WECAN April 2017 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting Minutes April 4, 2017  

Board Members present: Len Hall, Rachel Larson, Luke Perry, and Pattiy Torno

Members not present: Danny Aull, Byron Ballard, Jared Fischer, Rebecca Lance, Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.

At Large Members not present: Rafael Rettig and Floree Lowery.

Also Present: Matthew Bacoate, Jessie Coleman and Joe Fioccola.

INTROS:  Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm with a round of introductions..

MINUTES/ TREASURER”S REPORT: The draft WECAN minutes from March 2 were approved as distributed. No reported treasury activity.

APD/CRO Update: Email report from Justin Wilson:

03/09, 1 Roberts St- Graffiti was sprayed on the property of White Duck Taco.

03/10, 64 Clingman Ave- A bicycle was stolen from a bike rack. The bicycle was chained, which was apparently cut. There is no suspect information.

03/11, 83 Clingman Ave- This residence was broken into sometime between 3/10 and 3/12. I believe this house may be under renovations and was unoccupied. The suspect pried the door open and stolen tools.

03/27, 5:00PM, 56 Roberts St- A vehicle breaking and entering was reported. The victim left her car unlocked and a small amount of money was stolen. The suspect was not located. Some of the folks from the neighborhood shared this information with me in an email. Other items of interest that are not necessarily in WECAN;

--There is still a rise in car thefts in the city. 95% have been cases where the owner left a spare set of keys in the car and left the door unlocked. The majority of the stolen cars are recovered within a day or two. This is not any sort of organized crime, more so petty thieves checking door handles and getting lucky by finding keys.

--In the past week, there have been a couple reports of "shots fired" in Hillcrest Apartments. No one has been struck by gunfire. APD has increased patrols here and is working to identify the suspects.

--Shrubs and plants are being stolen out of the ground from residences and neighborhoods in North Asheville. This is normally occurring the same week the shrubs are planted. I haven't heard of this occurring elsewhere in the city, but keep an eye out for suspicious late night "landscaping".

Officer Justin Wilson Community Resource Officer Asheville Police Department Cell: 828-450-3719

Lynn also noted campers/drinkers across from Park Avenue, in the back shed at Hunter Volvo and Joe noted debris left behind the crabapple trees at the NW corner of Hilliard and Clingman.

DUKE SUBSTATION LOCATION UNDER CONTRACT- Rachel, Luke, Jessie and Joe attended a meeting with representatives from Duke, SFB, IDES and the City about a potential location under contract at the site of Hunter Volvo 225 Patton Ave. Rachel gave a brief history of the effort, the first attempts to locate a substation at Isaac Dickson or the old Hayes and Lunsford site at Hilliard and Asheland Ave met resistance from IDES parents and SFB neighbors. A meeting was held in June of 2016 to set a new path. A second meeting was called in January 2017 to articulate principles, concerns and issues with the Asheland site. A third was called in April 2017 to identify a new site that became available. The new site under consideration still has similar problems such as proximity to residences, affect of property values, noise, and community push back. There are also some advantages such as eliminating the need for power lines across Hilliard (since the Volvo site is next to the transmission lines already), and the site is flexible so the standard substation design has plenty of room to fit in different potential arrangements. There are also unique considerations such as the location at the gateway to downtown, potential development to the west when I-26 creating a boulevard Patton Avenue, and a possible storm water catchment park. The meeting was a start of an open dialog or conversation about the guiding principles to see if the site works. They were asked for some illustrative elevations to give an idea of scale, relationship to the residences, setbacks and sidewalks and storm water ideas. Nothing is final yet but the property is under contract and after due diligence on potential problems with the site they proposed a site visit in early May. They are working with the group to mitigate community concerns, are open to discussion of the use of the Asheland site and will be relocating poles off the sidewalk on Hill Street. Rachel proposed meeting with the SFB neighbors who have already done research on options of what could be done as a substation also that we need to push for the smallest footprint possible. Matthew asked about some transmission lines on Haywood Street behind the Rescue Mission. Jessie may be interested in selling but doesn’t want to move from the neighborhood. Pattiy observed that the city has offered relocation money in the past. Joe already shared with Jessie his concerns that since the start in 1994 of the WECAN Plan the reasons included Future residential development pressures as a result of riverfront revitalization and Commercial development pressures along Clingman Avenue. When the WECAN organization was formed on 1997 one important goal was to stop commercial encroachment on the residential areas. Also our Citizens Master Plan from 2001 called for infill placement of two story buildings in the block of Clingman north of Hilliard with residential above. Now it looks like that will never happen and the proximity of the substation makes puts pressure on the residences on Knoxville Place. So, it makes some sense to relocate the residences on Knoxville Place but on the other hand, if the residents of Knoxville Place want to stay WECAN should keep pressure on Duke for them to remain. (Not that Duke is proposing that at all. They say they want to be good neighbors.) The decision should be up to Jessie and her neighbors. With these conflicting principles it’s not an easy decision either way.  It is very complicated.  

RAD FORM BASED CODE: Pattiy explained the change from a ‘use-based’ code to a ‘form-based ‘code and the first was created for Haywood Road from Patton Avenue in West Asheville to the Riverlink Bridge. Rachel reported that there was a problem with proposed building heights on the West side of Roberts Street. Originally the limit was up to 5 stories which would block view from Park Square. Now it has been amended to 4 stories or 55 ft on the west side except in the neighborhood transition zone which directly abuts residential properties or right of ways can now only be 3 stories or 45 ft. Now it goes on through the process P&Z, AARC, RRDC and City Council by June.

BACOATE BRANCH GREENWAY RE-NAMING: Pattiy was the first to offer the name of Bacoate Branch to rename Clingman Forest Greenway. Bacoate Branch is on the consent agenda for City Council and has not received any negative responses. WECAN Forest was suggested but the greenway commission prefers to name greenways after geographic features such as mountain, river, creek, etc. and have no problem re-naming the Clingman Forest Greenway to the Bacoate Branch Greenway. Matthew was asked to be at the ribbon cutting when it is completed (2018?) He humbly said Wow! He had no idea, and never thought but learned in his life when good working minds get together, they make things happen. You all have done a mammoth job to make it happen for a little guy like me—because very seldom unless pushed he never talks about what he’s done and wonders how he did do many of the things he made happen! He’ll remain quiet and accept the honor and make you all look good. Thank you all, he said.  Pattiy said we are thanking him for his 40 years of service to the community. She offered to video tape his memories of the neighborhood history with JoAnne some Sunday afternoon in the near future. He also offered to get copies of a SBA film and an ABC news story from the 70’s featuring his business. He will get it to Rachel ‘fasterly.’

NH LEADERS ROUNDTABLE: Not a lot of activity but the RADTIP contract for the suite of projects should officially be awarded in June. Work will begin in August from the Railroad trestle working south with lane closures expected for the following year.

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Joe set a date for the quarterly litter pick up for Tuesday April 11 at 10 AM.

KUDZU HILL: A work day was set for Sunday April 23 from 10-2 to clear the next section. 

CLINGMAN TRIANGLE: Pattiy has fertilized and says the edibles are looking good.

SOCIAL: SPRING FLING: May 28 Memorial Day Sunday afternoon will be a cook out and pot luck on Birddog Lane to celebrate Jessie Coleman’s Birthday.

COMP PLAN ISSUES: Joe read his feedback on 11 outstanding issues with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He is the liaison from the Neighborhood Advisory Committee to the Comp plan Advisory Committee. (A copy of hid feedback is attached)  There was some discussion about short term rentals pros and cons.

NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK is April 2-8. Byron offered to mark an observance on Face Book: Remembering crime victims Alex King and Tatiana Diz.

WECAN HISTORY: Joe read items from a WECAN Timeline from twenty years ago:

January 1996       WECAN 2010 Plan Adopted by City Council,

February 1997     Walking Tour of WECAN and planning meeting to begin implementation of the plan

April 1997:          30 residents and volunteers participate in neighborhood cleanup.

May 1997            Residents successfully rezone Pioneer Welding Supply Company

    from Industrial to Residential.

June 1997                Residents vote to form an incorporated nonprofit neighborhood association                                                                 Planning committee formed.

Meeting adjourned at 8:27 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola,

Secretary Emeritus

Important Upcoming Dates:

April 2-8            National Crime Victims Rights Week

April 11            Community Garden Workday/meeting 6 pm

                                Adopt-A-Highway 10 am

April 13            Stand Against Racism 6:30-8 Eagle Street

April 11-17            Wood Chipping @ Queen Carson et al

April 16            Easter

April 18            Community Garden Workday/meeting 6 pm

April 21            NH leaders Roundtable 8:30 @ Riverlink           

                        FBR Greenway Tour/ Ribbon Cutting 3:30-4:40

April 22            Earth Day

April 23            City of Asheville Earth day Celebration at Dr Wesley Grant Center 1-5 pm

                        Learn how to compost! Take a walk on the future greenway! Enjoy tasty treats!

Plant a tree! Discuss the draft historic markers! Fun for the whole family!                                               

April 23            Kudzu Hill workday—Next section 9-12

April 25            Community Garden Workday/meeting 6 pm

RADBA meeting FLS Conference Room 4-6 pm

May 4              Next WECAN Board Meeting Thursday 6:30 pm

WECAN March 2017 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN General Membership Meeting Minutes Mar 2, 2017

Board Members present: Jared Fischer, Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson, Luke

Perry, and Pattiy Torno

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

Kenton, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.

Also Present: Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola and Officer Justin Wilson.

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

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

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

Treasurer reported no activity.

APD/CRO Update: Community Resource Officer Justin Wilson introduced

himself to new board members. He reported that former CRO Sean Davis was

temporarily reassigned to night supervisor position and may attend future

meetings. Pattiy reported ongoing problems with loud noise emptying

dumpsters at 4 and 5 am. Jessie reported ongoing problem with prostitution

and a jeep that parks no ‘Short Hilliard” (the portion of Hilliard west of

Clingman.) Justin noted nothing else reported in WECAN but elsewhere in

the city B+E’s on Depot Street and construction sites on Lyman Street.

Also that unlocked vehicles and some with the keys left in have been

stolen on Biltmore Ave and even the Wedge parking lot. He pointed out that

the graffiti task force should be handling the graffiti at the old Twelve

Bones which, though slated for demolition may be tied up in litigation for

a while. Asked about the million dollars that the chief was asking for

downtown he wasn’t sure of all the details but that it would create a

downtown district covering the Central Business District with 24/7

coverage and leadership. Asked if the proposed G.W. Carver Park lighting

would encourage increased bike patrols to Stephens Lee since the

pedestrian bridge would be easily accessed, he thought it would even

though that is outside the central business district. Asked about efforts

to respond to the heroin epidemic he asserted that education in schools

was one response also the attempt to charge drug dealers with murder.

BLOCK JESSIES: Jessie noticed that a lot of surveying was being done on

Short Hilliard and the car lot. Pattiy sent Duke the original planting

plan for the lost trees below All Souls. Pattiy observed that the damage

to locust trees may be due to locust blight and not just to kudzu. Jared

reported that the feral rooster was still in his area. Joe reported that

the streetlight on Girdwood and Green was focused too high on his house.

There was a lengthy discussion of the impact of short term rentals on

neighborhoods and communities. Luke’s birthday work party went well. He

has a yard clear of the brick pile and the effort to get food to those in

need is ongoing.

KUDZU HILL: The workday was a success in clearing from All Souls to the

crosswalk. A sway car full of vines and leaves was removed from trees and

bushes. A next work day was set for Saturday March 11 from 10-2 to clear

the trees up the hill on the next section.

RAD FORM BASED CODE: Rachel reported on a meeting at her house with Sasha

Vrtunski and about a dozen neighbors. She assembled the concerns into a

letter to the city but was not satisfied completely with the changes that

were proposed. The final draft will be completed by March 9 and then goes

to Planning and Zoning before Council.

CLINGMAN FOREST GREENWAY RENAMING DISCUSSION: Rachel and Pattiy met with

Lucy Crown and Mary Webber and Dave Nutter for the Greenway Commission

earlier today about renaming the WECAN Forest. They were against the

renaming as they prefer geographic based names (i.e. Beaucatcher,

Beaverdam Creek, Bent Creek, Beverly Hills, Canie Creek, Emma, French

Broad River, Glens Creek, Haw Creek, Hominy Creek, Lake Julian, Montford,

Reed Creek, Rhododendron Creek, Smith Mill Creek, Swannanoa River, Town

Branch and West Asheville—not to mention River Bend Park and South Slope.)

Their justification was that WECAN is an organization that may not exist

in 20 years. (Hah!) Their plans are also to devote historical and cultural

signage to Town Branch and just ecological and natural information at

Clingman Forest. Since the name for Bacoate Branch won the poll and is

very likely to be the official name they recommend “Bacoate Branch

Greenway.” There was extensive discussion of options (such as Bacoate

Forest Greenway, Depot Greenway, Merritt Greenway and Lyman Greenway) even

to splitting the naming into “Creek”, “Greenway” and “Forest”—which has no

precedent). The main ideas from WECAN were to honor a female, include

South French Broad neighborhood, and be unique. As it satisfied all three

consensus emerged that without strong opposition we should settle on their

recommendation for Bacoate Branch Greenway. Pattiy will rewrite the letter

to Mary Webber along with support of RADBA and get final approval through

email by the end of March. Then WECAN can work on getting our story and

history embedded in the greenway. Saturday March 18 was set as a date to

walk through the future Bacoate Branch Greenway.

COMMUNITY GARDEN Joe talked to Lucy Crown about renewing the contract. She

explained that could be a long process and suggested we continue (even

without a new contract.) Joe asked Rebecca to call a meeting of the

Community Garden group on one of our regular Tuesdays.

NH LEADERS ROUNDTABLE: They met on February 17 and met the construction

manager. Construction will begin on the north end near the Railroad

Trestle and work southward. There will be single lane closures with

flaggers while that goes on.

