WECAN January 2017 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN General Membership Meeting Minutes Dec 2, 2016

Board Members present: Byron Ballard, Jared Fischer , Caroline Mullis and

Pattiy Torno

Members not present: Danny Aull, Tom Gibson, Len Hall, Mike Kenton,

Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson, Luke Perry, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne

Willis.

Also Present: Joe Fioccola and Marsha Stickford.

INTROS:  Byron called the meeting to order at 6:42 pm.

CREEK NAMING: Pattiy began discussion of the topic from our last meeting:

creek naming: She suggested that a way to raise the profile of WECAN in

the city and internationally—Lonely Planet recently named Asheville as the

best place to visit and National Geographic Traveler will feature

Asheville in the4 coming months. Her suggestion was to name the stream

just east of Clingman Avenue the WECAN Creek in recognition of her

cultural diversity and neighborhood excellence. Naming is a way to honor

Mountain Housing Opportunities, Terry Whitmire Bellamy and the WECAN

neighbors who put WECAN on the map and it sets the framework for what is

here and an opportunity to focus on the positive things that happened in

this neighborhood. Byron articulated the greatest success was in the

coming together of a historically black and a historically white

neighborhood.  Pattiy is also encouraging the Board to lobby for the

renaming of Clingman Forest Greenway to honor someone else than a

slaveholding general. Marsha advised that Parks and Rec has a naming

process. Pattiy will check in with Scott Dedman at MHO for his input.

Other names suggested include Independence Creek, WECAN Waterway, Jessie’s

Creek and Bacoate Brook. Pattiy will follow upon these with 

dave@riverlink.org Timeline: Present through January 18.

MINUTES/ TREASURER”S REPORT: Pattiy moved and Caroline seconded a motion

to approve the WECAN Minutes from December as distributed. The motion

passed. No treasurer’s report.

ORIENTATION: Joe handed out a packet of Festival of Neighborhoods

(Tri-fold Spiel) the 2016 Plan on a Page and The WECAN By-Laws (updated in

2011.)

APD/CRO Update: Sean’s wife is expecting a bundle of joy very soon. There

have been reports of car break ins and a house on Park Ave was burgled. It

bears repeating: Lock you cars and homes, don’t leave valuables in cars or

in sight.

NEIGHBORHOOD REGISTRATION: Marsha explained that the city was working on a

map of organized neighborhoods that would be interactive. You can click on

a neighborhood and get an information box oabout the neighborhood with

association information, contact info, Plan on a Page and Neighborhood

Profile. Rachel was supposed to have submitted the info but has not yet.

Byron will check in with Rachel.

EQUITY MANAGER: Marsha explained that like the course of the

sustainability officer, office and manager so follows the equity manager.

Another input meeting to define the manager’s role and responsibilities

will be held at the Grant Center on Monday January 9 from 6-730.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Marsha announced that a meeting on the Pritchard Park

Improvements would be held at the Housing Authority Office from 3-5 pm on

Thursday January 12.

Also that a meeting about Recreational Services in the Southside area

would be held at the Eddington Center on Tuesday January 31 from 5-6 pm

facilitated by Tyrone Greenlee.

Pattiy announced a meeting at the Grant Center about RAD Signage Design on

Tuesday January 10 from 8:30-9:30. Joe reported that the RAD Form Based

Code announced a public presentation of the draft at the Grant Center on

Wednesday January 11 from 6-7:30.

BLOCK JESSIES: Byron told of an incident that happened recently. In

hooking up a new house Hayes and Lunsford had blocked off the street and

cut power to houses on Girdwood Street for an hour and a half with no

notice whatsoever. Jared noted that in a separate incident Duke had cut

power to his house on Trade Street for several hours. Marsha encouraged

contacting Greg Shuler with the infrastructure Task Force. Or call public

works or the Mayor’s office if it’s during business hours. Pattiy noted

that Tree Removal for a boat ramp had been talked about but as yet no

trees have been marked for removal. She noted that when New Belgium

construction would impact neighborhoods there was weekly notice about

what neighborhood areas would be affected in a Leaders Round Table. That

round table concept is being used for the RADTIP construction but isn’t

there yet with notices.

TWENTIETH YEAR CELEBRATION: Byron suggested some future informal meetings

with snacks to plan events to celebrate WECAN’s 20th year.

DUKE ENERGY SUBSTATION: Luke and Rachel have been in touch with SFB and

Montford about meeting with Duke’s Jason Walls in the coming months.

