Boards & Commissions Committee – April 9, 2024

Boards & Commissions Committee Meeting Recap – April 9, 2024

The Boards & Commissions Committee held a virtual meeting on April 9, 2024, focusing on improving public participation, confirming appointments to key advisory boards, and considering a change impacting the Design Review Committee. This meeting is distinct from other city boards or commissions; this recap specifically addresses actions taken by the Boards & Commissions Committee itself.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a new initiative designed to streamline public participation in City of Asheville government. Patrick Conant, representing Sunshine Labs & Code with Asheville, presented a new online reporting form that allows residents to easily flag issues they encounter while trying to engage in City meetings – things like broken links or technical difficulties. This form, accessible from the city website’s council agenda and boards & commissions pages, will enable staff to respond promptly. A publicly accessible spreadsheet (with personal details removed) will track responses and resolutions, promoting transparency in addressing these issues. While Councilwoman Kim Roney raised concerns about the potential impact on public comment periods, Conant clarified that the form's primary purpose is to improve access and participation processes.

The committee also addressed several board appointments, approving key individuals to fill vacancies or continue serving on vital advisory bodies. Alfred Green was appointed to the African American Heritage Commission, and Tiffany DeBellet was elevated from alternate member to full member of the Community Reparations Commission. Reappointments were approved for Harvey Dean Harrell, Nwena Smith, and Alma Atkins to the Human Relations Commission, while Charles Crowell was appointed to the Neighborhood Advisory Committee. These appointments ensure that these crucial commissions continue their work advising the City on important community matters.

A proposed amendment to the Design Review Committee sparked considerable discussion. The change would align the terms of Design Review Committee members with their existing terms on either the Downtown Commission or the Asheville-Buncombe Riverfront Commission. Currently, Design Review Committee members can remain on the committee even after their Downtown or Riverfront Commission terms expire. While initially voting against the change, expressing concern about potential loss of experienced members, the committee ultimately voted to recommend the amendment to City Council. A key clarification was added stating that Design Review Committee members can remain on the committee until their replacements are appointed, addressing concerns about continuity. City staff committed to monitoring membership to ensure a smooth transition.

Throughout the meeting, several themes emerged, including the importance of consistent processes for public participation across all boards and commissions. Committee members consistently emphasized the value of citizen engagement in local government, recognizing that accessible participation is crucial for a healthy democracy. The collaborative effort between city staff, Sunshine Labs, and Code with Asheville in developing the public participation reporting form was also highlighted as a positive example of effective partnership. Finally, the committee took time to acknowledge and thank Jerry Goldberg, the Assistant City Clerk, for her dedication to supporting the city’s boards and commissions.

Looking ahead, all board appointment recommendations will be considered by City Council on May 14th. Patrick Conant encouraged the committee to explore a template for an Open Meetings Policy, which could further enhance public access and participation. The Design Review Committee amendment recommendation will also be forwarded to City Council for consideration. Finally, the committee indicated a potential future discussion regarding improvements to the Open Meetings Policy, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to fostering greater transparency and accessibility in local government.