Mills River public meetings in 2024

Town Council

This is an organizational meeting of the Town Council following the general election. The council will administer oaths of office to newly elected members, nominate and vote for mayor and mayor pro tem, and discuss and adopt the 2025 meeting schedule and formal rules of procedure. Additionally, the council will hear the Fiscal Year 2024 audit report and consider appointments to boards, a planning board vacancy, setting a public hearing for rezoning case R-24-04, and appointments to the Strategic Planning Committee.

• Election of mayor and mayor pro tem via nomination and vote
• Adoption of the 2025 meeting schedule, including new 'Business Meeting' format
• Adoption of formal Rules of Procedure based on UNC School of Government publication
• Presentation and consideration of the Fiscal Year 2024 audit report
• Setting a public hearing for rezoning case R-24-04

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will hold evidentiary hearings regarding two permit requests. One involves a minor special use permit for a residential conversion, and the other concerns a temporary debris site.

• Minor Special Use Permit (SUP2-24-01) to convert the second floor of The Riveter building at 701 Old Fanning Bridge Road into a single apartment unit
• Temporary Use Permit (TUP-24-01) to use 4087 Haywood Road as a FEMA temporary debris site

The Mills River Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a minor special use permit (SUP-24-01) allowing an apartment in the Riveter building at 701 Old Fanning Bridge Road, with conditions including an avigation easement with the airport. The board also unanimously granted a temporary use permit (TUP-24-01) for a FEMA storm debris site at 4087 Haywood Road, subject to conditions on buffers, hours, and expiration.

• Approved minor special use permit SUP-24-01 for residential apartment at 701 Old Fanning Bridge Road (5-0)
• Approved temporary use permit TUP-24-01 for FEMA debris site at 4087 Haywood Road (5-0)
• Granted standing to Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority in SUP-24-01 hearing (unanimous)
• Imposed condition: residential use must be related to Riveter business (unanimous)
• Imposed condition: avigation easement with airport required before zoning permit (unanimous)
• Imposed conditions on debris site: 100-ft buffers, 300-ft for mulch grinding, hours 8am-6pm, expiration mirroring lease (unanimous)

Agricultural Advisory Committee

The Agricultural Advisory Committee will meet to approve minutes from the August 16, 2024 meeting. The primary item of new business is a tour of the Flavor First Banner Farm Road Facility.

• Tour of Flavor First Banner Farm Road Facility

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council will consider a corrected budget amendment (Ordinance 2024-19) and a purchasing policy update (Resolution 2024-14). Also up for discussion are appointments to the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee and reappointments to the Board of Adjustment. The consent agenda includes adoption of minutes and appointing a new town clerk.

• Adoption of Ordinance 2024-19, Correct Budget Amendment FY 24
• Consideration and approval of Purchasing Policy Update and Resolution 2024-14
• Discussion of appointments to Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee (vacancy and reappointment of Jim Sawyer)
• Discussion of reappointments to Board of Adjustment for Jeff Moore and Jim Foster
• Appointment of Patty Brown as Town Clerk (consent agenda)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider a rezoning request for 315 Banner Farm Road (R-24-04) and receive a capstone presentation on affordable and workforce housing policy recommendations.

• R-24-04: Request for rezoning of 315 Banner Farm Road by Selwyn Property Group
• Master's capstone presentation on affordable and workforce housing policy recommendations by Planning Technician Kevin Webb

Town Council

The Town Council will consider authorizing a storm debris site agreement with Henderson County and a $500,000 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant for the Mills River Park expansion. They will also discuss next steps for the park expansion property.

• Storm debris site contract with Henderson County (Resolution 2024-12) for Hurricane Helene debris removal
• PARTF grant agreement (Resolution 2024-13) for $500,000 toward Mills River Park expansion, with $6,450,000 local match
• Discussion on next steps for Mills River Park expansion property

Town Council

The Town Council will consider adopting a resolution to temporarily lift restrictions on RV/camper occupancy, likely to aid Hurricane Helene recovery. They will also hold a public hearing on a large-scale rural residential rezoning (R-24-02) and act on a consent agenda that includes adopting a $250,000 FEMA disaster response grant ordinance, amending a lease agreement, and canceling the November 7 special meeting (Brown Ridge rezoning postponed).

