WECAN January 2012 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board on Thursday January 5, 2012 at Merritt Park Meeting Room

Members present: Byron Ballard, Jeff Carnivale, Joe Fioccola,  AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Luke W. Perry, Pattiy Torno and Suzanne Willis.. Members not present were: Jessie Coleman, Bret Frk, Tom Gibson, Joanne Skinner.

Also present were Marsha Stickford, Officer Evan Coward and Lance Hardcastle.

Pattiy called the meeting to order for the last time as chair at 6:34. Mike presented her with fifty dollar gift certificates to The Asheville Public and The Junction from her fellow board members for her outstanding service to WECAN.  

Crime issues: After introductions Community Resource Officer Evan Coward reported that the owners of 4 and 6 Yarrow Pl were notified that their vacant buildings were unsecured and they are now secured and posted no trespassing. He also received a complaint about prostitution at 19 Girdwood St. There is no such address as #19 and residents have not reported that kind of activity in the area since lighting was installed there several years ago. The Olympic Torch stolen from a residence on Park Square had been recovered at a pawn shop. Detective Kenny Clamser has received many calls about prostitution. He encourages anyone who sees a new girl in the area to send him an email at kclamser@ashevillenc.gov or call his office at 271-6128. Luke asked about a head on collision on Club St. Mike related the excellent Fire Department response to a chimney fire from his wood stove on Park Square.

DOT issues: The pot holes have returned across the river to the access road to Westgate across from 70 Hazel Mill Rd. The DOT clearing of the area around the Pedestrian Bridge although a bit heavy handed was almost too good making the access road under the bridge look inviting. Luke requested a check on the repair of the fences on top. Marsha noted that it is an area of continuing interest ref lighting and safety issues. Evan requested to be told of any problems that arise there and he is available to check them out and to notify Jackie and Marsha. Discussion moved to debris clean up toward Club St. Greenworks wanted to organize something but met with resistance from DOT. They will provide trash bags for an organized cleanup and DOT may have access to community service “volunteers” on weekends. Luke will get in touch with Hillcrest and set a date on a Saturday in February. With advance notice Marsha will arrange for before and after pictures.

The December minutes were approved as published by acclamation.

The following slate of officers was nominated: Chair: Luke W.Perry; Vice Chair: Yuri Koslen; Treasurer: AnnaBeth Hardcastle and Secretary: Joe Fioccola. The slate was approved unanimously. At- Large nominees Floree Lowery and Laura Loftis were also approved. Discussion of other potential At- Large members or representatives included businesses inside WECAN such as Mail Management, Downtown Market or RADBO. Alternatively a joint board meeting or quarterly report may suffice.

Marsha reported that newly elected Council Member Chris Pelly promised a Neighborhood Advisory Committee. As this takes shape she encouraged us to continue the discussion of commonalities with other neighborhood organizations: Hillcrest, Southside, South French Broad, Montford, Reid Center to help set funding priorities and identify issues important to neighborhoods. Regarding expanding the WECAN area  our tradition has been to represent an area within a quarter mile of the WECAN boundaries. Other areas may be considered for inclusion or representation as the need arises or as requested.

Communication Sub-Committee: Luke digitized the WECAN Logo and drafted a flyer. Yuri brought a map with area blocks outlined. Discussion of reducing the number to minimize the need for volunteers and adjusting them to include like residential areas and like commercial areas. Jeff asked for suggestions for the next social night. He is leaning towards a Thursday at the Asheville Tap or the Clingman Café.

DOT Interface sub sommittee has stalled but will proceed when AnnaBeth gets a map of DOT areas inside WECAN from Yuri. Marsha can organize a meeting if issues have been identified.

East Of The Riverway: A kiosk or bulletin board has appeared on Roberts Street near the traffic circle. We need to identify where in the neighborhood other kiosks are needed and then add or move it. We need to discuss what should be allowed and assign someone to maintain them. An additional location was identified in the middle of the block of Clingman Avenue between Rector Street  and Owens-Ball Lane at the top of the ramp.  Five kiosks are funded as a part of the community involvement goal of EOTR. Other locations include Pritchard Park and possibly at the Edible Gardens on South Charlotte St.

Pattiy thanked Luke for the spinach lasagna at a gathering on December 7 at his house. Luke, Pattiy, Joe, Jefferson Drive residents Zac Altheimer and Lyn Player met with Chris Joyell from Green Opportunities and Laura Clemmons from the Asheville Design Center. They discussed increasing and defining participation and getting the mobile van out in the community in February, March or April. They also talked about identifying a ‘transformative  project’ and thinking outside the box of something not built but needed and useful such as a micro lending organization or a affordable neighborhood daycare. A link was sent out that documents six pages of comments received by EOTR. Joe questioned the use of them since they represent raw data of what some individuals said and some may be in conflict with others. Marsha noted that it is just the first step.

Garden Club: The Kudzu removal at the end of Jefferson Drive on December 17^th was a rousing success. Dramatic before and after photos were taken of the vegetative overgrowth and drainage repair. Several needles and condoms and other litter were removed. Thanks to Marsha for arranging the brush pick up. Now the missing guard rail looks bad and should be replaced. Marsha will report it. [Not sure if it is DOT or City]  The hydrant at the turn-around is uncovered and shows damage and should be checked. Also check the hydrant at Pete Bassett’s house at 69 Jefferson Drive.  Yuri requested a kind of Neighborhood Watch sign placed around there to discourage bad behavior.

Grants: Jefferson Pedestrian Path: Jeff reported that MHO was open to  building  a pedestrian path from Jefferson between 32 and 34  down to Owens-Bell Lane and WECAN should think about writing a grant. There is some resistance to grant-writing since the Fit Communities Grant was so drawn out, but other smaller grants may be available and we have other community resources that can be called on.  

Marsha noted that Barb Mee is set to come to our February meeting with drawings.

Announcements: Pattiy gave a shout out to Luke who had built her some cat residences and designed the renovation of the Marketplace restaurant. Jeff may appear in the paper for Chi-Walking at the Biltmore Square Mall. And Byron wants to coordinate with other backyard gardeners for seedling swaps and urban wildcrafting like the nutritious nettles and kudzu at the end of Jefferson

Meeting adjourned at 8:08

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

Next Meeting 6:30p.m. on Thursday February 2. (Ironically on Ground Hog Day!)

NC DOT doing some Clearing

Just got word this morning from Marsha Stickford, that the NC DOT will begin their underbrush removal around the pedestrian bridge across to Hillcrest, today!  The plan as it has been presented, is to remove small diameter scrub vegetation, leaving the tagged hardwoods in tact to become shade trees for the area.  The downed wood left is there for the taking by neighbors.

WECAN December 2011 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board on Thursday December 1, 2011 at Merritt Park Meeting Room

Members present: Byron Ballard, Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola,  AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Yuri Koslen, Luke W. Perry and Pattiy Torno. Members not present were: Jeff Carnivale, Bret Frk, Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, Geraldine Melendez,  Jose Ruiz, Joanne Skinner and Suzanne Willis.

Also present were Marsha Stickford,  Officer Evan Coward, Detective Ken Clamser, Kathleen Kingston and Greg Shuler, City of Asheville Streets and Engineering Manager.

Pattiy called the meeting to order at 6:25.

Crime Issues: Community Resource Officer Evan Coward reported on a homeless camp across from 226 Lyman St. and will check some bedding visible on the west facing bank of the river just south of the Smith Bridge (below Craven St.) He reported that this morning he had arrested a subject who has several outstanding warrants and may have been responsible for several burglaries in WECAN.  The ‘drop-dead’ date for securing the Ice House on Riverside was extended and would continue to be since condemnation of the property and removal would cost over $200,000 which has not been budgeted.

           After introductions discussion of the progress of the Clingman Avenue Streetscape began. Greg said they may finish by next week and probably before Christmas. Some concrete work was scheduled for this Friday and Saturday. Some shared driveways between 132 and 134, and 136 and 138 still have issues but they will be remedied by the City Street Department after the contract work is completed. He said the city won’t walk away but would make things right. If further problems develop contact Greg Shuler by email  gshuler@ashevillenc.gov or call his office at (828) 271-6146. The project is not on schedule nor on budget. It was adversely affected by the bicycle lane being added in after the contract was bid and also the relocation of the utility poles. Because of the State participation engineering and financial auditing occurred together. It was a learning experience and will be a positive influence on future projects. Traffic cones have been placed on all the bump-outs to make them more visible and a few parking spaces were removed on Rector St.  It will be considered at a later date whether to make Rector Street one way only. Jessie said she was not comfortable as a driver on Clingman feeling the road is too narrow and oncoming traffic was too close. She also has problems with the crosswalk at Clingman and Hilliard of almost getting run down as a pedestrian.  Ped Head crossing lights are funded as a part of this project but will be going up after it is completed. Pattiy requested an input meeting when the Ped Head project phase begins so that the city can talk us through what is coming and hopefully about a month in advance. Marsha will follow up and get the plan drawings to Pattiy. Kathleen requested another look at the speed limit after the project is completed.  Ken Putnam will  be doing traffic studies then. At the WECAN Sunny Cultural garden, which was damaged during construction, the granite curbstones have been replaced a little higher than before and brick sidewalk has been put in there. Pattiy remembered a planning session when people were asking for brick sidewalk to return and said it was a nice touch. It was generally agreed to let the garden come back in the spring and see what didn’t make it. We will revisit and evaluate at the June 7, 2012 WECAN Board meeting. When it is finished it should be something we can all be proud of and in future projects the city has learned that when people are upset it isn’t because they are mean but because they care and are hurt.

Prostitution: Vice Detective Kenny Clamser has been working vice narcotics in the central area for over ten years. Over that time there has been a reduction of prostitution calls from 7-800 calls down to 150-200 in the last year. There was also a reduction in street crimes: drug sales, vandalism, break-ins over to the S French Broad and Aston Park areas. This reduction has been due to surveillance, arrests and then providing counseling and other help needed for mental and drug problems while they are in jail. He encouraged anyone who sees a new girl show up on the street or people parking in the usual areas to send him an email at kclamser@ashevillenc.gov.  AnnaBeth asked what the best thing to do when she sees something without being a nuisance to dispatchers at the police department. Det Clamser said if possible get plate numbers and vehicle descriptions and email or call his office at 271-6128. They may not immediately appear but can build a case and follow through. 

Garden Club: A date was set for Kudzu removal at the end of Jefferson Drive for Saturday December 17^th at 9 a.m. The gatherings will be either placed on Yuri’s mulch pile or else will call Marsha to arrange pickup. Adopt A Highway was set for Wednesday December 14^th at 9 a.m.  Luke reported a pile of vines and wire dumped on Club St.

Neighborhood Communication Sub-Committee met and Luke and Yuri presented  a draft recruitment flyer, ‘Networking Communication Needs Assessment -- Re-connecting the neighborhood.’ It introduces WECAN  and lists several ways to get involved around being a “block captain.” Joe questioned to term ‘Captain’ as being too hierarchical and militaristic. He suggested something more accessible such as ‘elder’ or ‘coordinator.’ Then a lively discussion of other terms ensued: Block Hero; Block Facilitator; Block Advisor; Block Uncle/Aunt; Block Jessie; Street Steward; Block Helper; Block Auxiliary; Block Bell; were all offered up.[Later Joe thought of ‘Block Keeper.’ No doubt more will be forthcoming.]

Social: Luke reported a good turnout at the neighborhood social on Thursday November 17^th from 5-7 p.m at the White Duck Taco Shop. The next one will probably be at Clingman Café in the next couple of weeks.

