Environment & Safety Committee – September 24, 2024

Asheville Environment & Safety Committee Meeting Recap – September 24, 2024

The Asheville Environment & Safety Committee held a virtual meeting on September 24, 2024, focusing on updates to key city programs and addressing community concerns. The meeting was open to the public via phone and live stream, allowing for citizen participation. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps taken during the meeting, providing a clear overview for Asheville residents.

Key Decisions & Approvals: The committee formally approved the minutes from their previous meeting held on August 27th, confirming a record of past discussions and actions. Beyond that approval, no other formal votes were taken during this session.

Discussion Highlights: Sustainability, Public Safety & Grant Funding: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates from city departments. Sustainability Director Bridget Herring presented a comprehensive overview of her department's progress, highlighting initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, building climate resilience, improving local food systems, and minimizing waste. Programs like the Blue Horizons Project, Sustainable Fee Rebate Program, Elevate AVL (Climate Resilience), Community Gardens, and the Food Scraps Drop-off program were showcased as key components of Asheville's sustainability efforts. Following this, Beth Bechtel from the Fire Department provided an update on the Community Responder program (now officially known as AFD REST - Asheville Fire Department Resource and Engagement Support Team). The program, now a permanent fixture, aims to proactively support individuals facing crises and address business concerns, working alongside existing services like the Asheville Police Department and paramedics. Finally, Elise Lewis presented on a pending application for a $71,999 grant from the Department of Justice to outfit Asheville's new Real-Time Crime Center, with a portion benefiting the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.

Community Input: Concerns Regarding Solicitation Ordinance: The meeting began with public comment from Jensen Gelfond, who voiced concerns about potential changes to the city's solicitation ordinance. Specifically, they questioned whether there was sufficient evidence linking panhandling to traffic accidents and expressed worries about the potential impact of fines on vulnerable individuals. This prompted a discussion among committee members regarding data and analysis to inform future decisions related to the ordinance.

Action Items & What's Next: Several key action items emerged from the meeting, outlining next steps for city staff and committee members:

• Solicitation Ordinance Review: The Committee will revisit the solicitation ordinance in October, specifically addressing concerns raised about Tunnel Road and Tatton Avenue.
• Sustainability Fee Rebate Program Deep Dive: Staff will present a more detailed analysis of the Sustainability Fee Rebate Program to City Council, examining its effectiveness and exploring potential improvements.
• Real-Time Crime Center Interlocal Agreement: City management will follow up with Buncombe County to discuss potential modifications to the interlocal agreement related to the Real-Time Crime Center.
• Data Analysis on Panhandling & Traffic Safety: The committee will review data connecting panhandling, traffic safety, and police response to inform future decisions.
• FY25 Work Plan Refinement: The committee will continue working on the FY25 work plan, ensuring alignment with City Council priorities.
• AFD REST Program Clarification: Ongoing efforts will continue to refine the AFD REST program and its scope within the broader public safety framework.

Why This Matters to You: The discussions held during this meeting directly impact the quality of life for Asheville residents. From efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices, to proactive support through the AFD REST program, and ensuring public safety with resources like the Real-Time Crime Center, these initiatives are designed to create a more resilient and thriving community. The committee's ongoing review of the solicitation ordinance underscores their commitment to addressing complex social issues in a thoughtful and data-driven manner. Residents can expect further updates on these topics as the committee continues its work in the coming months.