• Adoption of Ordinance 2024-18: 2024 Hurricane Helene Disaster Response Grant Project Ordinance ($250,000 FEMA reimbursement)
• Public hearing for R-24-02, a large-scale rural residential rezoning
• Consideration of Resolution 2024-11 to temporarily lift restrictions on RV/camper occupancy
• Amendment to lease agreement with Bradley Johnston: rent reduced to $3,166.67, term ending November 1, 2024
• Cancellation of November 7 special called meeting for Brown Ridge conditional rezoning (R-24-01), postponed at applicant's request

Town Council

The Town Council will discuss relief efforts following Hurricane Helene and receive a presentation on the Brown Ridge conditional rezoning request. The body will also consider a Memorandum of Understanding with Henderson County Public Schools and review the quarterly financial dashboard.

• Presentation by applicants for Brown Ridge Conditional Rezoning (R-24-01) regarding 74 acres at 232 Brown Ridge Road
• Consideration of MOU with Henderson County Public Schools, Resolution 2024-10
• Presentation by CodeWright Planners regarding the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) project
• Review of Tax Collector Report showing 21.07% collection for 2024 property taxes
• Reappointments to the Board of Adjustment for Jeff Moore and Jim Foster

Town Council

The Town Council will hold a public hearing on a request to rezone 14 Brandy Branch Road from MR-LI to MR-MU (Ordinance 2024-14). The Council will also consider first readings of a Solicitor's Ordinance (2024-15) and an Animals in Town Owned Facilities Ordinance (2024-16), and discuss public hearing dates for a rural rezoning petition (R-24-02). Consent items include setting an October 10 public hearing for Brown Ridge Development (R-24-01) and adopting proclamations for Constitution Week, National Recovery Month, and Suicide Prevention Month.

• Public hearing on R-24-03: rezone 14 Brandy Branch Road from MR-LI to MR-MU (Ordinance 2024-14)
• First reading of Solicitor's Ordinance (2024-15)
• First reading of Animals in Town Owned Facilities Ordinance (2024-16)
• Set public hearing for Brown Ridge Development (R-24-01) on October 10, 2024
• Discussion of public hearing dates for rural rezoning (R-24-02)

Planning Board

The Mills River Planning Board will hold a public hearing and vote on a conditional rezoning request (R-24-01) for property at 232 Brown Ridge Road submitted by Northwood Ravin. The board will also discuss adding non-residential uses in the South Boylston Highway Corridor, including a corridor overlay and a new rural commercial zoning district.

• R-24-01: Conditional rezoning request by Northwood Ravin at 232 Brown Ridge Road
• Discussion of adding commercial uses via corridor overlay in South Boylston Highway Corridor
• Discussion of creating a Rural Commercial Zoning District for additional commercial uses
• Public comment period open for residents

The Mills River Planning Board voted 5-2 to recommend denial of conditional rezoning request R-24-01 for 232 Brown Ridge Road, which would have allowed up to 290 multifamily dwelling units on 73.45 acres. The board also voted unanimously to adopt a Statement of Consistency stating the rezoning would be inconsistent with the Making Mills River 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Goal 1 and the Future Land Use Vision Map's Industrial & Employment District designation. The recommendation will go to the Town Council for final action.

• Recommended denial of conditional rezoning R-24-01 for 290-unit multifamily development at 232 Brown Ridge Rd (5-2)
• Adopted Statement of Consistency finding rezoning inconsistent with 2040 Comprehensive Plan Goal 1 and Future Land Use Vision Map (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved August 6, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed additional non-residential uses in South Boylston Highway Corridor; no action taken
• Requested staff research agenda format changes to mirror Town Council's agenda
• Requested adding additional public comment period to end of agenda

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council will hold a regular meeting to consider a resolution adopting a library lease agreement with Henderson County and discuss venues and dates for a public hearing on a rezoning. The council will also receive updates on a playground project and consider an appointment to the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee. Consent agenda items include approval of prior minutes and document destruction.

