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Council adopts consent agenda and amends downtown code; approves tree planting, tables Beautification MOU
Summary
Council approved the consent agenda (schedules, grant applications and budget amendments), unanimously adopted an amendment to the code restricting certain wheeled devices downtown, approved a Trout Unlimited tree planting at Veterans Park, and tabled the Beautification Committee MOU pending a preliminary staff budget estimate.
The Town Council approved a multi‑item consent agenda that included the 2026 meeting schedule, the 2026 holiday schedule, the monthly tax collector report, a resolution adopting the Buncombe County long‑term recovery plan, authorization to apply for North Carolina Department of Commerce small business infrastructure program funding (stormwater capacity improvement), several FY 25/26 budget amendments (including $28,000 from police to the Helene fund for engineering services, $3,000 returned to PD budget from a vehicle sale, and $120,000 from Powell Bill funds for paving), and other routine items. A voice vote of council members recorded support for the consent agenda.
In unfinished business the council voted to add a new section to Chapter 47 restricting the use of skateboards, certain wheeled vehicles and similar devices on sidewalks within the downtown business district (with exceptions for strollers and mobility devices used by persons with disabilities). Council members praised the ordinance wording for clarity and safety; the amendment passed by recorded voice votes in open session.
Under new business the council reviewed a revised memorandum of understanding with the Black Mountain Beautification Committee about downtown trees and planters. Members asked for clearer definitions of staff time and budget commitments and tabled the MOU pending a preliminary budget estimate. The council approved a partnership with Trout Unlimited to plant replacement trees at Veterans Park and to host a tree giveaway.
Before recessing to closed session, the council moved to go into closed session for personnel matters and recorded a voice vote in favor.
