At the November 18 City Council meeting, Council members undertook consideration of several Helene Recovery agenda items as the City and community continue to move forward with recovery related projects and needs. Below is a list of the items, grouped by topic or category, actions, and impacts.
Helene recovery related items
ADMINISTRATION
Consent Item C. Unanimously Approved
Lease for Asheville Parks & Recreation staff offices at 599 Tunnel Road
Resolution to ratify the execution of a lease with TPI Land Investment LLC at 599 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC, to provide ongoing operations of the City’s Parks and Recreation maintenance and office facilities for employees; and to execute any necessary change orders to said lease.
“This lease agreement is a crucial step forward for our team,” according to APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt. “The destruction of our maintenance facility by Tropical Storm Helene was a major setback, forcing our dedicated staff to operate under a scattered site model for over a year. Acquiring this 13,361 square feet of combined office, maintenance, and secured storage space provides a centralized, dedicated location. This move will allow the APR Asset Management team to operate more efficiently, ensuring we can continue delivering the high level of service the Asheville community expects for its parks and recreation infrastructure.”
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INFRASTRUCTURE
Consent Item J. Unanimously Approved
Tropical Storm Helene Guardrail Repair
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Bullington Construction, Inc., for the Tropical Storm Helene Guardrail Repair contract, and further authorizing the City Manager to execute any change orders that may arise during the project up to the contingency amount; and approval of a budget amendment of $210,376 to add federal and state funds to the General Capital Projects Fund.
“Repair or replacement of approximately 2,700 feet of guardrail damaged by Tropical Storm Helene is essential to both our storm recovery efforts and continued public safety,” said Public Works Director Amy Deyton. “Through this infrastructure project, we are providing critical protective barriers that redirect vehicles away from severe hazards, absorb impacts and reduce potential injury to drivers and our community members. Approval of this contract allows the City to undertake this recovery measure while Public Works continues other essential Helene recovery efforts as well as annual and seasonal community needs.”
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City Manager’s Report
Riverfront Revitalization Projects – Public Engagement Update
City Council received an update on the upcoming public engagement activities related to the French Broad Riverfront Parks Project and the Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Project. City staff will soon announce details about an engagement effort that will take place in late 2025 and early 2026 with multiple opportunities for stakeholders to provide input. Public input and community collaboration will be essential for project success. Project design will be informed by City Council vision, priorities and goals for recovery, community input and input received through recent engagement efforts for related plans, initiatives and projects.
“We are committed to a transparent and inclusive process for both the French Broad Riverfront Parks and the Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Projects,” stated Communication and Public Engagement Director Dawa Hitch. “These upcoming engagement opportunities are vital for gathering the community’s vision and ensuring these projects reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of Asheville residents.”
Presentation
RECOVERY FUNDING
Consent Item O. Unanimously Approved
Application for and acceptance of FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for grants in the Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program; and authorizing the City Manager to accept funds if granted, and to execute all documents related to implementation and management of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects.
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Consent Item P. Unanimously Approved
Application for and acceptance of NC Emergency Management (NCEM) Disaster Relief and Mitigation funds
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for grants in the North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) – Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund 2025, and authorizing the City Manager to accept funds if granted, and to execute all documents related to implementation and management of NCEM – Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund 2025 projects.
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Consent Item Q. Unanimously Approved
Application for and Acceptance of State budget & Management (OSBM) Helene Local Government Capital Grants
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for grants in the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) – Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program, and authorizing the City Manager to accept funds if granted, and to execute all documents related to implementation and management of OSBM – Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program.
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“These state and federal funds will continue to play an essential role in our community’s recovery from Helene, “said Helene Recovery Coordinator Bridget Herring. “The ability to have these grants pro-actively identified and approved, affords us the maximum opportunity to address gaps in funding for our community’s continued Helene recovery and resilience efforts.”
RECOVERY PLAN
Under New Business: Unanimously Adopted
Resolution adopting the long-term Recovery Plan Section 7.2 of the Buncombe County Helene Recovery Plan.
“The Helene Recovery Plan gives Asheville a clear and very high-level roadmap to prioritize our work, guide complex projects, and keep residents informed and involved as recovery progresses. The included projects reflect City Council’s vision, community input, and our long-standing planning efforts,” stated Chris Collins, Planning & Urban Design Assistant Director and Long Term Recovery Plan Coordinator.
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Presentation