• Update and discussion on Playground project
• Consider appointment to Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee
• Consider Resolution 2024-09 adopting Library Lease agreement with Henderson County
• Discussion of venues and dates for public hearing on rezoning

Agricultural Advisory Committee

The Mills River Agricultural Advisory Committee will approve minutes from December 2023, introduce new Town Manager Matthew McKirahan, and hear an explanation of the Mills River Rural Residential Zoning from Planning Director Michael Malecek. No old business is on the agenda.

• Approval of December 15, 2023 regular meeting minutes
• Introduction of Town Manager Matthew McKirahan
• Explanation of Mills River Rural Residential Zoning by Planning Director Michael Malecek

The Mills River Agricultural Advisory Committee met on August 16, 2024, and approved the minutes from December 15, 2023. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of introductions, informational updates on the proposed Mills River Rural Residential (MR-RR) zoning district and the UDO review, and discussion of the Highway 191 widening project. The committee also discussed increasing public education about the Volunteer Agricultural District.

• Approved minutes from December 15, 2023 (unanimous)

Town Council

The Town Council will discuss and appoint members to a steering committee for the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) project. They will also consider Ordinance 2024-12 to adjust the capital project fund for the Hickory Shelter restroom/picnic shelter building, moving surplus funds back to the General Fund. The quarterly financial dashboard through June 30, 2024 will be presented. The new town manager will be sworn in.

• Swearing in of new Town Manager Matthew McKirahan
• Presentation of quarterly financial dashboard (revenues at 107.5% of budget, expenditures at 90.4%)
• Ordinance 2024-12 amending Capital Project Ordinance for Hickory Shelter, adjusting fund by $1,545.92
• Discuss and appoint UDO steering committee members for land use code update
• Consent agenda approval of July 11, 2024 regular meeting minutes

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss two rezoning matters. These include a conditional rezoning request for a specific property and a town-initiated rezoning of the Mixed Use District in South and West Mills River.

• Conditional Rezoning request R-24-01 for 232 Brown Ridge Road (Northwood Ravin)
• Town Initiated Rezoning R-24-02 to change Mixed Use District in South and West Mills River to Rural Residential District

The Planning Board tabled the conditional rezoning request for 232 Brown Ridge Road (Northwood Ravin) to its next meeting after a motion to recommend denial failed. The board unanimously recommended approval of the town-initiated rezoning of the Mixed Use District in South and West Mills River to Rural Residential District, including adopting the Statement of Consistency.

• Tabled R-24-01 conditional rezoning for 232 Brown Ridge Rd (5-2)
• Recommended approval of R-24-02 Mixed Use to Rural Residential rezoning (unanimous)
• Adopted Statement of Consistency for R-24-02 (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved July 23, 2024 special meeting minutes (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Mills River Planning Board will hear a staff introduction of a proposed Rural Residential Rezoning and review preliminary results from a public input survey. The board will also take public comment on these items. This meeting covers initial steps toward potential zoning changes.

• Staff Introduction of Rural Residential Rezoning
• Rezoning Public Input Survey Preliminary Results
• Open Public Comment
• Approval of June 4, 2024 regular meeting minutes
• Board comments and staff update

The Planning Board held a special meeting to gather public input on a proposed Rural Residential rezoning, which would replace the current MR-MU (Mills River Mixed Use) zoning with more restrictions, including a 1.5-acre minimum lot size and residential setbacks. No formal decision was made; the board only received public comments and discussed the proposal. The meeting was procedural, with no votes on the rezoning itself.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved draft minutes from June 4, 2024 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:39 pm (unanimous)

Town Council

The Town Council will review the library lease and a resolution regarding dogs in the workplace. The agenda also includes consideration of 2024 tax collector charges and a consultant contract for the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

• Library lease review, discussion, and approval
• Resolution 2024-08 regarding dogs in the workplace
• Resolution 2024-07 for 2024 tax collector charges
• UDO Consultant Contract
• Tax Collector Property Settlement Statement through June 30, 2024

Town Council

The Town Council will hold a public hearing regarding an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map. The agenda also includes a budget amendment and reappointments to the Agricultural Advisory Committee.

