WECAN January 2016 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting January 7, 2016

Board Members present: Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson and Pattiy Torno. Members not present: Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis. Also present: CRO Lucas Lovelace, Charlie District Commander Lt Gary Gudac, and Marsha Stickford.

Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm 

MINUTES: There was one correction to the draft minutes:' WECAN Board/General Membership Meeting'. Otherwise they were approved as submitted.

TREASURER'S REPORT: No report Joe noted one reimbursement due for the printing/mailing of the newsletter.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Lucas reported that he has seen an increase of homeless campsites and tents--some by the river. They are mostly vacant during the day but the PATH Team has been sent and they have been given notice. However , some take advantage of the' seven day notice to move' in order to find a new location and begin the process again. Pattiy reported seeing some tents on the west bank of the river across from 12Bones. Joe noted that when the greenway is completed the traffic may deter camping there in the future. Lucas reported that on December 17 three unlocked vehicles were broken into on Park, Girdwood and Jefferson. He was pleased to note that there were no problems with package deliveries being stolen. Pattiy commended Sgt Evan Coward for his efforts on tv about NEXTDOOR.com. Marsha will forward a brochure from PIO Christina Hollingse. Joe brought up a thread on NEXTDOOR about an intoxicated person on Clingman and Hilliard and what was and could have been done for them. The problem is that people have a right to refuse medical treatment, shelter or housing. Marsha referred to the Homeless Coordinator Christiana Tugman who asks: what would be helpful? One answer is housing. We can explore Face Book Page What the alternatives are. If people refuse housing are they homeless or exercising free choice? Unfortunately they are also leaving trash behind. Pattiy asked for a memorandum of understanding between WECAN and the City to clean up on public rights of way-- which currently is not legal. Marsha will float the idea to Christiana about areas not covered by Parks or Sanitation.

BLOCK JESSIES: Joe found some unusual chalk marks on the sidewalks. They may be placed by night runners or pub runners. Charlie Lance announced the best holiday lighting was on Rector Street. Rachel found out the goopy yellow stuff in the stream at Owens Bell Park was a naturally occurring effluent of fungus or iron bacteria from an underground stream. Hattie Smith's house on Knoxville Place is under contract. Rachel has a new neighbor on Park Square.  Luke fell off his roof (but he is ok) and also had his parked van totaled on Hilliard(which is not.) The issue of Parking on West Haywood near Jefferson was discussed. Parked cars make it hard to see westbound traffic in the curve when exiting Jefferson. Byron will talk to neighbors.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Joe nominated the current officers to continue their roles: Chair: Rachel, Vice Chair: Byron, Treasurer: AnnaBeth and Secretary: Joe. Pattiy seconded and motion passed.

AT-LARGE MEMBERS: After discussion of potential nominees Joe nominated Luke and Floree to continue as At-Large Board Members. Byron seconded and the motion passed.

NEW BELGIUM BREWERY: Is not for sale. The confusion is that when an offer is made they have to respond and it appeared that they were selling.

ASHEVILLE IN MOTION: Joe attended the last input session on Dec 17 at the Civic Center.  They have done a lot of work analyzing road types for the four types of transportation: Bus, Bike, Pedestrian and Vehicle. They were looking for preferences by sticky dots only. Marsha said they will be reporting back in the spring.

I-26 CONNECTOR: The public hearing was on Nov 16 and comments would be received until Dec 16. WECAN submitted a page of comments collected by Luke W. Perry on email.
FBRMPOCAC: Rachel is a member of the French Broad River Municipal Planning Organization Citizens Advisory Council. Joe requested information about the life expectancy of the Smoky Park Bridges (One span begun in 1948 and the other in 1968) since there was no mention of this in the I-26 Environmental Impact Statement when one goal is to extend its use.

GENTRIFICATION: Rachel and Byron met with a student of Warren Wilson College for a report on the effects of gentrification in the River Arts District and Southside.  Marsha asked for the student's info because the city was talking about Equitable Development. Is it a Governmental value? Is there a problem when federal funds are involved regarding community benefits agreements?

RAD FORM BASED CODE: Marsha noted that there would be some feedback soon.

PLACE-MAKING IN RADTIP: Rachel noted that artists were being asked to be involved in creating installations, stops, visuals, etc along the proposed new greenways.   

STORMWATER PROBLEMS: Pattiy reported debris and mud washed into the Clingman Roundabout  and from Asheville Middle School down Lyman Extension across the railroad tracks and into her yard. She has a meeting scheduled next week to address the problem.

WECAN GARDEN CLUB: working on a new list; Trimming the hedges at the sign garden, leaf mulch debris from Roberts Street.

WECAN COMMUNITY GARDEN: Calling a meeting of interested gardeners on the 19th or 21st at 6:30 p.m. at MHO. Byron will use Face Book to determine preferred date.

PLAN ON A PAGE: This is a list of questions for neighborhoods to fill out to guide the planning department when considering developer requests in a neighborhood. It is not a detailed plan such as the WECAN 2010 Plan or the WECAN Citizens Master Plan, but it is to supplement the Comprehensive Plan which the city will begin soon.   

VACANT LOT ANALYSIS: Rachel has been looking at vacant buildable lots in WECAN and has found about 30.

KUDZU HILL ON CLINGMAN: Rachel asked about clearing the kudzu from the trees on the hill west of All Souls Pizza now that the kudzu has died back. Pattiy thinks it is a fool’s errand since it grows back so rapidly. DOT will not remove it and might only object if the trees fall into the roadway.

GOALS/PLAN for 2016: Community Garden and Face to Face contacts with Block Jessies

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm 

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola

WECAN December 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting December 3, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave

Board Members Present were: Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson and Luke W. Perry. Board Members not present were  Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Floree Lowery,  Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Suzanne Willis and Pattiy Torno. Also present were: CRO Lucas Lovelace and Marsha Stickford.. Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. MINUTES: Byron moved and Luke seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes from November 5 as distributed. The motion passed. There was some activity on the treasurer's report. Reimbursement has been submitted for the postage and printing of the WECAN News. APD/CRO UPDATE: Rachel reported an I-pad stolen from an unlocked vehicle which was not reported to the police. Lucas said that it should be reported because items like that are sometimes recovered and can be returned. He noted that there have been 25 hours of extra patrols and 15 hours on Jefferson Drive. He reported that a motorcycle was taken from Hunter Volvo and has not been recovered and that 2 homeless camps along the river had been moved. He also explained that 'Code Purple" was a situation when the temperature is below 32 degrees a shelter will accept someone even if they have been drinking or barred for other reasons if an officer brings them. The parking problem at the end of Clingman Place has been resolved. The River Arts District is being hit with a lot of graffiti and in response special operations are in place. He had no further information to share about the murder investigation. He will forward information about car break ins and holiday packages and advises to keep reporting because it helps. BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Byron remembered the old tradition of welcoming new neighbors with a 'Welcome Wagon" small gift basket with food, coupons, important phone numbers, etc. With the turnover in WECAN we often don't get to meet new neighbors when they move in. She wants to restart the tradition and will propose something next month. Also that the designated Block Jessies should update the mail or email list throughout the year but especially in September for the annual newsletter. She also reported that the mother of past WECAN Chair Pattiy Torno had passed away. Byron will get a card to send from WECAN. Finally, Byron has been thinking about past WECAN Chair Geraldine. She has not been very active  lately in WECAN but was an important part of the community and needs to be acknowledged in these difficult times for her family. Byron volunteered to send am appropriate and helpful card. Marsha announced that final street paving on Craven Street to raise it to grade will take place this weekend. Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Smith Bridge will be closed. Joe remarked that it is such a waste to put in curbing just to be torn out when the second bridge goes in with the RADTIP improvements. Marsha explained that federal funds have to be spent as plans are submitted and it would be too expensive to resubmit revised plans. He admitted that they are getting better about the streets, water and utilities working together when there are street projects., but they are obviously not there yet.  Luke announced that the pad for the bus stop at Haywood Road and Craven Street would be poured soon and in January  the Asheville Design Center would be seeking public input online at their website. This may be a model for other bus stops in the city. He also has been in contact with Mr. Poliak who owns the house next to his and several other properties and is not wanting to sell at this time. 2015 ACTIVITY REPORT: Joe reported the activity for 2015 as follows: Jan: Luke and Floree elected for 1 year renewable term as At-Large Members. Feb first meeting of Community Garden Group. Mar: Community Garden Agreement signed, Festival of Neighborhoods Workshops Asheville in Motion and Garden Club Wednesdays. Apr: Spring Fling/Community Garden installation and City Wide Cleanup May: Settled Community Garden Funding Issue. Jun: General Membership Meeting, RAD Form Based Code, Ice Cream Social, Community Garden Assessment, Equitable Development Forum. Aug: Corn Feast, Watch for Me Campaign, Patton Place Apartments announced, National Night Out, Sep: Livingston complete Streets; Oct: Mayor's State of the City, Halloween Social, Nov: Neighborhood Plans Workshop, I-26 Connector hearing. Whew! I-26 CONNECTOR PUBLIC HEARING: NCDOT is accepting comments on the I-26 Connector until December 16. Luke pointed out there are aspects that directly affect WECAN but there is almost too much information in the 9 potential plans. Some have a direct connection to Hillcrest and Montford, some have a greenway starting on Trade Street, several will have an affect on highway noise that cannot be corrected by sound barrier walls. Some people are also concerned with highway air pollution and its affect on heart disease. Some people do not believe the projected traffic counts and others are concerned with other neighborhoods such as Burton Street which will be sacrificed to eight unnecessary lanes through West Asheville. Citizens are encouraged to comment. It was suggested that a loose alliance be formed with Burton Street, Montford and EWANA to comment together. Luke will start a document. The full Draft Environmental Impact Statement, video with animations, detailed design maps, and other info are available on line at http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i26connector/    CLINGMAN AVENUE EXTENSION ONE WAY: Rachel reported that this will not happen. Regarding a needed sidewalk on Roberts Street, it was noted that a recently elected City Council member lives there and perhaps all new city councilors should be invited to a future WECAN meeting. Byron volunteered to invite the councilors.  NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING WORKSHOP: Joe gave a rock star presentation.. There have been requests to see the power point he used. Marsha noted that all the presentations were recorded and will be placed on the city website. The new city Comprehensive plan will begin in January with the choice of the consultant. Then in the next 18 months there will be events to get input.  In the mean time WECAN can continue efforts to update the Citizens Master Plan (2001) or work on a small area plan (aka plan on a page) The comprehensive plan is for 'big picture' planning and the plan on a page is for Planning and Zoning to have guidance for development. RAD FORM BASED CODE: The draft report is available on the City’s Projects Page. Comments and feedback are still being accepted. The collected feedback will go to Planning and Zoning and then to council for approval.  Luke would like for future budgets to include compensation for getting feedback. NEWSLETTER: It went out on schedule and so far no returns. Just some bad email addresses and a few 'unsubscribe' requests from residents who moved have been received. ADOPT A HIGHWAY The quarterly litter pickup will be scheduled for some time in January. GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: The 'group' cleaned out the community garden and due to rain and cold not much else this month. COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe submitted the annual report (see attached.) VACANT LOT ANALYSIS: Rachel received a request for a place to locate a storage building and found out there are a lot of vacant lots in WECAN. Jessie has also received requests for properties on Knoxville Place. GENTRIFICATION: Rachel and Byron have been contacted by a student at Warren Wilson College doing a report on gentrification. They will meet at Clingman Café on Sunday December 6 at 1 pm. others with opinions on gentrification are welcome. NOMINATIONS: Joe nominated Byron, Yuri, Rachel and Pattiy to serve a second three year term. Byron seconded and motion passed. Welcome back. ISSUES and GOALS for 2016: Some things mentioned included: Welcome Wagon, Social Events, More Communication, Retaining Luke, Reactivating Block Jessies with a welcome wagon, Continuing Community Garden, compiling info from Simplicity into a single place with phone and email info. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

WECAN November 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting November 5, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave
Board Members Present were: Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, Rebecca Lance, Rachel
Larson and Luke W. Perry. Board Members not present were  Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike
Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Floree Lowery,  Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Suzanne Willis and
Pattiy Torno. Also present were: CRO Lucas Lovelace and Marsha Stickford.. Chair Rachel called the
meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. MINUTES: Byron moved and Luke seconded a motion to approve the draft
minutes from November 5 as distributed. The motion passed. There was some activity on the treasurer's
report. Reimbursement has been submitted for the postage and printing of the WECAN News. APD/CRO
UPDATE: Rachel reported an I-pad stolen from an unlocked vehicle which was not reported to the
police. Lucas said that it should be reported because items like that are sometimes recovered and can
be returned. He noted that there have been 25 hours of extra patrols and 15 hours on Jefferson Drive.
He reported that a motorcycle was taken from Hunter Volvo and has not been recovered and that 2
homeless camps along the river had been moved. He also explained that 'Code Purple" was a situation
when the temperature is below 32 degrees a shelter will accept someone even if they have been
drinking or barred for other reasons if an officer brings them. The parking problem at the end of
Clingman Place has been resolved. The River Arts District is being hit with a lot of graffiti and in response
special operations are in place. He had no further information to share about the murder investigation.
He will forward information about car break ins and holiday packages and advises to keep reporting
because it helps. BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Byron remembered the old tradition of welcoming new
neighbors with a 'Welcome Wagon" small gift basket with food, coupons, important phone numbers,
etc. With the turnover in WECAN we often don't get to meet new neighbors when they move in. She
wants to restart the tradition and will propose something next month. Also that the designated Block
Jessies should update the mail or email list throughout the year but especially in September for the
annual newsletter. She also reported that the mother of past WECAN Chair Pattiy Torno had passed
away. Byron will get a card to send from WECAN. Finally, Byron has been thinking about past WECAN
Chair Geraldine. She has not been very active  lately in WECAN but was an important part of the
community and needs to be acknowledged in these difficult times for her family. Byron volunteered to
send am appropriate and helpful card. Marsha announced that final street paving on Craven Street to
raise it to grade will take place this weekend. Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Smith Bridge will be
closed. Joe remarked that it is such a waste to put in curbing just to be torn out when the second bridge
goes in with the RADTIP improvements. Marsha explained that federal funds have to be spent as plans
are submitted and it would be too expensive to resubmit revised plans. He admitted that they are
getting better about the streets, water and utilities working together when there are street projects.,
but they are obviously not there yet.  Luke announced that the pad for the bus stop at Haywood Road
and Craven Street would be poured soon and in January  the Asheville Design Center would be seeking
public input online at their website. This may be a model for other bus stops in the city. He also has been
in contact with Mr. Poliak who owns the house next to his and several other properties and is not
wanting to sell at this time. 2015 ACTIVITY REPORT: Joe reported the activity for 2015 as follows: Jan:
Luke and Floree elected for 1 year renewable term as At-Large Members. Feb first meeting of
Community Garden Group. Mar: Community Garden Agreement signed, Festival of Neighborhoods
Workshops Asheville in Motion and Garden Club Wednesdays. Apr: Spring Fling/Community Garden
installation and City Wide Cleanup May: Settled Community Garden Funding Issue. Jun: General
Membership Meeting, RAD Form Based Code, Ice Cream Social, Community Garden Assessment,
Equitable Development Forum. Aug: Corn Feast, Watch for Me Campaign, Patton Place Apartments
announced, National Night Out, Sep: Livingston complete Streets; Oct: Mayor's State of the City,
Halloween Social, Nov: Neighborhood Plans Workshop, I-26 Connector hearing. Whew! I-26
CONNECTOR PUBLIC HEARING: NCDOT is accepting comments on the I-26 Connector until December
16. Luke pointed out there are aspects that directly affect WECAN but there is almost too much

information in the 9 potential plans. Some have a direct connection to Hillcrest and Montford, some
have a greenway starting on Trade Street, several will have an affect on highway noise that cannot be
corrected by sound barrier walls. Some people are also concerned with highway air pollution and its
affect on heart disease. Some people do not believe the projected traffic counts and others are
concerned with other neighborhoods such as Burton Street which will be sacrificed to eight unnecessary
lanes through West Asheville. Citizens are encouraged to comment. It was suggested that a loose
alliance be formed with Burton Street, Montford and EWANA to comment together. Luke will start a
document. The full Draft Environmental Impact Statement, video with animations, detailed design maps,
and other info are available on line at CLINGMAN AVENUE EXTENSION ONE WAY: Rachel
reported that this will not happen. Regarding a needed sidewalk on Roberts Street, it was noted that a
recently elected City Council member lives there and perhaps all new city councilors should be invited to
a future WECAN meeting. Byron volunteered to invite the councilors.  NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING
WORKSHOP: Joe gave a rock star presentation.. There have been requests to see the power point he
used. Marsha noted that all the presentations were recorded and will be placed on the city website. The
new city Comprehensive plan will begin in January with the choice of the consultant. Then in the next 18
months there will be events to get input.  In the mean time WECAN can continue efforts to update the
Citizens Master Plan (2001) or work on a small area plan (aka plan on a page) The comprehensive plan is
for 'big picture' planning and the plan on a page is for Planning and Zoning to have guidance for
development. RAD FORM BASED CODE: The draft report is available on the City’s Projects Page.
Comments and feedback are still being accepted. The collected feedback will go to Planning and Zoning
and then to council for approval.  Luke would like for future budgets to include compensation for getting
feedback. NEWSLETTER: It went out on schedule and so far no returns. Just some bad email addresses
and a few 'unsubscribe' requests from residents who moved have been received. ADOPT A HIGHWAY
The quarterly litter pickup will be scheduled for some time in January. GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS:
The 'group' cleaned out the community garden and due to rain and cold not much else this month.
COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe submitted the annual report (see attached.) VACANT LOT ANALYSIS: Rachel
received a request for a place to locate a storage building and found out there are a lot of vacant lots in
WECAN. Jessie has also received requests for properties on Knoxville Place. GENTRIFICATION: Rachel
and Byron have been contacted by a student at Warren Wilson College doing a report on gentrification.
They will meet at Clingman Café on Sunday December 6 at 1 pm. others with opinions on gentrification
are welcome. NOMINATIONS: Joe nominated Byron, Yuri, Rachel and Pattiy to serve a second three year
term. Byron seconded and motion passed. Welcome back. ISSUES and GOALS for 2016: Some things
mentioned included: Welcome Wagon, Social Events, More Communication, Retaining Luke,
Reactivating Block Jessies with a welcome wagon, Continuing Community Garden, compiling info from
Simplicity into a single place with phone and email info. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. DRAFT
Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

WECANNEWS 2015

 

WECANNews 2015

WECAN October 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting October 8, 2015 at 34 Girdwood Street (Rescheduled from last week due to water damage at MHO.)

Board Members Present were: Joe Fioccola and  Rebecca Lance. Board Members not present were Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Rachel Larson, Floree Lowery, Luke W. Perry, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Suzanne Willis and Pattiy Torno.  Also present were: CRO's Sean Davis and Lucas Lovelace. 

Secretary Joe Fioccola called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. 

MINUTES: The draft minutes from September 3 were approved as distributed. 

APD/CRO UPDATE: Sean reported that last week two vehicles were set on fire on Roberts Street with no witnesses and no injuries. Asheville Fire and Rescue is investigating. Also human remains were found in the French Broad River close to the Smith Bridge. Lucas reported that a 7-day notice was given today to the homeless camp between the back of 64 Clingman Avenue and the tennis courts. The Watch For Me pedestrian and crosswalk campaign is continuing until Thanksgiving. (So the banner should remain up until then.) We were briefed on the Pace Car Pilot program in the Charlotte Street Area and the Sober Hero campaign initiating with Octoberfest this weekend. The last River Music of the year is Friday October 9. Next year they may move up Riverside closer to the Mulch Yard. Rebecca reported how difficult it is for pedestrians to walk on Riverside and Depot but RADTIP should improve them.

GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: On September 2 we worked on the corner of Hilliard and West Haywood where the sidewalk ends--or used to end. We were rained out on September 9 and September 30, but on September 16 we moved a volunteer dogwood from the sign garden to the loop at Owens Bell Park (and hope it survives the move.) On September 23 we did some weeding and hedge trimming at the Sign Garden. Next we plan to remove a dead tree near the top of Hilliard, and limb up some of the oak trees and try to get some to chip mulch on the unpaved 'sidewalk' path we cleared last month. And eventually finish clearing the sidewalk on Roberts Street below Park Square.

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Quarterly litter pick up is scheduled for this Sunday October 11th at 8:30 am. Vests and bags provided meet at the sign garden.

COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe and Byron are working on a full report of progress so far and a briefer one for the WECANews. On the first, 8th, 15th and the 22nd we spent about 5 hours weeding and clearing and harvesting and planting peas. (Joe missed the 15th doing pedestrian traffic counting.) and thankfully it rained on the 29th. (We needed it.)

NEWSLETTER:  Joe and Byron are working on the Community Garden, Form Based Code and New Construction articles and may do a Neighbor Profile. Rebecca will be working on the mail and email lists.

