WECAN September 2014 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting September 4, 2014 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were: Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola and Rachel Larson.  Board Members not present were Jeff Carnivale, Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson,  AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Luke W. Perry, JoAnn Skinner ,Pattiy Torno  and Suzanne Willis.  Also present were: Marsha Stickford, CRO Sean Davis, Rafael Rettig and Chandler Fritz.

Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.

MINUTES: The Draft August minutes were approved as distributed.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN: The plan has been completed and is available for review. (Final Draft of 134 page report attached) After reading a lot of it Joe was disappointed that the focus was more on monetizing historic preservation in terms of increasing property values, using tax credits, increasing investment and enhancing business rather than honoring and respecting the history that brought us here or preservation for its own sake. On page 39 of that report it states "The strategic operating plan for the city currently calls for an update of the WECAN Plan, which is now going on twenty years old."  While it is on their radar, Marsha explained that momentum for WECAN Master Plan updating should pick up when a new Planning Director is hired. That process may take several months or else neighbors can get together sooner and start the ball rolling.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Homeless campsites were reported on the NW corner of Clingman and Hilliard under the apple trees and north of the new stop sign on West Haywood at Park Ave. Sean advised that a miscommunication had put out that the city tolerated an 'interstate campground' and also camping by the river. Both of those are incorrect and Sean has been working to get the word out and the campsites should be all cleared out in the next 3-4 weeks. He also received complaints about vehicles parking in the bicycle lane on Wednesdays at the River Arts District Tailgate Market next to All Souls Pizza but that their organizers were helping to warn people there. Rachel reported several aggressive subjects in the area of Grove St and Hilliard. Joe asked who was responsible for maintaining the vegetation at the turn around guard rail at the end of Jefferson, and also the overgrown strip at the stone wall by the new stop sign on West Haywood. Marsha explained that DOT resists coming into the city to maintain their right of ways. She also noted a recent article in the Citizen Times reporting that Norfolk Southern Railroad had recently sold several miles of its track. This may or may not account for car horn noise in the area.

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Eggs have been laid, elderberries have been harvested, and ducks have been raised and Karl Daven has been wandering.

STORM WATER PROBLEM: Rafael has been in touch with architects, storm water technicians and the Middle School officials and has not received any satisfactory answers to the problem of storm water run off behind the middle school into the stream in Clingman Forest. There are issues of reducing the speed of the runoff which may be abated by a couple of sediment ponds on the upper end and by a rock filled pit which may reduced speed incrementally. There is also a question of the volume of water flowing from two 48 inch lines feeding into one 36 inch line and the flooding problems caused when they back up. He noted there is an opportunity for the city to be proactive and responsible and do the right thing rather than kick the can down the road for others to deal with in the future. Marsha again suggested he set up a face to face meeting. Byron suggested a letter of concern from the neighborhood.

PARKS AND REC MAINTENANCE FACILITY: Marsha reported that RFP's would go out but there is no push to move immediately. Probably in January the move should be complete.

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION: Joe noted the dwindling attendance at board meetings. Rachel expressed a desire for more social interactions and would put it out on Face Book, and Next Door. Byron offered the idea of a Halloween event such as a Jack-o-Lantern Carving contest. Rachel suggested a group yard sale.  

WEST HAYWOOD STONE WALL REPAIR. Marsha located the Granite Curbstone Agreement with Jerry Yates. They are located at Azalea Park. She noted that the city was working on budgeting to contract for median maintenance in a few select areas such as gateways and high visibility areas such as Clingman Avenue from the Grey Eagle to the traffic circle. 

GREENWAY FUNDING: Rachel reported that the grant which was applied for would be announced in October.

GENTRIFICATION STUDY The final report was completed. The 65 page report is attached. The report has policy suggestions. Marsha noted that there is an active Affordable Housing Advisory Committee that is developing specific recommendations. 

ASTON PARK TENNIS FEES: Marsha reported that on Ashevillenc.gov  the 'City Projects' button has a link to 'Aston Park Tennis Center Public Comment' which will also link to a survey.

ADOPT A HIGHWAY LITTER PICK UP: was set for this Sunday September 7 at 10 am. Cool orange vests will be provided.

GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: After the article and photo in the Mountain Xpress on August 20-26 the Garden Club will continue in September. The projects for the three Wednesdays will include The west side of Rector at Hilliard, the turn around at the end of Jefferson and the abandoned strip by the new stop sign. Look for the new sign with the times on site on Tuesdays.

COMMUNITY GARDEN: Marsha met with the Agricultural Extension and they were only interested in education. She will contact Asheville Sustainable Agriculture Project next. One aspect of the delay is that by approving a unique project in one place it may establish a precedent that is not sustainable elsewhere in the city. So work continues on a template that will work everywhere. "The Draft City Council Strategic Operating Plan 2014 : Focus Area 3: High Quality of Life: Goal 2: Encourage policies and development that improves public health and safety for City of Asheville employees and citizens: Action item : Pursue implementation of the Food Action Plan, including public/ private partnerships to create community gardens and farmers markets on publically owned land, to ensure all citizens have access to affordable healthy food options."  Marsha identified two aspects of the situation: urban farming and community gardening. The first involved lease agreements such as the farmers market at Public Works which is leased at a nominal fee. The other: community gardens has yet to develop a process such as a 'community garden summit' gathering to organize and guide it. She advised that the city was willing to participate and make land available but not to organize and run it.  

CITY 123 GRAFFITI FREE ASHEVILLE CAMPAIGN: Marsha noted that the October 1 deadline may be extended.