• Public hearing on TXT-24-03 (Comp Plan and Future Land Use Map amendment)
• Budget Amendment, Ordinance 2024-12
• Reappointment of Bert Lemkes and Bradley Johnston to the Agricultural Advisory Committee
• Setting a public hearing for R-24-03 for September 12
• Discussion regarding a solicitor ordinance

Town Council

The Council will hold public hearings regarding the proposed FY 25 budget and a new Rural Residential zoning district. The agenda also includes discussions on fire department signal light funding and park rule updates.

• Public Hearing: Proposed FY 25 Budget
• Public Hearing: Mills River Rural Residential (MR-RR) Zoning district
• Renewal of the Mills River Fire Department Contract
• Park Rules update (Ordinance 2024-09)
• Contract for Human Resource Services

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council will meet in a closed session regarding the Town Manager vacancy. The council will consider the qualifications and appointment conditions for a prospective employee.

• Discussion of Town Manager vacancy

Planning Board

The Mills River Planning Board meeting on June 4, 2024, includes discussions regarding two property rezoning requests. The board will also review minutes from the May 7, 2024, regular meeting.

• Rezoning request R-24-03 for 14 Brandy Branch Road
• Conditional rezoning request R-24-01 for 232 Brown Ridge Road

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council is holding a special meeting with a single agenda item: a closed session to consider the qualifications and appointment of a prospective town manager. No public action is scheduled; the meeting is procedural and focused on the vacancy.

• Closed session under NC law to discuss town manager appointment

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council is holding a special meeting to address the town manager vacancy. The only substantive item is a closed session to consider qualifications and conditions of employment for a prospective public officer or employee. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with no public action items listed.

• Closed session to discuss town manager vacancy under NC law §143-318.11(a)(6)

Town Council

The Town Council is considering several resolutions regarding tax collection and a budget amendment for ARPA funding. The agenda includes setting public hearings for new rural residential zoning and comprehensive plan amendments.

• Ordinance 2024-08: Budget Amendment FY 23-24 ARPA Funding for Non-Profits
• Public Hearing June 13: Establish Rural Residential Zoning District (MR-RR)
• Public Hearing June 27: Amend Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map
• Resolution 2024-03: Directing Tax Collector to forgive minimal under/over payments
• Resolution 2024-04: Directing Tax Collector to not collect minimal taxes

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council is holding a special meeting to address the town manager vacancy. The only action item is a closed session to consider qualifications and conditions of employment for a prospective public officer or employee. No other business is listed.

• Closed session under NC law to discuss town manager appointment

Town Council

The Town Council is holding a budget workshop to review the recommended FY 2025 budget. Total expenditures are proposed at $7,536,255 with the property tax rate staying at $0.17, unchanged from FY 2024. The agenda itemizes spending by department and category, with fire services as the largest operating expense.

• Total FY25 expenditures: $7,536,255
• Tax rate unchanged at $0.17
• Fire budget: $2,288,000
• Police/Sheriff budget: $1,023,132
• Capital expenditures: $1,092,000

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council is meeting to discuss the FY25 budget overview, ARPA funds, and a Henderson County water and sewer update. They will also consider a consent agenda including minutes, a special event application, and canceling a budget workshop, plus a capital project ordinance amendment and a planning board reappointment.

• Henderson County Water and Sewer update by Adam Steurer
• ARPA Funds discussion
• FY 25 Budget Overview Presentation by Shannon Baldwin
• Reappointment of Bryan Ross to Planning Board (term expires 6/9/24)
• Amendment to Capital Project Ordinance 2024-07

Planning Board

The Mills River Planning Board will consider several zoning-related items, including a text amendment to establish a Rural Residential (MR-RR) zoning district, a future land use map and comprehensive plan amendment, and a town-initiated rezoning of the Mixed Use District in South and West Mills River. The board will also discuss public input options for the rezoning and review the April 2, 2024 meeting minutes.

