> because here here the road is still as
[1:52:57] » because here here the road is still as
[1:52:57] wide as it is now, right? Yeah, I got
[1:52:59] you.
[1:52:59] >> And the parking does, we can't have
[1:53:00] » And the parking does, we can't have
[1:53:00] parking, you know, right up to apron.
[1:53:03] There's got to be a transition. So, in
[1:53:05] that transition area, you know, where
[1:53:07] the where kind of the triangle is
[1:53:09] painted,
[1:53:10] >> the double yellow will designate the
[1:53:12] » the double yellow will designate the
[1:53:12] lanes.
[1:53:14] >> So, you don't have people turning on
[1:53:16] » So, you don't have people turning on
[1:53:16] from Hebrin into, you know, oncoming
[1:53:19] traffic.
[1:53:22] >> Cool. Thank you.
[1:53:26] » Any other questions? Good question.
[1:53:29] >> No, this is great because I know
[1:53:30] » No, this is great because I know
[1:53:30] business owners down there, residents
[1:53:33] and trail users have all been concerned.
[1:53:37] So,
[1:53:38] >> Yep.
[1:53:39] » Yep.
[1:53:39] >> Thank you.
[1:53:39] » Thank you.
[1:53:39] >> There may be more of these coming, too.
[1:53:42] » There may be more of these coming, too.
[1:53:42] >> Yeah. We figured
[1:53:49] » All right. Thank you.
[1:53:51] >> Council discussion
[1:53:54] » Council discussion
[1:53:54] or a motion.
[1:53:56] Madame Mayor, I move that city council
[1:53:58] adopt a resolution approving the signing
[1:54:00] of pavement marking plan and associated
[1:54:02] on street parking regulations for
[1:54:03] Southwood Street and the Jordan Street
[1:54:06] Fourth Street Acousta Trail intersection
[1:54:08] as presented.
[1:54:09] >> Thank you. Is there any discussion?
[1:54:13] » Thank you. Is there any discussion?
[1:54:13] Not those in favor of the resolution say
[1:54:17] I.
[1:54:17] >> I. Those oppos say no.
[1:54:20] » I. Those oppos say no.
[1:54:20] >> Eyes have it. And we hope that that will
[1:54:23] » Eyes have it. And we hope that that will
[1:54:23] help. May not cure things, not do
[1:54:27] anything cure it, but help it. Uh, next,
[1:54:31] proposed utility billing policy changes.
[1:54:35] Okay. Latest update on this one.
[1:54:40] >> Good evening, Madame Mayor and members
[1:54:42] » Good evening, Madame Mayor and members
[1:54:42] of council. I'm here tonight to do a
[1:54:45] follow-up presentation from the July
[1:54:47] 22nd council meeting. And I know really
[1:54:51] I just want to get feedback from you
[1:54:53] guys and direction and answer any
[1:54:56] questions that you might have. And I do
[1:54:57] have a few updates um since the last
[1:55:01] presentation as well. So I'm going to do
[1:55:03] just a quick summary just as a recap of
[1:55:06] what we discussed on the July 22nd
[1:55:09] meeting. The recommended policy changes
[1:55:13] that we would like to see are the first
[1:55:16] one is the property owner and tenant
[1:55:18] responsibility. So, this is going to be
[1:55:22] a lot with our contract updates with the
[1:55:25] customer. And what we're trying to do is
[1:55:28] hold the owner or the tenant liable to
[1:55:30] pay the unpaid balance on the prior
[1:55:32] account before the new service can start
[1:55:34] at another address. So, right now, when
[1:55:36] they stop service at that address, they
[1:55:40] can go open up a new account and they
[1:55:43] don't have to pay their prior balance.