The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UPCOMING EVENTS THIS MONTH:

Wednesdays              2-6 RAD Tailgate market next to 175 Clingman Ave

Sept 6                        Riverlink and Big Sweep River Clean up @ Zen Tubing

Sept 11                     AARC meeting @ Chamber 4 pm

Sept 12                     Rivermusic 1-7 pm

Sept 13                    Second Saturday in the RAD   

Sept 10                    Garden Club Wednesdays

Sept 12-13               GOOMBAY Festival Pack Square Park

Sept 17                    Garden Club Wednesdays

Sept 19                    Fall planting with Bill Jones @ Riverlink Office 3-5 pm

Sept 23                    RADBA meeting

Sept 24                    Garden Club  Wednesdays  

October 2                WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue

Every Friday Night    Classic World Cinema 8 pm upstairs at Phil Mechanic Studios Free!  

WECAN August 2014 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting August 7, 2014 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were: Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola and Rachel Larson.  Board Members not present were Jeff Carnivale, Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson,  AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Luke W. Perry, JoAnn Skinner ,Pattiy Torno  and Suzanne Willis.  Also present was: Marsha Stickford.

Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. (Meeting was delayed by "The Law Enforcement Use of Force Public Forum" at the Dr Wesley Grant Center.)   

MINUTES: The Draft June minutes were approved as distributed. In addition, the minutes of the non-meeting on June 28 (see attached) were also approved. [There was no meeting in July.]

APD/CRO UPDATE: The new CRO for WECAN will be Sean Davis. A hit and run-property damage was reported on social media. It should be reported to police. The non-emergency number is (828) 252-1110.

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Riverside Drive was closed recently for movie filming. Craven Street will be closed from Waynesville to Haywood Road. Bret has moved to Haw Creek and  Chandler and Raphaela Fritz have moved in. Another new neighbor was seen recently making the rounds. His name is Karl Daven. Welcome Karl, from all the other WECAN cool cats!

PARKS AND REC MAINTENANCE FACILITY: Marsha reported that Parks and Rec was in the process of moving to the National Guard Armory on Shelburne Road. The property on Hilliard will be available for development proposals soon.

CITY 123 GRAFFITI FREE ASHEVILLE CAMPAIGN: Marsha noted that businesses have until October 1 to register and pay amounts over $500. Graffiti on public property can be reported any time on the Asheville App or the city website.

MASTER PLANNING: Tabled until committee meets.

CITY PROJECTS: Marsha reported that the bike lane would be marked on Haywood Road from the Riverlink Bridge to Beechum's Curve and will be park of the Craven Street improvements

WEST HAYWOOD STONE WALL REPAIR. Marsha will search for the Granite Curbstone Agreement. She will also continue to research ownership/maintenance responsibility of the 150 feet of stone wall and curb right of way near the new stop sign and the metal fence where Hilliard runs into West Haywood.. She is trying to get with DOT, Public Works and Parks and Rec to see who does what in bump outs and curbside strips city-wide.(Ditto the COMMUNITY GARDEN PROPOSAL).

FIRE HYDRANT PAINTING:  Joe offered to volunteer to help the Fire Department paint the 25 or so Hydrants in WECAN if others are willing to pitch in. 

GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: Back from the July hiatus the WECAN Garden Club is back. The projects for the remaining three Wednesdays in August will be: August 13 from 2-5: Owens Bell Park weeding. August 20 from 3-6 Sign Garden weed/trim and August 27 1-4 Hilliard to Rector and beyond. 

STORM WATER PROBLEM: Rachel heard from Rafael that the Middle School plans do not contend with storm water runoff towards the greenway. He has written to McCrae Coates in charge of the Storm Water Services Department. Marsha noted that the Technical Review Committee will have to review compliance but suggested he set up a face to face meeting.

SOLID WASTE INITIATIVE: Joe attended a meeting with SACEE (Sustainability Advisory Committee on Energy and Environment.) City Council has set a goal to reduce solid waste going to the landfill by 50% by the year 2035. Two strategies are under consideration one is CART BASED: where the size of the cart determines how much you pay and BAG BASED: where you pay for bags individually. Recycling remains the same and working on a composting component.

APPS 4-U: Marsha reviewed three Apps currently available:  The Asheville App: to take pictures of potholes or graffiti and send email to the appropriate department and get one back when completed. There is also a Paring App to pay for parking downtown. Finally there is a U-Haul App: where you can rent a car from the street downtown.

GENTRIFICATION STUDY: Rachel found the complete report. Marsha suggested to send her an email to request follow ups and keep informed on progress.

TRAFFIC STUDY ON CLINGMAN AVENUE: Several people brought up the problem of speeding on Clingman Avenue on social media and at the Block Party. Rachel will send a letter to Anna Henderson at NCDOT requesting a study. This is the first step in requesting a change in the speed limit.

GREENWAY FUNDING: Joe asked about the status of a second TIGER II grant that was proposed for construction of the greenway. Marsha suggested checking the RADBA minutes for updates. They meet the last Tuesday at 4 pm at FLS.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UPCOMING EVENTS THIS MONTH:

Wednesdays              2-6 RAD Tailgate market next to 175 Clingman Ave

August 9                    Rivermusic 1-7 pm

August 9                    Second Saturday in the RAD   

August13                   Garden Club Wednesdays 2-5 Owens Bell Park.

August 20                  Garden Club Wednesdays 3-6 Sign Garden

August 27                  Garden Club  Wednesdays 1-4 Hillard to Rector+ 

August 28                  FBRMPO:  2012-2020 TIP Amendments  [View proposed amendments at fbrmpo.org/tip/ ]

                                   Then comment by email to mpo@landofsky.org or by  phone (828) 251-6622 before 5 pm on August 27

                                    or at their board meeting Thursday 12:30 pm

August 29                 Rivermusic 1-7 pm

September 1             Labor Day

September 4             WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue

Every Friday Night    Classic World Cinema 8 pm upstairs at Phil Mechanic Studios Free!  