Pattiy noted that Duke has admitted to cutting down the trees on Clingman

west of All Souls Pizza and promised to replace them.

ASHEVILLE DESIGN CENTER: Joe has drafted a proposal for water catchment

for the community garden and will email the info the Marsha and Chris

Joyell.

NH ADVISORY COMMITTEE FESTIVAL OF NH’S WORKSHOPS REPORT: Byron attended

two workshops on November 13 and thought the one on Social Media was very

good. She thought the Crime Prevention one was less helpful.

NH LEADERS ROUNDTABLE: Pattiy reported on the last meeting in December.

There was a presentation by Lucy Crown about the Greenway opening and many

announcements before the important topic of meeting structure. She would

prefer more group problem solving rather than cheerleading.

SOCIAL/ WILDLIFE EVENTS: Pattiy usually posts to Face Book on the day when

she has events like a solstice bonfire. Bears and bear scat have been seen

in the neighborhood as well as Jacques the rooster of Trade Street but

unfortunately Carl Daven—the Mayor of Girdwood Street, has been missing

for some three weeks.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Election of officers was to occur at the January 5

Meeting, However due to such a small attendance it was postponed until Feb

2 Meeting along with nomination of At-Large Board Members..

Meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola, Secretary Emeritus

Important dates:

Jan 9 Equity Manager Meeting 6-730

Jan 10 RAD Sign Design8:30-9:30 am

Jan 11 RAD Form Based Code Presentation 6-730

Jan 12 Pritchard Park Improvements 3-5 AHA

Jan 14 HARD to Recycle 1298 Patton Ave 9-3

Jan 18 Last day to Name a Creek

Jan 31 5-6 Recreational Services in Southside

Feb 2 WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 64 Clingman Ave

WECAN 2016 General Membership Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN December General Membership Meeting Minutes • Draft

Board Members present: Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, Rebecca Lance, Rachel

Larson, Floree Lowery, Luke Perry and Pattiy Torno

Members not present: Jessie Nell Coleman Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, JoAnn

Skinner, and Suzanne Willis.

Also Present: Danny Aull, Stephanie Hall, Len Hall, Floree’s sister from

Baldwin, NY, Charlie Lance, Lee Lance, Caroline Mullins and Marsha

Stickford.

INTROS:  After a super potluck spread and a round of introductions the

meeting came to order at 7:12 pm.

CREEK NAMING: Pattiy introduced the topic of creek naming: RiverLink and

partners seek to name the creek that begins in Aston Park and flows into

the French Broad River behind 12Bones in the River Arts District. Working

with the City of Asheville, they are seeking name suggestions from the

members of three local groups -- WECAN (West End/Clingman Avenue

Neighborhood), RADBA (River Arts District Business Association) and RADA

(River Arts District Artists).

The first step is to collect suggested names, which members of WECAN,

RADBA and RADA can send to dave@riverlink.org. Submissions should include

two or three (or more) sentences explaining the rationale for the name and

will lead to two levels of polling – an initial poll only for the

aforementioned groups will be set up to choose three names from those

submitted by their members. After selection of three, a round of public

polling will go out to the community at large. RiverLink will host these

polls.

The selected name will then go up a chain to City Council and a

proclamation will be signed by the Mayor of Asheville. RiverLink will then

take the information and submit it to the United States Geological Survey

Board of Geographical names. Upon approval, the creek will bear that name

and it will show up on maps as such. This process follows the guidelines

set forth by the City of Asheville in 2014.

Timeline: Present through January 18: Suggested names collected.

January 19: Names submitted to City of Asheville for broadcast via blog,

social media, newsletter, etc. RiverLink will create a poll and all

interested parties can solicit voting. The poll will remain active for a

month on the dates agreed to by RiverLink and the City of Asheville

representatives.

Some discussion ensued considering names such as Mathew Bacoate a general

manager of an African American owned local business which would honor the

neighborhood legacy of living and working. Other names suggested include

Floree Lowery who grew up here, Thomas Yarrow who built several houses

here, The Arno after a river through Florence in Italy, and general names

such as Inspiration, Creation or Spirit. There was consensus that it

should not recall Clingman: a slaveholding Civil War soldier. This will be

an agenda item at the January 5 WECAN Board meeting.

MINUTES/ TREASURER”S REPORT: Byron moved and Pattiy seconded a motion to

approve the WECAN Minutes from November as distributed. The motion passed.

