Jennifer Harrell

The meeting included the formal recognition and retirement of Fire Chief D. James Miller, who was honored for 35 years of service, including achieving an ISO class one rating and overseeing the construction of Fire Station 1. Following this, Justin Ward was sworn in as the new Fire Chief. Chief Ward presented a request for apparatus replacement, leading to the approval of a $790,000 budget amendment to purchase a Quint apparatus, bringing the total project cost to $1.64 million. The Council received a certificate of commendation from the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution regarding the American flag display at City Hall. A community engagement update highlighted the launch of the Build Hendersonville initiative and the Core of the City Academy, with council approving participant selection criteria. Two public hearings were approved, one for a conditional rezoning request for 1207 Kuga Road and another for a zoning text amendment to C2 dimensional standards. Under new business, the Council approved reapplying for a US DOT Build Grant for the downtown streets modernization project and directed staff to implement an all-way stop with flashing lights at the Fifth Avenue and Oak Street intersection based on a recent study. The Police Chief provided a statement regarding Captain Kenneth Hip's termination for policy violations related to off-duty employment.

The meeting commenced with special recognitions, including commendations for retiring Fire Chief D. James Miller, highlighting his 35 years of service, achievements such as obtaining an ISO class one agency rating, and leadership during Tropical Storm Helen. Following the resolution of appreciation for Chief Miller, Deputy Chief Justin Ward was sworn in as the new Fire Chief. Subsequent agenda items included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda. The first regular business item discussed was the consideration for the purchase of a replacement fire apparatus, specifically a 2007 E1 Typhoon engine that has exceeded expected mileage and is due for replacement, while also addressing new NFPA regulations.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of new employees who graduated from the fire academy in December. Council received an update on the city's fiscal year 2025 audit, which resulted in a clean, unmodified opinion, confirming the city's strong financial standing despite challenges including FEMA and Hurricane Helen recovery funding. A budget and evaluation director was recognized for graduating from a leadership program. One public hearing was held and subsequently denied by the city council. Council approved the ratification of property acquisition from the Housing Assistance Corporation, which will support the city's first affordable housing project. Discussions were held regarding bringing Safety City to Rosa Edwards Park, with council authorizing staff to research the idea further and develop a formalized plan. Appointments to the bicycle plan steering committee were also discussed before closing with a city manager report, council comments, and a close session.

The meeting commenced with members making a New Year's resolution regarding microphone usage. Public comments included a detailed opposition to the proposal to pave over a section of the historic Rosa Edwards Field for a safety city project, citing its use for community recreation and its location in the Westside Historic District. Another commenter offered support for the safety city concept but questioned the $350,000 allocation and suggested seeking private sector partnerships to reduce city costs. City staff were commended for their professionalism and assistance, with a specific anecdote highlighting an employee's off-duty kindness. The council approved the agenda and consent agenda items. Presentations included the introduction of new firefighters who recently graduated from the fire academy, and a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2025 audit results, which indicated an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements, but noted one material weakness in internal control related to prior year construction and progress asset account reconciliations, which is being reported as a financial performance indicator of concern to the Local Government Commission (LGC). The presentation also detailed general fund revenue sources, noting that property taxes constitute the majority, and expenditure distribution, with public safety being the largest category.

The meeting commenced with public comments, during which appreciation was expressed for public works employees and birthday wishes were extended to an individual named Allison. Concerns were raised regarding the proposed elimination of shuffleboard courts in favor of other facilities and the need for separate pump track and skate park facilities to prevent intermingling of different age groups. A public hearing was held regarding a $10 million general obligation transportation bond order scheduled for the March primary ballot, detailing draft proposals for street resurfacing, ADA curb ramp improvements, and specific connectivity projects like the Ble Street multi-use path and Grove Street sidewalks. Presentations included recognizing Lieutenant Matt Cap for graduating from the FBI National Academy and a special presentation honoring Mayor Barbara G. Vult with the first Barbara G. Vult Leadership Award from the Land of Sky Regional Council. Administrative items covered the adoption of the capital project ordinance totaling $14.5 million, with detailed budget allocations for resurfacing, ADA improvements, and safety/transportation projects.