Town Council Regular Workshop

TOWN OF WEAVERVILLE AGENDA Town Hall/Community Room July 13, 2026 at 6:00 pm 30 South MainStreet, Weaverville, NC 28787 Town Council Regular Workshop Meeting Livestreaming of meeting via the “Live” Tab on the Town’s YouTube Channel – Click this link: Youtube.com Weaverville NC government Live streams ; and Meeting recordings viewable under the “Videos” Tab (unless technical difficulties are experienced) 1. Call to Order ..................................................................................................... Mayor Lawrence 2. FY2026-2027 Budget …………………………………………………………………………………… 2 Town Manager Harris a. Legislative Updates ……………………………………………………………………….. b. Required Amendment to FY2026-2027 Budget Ordinance ……………. 3 3. Northridge Farms Project ………………………………………………………………..…………. 8 Assistant Manager Jackson a. Project Overview and Update ……………………………………………………….. 9 b. Private Streets vs. Public Streets …………………………………………………… 24 c. Greenway Connection ……………………………………………………………………. 35 4. Merchants Alley ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 40 Town Manager Harris 5. Closed Session …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Mayor Lawrence N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) – To consult with an attorney and consider and give instructions on the handling of a claim; N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) – To discuss confidential personnel matters 6. Adjournment ………………………………………………………………………………………….…... Mayor Lawrence  TOWN OF WEAVERVILLE TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM MEETING DATE: July 13, 2026 SUBJECT: FY2026-2027 Budget PRESENTER: Town Manager Harris ATTACHMENTS: Amended Budget Ordinance for FY2026-2027 COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED: Town Council is asked to consider adopting the attached Amended Budget Ordinance for FY2026-2027. An amended budget is necessary for legal compliance with legislation that was recently passed and signed into law in Raleigh. The following motion is suggested: I move the adoption of the Amended Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 for the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund DESCRIPTION/SUMMARY OF REQUEST: North Carolina legislation has been adopted in June and July that impacts the budget ordinance that Town Council adopted on June 8, 2026. The schedule of values based on the most recent real property reappraisal that was to be effective January 1, 2026, cannot be used until January 1, 2027, unless rates are set at the revenue neutral rate, which will result in a substantially reduced revenue than what was included in the adopted budget. Town Manager Harris recommends that Town Council amend its budget pursuant to N.C.G.S. 159-15 to use the prior schedule of values and to set a tax rate of $0.455 per $100 in value to arrive at the tax revenue needed to balance the Town’s general fund budget and provide for the operating and capital needs of the Town. The revisions within the budget ordinance are highlighted in the Amended Budget Ordinance. Manager Harris thanks Town Council and the public for their patience and understanding during a budget year that has been full of changes. 2  TOWN OF WEAVERVILLE AMENDED BUDGET ORDINANCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 THE GENERAL FUND AND SPECIAL REVENUE FIRE FUND WHEREAS, N.C.G.S. §159-8 requires that the Town of Weaverville appoint a Budget Officer to serve at the will of the governing body and Town Council has and hereby appoints the Town Manager to serve in such capacity; and WHEREAS, in accordance with N.C.G.S. §159-10, departmental budget requests were submitted to the Budget Officer by February 16, 2026, and in accordance with N.C.G.S. §159-11, the Budget Officer submitted the budget message to the Mayor and Town Council on April 13, 2026, which included the tax rate calculated as 31 cents ($0.31) per $100 in valuation per the Buncombe County Tax Department’s assessments; and WHEREAS, in accordance with N.C.G.S. §159-12(a), the Budget Officer filed the proposed budget with the Town Clerk on April 14, 2026, and posted the same on the Town's website, and the Town Clerk caused a statement indicating that the proposed budget had been submitted to the governing body and was available for public inspection and that a public hearing on the budget was scheduled for May 18, 2026; and WHEREAS, Town Council, in accordance with N.C.G.S. §159-12(b) and after proper notice under N.C.G.S. §159-12(a), held a public hearing on the proposed budget