Treasurer Rebecca reported no activity since the November meeting. She

noted that the usual expense of printing and mailing the annual newsletter

was unnecessary this year due to a generous contribution of the printing

by Allegra (formerly Mail Management) and the hand delivery by a great

team consisting of Rebecca, Rachel, Luke and Suzanne.

BLOCK JESSIES:  Danny expressed a concern for the drop off next to the

sidewalk at the end of Jefferson Drive.  He was encouraged to use the

Asheville App and send in a picture.  A “Your Speed “ sign appeared on

Hillard Avenue  near West Haywood and Jefferson. Marsha will get the

results. Pattiy noted that more old mature trees were coming down near

waste management on Riverside to make way for a boat launch.  Marsha

distributed a hand out “RADTIP Pre-Construction Information updated

November 11, 2016.”  Pattiy is concerned about the deteriorating

communication and lack of consideration given to businesses in the River

Arts District. Handouts after people have navigated their ways to a

business are really not helpful and retail businesses over the next two

years (like some of her renters) will be seriously affected. There should

be someone in charge with a plan (such as New Belgium’s Leaders

Roundtable which worked well over the last two years.) So much is still

unknown (such as when and where construction will begin--the north end

should be a high priority,) and that may not be known until February.

Discussion of how communication can be improved since broken promises are

what we have had in the past: Marsha suggested Pattiy talk to Steph

Monson Dahl, Cathy Ball and Sam Powers.  Marsha also handed out an

announcement for the “Living Asheville” Comprehensive Plan public

workshops next week.

ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS: Nominations for the WECAN Board Class of 2019

received were: Luke W. Perry, Len Hall, Danny Aull and Caroline (or

Jared.) Byron moved to close nominations Pattiy seconded and the slate

was approved. Orientation and election of officers occurs at the January

5 Meeting.

ACTIVITY REPORT: Joe read a list of activity since the June General

Membership Meeting: June: Plan on a Page, 338 Hilliard: Meehan Parks

Maintenance facility to be turned into 40 units of affordable housing, RAD

Form Based Code, proposal for edible planting. July: Duke Power

distribution lines, Neighborhood Registration, Grail Movie House, August:

National Night Out, Clingman Triangle Plan approved, 1916 Flood

Anniversary, Riverfront Redevelopment begins September: Comp Plan Survey,

New Belgium Tours begin, Owens Bell Park tenth Anniversary October

Community Garden Final Harvest Report, 338 Hilliard contract awarded to

Tribute (Parks and Rec has until March 2017 to vacate.) Comp Plan

Workshop, Bond Issue, The Great Halloween Social (Thanks to Rebecca for

organizing it!) November:  Festival of Neighborhoods Workshops, WECAN

News, Clingman Triangle Planted.

GARDEN CLUB:  Joe did an Adopt A Highway litter pickup on October 7. With

everyone’s busy schedules this month the Garden Club Guerilla maintenance

group will reactivate again in January—weather permitting.

DUKE ENERGY:  This information comes from a meeting with Jason Walls, Duke

Energy. A new process is proposed to start negotiations. Duke is hiring a

3rd party conflict resolution person, UNC has a division which specializes

in this and they have been approached. The meetings will start in January

and go for 6 months, meeting once a month. Present will be SFB

Neighborhood, WECAN neighborhood, Montford neighborhood, Chamber of

Commerce, City of Asheville and Duke.  At these meetings there will be

time to address everything and a solution will be hashed out that will

have everyone on board. Duke has decided to change their approach by being

more inclusive with neighborhoods as they are getting so much push back

and wasting money buying property.  Their old business model is not

working and they recognize it. If you can read a book called Getting to

Yes, this is the process they are going to use. (Getting to yes says no

one gets everything they want but everyone gives something up) He was

aware of the recent sale of the property adjacent to the substation. The

new transmission lines that are going in are replacements for the ones

that are there.  Since they were repositioning everything to make RADTIP

work, they took advantage of updating to current technology, the poles are

30 percent higher. They will follow the same route and terminate at

Rankin, but will have the ability to transmit power more efficiently and

thus reduce the need to build more stations. Rankin is NOT going to be

decommissioned, they are just not going to work it so hard, but adding a

new one. After their new analysis is completed they will advise how many

stations they will need, (hoping it is going to be just one not three.)

Jason has a lot riding on this process because if this works they are

going to adopt this method for all of NC. It is his proposal and his boss

is letting him see it through and see if it will work. Duke has no

experience at all in GIS. The station at Chapel Hill is all out-sourced,

they do not service it, but sub it all out.  Duke does not like to sub out

all their maintenance, (they want to do it themselves.)  Helen told him

this would be a great time for Duke to start the new GIS division and get

up to speed with the world! The usage/growth in Asheville has surpassed

the last building boom, they have installed 10,000 new meters this year

mainly apartments in south Asheville. The new hospital does not need power

until end of 2019. It takes them 18 months to build a new station, so

soonest one will be going is 2018 (end of).  The energy task force sole

purpose is to get people to use less.  One model that is being kicked

around is Duke installing solar on places and buying the power back at

wholesale to resell. But they do need people to be aware that having

everything on and running does not help, (they make more money if you use

more, but not if you use so much they have to create another station to

serve.)  The 3 neighborhoods should meet in December prior to these formal

meetings so we go into this as a unified voice, otherwise we will be

pitted against each other. SFB Representation is Mike Wasmer, Lou

Popovitch and Helen Hyatt. WECAN reps will be among Joe, Rachel, Luke,

Carrie, Josh and Byron.

Meeting adjourned at 8:16 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola

Important dates:

Dec 6 Comp Plan Central Area Public meeting 6:30-8:30

at the Dr Wesley Grant Sr Center 285 Livingston Street

Jan 5, 2017 WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 64 Clingman Ave

WECANNews 2016

WECAN November 2016 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting Minutes November 3, 2016

Board Members present: Joe Fioccola and Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson, Luke Perry, Pattiy Torno

Members not present: Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, Floree Lowery, JoAnn Skinner, and Suzanne Willis.

Also Present: APD Officer Sean Davis, Jared Fischer and Caroline Mullis.

INTROS/ MINUTES/ TREASURER”S REPORT: Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. After introductions of new neighbors from Club Street, Rebecca moved and Rachel seconded a motion to approve the September minutes. The motion passed.

Treasurer Rebecca reported receiving new WECAN checks and that the balance in the account is $708.91.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Officer Sean Davis reported a 55 year old female’s body was found near Riverlink. Jeanette Jones was a homeless person from Georgia who probably died of hypothermia. No foul play was suspected. In response to complaints of people loitering and drinking and a stolen moped at the wood line behind Merritt Park patrols have increased. Complaints of dogs barking on Jefferson prompted animal control to respond. The resident “Danny” is a pet sitter and encouraged people to text him when the 4 dogs barking at night was a problem. NCDOT said they have a plan about the homeless camping on Boy Scout Hill. One case of a couple with a 7 year old child was referred to DSS and a team was working with them on it. There was an issue of a gate left open along I-240 that Sean will talk to DOT about securing. Finally a trash pile near FLS on Roberts Street would be cleared soon. He also noted a half-marathon would be run next weekend from 7-10 am from pack Square to Broadway to UNCA to WT Weaver with 1500 runners. Rachel asked about a homeless camp she heard about on Knoxville Place off Hilliard and she did see the footpath. Pattiy asked about the flashing streetlights on Roberts and West Haywood and noted that some power and light poles with pink ribbons would be removed when the new larger power lines are installed.                                   

BLOCK JESSIES:  Luke thanked Sean for the new light on Hilliard across from Rector Street. It really makes a difference. Jared reported a problem with box-elder bugs on Club Trade Street where they are swarming and how he is dealing with it. AnnaBeth had to put down Max who was suffering from cancer. Pattiy asked for better RADTIP lane closure notifications. She was pleased that when they improperly closed both lanes on Riverside that it was promptly corrected.

CLINGMAN TRIANGLE PLANTING: Pattiy reported the workday was set for this Sunday November 6 from 12-4. Several people have already RSVP-ed and WLOS will come to film some of it. Eric at Asheville Green Works will bring their tool trailer and a load of chip mulch. Several varieties of blueberries were purchased from Wally at the North Asheville Tailgate Market and fig trees came from BB Barnes

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT:  The idea was discussed from National Night Out to remember the murder victims found last year in the area. For Rachel it defaulted into a personal remembrance with an idea to involve other groups. It prompted a reexamination of the reasons for it. It was suggested that the reason was just to acknowledge that it happened. Rachel offered to reach out to the families. Luke noted that the loss of life impacts our neighborhood. We have the river and what comes with it and should mark the loss of life. Joe noted there is a Crime Victim’s Memorial Day and he will find out when it falls. A WECAN memorial day for WECAN residents who have passed is a task for the new WECAN board to look at.

BOND ISSUE People discussed their ideas about the three proposed bond issues for parks, sidewalks and affordable housing which will be decided on Election Day Tuesday November 8. Some already voted for or against one or more of them. Some had specific problems with what some of the proposed uses were and with the guarantee that they would be spent as proposed, others questioned the ‘broken system’ between the departments and that a sidewalk on Roberts Street should be a higher priority.

FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBORHOODS WORKSHOPS: Joe reported that the Neighborhood Advisory Committee was putting on four workshops on Sunday November 13 from 2-5 pm. They are Social Media, Visioning/Neighborhood Engagement, Circle Forward Dynamic Governance and Crime Prevention/ Neighborhood Watch/Safety. Each workshop will be given twice so attendees can choose to go to two followed by refreshments. There will be information tables from community service groups but no neighborhood displays. Rachel will attend and others are encouraged to participate.

NEIGHBORHOOD REGISTRATION: Rachel has received the request for neighborhood registration which will put neighborhood information on the interactive map. It will include contact information which can be generic onto the WECAN Blog (which should be checked regularly) and not necessarily to the current chair.

RIGHT OF WAY RULES: Rachel wants answers to questions about using city rights of way. She wants to ask city planners to come to a future meeting to answer questions.

WECAN NEWS: Joe completed the annual newsletter and will email a pdf to Pattiy. She will ask Mail Management to print them by November 11. Rebecca, Luke, Rachel, Jared, Suzanne, and others volunteered to distribute copies by hand on November 12 and 13 and check off the master list which ones still need to be snail mailed and which we have email addresses for.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Several names were suggested to see if they will serve. (Jared, Caroline, Amanda, Travis, Brittany, Meg, Carrie, Danny, Marjorie, Michael, Divina) They should agree to serve before being nominated and note that monthly attendance is not mandatory.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AGENDA:: Luke would like to add an agenda item to a future board meeting about affordable units at Prospect Terrace and ongoing issues of affordability in condos, co-ops and apartments. The discussion may move to the January Meeting. Agenda Items: Joe will give a report on 2016 Activity, and the Community Garden Final Report, election of Board members for the Class of 2019 and ways to connect socially and of course a pot luck. Rebecca will coordinate the pot luck. Joe still has plates, cups, napkins and utensils covered.

GARDEN CLUB: They finished the Rector Triangle, the head of Knoxville Place and mulching the blueberries at Transit. They also cleared the community garden for the Halloween social.

COMMUNITY GARDEN REPORT: The final report for the year is complete and will be attached to these minutes. Joe asked about the Asheville Design Center’s annual request for proposals. A portable water catchment and storage system was suggested. Joe noted that the Community Garden Group/ Bountiful Cities could allocate money towards an infrastructure project. He will investigate both and report back.  

GRAIL MOVIE HOUSE: Luke noted the standard charge for use of the Grail is $100 and they still need written document to verify the rights to show it. The cost was questioned—whether it is worth it to spend it on a showing that few may attend. Admission or donations may be charged or alternatively a public screening could be projected outside on a screen or on someone’s house and used as a community builder..

SECRET SANTA: Rachel reported that Carrie and Josh suggested a neighborhood Secret Santa. Rachel will create a flyer to go with the newsletter for those interested in participating.

Meeting adjourned at 8:16 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola

Mark Your Calendars for upcoming WECAN dates:

Nov 6                        Clingman Triangle Planting 12-4

Nov 8                        Election Day ( Not a WECAN Event)

Nov 13                        Festival of Neighborhoods workshops 2-430 AB Tech

Nov 19                        Saturday at the Grant Center Placement of Historic Markers

                        Downtown Merchants Holiday Parade 11-1

Dec 1               6:30 WECAN General Membership Meeting/Pot Luck

WECANNEWS 2016

 

WECAN October 2016 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting Minutes October 6, 2016

Board Members present: Joe Fioccola and Rebecca Lance.

Members not present: Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, Rachel Larson, Floree Lowery, Luke Perry, JoAnn Skinner, Pattiy Torno and Suzanne Willis.

Also Present: APD Officer Sean Davis and Marsha Stickford.

Secretary Joe Fioccola called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm.

MINUTES: Joe moved and Rebecca seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the September meeting as distributed and one correction to the August minutes (that the date said July). The motion passed. There was no treasurer’s report just that Rebecca is working with the bank to get control of the account but she was able to make a deposit.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Officer Sean Davis worked with the PACT Team about someone sleeping outside the Clingman Lofts was complicated by a resident supposedly giving permission. He noted several break and entering throughout the city especially of vehicles. A vehicle on Jefferson was one and the suspect was caught. A vehicle on Rector had a GPS and MP3 taken and no leads. A homeless camp off Knoxville Place was cleared and ongoing vigilance on the hill behind the Boy Scouts Building. Marsha emphasized that the Asheville App should not be used for several police responses since it is only monitored during business hours. If there is a need for more urgent police response you should use the non emergency number 252-1110 or if it is an emergency use 911. Joe noted that Chief Hooper is on the cover of the Mountain Xpress this week which published a good interview.

BLOCK JESSIES:  Luke reported a new light was placed on Hilliard across from Rector Street. Rebecca reported meeting a new neighbor Danny with four dogs. She also is hosting four hens and will go to animal control for permits.  

WECAN NEWS: Joe has drafted about a half dozen articles for the annual newsletter: Plan on a Page, Clingman Triangle, Queen Carson Garden, New Neighbors, 20^th anniversary year, Owens Bell Park. There is room for more but the deadline will be the next Board Meeting on November 3 for distribution before Thanksgiving.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE/EMAIL LIST: Joe noted that with all the comings and goings in the neighborhood there is a need to update the email list and maybe do a door-to-door membership drive. Rebecca asked about a door-to-door distribution of the newsletter to curb postage costs but mailboxes can’t be used. This should happen in November.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: There is a need to identify potential board members for the class of 2019. As noted in last month’s minutes both Joe and Jessie must rotate off the board next year and both AnnaBeth and Jeff have moved out of WECAN. This committee can met separately to make a list or we can take time from the November meeting to brainstorm names.

OWENS-BELL PARK TENTH ANNIVERSARY REPORT: Joe reported that 5 people came out to note the tenth anniversary. Four hardy mums were planted at the park sign. (and a neighbor offered to keep watering them.) The original program was on view. And some memories of the area that became the park from Floree and Joe. He did speak to Gloria Howard Free she didn’t know where the original banner was nor the original photos but said she would talk to Parks and Rec about it. He also observed the stream that was flowing albeit not very strong. Also that the “w” was missing from the kiosk was reported to Pattiy.

GARDEN CLUB: On Sept 7 the sign garden hedge was trimmed and the garden weeded and some volunteer hedges moved. The regular workday was changed from Wednesday to Mondays for the rest of the year.

MELK LOT: New ‘No Trespassing’ signs have been posted by NCDOT. However their assertion of ownership does not excuse their irresponsible neglect of maintenance of the invasive kudzu flowing into the street.

COMMUNITY GARDEN REPORT: On October 4 the invasion of the micro ‘maters and macro cucuzzi monsters was substantially repelled. Strawberries were also planted –thanks to the Sand Hill Community Garden. Marsha noted that Food Policy was moving to Sustainability and our contract with the pollinator/blueberry amendment would need to be renewed and revised. The final report on the pilot program should be submitted when the season is done. She also encouraged us to invite Amber Weaver to a future meeting. She also had been in touch with Transit about mowing the pollinators and they told her it looked like grass to them which indicates that there need to be boundaries such as large rocks set to let them know where the grass ends.

CLINGMAN TRIANGLE PLANTING: Joe asked about the trees that have been cut between the circle and All Souls Pizza. Marsha explained that it was not NCDOT nor the city but Duke who did the work in relation to their power lines. She will contact the new NCDOT people about the planting.

GRAIL MOVIE HOUSE: Luke found the cost to use the facility and the need to have permission for public performance and decision whether to charge a nominal admission or ask for donations.

MEEHAN FACILITY REPORT: Joe noted the city approved Tribute as developer of the facility at 338 Hilliard Ave. into affordable housing. Marsha advised that Parks and Rec had until March 2017 to vacate the property. Joe asked about seeing the designs before then. She suggested emailing Jeff Staudinger and/or Heather Dillingham for that. Joe asked about Clingman Forest Greenway construction and Marsha answered that we should invite Lucy Crown to a future meeting to talk about the greenway plans.

OPEN CITY HALL: Joe noted that it was open for comments on the Haywood Street/Page Avenue Planning, and Transit planning and for the Comp Plan Update even though the survey deadline has passed.

ASHEVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PUBLIC WORKSHOP: Rescheduled for Monday October 10^th from 6-8 pm at the Collider at 1 Haywood Street( in the Wells Fargo Building.) There will be a compilation of all the survey results.

BOND ISSUE PUBLIC MEETING: Central Asheville - 7 p.m. Wednesday Oct 12 at the City of Asheville Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte St. In August, Asheville City Council approved a general obligation bond referendum that would generate $74 million for public improvements financed by the bonds. The public improvements are divided into three categories: Housing Affordability, $25 million, Parks & Recreation, $17 million , Streets, Sidewalks and Bike Lanes, $32 million. Voters will vote separately on each category. For those unable to attend the Bond Expos, the City has educational material online. The City launched a bond referendum information Webpage <http://www.ashevillenc.gov/Departments/CommunityRelations/Asheville2016BondReferendumInformation.aspx> that provides detailed information how bonds work, what the impact could be on taxes and other information. The webpage features an interactive Proposed 2016 Bond Referendum Story Map <https://avl.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=069bbb5b4bdb4a10a6b4a723f8a92cdd>

guides voters through some examples of projects included in the proposed bond package.

HALLOWEEN SOCIAL: Monday October 31 with potluck at 5:30 and trick or treating between 6 and 6:30 or until dark. Rebecca will repeat the notifications she used last year. Joe agreed to build another kiddy maze.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT:  There needs to be some planning if there is to be an event and time is running short to do something to mark either anniversary date: October 27 or November 5.

FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBORHOODS WORKSHOPS: Joe reported that the Neighborhood Advisory Committee was putting on four workshops on Sunday November 13 from 2-5 pm. They are Social Media, Visioning/Neighborhood Engagement, Circle Forward Dynamic Governance and Crime Prevention/Neighborhood Watch/Safety.  Marsha noted that a request for neighborhood registration has been sent out and the map on the neighborhood services page was up and the info would pull in from the registrations.

Meeting adjourned at 7:37 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola

Mark Your Calendars for upcoming WECAN dates:

Oct 10                        6-8 pm Asheville Comprehensive Plan Update Workshop at the Collider

Oct 14                        New Belgium Sustainability Tour

Nov 3               6:30 WECAN Board

Nov 8                        Election Day ( Not a WECAN Event)

Nov 13                        Festival of Neighborhoods workshops 2-430 AB Tech

Nov 19                        Saturday at the Grant Center Placement of Historic Markers

WECAN September 2016 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN General Membership Meeting Minutes Sept 1, 2016

Board Members present: Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman and Joe Fioccola.

Members not present: Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, Rebecca Lance, Rachel

Larson, Floree Lowery, Luke Perry, JoAnn Skinner, Pattiy Torno and Suzanne

Willis.

Vice Chair Byron called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm acknowledging

regrets from Marsha, Pattiy, Sean, Rachel and Luke.

MINUTES: Jessie moved and Byron seconded a motion to approve the minutes

of the August meeting as distributed. The motion passed. There was no

treasurer’s report.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Officer Sean Davis sent the following in an email:

Unfortunately I will not be able to attend WECAN this evening.  My wife is

expecting and our doctor’s appointment this morning was postponed to

4:30pm.  I wanted to come after the appointment however my personal

vehicle is not operating at the moment.  I am sorry for my absence. Follow

up from the complaint of prostitution on Hilliard Ave close to Rector St. 

I made contact with Juanita Benson who advised that when she travels

downtown her brother drops her off in the area of Clingman/ Rector St. 

Mrs. Benson advised that she in not engaging in prostitution crimes in

that area but frequents S. French Broad Ave.  I have known Mrs. Benson for

several years and she is fairly open about her activities.  I have

requested that she seek out an alternative location to be dropped off. On

8/11/16 a residential B&E was reported to APD.  The offender entered a

secured bedroom and removed rolled coins that were concealed in closet. 

The suspect is a family member of the victim.  I completed a lighting

assessment on Hilliard between W. Haywood St and Clingman Ave.  It was

recommended that lighting be improved but that Luke should be contacted

for input prior to any work.  I have received several complaints of new

homeless camps emerging along I-240 adjacent from W. Haywood St.  They

appear to mainly be staying on the property of Boy Scouts of America. We

are monitored and removing them as we come across them.  Please send me

any questions and/or concerns. Thank You, Sean Davis. Luke emailed that It

looks like Duke power has located a street light right across Hilliard

from Rector, which I think will help a lot.  It might still be a few weeks

before they install it

BLOCK JESSIES:  Byron noted that on Green Street even though the generator

and banging doesn’t begin before 7 the work crews gather before then and

have loud conversations.

OWENS-BELL PARK TENTH ANNIVERSARY: Last time we decided on the date and

time. (4 pm Sunday September 11.)The original program is attached. The

program emerged for the tenth anniversary of the dedication of the

Owens-Bell Park as follows: Welcome, History of the Park with explanation

of who Owens and Bell were, Unveiling the sign garden and refreshments.

Joe has used 4 wheelbarrows full of mulch thanks to Luke. And can get some

plants in before the event. He will try to contact Gloria Howard Free

about the banner and the original photos used to replacing the faded photo

panels. Byron will create a Face Book Event and invite City Council

members and Terry Bellamy and other dignitaries. Joe will do an invite

announcement on Next Door since some of us are ignorant of Next Door.

There should also be some outreach to get email addresses from new

neighbors.

WECAN NEWS: Some ideas generated for the annual WECAN Newsletter included:

Plan on a Page, New Belgium, RAD TIP Travel tips, National Night Out

candling, Clingman Triangle, Community Garden second season attack of the

cucuzzi and squash, Luke’s Housewarming. If you feel inclined you may

write one. Please have them ready for the next Board Meeting. Some

consideration should be given to the next Board of Directors slate since

both Joe and Jessie will be completing their second term in December and

will have to rotate off the board for a year. The current three classes

are: 2016-- Jessie, Joe, AnnaBeth (moved), Jeff (moved) and Tom (never

attended). 2017-- Mike(never attended), Joanne, Suzanne and Rebecca and

2018-- Byron, Rachel, Luke (filling Yuri’s term) and Pattiy. At Large:

Floree and (one vacancy)

ASHEVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE SURVEY: Joe sent out a link to the

survey to everyone on the email list. Due to computer problems they have

extended the deadline to September 12 so there is still time to have your

voice heard. Also the first Public Workshop (with the survey results) will

be at the Collider on Wednesday September 28 from 4-8 pm.

NEW BELGIUM BREWERY: Joe has been attending a neighbor roundtable for the

last couple of years and was invited to tour the facility. He was shown

the Liquid Center, the proper way to pour from a tap in the brew house,

the fermenting area, lab and bottling section with local artist decoration

recycled metal and lumber kept on site. The landscaping looks good and

will only get better around the site as well as in Penland’s Creek.

COMMUNITY GARDEN REPORT: Joe reported that in addition to the apple tree

mowed down one of the elderberries was also mowed and the mowers attacked

parts of the pollinator garden. At first it was the lilies on the upper

edge and then it has started to attack the driveway edge and in behind the

bushes. The Transit mowers need to be talked to. The wire fenced garden

has been invaded by volunteer cucuzzi vines and gourd vines and they are

climbing the fence and the chain-link fence with a vengeance.

GARDEN CLUB: With the weather cooling off the list has been growing like

kudzu: priority will be on the Sign Garden trimming and Owens-Bell park

new sign planting and weeding the established garden. Then there is the

Rector Triangle at Hilliard, the kudzu hill below All Souls Pizza, Roberts

Street below Park Square, the top of Knoxville Place, the corner of West

Haywood and Hilliard, oh, and also the Melk wall. Some areas should be

maintained by property owners like the Melk wall and the corner of

Clingman and Hilliard with the apple trees.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT:  There need to be some planning if there is to be an

event. Byron will check with Rebecca about coordinating the commemoration

and invitation for the rescheduled event.

GRAIL MOVIE HOUSE: Luke has left a message with Grail movie house about

the screening of the WECAN video, but hasn't heard anything yet.

Meeting adjourned at 7:13 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola

Mark Your Calendars for upcoming WECAN dates:

Sept 11 4 pm Owens-Bell Park Tenth Anniversary

Sept 12 New Deadline for Avl Comp Plan Update Survey

Sept 28 4-8 pm Asheville Comprehensive Plan Update Workshop at the Collider

Oct    6    6:30 WECAN Board