East of the Riverway: Luke gave an update. The objective is community development through transportation, housing, economic development, etc. and they are seeking feedback on what a neighborhood needs for sustainability. May use kiosks in neighborhoods and bus stops. He proposed a gathering on Wednesday December 7, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.at his house  #11 Club St  to discuss communication capacity in the WECAN neighborhood. He will provide victuals and requests an RSVP so he can know how much to provide or else just bring something to eat and show up. The conversation will give feedback to the Asheville Design Center for sustainability ideas and issues related to WECAN. Byron posed the question about overlapping missions between the Asheville Design Center and the Transition Asheville groups. Although they cover overlapping geographic areas TA seems to be more social development oriented.

DOT Right of way along I-240 Luke reported that he had a letter from Ken Putnam and Marsha outlining the plans for the DOT right-of-way along I-240. Marsha reported  a good conversation incorporating CEPTED ideas of visibility and lighting . The plan is 1) to survey the area in December. 2) Mark which trees should be saved and which should be replaced. 3) Repair and mend the chain link fence. 4)Tree removal will begin in January (and the wood from the cut trees will be left for neighbors to use.) Undetermined: when trash will be removed or by whom.

The November General Membership meeting minutes were approved by acclamation.

Pattiy reported on new Railroad Crossing Gates going in at the Lyman Street crossing with new sidewalk on one side and additional parking on Depot Street. She will forward info from the drawings.

Ideas for 2012: Parade and mayoral ribbon-cutting when Clingman Avenue is completed. Maybe drumming, and music. (No date set.) January: Select WECAN Officers for 2012 and At-Large Board members. Trash Removal on Club Street. Welcoming a herd of goats. Adopting a stream/storm water outlet or viaduct near 12Bones. Relocation of groundhogs and marmots. Urban legend of a huge wild groundhog that would not let people pass on the trail from Park to Jefferson…to be continued

Meeting adjourned at 8:15

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

WECAN Social Hour at White Duck Taco-this Saturday!

Interested in meeting some other people in the neigborhood over good food and drink?  Then, come out to the White Duck Taco Shop this Saturday, November 19th from 5-7.  Stop by for a taco, a drink, to meet some new folks, catch up with old (and young) folks, or all of the above. 

Luke W. Perry, an architect living on Club St, will be 'hosting' this event.  Just look for the red hair...

WECANNews 2011

WECAN November 2011 General Membership Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN General Membership Meeting on Thursday November 3, 2011 at Merritt Park Meeting Room

Members present: Byron Ballard, Jeff Carnivale, Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola,  Bret Frk,  AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Luke W. Perry, and Pattiy Torno. Members not present were:, Yuri Koslen, Tom Gibson, Geraldine Melendez,  Jose Ruiz.

Also present were Marsha Stickford, Joanne Skinner, Suzanne Willis, Bobby Carr, Evan Coward, Floree Lowery.

Pattiy called the meeting to order at 6:39 after a minute of silence in remembrance of the late Mr. James Green.

After introductions Joe read a summary of the WECAN activity since last year. [The summary is attached at the end of the minutes]

By-Laws Revision:

AnnaBeth and Joe met to review the WECAN By-Laws and update them to reflect what we actually do. She read and explained and proposed the adoption of the following changes:

[if !supportLists]1)      [endif]Change: II.WECAN shall include the geographic area South of I240, East of the French Broad River, North of Lyman St and West of Clingman Ave. defined in The Asheville City Plan 2010-West End/Clingman Avenue Neighborhood Plan.   

To: WECAN is bordered by Patton Avenue and I-240 expressway to the north, Lyman Street to the south, Clingman Avenue to the east and the French Broad River to the west.

[if !supportLists]2)      [endif]Add:* ‘or electronic’ to IV.D.  Written *notice of regular and special meetings of the Members of the Corporation shall be mailed or delivered at least seven days in advance of the meetings.

[if !supportLists]3)      [endif]Add:* ‘or electronically’ to V.C.5.  Notices of the meetings of the Board of Directors shall be mailed or *delivered at least seven days in advance of the meetings.

[if !supportLists]4)      [endif]Add ‘or providing for a proxy’ to to VI.B.1.b. Presiding at all regular and special meetings.*

[if !supportLists]5)      [endif]Delete underlined part from VI.C Officers serve for one year and may serve up to two consecutive terms.