• TXT-24-02: Establish Rural Residential (MR-RR) Zoning District - motion to authorize text amendment
• TXT-24-03: Future Land Use Map and Comprehensive Plan Amendment
• R-24-02: Town Initiated Rezoning of Mixed Use District in South and West Mills River - discuss public input options and rezoning options/areas

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council is holding a special meeting to address the town manager vacancy. The only agenda item is a closed session to consider qualifications and conditions of employment for a prospective public officer or employee, likely a new town manager. No other business is scheduled.

• Closed session under §143-318.11 (a)(6) to discuss town manager vacancy

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council will hear presentations on the state of the airport and from Mills River Fire & Rescue, and will consider nonprofit funding requests from several local organizations. The council will also adopt a budget amendment ordinance and receive staff updates.

• State of the Airport presentation by Lew Bleiweis
• Mills River Fire & Rescue presentation by Chief Rick Livingston
• Nonprofit funding requests from MRLEC, Smart Start, Council on Aging, Mills River Partnership, Mills River United Methodist Church, and Mills River Farm Market
• Adoption of Ordinance 2024-04 for dashboard and budget amendments

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council will hold a public hearing on a mixed-use density correction ordinance, consider adopting the Mills River Park Expansion Master Plan, and discuss a $30,950 audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group. The agenda also includes a presentation on the Agricultural Heritage Committee, a tax bill mailing follow-up, and a mixed-use zoning discussion. The meeting includes recognition of former Mayor Pro Tem Randy Austin.

• Public hearing on TXT-24-01, Ordinance 2024-03, Mixed Use Density Correction
• Resolution 2024-02 to adopt Mills River Park Expansion Master Plan
• Audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group for $30,950 for FY 2023-2024
• Resolution 2024-01 to assign funds for Land Preservation Program
• Discussion on mixed-use zoning with Michael Malecek

Board of Adjustment

The Mills River Board of Adjustment is meeting to handle routine business, including electing officers and adopting the 2024 meeting schedule. The main item is an evidentiary hearing on a variance request from the front and side yard setback requirements for a property on Blackberry Lane.

• Election of Chair/Vice Chair of Board
• Adopt 2024 Town of Mills River Meeting Schedule
• Evidentiary Hearing VAR-24-01: Mitch Miller of Double Way LLC, variance from front and side yard setbacks (Neighborhood Commercial district), 0 Blackberry Lane

Planning Board

The Mills River Planning Board is holding its regular April 2, 2024 meeting. The main item of business is continued discussion of the Mixed-Use (MR-MU) zoning and the Future Land Use Map's Rural Residential category. No new business items are listed.

• Continued discussion of Mixed-Use (MR-MU) zoning
• Continued discussion of Future Land Use Map, Rural Residential category
• Approval of March 5, 2024 meeting minutes

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council will hold its regular meeting on March 14, 2024, covering a range of administrative and operational items. Key discussions include the town manager search, a review of sheriff's office statistics, and responses to a request for proposals for audit firms. The council will also consider reappointing a planning board member and reviewing the park master plan.

• Discussion on town manager search with Developmental Associates
• Henderson County Sheriff's Office 2023/2024 stats review
• Reappointment of Mike Cole to Planning Board (term ends 04/12/24)
• Review of audit firm proposals for FY 2024
• Set public hearing for TXT-24-01 Mixed Use Density Correction on April 11

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council is holding a special meeting to swear in a new council member and mayor pro tem, discuss the vision for the upcoming fiscal year, and hold a closed session on personnel matters. The council will also discuss an interim manager.