on May 18, 2026, providing the public with an opportunity to attend and provide comment; and WHEREAS, Town Council carefully considered the anticipated revenues and expenditures necessary to provide for the provision of municipal services within the Town of Weaverville during the 2026-2027 fiscal year and adopt a Budget Ordinance on June 8, 2026, in accordance with N.C.G.S. §159-8 and based on the schedule of values from the Buncombe County real property reappraisal which was to be effective January 1, 2026; WHEREAS, Session Law 2026-8 prohibits the use of the schedule of values resulting from Buncombe County’s real property reappraisal until January 1, 2027, unless revenue neutral tax rates are adopted, which results in a substantially reduced revenue to the Town than the amount anticipated under the FY2026-2027 budget that Town Council adopted on June 8, 2026; WHEREAS, Session law 2026-47 allows the Town to amend its previously adopted budget pursuant to N.C.G.S. §159-15 based upon the substantially different revenues than the amount anticipated; BE IT, THEREFORE, ORDAINED by the Town Council for the Town of Weaverville, North Carolina: Section 1. General Fund Revenues It is estimated that the following revenues will be available in the General Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027: GENERAL FUND REVENUES Prior Year Tax Revenue $4,000 Ad Valorem Tax Revenue $5,941,733 3  Amended Budget Ordinance for FY2026-2027 General Fund and Fire Fund DMV Tax Revenue $282,807 Tax Penalties & Interest $7,000 Utilities Franchise Tax $541,121 Beer & Wine Tax $20,000 Powell Bill Distributions $165,000 Local Government Sales Tax $2,205,679 ABC Store Distribution to Town $170,000 Cell Tower Revenue $22,300 Miscellaneous Revenue $14,000 Interest Earned $263,362 Interest Earned-Powell Bill $9,000 Zoning Inspections Fees $20,000 Facility Use Rental Fees $45,000 Parking Enforcement Fees $5,000 Sale of Property $16,000 Appropriated Fund Balance $1,204,419 TOTAL ESTIMATED GENERAL FUND REVENUES $10,936,421 Section 2. General Fund Appropriations The following amounts are hereby appropriated in the General Fund for the operation of the Town government and its activities for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, in accordance with the departmental units heretofore established for the Town: GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS Governance $309,444 Administration $1,232,192 Planning & Code Enforcement $266,981 Police Department $4,068,850 Public Works: Streets Division $703,247 Powell Bill Division $19,607 Sanitation Division $816,872 Stormwater Management Division $338,604 Grounds Maintenance Division $515,003 Recreation / Community Center $384,619 Debt Service $139,200 Transfer to Fire District Fund $2,141,802 TOTAL GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS $10,936,421 2 4  Amended Budget Ordinance for FY2026-2027 General Fund and Fire Fund Section 3. Special Revenue Fund – Weaverville Fire Department Revenue A Special Revenue Fund was established in fiscal year 2021-2022 to account for North Buncombe Fire Tax revenue as well as all expenditures associated with the Town’s fire department, as required by Buncombe County to remain eligible for fire tax revenue. It is estimated that the following revenues will be available in the Special Revenue Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027: FIRE DISTRICT FUND REVENUES Buncombe County Fire Protection $2,970,755 Fire Fees $1,000 Transfer from General Fund $2,141,802 TOTAL FIRE DISTRICT FUND REVENUES $5,113,557 Section 4. Special Revenue Fund – Weaverville Fire Department Appropriations The following amounts are hereby appropriated in the Special Revenue Fund for the operation of the Town’s fire department and its activities for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027: FIRE DISTRICT FUND APPROPRIATIONS Fire Department $4,930,277 Debt Service $183,280 TOTAL FIRE DISTRICT FUND APPROPRIATIONS $5,113,557 Section 5. Grant Project Funds A Grant Project Fund was established for the FEMA funds and OSBM funds related to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene to account for the funds received and spent by the Town on debris removal and other storm-related expenditures. Section 6. Ad Valorem Property Taxes An ad valorem property tax rate of 45.5 cents ($0.455) per one hundred dollars ($100.00) valuation of taxable property as established by Buncombe County is hereby levied and established as the official tax rate for the Town of Weaverville for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. Section 7. Fee and Rate Schedule A fee schedule is adopted by separate ordinance to establish monies receivable by the Town of Weaverville for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. 