WECAN June 2014 General Membership Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN General Membership Meeting June 28, 2014 4 pm Jefferson Drive

On the Agenda was:  

WECAN Activity since last general membership meeting:

                    Dec    Board members re-elected: Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle,

                                    Jeff Carnivale and Tom Gibson class of 2016

                    Jan    At large member: Luke Perry    Need to review Curbstones agreement and Owens

                                    -Bell Park Maintenance

                    Feb    Stephanie Monson Dahl: Greenways, Sidewalks, Enhancements; Historic Preser-

                                    -vation (12 Riverside Dr);East of the Riverway; requested #1 priority need for

                                    Master Planning from Planning Dept? Historic Preservation Master Planning

                    Mar    Park Avenue Trolley Bridge Study, Gentrification Study funded, NAC Central Area

                                    Meeting 3/24, NBB Time Capsule, EOTR Wrap up 3/18

                    Apr    Luke buys Yarrow Place, large tree down at Owens-Bell Park, AAH 15 year photo

                                    4/12, Clingman Forest Walk Through 4/15

                    May    Supplemental census, Short term rentals, NAC Coffee 5/2, NBB groundbreaking 5/2

                    Jun    Community Garden proposal, Greenworks Clingman cleanup 6/8, Gentrification

                                    report 6/23, Storm Water, Fire Hydrants Painting, NBB construction noise,

                                    Motorcycle creep,

Sign Up Opportunities: 

                    Communication/Mail list, Next Door, etc.

                    Community Garden

                    Fire Hydrant Painting

                    Fund Raising

                    Garden Club Wednesdays

                    Master Planning                       

Issues/Reports:    

                   Gentrification

                   Short Term Rentals

                   Sidewalks

                   Stormwater

                   Traffic Calming

Next steps: Jul 3   No WECAN Board Meeting

                    Aug 5 National Night Out Carrier Park 5:30-7:30

                    Aug 7 WECAN Board Meeting

                    Sep 4 WECAN Board Meeting; Adopt A Highway clean up         

                    Oct 2 WECAN Board Meeting

                    Nov 6 WECAN Board Meeting: Newsletter goes out

                    Dec 4 WECAN General Membership Meeting-Election of new board members

Draft Non-minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola

WECAN June 2014 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting June 5, 2014 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were:  Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Rachel Larson and Pattiy Torno . Board Members not present were Byron Ballard, Jeff Carnivale, Tom Gibson,  Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Luke W. Perry, JoAnn Skinner, and Suzanne Willis.  Also present was: Marsha Stickford and APD Officer Evan Coward.

Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.   

MINUTES: There were two corrections to the Draft April minutes: Stephen Lee Johnson led the Clingman Forest Walk Through and Sasha Vrtinski's name was misspelled. The minutes were approved as distributed and corrected.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Officer Coward reported that on May 22 the Curve Studios had been broken into; at 33 Jefferson Drive a truck window was smashed out; and on May 17 two cars had their tires slashed on Clingman Avenue Extension.  Pattiy relayed that in social media it was reported that people have been camping and starting fires behind All Souls Pizza and asking folks on Jefferson to report anyone they see there. Evan also noted that he is working on removing the homeless camp under the Craven Street Bridge. Pattiy reported a blue and white tent  between 233 Riverside Drive and the Railroad Trestle. Also noted was construction noise from New Belgium some possibly occurring before 7 AM. It is legal from 7 AM-7 PM Mon-Friday and later on the weekend. Pattiy will check with the construction crew. Rachel asked about a Face Book posting of a male dressed in black with a skull and crossbones on his back riding a motor scooter and and chasing females on Haywood Road. Evan noted that is is a problem when people post things on social media instead of calling the police. Joe asked about the APD Strategic Plan. Evan advised that a draft has been received by the Assistant City Manager. From there it goes to the Public Safety Commission and then to Council for final approval. The effective date is July 1.  Evan served on the Community Quality of Life Committee which recommended surveying the community and improvements to public information and communication. Joe noted problems with finding things on the city website. Marsha  suggested the need for a webmaster but that the city is headed in the right direction. Thanks to volunteer efforts the city budget is now available and they are aiming to get necessary information such as recycling and trash removal days available online by address. AnnaBeth asked about the best procedure to address the nuisance of dogs who bark constantly when their owners are out. She was advised to call the police non-emergency number: 828 252-1110 and ask for a call to be made for animal services who may respond the next day. You can also ask them to contact you to explain the problem or to report what action they have taken. Rachel asked about the effectiveness and liability issues surrounding "fake" security cameras.  They may give a false sense of security and they may be effective.    

BLOCK JESSIES: The three babies born last year are now a year old and toddling around .

COMMUNITY GARDEN PROPOSAL; A meeting was called on Friday May 23. Joe Brett, Rachel and Byron attended. Joe read a draft proposal for a community Garden on the corner of Jefferson and West Haywood outside the fence of Asheville Redefines Transit Center.(a copy is attached.) Joe moved and AnnaBeth seconded a motion to support the proposal. The motion was approved following discussion of  the following: ACCESS TO WATER: the city has made arrangements with Bountiful Cities to pay for water used at the Edible Gardens near Stephens Lee. STAFFING: Pattiy expressed concerns about having participation with the commitments already in place for Owens Bell Park, sign planting, etc. The proposal is to phase in gardening as we get committed participants. There are currently 6-12 people who have expressed some interest so far and it is possible that interested parties from outside WECAN may be permitted to participate. FINANCIAL: AnnaBeth assured that garden/water funds could be easily kept separate from WECAN general funds. NEXT STEP: Marsha will check the legal research aspect with Charlotte Hutchins. STONE WALL: She will also ask for research about 150 feet of stone wall across from the Transit in the recently cleared section of the new stop sign. Joe suggested that it would be good for it to be restored or repaired. The cost is unknown. The ownership is unknown. However, WECAN has  a reserve of granite curbstones from Jefferson Drive that may be used as a capstone for the wall--if it is a public use.

