E-Newsletter

Town of Weaverville

Town Manager Announced for Town of Weaverville

Following a national search for town manager, Weaverville’s Town Council has selected David “Scottie” Harris as its next town manager. 

Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons stated: “Weaverville’s Town Council is pleased to announce that Scottie Harris has been hired as Weaverville’s next Town Manager. This appointment follows nine months of Scottie’s dedicated service to the Town as Acting/Interim Town Manager, where he demonstrated his knowledge and experience in the management of local government and brought the Town through many of the challenges of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene. We have confidence that Harris can lead the Town through its next chapters.” 

Holding a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Harris has a 30+ year career in emergency services with over 20 years in municipal government. He also has more than 10 years in overseas military assignments in war zones, either through armed forces deployment or Department of Defense contracts. Each role in county, municipal, and international settings, provided opportunities to grow his leadership skills. 

Harris remarked: “I’m honored to be selected to serve as the next Town Manager for Weaverville. I look forward to continuing collaboration not only with Town Council, but with our community as we develop partnerships to facilitate managed growth. I am proud to be a member of this team that showed such excellence in persevering with a “can do” attitude in overcoming obstacles during Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene. As we continue with the recovery efforts, I can look around and see the accomplishments of neighbors helping neighbors that show what this community and Town are all about.” 

In a letter of support Weaverville’s Department Heads stated that: “In these past six months, Scottie has shown himself to be more than just a capable manager—he is a genuine leader who has earned our trust and respect. His humility, commitment to self-improvement, and tireless work ethic make him the ideal person to continue guiding Weaverville forward. His success as Town Manager will also lie in his ability to inspire collective action and balance competing priorities. By listening to constituents, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing innovative policies, he can guide Weaverville onto an upward trajectory that promises continued prosperity for future generations.”

More information: 

• The Town of Weaverville operates as a Council-Manager form of government. The seven council members, including the mayor, are elected. The Council appoints the town manager. Each has a different set of responsibilities: Council sets policies and the Town Manager and his staff carry them out. As a professional administrator, the Town Manager coordinates all day-to-day operations and administration of about 80 employees and an annual total budget of $16 million.
• Scottie Harris has served as the acting or interim town manager since June 2024. 
• To manage the process for selection and recruitment of the town manager, the Council hired recruitment firm Developmental Associates in November 2024, which led an intensive process spanning four months. Following a national search, candidates conducted phone and virtual interviews, completed a scenario-based assessment center, and met for in-person interviews and sessions with the Town Council.

Come Hell or High Water- aftermath of Storm Helene

'Come Hell or High Water' is a community memory project to collect, preserve, and present the stories and digital record of the Western North Carolina communities impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. We hope to create a pathway for community reflection, healing, and long-term development of community memory not afforded victims of past disasters (like the Great Flood of 1916).

Contribute an item here or share your experience in a 3-minute audio message at 828-222-3609.

Browse items by map location, by tags, or by collection. Please be aware that materials on this website may include depictions and records of people experiencing trauma and harm.

You can also learn more about the project, volunteer to help, or contact project admins with questions. Website: https://helenehistory.omeka.net/

Safe Streets for WNC + Elevate 2025

The French Broad River MPO will be hosting 3 public meetings in April to gather input on two important regional planning initiatives. The two initiatives include:

Elevate 2050- a federally required 25-year plan for the region that looks to 2050 and prioritizes transportation improvement projects over that timeframe. If you have highway, public transportation, rail, or bike/ped projects you think should be priorities in your community and across the region, please come out to let us know what you think! Having projects identified in this plan is a key requirement for federal funding and we want to make sure this plan reflects our region's priorities! More information is available here: https://publicinput.com/fbrmpo2050mtp

Safe Streets for WNC- a five-county plan that examines high-crash locations across the region and develops strategies to reduce crashes and fatalities on our region's roads for drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists- everyone. We want to reduce the number of people being harmed on our roads- please come out to one of the meetings to learn more. More information on Safe Streets for WNC is available here: https://frenchbroadrivermpo.org/safe-streets-for-wnc-regional-safety-action-plan/

The meeting dates and locations include:

• Henderson Public Library (301 N Washington Street, Hendersonville) April 7th 3-6 PM
• Haywood County Public Library: Canton Branch (11 Pennsylvania Avenue, Canton) April 9th 3-6 PM
• East Asheville Library (3 Avon Road, Asheville) April 10th 3-6 PM

Arbor Day Celebration April 10th at 11:00 a.m.