3 5  Amended Budget Ordinance for FY2026-2027 General Fund and Fire Fund Section 8. Pay Plan and Position Classification Plan Any Pay Plan or Position Classification Plan adopted by Town Council, and amendments, that are effective for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, are hereby incorporated into this Budget Ordinance by reference. Section 9. County Fire Revenue The County’s appropriation to the Town’s Fire Fund Budget as approved in the County’s FY2027 budget is $2,970,755. Section 10. Authorizations & Conditions The Town Manager, serving as the Budget Officer for the Town of Weaverville, is hereby authorized to transfer appropriations as contained herein under the following conditions: A. This Budget Ordinance defines departments and divisions as follows: General Fund and Fire Fund Divisions: Departments: Governance Administration Planning Department Recreation/Community Center Police Department Fire Department Public Works: • Streets • Powell Bill • Sanitation • Stormwater Management • Grounds Maintenance B. The Budget Officer or their designee is hereby authorized to distribute departmental funds based upon the line-item budgets and make expenditures therefrom, in accordance with the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. C. The Budget Officer or their designee may authorize transfers between line items, expenditures and revenues, within a department or division without limitation and without a report being required. D. The Budget Officer or their designee may transfer amounts up to 5%, but not to exceed $10,000 monthly, between departments, including contingency appropriations, but only within the same fund. The Budget Officer must make an official report on such transfers at a subsequent regular meeting of Town Council. E. The Budget Officer or their designee may not transfer any amounts between funds, except as a budget amendment approved by the Weaverville Town Council. 4 6  Amended Budget Ordinance for FY2026-2027 General Fund and Fire Fund F. The Town Manager is hereby designated as the Deputy Finance Officer. Section 11. Utilization of Budget Ordinance The Budget Ordinance shall be the basis for the financial plan of the Town of Weaverville during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. The Budget Officer or their designee shall administer the budget. The accounting system shall establish records which are in consonance with this budget and this ordinance and the appropriate statutes of the State of North Carolina. Section 12. Distribution and Documentation Copies of this Budget Ordinance shall be furnished to the Town Clerk, the Budget Officer and the Finance Officer to be kept on file by them for direction in the collection of revenues and disbursement of Town funds. DULY ADOPTED this the _____ day of July, 2026. Gary D. Lawrence, Mayor Town of Weaverville ATTEST: Angela L. Reece, Town Clerk 5 7  TOWN OF WEAVERVILLE TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM DATE OF MEETING: July 13, 2026 SUBJECT: Northridge Farms Project PRESENTER: Assistant Town Manager Jackson ATTACHMENTS: Site Plan showing Road Layout, Conditional District Ordinance, Various Maps and Photographs; Active Weaverville Committee Report DESCRIPTION/SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Forestar is the developer for the Northridge Farms Project and will be at tonight’s meeting to provide Town Council with an update on their project. They would also like to renew the conversation with Town Council concerning whether certain roads within Northridge Commons Shopping Center and through their development should remain private or be accepted by the Town into the public street system. The main roads through the shopping center include Northridge Commons Parkway and Northcrest Road. The developer submitted a request for the Town to take those roads into its public street system. A roundabout concept design is proposed to more efficiently flow traffic through the 4-way stop that is currently in place. They have also altered the crossing over Gill Branch from a bridge to a box culvert system, and that is shown on an attachment and in attached photographs. Forestar is also requesting that the main roads to be built within Northridge Farms receive a public street commitment from the Town. It will be good to get some consensus on whether