GENTRIFICATION STUDY: Rachel reported on a meeting with Sasha Vrtinski and Mike Brown which included Joe and Rafael. The impression they seemed to get was that they were not sure that affordability was a problem in WECAN. They are going to research the history of home prices and will have a public meeting in the week of June 23. Pattiy gave an artist's view. Her impression, when she and Tim Schaller and Mike Gardener met with the group was that they were very concerned with the Housing Authority and theta they felt very privileged among the other residents of Census Tract 9. AnnaBeth expressed the concern based on prices on Jefferson that with prices inflating so quickly she could not afford to move here now and that we are pricing out regular people and making the neighborhood more exclusive. Marsha noted that the study is supposed to research what can legally be done and legally not be done in North Carolina. That will be supplemented by information about what other cities have done and other things to consider. The study should be complete by June 30.  

SEMI-ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The date for the pot luck was set for Saturday June 28 from 4-9 PM. The location is Jefferson Drive. AnnaBeth volunteered to make flyers to publicize it.

MASTER PLANNING: A meeting was called of the original committee on May 20. Joe and Byron met and reviewed and made some slight revisions to the proposal. Joe will forward to Marsha.(Copy attached)

MAYOR'S DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE:  On May 16 the Mayor announced a task force to streamline the development process.  Rachel had questions about the stakeholders and how members would be selected. Marsha distributed a sheet explaining the mission: "To review standards and policies for the purpose of developing recommendations designed to promote sound growth and development in the city, balancing the needs and wants of a diverse citizenry." She emphasized that this is not a standing commission they have one task: to streamline the process that is unnecessarily complex and inefficient.

STORM WATER MEETING: Joe and Rafael attended the CAN meeting on May 12. The current fee of $2.34 ERU/Month nets about 3 million each year. The Proposed Objectives for 2015 include: Improve preventive maintenance operations ditches, pipe replacement, system inventory; Increase investment in infrastructure; and Complete system analysis to accurately prioritize infrastructure needs. They are offering three options to proceed: Option 1: Minimal improvements and Capital construction projects: Fee: 2.34 ERU/mo raised to 3.20 ERU/Mo=revenue increase of $1,045,000  (a 36% increase) Option 2: Strategic Program Improvements including planning objectives and undertaking measured plan for capital improvement Fee: 2.34 ERU/mo raised to 3.50 ERU/Mo=revenue increase of $1,399,000. (a 50% increase) Option 3: Visionary program to create capital improvements that address major community needs. Fee: 2.34 ERU/mo raised to 4.00 ERU/Mo=revenue increase of $1,995,000. (a 70% increase) Additional Considerations include: an aging storm water infrastructure,  Citizens request high level of service and a legal option of a 5% potential increase each year. It was noted that in the 1990's an estimate quoted $70,000,000 needed for storm water system then. Next Steps: include Getting guidance from council, doing outreach and education to the public and brining to council for adoption. 

FIRE HYDRANT PAINTING:  Joe has counted about 25 Hydrants in WECAN that need to be painted every other year. He is interested in working with a crew to take on the task.  Will look for other interested parties at the General Membership Meeting.

Get2gether Neighborhood Challenge Grant: WECAN is eligible for one of these matching grants up to $2,000. The project must be focused on building a local economy, greening your community or be linked to a sharing system. The application deadline is June 30, The grants will be announced on August first and then there is until September 15 to raise the matching funds. A team of four is required and It was felt that we aren't ready for it at this time but maybe next year.

ADOPT A HIGHWAY Clean up date set for Wednesday June 11 at 9 AM.

GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: There was a request to clear the bushes encroaching the sidewalk on Clingman Avenue. There is more to do on the sign hedges. These will happen on June 18. Short Hilliard will continue on June 25.

METAL FENCE ON HILLIARD: Marsha said this is still in dispute between the city and the D.O.T. and she will follow up with Ken Putnam and Jeff Moore.

HALF MARATHON: Pattiy noted the route through WECAN this Saturday starting downtown at 8 AM was south on Riverside Drive to Depot Street. The bulk of the runners are at the beginning and there would be rolling road blocks for the rest.

WECAN GARDEN CLUB: Garden Club will assist RADBA on Sunday June 8 from 9-12 AM pulling weeds from the traffic Circle to All Souls Pizza.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Officer Coward announced that effective June 19 he would be promoted to the rank of Sergeant.  While we are happy for him and the department, we will miss him at our meetings. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UPCOMING EVENTS THIS MONTH:

June 7                        Half Marathon starts 8 AM

June 8                        Garden Club 9-Noon Clingman from Roberts to Clingman Extension.

June 11                      Adopt-A Highway 9-10 AM 

June 14-15                 Studio Stroll

June 18                      Garden Club Wednesdays Sign/Clingman 1-4 PM

June 19                      Sergeant Evan Coward Swearing In Ceremony

June 21                      Juneteenth Celebration

June 23-27                Gentrification meeting TBA

June 25                      Garden Club Wednesdays Short Hilliard 3-6 PM 

June 28                      WECAN General Membership Meeting 4-9

Every Friday Night     Classic World Cinema 8 pm upstairs at Phil Mechanic Studios Free!  