• Swearing in of Council member Chae Davis for the At-Large seat
• Swearing in of Mayor Pro Tem Council member Jeff Young
• Visioning for FY 2024-2025
• Closed session on individual qualifications or employment conditions
• Discussion of interim manager

Planning Board

The Mills River Planning Board is meeting to continue its discussion of mixed-use (MR-MU) zoning and the Future Land Use Map's Rural Residential category. The agenda includes approval of minutes, public comment, and staff updates, but no new business is listed.

• Continued discussion of MR-MU mixed-use zoning
• Future Land Use Map Rural Residential category review
• Approval of February 6, 2024 meeting minutes
• Public comment period

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council is holding a special meeting to address two vacancies: appointing a mayor pro tem and filling the town manager position. They will discuss appointing an interim manager and hiring a search agency, followed by a closed session to consider qualifications of prospective appointees.

• Appoint Mayor Pro Tem
• Discuss interim town manager appointment
• Consider hiring a manager search agency
• Closed session on candidate qualifications

Town Council

The Town Council will hold a public hearing on a text amendment (TXT-23-02) that would change how multifamily developments are approved, moving them from the major special use permit process to conditional zoning. The amendment also simplifies public notice requirements and removes Planning Board preliminary reviews for special use permits. Council will also discuss a draft charter for the Land Preservation Committee and a revised Park Plan.

• Public hearing on TXT-23-02: Revised Special Use Permit Process & Multifamily Procedures (Ordinance 2024-02)
• Discussion of Land Preservation Committee charter draft
• Discussion of revised Park Plan
• Consent agenda includes approval of February 8, 2024 meeting minutes

Town Council

The Town Council will consider a grant contract for the Meadow project and the reappointment of Dave Shaffer to the Agricultural Advisory Committee. Staff updates from the Finance Director, Tax Collector, Parks and Recreation Director, Planning Director, and Town Manager are also scheduled.

• Reappointment of Dave Shaffer to the Agricultural Advisory Committee
• Grant contract for the Meadow project

Planning Board

The Mills River Planning Board is meeting to continue its discussion of mixed-use (MR-MU) zoning and the Future Land Use Map's Rural Residential category. The agenda includes approval of minutes, public comment, and staff updates, with no new business items listed.

• Continued discussion of Mixed-Use (MR-MU) Zoning
• Future Land Use Map, Rural Residential Category
• Approval of January 16, 2024 meeting minutes

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed lighting ordinance (TXT-23-03) that sets standards for outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution and trespass. The council will also discuss a pay study for part-time employees and consider reappointments to the Board of Adjustment. The agenda includes consent items and staff updates.

• Public hearing on lighting ordinance TXT-23-03 (Ordinance 2024-01)
• Discussion of pay study for part-time employees
• Reappointments to Board of Adjustment: Bert Lemkes and Heidi Cole
• Set public hearing for TXT-23-02 (revised special use permit and multifamily procedures) for Feb 22, 2024

Town Council

This is a special meeting of the Mills River Town Council. The only substantive item is a discussion of revisions to the Parks and Recreation master plan site plan. No other business is listed.

• Parks and Recreation master plan site plan revisions

Planning Board

The Mills River Planning Board will consider a text amendment to the Special Use Permit process and multifamily procedures, and discuss mixed-use zoning and the Future Land Use Map's Rural Residential category. The board will also hold its annual organizational meeting to elect officers and adopt a meeting schedule.

• Special Use Permit Process & Multifamily Procedures Text Amendment (TXT-23-02)
• Discussion of Mixed-Use (MR-MU) Zoning and Future Land Use Map, Rural Residential Category
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair; Adopt Meeting Schedule

Town Council

The Mills River Town Council is meeting to consider several items, including a one-year agricultural lease for the former Johnston property, a pay study for part-time employees, a dairy shed on future park property, and a financial dashboard for the quarter ending December 31, 2023. The agenda also includes consent items, staff updates, and a closed session for attorney consultation.

• Agriculture lease for 69.5 acres on former Johnston property at $100/acre, total $6,950
• Pay study for part-time employees
• Dairy shed on future park property
• Financial dashboard for quarter ending 12/31/23
• Closed session to consult with attorney