[1:55:45] So, we're wanting to change the contract
[1:55:47] language on that so that we can hold
[1:55:50] that owner or that tenant responsible
[1:55:52] for that before they start service at
[1:55:54] another address. And then also, when
[1:55:57] they put in to cancel service at that
[1:56:00] address,
[1:56:02] we want to be able to transfer
[1:56:04] automatically back to the owner. So, if
[1:56:06] the tenant leaves service, we get a
[1:56:08] cancellation for service, we want to be
[1:56:11] able to automatically transfer that
[1:56:13] service into the owner's name until they
[1:56:16] find another tenant. But the owner is
[1:56:19] not going to be responsible for the
[1:56:20] prior uncollected balance on the tenant
[1:56:23] account. They will only be responsible
[1:56:25] once the service gets changed into their
[1:56:27] name. And then the other thing is that
[1:56:30] we want to um not have an owner deposit
[1:56:33] required for non-owner occupied
[1:56:35] property. The second thing that we're
[1:56:38] recommending is to reduce the
[1:56:40] disconnection timeline.
[1:56:42] We want to reduce the days of exposure
[1:56:44] from 96 to 68 days. This is basically
[1:56:48] the time between the previous reading
[1:56:51] for for the bill that the customer is
[1:56:54] being cut off for up until the day
[1:56:56] service is terminated. that makes up
[1:56:57] your full days of exposure and that's a
[1:57:00] liability for the city as far as
[1:57:02] collection goes. And we are recommending
[1:57:05] that we change the disconnection date by
[1:57:08] four weeks earlier rather than at 8
[1:57:10] weeks. And then the third thing is we
[1:57:13] want to update the leak adjustment
[1:57:15] policy. So to do that, we're going to
[1:57:17] define preventable versus
[1:57:19] non-preventable leaks. Preventable leaks
[1:57:22] are not eligible for adjustment. We're
[1:57:25] wanting to change so that we allow one
[1:57:27] adjustment every 24 months. Previously,
[1:57:30] it was 36 months. And then we want to
[1:57:32] increase the maximum adjustment from
[1:57:34] 1,000 to $3,000.
[1:57:37] And also, we'll require proof that the
[1:57:39] leak has been repaired. The fourth item
[1:57:41] is corrective billing and late fee
[1:57:43] policy updates. So, for billing
[1:57:46] corrections, we want to align that to be
[1:57:48] a two-year window on both sides. So, we
[1:57:51] want to be able to go back two years for
[1:57:53] if a customer is underbuild or two years
[1:57:56] if they're overbuild. Previously, we had
[1:57:58] two years if underbuild, but an
[1:58:01] indefinite amount of time if overbuild.
[1:58:04] And then the late fee penalty. I know
[1:58:06] last time there was a lot of questions
[1:58:08] about this. We are actually going to
[1:58:11] recommend something different tonight.
[1:58:14] Um, we are recommending so let's see.
[1:58:17] We're assessing one day after due date
[1:58:19] is what we would like to do and extend
[1:58:21] the due date by five days. But I'm going
[1:58:23] to go into that in more detail right
[1:58:26] now.
[1:58:28] So for the late fee assessment
[1:58:31] last presentation we recommended
[1:58:35] option C up here and we said to keep the
[1:58:39] current due date and assess the late fee
[1:58:42] one day after the due date. So that
[1:58:44] gives them a total of 16 days to pay.
[1:58:47] And then there was feedback from you all
[1:58:50] that, you know, as an option, could we
[1:58:52] do a five-day grace period, which would
[1:58:55] be keep the bill due date 15 days, but
[1:59:00] assess have a five-day grace period
[1:59:02] there, which would give 20 days to pay.