July 3                         WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue

WECAN May 2014 Boar Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting May 1, 2014 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were: Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, and Rachel Larson. Board Members not present were Jeff Carnivale, Tom Gibson,  AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Luke W. Perry, JoAnn Skinner, Pattiy Torno and Suzanne Willis.  Also present was: Marsha Stickford and APD Officer Lucas Lovelace.

Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.   

MINUTES: There was a correction to the Draft April minutes: The Clingman Forest Walk-Through was on Wednesday April 23 and the Bridge Work day was moved to Saturday April 26. The minutes were approved as distributed and corrected.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Officer Lovelace reported that the graffiti tagger who signs as "EAWS" has been charged 33 times but has not been picked up yet.  He said a warning was left for one campsite and that DOT has been notified about debris between I-240 and a fence at the future community garden off West Haywood Street. Joe reported that he saw a white pup tent between the river and the back of the tobacco warehouse on Riverside Drive just north of the Smith Bridge (aka Craven Street Bridge). Rachel reported that a helmet was stolen from a scooter on Park Avenue but was not reported in a timely manner. She also asked about people doing construction or development work in the area blocking the road for extended periods of time. She was advised that if it is more than 15 minutes it should be called in to the police department (unless they have a permit) because emergency vehicles may have to pass.  

BLOCK JESSIES: Luke's house on 'Yarrow Place" had a big clean out.  Joe noted the big tree that fell down at Owens Bell Park. Part of it landed on the bench and knocked it off its stand. Marsha will report that. Rachel announced a birth on Park Square: Annalyn was born on April 7, 2014 to Mike and Sarah Kenton. Marsha advised that regarding the erosion/washout on Jefferson Drive, Monte Clampett had talked to the contractor also that the mulch on the trail to Park Avenue has washed out. Joe noted that the Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup on April 12 was a success--the 15-year decals were installed and celebratory picture taken. 

Rachel complimented Joe on WECAN's contribution to the New Belgium Time Capsule.  On April 23 Stephen Lee led a group of about 10 on a tour of the proposed Clingman Forest Greenway. Joe noted that one section in the middle was going to be a large raised deck/ gathering area with emergency phone that still allows MSD to access their lines. Another grant may be available for construction funding.  

STORMWATER MEETING: Marsha sent a notice that McCray Coates, City of Asheville Storm water Services Manager, and Joel Storrow, an Engineer with McGill and Associates, will be making a presentation on possible changes to storm water services at the May 12, 2014 Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods  meeting at 7:00 PM  at the Oakley Community Center at 715 Fairview Road. She encourages residents to come and learn about options being considered (such as raising rates) to allow the city to provide additional storm water-related services for local residential customers.

GENTRIFICATION STUDY: Marsha announced that Sasha Ratinski and another person would be gathering and analyzing data, determining the scope and creating a timeline for completion. The initial focus is on gathering data to identify changes in the last 15 years: where in the city, rentals, prices, market values to establish a baseline then research strategies used in other metro areas.

TROLLEY BRIDGE: Marsha announced that the engineering report was due soon on the bridge on Park Avenue off Roberts Street and that Capital Improvement construction money was in the works.  

MASTER PLANNING: Joe and Rachel met with Alan Glines (Cathy Ball was not available.) He advised that Director Judy Daniels was leaving and it may take up to a year to fill her position. In the meantime in-house staff will take over her duties but would diminish the planning department which is already understaffed. He agreed that the shelf life on a master plan was about ten years and ours should be updated and that he would like to help. He suggested we submit our proposal. Joe will reconvene the Master Planning Committee to review the proposal and complete the supplemental census. (Proposed date Tuesday May 20 @ 7 PM.)

WECAN GARDEN CLUB: Garden Club Wednesdays have been productive in April: on April 2 Hilliard at Rector, April 9 Hilliard at Rector continued, April 16 Finished Jefferson, April 23 Hilliard to Yarrow, April 30 the wall reveal on West Haywood at Park Ave. The goals for May are on May 7 @ 5-7 p.m. Owens Bell Park; on May 14 @ 4-7 p.m. more wall on West Haywood; on May 21 @ 12-4 p.m. more Hilliard; on May 28 @ 12-2 p.m. Sign Garden.  Marsha is still trying to find who is responsible for the fence on Hilliard that is damaged. (It is a city maintained road in a state DOT right-of-way.) Joe believes it is a city fence. since the city erected it when they put in the sidewalk. Also much thanks for picking up brush pile on Hilliard.(twice!)

WECAN COMMUNITY GARDEN: Marsha suggested that a proposal be made to create a garden next to the driveway at Asheville Redefines Transit. She would also check with Ken Putnam again about  meeting with the new NCDOT person. The wall on West Haywood that the garden club cleared is damaged and needs repair. some stones appear to have been moved to block a driveway. Byron suggested contacting Tom Gibson  who may know someone or knows himself how to repair an old stone wall.

SUPPLEMENTAL CENSUS: Joe mailed a survey to everyone on the East side of Clingman and on April 26 knocked on every door. He got 1 back by mail, 2 filled out in person, and 2 or 3 with the on-line survey monkey. Mike with MHO will help with Merritt Park.

CITY STRATEGIC OPERATING PLAN: Joe was one of the handful of citizens and several city staff and leaders who met at CT Koontz Intermediate School on April 29. South Asheville Projects announced included: Sidewalks on Overlook Road, New interchange at I-26 and Airport Road, Water line construction from Mills Gap to Harris Teeter on Hendersonville Road by June 30, and CTS remediation.  Joe attended the focus group on Affordable Housing and Upward Mobility. The main suggestions were to increase Sunday Bus Service and child care and that the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee was recommending several changes to increase density, keep the Affordable Housing trust fund,, relaxing rules for on-site parking for apartments with no-car residents. Joe noted that the exodus of high school graduates was anecdotal but should be looked into since jobs and housing keep them from making a life here.

