2026-09-08 - City Council

Summary

Built from the official minutes (the agenda briefing of September 3 is recorded in the same document). No video or transcript found.

All seven members present. Consent agenda adopted unanimously, minus item E (moved by Councilwoman Roney, seconded by Councilwoman Turner).
Item E, the Deaverview master plan contract (not to exceed $399,800 with City Collective, LLC), was voted separately after Vice-Mayor Mosley was recused for a conflict of interest; approved unanimously.
New business: the "No Rent for Slumlords" tenant protection ordinance (5261) adopted unanimously, with an amendment requiring an inspector's order.
Also approved on consent: $1,403,000 Opticos Design contract for the comprehensive plan and zoning code rewrite; $4.2 million Helene budget amendment; transit grants.
Capital quarterly update: $45.7 million of projects completed in fiscal year 2025-26.
Public comment: bears, taxpayer mandates, transit service, west Asheville homelessness, paramedic program with the County, Haw Creek Park, thanks for cancelling Flock cameras, budget transparency. Adjourned 7:00 p.m.
Preceded by the 2026-09-03 - Council Agenda Briefing Worksession.

Ullman moved the amendment (adding the inspector-order language) and then the ordinance; both unanimous. Eight speakers for, three asked for delay to involve landlords. City Attorney Branham said there is no mold standard and state law limits rent withholding.

Moved by Councilman Hess, seconded by Councilwoman Roney; unanimous with Vice-Mayor Mosley not voting.

Resolution 26-181 and Ordinance 5258: $1.2 million CDBG-DR plus $203,000 stormwater funds; plan and code done October 2027.

Ordinance 5259: $4.2 million for recovery costs (temporary Gashes Creek bridge, parks contents, grants management) and a $105,000 donation transfer for the temporary skating rink.

Resolution 26-187 (Low or No Emission application, $48 million federal), Resolution 26-186 (state maintenance assistance, $1,104,732).

Capital quarterly report by Mr. Ear: completed projects, garage repairs scheduled for 2027, Biltmore Village engagement.

Resolution 26-182: alcohol permission at Oktoberfest, October 3, on Coxe Avenue.
Resolution 26-184: $54,500 maximum with the Asheville City Schools Foundation for $2,000 scholarships for Youth Leadership Academy graduates (5 percent fee).
Resolution 26-185 and Ordinance 5260: ratify a $25,000 Homeland Security grant for a barricade trailer (spend by February 28, 2027).
Resolution 26-188: Dogwood Health Trust Leverage Fund application (closes October 2, 2026).

Bears: Bear-resistant trash containers (Hess to refer to Public Safety Committee; Roney asked about the cart backlog; Mayor to contact the Wildlife Commission). Homelessness: HUD Continuum of Care funding shift. Councilwoman Turner asked for a Haywood Road and Tunnel Road corridor update and to reschedule a west Asheville walk. Councilman Hess also asked for a standing order for medication for firefighter EMTs and pressed Mission Hospital on direct psychiatric admission.
Speakers thanking Council for cancelling Flock: Flock License Plate Readers.