[1:59:05] We're after we've done a little bit of
[1:59:07] research and we compared really across
[1:59:10] the state other municipalities and we
[1:59:13] also compared our peer group in the
[1:59:15] area. We actually would like to
[1:59:17] recommend now that we change our due
[1:59:21] date for our bills to be 20 days from
[1:59:24] the bill date and then assess a um late
[1:59:28] fee one day after. So, of our peer group
[1:59:31] here, three of our closest
[1:59:34] municipalities,
[1:59:36] um, all do 20 days in next day late fee
[1:59:39] assessment. And then also, it's very
[1:59:42] consistent throughout the state that
[1:59:44] most bills are being most of the bills
[1:59:47] have a due date at around 20 days. Some
[1:59:50] of them do have 15, but I would say that
[1:59:54] most of the ones we looked at were very
[1:59:57] aggressive in our due date currently at
[2:00:00] 15 days. Um, so we would like to
[2:00:03] recommend that we change the bill due
[2:00:07] date to be 20 days and then do a one day
[2:00:10] after late fee assessment.
[2:00:15] » I don't know. Does anybody have thoughts
[2:00:17] on that or
[2:00:17] >> I think that's a great idea. Okay. Same.
[2:00:20] » I think that's a great idea. Okay. Same.
[2:00:20] >> Yeah, I think that's a good compromise
[2:00:23] » Yeah, I think that's a good compromise
[2:00:23] and it and it keeps people closeish to
[2:00:25] what they're used to now. So there won't
[2:00:27] be such a
[2:00:29] reshuffleling of finances around what
[2:00:32] time in the pay period they need to
[2:00:33] think about it.
[2:00:34] >> Yeah. I think it's less confusing too.
[2:00:37] » Yeah. I think it's less confusing too.
[2:00:37] >> Yeah.
[2:00:37] » Yeah.
[2:00:37] >> And there was a time too like there was
[2:00:39] » And there was a time too like there was
[2:00:39] a maybe a few years ago where the
[2:00:42] printing or something got off. I mean, I
[2:00:44] know a lot of people are on like the e
[2:00:45] billills now,
[2:00:46] >> but there was a period where we were
[2:00:48] » but there was a period where we were
[2:00:48] getting our water bill in the mail and
[2:00:51] it was literally due like within two or
[2:00:54] three days. And I know there was some
[2:00:55] kind of a print vendor issue or
[2:00:56] something I feel like, but I feel like
[2:00:58] that kind of also gives a bit of a
[2:00:59] buffer in case people are still getting
[2:01:00] paper bills. So, I think it's great.
[2:01:04] >> I appreciate y'all going back on that
[2:01:05] » I appreciate y'all going back on that
[2:01:05] and find another
[2:01:07] >> Yeah. And really it still is it's not
[2:01:11] » Yeah. And really it still is it's not
[2:01:11] changing anything as far as our days of
[2:01:14] exposure. And that was the most
[2:01:15] important thing to us is that we don't
[2:01:17] that we do better on our days of
[2:01:19] exposure and don't expand that. So by
[2:01:22] doing that option, we're not changing
[2:01:24] our days of exposure, but we're giving
[2:01:26] the customer more time to pay. And then
[2:01:28] we're also kind of winning on giving,
[2:01:30] you know, making the late fee be the
[2:01:32] next day, too. So, um, but yeah, that
[2:01:35] puts us pretty much in line with
[2:01:37] everybody around us
[2:01:40] and then, um, is well, I'll go into the
[2:01:44] implementation timeline one more time,
[2:01:45] but we're basic. So, we've already done
[2:01:48] the July 22nd workshop meeting and then
[2:01:51] today just asking council feedback and
[2:01:54] direction and then the next meeting we
[2:01:57] would like to propose those changes for
[2:01:59] adoption and then go live October 1st if
[2:02:03] possible. But we do realize there's
[2:02:06] going to be a lot of communication needs
[2:02:08] out there. So, we do want to make sure
[2:02:10] that October 1st deadline or go live
[2:02:13] date is doable. And if we need to move
[2:02:15] that to maybe November, we could also do
[2:02:18] that. But I do want to make sure that we
[2:02:20] have enough time to get communication
[2:02:22] out to everybody because it is a lot of
[2:02:24] changes.