SHORT TERM RENTALS: The planning department is working on changes to the short term rental policy. It is estimated that there are currently around 450 but only a handful are problems such making noise, parking, trash, affecting property values, not enough insurance, not paying room taxes, etc. The discussion raised mixed feelings.' For some it represents needed income.' 'It may increase property values.' 'It should be taxed at a higher rate as a business.' 'It is good to keep owners on premises.'

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION Joe reviewed the questions to be discussed at the  Friday May 2 meeting.

Officer Lovelace gave Rachel 2 Ride-Along applications.

The meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UPCOMING EVENTS THIS MONTH:

May 2                        Coffee and Conversation: Public Works 830-1030 am

May 6                        Primary Election Day: VOTE!

May 7                        Garden Club Wednesdays 10-2 Owens-Bell Park

May 7                        3-5 PM Free Admission day at Asheville Art Museum (First Wednesdays) 

May 12                      Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods Storm water Meeting 7 PM 715 Fairview Rd

May 14                      Garden Club Wednesdays 4-7 West Haywood Stone Wall

May 15                      Planning and Zoning meeting discussing Short Term Rentals

May 17                      Stream Clean up with Greenworks 318 Riverside Drive 10AM-4PM

May 20                      Master Planning Meeting 7 PM (place TBA)

May 21                      Garden Club Wednesdays  12-4 Hilliard East from Rector

May 24                      Mtn Sports Fest @  Greenworks FBR Cleanup @ Carrier Park 10-3PM

Every Friday Night     Classic World Cinema 8 pm upstairs at Phil Mechanic Studios Free!  

May 28                     Garden Club Wednesdays 12-2 Sign Garden  

May 30                     Rivernusic with Riverlink @ 125 Riverside Dr                   

June 5                       WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue

WECAN April 2014 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting April 3, 2014 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were: Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle and Rachel Larson. Board Members not present were Jeff Carnivale, Tom Gibson,  Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Luke W. Perry, JoAnn Skinner, Pattiy Torno and Suzanne Willis.  Also present was: Marsha Stickford and Officer Evan Coward and Max.. 

Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. exactly.  

MINUTES: The Draft March minutes were approved as distributed.

TREASURER'S REPORT: AnnaBeth reported receiving $45 from Nary Beth Kingston in honor of her late mother Kathleen Kingston and $305 for our participation in the Half Marathon. The current account balance is $637.59. 

APD/CRO UPDATE: Evan was seen on the news today arresting some warned vagrants from a park on College Street. He reported the arrest of a graffiti vandal on Chicken Alley as well as one in the last two weeks near the Clingman Lofts--the one who tags "Suzi" was charged with 19 counts. He noticed that some DOT land was being cleared across from Park Avenue. He will meet with the DOT contact about clearing homeless camps. There have been timing problems in the past between giving notice and actual removal or resettling of campsites.

BLOCK JESSIES: Rachel announced a new neighbor on Park Square-Jessica Hall is a jewelry designer who works at Riverview Station who wants to request that Park Square be made a one way street. Marsha explained the process if the majority of residents want that. AnnaBeth noticed the garden club's work at the turnaround on Jefferson and Joe acknowledged Yuri's help with the drainage. She noted that some new neighbors may be coming soon and that Pete's house was put up for sale but then taken back off when his move to Leicester fell through. (He received 10 offers in two days.)  Rachel noted that Mike and Sarah Kenton were expecting a bundle of joy in early May. The idea of casseroles, gift baskets and gift cards to diapers.com were mentioned. Rachel questioned the technicalities of building right on the edge of a setback that she sees happening on Roberts Street. Joe reported that on Tuesday Luke completed the purchase of the house on Yarrow Place . The actual address is 6 Rector Street. and he is planning a clean out on Saturday April 5. AnnaBeth also reported that the Downtown Market was recently sold to Charlie and Troy Ball it was just painted and will receive red awnings soon. they have also purchased an adjacent lot and boarding house and Hopey (pronounced hoppy) and Co. will be expanding, the Hi Fi Café will be closing and a Thai restaurant will be installed in the north end of the building and some residential will be included. The boarding house may be going. Evan noted that the Sheriffs office on Haywood Street (the old CP&L building) would be sold and they are moving to the new justice center and a place in Leicester.

JEFFERSON BLOCK PARTY: AnnaBeth suggested that the Jefferson summertime block party would be held in June and could host the WECAN semi-annual general membership meeting. She would like there to be an information board explaining what we do, what we talk about and to demystify board meetings. She suggested a neighborhood-wide invitation go out.  

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Joe set the date Saturday April 12 at 10:00 a.m. for the big historic 'photo op'  placing our 15 year decal on the sign. Vests and orange bags will be provided (cleanup to follow.) Meet at the corner of Clingman and Hilliard. Byron will post it on the Facebook page.

WECAN GARDEN CLUB: Garden Club Wednesdays have successfully cleared the sign garden, the sunny cultural garden at Owens Bell Park, the drainage problem at the end of Jefferson and begun clearing the slope at the north end of Rector Street. Joining Joe were Rebecca and Charlie from Jefferson, Byron, and Yuri. They will continue in April on Hilliard from Rector towards Clingman, the wall on West Haywood across from Asheville Transit and a little bit more needed on Jefferson.

SUPPLEMENTAL CENSUS: Joe has put together two lists; one for Merritt Park and one for the rest of the East side of Clingman Avenue. There are about 20 units in Merritt Park and 19 on Clingman Avenue. 