this is something that Town Council would like to consider or whether you would prefer to have all of these roads remain private. If you would like to consider accepting the existing streets then the Public Works Director will work with the developer to establish a plan for assessing the condition of the streets and the related stormwater drainage system. A decision on the new streets is also needed so that the Town can coordinate with the developer on inspections to ensure that the streets are constructed to NCDOT standards. The outcome of the street conversation could impact the public access through the project to the future Reems Creek Greenway that was contemplated in the development approval. The developer will be able to talk about what they are proposing as a greenway connection. The Active Weaverville Committee has studied the situation and offered a Position Statement which is attached. ACTION REQUESTED: Town Council discussion and direction on the public street commitment requests and the greenway connection. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21  Buncombe County July 9, 2026 1:9,028 0 0.05 0.1 0.2 mi 0 0.1 0.2 0.4 km 22 A Buncombe County lp in e W ay B al lar d Rd Rd A l em c r ay W as es Or Ba Rd Ad ch lla le m rd R ar Sa Sa d h Pl d nc ra ll B Gi 26 d K yf R ie S a lem ld s s ld ie Ky yf f ie K l ds C r ee ks e V id ie w Ky f ie Dr lds K yf ields Cr Dr ee i ew ks ide V Town of 26 Weavervil Ln Communit Center A de ls t on Weaverville Hye Public Works r H C o u n try O ak Dr Department l Lake Louise Rd Community Park Q uarr y July 9, 2026 1:9,028 0 0.05 0.1 0.2 mi 0 0.1 0.2 0.4 km 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30  Buncombe County July 9, 2026 1:9,028 0 0.05 0.1 0.2 mi 0 0.1 0.2 0.4 km 31  Gar r is o n Branch Buncombe Mountain County Energy King Center at 108 er V i e w W eav C ir Automotive Repairwerks 19 Home Trust Bank 25 Weaverville 25 Plaza Storm Guard 19A Roofing and Lowe's 25 Construction Shell Fr en ch Ter Waffle House B e n e di Walmart Supercenter Fairfield Inn & ct L n d ll oR Home Sweet Suites ti ce Home Al Asheville on ex a nde Weaverville M Taco Bell 19B r Rd Dollar Tree Al ex an de r Hobby Lobby 26 B al lar d Rd s Rd July 9, 2026 1:9,028 A l em c r 0 0.05 0.1 0.2 mi e 0 0.1 0.2 0.4 km Sa 32  Buncombe County July 9, 2026 1:18,056 0 0.13 0.25 0.5 mi 0 0.2 0.4 0.8 km 33  oc s Dr k R Rd d M on tic el lo Au tu r D Buncombe County m n H ills Rd l lo i ce nt W hi tt i n g to n B r a Mo U S Wild w o o d Ave H igh N ew S t o c k R d w 26 ay 25 Pa rk o od nc h ldw Wi Weaverville 25 Plaza 25 N Ma i n St B e n e d ic t L n Weav er Blv d Rd 25 e llo n t ic A le x Mo and Lof t y V w Rd er Rd P arker Moor e St Chu rch St ck Rd L or i don Rd N e w S to r es St Dr ch nd ran Ac Gi l l B mR d Weaverville lem H i ghl a Cen tra l Ave e al S Rd Sa gg Pe S Co l ds llege e fi Ky St D Cr e r ek ew s i d e Vi Dr lls t Fa nS n H i d de Lake Louise S Mai Qu a r r y Rd Community Park Y os tS C o u n tr y O t d R July 9, 2026 1:18,056 ek re 0 0.13 0.25 C 0.5 mi ak D s m ee 0 0.2 0.4 0.8 km r R 34  Buncombe County July 9, 2026 1:1,128 0 0.01 0.01 0.03 mi 0 0.01 0.02 0.04 km 35  Buncombe County July 9, 2026 1:4,514 0 0.03 0.06 0.12 mi 0 0.05 0.1 0.2 km 36 Position Statement on Northridge Farms Development Prepared by: Active Weaverville Committee Date: April 2026 Active Weaverville is a volunteer, community-based group that advocates for safe, comfortable, and connected walking and bicycling options for people of all ages and abilities in the Town of Weaverville. This position statement responds to the Northridge Farms residential development currently under construction, and to the discussions about public access and multimodal connections through and beyond the site. The following is grounded in the Town’s adopted Active Weaverville Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan (2023) and reflects community goals to improve safety, connectivity, and quality of life as Weaverville grows. It addresses the critical need for a high-quality east–west walking and bicycling transportation connection that links neighborhoods, parks, and commercial destinations – most notably Lake Louise and the Northridge Commons shopping area (Walmart, Lowe’s, and surrounding businesses). Why Walking and Bicycling Matter Anticipating Growth and Reducing Traffic Impacts It comes as no surprise to anyone in the Town that Weaverville is experiencing steady residential and commercial growth, particularly in areas northwest of downtown near US 25/70, Monticello Road, and Weaver