[2:02:25] >> Is that because you feel like you need
[2:02:26] » Is that because you feel like you need
[2:02:26] 60 days from when we adopt it?
[2:02:28] >> Yeah, I'm worried about the adoption
[2:02:30] » Yeah, I'm worried about the adoption
[2:02:30] date because we want to get the letters
[2:02:32] in the bills. So, at that point, we're
[2:02:34] almost missing on being able to have at
[2:02:37] least a good month of communication
[2:02:39] >> because we've all been hearing this, I
[2:02:41] » because we've all been hearing this, I
[2:02:41] feel like, a good bit, right?
[2:02:43] >> Is it okay to adopt it tonight and then
[2:02:45] » Is it okay to adopt it tonight and then
[2:02:45] this starts at least you have more
[2:02:47] communication time so that we could
[2:02:49] start it then?
[2:02:52] » I don't see why we need to wait. Do we
[2:02:55] need to wait until September to adopt
[2:02:57] it? Do we need any written
[2:03:01] um
[2:03:04] >> um let's see if you could make a motion
[2:03:07] » um let's see if you could make a motion
[2:03:07] to accept the recommendations and direct
[2:03:09] staff to bring the documentation back at
[2:03:11] October consistent.
[2:03:12] >> She can do it.
[2:03:13] » She can do it.
[2:03:14] >> Oh, sorry. And she can go and and they
[2:03:16] » Oh, sorry. And she can go and and they
[2:03:16] can start other work.
[2:03:17] >> Exactly. If if you all have already made
[2:03:19] » Exactly. If if you all have already made
[2:03:19] the motion to accept the
[2:03:21] recommendations, then we can go ahead
[2:03:22] and start the public information piece.
[2:03:24] that's still not officially adopted
[2:03:27] until September
[2:03:29] >> because I feel like we're all on the
[2:03:30] » because I feel like we're all on the
[2:03:30] same page and if that gives staff more
[2:03:32] time
[2:03:33] >> then
[2:03:35] » then
[2:03:35] >> and we could just [music] drop any
[2:03:37] » and we could just [music] drop any
[2:03:37] ordinance changes or whatever unless we
[2:03:39] needed council to discuss it we'll just
[2:03:41] drop it on the consent agenda.
[2:03:43] >> Yes. Yeah. Do that for sure.
[2:03:45] » Yes. Yeah. Do that for sure.
[2:03:45] >> And as long as finance had and customer
[2:03:48] » And as long as finance had and customer
[2:03:48] service had clear direction that they
[2:03:49] can begin the communication
[2:03:54] That would work out really good.
[2:03:55] >> Sweet.
[2:03:56] » Sweet.
[2:03:56] >> So, do we need to make some sort of
[2:03:58] » So, do we need to make some sort of
[2:03:58] formal
[2:03:59] >> just that you're going to that to accept
[2:04:01] » just that you're going to that to accept
[2:04:01] the recommendation and direct staff to
[2:04:03] bring back the ordinance amendments and
[2:04:05] policy changes and contract updates at
[2:04:08] the September meeting for adoption. So,
[2:04:10] somebody would say so moved.
[2:04:12] >> So moved.
[2:04:14] » So moved.
[2:04:14] >> Thank God. [laughter] I was like, I'm
[2:04:16] » Thank God. [laughter] I was like, I'm
[2:04:16] gonna say I move whatever she said.
[2:04:19] >> Perfect.
[2:04:23] » [snorts]
[2:04:24] >> Okay.
[2:04:26] » Okay.
[2:04:26] >> All right. We've got we have our motion.
[2:04:30] » All right. We've got we have our motion.
[2:04:30] Uh is there any discussion?
[2:04:33] >> Not. Those in favor of moving ahead with
[2:04:36] » Not. Those in favor of moving ahead with
[2:04:36] these changes say I.
[2:04:38] >> I.
[2:04:39] » I.