The information we need is Housing Status, Population by Sex/Age, Race and Ethnicity. We can also ask for contact preferences and optional income categories. Joe will ask MHO to help with Merritt Park and distribute flyers a week before with the option of providing the information by email and will conduct the door to door survey on Saturday April 26th. AnnaBeth and Jessie offered to help.

NEW BELGIUM TIME CAPSULE: Joe has some views of the Smith Bridge before it was replaced in the 1980's showing the Chesterfield Mill and the Cotton Mill. He also has a story from Byron;s mother who lived at 33 Roberts Street in the 1930's and heard the roars of the giant gorilla across the river at the circus grounds. Pattiy said she has a collection of photos on a disc from the River Arts Diustrict.  

CLINGMAN FOREST WALK THROUGH:  Rachel contacted Rafael Rettig and Tuesday April 15 was the date set for a walk through from his property.

DESIGN CENTER BRIDGE:  Luke called a work day for Saturday April 19 to work on landscaping the pedestrian bridge next to Jean Webb Park.

MASTER PLANNING: Byron suggested that we should ask Stephanie Monson Dahl for help in developing the process for updating the master plan. The Development Services Department focuses more on  a mechanized process and not so much on neighborhood relationships. Marsha suggested we meet with Cathy Ball  to discuss the neighborhood's ability to have a voice in long term planning. Byron will invite Cathy Ball and Alan Glines to discuss this.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION Neighborhood Advisory Committee meeting with neighborhood leaders as a follow up to the Festival of Neighborhoods on Friday May 2 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Public Works. Coffee and pastries will be provided and AnnaBeth and Jessie expressed interest in particpating.

The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UPCOMING EVENTS THIS MONTH:

April 5                       Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Riverside Drive Clean up @ 318 Riverside Drive 9am-2pm tools provided by Asheville Greenworks; Potluck follows 

April 5                       Water in Context Lecture Series with SELC and Riverlink at Pack Library 3-4:30 p.m.

April 9                       Garden Club Wednesdays 10-2 Hilliard at Rector

April 11                     Salon Series @ Riverlink with Bill Jones 3-5 p.m.

April 12                     Adopt A Highway Photo Op 10 am Clingman and Hilliard Clean up to follow

April 12                     Curve Studios Spring Open House and Twilight Party 10 am-8 pm

April 15                     Full Lunar Eclipse @ the Sky 2-4:30 am

April 15                     Clingman Forest Walk-Through   TBA

April 16                     Garden Club Wednesdays 5-7 End of Jefferson 

April 19                     Pedestrian Bridge workday @Jean Webb Park 10am-2pm

April 19                     Green Opportunities and UNCA at Walton Street Park        

April 23                     Garden Club Wednesdays  3-7 Hilliard East of Rector

April 26                     Census Sipplement Survey TBA

April 26                     Hard to Recycle Day Downtown Asheville @ Public Works Pkg lot 8am-2pm

April 27                     Arbor Day Celebration with Go and Avl Greenworks @ Reid Center 10 am-2 pm

Every Friday Night     Classic World Cinema 8 pm upstairs at Phil Mechanic Studios Free!  

April 30                     Garden Club Wednesdays continue 3-7 on W Haywood and Park Ave                    

May 1                       WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue

May 2                        Neighborhood Advisory Committee's Coffee and Conversation @ Public works 8:30-10:30 am                

May 2                        New Belgium Groundbreaking Public event TBA

WECAN March 2014 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting March 6, 2014 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were:   Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola,  Rachel Larson and  Pattiy Torno. Board Members not present were Jeff Carnivale, Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Luke W. Perry, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.  Also present was: Marsha Stickford and Officer Evan Coward. 

Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.  

MINUTES: The Updated Draft February minutes were approved as revised and distributed.

BLOCK JESSIES: Pattiy reported that two buildings had recently been sold: The Cotton Mill Studios and Roberts Street Studios have changed hands last week. See Pattiy's post on AVLRiverfront for details. Kudos to Bill and Lynell Goetcher with WILLYNG Corp.for their efforts in the district. Also Phil Mechanic Studios has been put on the market with opportunity for a cooperative to develop and make an offer. 

APD/CRO UPDATE:  Joe noted that the pod at 453 West Haywood St. has gone after a week of blocking the road. Irritating noise from backhoe at 40 Roberts St is allowed from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. but just an ongoing issue between developers and neighbors. Rachel advised there is the house on Park Square had finally sold and she has new roomies. Pattiy reported that Robert Bott, photographer at 95-97 Roberts St was almost hit by a white SUV at the Clingman Traffic Circle last Monday at 10:30 a.m. but his Jack Russell was not so fortunate. It wasn't reported to the police. Evan noted the need for traffic cameras especially on the smaller intersections. Pattiy keeps hearing comments about campsites on the West side of the River. Evan is scheduled to ride the length of the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks next week from Enka to Airport Rd. to spot illegal activity. Joe noted a few campsites littering the D.O.T. path west from the Boy Scouts. Evan also asked them to clear out the trash and the brush all the way to the curb. The new D.O.T. contact is Seth and he schedules community service usually on Saturdays. Pattiy asked about the recent transfer of the Duke property to the city and who would maintain it. Marsha noted that it took a long time to get the agreement with Greenworks and is now working on one with Riverlink. The issue of an ATM and sculpture blocking the new sidewalk near Riverlink was brought up again no permits have been issued. Marsha noted some Rivermusic plans affecting traffic on Riverside. Pattiy noted the need for a consistent policy relating  the events coordinator, City staff, and affected neighborhoods and what influence neighborhoods will have especially since council is putting a priority on having many events all over the city. There needs to be a conversation about the city's need to accommodate neighborhoods as much as they do developers. What makes neighborhoods is people not just infrastructure.  Evan reported that Luke has obtained permission to maintain and take care of the property on Yarrow Place.  Luke also wants to call a workday at the ADC Bridge moving gravel, etc. Luke will call a work day.

