WECAN Board Meeting Minutes November 2018

WECAN Board Meeting Minutes November 1, 2018  

Board Members present: Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, Lynn Hall, Rebecca Lance and Rachel Larson.  Members not present Danny Aull, Jessie Coleman, Jared Fischer, Luke Perry, Floree Lowery, Caroline Mullis and Pattiy Torno. Also present Sherrod Barnes-Ginifer, Lane Blackwell, Ben Butler, Brian K.  Huskey (Homelessness Lead for the Asheville Buncombe Homeless Initiative,) Rich Petason, APD Community Liaison Lt. Chuck Sams, CRO Justin Wilson.

INTROS: Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm with a round of introductions.  

MINUTES: Lynn moved and Rich seconded a motion to approve the minutes as emailed with the following addition which was inadvertently left out of the first draft emailed:

APD COMMUNITY LIAISON PROGRAM: Chief Hooper has initiated a program to improve community relations. Senior staff is assigned to liaise with several community groups. Lt. Sams has been assigned to attend WECAN meetings to share information, address community concerns and discuss opportunities to work together with WECAN. He will report directly to Chief Hooper on community issues beyond the role of the Community Resource Officer.

 The motion passed.

APD CRO UPDATE:

 Officer Wilson checked for the tent reported in the ravine behind Merritt Park and located a lot of trash but no tent. He researched with detectives about a bump lock device being used to break into at 35 Jefferson and they are not aware of any kind of such device being used elsewhere in the city. Subjects have been breaking into the Volvo building on the Duke Energy site to sleep. To the question about Duke keeping the lights off at night, Justin will check with Jason Walls about security. White Duck Taco had a rock thrown through the glass but no break in. Diesel fuel has been stolen from construction equipment on Riverside Drive. There was an armed robbery on the Riverlink Bridge. A homeless victim was robbed at gunpoint. TOfficers have been doing extra checks at the turnaround at the end of Jefferson. Joe noticed the rollup door at the Burco Building on Roberts Street (Next to Phil Mechanic) has been left open. Securing the building is an ongoing problem. Rich observed a campsite near the south end of the Hillcrest walkover bridge with a lot of trash.

Lt. Sams followed up with new Traffic Engineer Andrew Cibor about a traffic study on West Haywood Street. It was put on the list on tube list on October 2 and is number 30 so it may not happen for a while. Radar speed signs may be available as early as next week. The tube study is more complete with speeds and times and volume of traffic. He also drove through and observed that stop signs were overgrown all over and reported to Public Works who sent a trimmer to clear them. He left messages with Asheville Transit about speeding buses and will continue to follow up. Rich advised Andrew will check for potential new signs on West Haywood. Lynn asked about signage where Rector Street becomes one way.

HOMELESS LEAD: Brian Huskey is the Community Development Analyst and Homeless lead. Lynn asked what is the City’s plan and how can we support it. Brian explained his 23 years of experience from street outreach in Nashville, to affordable housing development and financing to his current Continuum of Care (HUD) funding responsibilities. The city has adopted a Five Year Strategic Plan on Homelessness in Buncombe County which is available on Asheville home Page under Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee. The plan was adopted in January 2017. The operating principles include: Advise, Support a Unified Approach, Share Resources, Be Data Driven, Educate, Lead Through Change, and A Common Voice. Priority #1 is Housing.  There is a proposal from Homeward Bound to build an 80 unit complex for the chronically homeless. There is a by-name registry of 185 people A pilot program at the Woodfin Apartments has been successful and is proof of concept that housing first with support works. He has a street outreach team. Homeward Bound has a Path Team which is restricted in by their funder in those they can help. He believes that a multidisciplinary approach is needed but not yet funded. One problem is the two types of homeless: the resident population and the transient population--which is more problematic. The HIAC wants outcomes with impact. Questions about transients, camping, trash, needles, sharps boxes, wet shelters, how drugs are afforded (following the festival circuit, thievery, drug dealing and panhandling.) Potential progress in collaborating rather than working in silos, sharing information on Homeless Management Information System, other cities are trying tiny homes on public land. Local Law enforcement estimates 50-90% of their time spent is homeless related. The biggest concern for WECAN is with transients who are not good neighbors and with certain supporters not interested in safety. As a neighborhood WECAN can be vocal advocates for affordable housing and employment opportunities such as a homeless generated newspaper.

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: A Trash Trout sculpture has been installed near the boat dock. Half of the new traffic circle is now open. The Halloween Party was fun and 50-60 people showed up in costume. Some are thinking of a Haunted Trail theme in the future. 

Carolina Stoneworks has been sold to Shelley Schenkar who owns the Eco Depot on Depot Street. Rebecca is getting a locksmith to change cores for security. If anyone is interested contact her.

 

TREASURERS REPORT: Rebecca reported no activity in October. The balance is $460.99.

There is still no word from the IRS ref Reinstatement of Tax exemption.

SAFE STREETS UPDATE:  It will take a while for the study to happen and we need to let the professionals do their work and suggest solutions and it will be our job to judge the solutions. The game plan from WECAN is to keep on the city to provide solutions to the traffic and parking problems. We need to develop communication about what is going on and who is in charge and who to contact. Squeaky wheels do get greased and face to face contact gets results.

DUKE SUBSTATION: Duke set to go to Planning and Zoning on December 5.

NCDOT ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT: On October 30 Ken Putnam emailed Joe about the status of the agreement: It is temporarily "bogged down" internally due to a shortage of personnel in the Transportation Department.  We will try and get it moving again in the near future.

RENAMING STREET ISSUE:  No progress since last month about the section of Park Avenue North that runs south from Roberts Street.

KUDZU HILL WORKDAY Progress continues on all Sundays (weather permitting) and since it gets dark sooner after Daylight Savings Time ends on November 3 will begin the hour at 4 pm.

COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE: There are beds available. Participation has flagged some but winter gardening isn’t as popular.

WECAN NEWSLETTER:  It has gone to the printer and should be ready soon for hand delivery (but not in mailboxes.)

FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBORHOODS: Joe and Lynn attended. It was informative from several city departments and networking opportunities with other neighborhoods.

36 JEFFERSON DRIVE: Joe received an email from Mike Vance at Mountain Housing Opportunities:

 Joe, The lot on Jefferson has been exempt from property tax while held for

development of low income housing.  It's been exempt since 2003 and was just

recently audited by the County Tax Department.  The holding term for exemption is

only 10 years (we are past that by 5 years) and they are requiring us to take action

or pay back taxes.

One option could be to donate the property to WECAN but that would be a lost

resource for MHO and it really doesn't seem to be the ideal property for a pocket

park due to its steep terrain.  We would like to either build on it or sell the

property to fund another development and hope to have the support of the

neighborhood.

Sorry I can’t be at the meeting to discuss in person.

 Lynn recommended the formation of a study group around the potential of MHO gifting this property to WECAN. It is unknown if the Jefferson residents would prefer this over it being sold and developed. Other questions arise such as who might owe the back taxes,  could we get the 10 year exemption on taxes, how does this affect tax exempt status,  is it really impossible to develop a park and might this just cause other problems. No action taken.

Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola, Secretary

Mark your Calendars for upcoming events and meetings

Nov 6              Election Day VOTE!

Nov 4              4-5:30 pm  Kudzu Hill Work Hour

Nov 7-16          Hand delivery of  WECANNEWS

Nov 10-11       RAD Studio Stroll

Nov 11            4-5:30 pm  Kudzu Hill Work Hour

Nov 18            4-5:30 pm  Kudzu Hill Work Hour

Nov 22            Thanksgiving

Nov 25            4-5:30 pm  Kudzu Hill Work Hour

Dec 5               Planning and Zoning Duke meeting

Dec 6   6:30     WECAN General Membership Meeting/Potluck/election of Board members

WECAN Neighborhood's February 7th Board Meeting Agenda

WECAN Newsletter 2018

 

WECANNEWS 2018

 

WECAN October 2018 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting Minutes October 4, 2018

Board Members present: Danny Aull, Joe Fioccola, Lynn Hall, and Pattiy

Torno.  Members not present Byron Ballard, Jessie Coleman, Jared Fischer,

Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson, Luke Perry, Floree Lowery, Caroline Mullis.

Also present Gerald Harbinson, Rich Peterson, APD Community Liaison Lt

Chuck Sams, John Steinkraus and CRO Justin Wilson.

INTROS: Lynn called the meeting to order at 6:313 pm with a round of

introductions..

MINUTES: Danny moved and Pattiy seconded a motion to approve the minutes

as emailed. The motion passed.

TREASURERS REPORT: Rebecca reported no activity in September. The balance

is $460.99.

APD CRO UPDATE: Officer Wilson announced that the city has hired a new

Homeless Coordinator. He will invite Brian Huskey to a future WECAN

meeting. A person caught on camera was charged with vandalism to the Jonas

Gerard Studio. A backpack found in the river exploded on a kayak doing a

river cleanup. No one was injured when the portable meth lab detonated. On

September 24 a body was found at a Clingman Avenue job site but it appears

the 53 year old man died of natural causes. An unlocked vehicle was broken

into and the victim also complained about finding syringes in the park. 

Pattiy announced that she has a sharps container if ever needles need to

be disposed. There are no conclusions from studies on whether sharps boxes

or needle exchanges are effective or not. There was a question about

reporting vagrancy or loitering. Justin noted that neither are crimes,

however any suspicious activity can be investigated by officers, even

though many times there is an innocent explanation. A witness saw the

shooting on September 7 near Clingman and Hilliard between two vehicles.

Later a gunshot wound was reported on the Jeff Bowen Bridge.  The victim

survived but is still hospitalized and was not cooperative about the

incident that began at Lee Walker Heights. A tent was reported in the

ravine behind Merritt Park.  There was a question about a gang war.

Apparently there are some gang members in Asheville but no big organized

groups and many conflicts are between individuals who are gang members

rather than between gangs. A question was asked about the crime rate in

Asheville. With no specifics Justin feels the violent crime rate is up and

reminded that on the city website is a community crime map where citizens

can look up different types of reports in geographic areas.

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Ewan Zachary Davis was born to Amanda and

Travis on Jefferson. Another Jefferson resident complained about crazy

drivers. The Curve Studios wwere prepared for hurricane Florence but were

not flooded. Joe noticed a Road Closure sign on Clingman closing Smathers

Lane which apparently runs west from Clingman Avenue .

SAFE STREETS PROPOSAL: Rich and Lyn met with Ken Putnam and the new

traffic Engineer Andrew Cibor about speeding traffic on West Haywood

Street from Hilliard to Roberts. They discussed different ideas about

traffic calming. Step one is to collect data. We are on the tubes

listwhich will tract times of day, speeds and volume.  A traffic count

over a thousand takes you to step two: updating the location and

visibility of the speed limit signs. Step three is to use the ‘your speed

is’ signs and consider other options such as speed humps, or recommending

one way traffic.  Lynn noted the process is ongoing and will report back

on updates.

PROTOCOL FOR BOARD MEMBERSHIP: Joe noted the by-laws are posted on the

WECAN Website explaining the election of board members to three year terms

in November. They elected board selects the roles of officer at the

January meeting. Board members may served up tp two consecutive three year

terms before having to rotate off the board for a year. Among new duties

to be assigned will be for the Chair to publish meeting agenda and the

Vice Chair to publish the minutes and reminders. Pattiy noted the

Communications Committee was working on a plan for organizing distribution

of records and notices. Three who must rotate off in 2019 ate Byron,

Rachel and Pattiy. Two who may serve are Rich or Lesa and Ben. Pattiy

noted we should strive for diversity of all kinds.

From the ByLaws:

V.  BOARD OF DIRECTORS

   A.  The property, affairs and activities of the Corporation shall be

managed by a Board of Directors.

   B.  Directors:

       1.  There may be up to 15 Directors of the Corporation

       2.  There shall be two classes of Directors:

           a.  Resident Directors who must be members of the Corporation

and shall be elected by the membership at its Annual Meeting. 

This class must constitute at least 60% of the Board of

Directors.

           b.  At-Large Directors who shall be elected by the Resident

Directors and shall constitute up to, but nor more than 40% of

the total number of Directors.  The Resident Directors may

from time to time decide on criteria for selecting At Large

Directors, but must provide for representation of WECAN

non-resident property owners.

       3.  TERMS

          a.  Resident Directors shall be elected for three year terms

and shall be organized in annual classes with each class

serving a different three year term.  No Resident Director

shall serve more than two consecutive, three year terms.  Terms

shall begin on January 1, following the Annual Meeting.

           b.  At-Large Directors shall be elected to one year terms at

the January meeting of the Board of Directors.

DUKE SUBSTATION: Duke will appear before the Downtoen Commission on Friday

October 12 at 8:30 on the first floor of City Hall. They are set to go to

Planning and Zoning in December and City Council in January.

NCDOT ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT: Joe checked back with Ken Putnam and the

agreement has been received from NCDOT but has not heard of progress from

the city.

KUDZU HILL WORKDAY The last two days set were rained out, but the

GreenWorks crew is set to work on Friday October 5 at 10 am. Also regular

scheduled workdays are 5 pm Sunday October 7 and 21.

WECAN NEWSLETTER: The deadline was set for Friday October 26 which just

happens to be Pattiy’s birthday. The following assignments are expected:

Joe: Adopt A Highway, Tax Exemption and Kudzu Cleanup. Pattiy: Duke

SubStation, RADTIP (and photos of Jessie and Kudzu Hill.) Rebecca:

Community Garden Update and Participation Appeal. Rachel: Memorial for

John Weber. Charlie: Cartoon.

RENAMING STREET ISSUE:  The City Street name coordinator affirmed that it

is a good time to rename the section of Park Avenue North behind Grey

Eagle--since no one is currently living there. It is confusing for 911 to

have two discontinuous sections of a street with the same name.  He

received a request from a developer to call it RAD VIEW RIDGE. Pattiy is

concerned about the commercialization aspect and that it contributes

nothing to the neighborhood. She suggested remembering some of the first

River Artists Porge and Lewis Buck and was dismissed. Another suggestion

was Thunder Road which at least relates to the history of place. (The

Robert Mitchum movie was filmed there.) The general feeling is that it

should respect and relate to the neighborhood.

144 RIVERSIDE DRIVE: The Planning and Design Review Committee of the

Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission will meet in the 5th

floor of City Hall at 11 am, Monday October 8th. The purpose of the

meeting is to perform Design Review on one or more projects in the Wilma

Dykeman RiverWay corridor, including the Jettie Rae's Restaurant proposal

for 144 Riverside Drive.

FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBORHOODS: Joe announced that the Neighborhood Advisory

Committee event will take place at AB Tech on Saturday October 27 from

10-12 to find out about Plan on a Page, Corridor Plans and Small Area

Plans. Flyer attached.

Meeting adjourned at 8:27 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola, Secretary

Mark your Calendars for upcoming events and meetings

Oct 5                Friday 10 am             GreenWorks Kudzu Hill workday

Oct 7               Sunday 5-6 pm           Kudzu Hill Work Hour

Oct 12             Friday 8:30 am           Downtown Commission Duke meeting

Oct 13/14        Sat/Sun Parade of Homes including 21 Girdwood Street

Oct 13             Saturday                      RAD Second Saturdays

Oct 11             Thursday 6-7 pm        Community Garden Meet Up

Oct 18             Thursday 6-7 pm        Community Garden Meet Up

Oct 25             Thursday 6-7 pm        Community Garden Meet Up

Oct 20/21       Sat/Sun Parade of Homes including 21 Girdwood Street

Oct 21             Sunday 5-6 pm            Kudzu Hill Work Hour

Oct 26                                                 Newsletter copy

deadline

Oct 27             Saturday 10-12            Festival of Neighborhoods AB

Tech

Oct 31             Wednesday 5:30          Halloween Pot Luck at Community

Garden

WECAN September 2018 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting Minutes September 6, 2018

Board Members present: Danny Aull, Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, Rebecca

Lance, Rachel Larson, and Pattiy Torno.  Members not present Jessie

Coleman, Jared Fischer, Lynn Hall, Luke Perry, Floree Lowery, Caroline

Mullis. Also present APD CRO Justin Wilson.

INTROS: Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm.

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

as emailed. The motion passed.

APD CRO UPDATE: Officer Wilson reported homeless and drug issues near the

Boy Scouts building.  A BMW with bullet holes left on Clingman Ave was

disabled with a flat tire, but the bullet holes were received at Erskine

Apartments last month. There was an attempted burglary of a power washer

at 63 Clingman Ave. A truck was broken into on Clingman and a laptop and

cash stolen from a vehicle on West Haywood. An officer initiated check on

the end of Jefferson lead to an arrest of two subjects doing drugs. There

was a fight at the Wedge Brewery and a break-in at the Bull and Beggar

also a larceny of a phone at the Wedge. Joe observed a blue tarp covering

some items next to the WECAN sign.. Pattiy noted that Asheville GreenWorks

was placing sharps containers and looking for appropriate places to locate

them. Joe reported that the S French Broad Neighborhood may be interested

in joining WECAN for next National Night Out at Aston Park. Rebecca

observed and reported a painter polluting the storm drain in N Ann Street.

There was some discussion about dealing with prostitution problems around

the city.

TREASURERS REPORT: Rebecca reported mo activity in June, August and

September. In July one check cleared for Community Garden supplies and a

check foe $325 was deposited from Pattiy to cover part of the IRS fees.

The current balance in $460.99. Joe noted that it has been 90 days since

the IRS received the Reactivation application and we should hear very soon

or else in another 90 days.

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: No one knows when Jessie is moving. Joe

complained about dog poop in his driveway. Rachel thinks she knows the dog

responsible—since the owner obviously isn’t. Possible solutions were

offered to keep parked cars from

blocking the entrance to 34 Girdwood Street. Rebecca wants to gather the

Jefferson Drive residents to talk about issues there. Byron added Rachel

and Rebecca to the WECAN FaceBook Page Admin. Pattiy explained the

changing of the name of Riverside Drive and all that will entail. Curve

Studios new addresses will be 3, 5 and 7 River Arts Place. A public

hearing will be at City Council on Tuesday September 11. Joe was seen in a

video purportedly from this year’s National Night Out but were actually

from the Clingman Circle Celebration prep days.

MAILING/CONTACT LIST RENEWAL GROUP UPDATE: A date was set for the next

meeting. It will be on September 19 at 6 p.m. at Rebecca’s.

NCDOT ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT: Joe will check back with Ken Putnam to check

on any progress with the NCDOT.

KUDZU HILL WORKDAY Two successful workdays have been held so far on August

5 and September 2. The first one was so exhausting that the second one was

limited to one hour and scheduled for the first and third (and fifth)

Sundays. Pattiy reported that GreenWorks scheduled a crew to attack the

kudzu and was planning on 2 crews in early March.

QUEEN CARSON COMMUNITY GARDEN: A new couple from Merritt Park moved into

the city and misses gardening. They are building a new bed.   The Tuesday

meeting times have been proving inconvenient. The new Community Garden

meet up time will be Thursdays at 6 p.m.

WECAN NEWSLETTER: the following assignments were made for articles: Joe:

Adopt A Highway, Tax Exemption and Kudzu Cleanup. Pattiy: Duke SubStation,

RADTIP and pfotos of Jessie and Kudzu Hill. Rebecca: Community Garden

Update and Participation Appeal. Rachel: Memorial for John. Charlie:

Cartoon. Neighbor Profile? Patton Apartments?

THANK-YOU’S:  Rachel working on MSD, Jason Walls, Duke Arborist, David

Heetderks.

CLINGMAN TRIANGLE WORKDAY: Set for Sunday September 9 at 9 AM to weed,

trim and spread mulch. (provided by Pattiy)

JESSIE MAE MEMORIAL GARDEN:  Planting will occur in October.

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: The date was set for Tuesday September 25 at 9 AM to do

the Fall clean up and place the new 20-Year stickers and take some

pictures.

COMMUNICATION DISCUSSION: Pattiy noted that other groups are discussing

solutions to timely minutes distribution.  Ideally she thinks they should

go out within a couple of days to a wide audience instead of the current

system (of sending the draft minutes just to the board and attendees.) 

Even posting approved minutes the following month would be too late for

some events. She feels that keeping them in an insular group diminishes

participation. This discussion will continue to seek ways to keep all

members informed of upcoming events

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola, Secretary

Mark your Calendars for upcoming events and meetings

Sept 8               Saturday                     RAD Second Saturdays

Sept 9 Sunday 9-12 am:        Clingman Triangle workday

Sept 11 Tuesday 5 pm             City Council Hearing: River Arts Place

Sept 13             Thursday 6-7 pm        Community Garden Meet Up

Sept 16             Sunday 5-6 pm           Kudzu Hill Work Hour

Sept 19             Wednesday 6pm         Mailing Contact Lists working group

Sept 20             Thursday 6-7 pm        Community Garden Meet Up

Sept 25 Tuesday 9-11              Adopt A Highway Litter Pick Up

Sept 20             Thursday 6-7 pm        Community Garden Meet Up

Sept 30             Sunday 5-6 pm            Kudzu Hill Work Hour

WECAN August 2018 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting Minutes August 2, 2018

Board Members present: Danny Aull, Byron Ballard, Jessie Coleman, Joe

Fioccola, Lynn Hall, Luke Perry and Pattiy Torno.  Members not present:

Jared Fischer, Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson, Floree Lowery, Caroline

Mullis.

INTROS: Joe called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

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

emailed. The motion passed.

APD CRO UPDATE: Joe read the update from CRO Justin Wilson by email:

attempted break-in of a home on West Haywood, Burglary on Clingman Ave,

not sure if the two are related. Austin CPA on W Haywood reported vagrants

sleeping, trespassing human waste trash, etc. Homeless camps on the west

side of the river between New Belgium and the dog park are being tended to

including a large scale clean-up and safety improvements. Pattiy added

that RADBA was informed that construction of the FBR greenway is set to

begin soon and no trespassing signs will go up closing the un-built

section until construction is complete. Danny reported that he has

installed a motion activated camera from the front of his house on

Jefferson. He was happy to report that between 12 and 2 and it shows

police patrols but that from 3-5 shows vehicles going to the turn around

and leaving a short while after. He can’t tell if they are doing something

illegal or casing the residences. Pattiy noted that the bathrooms at 14

Riverside weren’t being locked at night. The new security guard unlocked

them on Wednesday at 02:45. They are supposed to be locked from Dusk to

dawn.

DUKE SUBSTATION UPDATE: Pattiy reported that at the Public meeting on

August 1 went well. The plan is to have a working Gas-insulated substation

in service by June 2020. It will be in the northwest corner of the

property and be a brick and rusted steel fenced building with a retaining

wall facing Knoxville Place that is 20 feet at the lowest point. She

thanked the Duke working group who set out parameters and Duke actually

paid attention. Questions arose about noise levels since outdoor

transformers make noise. It is unclear exactly what it will sound like in

decibels or megahertz. Another concern is EMF (electro-magnetic fields).

The science shows exponential drop off with distance and the higher

transmission lines should therefore be safer. There is still some doubt

that things will be right until after it is done. Pattiy acknowledged the

research by Lou Popovich and Mike Wasmer from SFB Neighborhood and says

she is cautiously optimistic. Next month demo and site prep will begin.

Technical Review meets August 15 and will see a floor plan and elevation.

The September Downtown Commission will see refined materials. October it

goes to Planning and Zoning Meeting and in November to City Council.

NCDOT ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT: Joe received an email on July 22 from Ken

Putnam stating that ‘the NCDOT is now in the process of preparing the

appropriate maintenance agreement for the city’s review and further

action.’

CLINGMAN SATREETSCAPE: Pattiy reported that the city has hired a firm to

maintain the medians all over the city. She will meet with Chad Bandy  to

direct them on what needs to be mowed or mulched from the traffic circle

to the Grey Eagle and what the RADBA paid maintenance person can be freed

up to do..

RADTIP: road closures will continue north to the train trestle through

August. Rumor has it that New Belgium won’t be using that route for its

trucks. Pattiy noted a push from Asheville on Bikes to work on the grade

level crossing north of the railroad trestle. Norfolk Southern rejected

one proposal and they are championing a reroute of the greenway/sidewalk

west of White Duck Taco. She noted some funds in RADTIP that may be

available for some changes but what was proposed was too expensive. There

is also some hope for funding the “missing mile” (between  the railroad

trestle and Broadway and into Woodfin.)

JESSIE MAE MEMORIAL GARDEN:  Planting should occur in September and

October. The edible triangle is also doing well and may need a workday.

MAILING/CONTACT LIST RENEWAL GROUP UPDATE: Pattiy advised that Lee Lance

helped set up a MailChimp WECAN list. It is still a work in progress and

the next meeting is set for August 8.

KUDZU HILL WORKDAY: Sunday August 5 at 5 pm is set for the next workday.

We will try pushing the cuttings up the hill instead of where they aren’t

being picked up by the sidewalk. RADBA is exploring the use of goats to

clear the area. Reclaiming the area from kudzu may take up to five years.

Pattiy hopes to get a large group together with Asheville Green Works and

Riverlink in February for other treatment.

QUEEN CARSON COMMUNITY GARDEN: We need to try and start a fall

planting--maybe broccoli, greens, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, beets.

The rain saucers are working well.

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: New House on Girdwood will be a live-work

space. Sylvia Organ has bought Marjorie’s house Floree’s may be under

contract. Jessie moving to High Meadow Drive in Enka and will have a party

when she moves in.

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Joe received the 20-year stickers and also got a new

orange vest with the 20 years stars on the back.

For future Planning:

August 7: National Night Out S French Broad

September 6: IRS ruling due

October 27: Festival of Neighborhoods,

Jessie Mae planting, General Membership meeting/Social

November: WECAN News

December: Election to WECAN Board

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola, Secretary