[2:04:39] >> Those opposed say no.
[2:04:42] » Those opposed say no.
[2:04:42] >> Motion carries. We will move ahead get
[2:04:45] » Motion carries. We will move ahead get
[2:04:46] the formal paperwork next month.
[2:04:48] >> Thank you very much. I appreciate
[2:04:50] » Thank you very much. I appreciate
[2:04:50] >> you. Thank you and the staff for all the
[2:04:52] » you. Thank you and the staff for all the
[2:04:52] time
[2:04:53] >> that was put into this big project.
[2:04:57] » that was put into this big project.
[2:04:58] >> Okay.
[2:05:00] » Okay.
[2:05:00] Next, consideration of community
[2:05:02] advisory committee charter and rules of
[2:05:05] procedure. Mr. Con,
[2:05:07] >> Mayor Vault, members of city council, um
[2:05:09] » Mayor Vault, members of city council, um
[2:05:09] upon the direction of the city council,
[2:05:13] we are uh rechartering or chartering a
[2:05:17] new advisory committee. It' be the
[2:05:19] community advisory committee. This would
[2:05:21] be a committee that would of citizens
[2:05:25] and residents um of Hendersonville and
[2:05:29] maybe a greater area. I'll talk about
[2:05:30] that in a minute. That would really
[2:05:32] advise the council. They're the purpose
[2:05:34] would be to advise the city council in
[2:05:37] matters of transparency,
[2:05:39] communication, and engagement. Um they
[2:05:42] would serve as an advisory committee for
[2:05:44] staff to take. Um if we have complaints
[2:05:47] such as um such as this um utility
[2:05:50] billing or um other things that citizens
[2:05:53] are concerned, flock cameras, um things
[2:05:56] that we can have a citizen committee to
[2:06:00] help provide feedback to staff as we are
[2:06:02] developing policies, as we're engaging
[2:06:05] the public, where can we do better with
[2:06:07] communication? Um it's just another
[2:06:10] opportunity. Ultimately those things
[2:06:13] come to you but this is an advisory
[2:06:14] committee to help us do some work. We
[2:06:17] are getting ready to um re revamp our
[2:06:21] service excellence program. This
[2:06:23] committee would would help support
[2:06:25] service excellence as it relates to how
[2:06:27] we're dealing with external customers.
[2:06:29] Um also one of the things that we need
[2:06:32] to work on is a is a very clear um
[2:06:36] complaint process. Um, have some citizen
[2:06:38] has a complaint, who does it go to, how
[2:06:42] do we track it that that complaint's
[2:06:43] been addressed, and how do we make sure
[2:06:45] that the citizen or the community is
[2:06:47] notified how we respond to that
[2:06:50] complaint? So, we are proposing tonight
[2:06:52] to have the community advisory
[2:06:54] committee. This will will take place of
[2:06:57] the former diversity and inclusion
[2:06:59] committee. Um, this is um so this will
[2:07:02] be the community advisory. Uh the one
[2:07:05] question for city council is how would
[2:07:08] you like the membership and the
[2:07:09] appointment of this committee? Um the
[2:07:12] terms of service are very typical for
[2:07:14] our rest of our commissions. We'll start
[2:07:15] out with a staggered appointment um to
[2:07:19] to get those staggered terms. Um the
[2:07:22] rest of this charter very similar to
[2:07:23] your other um boards and commissions
[2:07:27] meeting it depicts when they meet. I
[2:07:29] mean putting the schedule together and
[2:07:31] gives that direction for once we form
[2:07:33] the committee. But it would be
[2:07:34] consistent of uh seven
[2:07:38] uh members um either totally at large or
[2:07:43] my recommendation may be four C city
[2:07:47] residents and then three at large. Um
[2:07:50] that way you have um a majority of
[2:07:52] members from within the city really
[2:07:54] helping the city but then also you have
[2:07:56] because of our utility customers. This
[2:07:58] is a mechanism that you may um have
[2:08:01] those three other atlarge members. This
[2:08:03] is suggesting our city attorney may have
[2:08:05] um her thoughts about that. mayor would
[2:08:08] serve as a city a liaison and the mayor
[2:08:10] prom serving as the alternate city
[2:08:12] council liaison because this is a
[2:08:15] committee that really is about
[2:08:16] engagement and working with the um with
[2:08:20] the community. So, um we have the draft
[2:08:22] charter here. We're glad to answer any
[2:08:25] questions, need some direction about how
[2:08:27] you want the the make up the committee
[2:08:29] to be and we stand by to um ask answer
[2:08:34] those questions um get that direction
[2:08:37] and if you're so willing to approve it
[2:08:39] then we'll begin the recruitment and
[2:08:42] appointment process.