HALLOWEEN/FALL POT LUCK SOCIAL: Rebecca volunteered to poll preferences and organize an event on the Face Book Group. Suggested date Saturday October 31. Suggested time 5:30-6:30?   

MASTER PLANNING/PLANNING ORIENTATION WORKSHOP: Joe will present a personal view on neighborhood planning that has occurred in WECAN over the last 21 years at the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (on which he serves) workshop on November 7th. 9:00-11:30 am at Ferguson Auditorium at AB Tech. Marsha will be sending information about it soon and WECAN should be represented there, so save the date! 

UPDATES: City Council candidates have been reduced from 16 to 6. Vote for your three 'faves' on November 3.

The Vance Monument Time Capsule has been sealed up for 100 years. A picture of Jessie Coleman is one of many which appear on the cover of the Urban News which was included in the capsule.   

Livingston Complete Streets: Joe gave input at the Grant Center on the 29th: on Livingston: there will be continuous sidewalk and bike lane on both sides of Livingston from Depot St. to Victoria Rd. and a traffic circle at Depot and Livingston. Many people complained about the curve and bump-out near the Glen Rock and a second traffic circle may not be necessary at South French Broad and Livingston.

RADTIP: Several people attended the D.O.T. presentation at Pack Library on Sept 24th. There were six stations: 1) Review Project Timeline, 2) View Public Workshop Map, 3) Provide feedback on future Craven Street Bridge, 4) View Proposed Greenway Alignment & Open Space Opportunities, 5) View Proposed Streetscape Elements and 6) Provide Feedback on Public Art. Comments are accepted by October 25,2015  to Dan Baechtold, Project Manager Phone 259-5842 or email dbaechtold@ashevillenc.gov. 

Mayor Westheimer's State of the City Address: was on October 1. She outlined goals set by City Council in areas of Economic growth and sustainability, Affordability and economic mobility and High quality of life.

It can be viewed in full with the following link: http://ustre.am/W7Px

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

EVENTS IN OCTOBER::

                           Fridays    8 pm Foreign Film Cinema Phil Mechanic Studios

October 11        Adopt A Highway Litter Pickup 0830 am

October 12        Columbus Day Holiday

October 13        Community Garden Group 6 pm

October 14        Garden Club     2 pm

                          RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

October 15        Riverfront Office has Open Office Hours 3–5 pm at City Hall, 5^th floor   

October 20        Community Garden Group 6 pm

October 21        Garden Club     2 pm

                          RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm 

October 27        Community Garden Group 6 pm  

October 28        Garden Club     2 pm

                          RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

October 31        Halloween/Fall Pot Luck Social on Jefferson

November 3       VOTE for City Council Election

                          Community Garden Group 6 pm

November 4       Garden Club     2 pm

                          RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

November 5       Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30 pm  

                        

November 7       City Planning Orientation Workshop 9-11:30 AB Tech Ferguson Auditorium

WECAN September 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting September 3, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were:  Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle and Luke W. Perry.  Board Members not present were Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson,  Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson, Floree Lowery, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Suzanne Willis and Pattiy Torno.  Also present were: CRO's Sean Davis and Lucas Lovelace. 

Vice Chair Byron called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 

MINUTES: The draft minutes from August 6 were approved as distributed. 

TREASURERS REPORT: AnnaBeth reported that the current balance was $775 with one outstanding check for $125 for the Community Garden Fence.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Sean reported that a 12 tent homeless camp on West Haywood near the Boy Scouts was given a 7 day notice and moved and Christina Tugman with the Homeless Initiative will ask DOT to clean up the flotsam. There have also been extra patrols on Jefferson. Sean thanked the residents for calling in suspicious people and taking pictures. AnnaBeth thanked him for the extra patrols. Sean reported one car break in and vandalism under the Jeff Bowen Bridge. He also reported a traffic detail responding to RADBA complaints about speeding cars and not stopping for pedestrians on Depot Street and issued 11 citations.(mostly for seatbelt violations.)  Byron reported a conversation with Mrs. Crisp about 'ladies' waiting in the garden to be picked up by their johns. 

WATCH FOR ME CROSSWALK CAMPAIGN: Rachel has some information about the banner.

COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe reported that the first harvest was in and a Corn Feast was celebrated on August 25th. Thanks to Rebecca for planting, growing, harvesting, cleaning, cooking, and serving the delicious fruit of our garden. (Is corn a fruit?) As many as six people had plots in the first planting: Joe, Byron, Rebecca, AnnaBeth, Lance and Meg. Mrs. Crisp originally was opposed to the idea of the garden but she wants to tend a plot next time. Next meeting we will talk about fall planting and wintering over.

GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS:  Joe reported that the Garden Club had uncovered the stone wall on Jefferson, mulched the Sunny Cultural Garden at Owens-Bell Park. (Thanks Pattiy for getting the mulch.)  Cleared the vegetation around the Power Pole at Knoxville and West Haywood.(Thanks Helen!) and Cleared the fence at the top of the hill on Hilliard (up to the yellow Jackets nest!) We also cleared the overgrowth at the southeast corner of Hilliard and West Haywood to improve visibility and to create a path where the sidewalk ends. Joe noted that a lot of mowing had been noticed along the east side of Hilliard, the north side of West Haywood and even on Roberts Street. AnnaBeth reported that the end of Jefferson was being maintained. She thinks roundup has been used behind All Souls Pizza. 

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES:  Luke has a supply of gravelly debris from Yarrow Place that may find a use elsewhere. He also reported that Stan was doing okay . He observed that parking was a bit wild at the end of Clingman Place. Luke noted that Tracie's place as boarded up. Byron noted that Mr. Crisp was doing better. AnnaBeth is also doing better.

MASTER PLANNING: Joe reported that the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (on which he serves) will conduct a workshop on neighborhood planning on November 7th. (Time and place TBA) A new City Planning Director Todd Okolichany has been hired effective September 8 and in January the city will begin updating of the Comprehensive Plan. (2025 Plan)  The workshop will help neighborhoods develop their own master plans and prepare them to be included in the updated comprehensive plan.    Also the Riverfront Office has Open Office Hours every 3^rd Thursday from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at City Hall, 5^th floor for information about Form Based Code or other river issues.   

TRANSIT BUFFERING: Marjorie emailed Yuri about a new cement fuel tank at Transit across from her house on Park Avenue requesting a green screen/live evergreen landscape trees and shrubs around and asked about the MD plan to move Transit.

NEWSLETTER: Suggested articles include: Community Garden; RADTIP/Form Based Code; New Construction: Jefferson, Trade, Yarrow; Halloween?

WECAN MAILING LIST: last newsletter we mailed 66 paper copies to residents for whom we do not have an email address and now it is time to check and update the list. Byron will do a shout out on FaceBook.

LIVINGSTON COMPLETE STREETS IMPROVEMENTS: The goal of the project is to make the street safe and comfortable for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users. Asheville residents were invited to an open house from 5:30-7 p.m. September 3 at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center to hear more about the project and give input. 

PARTNER NEIGHBORHOODS: Byron met Shavonda Harper from Walton Street and was talking about the problems they were having with the Walton Street Pool: being closed most of the summer, pump problems and charging $3 admission. She asked about approaching NGO's such as Green Opportunities to possible develop vouchers or to partner to get needs taken care of. Luke thought that Parks and Recreation was doing an assessment of all the city pools. Without objection Byron will continue talking about working on infrastructure and will email Marsha.

WECAN PLANNING: Joe noted the major concerns in the next four months are: September: work on Mailing list, October: plan Halloween/Harvest Social, November publish Newsletter and December General Membership meeting and election.

The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER:

September 4        Clips and Beer at Pack Square Park 7-830   

September 8        Community Garden Group 6 pm

September 9         Garden Club     2 pm mulching garden at Owens-Bell Park

                            RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

September 10      City Council Candidates Forum 6 pm ay YWCA

September 14      Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods Meeting 7 pm Oakley Community Center

September 15      Community Garden Group 6 pm

September 16      Garden Club     2 pm

                            RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

September 17      Riverfront Office has Open Office Hours 3–5 pm at City Hall, 5^th floor   

September 18      Time Capsule returned to Vance Monument

September 19      Asheville Housing Fair 10-2 Stephens-Lee recreation Center

September 21      Edible Park Work Day 5-7 pm

September 22      Community Garden Group 6 pm

September 23      Garden Club     2 pm

                           RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm 

September 29      Community Garden Group 6 pm  

September 30      Garden Club     2 pm

                            RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

October 1            Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30 pm  

                            Fridays    8 pm Foreign Film Cinema Phil Mechanic Studios