The Tree Board cordially invites you to join us on Thursday, April 10th at 11:00 a.m., as we re-plant our tree canopy. We will be planting a legacy Oak Tree. The initiative includes our Weaverville Primary School children who will take part in the event and will receive tree seedlings to support our educational program, fostering a connection to the land.

By planting this Red Oak Tree, it is a reminder of the impacts of Hurricane Helene, reinforcing our dedication to preserving & continuing a legacy for generations to come. Together let's rebuild and enhance our local environment in this beautiful community.

NC Forestry Message: Why Topping Trees Hurts

Help Prevent Water Pollution - Only Rain Down the Drain

The Town’s stormwater system takes rainwater away from homes and streets through the storm drain openings you see on your neighborhood curb or the grates in the pavement. Illegal dumping, also called illicit discharge, occurs when anything other than rain enters the storm drain system. Materials illegally dumped in the storm drainage system not only block the system, causing localized flooding, but also cause or contribute to water pollution. Illegal dumping and illicit discharge also violate town ordinance (Article V, Sec. 20-5502) and can result in a civil penalty.

The following items should be kept out of storm drains:

· yard waste, grass clippings

· leaves, limbs, branches

· trash

· concrete, wet or dry

· paint

· oil, anti-freeze

· grease

· fireworks

· wastewater or wash water

Call the Weaverville Public Works Department at (828)645-0606 or email dale.pennell@weavervillenc.org to report an illicit discharge or any other type of water pollution in our streams, ponds, ditches or rivers. If calling after working hours you will be prompted to leave a message which will be promptly received and handled as needed.

In case of emergencies, call 911.

North Carolina Spring Litter Sweep April 12-26

The 2025 Spring Litter Sweep is here, and we need your help keeping North Carolina beautiful! ​The 2025 Spring Litter Sweep is taking place April 12-26​.​ Click on the link above for volunteering and more information.

Earth Day April 22nd - Our Power, Our Planet

The theme for Earth Day 2025 is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030. How? By joining us in Earth Action Day, encouraging all to take action—educate, advocate, and mobilize. Pledge an Earth Action on social media. Attend/plan/register a local event. Integrate Earth Day lessons into your curricula. Donate to support our efforts. Below you’ll find resources (plus quizzes, fact sheets, articles and more) to help you take action this Earth Day, April 22nd, and every day.

www.earthday.org 2025

https://www.earthday.org/factsheets/

https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-quizzes

UN Environment Program Beat-plastic-pollution

Plastic Pollution: You might think you know all you need because you live by the 3 Rs of Plastic Pollution -Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, but do you know all 6 Rs? Additional Rs of Plastic Pollution -Remove, Refuse, and Rally!

For Yard Debris P/U- Do Not Use Black Plastic Bags

The Public Works Dept. would like to emphasize the need for residents to NOT use black plastic bags for any type of garbage or debris. Whether lawn debris or actual garbage is placed in black bags, neither is now picked up by our brush crew or side-loader garbage truck since the black bag is not recyclable. Crews cannot identify the contents of the bag. 

Rather than using black bags, residents can place small loose piles of yard debris at the curb or edge of the pavement for collection by our new grapple truck or placed in recyclable brown paper bags. Regular garbage (including black bags) placed within the green toter cans will be picked up; however, black bags stacked on top of the toter or left on the ground will not be picked up.  The brown bags and the pile of yard debris are collected during brush week’s brush route.

For more information, please check the Public Works tab on the town’s website at Public Works | Town of Weaverville, NC or contact Public Works at 828-645-0606.

A Message from the Police Dept.- Lake Louise Parking

Here are a few fun, yet essential, tips for parking when the park area is full-

• Drive Around There’s no harm in taking a spin—patience is key! But it's a park, not a racetrack. The speed limit around most of Lake Louise is 15 mph. 
• Be Creative If the designated spots are all full, you can try finding a legal spot nearby. It could be down the street. We all know how fun a parking ticket is… said no one, ever. Parking in the roadway is strictly prohibited. 
• Public Works Quarry Rd lot Those spots are close enough to make the walk pleasant. It’s a win-win!
• The “Park and Walk” Strategy It may be further away but hey, consider it your chance to get those steps in! A short walk can be part of your workout plan. 
• Carpool/ ride-share Spending more time with friends, YAY, and reduce that carbon footprint. If you use a ride-share app your being dropped off right at your destination & no parking spot hunting.. nother win-win!
• Be courteous If you do find that elusive parking spot, be mindful of others. Don’t squeeze into spaces like you're auditioning for a car acrobatics show. Take your time and make sure you’re properly parked, within the lines, and not blocking your fellow park-goer. Everyone will appreciate your efforts.

Outdoor Recreation Complex Spring Hours

Lake Louise Outdoor Recreation Complex hours are 8am - 8pm beginning April 1st. For more information, go to: Weaverville NC Recreation Department

Good Friday April 18th Holiday

2025 Spring Art Safari April 26-27 Studio Tour

The Weaverville Art Safari is back! Scout the Artists on April 26-27, 10 AM -5 PM daily for a free, self-guided studio tour featuring incredible local artists.

37 studios, over 70 creators. Meet the artists, explore their studios, watch live demonstrations, and take home unique, handcrafted art!

The 2025 Spring Art Safari will be held April 26- 27th from 10am-5pm on both days. A preview of participating artists is available online at www.weavervilleartsafari.com. There will be a display show-case of a few artist participants located at the Weaverville Community Center. Map and QR code can be found here: https://weavervilleartsafari.com/map/

FREE Tax Assistance at the Weaverville Library

Make an Appointment for Free Tax Assistance AARP Foundation Tax-Aide and VITA tax assistance, in cooperation with the IRS, NC Department of Revenue, Buncombe County Library System and Council on Aging, Inc. will offer free tax preparations for taxpayers of low and moderate income, with special attention to those age 60 and older. You will need an appointment to speak with a tax help aide.

At your appointment, you can drop off your tax documents and you’ll be given another appointment in about 2 weeks to pick up your paperwork and completed tax form. For more info go to: https://weavervillenc.org/free-tax-assistance-at-the-weaverville-library/

Recovery News FEMA deadline ext. to April 7th

April Meetings and Annual Budget Presentation:

Weaverville Community Center Programs & Events

Join the Garden Club of Weaverville

April 8, 2025 Meeting

Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.

Location: Weaverville Community Center Albert Weaver Room (60 Lakeshore Drive)

 Program: Rain Gardens “Plant the Rain” for Resilient Landscapes 

Our region is experiencing extreme weather events more frequently, from micro-droughts to downpours. What is a gardener to do? Join RiverLink's Director of Programs Renee Fortner to learn about "planting the rain"—that is, incorporating a rain garden—to create beautiful and resilient landscapes in the time of a changing climate.

Renee will discuss how to harness the rain that lands on your roof and keep it onsite where it can nourish your plants and recharge groundwater. Not only does this practice conserve potable water and build resilience against drought, but it also prevents polluted runoff from reaching our local streams. 

Renee holds a Master of Science in Biology and professional certificates in both stormwater BMP inspection and maintenance and residential rain garden design. Through her position at RiverLink, she works with communities and local governments to collaboratively address water-related issues across the French Broad River Watershed.

• All are welcome to attend. Feel free to bring your own lunch, snack, or beverages to enjoy immediately following the program, if you’d like. The business meeting will begin soon thereafter.

Weaverville Town Hall

30 South Main Street,

P.O. Box 338,

Weaverville, NC 28787

Phone: (828) 645-7116