Boulevard. Northridge Commons serves not just local needs but is a commercial destination to all Northern Buncombe County and many parts of Madison and Yancey Counties. These growth patterns will place increasing pressure on a small number of Weaverville’s corridors, many of which are already constrained, under state/NCDOT ownership with limited Town control, and difficult to widen for automobiles. Expanding high-quality walking and bicycling connections is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce short car trips, manage congestion, and mitigate the traffic impacts of population growth. Providing realistic alternatives to driving is not optional; it is a necessary strategy for a town like Weaverville facing continued population growth with limited roadway expansion opportunities and challenging transportation funding realities. Supporting Economic Development Walkable and bikeable communities consistently outperform their peers economically. Safe walking and bicycling connections increase access to retail, services, and jobs. When people can comfortably walk or bike to shopping and restaurants, they visit more frequently, stay longer, and support local businesses. In addition, high-quality multimodal infrastructure strengthens Weaverville’s appeal. Communities with connected sidewalks, greenways, and shared-use paths are increasingly recognized as 37 desirable places to live and invest – especially in Western North Carolina, where outdoor recreation and quality of life are central to the regional economy. Enhancing Health, Environment, and Quality of Life Walking and bicycling are foundational to community health. For older adults, safe walking environments are critical to aging in place. For children and families, they enable independence, recreation, and safer access to parks and destinations. Environmentally, transportation remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution. Shifting even a modest share of short trips from driving to walking or bicycling delivers measurable benefits while aligning with broader sustainability goals. Improving Safety for Everyone Designing streets and connections that are safe for people walking and biking makes conditions safer for all users. Thoughtfully designed biking and walking facilities appeal to more people, reduce conflicts, and create clearer expectations for how people driving, walking, and biking should interact. In contrast, narrow sidewalks placed directly adjacent to vehicle travel lanes – particularly in high-growth or commercial areas – often fail to provide a safe or inviting experience. The Importance of an East-West Connection East-west connectivity is one of Weaverville’s most significant multimodal gaps. Today, many residents east or west of I-26 or US 25/70 must drive to reach destinations that are geographically close but functionally inaccessible without a car. A multimodal connection from Northridge Farms to Town Property is a critical piece to unlocking the Town’s east-west connectivity challenge. In the short term, this connection will unlock Northridge Farms to the Town property along Quarry Rd and to the future Reems Creek Greenway. In the long term, this connection is a keystone in connecting Northridge Commons and Monticello Rd to Lake Louise, downtown, and central/east Weaverville. The connection through Northridge Farms is not only locally important – it is a foundational piece of the Town’s long-term multimodal vision of creating a connected network rather than isolated sidewalk segments. What Active Weaverville Is Seeking Active Weaverville strongly supports securing public access through or adjacent to the Northridge Farms site. However, access alone is not enough. The quality of the facility will determine whether it is truly usable by the broader community. We are advocating for a high-quality walking and bicycling connection that exceeds the currently allocated 5-foot sidewalk (per design plans available on the Buncombe County development website). A wider facility is designed to comfortably serve: children, older adults, people with disabilities, families with strollers, people using mobility devices, and people bicycling, including those who are not confident riding in traffic. Facilities wider than 5 feet – such as a wider shared-use path or sidepath – are standard in state and federal design guidance. These facilities allow for two-way travel, passing, and mixed use 38 without conflict. They are essential to meeting the needs of all ages and abilities, a core principle of the Town’s adopted