Woodfin manager: Helene recovery, parks and water projects advancing; SRF pre-application pending

Town Manager Shannon Tuck updated the Town Council on multiple infrastructure and recovery matters June 17, reporting steady progress on storm-recovery tasks while noting permitting and contracting remain to be completed for several projects.

Tuck said public-assistance applications for parks remain in process and that the town is waiting on construction drawings, permits and additional information from contractors before issuing bids. She explained Silver Line Park remains closed mainly because the park was slated to serve as a staging area for river debris-removal operations; staff did not want to open the park temporarily only to have it closed again while heavy equipment worked. That debris removal has not yet transitioned to the state's program as expected, and Tuck said she has discussed timing with a state agency representative and hoped it would be resolved soon.

Tuck said Riverside Park may be suitable for reopening for passive walking because bank-stabilization work has repaired a sloughed walking trail; restrooms and picnic facilities are still out of service. Council members and residents expressed interest in posting clear notices about park status on the town website and social media.

On water infrastructure, staff reported the town submitted a pre-application to North Carolina's State Revolving Fund (SRF) program and received confirmation of receipt. Staff said the SRF pre-application process is currently encouraging most pre-applicants to apply for full funding invitations; an invitation to submit a full application may arrive in July. Council and staff discussed that private service-line connection costs to a new public line can be substantial (one figure discussed during the meeting ranged from about $4,000 to $14,000 per home) and that SRF awards can in some cases include funding for private line connections; criteria would not be clear until the SRF released application requirements in early July.

Tuck also provided routine departmental updates: public-works activity has resumed brush collection and mowing in areas of town; catch-basin cleaning was completed; a town-hall beautification day is scheduled for July 1; the planning department is conducting a code update kickoff and consultant visits; Riverside Park expansion drilling continues with boulder placement and forthcoming engineer inspections; Geneva Mainy Community Garden work days continue; and Roy Pope Park play-structure replacement parts are pending. In the police department, Jamie McCandless was named acting sergeant and the school resource officer position will be full time and funded largely through Buncombe County Schools and the town.

Tuck said the town is tracking FEMA and state reimbursements and expects additional budget amendments as final costs for debris removal and park repairs are established; staff has invoiced under FEMA and the state cash-flow loan program and expects to collect expenditures already incurred.