SOUTHSIDE RECREATIONAL PLAN. Joe attended two meetings so far. There was a

Town Hall in January at the Eddington Center and a survey went out. The

results were presented on February 28 at the Grant Center. 152 responses

were received (and of those 51% did not live in the Southside Community.)

Joe credits Parks and Rec for publishing the actual raw results, (except

that the comments were summarized as a meaningless ‘word cloud.’) The rest

of that meeting was taken up with a facilitated activity of placing

elements identified in the survey where they should go in Walton Park, the

Grant Center and an area across Town Branch. Five groups taped scaled

images to the map of Pools, basketball courts, restrooms, parking, Gaga

Pits, historic markers, etc. and presented them. There will be further

exercises at different times (like Saturdays, mornings and lunchtimes) to

get further input and they will be collected and presented in April. Joe

observed that there are some who in spite of the process want only one

thing and are not giving any ground on it.

SOCIAL: SPRING FLING: a date was set for a WECAN General Membership

Meeting and social at 5:30 on Wednesday April 5th (instead of the regular

April 6 Board meeting.)Weather and permission permitting it would like to

be outside next to All Souls Pizza where the Farmers Market sets up

staring in May.

WELCOME WAGON: Rachel and Rebecca will meet on Wednesday March 8 to

discuss what should be included.

NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK is April 2-8 if there was interest in

remembering crime victims Alex King and Tatiana Diz.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola,

Secretary Emeritus

Important Upcoming Dates:

WECAN February 2017 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN General Membership Meeting Minutes Feb 2, 2017

Board Members present: Byron Ballard, Jared Fischer, Rebecca Lance, Rachel

Larson, and Pattiy Torno

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

Perry, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.

Also Present: Joe Fioccola, Officer Sean Davis, Officer Justin Wilson,

Rafael Rettig, Lucy Crown and Marsha Stickford.

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

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

approve the WECAN Minutes from January as distributed with one correction

of the date. The motion passed. Treasurer reported no activity.

APD/CRO Update: Sean showed off a picture of his new daughter. He

introduced Officer Justin Wilson and explained some of the department’s

personnel changes. Marsha added that many departments move personnel

around to expose them to other parts of the community. Sean noted the

theft of tools from a worksite on Roberts St during the lunch hour. There

was a break in at White Duck Taco. There have also been follow ups at

homeless camps in Clingman Forest, Behind Aston Garden Apartments and near

the Boy Scouts building. Rachel advised there were two car break-ins near

Girdwood St. but the victims refused to report them. Sean also reported

that the subject who was attempting to jump off the Bowen Bridge was

successfully taken into custody and committed. Pattiy asked about drug

needles being found and Green Works desire to put sharps containers along

greenways.

BLOCK JESSIES: Jared reported that he had been operating an Air B and B on

weekends until the city gave him notice. He has applied for a Home Stay

Permit. Marsha explained that it was important for safety inspections,

appropriate insurance and reasonable fees. Rebecca requested a

walk-through of the Clingman Forest Greenway. Lucy will notify when the

Greenways Committee does their next one. Rachel noted that Sven and

Melissa were moving from Park Ave after their rent doubled. There was some

discussion of the property tax revaluation impacts.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: The slate of Rachel for Chair, Jared for Vice Chair,

Rebecca for Treasurer and Byron for Secretary was approved. At-large

members Rafael and Floree Lowery were also approved for a one year term.

APPRECIATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD COORDINATOR: After ten years of service

Marsha Stickford is retiring. She was thanked for her contributions to

WECAN with a card, a “Crackle” elf (for her garden) and a bottle of ‘Side

By Side’ wine. She said she liked coming to WECAN meetings because they

were inclusive, welcoming, fun, and sometimes we cussed. She affirmed that

the city needs people to hold them accountable and encouraged us to

continue. She noted that staff will continue to answer phones, but hiring

her replacement will take a process like that of the new Equity Manager

with a lot of public input and the Neighborhood Advisory Committee will be

involved in writing the job description which will be different from when

she was hired. Then the position will be posted and eventually someone

will be hired, but it could take several months. She directed us to be

clear about what we want and make sure to talk to council about it.

GREENWAYS: Clingman Forest Greenway Renaming proposal. Lucy read the City

Policy for Naming Publicly Owned Properties. Names should 1) carry

geographic, historical or cultural significance, 2) name an individual

associated with the property, the area or a leadership role through

distinguished service (such as Bowen Bridge) 3) name an individual or

organization that has made significant contribution (such as the US

Cellular Center) and 4) avoids duplication, confusion or

inappropriateness. Pattiy suggested that the neighborhood does not want to

honor the name for the forest after someone who supported slavery. She

suggested that the name should be the WECAN Forest--and therefore the

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