Active Weaverville Plan. A narrow sidewalk paired with the expectation that bicyclists ride in the street does not meet this standard and will not deliver the safety, comfort, or mode shift the Town is striving for. Northridge Farms Access Options As decisions are made regarding Northridge Farms and public access, the Town faces three options. Option 1: Do Nothing The Town can choose not to pursue public access or multimodal improvements related to this development. In that case, residents of Northridge Farms will not be able to connect to a future pathway on Town property along Quarry Rd, nor will people from Lake Louise have access to Northridge Farms via a future Town-facilitated connection. This approach will maintain the current lack of east-west walking and biking connectivity, not supporting the goals of the Active Weaverville Plan. Option 2: Public Access & Accept a 5-Foot Sidewalk The Town can enter an agreement with the developer of Northridge Farms to ensure public access and accept a minimal sidewalk that technically provides access and meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards but does not function well for bicycling, passing, or users with varying abilities nor does it meet state or federal standards in terms of greenway or shared-use path design. While better than no connection, this option falls short of the Town’s stated multimodal, safety, and accessibility goals and risks committing the Town to a substandard facility for decades. Option 3: Public Access & Advocate for a High-Quality Multimodal Facility The Town can enter into an agreement with the developer of Northridge Farms and actively advocate for and pursue a wider walking and bicycling connection that is safe, inclusive, and future- ready. The Active Weaverville Committee recommends a 10-12’ paved multi-use sidepath that is adjacent to internal streets of the development and connects to the Town property at the southern end of the development. This option best aligns with the Active Weaverville Plan, supports anticipated growth, enhances access to key destinations, and delivers long-term value to residents, businesses, and visitors. Conclusion Active Weaverville strongly urges the Town to pursue Option 3. Growth presents challenges, but it also presents opportunities to build infrastructure that will shape Weaverville for generations. The decisions made now at Northridge Farms may unlock a connection that supports safety, health, economic vitality, and community life for the people of Weaverville for many years to come. 39  TOWN OF WEAVERVILLE TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM DATE OF MEETING: July 13, 2026 SUBJECT: Merchants Alley PRESENTER: Town Manager Harris ATTACHMENTS: GIS map, photograph taken July 7, 2026 ACTION REQUESTED: Town Council support in renewed staff efforts in keeping Merchants Alley open and unobstructed for vehicle traffic and emergency access. DESCRIPTION/SUMMARY OF REQUEST: Merchants Alley is a Town street that runs parallel to Main Street and behind the businesses between the intersection of Merrimon and Main and Florida and Main (see map attached). Many of the area businesses and their visitors park in the travelway of Merchants. Parked cars in this area routinely create obstructions to vehicle traffic. It is not uncommon for this parking to prevent through-traffic, normal operations of our sanitation trucks, and emergency access. To properly manage this situation, the Town will be restriping the street to clearly show where parking is and is not allowed and having conversations with the area businesses to inform them of the changes. Once the street is restriped the Police Department will be enforcing the “no parking” areas with ticketing and, if necessary, towing. There are business employee parking spaces that are still available in several of the downtown church parking lots for businesses to use and we will be working on solutions for a loading/unloading area to support the downtown businesses. 40  Buncombe County July 10, 2026 1:1,128 0 0.01 0.01 0.03 mi 0 0.01 0.02 0.04 km 41  Buncombe County Eluvium Brewing Company Central Barber and Styling Shop Florid a Ave Leveller Curtis Wright Brewing Outfitters Company Cole Vending Miya Gallery Me rc he nt s Wa y Alab ama Ave Zebulon Artisan Ales Artisans on Main Aabani Salon Weaverville Laundromat N Main St Prescription Pad of Weaverville C ent ral Av e S Main St Ce nt ra l Av e Weaverville Pet Main Street Pantry Grill Weaverville Reality July 10, 2026 1:1,128 0 0.01 0.01 0.03 mi 0 0.01 0.02 0.04 km 42 43