[2:08:44] >> So I agree with John that I think it
[2:08:48] » So I agree with John that I think it
[2:08:48] should be four city seats and three
[2:08:51] [cough]
[2:08:52] at large seats. I don't really like the
[2:08:55] idea of saying seven at large seats
[2:08:57] because then we could end up with not a
[2:08:58] single city resident on there. Um, and
[2:09:01] so I think that just makes sure that
[2:09:03] we're pulling
[2:09:04] we still have opportunities for folks
[2:09:06] that may not live in the city but use
[2:09:08] the city um to be on the board and like
[2:09:10] you said the utility customers but at
[2:09:12] least the majority of them would be city
[2:09:15] residents.
[2:09:18] Could we say a minimum of four city?
[2:09:24] >> We may
[2:09:26] » We may
[2:09:26] as we don't know exactly who's going to
[2:09:30] apply.
[2:09:40] You good with that?
[2:09:45] [laughter]
[2:09:49] Madame Mayor, I move the city council
[2:09:50] approve the community advisory committee
[2:09:53] charter and rules of procedure as
[2:09:55] amended.
[2:09:57] Okay. Is there any discussion?
[2:10:01] Not those in favor of uh the new
[2:10:06] community advisory committee say I.
[2:10:10] >> I.
[2:10:10] » I.
[2:10:10] >> Those opposed say no. Eyes have it.
[2:10:13] » Those opposed say no. Eyes have it.
[2:10:13] Motion carries and we can move
[2:10:18] move on with that get because I've had
[2:10:22] uh contact by some people that uh would
[2:10:25] be interested in serving. So
[2:10:28] >> we can get going.
[2:10:30] » we can get going.
[2:10:30] >> Thank you.
[2:10:30] » Thank you.
[2:10:30] >> All right. Thank you. Uh, city manager
[2:10:33] » All right. Thank you. Uh, city manager
[2:10:34] report.
[2:10:35] >> Mayor vote, members of city council, uh,
[2:10:38] » Mayor vote, members of city council, uh,
[2:10:38] your July contingency and adjustment
[2:10:41] report is included in your agenda packet
[2:10:44] for your review. Uh, we'll stand by to
[2:10:47] answer any questions about that. Uh,
[2:10:50] remind that we're having, weather
[2:10:53] permitting, we think we're in good shape
[2:10:54] for splash day on
[2:10:57] >> Saturday um, at Sullivan Park um, from
[2:10:59] » Saturday um, at Sullivan Park um, from
[2:11:00] 10 to 1. We we are putting a couple
[2:11:03] different things together. We are having
[2:11:06] the fun things for the kids and the
[2:11:08] splash, but also we'll be there as kind
[2:11:10] of a resource center, a variety of staff
[2:11:13] trying to get engage with residents to
[2:11:16] get their feedback on a couple different
[2:11:18] things. So, we'll be there doing that.
[2:11:21] um particularly the new playground
[2:11:25] um police um interaction in that in the
[2:11:28] Green Meadows neighborhood particularly
[2:11:30] but also across the city. So a number of
[2:11:33] your leaders in this room will be there
[2:11:36] um enjoy enjoying watching the kids and
[2:11:39] adults play in the water but we will be
[2:11:41] there um maybe the police chief will
[2:11:43] even get wet. don't look but uh um but
[2:11:47] uh if the fire department has anything
[2:11:49] to do with it definitely right um but we
[2:11:52] will be there um on Saturday and such
[2:11:55] just remind you of that and then finally
[2:11:58] um tonight uh mayor's memories um August
[2:12:02] 7th 2014
[2:12:04] um it was a short meeting mayor um I was
[2:12:07] there but it was short we were out of
[2:12:08] here by 8 o'clock about this time
[2:12:10] exactly
[2:12:11] >> here we are it was
[2:12:13] » here we are it was
[2:12:13] >> 7:57 seven. On um August 7th, 2014, um
[2:12:18] » 7:57 seven. On um August 7th, 2014, um
[2:12:18] we uh considered a budget and management
[2:12:21] um position. It was um our current
[2:12:23] deputy city manager's first promotion um
[2:12:27] back in August of 2014. I thought that's
[2:12:29] a little bit ironic. Um um we had our
[2:12:33] first or an updated uh finance director
[2:12:36] Lisa White uh updated our C petty cash
[2:12:40] policy to make sure as we were handling
[2:12:42] cash across the organization that we
[2:12:44] were counting for that and protecting
[2:12:46] the taxpayers's money. We had a public
[2:12:48] hearing um one of many that we've had
[2:12:52] around Grace Blueish Church and Florence
[2:12:54] Street with that property. I think we
[2:12:56] finally have settled on that property,
[2:12:57] but um number of public hearings through
[2:13:00] the years related to the Grace Blue
[2:13:02] Ridge Church property. Um a public
[2:13:04] hearing also resoning of uh two vacant
[2:13:08] parcels that also became part of
[2:13:11] interfaith assistance ministry over on
[2:13:13] Freeman Street. So allowed I um yeah the
[2:13:16] AM to build their new facility um and
[2:13:19] move from where they previously were. Um
[2:13:22] our budget first formal budget one of
[2:13:24] our first formal budget documents um
[2:13:27] were presented as a matter of
[2:13:29] information um and we had formatted it
[2:13:31] for the GFOA award which we won that
[2:13:34] year. Uh parking on Half Moon Trails a
[2:13:37] topic.
[2:13:39] other parking issues. As I told the the
[2:13:41] mayor the other day or we were joking
[2:13:43] around that um you know man in invented
[2:13:47] the wheel and the next day they were
[2:13:49] complaining about parking and so um we
[2:13:52] had a at that meeting um we um had a
[2:13:55] consideration of parking issues and had
[2:13:58] our first
[2:14:01] more modern comprehensive parking study
[2:14:03] with Dixon Unlimited when they came in
[2:14:05] and looked at how we were doing
[2:14:06] enforcement. several other things that
[2:14:08] happened um related to um pedestrian
[2:14:12] safety
[2:14:14] uh the square dance club at the Whitmire
[2:14:17] Center and everything. But um so that
[2:14:20] was on August the 7th and then on
[2:14:22] ironically on August 11th of 2014 there
[2:14:26] was a special joint meeting of the 7th
[2:14:28] Avenue Advisory Committee and the city
[2:14:31] council. Um, as Mayor Pro Tim mentioned,
[2:14:35] uh, Steve Carricker was a champion of
[2:14:37] that area and he made sure area um, that
[2:14:40] we had a special meeting where we had
[2:14:42] brought in an architect to look at the
[2:14:44] facades and give some suggested improve
[2:14:48] some kind of free architecture work.
