Below is a list of the items, grouped by topic or category, actions, and impacts.
Helene recovery related items:
Infrastructure:
Dept: Capital Management
Consent item M: Approved Unanimously
Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery Project – Design Contract, Phase I
City Council adopted a resolution to enter into a contract with Olin Partnership Limited for design and engineering services to rebuild the Gashes Creek Bridge and Dam. This contract is the first of three design phases for the Azalea Parks and Infrastructure Recovery project. The overall process will produce designs and cost estimates for priority projects in the area historically dubbed “Asheville’s Playground,” home to recreation facilities and important transportation infrastructure along Azalea Road and the Swannanoa River.
“Our staff has worked very hard to get this project to this point,” says Walter Ear, Interim Capital Management Director. “Securing this contract is an important first step in our commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing critical infrastructure along the Swannanoa River, and we are ready to get to work.”
Resources: Staff Report, Project page
Consent item N: Approved Unanimously
8 River Arts Place Restoration – Design Contract
City Council adopted a resolution to enter into a contract with Novus Architects for design services needed to restore the City-owned facility at 8 River Arts Place in the River Arts District. Built in 1933, this building is listed as a contributing structure on the National Register of Historic Places and was rehabilitated in 2017 to serve as a public restroom and leased space. The scope of work includes identifying opportunities for flood hazard mitigation. Funding for this project is expected to come from the FEMA Public Assistance Program.
“8 River Arts Place is a key public amenity in the River Arts District, and we want to promote its long term viability while protecting its unique character,” says Interim Capital Management Director Walter Ear. “This design work will address repair from Helene related damage, and incorporate flood proofing, and flood mitigation strategies to make the building more resilient against future flooding events.”
Resources: Staff Report, Project page
Department: Finance & Management Services
Consent Item F: Approved Unanimously
Hurricane Helene Cashflow Round 3 from the State of North Carolina
City Council approved a resolution and a budget amendment in the amount of $12,065,038.40 to receive loan funds from the State of North Carolina’s cashflow loan program. The fund was designed to help local governments while they wait for reimbursements to arrive. This is the third loan the City of Asheville has received through this program.
“Though these funds cannot offset revenue lost due to Helene, they will improve the City’s cash flow. This funding round is larger than previous ones, as we've advanced several projects recently,” explained Finance Director Tony McDowell.
Resources: Staff Report
Manager’s Report
Employee Recognitions Production Manager Dan Phairas, Communications Specialist Kim Miller ,and WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile recognized for receiving a national Telly award for the mini-documentary: Remembering Helene
Tropical Storm Helene After Action Report
“Through After-Action Reviews, we transform the stress of complex events into a roadmap for continuous improvement, keeping Asheville strong and resilient.” said Asst Fire Chief Jeremy Knighton.
A full summary of the After Action Report will be given to the Public Safety Committee on September 25.