The motion was seconded and passed unanimously

Election of Board members:

Since Luke W. Perry and Mike Kenton were appointed after the last general membership meeting they are both eligible to serve a full term on the WECAN Board. Joe nominated them both along with Joanne Skinner and Suzanne Willis to serve a three year term.

The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

{ Thanks go to outgoing board members who have completed two three year terms: Pattiy Torno, Geraldine Melendez and Jose Ruiz.}

Crime Issues:

            Community Resource Officer Evan Coward discussed some crime issues such as a suspect in several  break-ins,  a bicycle stolen off a porch etc. And explained that when a suspicious or unusual person is seen in the neighborhood a police officer can respond and talk to them ask them who they are and what they are doing since have been issues in the area and complete a ‘Field Interview’ and retain the information for investigative purposes. An issue of feral cats on Yarrow Place was also mentioned and vehicles going the wrong way on Club/Trade St.

After a Pot Luck Food Break with Chicken Sausage from The Asheville Public informal discussion ensued covering:

--The lack of communications between the Clingman Streetscape Contractors and the Residents of Clingman Avenue including changes to the plans made by the city without notification.

--Marsha will update us on the next activity of the East of the Riverway Group.

--Luke and AnnaBeth talked about the Reid Center Charette that was two weeks ago.

--Dissappointment with the damage to the OwensBell Park Sunny Cultural Garden  by the Streetscape crew.  But also frustration with being told on more than one occasion and on more than one project that there would be communication and input and there being none. No disrespect to Marsha but the process feels broken. Marsha will try to organize a walk through before the Clingman Streetscape is completed in the next two weeks to identify issues and see about addressing them.

--Happy Birthday to Joanne!

--Luke reported for the Block Captain Committee that they have prepared a recruitment flyer, divided the neighborhood into blocks and want to have more neighborhood socials away from board meetings. The first is set for Thursday November 17^th from 5-7 p.m at the White Duck Taco Shop.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

Announcements:

Remember to VOTE in City Council Election and Sale Tax Issue.

Early Voting runs through Saturday Nov 5

Election Day is on Tue Nov 8

Summary of The Year in Review:

Jan      Hillcrest Walkover Bridge opened with no problems reported

            Luke Perry nominated to replace Whit Rylee on the Board

            Pattiy Chair, Yuri Vice Chair, Joe Sec and Bret Treas

            Bike Skills Park Proposal        Grafitti Wall Issue     Ice House Status

Feb      Begin organizing Community Watch              WWC work day at Owens Bell Park

Adopt a Highway 2/7      Networking with Hillcrest Community       

Mar     DOT decision on Bike Park   100 Park Ave    OBP Garden 3/12

            East of the Riverway Survey

Apr      Mike Kenton appointed as At-Large Board Member

            Dave Steel Building removed 

May     Process for clearing Homeless camps

            Jessie Coleman honored as Living Treasure 5/21

OBP-Garden 5/21       LED Streetlights being installed

Open house at Aston Park 5/21

Jun      Neighborhood Watch Block Captain Sub Committee formed

            Results of East of the Riverway Survey.

            Adopt a Highway 6/15      OBP-Garden 6/18

AGCB will only meet quarterly                      

Jul       Updates

Aug      Zoning Change request on Club St     Downtown Market Presentation         OBP-Garden 8/21      

Sep      Encroachment agreement with DOT and PECI clears way to clean up around Hillcrest Bridge     

            By-Laws Revision Sub-Committee met           Sustainable Communities Initiative presentation

            Clingman Streetscape construction begins      Adopt a Highway 9/20

            The Asheville Public will open at The Silver Dollar

Oct      Night to Unite at MLK 10/1    Downtown Market reopens10/15

            96 S French Broad Drainage fixed     East of the Riverway kick-off at the Reid Center 10/7

Dr Wesley Grant Sr Southside Community Center Grand Opening 10/13

            Dannys’ Dumpster on Roberts St        “Pick up the Poop!”  

Nov      General Membership meeting 11/3     Revise By-laws

Dec      Adopt a Highway 12/14

WECANNEWS 2011