Waynesville council approves Strive Week, No Mow May enforcement pause, 10-year sewer plan and bridge study

The Town of Waynesville Town Council on May 6 adopted several resolutions and approved measures addressing transportation promotion, seasonal code enforcement, sewer capital projects and infrastructure evaluations.

The council voted to declare May 16–24 as "Strive Week," a Land of Sky Regional Council and French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization initiative to promote walking, biking, carpooling and transit. Land-use administrator Alex Mumbi told the council Strive Week "promote[s] walking, biking, carpooling, taking transit," and listed local events including a bike ride on May 23, a children's bike drive run with First United Methodist Church, and a Haywood County Transit free-ride week May 19–23.

The council also approved a locally proposed No Mow May initiative to support pollinators by suspending code enforcement for tall grass during May for property owners who opt in. Presenter Tyler Anderson said the town "would not enforce our tall grass ordinance for this month" for participants, and the council voted to approve the promotion and the temporary suspension of enforcement.

On capital projects and utilities, Town Manager Rob Neal presented revisions to the town's capital improvement plan (CIP) and requested council approval to adopt a 10-year sewer CIP and to authorize application for state funding through the State Revolving Fund (SRF). Neal told the council the project at the Little Champion gravity sewer area requires building a pump station that the state Department of Environmental Quality will require to be above the 100-year flood stage. He described the $3,000,000 SRF grant program to build a pump station and said the town was updating its 10-year sewer plan to meet the grant application requirements; the council adopted the CIP by resolution and separately authorized the town manager to apply for a state loan or grant and to arrange financing if needed.

The council approved a $40,044.50 contract with Kinsinger, Campo & Associates (KCA) to evaluate the Walnut Trail bridge that connects Route 209 to the wastewater treatment plant. The contract includes a $13,500 subcontract for concrete sampling; staff said the evaluation is the necessary first step before designing strengthening work and will document storm damage that could make the project FEMA-eligible.

The council also voted to allow staff to purchase and install stormwater-education banners downtown using local signage vendors; presenters said they plan to display roughly 10–20 18-by-36-inch banners featuring elementary-school artwork collected through an in-school stormwater project. Councilmembers approved the purchase and installation.

Council members reviewed and approved an updated paving-priority list for the coming fiscal year based on field inspections and recommended additions. The council adopted the manager’s recommended paving schedule as the town’s paving recommendation for the next fiscal year.

The council appointed Emily Endefer to the Waynesville Housing Authority board after interviews with two applicants; Robert Burns’s application was kept on file in case of future openings.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution declaring May 16–24, 2025 as Strive Week: motion moved from the floor; second by Councilmember John; outcome — adopted (voice vote). Referenced: Land of Sky Regional Council, French Broad River MPO events. - No Mow May promotion and suspension of related code enforcement for May: motion by Councilmember Chuck; second by Councilmember John; outcome — approved (voice vote). - Resolution 2025-R9-25 adopting the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (including sewer plan): motion moved; second by Councilmember Julia; outcome — adopted (voice vote). - Resolution R8-25 authorizing town manager to apply for SRF grant or loan and arrange financing: motion by Councilmember Joe; second by Councilmember Julia; outcome — adopted (voice vote). - Kinsinger, Campo & Associates contract for Walnut Trail bridge evaluation, $40,044.50: motion by a council member; second by Chuck; outcome — approved (voice vote). - Authorization for staff to purchase and install stormwater education banners (approx. 10–20 banners, 18x36 inches): motion by Councilmember Chuck; second by Councilmember Anthony; outcome — approved (voice vote). - Adoption of updated paving recommendation for the next fiscal year (priority list adjusted, additions recommended): motion by Councilmember John; second — declared; outcome — adopted (voice vote). - Appointment of Emily Endefer to the Waynesville Housing Authority board: motion moved; seconded; outcome — approved (voice vote).

Discussion and context

Council and staff framed the sewer CIP and SRF application as a multi-year effort. Neal said the town discovered a longstanding overflow at an open junction box near Little Champion and Richland Creek and said the chosen pump station must meet DEQ flood-stage requirements. Neal described the SRF process and said even if the town applies for a loan it could later accept or reject an offered financing package.

Members emphasized local partnerships and outreach for Strive Week and stormwater education. Alex Mumbi described coordination with Haywood County Transit and a video promotion featuring a local mascot. The stormwater school outreach will include student artwork displayed downtown to raise awareness of stormwater issues; presenters said the banners are intended to remain flexible for seasonal use.

The bridge evaluation was presented as a first-stage design step: staff said the consultant must test concrete and document storm damage before determining strengthening needs and costs. Staff also said documenting storm damage improves the town's prospects for FEMA mitigation funding for subsequent design or construction work.

Ending

Council members concluded the meeting with community announcements — a litter pickup planned for May 3, an upcoming local tournament that draws visitors, and staff travel to a state energy conference — and then adjourned.