MSD/JEFFERSON: The drainage problem still has mud blocking it. Evan noted that he has gotten good results reporting things on 'The Asheville App."    

CLINGMAN FOREST WALK THROUGH:  Stephanie advised Rachel she was still talking to Nikki Reed. Rachel contacted Rafael Rettig who will be coming to town in April to have a walk through from his property.

RIVERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: Pattiy reported that some leftover TIGERII money was set to be used to survey mechanisms that exist that can be used to address gentrification. Also RFP's would be sent out soon to study the issue of the substandard bridge on the south fragment of Park Avenue North.

#1 PRIORITY NEED: Stephanie had asked WECAN to advise her of what our number one priority need from the city was regarding the update to the WECAN Master Plan. Pattiy suggested a sidewalk on Roberts Street as a priority need but staff is really asking how they can help the master plan.  Joe noted that one reason for the re-census is that the neighborhood has changed a lot in the last 15 years. Rachel suggested a committee to meet separately.  Pattiy noted that the UNC School of Government was doing an assessment of RAD and South Slope and got data from BC GIS that there are 48 households in RAD and she knows there are only a fraction of that number.  

HISTORIC PRESERVATION Consultants are returning on the 20th. Joe is on the Neighborhood Character and Quality of Life Focus Group. The problem is valuing buildings over people. Three Brothers is being torn down and the buildings across from the Vanderbilt Apartments will be gone soon . 

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Joe will set a date in April for the next cleanup and try to get a big turnout and photo at our 15-year decal celebration. (In April possibly with the walk-thru at Rafael's.)

COMMUNITY GARDEN: Jeff wants an intergovernmental agreement and he and Marsha are writing a letter and they won't be sad if it is magically cleared and if it is agreed on the city would be responsible to clear it. Maybe ninjas with goats?

GARDEN CLUB: Wednesdays in March will be Garden Club work days Several projects are lining up: Clean up the Sign Garden, Sunny Cultural Garden and Ivy work, end of Jefferson, the slope on Short Hilliard, the stone wall on West Haywood. Also will try different times: 10-2, 2-4 or 5-7 and get them posted on the Facebook.  Joe has had some fun at the Fruit and Nut Club. They have hot dogs and fun family activities such as sign painting, golfing with walnuts and the elderberry toss and teach tool sharpening, pruning for fruiting and for growth. Rachel offered to bring pigs in a blanket  

SUPPLEMENTAL CENSUS: Rachel has put together a list of categories for the census and also a list of the East Clingman Ave Property owners. There are approximately 45 units we need to review.

Joe has been working on Block lists from the old email and snail mail lists to go to our block Jessies to verify current residents, emails, and phones. Redrawing some of the block lines keeps the number of units around that 20 or less each with total number of units around 170. 

MAILING LIST: Block Jessies:  Pattiy Torno, Jessie Coleman, Hanni Muerdter, Tom Robertson, Rachel Larson, Alicia, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Raphael Rettig, John Chang, Meg Winnocur, Suzanne Willis.

CENTRAL AREA MEETING: Joe reminded that the meeting March 24 at Public Works was from 7-9. . There will be presentations from city departments about safety and major projects going on and WECAN should make a presentation 5-7 minutes long and then a neighborhood forum to bring up what works, needs work, is dangerous or uses volunteers. Open to the public no limit to attendees.  

COFFEE KLATSCH: Neighborhood Advisory Committee meeting with neighborhood leaders as a follow up to the Festival of Neighborhoods on Friday May 2 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Public Works. Breakfast will be provided and 1 or 2 representatives will be invited. Joe has a lot of the information to share about WECAN but will have other responsibilities on that day so Rachel and someone else should go.

TIME CAPSULE : New Belgium asking for contributions from neighbors no bigger than a cell phone by April 10. Byron remembered that the site was once used by the circus. Her mother lived on Roberts Street in the 1930's and could hear the gorilla Gargantua across the river at night.    

EAST OF THE RIVERWAY: The East of the Riverway wrap-up meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday March 18 6-8 p.m. at the Dr Wesley Grant Southside Center with food. It will not be a drop in meeting but have formal presentations from Riverside Drive Development Plan, Clingman Forest Greenway, Town Branch Greenway, the Five Points Traffic Circle and the Transportation Network Plan to show what they heard from the community. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

March 12                  Garden Club Wednesdays begin 10-2 at Sign Garden Hilliard and Clingman

March 14                   Sustainable Landscape Design @ Riverlink with Bill Jones 3-5 p.m.

March 15                   Bike of the Irish! 70 Court Plaza to Haywood Road Music and Party at the Isis.  

March 16                  Buncombe Fruit and Nut Club at Magnolia Park 10-2

March 18                   12Bones Crowd filming for Hogzilla  

March 18                  East of the Riverway Wrap Up 6-8 at the Dr Wesley Grant Senior Southside Center Food Provided

March 19                  Garden Club Wednesdays continue 2-4 Owens-Bell Park 

March 20                   River District focused Open House 3-5 p.m. 5th floor City Hall

March 20                   Historic Preservation Master Plan progress report TBA

March 25                   RADBA Board Meeting  FLS Board Room 4-5 p.m.

March 26                  Garden Club Wednesdays continue 5-7 end of Jefferson

Every Sunday             Crafternoons at the Downtown Market

Every Friday Night     Classic World Cinema 8 pm upstairs at Phil Mechanic Studios Free!  

April 2                       Garden Club Wednesdays continue 4-6 on Short Hilliard (Between Rector and Clingman)                     

April 3                       WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue