WECAN Board Meeting Minutes May 4, 2017
Board Members present: Danny Aull, Byron Ballard, Len Hall, Rebecca Lance,
Rachel Larson, Luke Perry, and Pattiy Torno. Members not present: Jared
Fischer, Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis. At
Large Members not present: Rafael Rettig and Floree Lowery.
Also Present: Matthew Bacoate, Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola, Helen Hyatt,
David Siripoonsup, Margot Wallston and Mike Wasmer.
INTROS: Rachel called the meeting to order at 7:37 pm (following a
subcommittee meeting about a future Dike Substation) with a round of
introductions.
MINUTES/ TREASURER”S REPORT: Pattiy moved and Jessie seconded a motion to
approve the draft WECAN minutes from April 6 as distributed. Treasurer
Rebecca reported no activity but there may be a proposal next meeting to
spend some money on water catchment for the community garden.
APD/CRO Update: Email report from Justin Wilson:
-----A resident on Park Ave N has complained of parking violations on the
street. He is claiming that people visiting the RAD are illegally parking
on the street. ----Residents at Clingman Lofts (125 Clingman Ave) have
reported an on-going issue with a homeless woman trespassing on the
property. I've worked with the residents and property management to try to
solve this----There have been complaints of homeless camping on the DOT
property between the Boy Scouts of America and Club St. I've run some
people off of this property, but it doesn't seem to take long for a new
crew to arrive. I spoke to the DOT about the lot-today. They said they've
recently cleaned it, and filled a 5 gallon bucket with used syringes. The
DOT said that they have been clearing wooded lots in other areas of I-240
and have been very successful at making the lots more visible and
therefore-preventing homeless camps long term. In my opinion, this would
be the best solution for this lot. The DOT employee I spoke with said that
their crews are short staffed for the task at hand, and are currently
focusing on DOT properties near Fairview Rd..-I don't know a timeframe of
when this could happen. Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?---A vehicle breaking
and entering was reported on Jefferson Dr on 4/16. The report indicated
that the car door was left unlocked. There is no suspect information.
Thank you, and please contact me with any feedback. Officer Justin Wilson
Community Resource Officer Asheville Police Department Cell: 828-450-3719
Rachel reported a second occurrence of a break in and stolen tools from a
building being renovated on Clingman at Clingman Place. Lynn noted
graffiti keep appearing. Pattiy observed that when it is gone fast the
vandals move on. Also 10 people live under the bridge near Riverside
Studios. Joe complained that people walk their dogs and do not pick up the
poop in front of his house.
ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Joe reported that the time has come again to renew the
contract with NCDOT. This will set the stage for a twentieth year
observance sticker. Signing the application will happen at the June WECAN
Meeting.
BLOCK JESSIES: Community garden and Clingman Edible Triangle are blooming.
Zack’s mom passed away. Luke discovered solar lights at his driveway and
steps. Rachel reported new residents at Girdwood and Green Streets.
RAD FORM BASED CODE: Rachel noted the building height requirement has been
changed next to residential areas. Now it will go through the process P&Z,
AARC, RRDC and City Council by June.
BACOATE BRANCH GREENWAY NAMING: Rachel reported the status on the Creek
naming which will lead into the forest and greenway renaming is set to go
before the African American Heritage Commission on Thursday May 11 at 5:30
pm at the Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Center.
RADTIP: City Council will vote on funding at the June meeting for the
suite of projects. Work should begin in July and Pattiy will bring a
schedule of construction and road closings to the July meeting.
MSD SEWER LINE: Rachel reported that in 3-4 months MSD will enlarge the
sewer line from the end of Park Avenue North down the hill towards the
traffic circle and a swath of trees will be removed..
CLINGMAN STREETSCAPE MAINTENANCE: Rachel reported interest at the RADBA
meeting to maintain the vegetation from Grey Eagle to the traffic circle
with volunteers. Pattiy explained that the city and NCDOT paid for putting
in the plantings but never any effort to maintain them. She also explained
that RADBA has been paying to maintain them and this year approved funding
to maintain them for three months (April, May and June) hoping that the
city will do their part for the following three months. Margot cautioned
about some poison hemlock plants in the area but they may be the less
dangerous water hemlock.
KUDZU HILL: A work day was set for Sunday May 7 at 9 am to clear weeds
starting near the traffic circle. Rachel will call Eric at Green Works for
the mobile tool shed and Pattiy volunteered Clifford the big red truck.
SOCIAL: SPRING FLING: At 2 pm on Sunday May 28 of Memorial Day weekend
will be a cook out and pot luck at Owens Bell Park to celebrate Jessie
Coleman’s Birthday. Bring pot luck. Grills will be fired up for hot dogs
and Joe will bring paper products.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: Ashley reported the graphics have come out for NNO on
August 1st.
Meeting adjourned at 8:18 pm
Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola, Secretary Emeritus
Important Upcoming Dates:
May 6 Soul Shakedown 6-9pm Boathouse
May 7 Kudzu Hill workday—9 am
May 11 African American HeritaGE Commission at Grant Center 5:30 pm
May TBA Duke Substation meet up
May TBA Comp Plan Draft Public Meeting
May 9,16,23,30 Community Garden Workday/meeting 6 pm
May 10,17,24,31 RAD Market at All Souls Pizza
May 14 Mother’s Day
May 19 Bike to work day
May 19 NH leaders Roundtable 8:30 @ Riverlink
May 20-21 RAD Studio Stroll
May 28 Jessie Coleman Birthday Pot Luck
May 29 Memorial Day
May 30 RADBA 4-6 pm FLS Conference room
Jun 1 Next WECAN Board Meeting Thursday 6:30 pm