[2:14:50] They did a chet. We invited the owners
[2:14:52] to come over and we talked about how we
[2:14:55] can improve the area related to
[2:14:57] visibility, walking, um, looking at the
[2:15:00] structures. Um, so we did that. Um, one
[2:15:04] of the key leaders that I could not
[2:15:07] remember his name until I see it now,
[2:15:08] Carson Cton at City Tire, um, was part
[2:15:12] of that. Dennis Dunlap, Terry Ketchum,
[2:15:14] Chris Cormier, Barl Bean was also
[2:15:16] instrumental, Jim Catetter, and Martin
[2:15:18] Ray. So, we had three meetings that
[2:15:21] month. the the third meeting um in
[2:15:23] August of that month in 2014 was the
[2:15:26] city attorney's um performance
[2:15:28] evaluation which is also ironic because
[2:15:30] we'll do that um later later this month
[2:15:33] for city attorney. So a lot of irony in
[2:15:36] what we do. We don't change much. So
[2:15:38] that is all I have mayor.
[2:15:40] >> Okay. Thank you. Uh we do have uh well
[2:15:45] » Okay. Thank you. Uh we do have uh well
[2:15:45] council anything council wants to bring
[2:15:47] up.
[2:15:50] No. Okay. Close session.
[2:15:53] >> Madame Mayor, I move that city council
[2:15:54] » Madame Mayor, I move that city council
[2:15:54] enter close session pursuant to NC North
[2:15:58] Carolina general statute. I don't know
[2:15:59] what I'm doing right now. uh
[2:16:00] 143-318.11A16
[2:16:03] to prevent the disclosure of information
[2:16:05] that is privileged or confidential
[2:16:06] pursuant to the law of this state or of
[2:16:08] the United States or not considered a
[2:16:10] public record within the meaning of
[2:16:11] chapter 132 of the general statutes and
[2:16:13] to consider the qualifications,
[2:16:15] competence, performance, character,
[2:16:17] fitness of an individual public officer
[2:16:19] employee.
[2:16:20] >> Thank you. Is there any discussion? Not
[2:16:23] » Thank you. Is there any discussion? Not
[2:16:23] those in favor of entering close session
[2:16:25] say I.
[2:16:26] >> I post say no. Eyes have it. Motion
[2:16:29] » I post say no. Eyes have it. Motion
[2:16:29] carries and we will head into close
[2:16:32] session.
[2:16:34] Okay.
[4:03:38] » [laughter]
[4:03:38] >> Are you ready?
[4:03:44] [laughter]
[4:03:45] >> This isn't my deal.
[4:03:49] » This isn't my deal.
[4:03:49] They can always
[4:03:52] they can always look at the uh
[4:03:54] recording. Yes.
[4:03:56] >> Later on.
[4:03:57] » Later on.
[4:03:57] >> All right. Is there a motion?
[4:04:00] » All right. Is there a motion?
[4:04:00] >> Madame Mayor, I move that city council
[4:04:02] » Madame Mayor, I move that city council
[4:04:02] accept the resignation of John Connet
[4:04:04] and appoint Brian Polly as city manager.
[4:04:06] Both to be effective October 1st, 2026,
[4:04:09] and authorize the mayor to negotiate and
[4:04:12] enter into an appointment agreement with
[4:04:13] Mr. Py on behalf of city council.
[4:04:15] >> Thank you. Is there any discussion?
[4:04:20] Not those in favor of the accepting the
[4:04:24] resignation and appoint the appointment
[4:04:28] of the new city manager say I.
[4:04:30] >> I.
[4:04:30] » I.
[4:04:30] >> Those opposed say no. Eyes have it.
[4:04:33] » Those opposed say no. Eyes have it.
[4:04:33] Motion carries and uh October 1st we
[4:04:38] will have a new city manager.
[4:04:40] [applause]
[4:04:43] And thank you to Mr. Connet.
[4:04:48] Right. Okay. We are at the end of our
[4:04:51] business
[4:04:52] >> and we are adjourned.
[4:04:55] » and we are adjourned.
[4:04:55] Nine.